When I put the coin in my pocket I couldn't imagine how the Lord would answer my  prayer.  "Lord, today, allow me to help someone who has a need."

We were travelling and spent the night in a comfortable hotel. I was going to the cafe area for the free breakfast. It was pretty good!

My wife was still back in our room as I explored the breakfast options.

Another couple came to breakfast together. They needed to because he was about five years into an Alzheimer's diagnosis. His movements were slow, uncertain and he had a far-away look in his eyes. It was a bad summer as the disease was beginning to take control. She could not leave him out of her sight and he needed her to direct his every move.

They were on their way to Florida for the cooler months. She had high energy and was very engaging. He appeared cooperative, but I suspected the travelling was difficult. Maneuvering a breakfast buffet with a few dozen other guests, taking luggage to the car and checking out could be a challenge.

She was very capable and clearly knew what to do.  She had accepted the unwanted calling to be the caregiver for her husband and learned how to function with many extra challenges (and look happy and pleasant in the process).

But, like courteously opening the door for someone who could do it themself, I just offered to help if there was anything I could do. I introduced myself and let her know I had been a Chaplain and a Care Pastor, but I bet she would have appreciated the offer from any kind and capable person.

As she hurried back and forth, from the food to where she sat him at the table, she replied, "Would you be willing to sit with him while I go to the room and get our luggage?"

"Sure. But what if he wants to move or go somewhere?"

I even thought, what if she does not come back? Crazy thought.

"Just tell him to stay here and wait for me. He will listen to you."

He and I had a delightful time. I got him to eat his cinnamon roll. He would forget he had it and stop eating it. We had a simple conversation.

In a few minutes, she was back all packed and ready to continue their trip.

We sat for a few minutes and continued the conversation about where we all were from and where we were going and what he was like pre-Alzheimer's.

Then they got up to go and with tears in her eyes, she asked, "Can I hug you?"

I did so little, but I could tell it meant so much.

Anybody could have done what I did and I hope if I had not done it, someone else would have. But I don't know who, as I observed the room. Everyone was so busy getting breakfast over-with so they could get on the road.

It seemed like everyone was distracted from this couple's needs with their own valid agendas.

I'm thankful for my career experience that helped me be ready to care.  My job as a Chaplain and Care Pastor forced me to learn what I might not have naturally.  The penny with a cross punched in it, was given to me from a family who prayed with me often for their son. It has become my daily reminder that there are people with needs. I'm called to help them in the normal activities of life.

It was the right thing to do and the feeling I received was a reward beyond anything I deserved.

Maybe it is having a penny in their pocket that reminds them to pray, but whatever it takes, I pray our churches will be filled with people who will get ready so they will be ready to care for each other, their neighbors and any who God puts in our paths during our daily travels, because care matters!