I Can (Series)

Well, here in Michigan, the Coronavirus lockdown is officially over. Yay! Woo hoo! And much applause! For the most part, that means we are no longer prisoners in our own homes. Can I get a “Hallelujah?” Originally, I planned to bring the “I Can” blog to an end once the stay-at-home restrictions were lifted. However, I have since learned, we still have some church members in isolation, so I will submit at least this one additional episode. 

Thank you for all the positive feedback you have given me with the blog, I appreciate your encouragement and support. A few of you with optimistic eyes of faith have suggested a publication of some type. You are too kind. 

Earlier in the blog, I relayed a story that involved my good friend and CCC member, Jeff Hillier. On that occasion, Jeff rode with me in the scout car as part of a volunteer observer program, and Jeff ended up making a solid felony arrest all by himself. (For details or to refresh your recollection, check out the May 11, 2020, episode.) Everyone seemed to love that story and many people applauded Jeff’s heroic actions that night, and rightly so. 

Well I’ll have you know, that wasn’t the only time Jeff patrolled the streets of Detroit with my partner and me; I distinctly remember another incident that happened when Jeff was with us. This time around we were responding to a non-emergency radio run, and after the address was given, the dispatcher said, “Meet the city physician.” 

Now, “Meet the city physician” always meant that someone was struggling emotionally, and the best family members could do was get that person admitted to a mental hospital so they wouldn’t hurt themselves or anyone else. In order for the police to assist with the transport of the patient, one of the city doctors had to prepare the proper paperwork. 

When we arrived at the location, an extremely large woman met us at the door, requesting help. She was actually calling about her elderly father who she could no longer take care of by herself. He was the patient who needed to be transported to the hospital. We just happened to beat the doctor there, and when the gal asked where the doctor was, I thought I’d have a little fun with Jeff. It just happened on the spot, it wasn’t planned, it was just me being me. I told the woman we brought the doctor with us, and I pointed to Jeff.

Jeff was in plain clothes and looked very professional. Immediately the woman ran over to Doctor Jeff. She gave him a beautiful Detroit-city hug, completely smothering him with her giant-sized arms, and then she kissed him on the top of his head; I mean a big, juicy kiss. Then she said, “Doctor, doctor, thank you so much for coming.” Jeff was a good sport and played along. 

A short time later, the city physician showed up with the papers, and we were on our way. For the rest of the night, every time we thought about it or retold the story, the three of us laughed till we cried. 

Check out these verses:

Job 8:21

He will fill your mouth with laughter

and your lips with shouts of joy.

Ecclesiastes 3:4

There’s a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance.

Proverbs 31:25

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

and she laughs at the days to come.

[With no fear of the future.]

Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful heart is good medicine,

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

We have seen and heard enough negative news in the last few months to last a lifetime. Our spirits have been crushed, our bones dry; it’s time to laugh. Sometimes you have to do what it takes to enjoy a good belly laugh, so go ahead… It will do you good!