I Love Young People Who Love Old People

Ever miss an important phone call?

On Monday I was scheduled for a conference phone call with four other people scattered around the United States.

What happened?

Me? I was en route from central Romania back to Budapest. Uh, I didn't make the call. Sigh. I spoke 4 times over the weekend to some of the sharpest young minds in Romania. Motivational topics. We were at a location high in the Carpathian mountains ... 3 inches of snow.

I can tell you that I prayed asking God for strength to do this because I had to overcome a lot of emotional stress [Lynne's situation with MS]. I go here and I think that we did this or that together and I go there and I have another memory. Hard to focus ... I sense that I'm pre-grieving if that makes sense. I've got to find the balance.

Anyway, I am thankful for God's help because I was spot on, revved up for these young adults when it came time to step to the podium. Lots of conversations with young minds in between the meetings ... I love this!

I gave a speech on Saturday morning, then, all of us hiked up a mountain. I had no idea where we were going, but, I had to be at the forefront leading the pack. A half dozen kept pace with me. I would stop when it looked like the trail had more than one option. Someone who knew where to go was in the middle of the pack and waved me to the right or to the left. Zoom!

Well, that worked for about 3/4 the way up the mountain and it really became steep. My legs started remembering how old they are ... 4 kids moved ahead of me. Groan! Every now & then, one of them would look down to see where my white haired head was stopping to wait on me.

I love young people who love old people.

Finally, we made it to the top and a picture of this accomplishment is on my Facebook page. When I look at that picture it doesn't seem like we are all that high in elevation, but, I'm telling you ... my legs & lower back have been screaming at me since Saturday.

The descent was excruciatingly painful. A 22 year old guy was walking with me yakking about how many more muscles we use going down as opposed to ascending. This walking Wikipedia was really grinding on my nerves. Oh, I was in so much pain. I could hardly sleep that night. Oh yes, I had to give another speech that evening when we got back. And, one more on Sunday morning before they departed. [Yes, more prayers to God to help me].

Right before young Master Wikipedia left he told me that we didn't go to the top of the mountain ... that was another 4 hour hike ... we just went to an overlook. Sigh.

He walked away, turned around and waved, "Thanks Mr. Eric, your speeches were fabulous! Thank you for coming to our country!"

I didn't have the strength to lift my arm ... I attempted a feeble smile ... but, his kind comment warmed my heart.

Eric