I am frequently in the temple on Saturday mornings, and there is often a man in a wheelchair. I don’t know his medical condition, but I suspect he has severe cerebral palsy. He cannot stand on his own, can’t really use his arms either, and speaks in a whisper.
His family brings him to the temple several times per month. He usually comes completely dressed in white. When it comes time to put on the priesthood robes, I’ve noticed that the people around him dress first, and then two people stand him up, and three other people put on his hat apron, etc. Everyone just seems to know what help he needs, although one time I noticed that the officiator stopped the session when it appeared he was going to fall out of his wheelchair.
I’ve always been impressed with (1) how often he attends, and (2) how helpful not only his family is, but the temple patrons that ALWAYS pitch in to help him out. It always reminds me of true Christian service. What are your memories of seeing such Christian service for the severely disabled?
In our Ward, one severely disabled brother was being picked up for church coordinated between RS and EQ. He was asked to speak in church, not from the pulpit but from the front row in his wheelchair with a microphone and was incredibly inspirational about accepting things in life and making the most of it. I asked him to teach gospel principles a couple times and he does great.
I had similar feelings you expressed when seeing them supported and their commitment to church in spite of trials.
I can’t think of any specific examples, but one of the aspects I love most about the temple are the attitudes of workers and patrons towards each other. People are pretty emotionally vulnerable, and it’s natural to see strangers reaching out. I’ve often had experiences that make me think a Zion people could be possible.
It must be amazing for this guy to be enabled to serve in this way. So empowering.