Second Chances: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

     While I am walking the AT south, I am generally by myself, even at night. So that means I have plenty of time to think and pray.

 

     One subject that has been a big idea or thought in my life has to do with making the most of the second chances I believe God has graciously given me.

 

     Most folks are unaware that when I was younger I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid

arthritis (JRA). I do not recall how young I was when my knees and ankles swelled up, but I do remember my mom taking me to see Dr. Houser who was a family member and neighbor. I also remember the high level of pain associated with not only those early episodes but each succeeding one.

 

     Now I loved playing football, so when those episodes hit during football season, putting up with it was even harder. Twice I could not compete in the Punt, Pass and Kick competition due to my swollen knees. I always took first place in my age group so that really bummed me out.

 

     The last time I dealt with this condition was when I was age 15, the summer before I entered the 10th grade. I had played Jr. High football with no problems but that summer' s episode was bad. Dr. Houser had retired years earlier so Dr. Marshall Agner treated me.

 

     Well, the time arrived for all who wanted to play high school football to see Dr. Agner and get a permission  slip from him to say they were physically able to play.

 

     Given that Dr. Agner had been treating me for JRA earlier, and because one of his own kids suffered from the same condition, he declined to sign for me. I was crushed. What to do?

 

     So I went to Dr. Houser and explained my dilemma. I told him if he would not sign for me I would go to an out of town Dr who did not know me and lie to him. He agreed conditionally to sign, the condition being I would promise to quit immediately if I experienced a fresh attack. Of course I promised!  My how I enjoyed those 3 years of high school ball! And what a formative experience it was in my life.

 

     In the Providence of God, that attack in the summer of 1971 was the last I ever experienced. 

 

     So as I approach the 1,300 mile mark on the AT, I realize how blessed I am to have been granted by God complete healing of arthritis. Much of what I have done during the succeeding years has required good health and strong legs. 

 

     To Dr. Agner I would say" you did what was right at the time. Now rejoice with me that our Lord has allowed me the health to take on this current venture on behalf of S Sudanese refugees."

 

    He is the God of second chances! 

Uncle