How Far Is It From Richmond To Heaven?

HOW FAR IS IT FROM RICHMOND TO HEAVEN?

This book describes the wonderful experiences we had with human beings who just happen to be mentally disabled. It also tells of a loving church who ultimately built two Christian group homes for twelve special people.

The title of the book is a result of a conversation that took place when Anne and I were working a shift at the ladies Group Home. One evening at the dinner table the residents and staff were having a devotion and we got on the subject of death. It was interesting that each resident made a comment about it. Barbara asked me if her dad was going to die. I replied that sooner or later all of us would die, and that her dad would go to heaven. Leigh mentioned that she had two white poodles that lived with her parents in Richmond. She said that one of the poodles had recently died, and that made her sad.

About three weeks later Barbara and Leigh were sitting on the couch and Barbara said, “Leigh, on Easter Sunday I want to go with you to Richmond and see your two white poodles.”

Leigh immediately replied, “I told you before that one of the poodles died!”

With no hesitation at all Barbara asked the question, “How far is it from Richmond to Heaven?”

We have learned that our folks have a strong and simplistic faith and we can certainly learn from that.
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When working as group home managers, we considered ourselves as the resident’s extended family. We supervised them but it really meant caring for them in a loving family way. We provided transportation for them to go to work or to doctor’s appointment. Some of the residents assisted us with grocery shopping and preparing meals. After the meals one resident was in charge of helping clean the kitchen and dining room. The residents assisted in weekly housecleaning and were responsible for keeping their own rooms clean. Some needed more help from us than others.
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As in any other home with family members, not everything ran smoothly. We learned quickly that each resident was different and their needs varied. Sometimes a resident would have a behavior that could upset the household. Experience helped us to avoid many behaviors by learning what buttons not to push. The residents were adults but sometimes exhibited childlike behaviors. Having been parents made our job easier.

We enjoyed outings with some of our folks from time to time. Here is what I recorded in my journal about one of these occasions:

WHILE WALKING THROUGH THE PARK ONE DAY

One Sunday afternoon in May I took Pat, Benny, and Jeff to Alum Springs Park. It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day. We ate a picnic lunch and decided to take a little hike through the park for exercise.

After a short walk we came upon the crystal clear water making its way down the stream. I came up with the terrific idea of taking our shoes and socks off and wading into the water. I couldn’t get any takers except Pat. While Benny and Jeff sat down by the stream, Pat and I made our way into the water. It was ice cold, and the rocks hurt our feet. We stayed for about two minutes! Pat and I helped each other back up to the bank where the others were sitting. We had mud and leaves all over our feet as we sat down.

I didn’t have anything with which to wipe our feet. I decided I would take Pat’s socks and try to wipe off his feet. What a mess! After I got him somewhat cleaned up, I got ready to clean off my feet with my socks. At that moment, Jeff who was sitting to the left of me said, “Wait Tom”. He grabbed my left leg and bent my knee so that he could reach my foot. Without hesitation, he took his clean hands and began wiping the mud and leaves off of my foot.

I got cold chills as the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples rushed to my mind. I looked up, saw the gently swaying trees and blue sky, and silently thanked God for this very special moment with my friends in the park.