The Touch of a Hand

Posted by Cape Ann Angel BarefootDiva on Help Others - March 19

On Feb. 8th a friend of mine had a stroke at Lat 43 while having dinner. He passed away and I went to one of two services that where held for him here in Gloucester this past Sunday. Flint, a friend that was with him got up to say his piece about Butch at the service. Butch considered himself a flaming queen and had no problem letting folks know though there was no way to miss it. Flint is straight.

When Butch's arm went numb at the restaurant, he said to Flint, "I think I'm having a stroke." Flint thought it was the booze. Butch went down. Flint was there for him but his male ego did not let him bring himself to hold onto Butch in public in the manner Butch needed. A worker named Melissa held Butch's hand, held a cold rag to his head, and assured him he'd be okay. Her touch and loving way brought much relief to Flint as he felt helpless. Flint was able to be at Butch's side throughout the night at the hospital when Butch asked him to do so.

Flint went on vacation to one of the islands after Butch passed away. He was overcome by heatstroke while boating. He was sick as a dog and needed to get back to shore. The guide asked him if he was okay as they sailed in. He wanted to say no but said he'd make it. He wanted to ask her to help him but because he was a "man" and because of his ego he thought, "No, I can't do that, don't know her, she'll think I'm some sort of idiot." Just then, Melissa popped into his head.

As he thought of Melissa and what she did for Butch that night, he said he was so touched by her that it gave him the courage to ask this woman to hold his hand as they sailed in. He held her hand to his chest and it helped immensely in his vulnerability. Those who heard Flint tell this story were in tears at the church.

Melissa had touched Flint's soul in a way he'll never forget.