Krispy Kreme and Little Debbie

"Happy 75th Birthday Bob!"

Bob Mixon was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given a few months to live. Shortly after hearing this, Bob was at a tune up shop getting his Cadillac serviced. To make a long story short, my Dad was also there for the same reason. My Dad led Bob Mixon to Christ right there in the tune shop nearly thirteen years ago. He and his wife Patt started attending MBC and were a big part of our lives- serving as our “Texan grandparents.” Bob taught me how to carve, my Dad how to play golf, and my youngest brother Kevin how to sing Willie Nelson (at the age of 2) and play the harmonica. When my parents moved back to the NW via AMF they had to leave several people and things behind. Bob was one of those people. By the time my parents moved I was out on my “own” going to Bible College and in ministry, Lindsey and I got married, and we were busy-as most of you have known.

On the fourth of July three summers ago, Bob called me up- totally out of the blue. He had found my phone number on our recent newsletter. We talked for the first time in several years. His health had took a turn for the worse and he was practically bed-ridden and very lonely. He asked me to come visit him asap. I immediately called my Dad and rejoiced with him that Bob had made it a point to call and to also invite me over. My Dad told me that Bob, in all the years that he had known him never let him inside his house.

When I got back from our summer mission trips I called him and came over to his house. The door was already unlocked and so I let myself in. To be considerate of his situation all I need to say is that the inside of his house looked like many of the houses we gutted in New Orleans- post-Katrina. All the theologically training, knowledge, and experience I had acquired was forced to take on an entirely different form. You do not know how you are going to react until you are faced with this kind of situation. I sat down in the one other chair that was available and talked/listened with Bob Mixon. I could not believe I was sitting here with him and that God had brought us back together again. I was (supernaturally) able to look past everything around us and focus on encouraging him.

Since that first visit much has happened. Patt, his wife, donated a van and two trailer loads of winter clothes, shoes, cooking and craft supplies, and purses to our Homemaker For Christ Seniors- many had never even been opened or used before. The Adult Protection Services have come and “gutted” their house of all the clutter/trash- revealing another easy chair and couch in the living room. Bob also told me today that he wants to donate his old Cadillac to our ministries and pay to have it fixed (has not left the driveway for at least a decade). Even though he is unable to move around in the house very well we keep talking about getting him in a wheel chair and driving him down to the golf course. He likes that.

However, what matters in all of this is what happened to me today. About 3 weeks ago Patt fell and injured herself. Bob called me and let me know what happened. When I called him today I found out that she is still rehabing from her injury and has not come home. He told me that the APS have been bringing him some food but that he was hungry and wanted me to bring him something. I was half way home from the gym this morning and on my way to run several errands in preparation for KFC and TFC tonight. I told him I would try to come later in the week.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… (Matthew 25:34-35)”

I turned around and headed to Bob’s house. Needless to say I surprised him when I knocked on his door! I came in and sat in “my chair” and talked/listened with him. I could not help but notice all of the empty Krispy Kreme Donut, Little Debbie, and snack boxes stacked around him. I had to ask him if this was the only thing he had been eating and he, matter of factly, replied, “Yes.” He was living and enjoying the bachelor life! He was not hungry for fast food or take out all he wanted was some more Honey Nut Oats (off brand of Cheerios) and milk. I made my way to his kitchen and found a pile of empty ½ gallon milk jugs and cereal bowls!

Bob and I started talking about getting older and with me turning 27 (Nov. 25) how most of my friends are calling me old. I asked Bob when his birthday was. He told me, “I am going to turn 75 on Dec. 11.” I told him the last time I checked- today was Dec. 11th. “Happy 75th Birthday Bob Mixon!” He could not believe today was already his birthday- let alone December.

He sent me to pick up some groceries for him (Krispy Kreme, 5 ½ gallon jugs of milk) so while I was shopping I picked him up some bananas (easy for him to eat) and some birthday cupcakes (I had to ask for a candle and matches).

When I got back to his house I gave him what he asked for and then I surprised him with his 75th Birthday cupcake and candle. You should have seen the look on his face when I asked him to blow it out! I stayed long enough for him to eat all the frosting and cupcake and to catch up on an episode of Leave It To Beaver.

Please keep Bob and Patt Mixon in your prayers. They need to be continually encouraged during this time of year. Please remember the passage I quoted earlier. I allowed it to o directly me this morning and I ended up putting on a 75th Birthday party for a man who my own Dad lead to Christ nearly thirteen years ago.

Uncle Joe