My family had planned a trip to New York for my brother’s college orientation, but we also took that opportunity for a much-needed family vacation. There were some other “business” aspects to the trip as well – like taking care of some legal documents that had to be filled out for my grandfather, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and came along with us to New York. But for the most part, we were all very excited about a fun and relaxing time as a family.

On our flight over, my head was filled with all kinds of ideas about what I wanted to do in the city! Soon after our arrival, however, God’s plan began to unfold; I found that the things I had planned to do fell far short of what I was expecting.

In a completely new environment, my grandfather’s Alzheimer worsened. On the very first day after our arrival, he tried to escape from the apartment we were staying at, because he believed it to be a prison. This made it quite clear that not only could we not possibly leave our grandpa and go visit some sites, but that we also had to carefully choose and limit our agenda to places where we could go with him.

During my brother’s college orientation, I had to stay with my grandfather and keep him company. I know this may sound a bit selfish, but it was not my idea of a vacation.

Although the task before me seemed frustrating, even impossible, I quickly came to realize that here was a wonderful opportunity to recognize a face of Christ’s suffering on the cross – in my sick grandfather. More importantly, it was a chance to show my grandfather how much I cared for him. That moment turned out to be valuable time spent with him.

As it turned out, by the end of the week, I was able to do all the sightseeing I had originally set my heart on. Yet what gave me the most joy was not being able to reach the top of the Empire State Building, but something very special that happened to me after my return home to Texas.

To catch up on all the errands that had piled up while we had been away, my grandpa, mother and I spent one whole day shopping. All throughout that day my grandfather kept calling me by my name! I don’t remember the last time that had happened, because lately, he had never managed to remember my name. I saw this as a fruit not of my love, but of God’s love, which was so precious and went beyond all human limitations. The bond I had formed with my grandpa from the trip was far better than my being able to see all of New York!

Apollo Tee, 19, Texas, U.S.A.