To put things into perfect words, Innocent was just like my angel. In order to understand just how special he is to me, you have to understand a little about what I've been through.
I was paralyzed in the middle of November. A drunk driver hit me 500 miles away from home without, any family near. Alone in the emergency room, they took me to a secluded space. To those of you who don't believe in a God or a heaven filled with angels, be prepared. I saw an angel.
Hebrews 13:2 KJV
[2] Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
They're among us. God showed me enough mercy and kindness to send one my way in the depths of my despair. As I rested in my worries, a man walked in my room. The memory is burned in my brain. He was wearing tan pants, perhaps light colored slacks, with a golden shirt. This man was truly African. His accent was unmistakable. With a hand pointed in my direction and authority in his voice, he spoke the most powerful words to me.
"Stay strong, God is going to heal you."
I smiled with the comfort and confidence of heaven. My response was a simple smile and two words; "I know".
After spending weeks in the hospital in South Carolina, I went back to Michigan. A feeding tube and tracheotomy meant I couldn't eat or speak.
Unbelievers, brace yourself again. I was taken up in a vision. I opened my eyes and, with an able body, I was brought to a table. Fruit was the only thing on this enormous display. Across the table, a light, so bright that it was white, shined. My perception told me this was God. Then He spoke to me...
"Don't be upset when you can't speak, because I will be talking to you. Don't be sad when you can't eat, because you will be dining with me..."
Of course, after weeks of not eating or drinking, the first thing I did was grab a piece of fruit. When I took a bite, the fruit quenched my carnal thirst AND filled my famished belly. Juice ran over my chin and I continued to eat. I tasted and it was good. And wouldn't you know who was to my right, sitting at the table next to me? My African angel, and he wore a smile that could make you happy in the darkest hour.
On my first day of rehab, the topic of discussion was "living with your injury". This was DEVASTATING. As my Mom held my weak neck in her arms, that's when I saw him; an African Man who looked just like my Angel.
"Technology is great. They are coming up with new things to help every day. But then there is GOD!"
Those were the first words I ever heard Innocent speak. I had to talk to him. I was convinced that he was my angel. Alone in a room, I caught his attention. We talked and shared our faith together. Sadly for me, it was Innocent's last day in the hospital and I was going to be alone. However, anyone who knows Innocent, knows he always has wise words to say.
"Shannon, don't you worry. God will take care of you. You will be out of this chair. Don't listen to what these doctors say. Take what you need and forget the rest."
... And so I did.
Three months later, I was discharged and looking for outpatient therapy. While touring the DMC RIM in Novi, I caught a glimpse of Innocent. I shouted to get his attention and asked if he remembered me. My feeding tube was gone. The tracheotomy was healed. I was MUCH stronger. At first, he didn't recognize me. Then, we talked about our faith. Instantly, it all came back to him. He told me I had a good spirit.
That was the only place I toured. I started therapy, in the same time slot as Innocent, the next week. In my hardest of times, Innocent was there to remind me that this isn't forever. The joy of The Lord is your strength. God used Innocent to save my joy. When tears filled my eyes, Innocent never let me leave that way. The spirit of depression that follows this injury, was pushed away by a mere smile and encouraging words from my dearest friend.
Three days a week, for two years and more, Innocent and I spent sharing our faith, family, culture, and love together. He spoke highly of his children and beautiful wife. It was a big joke that I was convinced He and his family were Royalty from somewhere in Africa. I may not know all of you personally, but I know that Innocent loved you guys and was very proud. He was a wonderful Man of a Great God.
To some of you, we are celebrating the life of a Man who you've known for decades. He may be your Brother, Uncle, Friend, Father, and of course, a Husband. To me, I haven't known him for nearly as long. He wasn't my blood relative or my childhood friend. However, Innocent was, and is, my Angel. I loved him very much. When I take my first steps, His face will be on my mind. I know he'll be with me.
My dedicated song to Innocent
http://youtu.be/d-3BJrG79IA