I met a new friend today, one probably close to my age and
stage of life. Even before I
learned of her debilitating physical condition, her searching eyes - cautious
but also eager, direct, and definitely not-lost-at-sea - invited me to join her
in navigating rolling swells of heroism mixed with inevitable sadness.
Upon our introduction, she showed interest in a church
activity and asked questions about participation, obviously desperate to LIVE -
not necessarily in the sense of longevity, but depth. Within a few minutes I sensed she was more
ALIVE than some who have never been faced with such chronic illness.
At one point in the conversation, this weary but pro-active
woman in pain gently placed her hand on my arm for emphasis while making a
point – and then left it there. Gentle
but strong. It was more than a touch: a bird’s airy feather, dropped from
flight, evidence of soaring come to rest.
1 comment:
Beautifully written. Piercing the heart with a well-honed pen.
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