Monday, November 9, 2009

Tuesday 11/10/09 - "AN UNEXPECTED GIFT"

"AN UNEXPECTED GIFT"

I never know what will happen when I show up to volunteer at the hospital. Sometimes I am assigned to one of the two towers of the hospital and sometimes the other. I never know whether there will be a lot of people requesting pastoral visits or just a few. My priority is to visit those requesting pastoral care first before seeing those admitted more recently.

Today, the tower that tends to be the more difficult (in my opinion) and is generally assigned to the gentleman I shadowed when I first started, was the one I was assigned. My mentor was sick. There were a lot of requests for visits.

The very first woman I saw turned out to be a blessing, a gift to me.
As I entered her room, it was dark and quiet. I softly called out her name and she beckoned me to enter. I told her who I was and why I was there. She said she would like me to visit. She apologized right away because she was feeling very sick, nauseous, and was sucking on some type of medication to relieve the nausea.

I sat down and asked her some general questions about herself. She quietly answered. After several minutes I asked if I could hold her hand, she said yes, and I took hold of her right hand with my left one. She gripped mine strongly and I placed my right hand over our clasped hands. We just sat in the silence, in the darkened room, this way, for what seemed a long time.
In that silence, she suddenly said to me, "You have a gift". I was surprised and told her, "Yes, I do. I have a healing touch." I told her it was the first time I could remember someone saying that to me so spontaneously. She told me it surprised her that I took hold of her right hand. She said a year previously she had broken a finger on that right hand and when it healed had physical therapy. But there was pain that remained in that finger. When I held her hand that pain left. I had been praying in my mind as I usually do as I held her hand.

We held hands and talked a little longer. She was waiting to be taken for some type of procedure using a scope inserted down her esophagus. Near the end of the visit, we prayed. I asked her if there was anywhere else she wished me to touch and she immediately asked for a hug. I took her in my arms and as we embraced I found tears coming to my eyes. She said, "Please don't cry" and I told her they were tears of joy. She then told me she was feeling better in general.
I walked out of this young woman's room (she was 36) feeling as though my feet were not touching the floor. I have felt lifted up the rest of the day.

All I can say now is, "Thank you God for this beautiful gift you have given me." It gives hope and relief, peace and calm to troubled people, people in pain. And what it does for me is indescribably wonderful. I am humbled to have been blessed in this way. I am filled with gratitude.


I share this story that it might uplift others as it lifts me up.


Prayer Girl

P.S. I did go to the gym after volunteering - first time in almost two weeks. It felt good and I'm so glad I followed through. It boosts my confidence to do what I know is good for me, to take care of myself.

14 comments:

Kay said...

You are remarkable, you touch people every time you blog too...blessing to you :)

steveroni said...

PG You tell this story well, you speak from your heart, the same place where your Gift is stored.

I am fortunate to have your friend the Holy Spirit hanging around so close in our home. It feels safe here.

When you first told me this happening today, I could see right away, that look in your eyes, which seemed to be saying, "Why me, Lord?" But you know why already....

Love and PEACE!

Shadow said...

just wow!

Just Be Real said...

Oh my gosh what a ever so touching story PG! What a blessing. Not only did you bless her, but she blessed you. Thank you for sharing your gift with us dear one.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Not only do you have a gift - you are a gift. I've always felt your gentle spirit even through the blog. Praying for you PG as you share your life and your heart with others. Sarah

Gin said...

What other word can I use than beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this.

Tall Kay said...

What an amazing story! It gave me goose bumps from head to toe. I love to hear about miracles. Thanks so much for sharing this PG. You are right where God wants you to be...in that tower...and right here!

Jess Mistress of Mischief said...

Thank God for the powers that we are able to witness!!! Thank God for the sharing of that experience!

Miracles are possible, they happen every day!

You witness One, are One, carry One, experience One, suggest One,

then suddenly there is no count for the blessings bestowed...

And God continues to interweave his tapestry in a way only He can.

I love you!

Anonymous said...

WOW I read this and felt so touched. What a wonderful blessing and I know God picked YOU, he sees the love and gift you have, what a blessing, GOd bless you always , ty for blessing all you meet and touch in person and on here.

WOW on this day or mourning the death of my brother, even though it was 16 years I feel now I can make the best of the rest of my day.
TY so much

Syd said...

I think that there are many things that are unexplainable. I believe that there are many mysteries and gifts. You have a great gift.

Tari said...

You do have a gift, and I'm glad you found a patient who saw it early in your rounds to lift you for the rest of your time there. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous post...it made me cry, those tears of joy that you were there for this young woman and she knew your gift...that acknowledgement of healing and healer is so pivotal...thank you God for your love and grace; it ties us all!

Love you PG!
Gabi

DreamDancer said...

Awesome and inspiring, PG! You are such a warm blessing to so many, hugs!

Just Another Sober Guy said...

Thank you soooo much for sharing this. I could almost feel your gift just by reading it. Keep taking care of yourself too. I have gotten into a health & fitness routine that has made a huge difference in my life. Thank you again for sharing this powerful story.