On Sunday morning we got a call that one of our elderly members was in the critical care unit of the local hospital. Our Pastoral Care Worker, Beth, was the first to respond and I followed later. This man has been dealing with a number of health issues but he has been a quiet but strong support to his wife of almost 50 years. She sat as his bedside as he struggled for consciousness and fought the multi-tentacled tubes and wires. I wondered if he would make it through the night but he did, and yesterday I was in again and he knew me.
This morning I was there before his wife and other members of his family. One of the first things he said to me was "how is M?" referring to his life partner. These moments are so touching and such a testament to life-long love and the "in sickness and in health" portion of the wedding vows.
Once again we prayed for peace and strength not only for him but for his wife and I left feeling I had been in the midst of something holy.
Thoughts?
4 comments:
Poor fellow! God bless him, and them together! (Sounds like he already has ...)
Well said.
Ditto...I witness these long term marriages in their twilight many days when I visit my Mom at her long term care facility. Most often there is no clear verbal communication due to stroke or dementia yet faithfully these aging partners get in the car each day,month after month, year after year, to "be" with their beloved. Holy, most definitely.
Relationships can have shaky moments but stories like this keep us grounded. Loving and being loved is truly a blessing.
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