LOVE SURROUNDS HER

Sometimes when you least expect it, something quite unexpected just hits you.  Wisdom comes and quite suddenly you begin to 'get it'.

 

One day, taking my precious little blind therapy dog, Gracie, to visit patients at a rehab hospital, I noticed one beautiful lady, a patient battling cancer, was watching every move Gracie was making from the far side of the gym.  I am always keenly aware of people watching, smiling, and patiently waiting 'their turn' to have an 'audience' with Gracie.  These meetings for Gracie are glorious and without judgment. And for the patients, well, to some it is a diversion. For most it is a single moment in time to be cherished.

 

We made our journey across the large room to visit with Sharon.  She quietly and gently stroked Gracie. It was apparent that this was enough.  No conversation was necessary, no small talk.  Just being in that moment was enough.

 

Then suddenly out of no where Sharon said, "Love surrounds Gracie from all sides.  I can feel it.  I can just feel it."

 

I recalled author, pastor, lecturer Henri Nouwen writing, "When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate no knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness....that is a friend who cares."

 

It is no different with our warriors. Perhaps they too need a friend who can be silent in their moments of despair and grief. 

    
 
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