Present Pathways

She walked through the doors of the infusion center at an exhausted pace. The look on her face, despite her beautiful bald head and glossed pink lips, spoke perfectly. No words were needed. I SAW HER.

Counting her, 9 of us were gathered on this November 4th.

As she sat, I got called back to labs.  

After my blood draw I noticed a spot by her on the cushioned gray bench. The Spirit nudged me to her.

“Are you here alone?” I asked.

 She replied, “Yes”.

“I see you,” I said. “The first thing I saw was your beautiful bald head and pink smile- I can tell you’re in pain-I’m sorry.”

At that point, tears poured out of her eyes.

“I’m so sick! I could barely get here. My husband usually comes with me and he’s working today,” she shared.

My eyes never left hers. It was as if I could see her soul. My heart ached for her.

“Will you share your story and challenges?” I asked. “My name is Karla.”

“Yes,” she said. “My name is Michelle.”

As she shared all about her cancer journey, from the diagnosis and other health issues to the treatments and current day-to-day, I hung on every word. At the point she spoke of an upcoming surgery, I placed my arm around her. When she finished, I shared resources and medications that helped me. Some of which were unfamiliar to her. A transport driver was walking by JUST as I was letting her know of transportation availability when she is too sick to drive (I just found out a few months ago). She was called back and I asked her if she thought she’d be ok. I gave her my number, and we embraced in a goodbye.

Another couple nearby nodded to us. I went to a new seat to get a better view of the room. Soon they were called back and I smiled and waved to them.

That left 6 of us.

“Gracious Savior, I’m weak today. Please use me to be a light in your world. There are so many hurting. ALL AROUND. Help me notice and to remember them when I speak to you. YOU see them. I want to see EVERYONE through YOUR eyes, Jesus.”

Along another wall, below a picture of one of my favorite hiking places in the Ozarks, were two ladies playfully arguing about their schedules. Remembering my prayer, I told them, “You two are making me feel lazy!” Of course I was giggling. They did too as they shared their names (and the fact they were sisters!). Their playful banter continued when sister, Carolyn, was called back to the lab. “We have a tea scheduled on that day-it’s your birthday, remember?” she shouted to Mary walking away.

When the two of them prepared to leave the infusion center they shared their stories with me. Carolyn and I see the same oncologist. Both had lost their husbands. Mary, just recently. “He’s in heaven with my forever 30-year-old grandson.” Despite their losses, they happily shared their faith and feelings about celebrating a wedding the same week as a funeral. Their grins were huge despite discussion of death and disease. They were making plans and LIVING. My grin grew! They left and the lightheartedness of the room seemed to disappear too!

The man in the wheelchair, alone, told me he lost the cord to his fishing hat when I remarked on how much I liked it!  As he was being taken back to the infusion center I told him not to lose that hat! “Can’t lose my lucky hat!” he shouted.

Now there were 3 of us.

No more had I counted when the mother and daughter duo, who had laughed along with the sisters, were called back. I wished them both a blessed afternoon. 

“Well, it’s just you now,” the older lady said with a grin. 

Last night I reflected on the day and those nine individuals. Their lives and drives. Love and losses. Occupations and complications. Their grief and beliefs (& reliefs). Their families and friends. Hobbies and habits. I’m always intrigued! To think our world population is over 8 billion doesn’t blow my mind as much as I think about how many of us may not even know our own neighbors. Who has walked your present path that you will remember?

As we gain ground in November, I’ll cherish every blessing, memory, and miracle. Thank you for walking this present (and past) pathway with me. May God’s word and presence continue lighting the way. Remember, you are loved.

Have hope. Keep the faith.💚

More stories from Flannel with Faith