I was surprised to see the two of you and further surprised to recognize you.
But the first words out of my mouth were "Hey Chad! It's been awhile."
And the response, "Good to see you, remember Trish?" and smiles all around.
There in the checkout line, we hadn't seen each other since the first time we met in that group setting.
The two of you so lovely in your enamored state. When we met Trish told everyone how the multiple sclerosis and tumors were just a part of life, very matter of fact. And how Chad was becoming a nurse in order to assist. Chad expressed his devotion by diving fully into a new career.
But last night y'all, we talked about "how it's going" and you told me.
Trips to the hospital have been taking their toll. A trip to store seemed so refreshing at first, but a certain shakiness was coming on Trish and the need was to checkout and get out.
Another tip to the distress, Chad said "we called the md, but can't get in for about 2 weeks." "There is an experimental treatment that I'll be taking," Trish shared bravely.
Finally I said to Trish, "So how are you doing?"
And she looked at me and the eyes were watery and the tears came, I stepped over to give a hug.
Just an embrace to emphasize the sharing of that burden. Then Chad arrived from getting the car close to the door. And there were more hugs around.
I said a silent prayer for Trish and Chad as the three of us parted company.
Driving home I thought of the encounter. Why had I met them, then ran into them again? Coincidence? perhaps... But as I drove, the tears came to my eyes...
I have seen ships sailing, I sense this one is sailing from the shore, my confidence is the place of arrival is far better than the one departed from.
I have seen ships sailing, I sense this one is sailing from the shore, my confidence is the place of arrival is far better than the one departed from.
7 comments:
I was very touched by this entry Larry. Having someone very near and dear to my heart with MS. Hopefully this experimental treatment will work well for Trish, I know it has for my family member with the illness.
Sending positive energy to Trish and Chad. I believe that we are on the verge of finding a cure for this debilitating disease... hang in there Trish.
the human life so full of emotions and strength... to have the empathetic soul (as yours) to remind us, to be brave in the face of adherence.
this gave me goose-bumps. my best to Trish and Chad.
I will offer silent prayers for Trish and Chad as well. A poignant story, as are most true tales.
beautiful faith,
awesome post!
http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/i-want-my-old-friends-back-awards/
two awards for you,
thank you for being cool!
my friend has ms. we meet every quarter for business and this last month he couldn't make the meeting. i called him to see if all was well and he hid his pain, very, very well. he told me that they gave him injections in his back and they worked before, but not this time so he was ready to drive down for the meeting but decided not to.
he is stubborn though, won't ask for help, he could have asked someone to drive, pride gets in the way.
your friends Trish and Chad are lucky, especially Trish, to not be alone, your friend Chad is an angel for helping so much. my friend was married too, until last year, she couldn't handle the nature of MS and was angry all the time. she left him and left him alone, now he is getting worse but thankfully there are quite a few of us to check up on him. he is a good man with a terrible disease.
i hope to see him soon.
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