A MOMENT OF HOPE—A REFLECTION

I realized a couple of weeks ago, the importance of hope in a most unlikely way.

A few weeks ago, I was sitting outside the hospital waiting for my friend to pick me up. A couple was waiting for their ride back to their hotel. I noticed the man struggling to get a large bandage off his arm. His wife offered to help and was unsuccessful. He was just tugging at this bandage.

Finally, I asked, “What is the problem?

“This bandage is cutting off my circulation,” he said. It is too large.

I inquired as to why it was so large and was told that it was because of the large needle that had been used for his procedure today.

“I had some bad news today. I learned that I have cancer in my pancreas and all over my body. I need to have an MRI to see if cancer has reached my brain. The doctor says I have the worse kind. It is all over and at stage 4.”

We talked. I told him about my “white light” experience. I assured him that only God can tell him it is his time or when it is his time. I learned that he was from a very racist town per its location. I did not know or ask him about his views. As a rule, I do not personally care. It is more important to me that the person know and understand where and how he got his views and whether they continue to be valid and he feels they need to continue to be followed.

Finally, his bus arrived. He turned to me and extended his hand. “I was feeling so bad. I needed to talk to you today,” he said. “I am so glad you had to sit here.”

I thought about that moment and his comment. On reflection, I think it was “Hope for a Moment” that he needed and to which he was responding. It is the same hope that drives refugees and immigrants to our country. It is hope for a new life or for change. Everyone needs hope!!!

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