robert r. lackney, chaplian
.
It is the memories of
... The love held back
That is the only
... Real
Pain and Suffering
... That you carry throughout life
And
... Into Your Sick Bed.
.
| I am often asked, “What do you do as a chaplain?” “What do the sick and dying talk about?” “What do you say to the sick and dying?” Other questions include, “Do they talk about God?” … Sometimes. “Do they talk about their religion?” … Sometimes. “Do they talk about the meaning of their lives?” … Sometimes. “Do they want to pray?” … Well some do. Most do not. . “So what does a chaplain do?” … We listen. Mostly, people talk about their families, about their mothers and fathers, their sons and daughters. Many point to the love they felt, and the love they gave. Others talk about love they did not receive, or the love they withheld. A few remember how they learned what love is, and what love it is not. And sometimes they cry, like my friend, Arthur, who reached out with both of his hands calling to his wife, Dorothy, … “Darling, I miss you!” People talk to the chaplain about their families because that is how we talk about God. It is in our friends and families that is where we create our lives, this is where we find purpose and life’s meaning becomes clear. Family is where we first experience love and where we first give it. Our family is our center of love. Family is where we start to ask those big spiritual questions, and ultimately where the questions are answered. “What do you say to the sick and dying?” … It is not what is “said” that is remembered It is just being there that is the most important thing. deacon robert r. lackney, 4th Day Journal August2012 PS: If we really knew who is with you and has walked with you, whispered with you on the path you chose for your life, you would never again be afraid. |
