Not Alone3 min read

I saw Joan’s* name listed under a Christian denomination that does not have a chaplain at this hospital. I could see that Joan was in a ward where often the patients have experienced a frightening medical episode. This prompted me to check in with her. When I arrived and introduced myself, Joan’s eyes filled with tears, and she began to tell me how close she had come to death and how frightened she was of dying because there was no-one to pass on her family memories and stories to. 

I spent time listening to Joan’s grief as Joan described losing her family in awful circumstances. Joan outlined how she used to pray every day but had stopped when her children died because she just couldn’t understand why God could do this. After Joan had shared her story, she was visibly less anxious and expressed appreciation for being heard. We spent some time talking about where God was when all this happened.

Joan requested prayer. She gave me permission to read Psalm 23 which turned out to be a healing reminder to Joan of the faith of those in her family who have gone before her. 

At the end of our interaction, Joan asked why I had come to see her. I mentioned where I had seen Joan’s name. Joan looked surprised and said “That’s a mistake – that’s not my denomination. I know why you came. God sent you to me so that I would know that I’m not alone.”