The Simple Gift of Presence

We walked by several people in several waiting areas, and though I don’t know what brought each of them to day surgery, I noticed that some were alone, and some were accompanied.

As we planned for the specialist appointment, today’s surgery and the upcoming pathology appointment, all of us rearranged our schedules because we simply wanted to be with our mom.

This morning there was a lot of time to be present, and for a family that is used to being very productive, simple presence today was a gift.

The morning after the diagnosis, I had my first bout of ugly tears as I spoke the words aloud to a friend at school drop-off. She texted me shortly after we parted ways, sympathized with how I was feeling and said, I don’t know what to say, or what to do, I just want you to know I’m here. 

Don’t underestimate the simple gift you can give a person by simple saying, I’m here. When you’re going through something that’s hard, it’s really good not to be alone.

I’m reminded of the power of presence, and the one who embodied it, Jesus. He left heaven not only to rescue me, but to enter into human flesh so He could sympathize with my humanness, be with me in my struggles, and offer His presence as a permanent gift that no diagnosis, stormy weather, or hard thing can take away.

Grateful for thr gift of dawn on our early morning surgery commute… the promise that light is coming.

Mom is in surgery right now. Doctor said everything was looking really promising. We are praying for precision in the removal of the cancer today, clear margins, no spread of the cancer and a positive pathology report on the 24th.

Thank you for the prayers, the texts, the comments, the calls— the numerous gifts of “I’m here”. You are being the very hands and feet of Jesus. I know He’s pleased with how the members of His body have responded today.