A fist of fear pummeled my soul. I was startled by its intensity and for several moments – forgot to breathe. It was only when I started to feel dizzy that I reminded myself to gulp in draughts of oxygen.
Why the fear? I needed to go to the doctor – one of those visits that might be serious or only slightly serious – depending on the results.
And I knew I could not do this alone. So I called my son. “I need a favor, honey.”
“Sure.”
Even the sound of his bass voice reassured me, and I breathed deeply. “Would you go with me to the doctor? I don’t know why. I just need someone with me today.”
Again, “Sure. Glad to.”
My heart stopped its thumping romp as fear eased.
He stood with me as I checked in, followed me into the sterile room and provided another pair of ears to listen carefully to the doctor’s orders. Then he helped me gather my purse, all the paperwork, even my water bottle.
The prognosis, “Nothing serious yet. We’ll try the pills first and then go from there.”
Did he hear the same words I heard, the ones I was hoping for? Yes, but it was good to have another voice to confirm the answer.
At the pharmacy, he helped me pick up the meds, then we shared supper and watched the Royals together back in my living room.
Somehow, just having another human being beside me in the journey, to share in the fearful possibilities, to lighten the load – felt like healing itself.
“It will be okay, Mom.” The same words he spoke when I held his hand before brain surgery, when they cut open his precious head and removed that nasty tumor.
When life hands us its unraveling, we tend to suck it up and march forward – finding power in our own strength and the fortitude it takes to just keep living.
But sometimes – when the possibilities of a painful test loom big, when the trial unravels into fragments of unknowns and sucker punches us into silence – we need someone beside us.
Yes, we trust God, but we also need living, breathing human beings to encourage us, to hold our hands, to tell us it will be okay.
I was so grateful that day for my boy – this now grown man whose presence exuded strength and calm – this tower of humanity who has himself survived cancer and experienced his own miracle.
He did not laugh at my need or seem distressed when I swallowed tears and hung on to his arm. He simply let me ride through the storm with his presence beside me.
Every day since then, he checks on me, wondering if I feel better. Are the meds working? Am I being careful to monitor reactions?
This reversal of roles seems too soon in my journey. I do not yet feel old. I only feel older.
Every day I give thanks, treasure the gift that is my son and remind myself again – I am not really alone.
Hope breathes again because of connection.
For those who live in concrete relationship, be grateful. For those like me who soldier on in solitude, find a connecting place.
And if you know a single mom or another soul who marches with an individual beat, offer to be there if needed – to provide the reassurance that someone cares.
We need each other, even when we feel strong and healthy. Vulnerability will inevitably intrude. That is when we find out who really cares.
©2016 RJ Thesman – Author of the Reverend G books http://amzn.to/1rXlCyh
Wonderful post!
Thank you for the encouragement!
Indeed, supportive friends and family are priceless. Thanks for a good reminder.
Thanks, Jerry – you are so right. They are priceless.
Praise God for your son! I am so glad he was there to hold your hand. Best wishes for your good health.
Thank you – yes, indeed. I’m so grateful !
You are blessed to have such a loving son. Your experience reminds me of the old story about the little boy who was afraid. His mom reassured him that even if she was not with him, his Heavenly Father was. He said, “Yes I know mom, but when I’m afraid, I also like to have someone with skin on. How true, no matter how strong our faith, friends and family dressed in skin are very important, even strangers.
So true, Evie. We need each other. Hope you are being encouraged today !
Amen. RJ. It’s so very true. I needed this reminder today. My heart was heavy and I felt alone, even knowing the Lord’s word and believing it. He does know and sends someone to help you go just a few steps further.
Yes, we definitely need each other and the Lord is so gracious to know that and send help.
Thanks, Rebecca. I do needed a dose of hope. I’m going to go back over all your Hope articles. I’m not feeling very hopeful today.
Sorry, Debbie, that your hope seems to be waning. Focus on the fact that God will never forsake you – rather than on the feelings which can change in a moment. I will be praying for you.