Comforting Words

For several years, I have served as a volunteer chaplain.

Doing so gives me the opportunity to encourage many patients and their families during trying circumstances. Most times the patient recovers and goes home to happier times.

Sometimes it is not that simple. Every family is different, but there are common threads that unite them during distress. The main thing I have learned over the years is that people appreciate prayer and care. It can be as simple as sitting by the bedside reading Scripture.

Sometimes it is singing a favorite hymn.

Once, I found myself at the bedside of an elderly woman.

Her seven children stood nearby. Two were weeping quietly.

Four stood quietly. The seventh, a son, seemed distraught.

I encouraged them to take leave of their mother.

Six of them took turns. They told her how much they loved her and hugged her goodbye. The seventh stood off to one side. I prayed the Lord would impress me with words of comfort. I realized he was not ready to say goodbye.

“You seem to be very troubled,” I said. “Mom and I argued a lot. Now she is dying. I have not made peace with her.” His voice was broken.

“Now I cannot tell her I am sorry. I cannot even tell her how much I love her.” My heart ached for him. Again, God led me. “Hearing is one of the last senses we have,” I said. “Please go to her. Tell her how you feel. I am sure she will hear you.” I watched as he knelt beside her, held her hand, and softly spoke to her. Suddenly, he smiled and turned to me.

“She squeezed my hand. I know she has forgiven me.” Tears flowed as he stood there. The children joined hands around the bed.

Even as I prayed, I realized she had died.

After the prayer, I went around the circle, offering handshakes and hugs to each one. The son who had been alienated from his mother for a long time was especially grateful.

As a chaplain, I have been beside many families during the last moments of their loved one. Never have I felt more rewarded than I did that day.

Patricia Cove