True Peace


     As I walked up the rotten steps to the pitiful shack, I was making a list of all the referrals I needed to make to ensure the house was not just livable, but appropriate for a hospice patient to die in. Thankfully, I had several dedicated volunteers with carpentry skills. My mind was busy assigning tasks when the door opened. Mrs. Smith’s arms spread wide, inviting a warm embrace.
     My only meeting with Mrs. Smith had been in the hospital. She was adamant to honor her husband’s wish to die at home. Seeing the dilapidated house, I doubted if that was the best decision.We sat on a well-worn couch supported by cement block on one end and covered in a thread-bare quilt.
    Mrs. Smith beamed as she took my hands, “I’m just so thankful to have Hank home. He’s so much happier.” She glanced over at her husband who lay unresponsive in a hospital bed. “And look how comfortable he is in his new bed.”
     I squeezed her hand and we sat in silence for a few minutes.  She gathered her courage and continued, “I know it don’t seem like he knows, but he knows.”
     I nodded in confirmation. “He’s blessed to have a wife that loves him so much.”
    Tears filled her eyes. Breathing in deeply, she refused to let them spill over. “My Hank is a good man. Never had much, but always had each other. We gots two healthy children’bout grown.” She sighed. “God’s been good.” She smiled sadly as the tears were released and she cried freely while I held her.
     As I stood to leave an hour later, I knew Mrs. Smith would be okay. In the midst of her heartbreak, she had that deep, inexplicable peace.  The love in her little home was so thick it was almost palpable.
     I stopped on the dusty, gravel road to type the address of my next patient into my GPS.  Looking at the directions, I realized it was in the most affluent area of the city. What a dichotomy.  Cancer does not discriminate between rich and poor.
     Turning on the stately, circular drive, I stopped at the wrought iron gate. It opened automatically and the home came into view.  Majestic white columns stood like soldiers supporting the mansion of dark red brick.
     A housekeeper greeted me at the door and ushered me into the parlor. I could hear voices arguing in the next room. Suddenly, a young woman stormed out the front door. A few minutes later, Mrs. Wilson entered the room and introduced herself. She was cold and aloof while stating she had no need for a social worker.  Her husband was well-cared for by a twenty-four hour nurse on the third floor. In a business tone, she informed me I could visit with him if I liked, but she didn’t feel the need to see him anymore since he no longer knew who she was.
     Another employee led me upstairs. Mr. Wilson looked like a king sleeping in an elaborate, antique, canopy bed. A nurse sat in the corner reading a magazine. He didn’t respond when I took his hand. But did he know I was there? More importantly, did he know his wife wasn’t?
     Driving home that afternoon, I pondered the two extremes.  Obviously, the old saying holds true, “You can’t buy happiness.”  I thought of the secret to peace that Paul shared over 2000 years ago in a letter penned to the church at Philippi.
     “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus . . . I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:7 and 12-13
     No matter what we’re facing today, let’s be reminded that genuine joy and deep, unshakable peace is only found in one place. Whether we live in a homeless shelter, a trailer, a penthouse or mansion, our material home is irrelevant as long as we know our real home, our eternal home is in the unchanging, loving arms of our Father. 

7 comments:

  1. Susan, this reads like a book. Did this really happened exactly as you wrote it?


    Happy Labor Day. JB

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    1. Julia,
      Yes, this is how it really happened. I often change names, relationships and diagnoses in my blogs to protect privacy. Funny you mentioned it reading like a book. I've written a novel that is the fictional, faith journey of hospice nurse, but I draw heavily from personal experiences and the people who have enriched my life. My agent is still seeking a publisher.
      Blessing to you,
      Susan

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  2. Such a dichotomy between these two homes. And how true your words are. I too have been in stately beautiful homes and also in more dilapidated ones. It's not how they look that matter. A simple home can be filled with love and peace when the people love God. And peace can only be found in relationship with Jesus.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  3. Our lives have recently been touched by cancer and what moves me to tears in your post is your heart. Your warmth and sensitivity and I consider how blessed your clients are for surely they have been in the presence of Jesus. May He continue to bless your work and surround you with favor as with a shield. You've won my heart.

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  4. Jeannie,
    Thank you for the kind words. So sorry your family is battling cancer. I will keep you in my prayers.

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  5. I really enjoyed reading this. So true and I love how you pondered it, and saw the deeper meaning.So many "rich" are poor.Have you heard the quote..."LOrd, give bread to the hungry.And hunger for You to those who have bread?"

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  6. Lucy,
    Never heard this quote. I love it! So very true.
    Blessings to you,
    Susan

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