I had just finished with my last patient before the lunch hour.  I grabbed a quick snack and drink of water.   As I set up for my next patient, I prayed, as I usually did. 

instruments in their right places?  check…

vitamin E ointment for their lips?  check…

I was set to go.

The vitamin E ointment was key….I had a practice since hygiene school of offering vitamin E ointment on the corners of their mouth while having their teeth cleaned.  Most always accepted.

As I walked my next patient back to the treatment area, I introduced myself.  He was quiet and reserved.  I was good at making conversation with people that did not want to be at the dental office.

 I set him in the chair, I leaned him back just slightly to say my hello’s and review Health History.  I saw a sober look in his countenance.  I knew that there were troubled waters in his soul.

I don’t know when, and I don’t know how, but through the course of our one small hour together he began to tell me about his wife.

She was beautiful.  She was his soul-mate.  They did everything together.  She understood him.  He loved her more than life.  

and then he told me that very, very recently……she had died.

My heart sank.  I glanced at his health history for birthdate, knowing that he was no older than me.

32.

widower at 32.  Lost.  broken.  wounded.  shattered…..beyond sad…..no words to express…….

Could I identify?

no.

I didn’t even know what to say.  But like so many others, he opened up to me, and probably later, wondered why he had.

I said all that I knew to, ” I am so sorry.”

I excused myself to go get the Doctor for the exam.  I had a few brief minutes, so I looked up 2 scriptures for him that I hoped would be of some comfort.

I wrote them on a piece of paper, and at the same time, scrawled his name in the back of my journal, of which I kept a prayer list.

The Doctor came and did his exam.  Afterward, I handed him the note with the scriptures and said, “I wrote these down for you.  I want you to know that I will be praying for you.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I pray that God will bring you comfort and peace.”

We looked at eachother.  Our eyes exchanged a knowing glance as I approached the receptionist’s desk.

That was the last time I saw him.

4 years later…..

Medford Fire Department

Sean’s first month as a Fire Fighter with Medford Fire……

The girls and I scurried around the kitchen making bbq pork ribs, home made bread sticks, salad, and homemade blackberry cobbler.

The table was set….we had met Sean’s new Captain, and hose-man.

We had a very nice dinner exchanging cordial conversation.

My girls were so on that night, as little as they were…trying to impress.

They cleared the table, did the dishes, made coffee, and served the dessert.

Meanwhile, Sean, Captain John and I were at the table talking.

I listened closely as Captain John told me about his son-in-law that had lost his wife 4 years prior.

As he was telling this story, I had to stop him and ask him the name of his son-in-law.

It was the same man I had met 4 years prior.

He went on to tell me that he had just remarried, and that they were witness to God’s healing power in His life…that He did find love again, and that he was doing very well.

my heart sighed a deep breath as I was reminded that not only does God hear our prayers, but in this case, He allowed me see the outcome.

I dedicate this today to my precious friend Pearl…..my friend and sister

unless a seed falls to the ground and dies….it cannot bring forth life…….and cannot bear fruit~paraphrased by Storie:—)

Seed cast away on the garden floor

as it lay in the dark wondering….

no promise of life it appears to the seed

as it lay in the dark

will it choose to believe?

asI lay in this place

you have allowed

I will cling to the promise of your word

that you are preparing your will for my life

breathing your word in the dark of the night

Hallelujah……. Hallelujah

Hallelujah

And he’s been there before

on the garden floor

as he lay in the dark wondering

the seed of the Father, Christ His own son

sent forth to die

to bring forth new life

hallelujah….. hallelujah

Even Christ was a seed fallen to the garden floor.

He understands our suffering.  

love,

Storie