Marie S. was in the Intensive Care Unit of the Medical Center, and in very serious, if not grave condition. She was on a breathing machine, plus other tubes and connections. Her husband was at her side giving her soothing, gentle encouragement when I arrived. Her eyes were filled with fear, her breathing rapid and shallow; she seemed almost in panic.
I introduced myself, explaining that Rev. J. M. called and asked me to stop since his parish and Marie’s home are about seventy miles away.
I placed my hand on hers and began to squeeze and stroke gently. I asked her to slow down, take it easy, everything was being done, under control.
Her husband placed his hand on our two hands and Marie began to breathe slower, easier. The machine slowed down, her eyes were less bulged, less frightened. I said a few words of prayer, easy, eyes open, conversation style. Marie relaxed.
I began to leave, her husband shook my hand. I turned to go when he called me back, a gentle whisper. Marie had turned her hand, opened her palm and wanted to shake my hand. We did. Her eyes smiled.
I recorded this after I returned to my office. Her eyes had brought me peace.
Richard E. Lake
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A smile can be worth a million dollars at times! Carol