More than a stack of books…
His body language screamed “I’m tired.”
His eyes were swollen and red and he looked sad.
These were all signs of a caregiver who was going through a rough time.
In his arms he clutched a stack of books and a few notebooks too. He held them tightly so they wouldn’t drop on the elevator floor.
It was just the two of us so I said, “Looks like you’ll be doing a lot of reading today?” He glanced my way and said, “OH, I get so tired just sitting by the bed and it’s so hard to read just one book, so I have a variety with me today.” “I’m not sure I can even read today.”
I told him that I understood exactly what he was saying. The days are long at the cancer center, especially when you’re sitting by the bed and can’t really do much to help, but I told him it was important to be there, to show support and love.
He shook his head in agreement, rearranging the books in his arms as he shuffled out of the elevator. He turned around and looked at me, smiled and said “I hope your day will be better than mine.” And he was gone.
A stack of books and a tired man facing another day of care giving in cancer world.
July 24, 2014 @ 8:09 am
Al, I couldn’t agree more with your words of wisdom…Laurie, you are a special gift to those lives you touch… Including mine….
July 24, 2014 @ 5:05 am
Oh yes the famous books that I could read for a while and had to read again because I couldn’t concentrate. Al is right…you probably don’t realize how you impact so many people just in those elevators! You are an amazing messenger for Leroy and for cancer.
July 23, 2014 @ 7:18 pm
Laurie, you’ll probably never know how much these little moments mean to those individuals you encounter. A few words, a friendly face, a demeanor that says “I do understand because I’ve been there”, It may be the only respite he gets today from his sadness, worry, fears and loneliness as his vigil is maintained. Keep up your ministry to those who need a kind word and a friendly face and I know you will.
July 23, 2014 @ 9:39 pm
Al,
It breaks my heart…and I’m sure I looked like that many days too.
L