would you like a visit from the chaplain?

I met Jack at Emory Hospital. He was a regular on my assigned floor…in and out of the hospital for years as his body battled with multiple myeloma.  In his early 50’s, Jack had the reputation of being a “tough guy.”  An Italian Catholic from the north; a successful businessman; and a husband and father to an intensely loyal family.

Upon admission to the hospital, he had responded “yes” to the question, “Would you like a visit from the chaplain while you’re here?” That’s where I came in.

I proceeded to Jack’s room, asked if it was a good time for a visit, and began trying to get to know him through basic introductory questions. Jack answered every question with a one-word answer. He would speak and then just stare at me with no expression on his face, making no effort to carry the conversation further. I began running out of questions and was feeling more and more awkward, yet I didn’t get the impression he wanted me to leave. Finally, I asked him if I could pray for him. He said, “yes,” so we prayed and then I made my exit. I left the room thinking, “Well, that was a bust!”

And yet, every time Jack came back to the hospital, he would request that I visit.  And every time I would visit, it would be the same story.

Since changing hospitals, I’m no longer Jack’s chaplain, but I have continued to think about him, wondering what it was he wanted from our visits.

I think in the midst of Jack’s crisis,

• He was mentally and physically worn out—he didn’t really want to chat.
• He was emotionally tired—he was done pretending to be happy.
• He was spiritually weary—he wasn’t even sure he wanted to pray anymore.

Yet, there was still a desire within him to believe God was near, and that somehow bringing a chaplain into his room gave evidence of that.  And there was still a hope that if someone would voice a prayer on his behalf, God would listen.

Jack was a tough audience…I’m not going to lie. But I think bottom-line, he was just trying to cling to belief and hope.

And, I’m just thinking, on any given day…I am, too.

 

Featured photo:  Inside Notre Dame, Paris