Those of us who live in suffering do not realize the depth of understanding we can give to others. Whether it is on the internet, phone, or praying and sending good thoughts to others we know who live with invisible disabilities, we can make a difference. Sometimes our pain and sickness lead us to being lonely. Since we are already angels, we should try to remember that we are suffering for others who do not even know they need our help.
Here are two examples of how God has been able to use me to help someone that did not know they needed my help. One, a friend of mine was having a baby. I went to visit her in the afternoon and found out that nobody else would be there to support her during birth. I stayed with her, postponing my dialysis, which meant more pain for me; however, not only was I able to hold Hadley’s hand during her C section, I was the person who cut the umbilical cord. What an experience for me to be able to hold a new baby’s hand and to be able to celebrate a new life with a good friend of mine. I held the baby, placed her next to my Hadley’s cheek and with tears in both our eyes, we shared a quiet moment that neither of us will ever forget.
A second example was this past week. A good friend of mine from dialysis had been in the hospital for the past 3 days. She had a heart attack brought on by congestive heart failure. While I was visiting her in the hospital, the hospice nurse came in and asked my friend Molly if it was OK with her that I be allowed to stay in the room. Molly shook her head yes. Molly and I were very good friends. The nurse continued to ask Molly questions concerning her quality of life. At this point, Molly was in bad shape and was fighting for her life. The nurse asked Molly if she had spoken with her kidney doctor about the possibility of not continuing dialysis. Molly said no. This was difficult for me to hear, as Molly was making the decision to possibly not get dialysis treatment any longer. The nurse was basically telling Molly that even though her mind was strong, her body was weak and was giving up.
Most people could not go to a hospital to visit a friend or family member and listen to a nurse or doctor have a life and death conversation. Even though its difficult, its very important to be there for people like Molly, when they need us the most. Those of us with invisible disabilities can relate to people like Molly and can truly be an angel during some of the most exciting and difficult moments in people’s lives.