A Place of Refuge

I am writing from Texas Children'’s Hospital where I am spending the morning with my oldest daughter. She was due for a round of tests. Nothing traumatic really when compared to what some of the people are dealing with that are roaming these halls.

Our first stop was the waiting room where I immediately cozied up to the television. I don't know why but tv is always more interesting in waiting rooms and airports. There are plenty of other things to do. I brought a book and crayons and my laptop. Eavesdropping happens to be my favorite pasttime but somehow nothing could take my attention from the morning show.

A story was airing about Dana Reeves. In case you missed it, Dana Reeves is the wife of Christopher Reeves. She died the other day from lung cancer. The story was about their incredible love. She was devoted to him throughout all of his illness and completely loved him despite his diminished capabilities.

Its an amazing story. It would be so easy to take another path when you partner is completely changed. It made me wonder if her story is the exception or the rule. I know that when a child dies, frequently the marriage ends as well. But is that true for the illness of a spouse?

My neighbors are in this cycle. He has battled prostate cancer. They have traveled the country seeking the best care. They even lived in a motor home in Atlanta while he sought treatment. Amazing really.

We had a few minutes between tests and we decided to visit the Children's Chapel. As we stepped inside, I was immediately overwhelmed by the architectual details. At the front of the chapel was a skylight. Light poured down cascading over a waterlike backdrop of glass. The skylight represents God's light, love and blessings.

The ceiling was full of cascading lights reminiscent of something you might see in a planetarium. The lights were constantly changing. They were shooting meteoritete type lights that would come alive with brightness followed by a gentle fading. It would go dark for a brief moment then the cycle would repeat.

Despite being awestruck, I managed to get us seated directly behind two praying women. don't know what brought them to the hospital but I am certain it was not a battery of innocent tests like those that had brought my daughter and I there. One woman in a peach tee-shirt was pleading with God. I could not hear everything she said but my heart ached with her as I heard her say, You are the Resurrection. You are the Resurrection.

Feeling somewhat out of place, we got up to leave when I saw the Tree of Hope. The tree was a place where visitors could write their prayers and place them on the tree. I couldn't help myself from reading them. One read like this:

It's me, God
The doctors gave up on him last night.
Heal his lungs.
Make him a miracle

I wonder what happened to the 13mth old with cancer or the 14mth old that "was too young to be here." I felt a mixture of helplessness and gratitude for having been spared the pain of illness so far in my life. Would I have the strength and dignity of Dana Reeves or the faith of these praying women?

I pray God's blessings on all of those children. I pray for peace for the parents. I pray for healing. I pray for the medical bills to be paid. I thank you God for four healthy children. Be with these families that face unbelievable challenges. I hope somehow they find you and the peace that passes all understanding.