gift of sharing

A woman hospitalized steps outside for a breath of fresh air, in doing so; she meets a young woman crying. They begin to share their hospital stories of health and family concerns. The patient listens to the young woman speak of her mother’s illness; the patient offers to buy a cup of coffee from Dunkin Donuts and the gift of sharing begins.

Later in the day the young woman returns to visit this new friend. In the evening as our family fills the corridor with goodbyes, hugs, and tears our youngest grandson is held in his father’s arms when a three year old peeks from the hospital doorway across from my husband’s room. The young mother says “she wants to see the baby.” Instinctively I pick the child up and James and this little girl exchange smiles. She snuggles against me like a Koala bear clinging to a comfortable tree; enjoying her embrace I smile to her mother and thank the little girl for such pure loving. Attempting to place her back upon the floor she clings to me. The young mother asks me if I am a grandmother, laughing I reply yes, does it show?

Early the next morning in the hospital corridor I notice the patient walking, guiding her drip bottle pole as she treads carefully in her exercise mode. We greet each other and I inquire if that was her granddaughter’s hug given to me last evening. It is here that she tells me of a stranger and her child met through mutual sharing of concerns. Her hair has been beautifully braided and she informs me that the young woman that she gave coffee to came to her room and took the time to braid her long hair.

I marvel at this circle of good deeds among strangers. We have shared conversations, hugs, crossed and chosen to ignore our differences. We have been part of acts of charity. We have all been witnesses to the gift of God’s love and comforting touch within a hospital setting that over flows with kindness and compassion. We have each been integral parts in a living Caritas Carney Story.

Despite the illnesses of the characters we have been blessed by demonstrated genuine love.
To each of your staff we send this story and a heartfelt thank you!


Written by Pauline March 9, 2008