(Publishers note: The following entry is from July of 2012. I am amazed at the people that God puts in my path. Sarah was one of those people. I have no idea how she is doing, or even if she has passed away. My hope is that she is very much alive, well and raising her now six year old son.)
In Staples, the office supply store.
In line waiting to make a purchase.
In front of me was a woman, who had a t-shirt which said Northside Hospital Cancer Treatment, which was a pretty big clue for even me.
Then there was a bandana that she wore and it was pretty evident that no hair remained on her head. And
I was drawn to her.
I asked her, “If the line started behind her?” She said, “It did.” Very polite and courteous.
I asked her, “If she had been waiting long.” She said, ” Not long.”
I asked her, “How she was feeling.” She said, “Pretty good considering.”
I told her my name and I asked for hers.
It was Sarah.
Sarah shared with me that she was awaiting a stem cell transplant, as she was battling leukemia.
She was twenty five years old and had a four year old child. She told me graduated from Lovejoy High School and that she was trying to remain positive.
While we were still in line I asked her this final question, “Do you ever get scared Sarah?”
She paused, just for a second, and said, “Sometimes.”
I talked with her a little more and then she was gone.
The chances of us ever speaking again are minimal.
Why?
Because of the leukemia?
Maybe, but not really.
The chances are that we just simply will not cross paths again in our lifetime.
Sarah and I spent just a couple of moments together standing in line.
She, encouraging me without knowing she was.
Me, intentionally trying to encourage her but not sure if I had.
There is a verse I read just a couple of hours before meeting Sarah. It says,
“…that I may be encouraged together with you, while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Romans 1:12 (NASB)
We never know when we are going to run into that person who renews our hope and causes us to be more mindful, more direct, more compassionate and more hopeful.
Authors Note:
(Sarah, I do not know your last name. I gave you our blog address and I hope you will read these words and be touched by them. I hope that your four year old will grow old and take care of you even then. I hope you will have the opportunity to encourage other young adults who come up against such a mighty challenge. And, you wanna know something Sarah?
You renewed my hope today Sarah, and caused me to re-consider the priorities of my life.
Thank you Sarah…thank you.)
“Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19 (TLB)
JHH
Leave a Reply