A reflection of the day after joining palliative round
today. We were discussing about loneliness faced by many terminally ill
patients and their care-givers.
'One of the most dreadful sufferings in life is finding no
support available amidst distress. Loneliness adds more pain in the
journey...'
We wonder how we should help these friends/family of ours
amidst the toughest time. Our fear includes not knowing what to say, not
having answer to difficult questions and fear of revealing our heartfelt
sadness. We worry that we might say something not so thoughtful that will hurt
them.
I recalled the same anxiety when I was about to pay last
visit to my family doctor who suffered from relapsed acute leukemia.
Having gone through some of the distressed moments in grief
myself, I realised that being listened to and being remembered in prayers has
helped to sustain me in the challenging journey. I always found this
heart-warming message whenever I met a Good Samaritan who has lent me a
listening ear :'I care. I am here for you. Here is some strength of mine to go
on; here is some love to energise you now when you need it so much.' We know
that another fellow human friend of ours might not be able to lift away our
distressed feelings, but knowing that we are cared for and respected could give
us the courage and strength to walk on.
As I reflected on the experience of my last visit to my
family doctor, I realised that it was of trust that he has shared with me his
struggles and emotions. I appreciate that I was treasured as one of his trusted
good friends in his living days. As for now, I will always remind myself:
'Be grateful to be able to share a friend's sorrow as we have been trusted and
respected as friend indeed'.
May God give us the grace and strength to support those in
need and may He bless all angels that we meet in life.
-Written on 27th October 2014
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