Rhymes with "Air"

My dad is in the hospital this week for tests.  He seems to be doing OK, and is ready to be released.  However, he's still kind of weak, so when I got there today the social worker was talking to him and my mom about a short-term care facility placement for physical therapy.  That's probably a good idea, as the physical and occupational therapists may be able to make suggestions to them about modifications to make at home, to make life a little easier for everyone.


This is the first time I've been confronted with the idea of my dad going into a nursing home, even for a brief time for physical therapy.  I knew it was a good plan for him, but the idea spoken aloud sucked all the air right out of the room.  I felt like my stomach just plunged right to the floor.  I asked to duck out of the room for a few minutes, and went down the hall to the lounge area near the elevators.  For several minutes I didn't know what to think, to say or to do.  I took out my cell phone, trying to decide who to call, trying to decide whether to call anyone at all, in reality just trying to keep the world from spinning.  Just as I thought I might break down completely, who should come strolling past me but a dear friend and fellow pastor John, on his way to visit one of his parishioners.


He sat down next to me, I cried, we talked, and he prayed with me.  Then we went in to see Dad and Carolyn again, he left after a few minutes to see his member, and I was fine.


All John was planning to do was visit his member.  He never thought he'd find me sitting in the hospital hallway.  He never thought I'd be needing someone to sit with me for a bit, to pray the prayer I didn't know how to pray, to listen to me and watch me cry a little.  I didn't know that I was praying, although I guess I was.  I didn't have John in mind, when I was wondering who I could talk to.  But God did.  He sent John in answer to the prayer I didn't know I was praying, to pray for me and with me, and to give me the comfort of the Father that I needed just then.


I can't thank you enough, Father.  Please keep hearing my prayers and sending Your answers.