Emmaus Walk / Debra Tomaselli

Doctor’s visit helps patient prescribe remedy for suffering soul

Recently, I made an appointment with a dermatologist, hoping to confirm that a little spot on my arm wasn’t suspicious. Surprisingly, I needed to be there. … God had a plan.

As I waited to see the doctor, a young nurse entered the exam room, introduced herself and began reviewing my medical history.

“You have cancer?” she asked, staring at my records. “What kind?”

“Blood cancer,” I said. “It’s called Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia.”

She pushed a lock of brown hair behind her ear, grimaced and looked up.

“Tell me,” she began.

“It’s a God-story,” I said. “I was diagnosed over 20 years ago, when my youngest child was in kindergarten. They found the cancer early and said they could only attack it once, so we waited to start chemo.”

Wide-eyed, she stared at me.

“Nobody knew if I’d get five weeks, five months or five years,” I said, “but I got 20 years!”

My eyes sparkled with delight.

“All that time,” I said, “I thanked God for the gift of yet another day. Both my parents died of cancer, so I know this life isn’t forever. I knew I’d better prepare for eternity. I leaned into my faith, and I thanked God for each day … still do!”

She laid her papers down and suddenly turned away.

“Maybe that’s what I need to do,” she murmured. “Maybe I need to start thanking God.”

Passion ignited my response. “God is the answer to everything,” I said, leaning forward. “Our lives are in the hands of the Lord. … It’s a great place to be.”

She looked up. Our eyes met. Instantly, I felt her pain.

“God is everything,” I said. “Ev-er-y-thing,” I punctuated each syllable.

“I know that,” she said. “I was raised in the Church, but I have been away for a long time.”

Fighting tears, she spoke: “I think that’s what’s missing.”

Her voice trembled. “Life’s tough right now.”

I got up and hugged her.

“I pray,” she added, wiping tears. “I do pray.”

I coached her like a daughter.

“It’s good to pray,” I said, “but we need to listen. We need to get to know God. We need to know what God wants from us.”

I urged her to return to church, listen to sermons, maybe join a Bible study.

“Surround yourself with people of faith,” I said.

Then, pointing heavenward, I added, “Because his will … his will … is the only way to peace.”

We completed the medical forms and she advised the doctor would be in shortly. Exiting, she paused, looked at me, and spoke.

“I feel like God sent you here to me today,” she said. “I needed to hear that.” She shook her head. “I’m sure that’s why you are here.”

I smiled and nodded.

Maybe she’s right. God only knows. I certainly had no dermatology issues. Fortunately, the spot on my arm wasn’t suspicious.

Probably you, too, are exactly where God wants you today. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are numbered. Go ahead. Tell your story. Inspire others.

After all, our God really is an awesome God.
 

(Debra Tomaselli writes from Altamonte Springs, Florida. She can be reached at dtomaselli@cfl.rr.com.) †