February 16th
Written on 2/16, but published on February 22nd because Lee didn’t want to alarm family and friends about the procedure.
Five years ago today, my brother passed away. While I don’t believe in good or bad luck because I believe people make their own luck, I’m sitting in Sloan Kettering Hospital waiting for the next three hours as doctors attempt to remove half of Lee’s stomach and the cancer residing in it. I guess February 16th just isn’t my day.
Many people have asked me if I am scared or nervous. I’m not. Years ago when people said they are leaned on their faith in times when they felt weak, I didn’t understand what they meant. But now I do.
When I asked Lee if he was scared, he said No and then joked that God doesn’t need another carpenter. As they were prepping Lee for the procedure this morning, a nurse came and asked if she could pray for Lee or give him good wishes. He responded Yes. She asked: “Which one – a prayer or good wishes?” He said wish me well. I was surprised because who wouldn’t want a nun to pray for them. After she went on to the next patient, I asked Lee why he didn’t want her to pray for him. He told me that he never prays for himself and he wasn’t going to start today. I’ve known Lee for 20+ years and I never realized he didn’t pray for himself. He does pray several times a day….just not for himself.
Hugs,
marlene
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