Chaplain Jeanne

I have a friend who decided not to have a liver transplant; he is not in good health at this time, but is trusting God for healing. I met a patient who made me think of him today. This patient was 72 tears old, and having a lung transplant. Hmmm..I thought.

One patient told me he was a pastor - retired at this time. He pastured a Lutheran Church in Wisconsin. I asked his wife how she enjoyed being a pastor’s wife. She said she never taught Sunday school, but did love helping with VBS, and the ministry activities for women. I asked the pastor how he enjoyed being a pastor, He said it had it ups and downs, and is like a love and hate relationship in a marriage. I told him I have ups and downs but bubble back up as I love ministry, and believe that God put that in me. He said that was a good way to put it.

I felt really bad, as I had a call from the staff for a patient who wanted to see me, but when I arrived he was asleep. The family had arrived and there was real curiosity about his call for a chaplain. I went to the nursing station to see what he wanted and they said he was uncomfortable, and when asked if he wanted a Chaplin, he said he did. I felt bad, but referred him on the Chaplain for the next day. I never want to miss a spiritual need- ever!

One lady who was obese, maybe about 500 pounds, is having a surgery upcoming soon. She was very excited about it. This will bring a change in her life. They are taking out most of her stomach and she will lose lots of weight. It does concern me these about surgeries and after effects can be the most serious at times it seems when things can go wrong - even on the simplest surgery. I think prayer is best for all surgeries and to never underestimate prayer during this time. Her family was worried, but she wanted to be there for her family. She has not been able to walk in a long time; I guess due to her weight.

Another patient had lost her fiancée when she was pregnant. She went into the room and he had suffered a heart attack. She was young - so sad. She wanted to share this with the Chaplain. She also shared about another person whom she had lost as well. She had been sick and was concerned about her spiritual condition and was told it was ok as long as she read her bible. She is seeking a good church to attend and has enjoyed what she learned of Catholic prayers even though she is not a Catholic. When I asked if I could pray, she asked me, “What prayer”. I do not pray prayers that are from memory but from my heart and head. .