As I searched for opportunities to volunteer, I noticed that a large veteran’s hospital in our area needed a Chaplain’s Assistant.
The priest, who was in charge, gave me a list each week of the patients to visit. There were two floors where patients who had been long time smokers had to have their voice boxes removed.
I felt very uncomfortable going there.
One of the men, who could only write on a tablet, shooed me away several times and I was glad.
However, after about three rejections, he motioned for me to come to his bedside.
He had antagonized his family so much, that he had not had visitors for years.
He seemed interested in renewing those relationships.
After a few more weeks, the priest told me that the man had reconciled with his family.
The next time I visited, he had died and I celebrated his victory over himself.
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