When a patient is rushed to a surgery on an emergency basis, each moment the patient is away from the family seems to drag for the family.  That is why I chose the picture in today’s post because so clearly depicts what family members are feeling.  During the course of a week I usually spend time with several families who are in this uncomfortable situation of waiting for news following the surgery.

While each situation has unique specifics most of them also share these details in common.

• The family was shocked because the condition of the patient changed so quickly when the need to call the ambulance arose.
• When only one family is waiting with the patient they experience emotions of being alone and wishing someone special to them was waiting with them at the hospital.
• Family members consider what they will do if we are not able to save the patient’s life and restore their health so they can go home again.

Sometimes the person waiting wants to discuss one or more of these thoughts.  Sometimes the person wants to wait in a prayerful silence.  Sometimes the person needs to expel their anxiety through a lot of conversation.  I am there to let the person do what they need to do to help them cope the best they can while they are waiting.  The family members who are waiting find words to let me know they were glad they did not have to wait alone.  The gift of presence in time of stress, what a great gift I am allowed to give through my ministry as a Chaplain!