I was counseled for not going in service. As an elder's wife I had to set an example.
Seems that they thought I was wasting my time.
We had a sister in the cong who was deaf. She was dying of cancer and had chosen to die at home. The family needed help to take care of her and they needed someone to call the paramedics when the time came and an interpreter to explain why she died at home.
My husband - the elder - resented the time I spent helping this sister and her family. I was missing meetings so they could go to some meetings. I was missing service - not a good example. And I wasn't home to cook his meals - although they were cooked he just had to heat them up.
I spent as much time as I could with this sister and her family for about 3 weeks before she died. I tried to arrange for other sisters in the congregation to help and take shifts - got counseled that I was trying to act like an elder for that one.
In the end this woman's sister and I held her hands while she took her last breaths. She died peacefully at home with people she loved around her.
I was able to assist the family with the paramedics and doctor who had to come to the house and with the making of the funeral arrangements.
I was counseled that I was not putting first things first. We were to be more concerned for the living not the dead.
I would not have it any other way. I could not bear the thought of deserting this sister and her family at this time and feel honored that they allowed me to share such private moments with them.
It was worth the counsel. And I would not go back and change a thing I did.
Remembering Ana
Rejoice in the healing and not in the pain.
Rejoice in the challenge overcome and not in the past hurts.
Rejoice in the present - full of love and joy.
Rejoice in the future for it is filled with new horizons yet to be explored. - Lee Marsh 2002