These past several weeks I鈥檝e been cleaning out filing cabinet drawers; with few exceptions, they contain material about activities I鈥檝e been involved in, stories I鈥檝e written for various publications and, of course, twenty years worth of weekly articles that have appeared in many of these newspapers. This afternoon I picked up two tiny pieces written to two people who stood with me during one of the more difficult times of my life.
The first, consisting of just 50 words, was written to Coleen, a member of the team at the Alan Blair Cancer Clinic in Regina. I don鈥檛 recall if she was a nurse but I recall how she lifted the darkness on a lot of days. Here鈥檚 part of what I wrote: 鈥渋t鈥檚 amazing how a single ray of light can enter a room and dispel the darkness鈥ow often you have been that ray of light.鈥�
The next, a bit longer, consisted of sixty-two words and was addressed to Joan: 鈥淚 remember the first time I met you. You were Joan, the Social Worker. I knew it was your job to listen to hurting people, to assist where possible and to offer professional advice. But, over the months, I鈥檝e come to know another Joan鈥�. Thank you for going so far beyond your professional duty.鈥�
Pain and woe are nothing new and all of us have or will have experienced the reality that life comes but also that life ends. What never ceases, though, is the need to encourage one another. A friend passed away today. I鈥檒l never have another chance to tell her how much I have appreciated her but I can encourage someone else. So can you.
鈥溾�hat their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love鈥�.鈥� Colossians 2:2
Coleen and Joan, if either of you read this, I鈥檝e not forgotten you!
