Life and Death in the Night Hours

I went to the hospital again today to visit another friend. I visited with her yesterday. We actually had a conversation. But overnight she took a sudden turn for the worse. Lisa and I were on our way to have breakfast together this morning when I received a call about her condition. We immediately turned around, I dropped Lisa off home and I rushed into the hospital. My good friend, her husband, was in the room with her. She was pretty much comotose. I couldn’t believe it. I just sat with him and let him tell me what he could between his confused looks and tears. I prayed for her. Several family members started arriving and the room was getting crowded so I left. Now I am home late at night not sure whether I should go to bed or not. I received a call that they’ve started her on morphine and ativan. I’m expecting a call in the night. Or should I go in now and wait? I’ve decided, upon Lisa’s suggestion, that I should wait for a call. Who knows what time it could be. I didn’t have the hours I expected to tie up loose ends on my sermon today. Nor will I tonight it seems. Maybe early in the morning. Or maybe not. This is real life and death folks… the place where you don’t have the luxury of determining your own future.

The contemplative photograph is from my friend, Jorgen Klausen’s “Winter Trees” collection.