Houston


THE MASTER'S TOUCH

By Paul Riddle, Director of Spiritual Care
Lifeline Chaplaincy Houston


Victor’s hospital room looks out on a small courtyard. From his bed, he can see other buildings and a sliver of sky – just enough to be able to tell whether it’s clear or cloudy, rainy or fair. This limited view is as much as he has seen of the outside world since he was admitted nearly two months ago for a surgical operation that was supposed to be routine, but instead was followed by serious complications.

Was I there because it was my job, or did I actually care?
Would I come back?
Was I worthy of trust?

The first time I visited Victor, at the request of a close friend of his, he was looking longingly through the window, trying to take in as much of the scene as he could. It was a raw day, and a cold rain pelted the windowpane. Victor had a trach tube in his throat and could not talk, so he communicated nonverbally through facial expressions, a few mouthed words, and by writing on a pad he kept constantly within reach.
During our first visit, he was somewhat reserved, as though he were feeling me out. Was I there because it was my job, or did I actually care? Would I come back? Was I worthy of trust? The second time I came by, he recognized me immediately and welcomed me. A bit of the initial reserve was still there, but the atmosphere of the visit was warmer.

A few days later, I visited Victor a third time, and a breakthrough occurred. He let me into his life. I noticed a
sketch book on a table near his bed. I asked him about it, and he gestured for me to hand it to him. He lovingly opened the sketch book and began to thumb through it, revealing page after page of excellent pencil sketches, many of them portraits. I asked him about the people he had drawn, and he wrote out his answers, telling me a bit about each one – who they were, what his relationship was to them, and why he had drawn them. Through his sketches, I came to know Victor in a way I could not have done otherwise. His portraits, and his comments about the people he had drawn, revealed a very sensitive, talented, caring soul. I value the gift he gave me in
opening this special door into his world and inviting me in.

Although Victor can only see a little of the world outside his window, he is able to see a much bigger, wider world in his mind’s eye. With a skilled hand, he draws pictures of those he loves. Through his art he honors the people he draws, and he reflects the work of the Great Artist on his heart.

I am honored to be a role that invites such sacred sharing. God’s presence is keenly felt in experiences like these with Victor.

 

 

To donate ...

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
Harris County Hospital District
Houston Academy of Medicene
Ronald McDonald House
Texas Woman's University
Emergency Air Ambulance
Medical Examinar of Harris County
Greater Houston Partnership

 

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