Wednesday, May 27, 2009

208

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?
-Job 12:12

The cold fluorescent lights didn't match the overheated ER suite.
"Shirley? Are they taking me upstairs soon?"
"Yeah, Ma. Soon. They're waiting to hear from the doctor."
"Will it be an odd-numbered room?"
The nurse with the purple glasses bustled through the curtain. "Ok, sweetie, ready to go upstairs?"
"Is it an odd-numbered room?"
"I think so," said the nurse. "Don't worry. It's not 208."
"Please make it an odd-numbered room. Just not room 208."
"Why not 208?" I asked, knowing the answer as soon as the question was out of my mouth.
"That's where her husband died."
And just like that I felt like a stranger in my own family.

5 comments:

Jodi said...

Oh, Erin! I'm praying for you and your family. Hang in there, hun!

Naomi said...

You have a mighty team of prayer warriors behind you, and an unstoppable, all powerful God on your side. We are continuing to surround your life with prayers. We love you so much Erin. We are also just waiting for the word to bring a meal or watch SJ while you take a nap.

angie said...

thinking of and praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

Hoping everything is okay with your fam... This cryptic posting has/had me concerned. Since you're still reading books and posting reviews, I feel better. Thanks for the note about your non-facebook participating family member. Now how 'bout the inside scoop on your brother who has failed to update his blog in many months... tell him he has fans!

carole

Jolene said...

:( praying here, too