I was at MD Anderson this week for my yearly scans and check-up. Everything was perfect... but I knew it would be. Praise God!
Walking through the lobby, I saw a woman in a Muslim Burka sitting alone on a bench. Her face was completely covered, even her eyes, so there was no way to see her expression. She was a very small frame woman, and her posture didn't indicate that she was relaxed. But ... how could I know for sure? If I were to sit next to her and hold her hand, how could I perceive her reaction without seeing her facial expressions?
I wanted to hug her! But I was pretty sure that wouldn't be received well. So I kept walking, and even averted my eyes.
How isolated she must have felt. I imagine... based on her posture... that she was afraid. A big cancer center can be a very scary place, especially for patients and family members.
But to sit there as if in an invisible booth, watching people walk back and forth and smile kindly at one another... and never feel that kindness directed at her... must have made her feel lonely and unloved. I can't imagine living with such detachment.
Even now, I just want to go back and hug her.
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