Listening for the Answers

Recently, my friend Sue asked if I might care for her husband, Bryan, while she went to the doctor. Bryan had Alzheimer’s and suffered from short-term memory loss. I welcomed the chance to give back to someone who had been such a help to me over the years. I also welcomed the opportunity to talk to Bryan about spiritual matters.

Bryan, a kind and gentle man, had never been vocal about his faith. I wanted to see if there was anything he desired to discuss with a pastor in the near future. But I needed a window of lucid thinking on his part.

While I sat on the sofa and spoke to Bryan in his recliner, he began talking about Sue’s visit to the doctor. Amazingly, he was aware of everything: the reason for her consultation, even where the office was located.

My moment had arrived. Finally I managed to ask: “Is there anything you’d ever like to talk with a pastor about, Bryan?”

“No,” he answered, seemingly deep in thought. “Can’t say I can think of a thing.”

I was a bit surprised, so I said, “Does anything spiritual ever bring you comfort now that you’re ill?”

A smile lit up Bryan’s face. “Ah, yes,” he answered. “God.” Then he patted his heart. “I feel him right in here. Every
minute.”