Cup of Saltines

My dear sweet Mom went to her heavenly home two weeks ago. She was ninety-three. Her life was rich and full. I had the great honor of being her front line caretaker while she spent her final years in an assisted living facility.

The generous outpouring of support given to me during my time of bereavement was stunning. Friends, pastors, family members and medical staff are just a few of the folks who lovingly carried me along when my feet felt reluctant to move. Each flower, text, card, hug and memorial was precious to me. I cannot begin to list them all so I am going to share one small example that represents the collective goodness of others.

Day three of Mom's final days began with an early call from the hospital. It was time to take the final steps with Mom. While sitting at her bedside, I felt the effects of minimal sleep with my sandpaper eyes and fuzzy brain. My growling stomach reminded me that I had not eaten much over the last forty-eight hours. Rest assured, I have plenty of body reserves to carry me along for some time but food was needed for the energy of the day. Offerings from the cafeteria and vending machines made my stomach roil so that was a no go.

The obvious solution for me was saltines with their crispy salty blandness. But, the acquisition of the crackers felt like too great a mountain to climb on my own so I asked the nurse for assistance. She immediately came to my rescue. Despite her demanding schedule she soon appeared with a little cup of saltine packets and a few graham crackers thrown in for good measure. While I slowly nibbled on my crackers I was struck by the profound power of her small act of mercy. It was exactly what I needed at that very moment. No over-thinking required.

I often struggle to know what to do or say during times of trouble for those dear to me. I want the right words or prayer or food or flowers for each situation. In the process, I stall and start over analyzing the situation. The result is a severe case of procrastination or, worse yet, nothing happens at all.

Sometimes it just takes a little cup of saltines to heal the moment. And that can be good enough.