Friday I started the day praying that I would make my visits as I had scheduled them. I had company coming on Saturday and needed the evening to prepare my liturgy for Sunday. I have been called away from my schedule to do a "talk to" about hospice twice in the past month on Fridays. (When we were Hospice Partners chaplains were never utilized in this manner, so it has been an adjustment for me.) If I were asked to do one, it would most likely be in Palatine about a 2 hour drive across Chicagoland from where I make visits. I had scheduled my last visit in Wilmette about 1/2 from apartment if the traffic is moving. I finish visits at 6PM.
Godde is very good as I made all my visits exactly as planned! No calls from central office. I got home and the VM only held a request for financial assistance from a friend who has been out of work for over a year. Mary (not her real name) is being evicted (I think) because of inability to pay rent. I struggled as it is a substantial request. I prayed about it throughout the day and knew I would provide the money even though I am personally in debt about $10K from this long protracted divorce. I know compared to her situation I am very wealthy, a rich person. I know she has been struggling and actively pursuing work.
Mary has congenital heart trouble and found herself in the ICU about a month ago. She passed out where she volunteers. The stress is very great for her. Raised to be independent by her military family she "cannot ask them" "we are not whiners," for help even though she says her brother is a very successful MD on the East Coast.
I will help her as I can but I am very honest about my finances with her. With my hope to retire and work for peace full time I will no longer be able to help her as I have up till now. She again said today that she had a positive interview with a non-profit on the S side of Chicago. I pray 'Wouldn't it be wonderful if Mary got the job and found an apartment near by!" She could move and start "a new life." Let us pray for this blessing for her!
It is a beautiful day in Chicago. High Mid Summer. All the annuals and the daylillys in full bloom.
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