In the Waiting Room

A few months ago, I was diagnosed with a tumour. The doctor suggested starting with an alternative treatment and then finishing with radiotherapy.

On the first day of my radiotherapy cycle, I found myself in a large waiting room, full of patients, heads down. I checked in by presenting my magnetic card, standing because there were no more seats. That was the most intense moment, where I embraced and accepted the pain this situation caused me.
On the second day, I asked God for strength and began talking first with one, then two and even three other patients, asking where they were from and how their journey had been, as they came from various places. Day by day, the waiting room became a place of joy. The atmosphere changed – love, patience and calm filled the air. We even gave each other nicknames based on famous people.
On my last day of treatment, I brought sweets for everyone and we put on hats to take pictures. Finally, we placed our right hands together in the centre to make a pact of brotherhood: “until death do us part.”

The Director of the service called me to give me the report for my specialist and she said goodbye with a hug and a kiss, saying, “We’ll miss you a lot. You made us laugh so much… I could always hear you from my office.” As I left, I found myself back in the waiting room, everyone was standing and applauding me. Tears started to fall. I waved goodbye and, already out on the street, I said to myself, “How beautiful it is to put the words of the Gospel into practice. With a little love, everything is transformed.”

J.J.A

The Employee

At the factory, we needed someone to do the cleaning: the offices, kitchen, bathrooms and other shared areas.

During my working hours, I often have long phone calls and whenever I can, I take the opportunity to go for a walk to spend some time outdoors in the sun. One day, I set out determined to find someone from the area who could help with the cleaning. Just half a block away, I saw an older man who was mowing the grass in front of his house. I approached him, introduced myself and mentioned that we were looking for someone to assist with cleaning. I asked if he knew anyone looking for work.

He looked at me and said that his son could do the job. I replied, “Alright, tell him to come to see me tomorrow.” He then explained that his son had multiple sclerosis. “Tell him to come tomorrow,” I repeated.

The next day, Mauro arrived – a 36-year-old man. He told me that he was part of a research program in which he received a special medication injection once a week, which made him weak the following day. The treatment wasn’t always on the same day each week. He mentioned how hard it was for him to find a job due to this challenge.

Mauro has been with us for five months. Not only does he carry out the agreed cleaning tasks, but he also looks after the garden, maintenance, and other duties.

Reciprocity, giving and receiving, community and valuing each person is the way I want to live and work.

V.C.P.

Edited by Carlos Mana

Photo:© Truthseeker08 – Pixabay