“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." -Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Note: this reflection is offered by Liz Sorensen Wessel

Last night I had the good fortune to attend the remarkable leadership forum, “Caring Well through the End of Life.” Each distinguished speaker shared a personal experience about journeying with loved ones in the final phase of life.  Their stories illuminated the extraordinary gifts that manifest in this sacred time of life during a time of transition and of leave taking.

In such poignant times, what becomes exceedingly clear is the realization that we are here to love. “We are just a moment’s sunshine fading in the grass” (Youngbloods). Relationships create meaning in our lives, just as the mystery of the "red thread" weaves its way to connect us one to another and within community in inexplicable ways. Our early experiences can have a lasting impact and often shape the rest of our lives. When you ask the question, what has led you here? Inevitably there is a story.

For me, I did not make the connection to the red thread in my life until Erie Chapman,  in one of his early Journal reflections, inquired about the influencet our mothers have had on our lives.  I recalled a time in my 10 year when I became very ill. I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance and was in critical condition due to spinal meningitis. My mom remained by my side in the darkened, ICU isolation room to offer comfort and her loving presence. I remember her saying to me, "I wish I could trade places with you." Through her example, I learned the importance of being present with people in times of need and vulnerability and even though at first it may seem scary, we can move beyond our fear to love.

Today, I met with a college student  seeking an internship at our organization. I asked her what has led you here. She shared, “My dad has muscular dystrophy and I care for him. I discovered I like caring for people.” 

Modern medicine has made great strides in technology but we seem to have lost something significant along the way. As Erie  has been proclaiming for many years, "people are not their disease and Radical Loving Care is the key to healing." We are at a pivotal time in healthcare and we have an opportunity to help transform care by remembering the greatest gift we can offer is our love;  to give and to receive love. There is nothing more precious when combined with medical expertise. There is no greater gift than to remember our One true purpose.

Reflection & Drawing by ~liz