Bruised & bleeding she entered the Siloam clinic in deep need. Radical Loving Care awaited her inside. 

   Once again, Maria had been beaten by her husband. As her nurse approached, she saw Maria rubbing blood off her leg with one towel while holding a second in her hand.

   "What is the second towel for?" the nurse asked. 

   "It's to catch my tears," Maria said. 

   Whether crying or not, each patient sheds tears within as well as blood without. Caregivers are there to heal both. 

   Caregivers are tear-catchers as well wound menders.  Day & night they bear witness to suffering, often hiding their own tears so that they may help others.

   Nature's grace, portrayed here in the roots of a giant mango, mimics our symbol for Radical Loving Care. Love meeting Need creates a sacred encounter. 

   Kindness is as important to patient's as medicine. When Maria left the clinic an hour later she wore both, together with a new gratitude for the gifts of Radical Loving Care.

-Erie Chapman

Photograph 'Mango Tree Roots" by Erie, 2017