Musings

A Rose for a Rose I Suppose

by deborah wenzler farris

I watched you for a moment to see if your eyes would open but you were resting. I didn’t want to disturb you. I walked around to the side of the bed to just look into your sweet face. Your arms and hands were so pale, but even after all that you had been through your face was radiant. I noticed freckles peeking through. I didn’t notice the tubes, I didn’t hear the machines, I only saw you and thought, she made it through.

I didn’t know what to say. I brushed my fingertips across your forehead. I was proud of your strength and so relieved that they could remove the tumor–they had never seen anything like it. They said your vitals were like a kid and that you had taken good care and prepared for the surgery well. I know some of it was more than you had expected, but you did it. And after all these years of wondering what was wrong, they had figured it out. You weren’t imagining it.

You’ll be happy to know, your surgeon was good to us afterward. That’s the sign of a master surgeon–so good, that is, there is no sign of ego. She was taken aback for a moment at your big circle of supporters assembled in the waiting room. She explained to us what all had been done, what you would be facing in the days to come, and then after answering our questions–after seven hours of surgery removing the seven centimeters tumor and stitching up a seven inch incision, she told us that she would be meeting her husband for a dinner date. She never cooks, she said. It was just another day of work for her. Another day of saving lives. Your life.

I took your hand and you squeezed it. I didn’t think you knew I was there. I told you I loved you and gave you a kiss and you squeezed it again. I told you I’d see you in the morning and you squeezed it again. They came then. As I left your small room filled with machines, flashing lights and beeps, the tears I’d been holding back. I never thought I’d have to watch my little sister suffer as you have. I never thought I’d have to watch you be wheeled past me on a gurney with your four daughters staring on in scared silence.

Yesterday, when we took our walk before leaving for the hospital, you had to stop and catch your breath and I waited in the same scared silence. Then you showed me the rose bush you love to stop and smell. As you held the rose in your hand you took my breath away.

We are learning some things through all this, aren’t we? If the rest of us have the sense to love others as you have in your life, I think we’ll all understand better how much God loves us. I think He’s doing surgery in all our hearts as you’ve had to go through yours.

Are we learning that He doesn’t necessarily remove us from situations? But He does show us the path through–with roses along the way.

12 thoughts on “A Rose for a Rose I Suppose”

  1. Yes, yes. That is just it. He takes us through… very difficult paths and yet, roses along the way. My experience xactly. This post so resonates with me, and brought tears of gratitude to my eyes.

    I’m so sorry, though, about your little sister, dear Deb. Is there anything ahead by way of further treatment for her? I will pray. You can be sure of that. Love you much! ❤ ❤

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    1. Lynn, Just seeing your name pop up on my screen gives my heart a little happy leap. Thank you for your prayers and friendship. God is truly amazing in how he brings “sisters” together. 🙂 And I know you understand my words.
      Love,
      Deb
      P.S. Did you get my note about the Liebster? The hospital WiFi is spotty. I’ll take a look. 💛

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  2. Dearest Deb, in my own way, I am praying for your beloved sister and holding her in the Light. Overflowing love pours through your words, and, I am sure,over and around the entire family. Love you. ❤

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  5. Deb,

    So very glad your sister has parted from that ‘alien thing’, and that she is able
    to take time for roses. It is a beautiful piece of writing about a miracle that
    happened in our real time. Another one like this and I’ll have to bill you for tissues.
    (for sure I’m kidding …tissues are a small price to pay for the joy you share…)

    Thank you.
    Sarah

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  6. This is such a beautiful post, Deb. You are blessed with loving family and strength. You have a lovely way with words. Keep up these musings. They are lovely. It shows great character.

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      1. Deb,

        When I am unsure what to write, I put my pen to the page and doodle until something comes to mind. After the thoughts are on paper, I decide what I want to share and what I want to save for later, but just by putting it on paper, I am able to see what’s going on inside. It works for me kind of like ‘an apple a day’.

        Love,
        sarah

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