familiari-TEA

...whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:26, NIV)

Driving to Jones Clinic this morning to deliver some cookies, my mind started spinning. A knot in my stomach began to tighten. The cookies were a simple thank you to those who had been so caring to my friend Claudia for the last  2+ years.

Yet, this was the first time I had been to the clinic since her death 6 weeks ago. Re-entry fear was real. I had never been in the chemo room without her. Would it hold bad memories for me? Would I have an old-fashioned "come apart?"

Instead, I was overwhelmed by the contentment I experienced as I saw the familiar IV poles, big computers, disposable products and trays, the basket of handmade quilts and blankets. Even the Bigelow "tea" station.

My original fear took a back seat to the welcoming familiar smiles of the in-take staff, the lab techs, the nurses, pharmacist and the social worker. Patients filled the recliners. Many were sleeping peacefully as their latest chemotherapy protocol dripped into their veins----a very familiar scene. All still with hope for remission. No finali-TEA for them---not yet. They still have hope for a better tomorrow, this side of heaven. It was Claudia's chair that was unfilled. It's emptiness brought a catch in my throat.

But God....took over in my thoughts. Acceptance of that empty chair came with the reminder that Claudia knew her final destination. How often she reminded me and many at Jones Clinic the truth of John 11:26.

The familiarit-TEA of her voice, with her words of trust, brought the real comfort.
Familiari-TEA such a comfort cuppa.