Terese Rigodanzo Kasper, ARCWP |
Somewhere around
letter Q Irene’s focus shifted in the direction over my right shoulder. Turning
to see what held her gaze, I saw a young Hispanic boy clearly in distress. His
arms were raised, head bent and who we correctly identified as his mother was
speaking to him directly and constantly with a look of concern etched on her
otherwise peace-filled face. To see this boy vomit actually gave us relief that
he wasn’t choking or in some other dire situation. In a moment Irene was on her
feet and at his side offering whatever assistance might be needed. Her presence
also brought comfort to those around him which by this time was a significant
group of family, onlookers and staff. A
quick return to our table and back she was sharing a readily accepted drink
from her cup.
A few minutes
after Irene returned to our table so did this young boy along with his
entourage. While Mom coached him in Spanish, he turned to both of us and in
English said, “Thank you.” Then his story unfolded about how he has brain
cancer, was poked here and cut there, even going so far as to show us his chemotherapy
port. Today he was tired yet much conversation ensued.
Oh how engaging
Irene can be with people. It didn’t take Kenneth long to share that he had seen
God. Boy was he happy about that especially since God told him, “I will give
you many angels to comfort and accompany you.” Young Kenneth easily and
honestly relayed that he didn’t know how much time he might have left here on
earth. But it was OK because, “God is so
pretty.” You might guess what Roman Catholic Woman Priest Irene asked him next.
The answer was a resounding, adamant, “Male.” Yet even as I heard the answer
Kenneth gave, I wondered if that was said from tradition, expectation or even a
little uncertainly that maybe God could be female. I mean how many young boys
would think any male was pretty? Oh, did I tell you he also saw Jesus?
Imagine our
delight when young Kenneth said he wanted to pray for us. We bowed our heads as
he took our hands. Oh that we understood Spanish. Oh that we wondered if it was
indeed another tongue in which his prayers tumbled out of his mouth. We were
touched, moved and then even amazed as he laid hands on both our heads. He
ended by joining our hands while laying his on top. A powerful invocation in
any language!
Once the praying
was finished I turned to Kenneth’s mom and inquired, “Abrazo?” She nodded as she stepped into my arms. Little did I anticipate
the extent of the comfort she needed nor even in her grief the comfort she
gave. The embrace was long and gentle
and filled with blessings and bendiciones
being exchanged, lifted heavenward. Then it was Irene and Mom’s turn; oh, what
an encounter!
All the while we
were surrounded by an assortment of beautiful wide-eyed sisters. Such quiet and
peace in this large family I hadn’t truly experienced before. Even while my
heart was moved to want to do something for them, Irene asked permission for us
to purchase a new shirt for Kenneth. A genuine, “Are you cold in your wet
shirt?” prompted Kenneth’s simple response to Irene, “Yes.” We were off and
running and returned shortly with a fun, funky tee shirt accompanied by
complementary headphones from Irene and a more conservative replacement school
uniform shirt from me. A small bag of dark chocolates was added, a staple required
by all moms.
It was time to
say farewell to our newfound friends. This included meeting more of Kenneth’s
seven brothers and sisters, a few cousins and a wave of his free arm from dad holding
baby seated a few tables away. With hugs all around and appreciation expressed
on all sides, we walked away wondering what Grace had just befallen us.
Actually we didn’t wonder, we knew that boy oh boy we were in the right place
at the right time today. We translated that message to include the bigger path
we are on. As I anticipate my diaconate ordination, I am so sustained by my new
dear friend, Irene, and hope never to forget las bendiciones from Kenneth, a gifted young boy.
Boy oh boy, if
this isn’t a story about modern day mystics I don’t know what is!
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