After 77 days in the hospital, I was ready to go home. Marcia was ready to stop the daily commute. The first thing I noticed when I sat down was the sense of calm and peace.

Still, I was glad to be in a place surrounded by talented and caring staff. From the specialist doctors who saved my life to the excellent nursing staff,  personal care technicians, housekeepers and food deliverers, we got to know a lot of people and reunite with many who were here the first time I had cancer. There were many discussions about family, joys and concerns that led to faith conversations and also some times of prayer.  And there were times of just enjoying each other’s company, sharing a short chapter of life together.

Annette delivered my food on many occasions. When I was stronger (and still had hair) and walking the halls, Annette would recognize me even with my mask on.  She’d flash her radiant smile, her contagious laugh and do little joyful dance.  Over time, Marcia and I learned about her family and interests. Later, when I was so weak and crippled with pain she saw me struggling to walk with my walker and she started to tear up. When I visited with her later, she said it was hard to see me in pain and no smile. She later told me, “Sometimes I just need to go some place to cry.” Such is the caring attitude of many of the Mercy staff.

Isn’t this a picture of how life should be? We all have work to do and accountable goals to reach. But along the journey there are all sorts of opportunities to engage with each other, whether it be a momentary smile, an uplifting word and visit, or a longer season of sharing life, life is better together.

Let’s be on the lookout for opportunities God will bring our way today to reflect his goodness and love.