Jackie.

March 12, 2025.

A quick personal note. My mother-in-law, Jacqueline, passed this week at age 91. She was an immigrant, who crossed a big, beautiful ocean with an infant and a toddler and her American husband, Francis. She spoke not a word of English you could say in church. Her approval means a lot to me. I hope she likes this.

 

I was happy to be out on my walk today. Folks who read the Introduction to this blog (see February 13) know that I had been in pain for months and had back surgery just three weeks ago.

Today was a beautiful, early spring day. The sun was welcome, but the breeze was chilly. I was wearing black sweatpants and my black jacket with the big collar zipped up tight. As I turned the corner a young man on the opposite side of the street approached.

“Excuse me sir,” he said. “Are you a priest?”

I am far from a priest. I chuckled a bit as I answered, “No, no I am not.”

He pointed his finger emphatically and said, “Well, I am going to say a prayer for you anyway.”

“Thank you,” I said, wagging a finger back. “And I will say one for you, also.”

As our paths crossed and we went our separate ways, two truths occurred to me. 

First, just weeks ago I was bedridden. I walked haltingly into a hospital, leaning on a walker and in intense pain. A few hours later, I was discharged and walked out, unassisted, without pain and with full weight on both feet for the first time since I could remember. 

That I was able to take my walk and meet the young man was a miracle. A miracle of science. Jackie was a nurse, Francis a physician. Both believed in miracles, scientific and otherwise. 

The second truth was simple. Our world could use more prayers and a whole lot more kindness toward each other these days. 

On my walk home I thought of the many kindnesses Jackie has done for me.

Oh, and we could use a little more science, too. Rest in peace, Jackie.