Today is Ash Wednesday. On my way into work, I noticed several people had ashes on their foreheads and I asked where they received them. There was a mass in the chapel at my hospital. I didn't make it on time. There was a schedule listed and I was able to make one that was held in a conference room. I caught the last 30 seconds of that mini-mass and then it was over. I felt a big dose of Catholic guilt for getting ashes after 30 seconds of mass, but I was glad I did it. I think it gave me some peace throughout my day.
The reaction of others' to my ashes was interesting. I got a lot of "You're making me feel really guilty right now." There were also lots of smiles and inquiries from others wishing they could have attended as well. It was nice to feel a new connection with others that would not have ordinarily have happened. It is not everyday that one wears their religion on their forehead.
My patient that I cared for today is Catholic but since she had to be here at the crack of dawn for surgery, she didn't get to attend a mass. She asked if she could have some of my ashes, rather facetiously. I know it is probably all kinds of wrong, but I took some of my ashes and gave her a cross on her forehead. I figure if I can make a 33 year old woman with recurrent cancer smile, it can't be all that wrong.
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4 comments:
Found your blog through Mel. I didn't make it to mass yesterday because we got blasted by a snow storm in Michigan, but I am going to read a different Psalms everyday during Lent. Oh and we have male factor too, and I'm older (39). We did one IVF in October that failed, but we are doing another one next month. Best wishes on yours!
This totally made me tear up. What a sweet thing for you to do. I know there can be no frowning from the big guy on that one.
That is the sweetest thing!
kaaron, you didn't just share ashes, you shared grace with that patient. what a gift!
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