As she stood up from the bench, a radiant smile spread across her face, her eyes shining with joy. “Really?” The nurse nodded. “Yes, you can go and see him in his room if you’d like.” After that, she walked away. The woman turned to me, overflowing with happiness. Without hesitation, she enveloped me in a tight hug, her gratitude clear. “Thank you,” she whispered, tears of joy glistening in her eyes. I returned the embrace, genuinely happy for her. “I’m so glad to hear that. You’re quite lucky,” I remarked sincerely. Her expression softened, and I could see the glee in her eyes. “It’s all thanks to God, “she replied, and her tone was filled with conviction. “Always believe in Him. His presence is everywhere, and He works in mysterious ways.” “Yeah,” I said in hushed tones, nodding with my eyes fixed downward. “I’ll go now to check on my husband. Thanks for keeping me company. I hope the patient you brought here gets well soon.” “I hope so too.” With that, she walked away, but before she disappeared from view, I called out to her, a question lingering on my lips. “Wait! You never told me your name.” She turned back with a warm smile. “It’s Barbara.” Her answer was gracious and kind. I returned her smile, feeling a connection forged in a moment of shared faith and hope. “Thank you, Barbara. Good luck,” I wished her sincerely as she walked away, her steps light with newfound joy. Sitting back on the bench, I let out a deep sigh, the words Barbara spoke about God still swirling in my head. I glanced at my phone, the screen displaying a photo of my son, Lukel. A pang of sadness tugged at my heart. Despite the ache, a faint smile graced my lips as memories flooded back of our precious moments. Looking up, I felt a strange sense of vulnerability, as if God could see me right then, amidst my oubts and pain. “You see me, don’t you?” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “u know the agony I’ve endured all these years.” 302 FAITH Tears welled up in my eyes as I spoke, the weight of the loss heavy on my heart. “I believe in you; I do,” I continued, my voice trembling with emotion. “But the doubts, the brokenness… it’s always there.” I wiped away a tear, my gaze shifting to the heavens above. “I can’t bear to lose anyone else,” I confessed, the fear gripping my heart. “Please, if you’re truly there for me, protect my daughter, Janice, from all harm. I don’t care what happens to me, but I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to her.” A sob escaped my lips as I poured out my heart into the unseen presence I hoped was listening. “Keep her safe,” I pleaded, my voice choked with emotion. “Please, don’t let her suffer like we have.” Closing my eyes, I let the weight of my prayer linger in the air. And then I heard footsteps getting close. “Miss?” This voice caused me to open my eyes, and a nurse stood near me.
