by Margaret Flynn, Frat Max Member
“Here in Texas I am touched by so many people everyday. My patients at the hospital share their lives and fears with me, my coworkers in the army share their frustrations and their loneliness that comes with being in the military, and my church community shares with me the joys of our faith.
I would like to tell you about my friend from church, Maria. Maria’s husband, Joe, is in the military and is now completely disabled after returning from a deployment. This summer he was admitted to the hospital where I work for two weeks. It was a strange collision of my personal life and my life as a nurse, but our friendship deepened as a result. I was able to share Maria’s pain during my visits and pray with her went she felt completely vulnerable. She never complained or asked for pity. I admire her faith and unfailing trust in God. When Joe was discharged, she told me that she always wanted a sister, and is si glad that God has given her one- me. She is watching her husband slowly lose his mind and the control of his body, and yet she still has so much love and joy to share with others. She has touched my heart.
Maria and Joe have reminded me of what it means to live out the simple charism of Heart’s Home. They reminded me of my commitment to the Frat Max and that we must always seek to live with compassion and love.”