by Bernardo R., on mission in Uruguay
Jessica had her eyes fixed on the birthday card we had prepared for her for at least twenty seconds. She turned nineteen, and for the past four years has been battling with brain tumors. As she lifted her gaze I saw a small tear forming in her left eye, before she brokenly said ‘gracias’ and leaned over to us to give us a hug. She went on to ask for help to put on the bracelet and necklace with a small Miraculous Medal we had brought along for her. While her mobility has decreased, her hearing has diminished, and her speech is impaired, what has remained the same has been the loving presence of her family. Each time I’ve been able to visit her, I’ve met another relative, a cousin or an uncle, who was stopping by to share a ‘mate’(South-American green-tea like drink) and a couple of laughs, seeking to help bring joy where there is sadness. Jessica’s father, Carlos, has mentioned to us that he often hears her being awake at night, restless, attacked by doubts, fear, and anxiety. He wonders, why her? Silence, there is no answer. Nothing to be said when confronted with this mystery. Only prayer, that through Jessica’s daily trials, she may remember that close to her in these moments is the Virgin Mary standing next to her, at the foot of the cross.