CPE II

Today was a really good day for me at the hospital. I'm starting to settle in and feel comfortable on the units I'm working. I'm getting to know the nurses and medical assistants and people are expecting to see me around there regularly. Taking ownership of the units I'm in charge of and feeling at home in the nurses' station helps give me the confidence I need to visit patients with the authority I have been given as a chaplain. I went to my oncologist this morning, who happens to be located across the street from St. Joseph's Hospital, and my doctor affirmed that I have one more set of CT scans to do this year, and then I'll be approaching the five-year mark from when I had chemotherapy. After these scans, if they come back clear, I will be officially diagnosed as "cured of cancer!" This means that I will go in for check-ups once a year and I will never have to take another CT scan related to this illness!! The doctor's visit this morning was a great reminder of my journey through cancer that gave me a deeper connection with the patients I ministered to today. I was even given the opportunity to share a bit of my story with a couple patients and I noticed how quickly they were willing to share their emotional and spiritual struggles with me knowing that I've been on that side of the medical world. One patient I ministered to today was going through prostate cancer. It was difficult to break the ice with him and his wife and when I mentioned that I can relate to the anxiety they feel as they await the results of the test screens because I too, have been there, the walls came down quickly. I was able listen to him for about an hour and he invited me to pray for him. I also spent a good deal of time today in the pediatric renal unit. There is a nurse there who I could tell from day one that there was some unique passion that she brought to her job, and a deep compassion and love for the children she cares for. She heard me tell my story to one of the kids and then later told me that she, too, is a cancer-survivor. She is 26 years old and five years ago she had brain cancer and went through surgery, chemo and radiation. It was that experience that led her into the career path that she has taken. I spent time with some of the children and teenagers in that unit and I am so inspired by their courage and bravery. Today we celebrated the graduation of eight of the kids, some from elementary school, some junior high, and a few high school grads. Having to go through dialysis three times per week for three hours at a time, take on an incredibly strict diet, and give up sports and any water activities, and still be able to graduate from school is such a huge accomplishment. I hardly know these people and my heart breaks for them, not with pity, but compassion and even a sense of pride. I am finding that ministering to the sick is a deeply profound ministry. The first couple of days my fears led me to avoid patients at times, and now, already in week two, I find myself rushing to visit them. I get a lot of out of ministering to them, which I don't think is a bad thing, and I also believe that my role this summer is very important. Instead of a box to check as a completion of an ordination requirement, I now see my internship as a calling for a season, and that feels really good. As Mother Teresa said, "I see in them the face of Jesus, and would I not stoop to pick up my Lord?"

Comments

[jani]

Chris,

As I read your blog this evening I was reminded of your interview with PCOM. If I remember the story correctly, they asked you if there was anything they could pray with you about. Your reply was this. Pray that I would have compassion for sick people. I very short time later you had cancer. God brought you throught it (PRAISE GOD} and now look where He has you. It's come full circle. It's so hard for us to relate to people who's shoes we've never walked in. As in your case you've been there. You can say with all honesty that you know how it feels and then share the tools of what helped you in your journey. It all so awesome to see how God is so walking before you in all things. Chris I'm so proud of you and thank God for bringing you into not just Devon's life, but all of ours. Love you much. JANI

[Chris Pritchett]

Thank you, Jani. Kind words are well-received! I'm grateful for God bringing Devon and all of you into my life, too. She's definitely my better-half, and much thanks to you for that!

[Andy Phillipe]

Dang Chris! That brought tears to my eyes. It's awesome to see how God is using you for his plan. I loved hearing how fearful you were and avoided some patients at first, but now you have a hunger/passion to visit and minister to them! Take that satan!What a testimony, if we deny ourselves/fears and let God do his thing, nothing is impossible! I'm so fired up right now. Thanks Chris, you inspire me!

Andy

[Chris Pritchett]

Thanks, Andy! Let me caveat that by saying that I still get fearful. I still have a lot of learning to do and some days are easier than others. But we keep pressing on in search of what God might teach us today.