Nurturing Our Soul

She's My Sister!

Lay Chaplain Assistant Esther Ramos

Making White Memorial a family of caring people is a joint venture for all, including volunteers. The Chaplaincy Department’s volunteers are called Lay Chaplain Assistants who, after receiving training, carry on the ministry of compassion throughout the hospital.

One day I was asked to visit a patient. I went to the room and found a very sick patient and his dear wife by his side. The ill man could not speak due to his condition. The wife, with concern showing in her face, mentioned that they did not have family or relatives in the area since the passing of their 18 year-old son a few years back. The realization of her husband’s critical condition, along with the silence it induced, had filled her with a deep loneliness. After a few minutes, my visit ended with prayer and I asked her if she would like to have a Lay Chaplain Assistant visit them. She agreed.

It was Esther Ramos, one of our Lay Chaplains, that went to minister to them. She began by simply being present, lending a listening ear, and speaking some appropriate words of compassion and prayer.

Esther’s heart went out to this Asian couple and she went to visit them everyday. Over time, Esther got to know them well. She showed interest in their lives. This is even more meaningful considering the fact that neither of the women spoke English very well.

The following week I had the opportunity to visit with the couple again. The wife smiled as she greeted me, and I could immediately sense that something was different. As our conversation began, she tried to convey her appreciation for introducing her to Esther. I could tell she wanted to say much more, but her limited English would not allow her to express what was in her heart. Finally, succumbing to her emotion, she exclaimed “Esther is my sister!”

At that moment, I realized how much things had changed since the first time I saw her. A week ago she was grieving the imminent loss of her only relative. Now, she had found a sister in Esther – someone she could hold on to and trust at this difficult time. She went from not having a family to finding a sister right here in the hospital.

Esther stayed by her new friend’s side throughout her husband’s care. When he eventually passed away, it was Esther who was there holding her hand. It’s no wonder that their sisterly bond has become so strong.

I rejoice in the fact that because of Esther, our Lay Chaplain Assistant, there is one less lonely person in the world!

By Chaplain Julio Nava