We Should Take a Walk Someday "Our Lord's Corner" (May Edition)

     

         The first time I visited Miranda, the sun began to set low in the late afternoon over Schwamm (the meadowland of the Gilbertsville/New Hanover area). It had cast a shadow from behind the house, leaving me in the cool shade as I got out of my car. I wasn’t there to visit her.

          I had heard from my wife, Michele, that Miranda’s mother, a former student of Michele's, had some supplies that could be used at the nursing school from which she had just graduated. The supplies were no longer reusable from the standpoint of patients, but would help to supplement a lab.

          I was so drawn to Miranda Ram Nolte's story (she had been fighting cancer for the past six years), that I had forgotten about the supplies stacked neatly on the front porch. I had brought with me my two novels and thought maybe she would like an easy read.

          Once I got through to everyone who came to the front door who the stranger was, I was let in and was escorted to the second floor and Miranda’s room where her aunt was reading to her.

          Miranda, sitting on her side and under covers greeted me with a smile. I looked at the young girl with no hair and was drawn to her eyes. I believe that they are the windows to ones soul.

          I was nervous, as I introduced myself. I asked if she liked to read and she said, "Yes." I told her about my two books and told her that I would sign them. My older fingers shook as I tried hard to steady myself and put words to the front inside pages of the books. As I looked at her again, I found something very spiritually special about her.

          I was drawn to innocence, where I feel that these young people should not have to go through what they do, as I was reminded of another young girl in Florida who also finds herself in hospice care.

          I was drawn to the strength of this young girl who could still smile. I was drawn to something very magical that said, "know me".

          I was drawn to her talent. Beyond Tae Kwon Do, she can sing and she can write. I learned that she had completed her memoirs, and I wanted to know more about them. Knowing very little, I was convinced that they had to be special and I told her they could be published.

          When I got home I was drawn; God laid a path and I began to follow. I found two videos by her. In one, she was singing, beautifully I might add. The other was on faith, her faith. I immediately knew what she was speaking about. It was her perfect peace with our savior.

          A short time later, I received her memoirs, attached to messages on Facebook. As soon as I opened them, I recopied and began making a book. It was time consuming but flowed easily.

          On April 12th, I went for a visit. I spent somewhere just shy of an hour with her. I showed her the cover, which both surprised and thrilled her. We talked about pictures for her bio for the back of the book and additional chapters that I was going to need.

          When I was finished, I didn’t want to leave. As I Stood she pulled her hand out from under the covers. I reached out and took hold of it just for a moment. I felt her warmth.

          How strong we are physically, mentally, spiritually as humans. Miranda teaches us that, in the simplicity of faith, we can overcome- maybe not overcome death of the physical self- but we can overcome death of the spiritual self.

          In the Gospel, according to John, Jesus said to Martha, ²⁵ “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, ²⁶ and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

          I ask you, do you believe this? What will you do? What have you done in your faith when told you will return home? ...That you will leave your temporary home and leave those you love behind?

          Miranda both teaches and reminds us very simply that, once you let go and let God, that there is absolute peace and tranquility.

          She teaches us as she sang that life is a journey, not a destination, that, yes, we can have peace in the face of both the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death and everything in between.

          Miranda smiles! She smiles and has joy! It is amazing what life in the eyes and a smile can teach us, remind us. I am joined with her in knowing this joy that comes from a simple faith. Now I ask you, do you believe this? 

Editor's Note: Miranda's book, We Should Take a Walk Someday, is expected to be released at the end of the month. We will follow up, in our June edition, with details about where to purchase it.