Sister Dora

Two Sundays ago I visited the King's Hope hospice center and met a beautiful and rambunctious old woman named Sister Dora. Laying in her bed, she started joking with me as soon as I came into the female ward on my visit, claiming that I was pretty lucky to find her there while she was still single because as soon as she gets out she will have too many suitors to have time for me. Needless to say, I was quickly attached to this funny old lady. Her strength in spite of HIV/AIDS drew me in and before I left that day we shared a long, sturdy hug.

I went back to visit her again this past Sunday and found her in a much different disposition. Racked with pain, she forced herself to sit up and give me a hug as we talked and prayed. She didn't have the energy for a long visit and I promised to come see her again before I left for the States on Tuesday. She reminded me what a good catch she is and we laughed and said goodbye.

Monday afternoon I bumped into the executive director of the hospice and she informed me that Sister Dora had passed away earlier that day. The sad thing is that this story is as unremarkable as it is personal. These stories are shared by everyone in South Africa. I'm glad to have known Sister Dora and look forward to hugging her again.