I spent two days last week sitting in the hospital, hoping and praying that my teenaged son would be released soon. As much as I dislike experiencing pain, I find it even more difficult to watch a loved one suffer. Pain equalizes people. Whether we are great or insignificant, rich or poor, we have to stop and acknowledge pain. Pain halts everything; seemingly important events and duties fade into insignificance in its wake.

I hope I don't spend time in the hospital again any time soon. I am SO appreciative of my coworkers who enabled me to take time from work to deal with my son's pain. I am confident that even when pain works its overwhelming way into my life, there will be an opportunity to move on afterward. That is hope, and hope gives me the strength to go on.