A Layne Post
Maninha has a 3 year old little girl named Tanya. Tanya is talking more and more and loved chatting with her Mom on the phone. Maninha had been away from home (here at the hospital) for six months and was growing weary from being away from her family. She always loved seeing Anaya and watching her play, probably imagining her own little girl and the changes happening in her absence.
Her last round of Chemo took it’s toll. Arriving at the hospital, I turned the corner into her room, and there she lay. She didn’t need to say anything; I could see it, she was sick. The sweat was beading on her forehead. “Mae de Anaya, estou mal.” (Mom of Anaya, I am bad.) I assure her I can see that, grab her hand and begin praying for relief from her pounding headache and fever.
The treatment ended, and she was weak. Without the will to eat, she became quite fragile. She concluded she didn’t have the energy to fight anymore and decided to go home. This process takes a couple of days, arranging transport and whatnot. She was unable to sleep, becoming somewhat delirious. During her last days in the hospital she just wanted to be held. She reminded me much of a little child, wanting to be cradled, not wanting to be alone. Scared. Scared of what was coming. She would whine through tears how she would never see Jon, Anaya, and me again. I assured her, with her head resting on my chest, that we would remember her, that we would pray for her, that we love her.
She is home now. Would you pray with us? Would you pray for Maninha during the days to come? Would you pray for Tanya during the little time she has with her mom, and for coming years without her?
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Yes, I will pray, we @ QTM will pray for Maninha….. I thank God she is able to see her family. Thank you Layne for responding to the Holy Spirit and holding this precious child for God :) and continuing to hold her in your heart and prayers. Love you.
Praying my friend to the Father who has a special place in his heart for little girls. Even when they are grown.
I heard a lyric from a song on the radio recently. It went something like, “there is purpose in our pain because of our Redeemer.” I will pray for Maninha… that maybe God would allow her to see some of His purpose and give her peace.
He holds our tears in a bowl before His throne and so with tears we pray for Maninha and Tanya and ask our Father to have mercy and give them assurance of His love and precious care – for His healing grace and peace – touch them Lord.
Though I did not meet Maninha … I think the other dear sisters here in the hospital in Maputo, … I know from the looks on some of their faces that they have similar thoughts. Longing for their families, for their children. Fear of the possibility of never seeing them again. Combined with the suffering they endure while going through chemotherapy … alone.
I am so glad they have someone who comes to love them, to touch their faces, to say:
“I see you. I know you are here. I care.
Can you see?
Can you see that God sees you, knows your name, knows where you are, and that He cares? You are not alone.”
one comment from a love one to you’ll, was right on target: I see you. I know you are here. I care. The love you and Jon give to the hospital very special Aunt Joan & Uncle Don
of course!
Lord – We lift up Maninha and Tanya and all her family to You- make yourself known to them. Comfort them as only You can..Your Grace and Mercy on their lives Lord..