Words have failed me

My prayers are unique and mine, those for the dying and for survivors of the dead are a bit preplanned now - at least well prepped and I have a decent idea of what I want to say and how to. Especially if I'm dropped in a situation and someone wants me to whip one out. However, I just returned from a call up to the PICU for a small baby who will in all likelihood be dead by morning. The mother and father wanting one last chaplain to come and give one last prayer. I've never felt so inept in my life. I couldn't speak to them as they did not know english, but wanted prayer. The nurse delivered one who could translate, much to my relief. Stupid me I offered one after they left - which I would have felt comfortable with, but they wanted to stick around. What do I say in such times? Perhaps that would have been the best. "Lord what can I say? You alone know what is needed most for this precious child. You alone know her needs, and while we grieve her loss, we hold to your promise that this little baby will see her parents just as they will see her once again..." That alone would have been a thousand times more eloquant than what I managed.

I suppose at least I wasn't anxious, or ready to bolt out of the room. And I'm sure they weren't quite aware of how clunky I thought it was - even if they were, I'm certain it would be the last thing on their mind. The lack of words is insignificant, like I said, I've felt powerless - inept is such a good word. A true one at that.

At least the nurse and I bonded a bit.

"I don't envy your job at all" I say to her as we part ways.

She smiles, "I dont envy yours either."