Garrett rushed to Shannon’s room as soon as he got word his wife was awake. Thankfully, his boss was sympathetic to the situation and allowed him some leeway. His other patients were resting comfortably, and Shannon was all that mattered right now. She’d been unconscious for three days.

             He approached her bed quietly, as he had so many times over the last 72 hours. This time was different, though. This time she stirred and blinked up at him. He moved toward her and took her hand in his.

            “Shannon, honey, how are you feeling?”

            Shannon focused her eyes on him. “I could use a little water.”
            “Of course. You must be thirsty. Here. Let me help you sit up.” Garrett raised the head of her bed, filled a cup with water and held the straw to her mouth. She took a tentative sip and laid her head back against her pillow.

            “I’ve never had a male nurse before,” Shannon said, then scrunched up her forehead. “Actually, I don’t know if that’s true. Maybe I did. I don’t really remember.”
            Panic rose in Garrett’s chest. “Don’t you recognize me? It’s me, Garrett.”
            Shannon shook her head, then winced. “I’m sorry. I’m feeling a little fuzzy. I don’t remember much of anything. If you’ve been taking care of me here, I apologize for not remembering you. What happened to me?”

            “You were in a car accident. You’ve been unconscious for three days.”

            Cindy, one of Garrett’s closest nurse friends, entered the room. “Oh Shannon, I’m so glad you’re awake. We’ve all been praying for you, especially Garrett.”

            “Such a nice staff here,” Shannon said. “I don’t really remember much. She turned toward Cindy. Can you tell me about me before the accident? Do I have family here waiting for me? A boyfriend, a husband?”

             Cindy’s gaze flew to Garrett’s, panic in her eyes. Garrett answered for her, his voice cracking. “You have a husband who loves you very much.”

             Cindy’s eyes filled with tears. “He’s been at the hospital non-stop since the accident waiting for you to wake up.”

             Shannon’s eyes were wide. “I don’t remember him. I don’t remember anything. I don’t want to hurt him. Can you tell people I can’t have visitors? I don’t want to have to pretend to know people I don’t remember.”

             Garrett patted her hand. “I’ll tell him. If you don’t mind, I’ll stay with you and help you try to remember. Maybe I could give you messages from the people who care about you. Would that be ok?”

             “Sure.” Shannon smiled. “For some reason, I feel like I can trust you.” She yawned.
            “Why don’t you go ahead and get some rest?” Garrett said. “I’ll be back to check on you later.”

            Garrett and Cindy moved out into the hallway and spoke in hushed tones.

           “What are you going to do?” Cindy asked.

            “I’m going to stay here and take care of her like any other patient,” Garrett said, “and pray she’ll remember me.”

            “But what if she doesn’t?” Cindy asked.

            “Then at least I’ll be with her.”

                                                                                                      ****

            “Garrett?” Shannon asked.

            “Yes?”
            “There’s something I don’t understand.”

            “What is it?”

            “You were my nurse while I was in the hospital.” 

            “Yes, that’s true…”
            “But now I’m in a rehab center, and you’re still my nurse. How is that possible?”

             “The rehab center is associated with the hospital,” Garrett said. “I transferred.”

             Shannon sighed. “I’m so glad.”

             A glimmer of hope flickered in Garrett’s heart. “You are?”
            Shannon smiled at him. “I am. For some reason, I’m so comfortable with you. Maybe it’s because you keep reading letters to me about my past, but you’re the only person I really trust right now.”

            “You might trust more people if you let your friends and family come and visit,” Garrett said.

            “I know, but somehow it’s easier having you read me their messages. It’s funny. We’ve only met a few weeks ago, but I feel like I’ve known you my entire life.” A shadow crossed Shannon’s face.

            “What is it?” Garrett asked.

             “You’re here so much,” Shannon said. “Surely I don’t need that much nursing care. My wounds are healing and the physical therapists are doing most of my care now. Why do you spend so much time with me?”

             Garrett squirmed in his seat. “You’re a special patient.”

             A tear rolled down Shannon’s cheek. Garrett moved closer and took her hand. “What is it? Why are you crying?”

            “I’m married, Garrett. You shouldn’t be this good to me. You’ve listened to me, you’ve let me cry on your shoulder, you’ve prayed with me. And all this time, I haven’t allowed my own husband to come here and visit me. He does write the most beautiful letters, but when I hear you read them, I imagine the words are coming from you. Garrett, you can’t visit me anymore.”
            A knife sliced through Garrett’s chest. “What are you saying, Shannon?”

            “I can’t see you anymore, because I’m falling in love with you. I have to face my normal life again. I’ll be out of the rehab center in a few days and I have to go home to my husband, and all I want to do is stay here with you. It’s not right.” The tears fell hard and fast. “I’m a horrible person.”

            Garrett blotted Shannon’s tears with a tissue. “Shannon, you’re going home with me. You may not remember the past, but I’m your husband. I’m so grateful to God for allowing you to fall in love with me for a second time. I’ll never give up on you, no matter what you remember.”

1 Corinthians 13 4:7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Lord God, You love us with an everlasting love. You loved us so much You laid down Your life for us. Please help us to learn from Your example and love others the way You love us. Thank you for the many blessings You’ve given to us. Even when life’s circumstances are difficult and when people around us are difficult, please help us continue to love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.