ST. MARY'S PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP
  • About US
    • Saint Padre Pio
    • From San Giovanni Rotondo >
      • Viale Capuccini 172
    • The Team
    • Contact us
  • Prayer Meetings
    • Presenters
    • Upcoming Prayer Meeting
    • Past Prayer Meetings
    • Gallery
  • Prayers
    • Prayer Intentions
    • Prayer Request
    • Padre Pio's Prayers
    • Padre Pio's Quotes
  • BLOGS
    • Fr. David's Blog
    • PPPG Bloggers

PPPG Bloggers

the first visit full of grace

12/1/2020

8 Comments

 
My dog Lulu is a certified Therapy Dog, and she is assigned to do pet therapy at a local hospital. She has the best job on Earth visiting anyone of us who want the therapeutic moment from her. Working or being in the hospitals could be stressful, or especially when our loved ones are being treated. This is where therapy dogs can help us release the stress, lower our blood pressure, and help us cope with the day.
​
The first time my dog Lulu and I started our visitation, I discovered the most rewarding experience that I would remember for the rest of my life. Lulu and I were walking passed the Intensive Care Unit waiting area, some people reacted and patted Lulu, it was nothing out of the ordinary. We were about to move on when this older lady ran up to us and asked Lulu to visit her husband who was in the ICU. In her right hand she was holding a paper cup, probably a coffee or tea to energize her while in the hospital attending to her husband. She said: “You must visit my husband; my husband loves dogs.” We were not supposed to be in the ICU area, so this lady must obtain permission from the doctor if dog visitation was allowed. 
A Padre Pio Prayer Group (PPPG) Blog
This photo belongs to Ms. B. Liew and she gave us full permission to publish this photo, Lulu at 'Work".
So, the lady went inside while Lulu and I waited, soon after permission was granted, she led us to her husband’s ward, and I saw this gentleman in his 80s. He was thin and fragile, attached to many tubes from various machines, with small and big monitors around him. I felt sad, he reminded me of my dad when he was sick battling pancreatic cancer.

The moment she stepped into her husband’s room, I heard the lady said to her husband: “I have a surprise for you,” pointing to me and Lulu. The moment he saw Lulu, his eyes sparkled so brightly, and he smiled. He could not talk, but he kept smiling. I remembered vividly it was such a big smile, his right hand was reaching out to Lulu, giving me the signal that he wanted us to approach. I let Lulu walk closer to his bed, close enough so that he could pat her. His eyes were fixated on Lulu with that special smile. It was such a short visit, only a few minutes, then we had to leave. I simply thanked them for having us, and slowly guided Lulu out of the room. I turned back one last time and saw him looking at us with his bright eyes and wonderful smile. I smiled back and quietly walked out…

I would never forget those eyes and his smile, which we may or may not see on our next visit. He could be discharged and hence recovering at home or he could have been passed away. I did not ask for a name, but I would remember the smile. I pray that he would be okay, that if this was his time, may he have a happy blessed death, surrounded with loved ones and Jesus and Mary.

What a precious moment having the opportunity to bring joy and brighten a perfect stranger’s day.  I am so proud of my dog Lulu, who is so patient walking with me from room to room, moving from one floor to another, listening to our conversations and always never failed to bring out a smile from everyone who saw her.

Jesus said: “…I was sick, and you visited me…” (Matthew 25:36). I wanted so much to visit the sick, but I never imagined that in the end it was me who has been lifted up by Jesus granting me His joy and peace. I would like to end with what Mother Teresa taught the missionaries to “keep the joy of loving the poor and share this joy with all that you meet. Remember works of love are works of peace”. Very true indeed.

That night, I slept soundly with a big smile and my heart full of joy. I was walking in the path of the Holy Spirit that day, the fruit was so real – joy and peace!

May this Christmas you experience His joy and peace! Merry Christmas everyone, what a blessing you are to me!

​Lucy Rodjito
8 Comments
David Bellusci link
12/7/2020 12:21:45 am

Touching story of how Lulu brings joy to patients -- and comfort. Great team work.

Reply
Lucy
12/11/2020 08:44:34 am

Thank you Fr. David. God bless you!

Reply
Joyce Guwandi
12/8/2020 01:49:55 am

Great sharing! Joy & blessing be with you both!

Reply
Lucy
12/11/2020 08:45:46 am

Thank you Joyce, may Saint Pio bless you!

Reply
Lili winata
12/8/2020 07:09:57 am

Very touching story, you are sent by God to make people smile... very proud of lulu n you...

Reply
Lucy
12/11/2020 08:46:30 am

Thank you Lili for taking the time to read the story, may Saint Pio bless you!

Reply
Gail Arlin
12/10/2020 10:40:56 am

I loved your story! You and Lulu are truly walking in the footsteps of Jesus as you bring a smile and joy to the sick and suffering. You also emanate Mother Teresa's words. May you and Lulu be blessed to continue to do the work of Jesus in hospitals, nursing and care homes as soon as is possible.

Reply
Lucy
12/11/2020 08:47:05 am

Thank you Gail for your kind words, may Saint Pio bless you!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Authors

    PPPG Bloggers the faithful members of St. Mary's Padre Pio Prayer Group

    list by titles

    Blessings from PPPG
    God's Providence
    Path of Suffering
    Stay with Me, Lord
    Your Story is God's Story
    ​Solo Dios Basta
    ​Suffering
    ​The Journey Home from Rome

    Generosity is Love in Action
    ​
    The Thankful Leper
    ​Me and PPPG
    ​
    When the going gets tough
    ​June 16, 2002
    ​
    Message from Archbishop Miller
    ​Call for Holiness-Part 1
    ​Call for Holiness-Part 2
    ​
    What I learn from COVID19
    ​
    When Love is Truth
    ​
    The Beautiful hands of a Priest
    ​The Ceremony of the Rosary
    ​
    Grace abounds all the more
    ​The first visit full of grace
    ​Bringing Out the Best in Others
    Seeking Discernment


    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019

    LIKE US

    on FACEBOOK

    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Blessed Mother
    Blessings
    Canonization
    Catholic Poem
    Consecration
    Divine Providence
    Feast
    Generosity
    Gratitude
    Holiness
    Holy Communion
    Padre Pio's Prayers
    Pandemic
    Relic
    Rosary
    Sainthood
    Silent Prayer
    St. Terese Of Ávila
    Suffering
    Testimony
    Volunteering

    RSS Feed

about us
upcoming prayer meeting
keynote presenters
contact
© St. Mary's Padre Pio Prayer Group
  • About US
    • Saint Padre Pio
    • From San Giovanni Rotondo >
      • Viale Capuccini 172
    • The Team
    • Contact us
  • Prayer Meetings
    • Presenters
    • Upcoming Prayer Meeting
    • Past Prayer Meetings
    • Gallery
  • Prayers
    • Prayer Intentions
    • Prayer Request
    • Padre Pio's Prayers
    • Padre Pio's Quotes
  • BLOGS
    • Fr. David's Blog
    • PPPG Bloggers