Setting: late afternoon, husband and wife returning from Dr. appt.
Trish: (wife of sick Tim) Tim, I am sorry to hear that the cancer has spread. We thought you were getting better, and now we find out more bad news.
Tim: I am as surprised as you are. I trusted Dr. Williams until now, but this news makes me wonder if he knows what is going on. And when he gave us names of some hospice groups, I just came unglued.
Trish: You and me both! That was a real slap in the face. We’ve had setbacks before, but this one really sounds ominous.
(daughter Sara returning home from work)
Sara: Hi, parental units! Work was more boring than usual, so I really need some coffee to wake up. What’s with all the long faces?
Trish: We just got another unfavorable diagnosis from Dr. Williams. It seems the cancer has metastasized.
(son Aaron returning home from ball practice)
Aaron: Ugh – I don’t know why I practice in this Texas heat. Just the games are hot enough, but these practices are brutal.
Trish: I know we invited you both for a meal here tonight, but I don’t feel up to cooking. Sara, could you go get some take out?
Sara: Sure, Mom. We all like stuff from Mia Rosa, so I will go get that. Aaron: Gosh, Mom, you always cook up a storm. Somethin’ got you down?
Trish: Yeah, you could say that. Your dad’s cancer has spread.
Aaron: O no, Mom, that can’t be true. He is doing so well.
(moves away from Mom)
Sara (coming back with food in hand) : Well I can’t bring healing, but I can bring food!
Trish: I’m feeling rather needy now, with Dad getting sicker.
Sara: That’s a real bummer. You all have been so wonderful together, and it’s no fun when one of you is sick.
Trish: The doctor even mentioned hospice, and that part is really scary.
Questions:
Are Trish and Tim facing the issues, or dodging them?
Are the kids being helpful or harmful?
What is the triage level? (1=life at risk; 2=property damage; 3=just concern)
What do you think Jesus would say to Trish and Tim? To the kids?