Susan LaffertyShe lost her faith, she says. I read the interview and pause on the photograph.
Her eyes are sad. Haunting.
Throughout the day her heart cry crosses my mind and I pray for her. For others like her giving up on faith. Walking out on worship.
Empty. Doubting.
“Is your arm hurting?” she asks. Yes. The broken bone near my shoulder is healing. Slowly.
It’s 2015 and Manga is prepping me for physical therapy at a hospital in Malaysia. “Be happy!” she says. “Think positive thoughts. Then you will not be hurting.”
I smile. She’s friendly. Gregarious. Her speech and ways and dress make me feel at home.
South Asian home.
Several years ago we attend a conference at the beach. In Thailand. One morning I’m out for a walk as the sun rises.
I stop and gaze at the ocean. The waves roll gently. In and out. Steady.
I’m in the middle of fog and forgetfulness. A strange season of life. Change. Reminders that I’m aging.
Inside and out, I don’t feel like myself.