Thought for the Week

This ‘Thought’ is unashamedly for a very special person.

I know that throughout our community people are praying for Catriona Hood.

Catriona became seriously ill just over a week ago, and as I write this, her life hangs in the balance.

We have sat daily by her bedside in intensive care at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and watched through the tears as Catriona has struggled with so many problems.

Unable to speak because of tubes and wires everywhere, Catriona communicates with that wonderful smile.

Despite the difficulties as she struggles, Catriona remains her usual gentle self.

Prayers surround her from all who love her and as we relay the names, she smiles that lovely smile.

The waiting time is surreal and our hearts go out to her sister and family as they wait and watch and weep too.

The care is wonderful as nurses give us comfort and we feel our dear friend is in safe hands.

Yet where is Catriona in this world of uncertainty? Her faith is strong and resolute even in the shadows.

It is strange to come from the beauty and peace of Argyll to the madness of the city with all its busyness.

Of course there is care and concern there too, but there is something special about a small community ‘coorying’ in together for one of their own.

I hope and pray that as you read this, Catriona has turned the corner on that bumpy road to recovery. There are not many people who make such an impact in their life and their love for others as Catriona does.

She touches everyone she meets in a very special way and leaves a memory to treasure.

May God bless us by restoring our friend to health.

We are greatly blessed in our little communities as we feel our identity and know that we matter to God and to each other.