Amazing

Clouds of white steam rose from the corner of the auditorium.
There was a small huddle of people around it.

I had risen to get some ice cream for dessert.
One bowl remained and I decided to leave it for the dozens of little kids playing on the stage.
They didn't seem aware this was the three-year anniversary meal of their grandpa's death.

"Thank you, Sisters, for coming," Mrs. Lan murmured as we entered the hospital room.
A profusion of wires and tubing was connected to Mr. Lan.
That wasn't the surprising part.

"The doctors were able to kill the cancer in his lungs. However, there was an infection and it is slowly eating up his tongue, and entering his brain," Danielle explained.
Danielle was a nurse, lived out-of-state, and had flown in to be with her father in his last moments. Mr. Lan's mouth was open and his tongue was filled with bumps and holes.

"Does he still understand?" Sr. Jacinta Ngân asked gently.
"Yes. He just can't talk," Mrs. Lan said sorrowfully. "He knows what is going on. He can hear us. They say that the virus that is in his mouth is causing him much pain."
She turns to her husband. "Honey, the Sisters are here. They are here to visit you. Remember when you use to come to their convent and fix their things? They're here to see you."
Mr. Lan gave a blink of his eyes.

The four of us said our greetings. His breathing changed as he tried to greet us back.
"Sisters, he's ready to go. The whole family has been here to see him before he lost his ability to talk. He had his chance to tell everyone what is on his heart. Now, he's just waiting to go. He's in so much pain!"

We remained silent as Mrs. Lan stroked her husband's hand. They had been married over 50 years. No one could say whose pain was deeper.
"Father Michael has been here three times already. He gave the Sacrament of the Sick, the Last Rites, each time because we thought his end was near," Mrs. Lan continued.

"Mr. Lan, how are you?"
His eyeballs gradually shifted to focus on me.
"Mr. Lan, it's me, Sr. Vân. I know you don't know me very well because I just moved here to Dallas a few years ago. I know you because the sisters show me the renovations you did to our convent." He blinked.

Sr. Jacinta Ngân and Mrs. Lan had a conversation in whispered tones at the other end of the room.

"Mr. Lan, you know your family has all seen you. You've seen them all. Father Michael has been here to give you the last Sacrament. You can go, Mr. Lan. If you want."
The other sisters gave an audible gasp as they heard my words.
Mrs. Lan did not move at all.
Danielle smiled sweetly.

"Mr. Lan, please don't think I'm being disrespectful. I know you are in a lot of pain. I know you lived a good life. I know you love your family and your family loves you. It is okay. You can go."

One of the sisters touched my elbow urgently.
I turned to face her frightened countenance.
"It's okay, Denise. I'm not doing anything immoral or inappropriate. I'm just telling him what he already knows."

Sr. Jacinta Ngân and Mrs. Lan resumed their conversation.
"Mr. Lan, you know what. Today is a Saturday. It's Our Lady's day. You've always loved Mary. Why don't you go back to God today? And Mary will be with you. You know it'll be okay because all your children has grown up, they've made something of their lives, and you know they don't want to see you in pain."

One of Mr. Lan's daughter and son-in-law (who stepped briefly out into the hall to make room for us) could not suppress a grin as they heard my voice floating in the air. Denise told me this later.

"Sisters, thank you for coming. I know you are always busy with the work of God. Would you please lead us in prayer?" Mrs. Lan remarked as she ended her conversation with Sr. Jacinta Ngân.

We prayed 12 Hail Marys and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
We saw a bead of tear form on Mr. Lan's right eye.

As we stepped into the convent, our phone rang.
"Sisters, thank you! Thank you! Mr. Lan passed away about five minutes after you left!"
Mrs. Lan herself called us.

Father Michael later teased us that if anyone needed a quick exit from this world, they only had to call the Trinh Vương sisters because he didn't have a good track record.

This was three years ago.
And as any devout traditional Vietnamese Catholic will tell you, a three-year anniversary Mass of the death and a huge meal is usual.

Over 100 relatives and friends were gathered.
The six-course meal was scrumptious.

Then, I saw the clouds of steam.
"It's ice cream Sister!" the man said with a chuckle. He was stirring a huge stainless steel pot with a long stainless steel spoon.
"Ice cream? What's that you're pouring into the pot?" I asked.
"Nitrogen." he gleefully answered.
"Nitrogen?"
"Yes! It quickly freezes the ingredients. Just wait a few minutes. This will be the best ice cream you've ever had!"

I wasn't the only one amazed.
And the ice cream was amazing.
Perhaps a fitting dessert in honor of a man who was not amazed that he will be going back to his Creator.

Photo credit: cynical-c.com Note: All names have been changed.