I’ve mentioned before that my husband is a country doctor. This week I went with him to an emergency call at the home of our neighbor and friend. It did not end well. Our little town was heroic and loving in its response to the tragedy. After all that could be done had been done, we stood around and just looked at one another.

We were an interesting lot. Some people were still in the pajamas they had on when they jumped out of bed at the sound of sirens. Others were dressed in shirt and tie on their way to an early class. I think I was wearing my work-out clothes, though I barely remember.

As we finally made a move toward the front door, one young man reached out and said, “Could I carry something for you?”

The comment pierced through my surreal fog. I realized I was clutching a forty-pound emergency kit in my hand. “Yes,” I said, “That would be wonderful.”

I’ve been hearing Tom’s words over and over since then. Could I carry something for you?

It is what we were all asking as we stood around the living room that morning. We just hadn’t found the words until Tom spoke them.