The book is Mark Salzman’s “Lying Awake”
Not knowing what to say during a four-
hour chemo infusion, I decided I would read
to Mom, like she once read to me. But
what? She only read Christian Inspiration,
and I was feeling neither, except for this slim story
about a Carmelite nun who almost loses her faith
when forced to choose between God and healing.
I bought the book, but didn’t put Mom’s name in it.
It would be mine soon enough.
She finished chemo, well again.
I left the book with her
its final chapter unread.
