A Severe Mercy: A Story of Faith, Tragedy and Triumph

On a Monday morning, Van walks down the hospital hallway toward Davy’s room to deliver the news. Before speaking with Davy, Van had written to all their friends worldwide, asking for their prayers, and then drove to their local parish Church (St. Stephen’s) to kneel in prayer before the altar. In prayer, Van offers his own will and life: “I offer it up, oh Christ, for her, for her best good, death or life” (158). Later that morning, he arrives at the hospital, sits down with Davy, and relates everything the doctor told him. Davy takes the news well, and they resolve to have hope, both in God and in the care of the doctors.

After some time, she is able to return to Mole End, and Van makes up the large bed for her in the living room, where she rests continuously and still maintains some semblance of normal life, especially to receive visitors. Once September arrives, however, Davy returns to the hospital, never to return home. While in the hospital, their old friend Dom Julian sends a gift to them, an old wooden crucifix they hold very dear. Davy proves to be stronger than expected and follows the doctor’s orders to the letter, though she spends a lot of time visiting with the other patients at the hospital, talking with them, and offering words of comfort.