Wangerin:
I'll Give You the Gettin'

Walt Wangerin, Lutheran pastor and storyteller, in his inimitable style, tells the story of a couple dealing with cancer and how the wife dealt with her anger over his illness.

Story Synopsis

The story is of Elijah, a much-loved African American school principal, and his wife Mary, an equally strong and independent third grade school teacher. We meet Elijah in his role as a school principal, telling a student that he can't give her what she wants, but "I can give her the gettin'."

When Elijah undergoes surgery, he is told he has cancer and only a short time to live. As he wastes with surprising speed, he tells Pastor Walt, "You and I know what [my wife] needs. I can't give her what she needs, but I can give her the gettin'. Pray for her." So Walt prays the Lord's Prayer, one step which leads toward the beginning stages of acceptance, forgiveness, and resolution.

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