In the Waiting Room

Summary: In this personal reflection, Chana Shapiro recalls an unexpected conversation in a doctor’s office waiting room. What begins as a routine appointment becomes a warm reminder that everyday spaces can still become places of connection, kindness, and shared humanity.

A Waiting Room Without Conversation

Chana Shapiro arrived half an hour early for a doctor’s appointment, prepared for a long wait with a challenging crossword puzzle. She had long since given up expecting conversation with strangers in waiting rooms, where most people now turn to their phones for work, social connection, and entertainment.

Looking around the room, she noticed that the other patients were absorbed in virtual communication. One woman appeared to be discussing a dinner party over the phone, while a couple nearby laughed together over something on a screen.

An Unexpected Opening

When one patient was called back, a couple entered with a little girl. The grandfather sat near Chana, the grandmother settled beside him, and the child climbed onto her grandfather’s lap. Unlike the others in the room, no one reached for a phone.

The grandfather noticed that Chana was also not using a phone. He smiled and introduced the child on his lap as his granddaughter. That simple comment opened the door to conversation.

Meeting Dara and Laila

The grandmother introduced the little girl as Dara, age three. She gave Dara a doll and a graham cracker from her tote bag, then introduced herself as Laila.

Chana put away her crossword puzzle and began asking about Dara. The conversation moved naturally from preschool to grandchildren, family routines, snacks, stories, and the small details that make ordinary life interesting.

The Gift of Talking to Strangers

As the conversation continued, Chana and Laila spoke about children and grandchildren while Dara played with her doll and looked through a picture book. The waiting room, which had first appeared quiet and disconnected, became a place of warmth and human connection.

When Chana was called in for her appointment, she passed Dara’s grandfather near the nurses’ station and told him she had enjoyed speaking with him and his wife. He replied that his wife loves meeting new people, and he does too, but that “nobody talks” anymore because everyone is looking down at their phones.

A Small Moment With a Larger Meaning

The essay’s power is in its simplicity. A doctor’s office waiting room becomes the setting for a gentle reminder: people still enjoy being seen, greeted, and spoken to. In a time when public spaces can feel increasingly disconnected, one small conversation can restore a sense of shared humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “In the Waiting Room” about?

“In the Waiting Room” is about an unexpected conversation between Chana Shapiro and a family she meets while waiting at a doctor’s office.

Who wrote the article?

The article was written by Chana Shapiro, a regular writer for the Atlanta Jewish Times and a Friend of the Urban Missiology International Board.

What is the main message of the article?

The article reminds readers that simple conversations with strangers can create warmth, connection, and joy in ordinary places.

Why does the article mention cell phones?

Cell phones are used as a contrast to face-to-face conversation. The article reflects on how often people in public spaces are physically present but socially disconnected.

Source: Chana Shapiro, “In the Waiting Room,” Atlanta Jewish Times.