Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Repeat (01/24/13)
-
TITLE: Shiney Jo | Previous Challenge Entry
By Cheryl Harrison
01/31/13 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
"Your child may die before the age of six," said one specialist.
"There is no cure," said another.
Later, I repeated the doctors' words over and over to myself, desperately trying to make sense of it all. Overwhelming feelings of fear and worry threatened to overtake me, but I fought them off. I decided to continue with my pregnancy no matter what happened.
*******
The church bells chimed nine times the moment Shiney Jo was born. I know, because I counted.
My beautiful little girl entered the world with a flourish, sporting her father's red hair and freckled face. As predicted, she was tiny but she had all her fingers and toes. My heart soared when the nurse gently placed her in my arms. I kissed her cheek and whispered, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."
"Shiney Jo?" the nurse echoed. "Now that's an interesting name. Where does it come from?"
"Shiney because she brightens my day and Jo because it was her father's name." I gazed at my daughter's beautiful face, marveling at how much she resembled her father. A bitter-sweet feeling washed over me as painful memories of my husband's death resurfaced. He died two weeks before I learned I was pregnant, but this was not the time to dwell on sad things. I settled back into my pillows and pressed Shiney Jo's cheek to mine. The bitter-sweet feeling began to fade away and joy remained in its place.
*******
The church bells chimed eight times the moment Shiney Jo's school bus arrived. I know, because I counted.
I secured her backpack and checked for her lunch.
"Repeat after me," I said. "Today is the day the Lord has made..."
Shiney Jo wrinkled her freckled nose, "Today is the day the Lord has made..."
We giggled in unison and finished the verse together, "...I will rejoice and be glad in it."
I helped her climb the steps and watched as she found a seat on the bus. She pressed her nose against the window and waved with excitement. As the bus pulled away, I wondered what the doctors would say... now that Shiney Jo was on her way to kindergarten.
*******
The church bells chimed seven times the moment Shiney Jo graduated high school. I know, because I counted.
Moments before she walked across the stage, I adjusted her cap and straightened the academic achievement sashes around her neck. I pressed my cheek against hers and swallowed back proud mama tears.
"Repeat after me," I said. "Today is the day the Lord has made..."
Shiney Jo wrapped her arms around me and whispered in my ear, "Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!" She kissed my cheek and ran off to join the other graduates.
Once again, I wondered what the doctors would say... now that Shiney Jo had graduated high school.
*******
The church bells chimed six times the moment Shiney Jo said her wedding vows. I know, because I counted.
The long awaited day ushered in the same bitter-sweet feelings I experienced when Shiney Jo was born. I often wished her father could be there to see her grow up, and on this day I especially wished he could walk her down the aisle. I fought back the emotions welling up inside of me and busied myself with mother-of-the-bride duties. I buttoned Shiney Jo's gown and fastened the handmade veil upon her head. All mothers believe their daughters to be the most beautiful bride in the world and I was no exception.
At six o'clock sharp, the happy couple exchanged their vows; their happiness evident to all. Later, as the couple prepared to leave on their honeymoon, I drew Shiney Jo close and said, "Repeat after me..."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Mom, I love you so much!" She pressed her cheek against mine and repeated once more the scripture verse we shared every day, "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!" With that, she was gone.
As the limousine pulled away, I decided it didn't matter what the doctors would say if they knew Shiney Jo had lived longer than they expected. Because... this is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
A beautiful message at the closing. God bless~