Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: CALL (01/14/16)
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TITLE: The Hardest Task | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sherry Brock
01/20/16 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“Sure is,” Jake responds. “Mom made chicken casserole 'specially for yours truly-her fave child. “
“In your dreams,” Katie says, squishing her nose while rolling her eyes in teenage girl fashion.
“Grab your plates and yell for your brother. Dinner is on the table in five.” I balance the hot dish in one hand as I grab the salad bowl with the other.
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I sit quietly at our kitchen table listening to my kids conversations. Johnny and Jake tease their little sister Katie relentlessly and today it's her choice of lip gloss.
Jake smears Italian dressing across his lips. “Isn't this color just superlicious?” he asks. With a sparkle in his eye he puckers his lips together while mimicking a hair toss. It's an obvious mock of Katie and her friends.
Katie's nose squishes and her eyes roll once again. “MOM,” she says, as salad greens gape from her obviously offended open mouth. Both boys chuckle. It's a direct hit. Mission accomplished.
“Your dad will be home soon so you boys better straighten up. He's working late so he'll be tired and in no mood for these shenanigans.” At the word “shenanigans” all three kids lose it and I join in the laughter.
Katie rallies with a come back. “Yeah, cause I'm HIS fave,” she quips, as her arms cross in a daddy will get you kind a pose. Laughter from all three kids once again fills the room.
God, I love this family and this time of day, I think as I hear my 'hubby' ring tone. “There's your dad.”
Phone in hand I step away from the table and answer. The voice on the other end catches me by surprise. It's not my Jonathan. Stunned, I listen at the words. My eyes creep up to quickly survey my children. “Yes”, I say, as my eyes focus on those happy, care free, faces.
Johnny's eyes meet mine. “What's wrong?” he asks.
“Your dad's been in an accident on Route 68. They've flown him by helicopter to University Hospital.” Johnny stretches out his hand and takes mine as we all head to the car.
“Wait,” Jake says, throwing his arms open wide in the back seat. “We need to pray right now.”
“You're absolutely right Jake. Johnny will you say a prayer while I drive?“
“Lord, we ask in your name for protection for our dad. You know him Lord and you know what is best for him. We put Him in your hands. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.”
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“I'm Carolyn Carter the wife of Jonathan Carter. He was flown here after a car accident.” I shoot the words out in one long breath to the lady behind the desk.
She taps her I-pad and quickly shows it to the lady on her left. “Jennifer, will you please take Mrs. Carter to private room 3?”
“Certainly,” Jennifer says gently. “The doctor will be in shortly to update you privately.”
I blink. I have heard these words before. Years ago my friends and I, along with family, were escorted to a private waiting room to hear the fate of a dear friend. It was the worst day of my life. NO! This cannot be happening again.
Suddenly I am conscious of the six pairs of eyes staring at the back of my head.
Jennifer opens the door and I pause as my three kids enter to take seats at the far end of the room. “Thank you Jennifer,” I say, leaning in close. “I know what this means. Right?” I say to her and then silently mouth the words I cannot bring myself to speak. She nods in agreement. “Please give me a few minutes alone with my children before the doctor enters. This is my call. It will be easier if this news comes from me.” With tears in her eyes she nods again.
My gaze turns to my children. My sweet innocent children who have formed a group hug. Closing my eyes for only seconds I center my thoughts. Lord, the hardest task of my life lays ahead in this room. How do I even do this? Give me the words to tell them and strength for the days to come. I know you will help us, but how do we go on without him?
Tears fill my eyes as I join the hug knowing all our lives are forever changed.
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Thanks for sharing in such a sweet way. I'm sure you've found, as I have, that God truly is the God of all comfort.
Well done.
And we will never know when the call will come to our house.
God, may we be in your will always.
Powerfully written with an intensely important message, God is our Great Comforter at all times, especially in trials.
GOd bless~