Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "Make Hay While the Sun Shines" (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (03/06/08)
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TITLE: "Treasured Moments" | Previous Challenge Entry
By Corinne Boback
03/08/08 -
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Putting on the sterile mask that would now cover my nose and mouth, I walked into the room of my twin sister. She was being treated for leukemia, and could not be exposed to anyone’s germs. She was undergoing chemotherapy, awaiting the bone marrow that would be taken in eight days from my body and transplanted into hers. This necessary transplant could very possibly save her life.
Because I was the donor, and also a nurse, the hospital arranged for me to “room in” with my sister during those days. The donor must be careful and guard against illness or injury during the time the patient is undergoing chemotherapy. The patient’s own bone marrow is being destroyed in preparation to receive the donor’s healthy marrow. Should something happen to the donor during the preparatory time, the patient would of course be facing a crisis situation.
That hospital room became a private place, a beautiful sanctuary, for she and I during that time. We spent those days reminiscing, reflecting, and making new memories that only twins can share. It was a time of intimacy with Jesus and just the two of us. Yes, there were some times of sadness, but the rejoicing between us was so much more than any brief moments of sadness that tried to interrupt.
We talked of our hopes and dreams, those fulfilled, and those yet to be fulfilled. We spoke of her successful marriage of twenty-one years, and my failed marriage, and how the Lord used both for our individual growth in Him. We shared stories of her four children and my only child, and the pure joy of being a mother.
As the days went on, she asked me to take care of things if she did not survive. Every detail was discussed, even her funeral wishes, as she knew her husband would not be able to make decisions at that trying time. She knew his sensitivity that well.
The transplant took place, and I went home the following day. It was not successful, and she became semi-comatose very quickly. I was awakened five days after the transplant, with the voice of the Lord saying, “Get there now! She is waiting for you one last time before she comes to Me. She was born with you, and she wants you there at the hour of her death.”
It was too late for masks. It no longer mattered. I climbed into bed with her, held her in my arms, and told her it was okay to go back to the Father that loved us both so very much.
I assured her that everything we talked about would remain with me forever. I promised to fulfill those things she asked of me. And most importantly, I gave her my word that I would join her one day for all eternity.
She smiled a smile I will never forget, and a Light entered the room, covering her. The nurse at the edge of the bed said she had never seen anything like it in all of her years of nursing. It was the presence of God, calling my sister home, and she was smiling as she went
Treasured moments can never be replaced. They are there for the taking if we look for them in every situation. Death cannot destroy those moments, for they only grow deeper in our heart’s memories when we realize we seized the opportunity to live for what each moment holds.
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You did a great job of showing the closeness of the time. A little dialogue might have helped, or some of the details of your conversation.
Beautiful! Thank you for writing it.
**THIS SPARKLES**