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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: HOME (02/07/19)
Looking at her picture, I recalled watching my granddaughter as she colored in her coloring book. She saw me watching and gave me one of her big, beautiful smiles! A big smile for her Nana and Grandpop no matter how she was feeling! That was the way my sweet Nellie approached life.

Life had given our family a kick in the guts 2 years ago when Nellie was diagnosed with a rare form of aggressive cancer. This is something you never want to hear a doctor say. The outlook was not good, however, we believed in miracles and that’s just what we prayed for. God could do anything, and we had faith that he would!

It was hard watching Nellie go through Chemo. It caused her great suffering from severe nausea and vomiting. No child should have to go through something like that! When her sickness was at its worst, I’d remind myself that her healing was on its way. God has perfect timing, but I must admit, when Nellie was having a bad day, I would ask God to please hurry and ease her suffering. The times that still rip my heart out are the ones where Grandpop and I would take turns holding and rocking her as she cried, asking us to help her not be sick anymore! We tried to hide our tears, but she’d catch us. We’d sing to her and explain how God was working on making her well! Several times she’d say, “Nana, we need to pray and ask Jesus to hurry! Dear Jesus,” she would pray, “Please help Nana and Grandpop not to be sad and make my cancer go away so I won’t throw up. Can I go home tomorrow? My dog misses me…Amen. Okay Nana, tomorrow we can go home,” she stated. “Nellie,” I asked, “Why do you think you can go home tomorrow?” “Nana…Duh,” she responded, “You said God’s working on making me well, so I asked him to do it tomorrow.” The faith of a child is unquestionable trust, so much more than most adults! That’s what Jesus was talking about when he said we need faith like a child.

Doctors were amazed when a year had gone by. They didn’t think she’d make it very long, but Jesus gave Nellie the strength to endure! When her hair fell out, I made some silly hats. It cheered her up. When she was having a bad day, Grandpop would put on the silliest hat and push Nellie up and down the hallway visiting nurses and other children battling cancer. It always cheered her up and her smile left a lasting impression on all!

After many treatments, Nellie’s hospital stays had slowed down. She was nearing her 8th birthday and we planned a party but a few days before the big day, Nellie suddenly got sick! She was in pain and throwing up vile looking liquid! We rushed to the hospital where she was quickly admitted. Her doctor wasted no time in doing tests including an MRI!

As we waited for tests results, I noticed Nellie’s skin looked a grayish color. Gagging and throwing up, the nurses would rush in to suction her throat. This was scary for my Nellie! Tears streamed down her face. By the time her doctor returned, she had taken a turn for the worst and he gave us the grim news. Cancer had come back with a vengeance! Aggressive chemo must be started immediately if any hope existed.

All that could be given was given and it caused her severe nausea! “I want to go home,” Nellie cried. “I know you do sweetheart. You can go as soon as you’re better,” I replied choking back tears! “No Nana,” she said, “Jesus asked me if I want to go home? I won’t be sick there…Just like we prayed!” Her strength was failing rapidly, and she could only whisper! At first, I couldn’t rap my brain around what she was saying, “Nana, can I go home? Jesus said he’d take me.” With all the strength I had, I leaned down and gave her a kiss and said, “Yes baby, you go home with Jesus. We’ll be a long before you know it!”

Closing her eyes, she gave the biggest smile ever and breathed her last. God had eased her suffering. She went to her heavenly home where there is no more pain…no more tears!

Sitting here now, looking at her picture, I know heaven is enjoying her infectious smile…because that’s my Nellie!
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This article has been read 195 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
02/14/19
This had me in tears and my heart lurched as I read this entry. It had an authentic tone, and if so...my condolences for your great loss.

Thank you for sharing this heart wrenching story that perhaps will bring comfort to those who might know someone going through Chemo, or someone that passed. This was a powerfully gripping story of truth, sadness, and joy at once.

God bless you~
Laurie Glass 
02/15/19
This made me teary-eyed. If it's a true story, I'm so sorry.

I like how you shared her personality and her prayer with us. You held my attention throughout the story. Keep writing. :)
Linda Lawrence 
02/15/19
Nellie's ability to hear from God inspires me to pray for ears to hear for all God's children. At this moment I'm sitting with someone who's young sister has been on a ventilator for 3 weeks. When I read her Nellie's desire to go home, we both got teary eyed, but . . . know Home is the best place to be. Just know that your story was a timely submission for one of your readers.
Barbara Lynn Culler 
02/15/19
Your story brought me to tears. The faith of a child.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/20/19
This is a hard story to read because you did such a great job of introducing me to Nellie, I found my heart aching for her. My main advice would be to not use exclamation points except occasionally in dialog. Instead let your excellent choice of words do your exclaiming for you. My heart ached for the characters. I know they say losing a child is the worst, but losing a grandchild is also right up to one of the worst things. Not only do you grieve the loss of the grand baby, but your child is grieving and you can't do anything to make it better. But God does guide us through these hard times. You did a great job with an emotional story.
Nancy Sullivan 
02/21/19
Thank you for sharing this tender story. Don't you love that Jesus spoke to Nellie, and Nellie heard and believed His voice. Congratulations on your 2nd Place.