Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: CHILL (10/29/15)
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TITLE: Chill Out and Praise Jesus | Previous Challenge Entry
By Amanda Septer
11/05/15 -
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“Mom, you can’t do this.” Brian said with ill concealed frustration.
“I have already made my decision.” Naomi replied calmly.
Naomi is my patient. For a little over a year she has been a resident at the nursing home where I’m employed as head nurse.
“What? You’re just going to give up?” He asked raising his voice. “You don’t care what we think? What about your grandkids? Do they not matter anymore? It’s all about you now?”
Years of training had taught me how to keep a straight face, but I flinched internally at his harsh words. I knew he was hurting. A month ago Naomi had been diagnosed with advanced blood cancer. After one round of chemo she chose to discontinue treatment. Brian had asked me here to help talk sense into his mother, and Naomi had asked me here to help Brian accept her decision.
“That is enough. I am your mother and you will not speak to me that way.” She replied firmly, her eyes flashing. “You know what you need to do?” She asked warming up now. “You just need to chill out and praise Jesus.”
There’s the Naomi I know and love. How many times had those same words been directed to me? Naomi loved fiercely but would not put up with drama. There was no room for self-pity when you were the child of the King. When life threatened to overwhelm, her advice was always the same. Chill out and praise Jesus.
“You talk to her.” Brian demanded of me, before he stormed out of the room. Pain covered his handsome face.
I walked forward and took her frail hand. It was cold so I adjusted her blankets.
“Are you alright?” I asked.
“Of course.” She said with a tired smile. “He’ll come around. He just loves his mama.”
“We all do.” I reminded.
“You know he’s still single.” She smiled sweetly.
Naomi was an unapologetic matchmaker.
“I think you have more important things to think about.” I laughed.
“Hey, Jesus made arrangements for his mother while he hung on the cross for us. I’m just trying to do the same, in reverse. Of course I’m not Jesus, but I can follow his example.”
Did I mention she was unapologetic?
“You are sure about the chemo?” I asked.
We had already talked about this, but I couldn’t help but ask. She loved her savior and was ready to go home when He called. Selfishly I wanted to keep her a little longer. She was the most vocal and questioning patient I had, and over the last year she had become my dear friend.
“Yes. “ She said confidently. “You know I’m a fighter, but it’s time. I soon get to meet the creator of the universe, the one who saved me from the fire. Soon I’ll get to praise him with everything I have.”
I hadn’t realized Brian had returned until I heard him break down. His mother’s reasoning had broken his defenses. I knew it was my time to leave.
Three weeks later Naomi went to live in the mansion God had prepared for her. It hurt for months to walk past the room she had occupied. Six months later I was surprised with a visit from Brian. It didn’t take long for him to get down to business.
“My mom wrote us all letters before she died.” He said nervously.
“Yes, I got one as well.” I replied, wondering where this was going.
“You did? Did it … well did it tell you to do anything?” He asked, shuffling from side to side.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Well here.” He said pushing a piece of paper into my hands.
I unfolded what looked to be the end of Brian’s letter. Silently I read the familiar handwriting.
…. Now, Brian, I am not above using my deathbed to make a request of you. Think of it as my dying wish. I want you to call up my nurse Allison and ask her out. That’s right. I in sound mind am making this request. You don’t know it yet, but she is perfect for you. I won’t get to see you fall in love but remember whatever happens, when life gets overpowering, just chill out and praise Jesus!
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