Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL (01/23/20)
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TITLE: It's A Blockade, Baby | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Dick
01/29/20 -
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“How’s Mary doing?” My husband walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.
“She’s worried. She had some pain today and it looks as if the baby dropped, even though she’s not due for two more weeks.“
He took a bite out of an apple. “That’s good, isn’t it? Why aren’t you excited?”
“Because we’re not with her yet. We’re clear across the country and may not be there to see her first baby born.”
“We might. Maybe the baby will hold off until Saturday when we arrive.”
“Yes, let’s tell him to wait for us. That’s six days away.” I shook my head.
Dreams and visions of my daughter screaming in pain while delivering her baby haunted me that night. Sitting up, I rested my forehead on my knees. Lord, please, oh please let me make it to my daughter’s side before she gives birth. I have always been with her during important events. I can’t miss this. Please.
***
Traffic slowed to a standstill on the Tennessee Interstate. I clutched the passenger armrest, glanced at Jim behind the wheel, and strained to see ahead. A blockade was stationed at the next exit ramp.
“Isn’t that the way to the airport?” My pulse raced.
“Yep, there’s a detour.”
I slumped down and moaned.
Jim’s voice was steady. “Don’t worry, we’ll get there.”
We managed to maneuver through the main streets, side streets and back streets of the city of Nashville and eventually arrived at the airport.
The security line moved efficiently and we reached our gate with only minutes to spare.
“Whew!” I fell into a chair as my heart rate slowed.
A voice over the intercom speaker screeched, “Passengers on flight number 2130 to Seattle… there will be a two-hour delay.”
“What?” My heart rate once again picked up. I stared at Jim.
He shrugged. “It’s out of our control, Carol. Take a deep breath.”
“I don’t want to take a deep breath. I want to be with my baby who is having her baby.” A lump formed in my throat and I grabbed my phone.
She answered on the first ring.
“Mary, our plane is delayed. How are you?” I swallowed and dug for a tissue in my purse.
“I’m fine now. The contractions stopped.”
“Contractions!” My breath caught.
“Mom, I sure hope you make it in time.”
“Me too.” While closing my phone I gazed out the window. Frost on a plane glistened in the sunlight. I breathed in deeply and closed my eyes. Lord, there are roadblocks everywhere today as we try to get to Mary in time. It is out of my hands and in yours. I took a deep breath. I will trust you and your plan.
Just as predicted, two hours later our friendly intercom voice instructed us to board the plane. With a nudge I awoke Jim and he stumbled ahead of me to our seats. Once buckled in and the plane was on the runway, I felt a peace wash over me. I knew God was with my daughter and would care for her even if I wasn’t. I closed my eyes and laid back my head as the plane took off. This would be a peaceful flight.
A crackling noise sounded over the speakers. I sat straight up.
“Excuse me, folks, this is your Captain speaking. Unfortunately, we have to make a brief landing to check a mechanical issue. We’ll keep you posted.”
With wide eyes I stared at Jim and whispered slowly, “God’s in control.” He nodded and took my shaky hand in his.
The plane landed in Minneapolis. Once the issue was fixed, we were on our way.
***
I quickly walked down the Seattle airport concourse and dialed my daughter’s phone. There was no answer. My chest tightened and I gazed at families being reunited through my misty eyes.
“Mom!”
Arms wrapped around me in a tight embrace.
“Mary.” I held her tight and noticed her swollen belly. “We made it.”
***
At approximately midnight, that same night, a buzzing sound awoke me. I shook Jim lying next to me.
“Wake up!”
He rolled over to face me. “What?”
“Mary’s at the hospital. It’s time!”
Twenty-nine hours later, Hank, my son-in-law handed the precious baby boy to me.
“Congratulations, you’re a Nana!”
Based on a true event
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