Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: BUY - BYE (01/19/23)
-
TITLE: We Lived | Previous Challenge Entry
By Corinne Smelker
01/26/23 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I leaned against the door jamb, coffee in hand, thinking back on the day we knew. “The cancer has returned,” Dr. Scott solemnly said as we sat together, hands clenched. It was not unexpected; Laura had been feeling unwell for a couple of weeks, and although she said nothing, I often caught her wincing when her hip bumped against something.
“I’m not doing any more treatments,” Laura’s voice rang out loud and true in the office. Dr. Scott looked as though he was about to argue, but Laura let go of my hand and pointed at him. “You’ve done everything. In fact, you’ve gone above and beyond what any oncologist should do. It’s me. I’m done.”
“But, Laura, we could buy you some time….”
“For what? What would that life look like? Steven, back me up here!”
I raised my hands in mock surrender. We had had this discussion many times before, the last one in the car on the way to the office. My wife had a mind of her own, and when it was made up, it would take an act of God, nay, writing on the proverbial wall, to change it back.
I grabbed Laura’s hand again, whether to steady her or me, I am not sure. “Dr. Scott. We’ve talked about this. We figured this time around the cancer had spread to the bones, and we know the outcomes for that are poor. We’re going to go home and live out the days our Good Lord has given us.”
That was eight months ago; six of them good. We went on a three-week-long cruise along the European rivers and the Mediterranean. We rented a convertible and drove Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica Boulevard. We drove to Miami and the Florida Keys. Laura created videos for the kids and grandkids telling them of her hopes and dreams for them all. Most of all, we lived.
She promised she’d tell me the moment she could not carry on, and true to her word, she did. Dr. Scott organized for hospice to come to the house, and we got Laura set up in the living room, the hub of the home. Laura reigned supreme from her bed, hosting Bible Studies, calling friends, writing letters, and encouraging all those around her.
Now, I stood in the doorway, coffee growing cold in my cup, as I realized Laura’s breathing had changed. I glanced over at the nurse. “Come and sit with her,” she whispered.
I took my place in the well-worn recliner. How many hours had I sat there while Laura and I played board games, completed crosswords, laughed, reminisced, and cried?
“…ye,” Laura’s stertorous breathing did not allow for clear enunciation.
“What is it, baby?”
“Go…”
I clung to her fragile, paper-thin hand. “Say it again.”
With one last breath, she gasped, “Goodbye.”
“Until we meet again,” I softly wept as I lay my head on her still chest.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
