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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Empty and Full (06/04/09)
Donna lay, nearly lifeless, on a disheveled bed surrounded by the bitter darkness of her Foster-Son’s now empty room. Each breath carried away pieces of the woman she had been just days before. Each moment drew her closer to the cold, uncaring bosom of hopelessness.

A single tear drifted toward the edge of her nose. As she wiped it away with the back of her hand, she disturbed the room’s silence with soft cries for help.

“Please…” she pleaded. “This hurts so much. I can’t even breathe…”

Her voice trailed off as the sobbing resumed. She no longer bothered to wipe her face but, instead allowed her heartbroken tears to fall freely onto the mattress her head had been resting on. Within moments a large, damp circle surrounded her head and a thick blanket of sleep gently wrapped her body snugly in merciful comfort.

Her slumber was peaceful and dreamless. All too soon, Donna could feel herself being pulled back to wakefulness and she pleaded with a God she had never seen for more time. It was just too painful. Why couldn’t she just stay asleep? Then, from a place deep in the center of her soul, she received an answer.

The answer came, not with words but, simple emotion. The senses she relied upon day after day offered no support. She felt an unmistakable presence, holding her closer than her mind could comprehend, easing her into peaceful understanding.

She recalled stormy nights when she was a child. Her Mother would soothe her back to sleep by wrapping her in a fuzzy blanket and rocking back and forth, holding her close to her chest. This made the rest of the world disappear as she fell back to sleep, enjoying her Mother’s touch. Whatever was holding her now was even more soothing than her memories. Hands she could not see wiped her tears away and somehow she knew that she had to go back. There were so many children to help. Losing Rodney was painful, but necessary. The love she gave him would stay with him throughout his life. She truly had no idea how many lives their time together would touch. Did she even understand what these experiences would awaken in his heart?

Rodney found comfort, acceptance and love in her home. She could rest knowing she did all she could to keep him with her. In the end, his parents wished for another chance, and she needed to let go. Now, it was time to give herself a little extra care and to prepare her home for yet another child in need.

The waking world, once again, began seeping into her rested mind. This time, however, she welcomed the many opportunities it presented. She was suddenly full with new life and excitement.

“I guess I’m ready.” She informed her rescuer.





Donna awoke on a disheveled bed surrounded by soothing darkness. After pulling herself to her feet and stretching her stiff neck and limbs, she carried herself to the window and drew back the curtain. She was greeted by a burst of sunlight as she pulled open the window and filled her lungs with fresh, morning air.

“Thank you.” She said to the empty room. “I don’t know how long I would have spent on that bed without you.”
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Laura Manley
06/12/09
This is truly a touching story. I don't know if you have drawn your ideas from your own experiences, but we usually write what we "know." The title drew me in, the content kept me very interested. Excellent writing! At the very end of your posted challenge, you refer to the fact that you couldn't have done it without "you." I am assuming you mean our Lord and Saviour, and to that end, I am wondering if you should have used a capital "y" in "You" giving reverance to our Lord. I enjoyed this immensely. Laura
Brenda Rice
06/14/09
This is a touching story. I admire people who are foster parents and I pray for them.
Your writing is intersting and it carried me right through to the end. Thanks for sharing this.
Connie Dixon
06/14/09
There is a lot of emotion packed into this heartbreaking experience. I'm sure every time a foster kid leaves, they take a piece of someone's heart with them. To be a foster parent is such an unselfish gift. Thanks for this reminder.