Starting Point | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Starting Point | Previous Challenge Entry
By NANCY GREEN
04/28/16
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

Starting Point
Rushing to Donna’s house I parked crooked. Because a hundred thoughts danced in my head, I almost locked my keys in the car. Lord help me be encouraging..to say the right things and know when to be quiet. Running up the steps I heard her screen door open. Donna greeted me with watery red eyes. I put my arms around her in comfort as she trembled. “Tell me exactly what the Dr. said.” We slowly walked to the couch and sat down. “Nora I still can't believe it.” She was breathing hard, almost gasping. I told her to breath then talk. While she got her composure I grabbed tissues from the box on the coffee table. “I'm not improving. He said in time, it may be hard accomplishing things without help. That the type of care I will eventually need may limit social activities. He said life won’t be normal.” I looked at my dear friend and couldn’t speak. Ok nora, keep it together. How could this happen? This can’t be real. Since the accident Donna had some difficulty moving. The Dr. said there’s a chance she may gain full recovery. She had always been a strong, healthy, active person. We believed things would be ok. “Donna, hearing those words was heartbreaking I know. But those are words. Just words. Words don't always echo reality.” “Well Nora, that's easy for you to say. I am dealing with reality!” She began to cry and rub the backside of her neck. She does that when stressed. “I won't be the free person I was. You know me. The go-getter, active type.” I handed her more tissue. “Donna, seemingly hopeless situations sometimes turn around. I respect the doctor's opinion but I have seen people defy the odds. I know personally that with GOD, nothing is impossible. And…...when things don’t turn out as hoped, many find ways to still lead productive lives. They seem to fly higher than those of us with no challenges at all. When I think of the people accomplishing amazing things while dealing with trying circumstances I am humbled. Think of Jerry, challenged with a severe speech disorder. He’s a great help with the Christmas angels project.” “Yeah Nora, that's true.” “Donna, he’s come a long way. He used to just pack..but now he drives and drops off toys.” Donna shook her head back and forth..the way my six year old does when I say it's bed time. “I don't know..I'm independent, too used to being in charge of everything.” She got up and started walking slowly toward the pictures on the wall. When I tried to help her she said to let her go..that she was ok. I looked at the pictures too. There were some of her golfing, performances in various plays, and neighborhood activities. After scanning several pictures, she let out a large sigh. “Donna, you remember Brandon? He had difficulties after being diagnosed with a debilitating disease three years ago. At first he felt his life was over, then started going to the park in his wheelchair sharing the gospel with others. He now conducts bible studies at his home!” I got up grabbed her hands. “And…... he does all this on his own!” . She squeezed my hand and looked at me for a long time as though she was rolling my words over in her head. I hoped so. “Also, Shawna, only 12 yrs old, autistic. She works with me proudly serving meals at the homeless shelter. I’m telling you she is the most popular one on our team.” I was trying to get her to smile. “Donna, you can still make an impact, go higher, further, and deeper this period of your life.” “So what you're saying Nora is that while the Dr. says I may not have a normal life, you’re saying I can still have a full one.” “What I’m saying is you can have a new normal. I know it won’t be easy, but GOD will give you strength, power and grace to walk your highest point.” She began to smile..just a little. That’s ok. Every mountain climber had to start somewhere.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.