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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Doctor/Nurse (11/02/06)
Breathe in. Breathe out.

You are alive. Today. Right now. You are alive. I can't tell you what is going to happen tomorrow, in fact I can't tell you what is going to happen five minutes from now. I can tell you that right now...you are alive.

I walked out of the hospital into the dawn and took a breath. The crisp air filled my lungs and it felt good. I could still hear the screaming of the mother and her children in my head; it had been a heartbreaking night. The wife had woken up and found her husband face first on the floor, she tried for a pulse, 911 was called, and that is when I entered their life.

The alarms shook me out of a deep sleep and I moved quickly to the truck. The rest of my crew, all moving in that synchronized dance that experienced teams have, ran out into the bay and jumped in. The red lights and siren were turned on, and we the angels of mercy raced through the empty streets to the crying woman.

We ran into the house and continued the dance of life; the only problem was her husband didn't want to participate that morning. We tried everything, and yet he refused to cooperate. He was gone. We put him into the ambulance, and with great futility tried one more time to bring him back to his wife and children, but it was not to be. The hospital doors swung open and we raced in doing our best "ER" impression. I was calling out orders, pumping his chest; but it was only for show. The doctor's eyes locked onto mine and I just shook my head. The doors to Trauma Room 1 were closed and the machines were unhooked. I walked over and looked at the man's face as the doctor called the time of death. He looked peaceful and I patted him on the shoulder as if to say good luck, his time here was over. I wondered where he was now?

I followed the doctor out of the room and turned left, he turned right. I walked down the hallway and waited for the screams, it didn't take long. They were long and soulful...almost primal. I glanced over my shoulder to see the 12-year-old boy holding his mom just like his father probably would, it's funny how instinct takes over during tragedy. The doors swung open and I walked out into the dawn…

We have no way of knowing what is going to happen tomorrow or even what is going to happen five minutes from now. Have you said, "I love you" to your parents? Have you hugged your children? That friend who betrayed you...have you forgiven them? Have you lived today or are you coasting? Does your spouse know how you feel? That dream of yours...has it been accomplished? Have you and God gotten together and made things right?

Don't wait. Do it now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Now.

Breathe in...Breathe out...

You are alive.

Today...right now...

You are alive.
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This article has been read 1047 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
11/10/06
Excellent intro and conclusion, it gives this piece the very rhythm of breathing. Very effective.
Glorey Wooldridge
11/11/06
Yes - a good reminder that we are indeed alive. Well written, concise and you have made a good point.
Delores Baber
11/11/06
Really struck home. Yesterday I found a note dated 5/28/05 with a list of things to get my husband. I bought everything on the list, but the next day I was a widow. I'm alive now. But we never know what awaits. Thanks for the clarity and insight on treasuring the moment. Good job.
Sharlyn Guthrie
11/14/06
I like the framework you "hung" this story on. It worked well. Keep writing!
Betty Castleberry
11/14/06
I liked this. It had good flow and a unique perspective. Nice work.
Joanne Sher 
11/15/06
What an amazing call to action - very, very effective use of a story to make a point (or a point to make a story! LOL). Creative and thought-provoking. Fine job!
Marilee Alvey
11/16/06
What a great story. We all need to be reminded that we are alive and are still able to make a difference in our world. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Who'd want to? Today has enough worries of its own. That having been said, I try to rejoice in all things. If we have gloomy weather for many days, I thank God that I have a roof over my head. My husband, an airline pilot, just went off on a trip to Miami and Haiti, so I know that life can change on a dime. So does anyone who was alive after September 11. Let's all kick up our heels and embrace these "ordinary" days. Thanks for starting my day off right. Good job!