Papaw took the wheels off | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Papaw took the wheels off | Previous Challenge Entry
By Cynthia Carter
02/13/12
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Mrs. Myers, your husband's organs are shutting down. You need to let him know that it's okay to go.” Dr. Goodson said as he squeezed her hand. “He can still hear you even if it seems like he can’t. He should have died Monday but he's holding on for some reason.”

“I haven’t been in his room since Monday. The girls are in there with him. I can't stand to hear that rattle. I think he's waiting for our grandson. He is in the army and his commander will not give him leave.” said Mrs. Myers.
*******
“Max it's about time to get our new escort. He sure is stubborn. When Elohim gave out the will, he must've gotten a double portion. He should've died last Monday when we went for him but only The Sovereign One knows the appointed time. We must be patient."

“Jake, do you think the self-willed ones would be so afraid of crossing over if they knew what lay in store for them on this side?" Max asked as he girded himself up.

“Max I think it's a combination of ignorance and not wanting to leave their loved ones behind. This one we’re going after now has had his three daughters in bed with him every time I go in the room. I think that's what keeps him hanging on. The oldest daughter is a seeker, I am going to give her a glimpse when we go back to get her father. I think she sensed my presence when I was there on Monday; she had goose bumps on her arms. The Sovereign One says if you seek, you will find."
***************
“Hey Mamaw” said Curtis as he strolled into the waiting room.

“Curtis, I thought you couldn't come. Papaw is hanging in there." She grabbed her grandson and gave him a big hug.

“My Sergeant pulled some strings for me. Since Papaw helped raise me, they made an exception. I am now on leave. Where's mom."

“She hasn't left his room since Monday except to eat. They are in room 107."

**********

Max and Jake waited patiently.

***********

“Hey Papaw, Sorry it took me so long to get here. Did mama tell you about my new truck? It’s a Ford. I test drove a Chevy, but I couldn't make myself buy one, thanks to you.

Max and Jake watched the old man. He had a slight grin on his lips.

“My bass boat is at the base. It keeps me out of trouble. When my buddies want to go out drinking, I go fishing instead. I still have the lucky jig you gave me. The one I caught that big catfish with. Remember when I cried when you backed your boat into the water. I thought it would sink because you took the wheels off of it. It took you all day to convince me to get into that boat, and then it was time to go home." Curtis laughed." Thanks Papaw, thanks for everything.”

A tear slipped out of the old man's eye. He did not make a sound except for that awful rattle in his chest as it heaved up and down.

Curtis leaned over and wiped the tear from his grandfather's cheek, just like the tears his grandfather had wiped from his little cheek all those years ago. Curtis knew if he didn't get out of there soon he was going to lose it. He kissed his grandfather's head and walked toward the door. He turned to see how his mother was holding up. She was crying.

“Son, I'll be out in a minute.” his mother sniffed into her tissue.

Curtis walked out with his two sobbing aunts, closing the door behind him.

The oldest daughter walked over to her father's bed, she leaned over to kiss him, when suddenly she felt the same presence she had felt on Monday. The room glowed. Max and Jake stood on either side of the bed. Her father opened his eyes and smiled at her. His face was radiant. She felt the whisper of a breeze on her face. Who was playing that harp?

In a flash it was all over. There was complete silence except for the shrill noise of the monitors. The nurse rushed in.

“I think he’s gone, honey. I’ll call the doctor. You get your mother. I don’t think I’ve seen such a peaceful look on anyone’s face. I wonder what he is smiling about.”

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