Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Empty and Full (06/04/09)
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TITLE: Sunshine in my heart | Previous Challenge Entry
By C Harricharan
06/11/09 -
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Two hours after takeoff we arrived in Florida, by this time I was hungry. Breakfast was light and it seemed like yesterday. The only thing I had during the flight was orange juice, I was too nervous to eat anything, making sure to stay awake and to keep track of my personal effects. Flying always makes me nervous, especially when I fly alone. Wheelchair assistance helped a little, but it is not the same as a travelling companion, whom I was missing very much.
We had just pulled in to my son’s home when his wife rushed out to greet us in the driveway, waving the phone frantically in her hand.
“It’s Sandy, she thinks she is in labor and her husband is away. She is alone at home with the twins and both of her neighbors are still at work.”
Sandy was her sister who lived nearby.
“I’ve packed my bag and was waiting for you. She needs our help.”
“Hold on, not so fast”, said Brian, “what about Mandy, where is she?”
“I’m so sorry,” said Jackie, turning red in the face “she’s taking her afternoon nap, I have forgotten all about her.”
“Let’s go inside then we will work this out.”
My instinct as a mother took over, “It’s all right Brian, I will be glad to stay with the children while you and Jackie go.”
Brian took all the shortcuts he could safely take and within fifteen minutes we arrived at Sandy’s home.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said, “I don’t know how much longer I have, everything’s happening so quickly. The baby’s not due until next month.”
Sandy was very efficient, she was already showered and her bags were packed and by the front door.
“The boy’s are already in their night clothes and there is food is in the oven,” said Sandy while Jackie all but hauled her through the door after Brian, who took her bags in the car.
“The hospital is only a few minutes away Jackie,”
“I know, but I have no intention of delivering your baby in my car, or in the parking lot, it will be much easier in the hospital”.
“It’s nice that you can joke at a time like this, Sis”.
‘‘Oh, Sandy, this is not funny, I think you waited too long already.”
They made it just in time to the hospital where baby Emma was born one and one half hour after they arrived.
Left alone with three children for company, I suddenly realized that I was hungry.In the excitement, I had forgotten all about food. Hunger reared its hungry head while I followed my nose to the kitchen. Sandy had left freshly baked lasagna and zucchini sticks in the oven, this was my first real meal in nearly twenty four hours.
After dinner I let the children watch TV while I enjoyed a cup of tea and reflected on the day. I was feeling full, but it was not just the food, I felt blessed to be able to help my family.
Two days later when baby Emma came home Sandy placed her in my arms, soft and warm, weighing five pounds eleven ounces. I touched my weathered cheeks to her soft ones and felt the tears brimming in my eyes.
“She is precious, may God bless you both with good health and happiness through all times”, I said to Sandy.
“Thank you, Mom,” she said, using the name she always called me, “my mother blessed the boys when they were born, but she couldn’t make it and I was really missing her. I’m so glad you’re here.”
We both had tears in our eyes as we embraced.
“This has been a blessing to me too. When my husband passed away last year I felt empty and alone, even among my children, but today holding Emma have brought joy to my heart.”
During the week I spent with sandy I felt healing in my spirit, as my cup of joy was filled to overflowing. Like the sunrise at the beginning of my healing journey.
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