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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: CALL (01/14/16)
Keri waited for the call that might never come. She and her husband, Ray, had moved into an apartment close to Trinity Hospital just in case a liver became available. Her primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the bile ducts of the liver, had become increasingly worse and now a transplant was her only hope.

The cell phone buzzed and Keri’s yellowed hand snatched it up in an instant.

“Oh, hi mom,” Keri said, “I was hoping it was the hospital calling.”

“I just wanted to let you know that our church just held a prayer vigil for you,” her mom said.

“I really appreciate it, but I’m on pins and needles every time my cell goes off because I’m not sure if it’s the one I've been waiting for. I feel like I’m living in a cocoon, and one day it will open and I’ll be freed. However, the shell is the guilt I’ll carry because someone else had to die, so I could live.”

“We also prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the organ donor’s relatives and friends. It is a difficult time for both families, but especially for those who have to hear that their loved one has died.”

********************

It was a hot, humid day in May when Kay got the call.

“Is this Kay Donaldson?”

“Yes, it is.”

This is the nurse from Metropolitan City Hospital. “You need to get to the hospital right away. Your son, Jeremy, has just been involved in an accident.”

When Kay went through the ER doors, she saw her husband, Dave waiting for her.

The triage nurse led them into a conference room next to the ER.

“I am sorry, but I have some bad news,” Dr. Gibson said, “your son is dead.”

Dave wrapped his arms around his wife’s shoulders and let her sob against him.

“Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson, one of the things we would like to discuss with you now is organ donation, Lois here has some expertise in this area and is going to give you some information,” Dr. Gibson said.

“Your son indicated on his driver’s license that he wanted to be an organ donor. This means he has agreed to donate his organs following his death. I would like to tell you how we can make what he wanted to happen, happen for him,” Lois stated.

“I can see that this has really been a shock to both of you, and I am sure you need some time on your own to talk about what I’ve just told you. So I will come back a bit later.”

********************

“There’s a liver,” the surgeon told her over the telephone. “You have to come in right now because there is a good chance it will be a match.”

“Ray,” Keri said, “Grab your keys; we need to get to the hospital.”

“It’s a good thing our suitcases are packed and in the trunk,” Ray said, “I’m too nervous to think.”

After signing in, Keri was given a gown to wear and put on the gurney, so that the IV could be put in her arm and the other catheters inserted.”

“The surgery team is ready for you in the Operating Room, the nurse said, “when you wake up, you’ll have your new liver.”

“I love you, Keri. I’ll keep your parents and everyone else updated on the phone tree.”

“I love you, too, Ray,” Keri said, “but always remember that no matter what happens, God is just one call away.”

********************
This story is a tribute to both organ donors and recipients.

My 17-year-old brother was killed in a car accident and donated his eyes and tissues. He died at the scene and was not able to donate his organs.

Three people at the church I attend were recipients of life-saving organs.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 795 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Loni Bowden-Horn 
01/21/16
I liked how you brought organ donations to a forefront. I was teary-eyed remembering how joyous it must be for those who receive donations but how heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one. Although if you have a relationship with Christ, Heaven would be a joyous place. I liked how you ended your piece.
Loni Bowden-Horn 
01/21/16
I liked how you brought organ donations to a forefront. I was teary-eyed remembering how joyous it must be for those who receive donations but how heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one. Although if you have a relationship with Christ, Heaven would be a joyous place. I liked how you ended your piece.
Loni Bowden-Horn 
01/21/16
I liked how you brought organ donations to a forefront. I was teary-eyed remembering how joyous it must be for those who receive donations but how heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one. Although if you have a relationship with Christ, Heaven would be a joyous place. I liked how you ended your piece.
Loni Bowden-Horn 
01/21/16
I liked how you brought organ donations to a forefront. I was teary-eyed remembering how joyous it must be for those who receive donations but how heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one. Although if you have a relationship with Christ, Heaven would be a joyous place. I liked how you ended your piece.
Loni Bowden-Horn 
01/21/16
I liked how you brought organ donations to a forefront. I was teary-eyed remembering how joyous it must be for those who receive donations but how heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one. Although if you have a relationship with Christ, Heaven would be a joyous place. I liked how you ended your piece.
Loni Bowden-Horn 
01/21/16
I liked how you brought organ donations to a forefront. I was teary-eyed remembering how joyous it must be for those who receive donations but how heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one. Although if you have a relationship with Christ, Heaven would be a joyous place. I liked how you ended your piece.
Loni Bowden-Horn 
01/21/16
I liked how you brought organ donations to a forefront. I was teary-eyed remembering how joyous it must be for those who receive donations but how heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one. Although if you have a relationship with Christ, Heaven would be a joyous place. I liked how you ended your piece.
Loni Bowden-Horn 
01/21/16
I liked how you brought organ donations to a forefront. I was teary-eyed remembering how joyous it must be for those who receive donations but how heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one. Although if you have a relationship with Christ, Heaven would be a joyous place. I liked how you ended your piece.
Loni Bowden-Horn 
01/21/16
I liked how you brought organ donations to a forefront. I was teary-eyed remembering how joyous it must be for those who receive donations but how heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one. Although if you have a relationship with Christ, Heaven would be a joyous place. I liked how you ended your piece.
Pat Small
01/24/16
This was an emotional read. I thought it was good that you showed both sides.
C D Swanson 
01/27/16
Excellent job with this piece.

Well done.

God bless~
Catherine Craig
01/28/16
This was sweet, and it was easy to identify with the donor recipient's emotional state. Well done.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
01/29/16
Congratulations on ranking 8th in your level. Happy Dance.
Michol Ludwig
01/30/16
I can't imagine the emotions that either phone call would bring.

What a blessing to be able to donate your organs to someone else though. Why someone would not choose to give this gift is beyond me.

Nice job!