Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Twilight Years of Life (07/02/09)
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TITLE: Make Me a Blessing | Previous Challenge Entry
By Christina Banks
07/09/09 -
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Ugh! I just had this suit cleaned, she complained in her heart. Well, at least the fragrance of these flowers will help mask the sickening smell of antiseptic. The large clock on the wall mocked her. 7:45. Impatiently, Kim hit the button again.
~*~*~*~
It was 10:35 a.m. when Kim’s cell chirped; she was showing the big house on Broadview. Finally, five hours later, she was able to take a break and listen to her mother’s voice message.
“Grandma Murphy’s at St. Andrew’s. They think it’s her heart...” the words died in a sob. “I know you’re busy, but she was asking about you.”
She flipped her phone shut, scowling at her day planner. Oh why today? I’m booked solid till 7! She wasn’t sure she’d make it before visiting hours closed at 8 – St. Andrew’s was an hour’s drive.
~*~*~*~
With a ding, the doors of the elevator slid open. Kim stepped out of the way before being rundown by the crowd coming off, undoubtedly heading home after a long heart-wrenching day. Their faces echoed Kim’s own growing dread and anxiety.
She stepped into the elevator just as the door closed – alone. Leaning her head back on the wall, she listened to the soft music playing overhead.
Oh God, what am I going to find? How bad is it? Is she going to live? Tears burned her eyes, threatening to ruin her mascara. Father, I’m so scared.
“Pull yourself together Kim,” she scolded herself. “You’re here for Grandma!”
Saying a quick prayer, she exited the elevator on the third floor and headed for room 337; still fighting tears. A staccato beat on worn linoleum followed her stilettos down the hall.
Near the end of the hall, her grandmother’s door stood ajar. Kim recognized Grandma’s favourite TV show beginning – Andy Griffith. A slight smile stole across Kim’s face. How often had she sat with grandma watching Andy and Barney? She must have every episode memorized by now! Kim smiled – comforted and entered the small room.
“Well bust my buttons! Kimberly Jean, what are you doing here?” Grandma’s strong, clear voice was music to Kim’s ears.
“I was told someone was sick. I must have the wrong room. There’s no one sick here!"
“Tell that to the nurses. They keep sticking me with needles! I’ve feel like I’ve given at least a gallon of blood to those vampires today.” Grandma’s chuckle filled the room. “So, does and old woman get a hug or what?”
Kim set the flowers on the bedside table then wrapped her grandma’s slender, aging shoulders into a warm embrace. Kim noticed for the first time her grandma’s frailty kept hidden behind her strength of spirit.
“I’ve prayed for you all day,” Grandma whispered into Kim’s ear.
Kim straightened and searched the older woman’s grey eyes. “I don’t understand,” she said in confusion. “You were the one in the hospital, not me.”
Grandma smiled, “You were the one God laid on my heart, Kimmy dear. Besides, you know I’d rather pray for you than myself! Did Dr. Ritchie like the house on Broadview? You showed it today, right?”
“Oh Grandma!” Kim finally allowed tears to spill over and wash her cheeks. “How did you know that was today? He bought it.” The words caught in her throat. “Here I came to be a blessing to you and instead you bless me!”
“It goes both ways, Kimberly Jean. Yes dear heart, it goes both ways.”
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