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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: FAITH (strong, confident belief in God) (02/26/15)
I remember my best friend's words, "I'll have to wait until I'm half-dead to be placed on the donor's list. Why can't they give me one now while I'm still strong enough?"

I encouraged her where I could, watching her get weaker by the day. She was in need of a liver transplant that was the result of a medical condition. Whenever she'd tell someone about her liver they'd give her the "once over look" convinced she must have abused it through alcohol. It would irritate her which was expressly noted in her beautiful kaleidoscopic-blue-green-lavender-eyes.

She had a saintly disposition, and never uttered one unkind word about anyone or anything. Barbara was my closest ally in all things. We were the Lucy and Ethel of the 90's. We were closer than real-life sisters. Sharing the same views about life, politics and humanity overall, with a propensity to view things through humor, no matter what the circumstances might have been. It was a gift from God, laughter and crazy sense of humor. Plus, our love for the elderly, and animals, made us strong advocates of said subjects.

We worked together side-by-side in the nursing home industry for over a decade, until she was forced out due to her illness that started taking its toll, zapping her energy and ability to function in her capacity at work any longer.

When the owners asked her to resign she took a horrific turn immediately spiraling downward. Within days of her "retirement" she had to be hospitalized. The doctors determined she was sick enough to now be a candidate and finally placed her on the list.

We prayed for a liver match. It was about three weeks after Barbara was admitted our prayers were answered. We stood together in faith trusting God's will and His timing.

The day of the operation her daughter and husband were by her side as she was wheeled into the operating room. She had called me minutes before leaving her room, "Our prayers were answered" she whispered, her breath shallow and labored.

I answered, "Yes, they were Barbara, Praise God. I'll see you when you're back in your room, we need to be telling each other stories into our golden years."

Her voice now barely audible, "I love you girlfriend."

I tried hard not to cry and offer encouragement, my cracked voice gave me away, "I love you too. Your family is going to be waiting for you when you wake up. And, I'll be there later tonight with my husband. God be with you."

That was the last time we ever spoke. Her new liver responded and seemed to be working perfectly well after the operation. However, while in recovery, she hemorrhaged. They couldn't stop the profuse bleeding, and it was only a matter of time before she bled out. She never regained consciousness. The comfort in all of this was knowing she woke up in the arms of Jesus, free from pain and suffering.

Barbara finally received her liver that day but never was able to use it.

It was then that I realized something significant-- God did answer our prayers just not in the way we had expected.







True Story that happened July 13, 2007
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This article has been read 1097 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
PamFord Davis 
03/05/15
Touching story! I saw a friend about three weeks before she lost a long battle with cancer. I barely recognized her but her face was radiant. She was so ready to meet her Lord & reunite with a daughter who died as a teenager in an auto accident. Her FAITH & HOPE sustained her.

Wing His Words
lynn gipson 
03/05/15
What a beautiful tribute to your dear, darling friend. I would say it was sad, but she had the happiest ending of all. It was sad for the ones left behind, like you.

Beautifully written, as always, I can't imagine this one not being a winner. I loved the wonderful way you described your friendship as Lucy and Ethel.

Great writing..
Dannie Hawley 
03/05/15
You did a tremendous job with this very touching article. My heart is hurting for those left behind, but the hope that awaits all of you who know Jesus eases the ache of her absence. You'll all see her again and...hey, you'll all look a lot better then you do today, right? I mean, "perfect" sounds pretty good to me.

This piece is an attention-grabber and a winner!
Noel Mitaxa 
03/07/15
Beautifully-worked, absorbing story that resonates with authenticity and warmth.
As a minor dusting of red ink, your description of her eyes expresses her character so strongly that the italics were (to me) a minor distraction.
However I reckon it will rate well.
Rosey Mucklestone
03/11/15
Great job! So sad ending, but a great story of faith. I identify with the situation, though. My Uncle got a liver transplant 3 years ago when I was 12. He's still alive and healthy today, though, praise God.
Good writing!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/13/15
Congratulations on ranking 24 overall! Happy Dance!
Lois Lewis
03/21/15
This touched my heart. I'm sorry for your loss, as well as her family's. I'm happy she was a Christian. I would like to have seen her blue-green lavender eyes.