An Angel's Passing

By Susan Lee

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 23, 2000
• ISBN: 9781465319128

Susan Lee

Susan Lee currently lives in Arizona with her two cats. She has a Bachelors degree in English and a Reading Masters from Arizona State University. She has worked with special and ill children in the Arizona public school homebound program on both the elementary and high school level. Her first novel was inspired by her experiences with these children.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

In the wee hours of the morning ten-year-old Meggie Cabot tried to sleep while the respirator, there only to ease her labored breathing, kerthumped rhythmically. Frail and ashen in the dimmed light of her ICU cubicle, she made an effort to ignore the pain in her chest and joints but couldn’t quite. In her upright position, she was tied down so she couldn’t move around or pull out her IV. She wished she could lie flat and turn on her side to relieve the persistent ache in her hips and lower back.

The Sisters at the softly lit nurses’ station kept checking the bank of numbered monitors blipping endlessly while their charges slept. It’s time to check IVs, Sister Ruth said in a low voice after she glanced at her watch. The Cabot child has been restless tonight. She’s feverish too. I’ll tape her IV down so we won’t have to find another vein.

We were lucky to find a good vein this afternoon. Her veins are very fragile, Sister Michael replied, closing a blue plastic chart. She’s holding her own now, but we could lose her tonight.

Blessed Mary, it’s been quiet so far. Let’s hope it remains that way. Sister Ruth crossed herself before she started her hourly rounds.

After checking the younger children, Sister Ruth entered Meggie’s cubicle. At least the child hasn’t pulled out her IV, but she’s crying in her sleep, Sister Ruth observed. poor angel, she’s on pain meds and it’s not time for her medication. She pondered the matter for a moment. We’ll get you something for the pain as soon as we talk to the doctor on call. Just hang in there, sweetie.

Mrs. Potter, dressed in a high-collared, long dark dress and a crisp white apron, stood by while the ICU nurse in greens checked Meggie’s IV drip and vitals. Why does the child stay? She’s in pain in spite of all the drugs, none of which will cure her leukemia! Mrs. Potter took her place by the bed after the nurse left.

Mrs. Potter? Meggie called out, wincing in pain.

I’m here, Meggie. Mrs. Potter answered, squeezing her hand. I’m always here.

I hurt, Meggie complained, tears in her voice. It hurts to breathe. My hips hurt, too. Why can’t I roll over on my side?

Shh. Lie still now. Mrs. Potter patted her shoulder. The nurse will bring you something for the pain soon. Let’s take a walk while we’re waiting.

Glad to escape the pain for awhile, Meggie sat up and dangled her legs over the edge of the high-railed bed. Where are we going?

Before Mrs. Potter helped her down, she carefully pulled the sheet up over the child’s resting body. Just for a walk. We won’t go far. Meggie took her hand and barefooted, padded out into the carpeted hall.

In the institutionally furnished alcove down the hall from ICU Nancy Cabot quickly flipped through a dog-eared magazine while Jack, her husband, paced back and forth for lack of anything else to do. In the dead silence the passing minutes felt like hours.

Fighting back the tears and panic, Nancy glanced at her watch for the nth time in the last half hour. Two a.m. Why won’t they let me stay with her? She’s sick and scared! She shouldn’t be alone now!

Jack stopped pacing and turned to face her. She’s not alone, honey. The Sisters will take good care of her. He wanted to believe his daughter was in good hands, but a part of him doubted the power of medical science.

But it’s been hours since we brought her in! When will they tell us anything? she demanded, blotting her tears away with a crumpled tissue.

‘Dr. Goldberg told us we’d be notified of any change in her condition. No news is good news. He sat down beside his wife on the olive green plastic couch. Honey, you’re worn out. The Sisters offered us a room. Please try to get some rest. I’ll let you know the minute there’s any news."

No . . . no. I couldn’t sleep a wink with Meggie hooked up to that respirator and all. I’ll sleep once I know Meggie’s out of danger. She rubbed the grit out of her tired eyes. Why did you take her into that mall? They’re always chilly and she catches cold so easily!

Glaring, Jack drew away from her. We only went in for an ice cream cone! I can’t even buy my daughter an ice cream cone now! Waves of guilt assaulted him.

Why are they fighting? Daddy didn’t make me sick. Meggie looked to Mrs. Potter for answers. They’re always fighting about me being sick. I hear them talking at night when they think I’m asleep. It scares me.

They’re scared too. They’re afraid your sickness will take you away from them, Mrs. Potter explained. They both love you so much, but they can’t make you well. They have to wait for the doctors to tell them you’re all right.

Oh, look. There’s Billy and his grandpa, Meggie pointed out. They both watched a seven-year-old boy and an older man in jeans and a western-cut shirt leave ICU and walk through a lit doorway in the middle of the hallway. Where are they going?

Away to Heaven, Mrs. Potter replied. He decided to leave, because he hurt so bad. His body was wearing out.

I hurt too, but I can’t leave yet, Meggie replied. Mamma would be afraid by herself, Meggie answered. She’d cry. And Daddy would be lost. I don’t want to make them cry.

Let’s go back now, Mrs. Potter suggested. You’ll get through tonight. I’ll stay with you. She and Meggie walked back to ICU. Didn’t you say you were going to Anchor Bay soon?

The tension between Nancy and Jack was almost visible. Silently each blamed the other for their daughter’s critical condition. Suddenly the unnatural quiet was broken by CODE BLUE! loud and clear over the loudspeaker. Nancy, shocked out of her anger, reached out to her husband. Merciful Mary, no! Not Meggie!

God, not Meggie! Jack prayed aloud. Holding his wife, he cried and hoped against hope. The hall came alive with nurses and doctors in hospital greens. When the crashcart, propelled by running staff members, rushed past them and into ICU, Nancy and Jack stood stockstill, fearing the worst.

Mr., Mrs. Cabot. A Sister in a powder blue and white habit and a modified nurse’s cap approached them.

‘Yes . . . yes! Nancy replied, fear in her eyes. Meggie, is she . . . ?"

No, it was another child. The Sister waited for them to absorb the good news. Meghan is resting comfortably. You can see her for a few minutes, but then you’ll have to go.

Thank God, Sister! Jack sniffed back his tears. Thank God it wasn’t my Meggie, he silently added.

Yes. Thank you, Sister. Relief washed over Nancy. My baby is alive, she thought over and over until she chased away all of her doubts.

After the Sister left, Nancy and Jack hurried to their daughter’s side. In sterile gowns, they quietly stood by Meggie’s bedside watching her sleep. She’s so pale, Nancy observed softly, placing her hand on the child’s forehead. Sleep tight, honey. Mommy will be back tomorrow morning. She leaned down and kissed her .

Meggie looked like a frail porcelain doll to Jack. Goodnight, Princess. He leaned down and kissed her tenderly.

In the predawn hours the streets were deserted. Jack and Nancy didn’t give the other child’s parents a second thought as they wound their way home. They simply gave thanks for their daughter’s survival.

CHAPTER 2

While her husband showered and dressed, Nancy ignored the half-eaten piece of toast on the paper plate near her empty coffee mug. While the coffee maker hissed, a second pot dripped through. Her mind was buzzing with a thousand last minute details. Packing, tickets, meals for Jack, all a jumble.

As she wiped up the small puddle of water on the counter, the basketball team in the apartment upstairs dribbled furiously overhead. Why can’t they do THAT outside! She tensed as she hung the dishrag over the faucet. See, Jack. That’s what I have to put up with all day! But you’re never home to hear it!

After she put the last clean dish up in the cupboard, three laughing children ran past her apartment on their way to the elevator. They’re up and out early this morning, she observed. They’re so free. I wish Meggie could go to the playground with them. Damn leukemia! God, it’s so unfair!

My Meggie is coming home today, she silently reminded herself. God answered my prayers. And we’re going to Anchor Bay, far away from this anthill full of germs! She looked around the neutral tan kitchen and living room area. This place is so brown! When we come home, I’m going to brighten this place up with some new curtains and maybe some couch pillows or a yellow throw.

Shower’s all yours, Jack announced as he entered the small apartment kitchen. When do we pick up Meggie? He poured himself a cup of coffee. The train leaves at one.

Eleven, but Dr. Goldberg wants to talk to us first, so we should be there about nine, Nancy replied, all business. I’ve packed our bags, but I’ve got to get Meggie’s traveling clothes together, her train bag filled and her medicine in my purse. There’s so much to do!

The basketball team upstairs double-dribbled and galloped across the ceiling. I am so damn tired of that racket! Don’t they ever quit? Nancy complained.

Calm down, honey. It’s all part of apartment life, Jack pointed out, tension in his voice. We’ll be in Anchor Bay tonight.

I don’t mind apartment living, but being sandwiched between the New York Knicks and the two AM bathers is just too much! Nancy poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down. The company really gave us a gem of an apartment this time!

I spoke to the Super about that. The family above us should be moving out before school starts, Jack offered to soothe her ruffled feathers.

"It can’t be soon enough for me. I’m glad we can get away from the city for Meggie’s sake. She needs a break from the stifling