Renata?
Renata tried to answer, but felt heavy.
That’s ok, I’ll do the talking for right now.
Suddenly Renata heard her voice, but not from her mouth.
Who, what are you?
My name is Raphael. I’m an angel and I have a message for you.
Renata stared at the man standing next to her in incredulous amazement.
An angel?
Ok, I know that’s a lot to take in for the moment, but I don’t want you to be afraid. I’m here to explain some things and give you a message.
A message. What message?
Your prayer for a change has been heard. You see, Renata, when things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always be worse. And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better. This is the day, the moment, when for you, things are so bad they are finally going to get better.
Why now? Why did you wait…why can’t I move?
So many questions Renata had, but she still didn’t feel like her mouth was moving and her body felt heavy…so very heavy.
Why now…because it is time. You must awaken and get to the better. Life is a journey, not the destination. Therefore, the longest journey of any person is the journey inward.
When we are sure that we are on the right road there is no need to plan our journey too far ahead. No need to burden ourselves with doubts and fears as to the obstacles that may bar our progress. We cannot take more than one step at a time.
And that is why you will awaken. Now. To begin the next step in your journey…
And he was gone!!
———————————————————-
Joralyn was seated at the nurse’s station when the alarms began sounding. One glance told her exactly whose room required attention. She quickly snapped into action…running down the hallway while shouting orders for staff and assitance on the way.
When she arrived, a very frightened patient was writhing in the bed.
Joralyn rushed over to comfort her immediately.
It’s ok. Can you hear me?? You’re in a hospital, but we’ve got everything under control. You’re going to be alright now.
(over her shoulder)
Page the Doctor…STAT!!
The patient tried to comprehend what she was being told. She couldn’t move her mouth at all. She didn’t know her mouth was wired shut. Actually, she didn’t seem to be able to move much of anything and the pain was, well, WHAT WAS GOING ON??
So many people in the room now all poking and prodding and probing and then a man suddenly burst authoritatively into the room.
She’s awake?! That’s good.
Doctor, she’s panicking.
How are her vitals?
Elevated by stress, but stable otherwise, Joralyn replied.
Everyone but Joralyn leave the room. This is no longer an emergency status situation.
Personnel began leaving and returning to the attention of other patients or items on the floor.
The room now emptied, the patient began to calm down and her vitals return somewhat to a normal (for her) elevation.
The Doctor came over closer to the patient and sat down in a chair by the bedside.
You’ve been through a severe trauma, ma’am. We’ve been watching you for some time now and working with your body to stabilize you. You are a fighter and that’s why I am able to talk with you now.
The patient looked at the doctor…who were these people??? Why were they talking to her like this. She slowly attempted to look at herself and take in what was going on…
She thought for sure she should be able to move things, but nothing seemed right. So much pain. But after a moment, she looked back at Joralyn and then the doctor.
The good news is, you’re still fighting. I can see you are responding to what I am saying to you. Whether or not you actually know what I am telling you is quite another matter. For now, it isn’t the end we have to worry about, but the journey to your recovery.
He laid a hand on her head like a father on a frightened child and attempted a reassuring quality to his voice. It seemed to soothe her.
You just lie here and take it easy. We’re going to take good care of our miracle girl, you can be sure of that.
And with that, the patient closed her eyes. Not so much to sleep as to just search inwardly for any kind of a sign that this might be a dream.
