Life Is a Gift

it.   

Chapter 1

Unexpected Friend

Part 1

It was a beautiful day in California, where we now lived.   Mom got inspired to go shopping, something we had gotten used to. She forced me to go, although she knew shopping wasn’t my thing.   While looking through the pants rack, we heard a young woman speaking hysterically on her cell phone.   Mom approached her to make sure she was alright- and boom, the woman let out all her frustration, her anger and her worries. Not wanting to get involved, I had no choice but to hear the entire conversation.   I predicted shopping was not going to happen that day. This is what occurred: mom asked, Is everything alright?   No, it’s not.   Why do I pay the doctors to help me?   Why do I keep thinking I’m going to be alright?   Why am I so dense?   In a quiet voice mom responded, Um, I don’t know, but I’ll listen.   I was now sure that it was the end of our shopping spree, but perhaps the beginning of a new friendship for mom.   I stayed to listen to everything, although I was hoping to have an opportunity to leave. While mom continued to listen to the woman’s dilemma, I got restless, but didn’t want the woman to notice.   I heard her frantically say, I found out two years ago.   The doctor told me if I had chemo, everything would be okay. I’ve been in and out of the hospital.   Everything was fine for a while, now the oncologist called me and told me I have Hodgkin’s lymphoma.   I know there’s no cure.   I know I’m doomed. Lillian couldn’t help but reminisce about Shannon.   She couldn’t help but think about how her sister suffered and could not imagine having to deal with helping someone with cancer again.   She silently asked, Why does God always do this to me?   Why do I always have to be confronted with some kind of tragedy?   Why couldn’t I just mind my business? As reality set in, she remembered her husband, Michael, was the director at California General and offered to bring her there.   I’m sorry; I didn’t quite get your name. Marisol, Marisol Gines is my name. Yours is?   I’m Lillian Cunnings Harrington."

It’s nice to meet you.   I’m sorry to have let out all my problems, but I couldn’t keep it inside me anymore. That’s alright.   I’m not sure what hospital you were tested in, but my husband is the director at California General and I would be more than happy to call him and see if he can arrange for you to get another opinion.   I mean, if that’s alright.   Marisol was moved that a perfect stranger would go to such measures for her.   She knew Lillian had to be from another place other than California, or maybe another planet. She couldn’t remember the last person who was nice to her. It was rare nowadays to find a person who was sensitive to the needs of others.   Are you serious? Wow, no one has ever offered to help me before.   You must not be from California.   Lillian smiled and responded, Well, I’m actually from Texas.   I’m a farm girl.   I’ve been here for a year and I’m still trying to get use to this fast life.   You’re a farm girl huh?   That explains why you’re so nice.   People here don’t care about anyone but themselves.   It’s so nice to meet someone who listens and is concerned.   Sympathetically Lillian responded, Well, I sort of understand.   My sister passed away a year ago from ovarian cancer.   My mom died from the same thing when I was only four.   My dad passed away from cardiac problems and my first husband was tragically killed in an accident.   I’ve had my share of grief.   I understand how you feel.   Marisol realized that perhaps her problem wasn’t so bad.   After listening to what Lillian had gone through, her cancer, although terrible, wasn’t too bad compared to Lillian’s tragedies. Well that’s a hell of a whole lot to have gone through.   How can you be so happy and have a smile on your face?   Why are you so nice?   I would be bitter having gone through all of that. Trying to be as comforting as possible, Lillian answered, Well, it wasn’t always easy.   I had my moments.   I went through deep depression, thought of ending my own life, didn’t want to go on, never wanted to love again, and lost all hope in life.   I had two inspirations to keep me going, one was God and the second was my daughter Skye. She helped me realize that life is worth living when you have a purpose.   She woke me up to reality and helped me confront my pain.   Lillian continued to speak as she stared at her young, beautiful and wonderful daughter. She’s young, but let me tell you, she’s full of smarts. Oh sorry, that’s my country accent coming out.   Marisol smiled and looked at Skye as well, then responded Oh that’s okay.   I wish I had that in my life.   I   have a son who’s in the arm forces fighting for our country, an ex husband who cheated on me once too many times, and friends who all they care about is how much money I have in my bank account.   I’ve had to go through chemo treatments alone.   Sometimes afraid I would die with no one around, so I thank you for listening.   I don’t know you, although your face looks familiar. Lillian then identified who she was.   I’m an author.   I write fictional novels. Marisol stared at her for a moment, I’m trying to place the face with a book I might have read.   Lillian explained.   I wrote Works by Lillian Cunnings.   Marisol took a step back and couldn’t believe she was talking to an author.   Not just any author, but an author who brought her books to life. Lillian was a writer who knew how to capture the attention of her intended audience.   Marisol quickly stated, Well what do you know, yes I did read that book. The picture on the back cover of your book is a bit different, but yes indeed you are Lillian Cunnings.   How did I not catch that when you introduced yourself?   You’re an amazing writer.   Your stories just reached my soul.   I felt like I was a character in your book.   You brought the story to life. It just blew me away.   I felt your heart through your characters.   Lillian responded, Really? I was hoping to grasp the hearts of my audience through my experiences.   I wrote about the things I went through in my life using fictitious characters and situations.   You see Marisol, everyone has a story to tell.   It’s just a matter of putting it on paper.   Marisol’s heart was joyful as she knew she had found a possible friend in Lillian.   She quickly responded, Well, let me tell you I am honored to have met and spoken to you.   You are a great person.   Lillian sensed she made the right choice in listening to Marisol’s dilemma.   Aw, thank you, but anyone with a sensitive heart would listen to someone’s problems. Marisol was indeed thankful but apologetic feeling she had almost taken up Lillian’s shopping time with her daughter.   She softly added, I’m sorry to have taken up your time.   I see your daughter quietly standing there and she hasn’t said a word.   I’m sorry.   Lillian was never in a rush.   The farm life taught her how to enjoy every day calmly.   She didn’t see it as a waste of time. Lillian responded to Marisol’s statement, Not a problem.   Skye is the best kid anyone could ask for.   She’s not really a shopper.   I have to actually force her to go shopping.   She’s so used to the simple farm life.   Is she your only child?   No I have Jal, whose twenty two years old and Matt, who’s nineteen.   Jal is my little designer. Marisol interrupted her, You mean Jal clothing line?   Yes.   What a small world.   I love her clothes. Yes, she’s amazing.   God has given her a gift for fashion.   Matt, he’s studying to be an attorney.   He’s a great kid too. Skye is sixteen. Marisol listened intently and was happy that someone was actually talking to her.   She graciously responded, I am so amazed by you.   You have three great children.   You have a son in the Armed Forces; it’s an honor for me to know you.   He’s putting his life on the line for us every day.   That’s an honor.   Anyway, I do have to get a few things, but here’s my number.   Please call me.   I would really love for you to have another opinion before you do anything else.   They exchanged telephone numbers and went on their merry way.   Lillian felt this was no coincidence; she knew God brought Marisol into her life for a purpose.   He had a plan.   What that plan was, Lillian had yet to know.   Skye turned to her mom and said, Now that was a real mouth full mom.   I feel bad for her.   Please help her. Lillian stopped, looked up to God and responded, May God give me the strength and wisdom to help her."   

At home, Skye called her sister, while her mother got things ready to go to the hospital to meet Michael.   With excitement Skye said, Hey Jal, how is everything? I miss you and Matt.   I miss everything about the farm life.   I wish I could go back, but I don’t want to abandon mom.   She would worry.   Hey sweet girl, you can always come to visit.   Why don’t you come spend the summer here with Matt and me?   Maybe we can get mom to come for a few weeks too.   Sounds like a plan sis.   Jal, I don’t really like the school here.   I mean it’s alright, but I can’t get used to it.   There’s too much drama.   I liked my simple life.   I have a new friend name Sarah.   She’s a little strange and crazy.   What?   Crazy?   Then why is she your friend?   Skye giggled and answered, I’m the only friend she has Jal.   No one wants to be around her.   I feel bad.   She’s not really crazy; she just has a lot of problems.   Maybe I can bring her to the farm too.   It would be really different for her, but I think she could use a little peace and quiet. What do you think? I don’t mind as long as it’s okay with her.   You’re such a good kid Sky. Oh well, thanks sis. Hey I’m no kid, and besides, I learned from you.   I gotta go!   Jal quickly yelled, Wait, are you still painting?   Yes I am.   My art teacher wants to enter some of my paintings in a state wide competition.   We’ll see how that goes.   Anyway sis, I really have to go.   Love you.   Right back at ya kid.   I’m no kid.

Skye missed her home in the country every time she spoke to her sister and brother.   She loved being around her horses and having the freedom to ride.   Although she loved her new and beautiful home, it didn’t compare to the quality of life she had back in Texas.   For now she didn’t want to abandon her mom who would worry about her.   She didn’t mind sacrificing a little, knowing her mom had sacrificed so much for her children.

Skye decided to continue working on her paintings once she hung up the telephone.   Her paintings always told a story about her farm life.   They captured every detail as she remembered it. As she painted, Lillian let her know that she was going to the hospital to meet Michael.   She needed to talk to him concerning Marisol.   This matter couldn’t wait.   It had to be done immediately.   She didn’t know how much time Marisol had, but she wanted to make sure to get her in to see the oncologist as soon as possible.   She only wished she could have done the same for her sister Shannon.   Lillian felt that God had given her an opportunity to help someone and she didn’t want to procrastinate.   She prayed and asked God for wisdom and strength.   She knew she was going to need it.

As Lillian met her husband, she explained the entire situation to him.   Michael loved his wife and would move mountains for her if he had to.   Lillian discussed Marisol’s illness and stated that she needed immediate help.   He had no problem having her come in for some tests. He insisted that Marisol get a second, even a third opinion, if needed.   Have her come into Dr. Harry Lanes’ office Monday morning.   I will speak to him.   He’s our top Oncologist.   He’s the best Lillian. Thank you honey, I don’t know this woman, but when I heard her conversation, something inside of me couldn’t say no.   Maybe it’s because I thought of Shannon.   I don’t know, but I feel we need to help her Michael.   You have an amazing heart my love.   I am thankful every day that God gave me you.   He saw the worried look in her eyes and assured her that everything would be okay.   He assured her that Dr. Lanes was one of the top doctors in the country and had written many journals on cancer.   If anyone could help her, it would definitely be doctor Lanes.   Lillian began to relax as she felt peace in her heart.   She kissed her husband and was fast on her way back home.   While driving home, Lillian felt inspired to call Marisol and give her the good news. Marisol, hi it’s Lillian.   We met today at Marcy’s.   Oh yes, how can I forget?   How are you? I’m good. I’m calling because I spoke with my husband.   He would like for you to come into the hospital and see Dr. Harry Lanes.   He’s the top oncologist there. Is Monday morning alright? There was silence on the phone. Lillian recognized that silence well.   It was the same silence as her sister Shannon’s.   You don’t have to be afraid, I can meet you there.   Softly Marisol responded, Really?   You would do that for me? Absolutely!   Can you be there by 9 am?   Yes and thank you very much. Lillian could hear the fear and apprehension in Marisol’s voice. This wasn’t new to her.   She was used to dealing with pain and loss.   This time Lillian had so much faith in God that she knew all she had to do was place her trust in him and he would take care of the rest.   She knew by Michael’s experience, that life wasn’t a guarantee, but truly a gift.   

All day Sunday, Lillian and Michael prayed for Marisol.   They knew she was afraid and her journey would be a long, painful and