The worst news a father can hear is that his child has been injured in an accident. So with his wife, the boy's mother they rush to a hospital not knowing just how bad it is. They wonder what on earth would possess a group of youngsters playing with fire had in mind when they did not realize the danger of their actions. This was not an accident that could have been avoided because it was one that should not have happened. They get to the hospital and find that the son is alive but badly burned and so the one thing this father can do is hit his knees and pray.1
He prays for his son to make it through the night and that his pain be kept under control. He is angry because his son just happened to be walking by the street when the teens kicked a flaming bowl of lighter fluid into the air. It was not their intent to hurt his son but they did. Now the father is trying to understand the foolishness of youth and he prays too for control over his anger when he confronts the parents of the boys that injured his son. This is the one thing he can do also for himself because he has seen first hand what an angry reaction does to people. In the chapel high above the beautifully landscaped lawns of the hospital, the light in the chapel never dims. His head turns and he sees another father coming in and this man is praising God for the safe delivery of his newborn son. A son that was not even supposed to be born but he was born despite the advice to abort the child. So now the first father is calmed somewhat because he remembers how he felt when his child was born.2
Then there is movement and another father just as sad as he is comes in and asks the Lord for forgiveness in having made a decision to pull the plug on his son's machines. The soft voice of the nursing sister gently reminds him that because of this selfless act at least seven other fathers will get to see their children grow up. Among them is the first father because his son's eyes were burned so badly that they had to take out his corneas. A time of prayer, and a time to weep, and rejoice. But most of all it is a time that a father learns the true meaning of forgiveness.3
Author notes
My cousin's son was the boy burned so badly because of a freak accident that could have been avoided but he will recover. And the son has to have skin grafts as well, I understand that the baby that was born is doing well too. Despite what the doctors said the child shows no sign of a deformity in which they had advised the mother to have an abortion. The other father gave persmission to remove the organs of his son after the boy suffered a stroke while playing baseball. So this happened in Saint Mary's hospital in the capitol city of my state.
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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A very sad, happy and loving poem. So many times it hard to get past the hurt and anger when a child is hurt. My children and I have talked considerable about organ donations and its the understanding of us all that when that time comes, whatever organs are needed will be given.
You certainly wrote this from the heart and the love you have for your cousin.
I have to agree with Dennis, a few comma's, etc. would help it flow much better, but overall it's a great write
Lori
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A warm write that said alot in just a few words. Though the lack of commas threw me off a bit.
At first I thought, this is just a twist on a classic cliche'.
About the man who complained about not having shoes till he met a man without feet. Then it blossomed into something more.
I enjoyed the read, and my heart goes out to the families involved. A platitude perhaps, but having watched for months my daughter lying deep in a coma from a fall at school, it is more.
den -
I firmly believe in the power of prayer.. Many times in my life it has been my saving grace through many hard hours and trying times. And God does listen and heal.. How beautiful this was.. Be Safe, Catressa
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This is a beautiful story of forgivemness and sacrifice. Well written and so full of love and mercy. That it's a tru story makes it more powerful God's grace is amazing. I truly hope your dear cousin's son heals quickly and completely and painlessly. Thanks you for this write. love and hugs - joanne
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What can I say that doesn't sound cliche...the heart of this piece belongs to you. Your words are tender, but full of pain. This was written with pure love and faith. I really enjoyed it, although it is a very bad time for your family, and a family of strangers who now share their sight with yours. Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing this in the contest.
Sam
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A real tearjerker Cous. I am glad the boy will be all right. What do you do when tou are not in the mine?
Hope to talk to you later. Been fun.
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