Mark agreed. “Yeah, it’s not like we can get her new toys; she’ll just be reminded daily of why she can’t play with them.”
“When I just think of the words quadriplegic or paraplegic, my stomach turns. I am praying so hard for a miracle here, Mark. You have a closer relationship with God than I do. What do you think he is saying?”
Mark looked at Jessi, knowing what she wanted to hear yet afraid to speak anything but the complete truth with her. “I do have a peace about the whole situation, but that doesn’t mean God’s will is my will. I’ve had to learn that simply means trusting God to know what is best and believing that he has my best interest in mind when making his decisions. I’m sorry it’s not exactly what you want to hear, Jess, but it’s the best I can do. We have to trust him.”
Jessi spoke out loud something that both of them had been thinking about since the accident happened. “Mark, I don’t think we should have the wedding until Olivia is well enough to be there. The doctors say she could be in therapy for some time, that is if she gets any movement back at all.”
“I agree, Jess. But I don’t want us to wait forever. Even if she doesn’t regain mobility, it will take the two of us to properly care for her without wearing one of us completely out. It is going to be all right. Somehow I know that much.”
Julia pulled into the hospital parking lot, and the three of them walked together to Olivia’s room. The first sounds they heard were giggling. Jessi was so happy she almost had tears. Not wanting to ruin the moment, whatever it was, they stayed outside the door to listen for a minute. They had not heard Olivia laugh since before the accident, and the sound was beautiful to their ears.
After eavesdropping, they walked into the room bearing gifts. Mark brought in a big bouquet of daisies that had a silly balloon tied to it, something that he was sure Olivia would like. Jessi brought the DVD player and a new movie that Olivia had been wanting to see, hoping that would keep the boredom to a minimum. The smile they saw on Olivia’s face stopped them all in their tracks. She was glowing, absolutely glowing. Jessi put her bags on the table and went to her daughter. She held her face in her hands. “Your smile is the most beautiful thing God has ever created.”
Olivia pulled away from her mother’s embrace. “Mommy, I think your smile is the most beautiful.” Then she lifted her hand ever so slowly and traced her mother’s lips. Everyone in the room started crying at once, including Aunt Merry, who was already aware of what God had accomplished that afternoon. The doctor who had stepped into the room wiped his eyes when he witnessed the scene. The girl had worked awfully hard this afternoon and had surprised everyone when she began to move her fingers. Now she was not only moving her fingers and hands, but lifting her arms as well. It really was nothing short of a miracle.
Jessi stayed with Olivia while Mark took Julia and Aunt Merry to get some dinner. He promised to bring them back something really good to eat. Jessi hoped so because she felt like she could eat a horse. After they left, Jessi pulled out Olivia’s Bible to begin reading to her. Olivia took the Bible from her mother. “Mama, can I read to you?”
She helped Olivia hold onto the Bible. Olivia began to read in an almost perfect manner. Jessi was astounded. “Olivia, when did you learn how to read?”
“I didn’t want to tell you before because then you wouldn’t read my Bible to me.”
How did this child get to be so smart? “So you figured I would make you read the stories all by yourself?”
“Sometimes you did that already. You didn’t finish some stories, so I would read them after you left my room.”
Jessi didn’t realize Olivia knew the difference. She never gave the child the credit she deserved. She was a smart one, this child of hers. “Yes, I did do that, didn’t I? I’m sorry that I hurt your feelings. Sometimes Mommy wasn’t ready to hear about Jesus and the things he did. I knew that if I chose to let Jesus love me I would have to love him, and if I loved him, then I would have to change some things that I wasn’t ready to change. I’m sure that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but it’s how I felt then.”
“Aunt Merry told me you love Jesus now. Do you?”
“Your Aunt Merry is correct. I do love Jesus very much, and I am very thankful that he loves me too.”
“Now we can be a family, right? And live together in the same house like mommies and daddies do?”
“Pretty soon, sweetie, we will do just that. First, we have to get you better. That is the most important thing to your daddy and me. Then we’ll think about having the wedding.”
“Mommy, I want us to still have the wedding when we said, when school is out, so we can go visit Ethan together on our honeymoon. Why do they call it a moon?”
Jessi laughed. “I really don’t know why they call it a moon. I’ve never thought of that, Olivia. I suppose it’s called honey because you go with the person you love and sometimes you call that person honey. I have no idea why it’s called a moon, though. Maybe your aunts or your daddy will know the answer to that. We’ll ask them when we get back. Would you like to finish your story now? I really like you reading to me.”
Olivia finished reading, and they were halfway through a game of Sorry, with Jessi being sorely beaten, when the two aunts and Mark got back from dinner. He had a box with cheese pizza in it, and Olivia was glad to be able to eat the pizza all by herself.
Now that everyone knew what she was capable of, along with the fact that Jessi had not flat out refused her request to keep the wedding in June, Olivia had the desire to succeed, the attitude to make great strides in her therapy, the support of her family, and God, the most powerful ally she could have.
Chapter 40
Mark and Jessi, with the help of Aunt Merry and Julia, fell into a good working routine with Olivia. On the way home one afternoon, Jessi brought up the discussion she had had with Olivia about the wedding. “She still wants us to marry when we originally planned; that’s why she has been working so hard. If we don’t, it’s going to break her heart.” Jessi looked at Mark for his opinion.
“Well, let’s tell her nothing’s changed, then. If need be we’ll wheel her up the aisle in a wheelchair. Wedding’s on, just as we planned.”
“Should we tell her tomorrow when we go in? I think the news will give her even more determination to get better.”
“It looks like we’re getting married in June. Should we start making plans when we go in each day? You know, talk about the cake and food and colors and all that? It might keep her mind busy during the tough times.”
“I think that is a good idea. Maybe tomorrow we can stop and pick up some invitation samples on our way.” Jessi reached over and squeezed Mark’s hand.
Mark pulled into Jessi’s driveway. Julia was spending the night tonight with Olivia, and today was Aunt Merry’s day to stay home. They both went in and found a pot of beef stew on the stove and some fresh bread, hot and ready for supper.
Mark gave Aunt Merry a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you. This smells so good.” He washed his hands and sat down at the table, waiting for the ladies to sit with him. “Julia was in her pajamas and all ready for bed when we left. It was really nice of them to let us put a rollaway bed in her room. I didn’t relish the idea of Olivia waking up in the night scared and not sure or awake enough to get the help she needs.”
Mark ladled out stew into everyone’s bowl while Merry sliced the warm bread.
Jessi buttered her bread and dipped it into the stew. “I think our schedule is working out pretty good.” She took a bite and sighed. Jessi spent Friday night, Sunday night, and Wednesday night at the hospital, Mark was there Monday night and Thursday night, Julia spent Tuesday night and Saturday night, and Aunt Merry spent five days a week at the hospital praying and working with Olivia, reminding her why she was working so hard at becoming well. The miracles were not instantaneous, but they were miracles all the same. Each day brought new victories.
Aunt Merry agreed, although she had been more than willing to sleep
at the hospital, seeing as everyone but her had to go to work the next day. “I have to admit, things have been going well. The hospital has been so understanding about us being there with Olivia.”
Mark was not saying too much; his mouth was full most of the time. “This is really good. I was so hungry. We were too far out of town working for me to make a fast food run for lunch, and I didn’t grab anything when I stopped by the hospital ’cause I knew you’d have something awesome for supper.” He took another bite. “And I was right.” He filled up his bowl again.
Jessi watched how much he was eating. “Where do you put it all?” She shook her head, unbelieving. “Aunt Merry, Mark and I have some news.” Jessi looked to Mark and continued on. “We have decided to continue with our wedding plans as they are. We debated putting it off until Olivia was better, but Olivia wants us to keep the plans, and we think it will give her reason to keep working hard at getting better.”
“I couldn’t agree more. I think you will see that child fly through therapy. If she can manage to manipulate her hands and arms in one day, imagine what she can do in two months if she puts her mind to it, with the Lord’s help, of course.” Merry rose from the table and took a pie out of the oven.
Mark looked from his half eaten bowl to the pie. “You could have told me we had pie.”
Jessi started laughing. “I don’t think you are going to have a problem finding a place to put it, Mark.”
They finished eating, and Mark helped clear the table and wash the dishes before he left for home.
On Sunday after church, everyone met at the hospital to eat lunch with Olivia. Mark, Julia, and Aunt Merry went to church together in Julia’s car since Jessi would stay the night with Olivia. Jessi announced the wedding news to Julia and Olivia. “We’ve decided to go with your suggestion, Olivia, and keep our wedding date the same. You have been doing so well, we don’t think it will be a problem for you. So we stopped and picked out some invitation samples. We’ll have to send them out really soon.”
***
Everyone helped in getting ready for the wedding, and it wasn’t long before things were falling into place quite nicely. After six weeks of therapy, Olivia was able to sit up on her own, feed herself, and manipulate all the fingers and thumbs on both her hands. She had some feeling in her toes and was beginning to wiggle them. She was doing amazingly well.
The plans for the wedding were also progressing. The invitations were sent out, and Jessi and Julia were trying to find spare time to pick out dresses. Julia decided to take her laptop to the hospital and look at ordering dresses online, that way Olivia could be part of the decision-making process. Jessi picked out a tea-length ecru dress, and Julia and Olivia fell in love with mint-green summer dresses with matching hats. She placed their order. “Well, that was easy enough. We’re having the wedding and the reception at the church, and Mark and I already picked out the menu. We’re having true picnic fare. A local catering company is providing all the food, and when we went to counseling with the pastor this week, we talked about the actual service. It looks like everything is working out.” Jessi let out a deep breath. “I wasn’t sure if we were going to make it. It’s been a long six weeks.”
Julia leaned back on the chair, listening to Jessi and watching Olivia brush her own hair. Just watching her do the simple things most took for granted gave her pleasure. Julia hadn’t told anyone her own news yet. She and Bert were going to get married. They had so much in common and they both shared the same dreams. It was hard living day to day without him. He owned his own business in town and was able to get away during the day to bring lunch. They spent many afternoons talking about their past and where they saw themselves in the coming years. There was so much going on that she really didn’t want to add anymore to the list, but she didn’t think she’d be able to keep it in any longer, let alone keep the ring off her finger when she was around family. She decided to tell Jessi and Olivia. “Hey, you guys. I have some news of my own. I wasn’t going to say anything with everything else going on and all, but I feel like if I don’t tell someone I’m going to burst. Bert asked me to marry him and I said yes.” She held out her hand to show Jessi and Olivia the ring. “We are waiting until August, when you guys will be back from Oklahoma, and I thought I would ask Mark to give me away.”
Jessi gave her a big hug. “I am so happy for you Julia. He seems like such a nice guy in the little bit of time that I’ve gotten to know him. Look at you. You’re practically bursting as it is. How didn’t I notice before?” Jessi blew out a big breath. “I’m sorry, Julia. I should have noticed how happy you are and guessed.”
“Oh, don’t be silly. I’ve done a pretty good job of hiding it until things settled down, at least somewhat.”
Julia gathered her things to leave. Jessi was spending the night with Olivia, and visiting hours ended at eight; it was ten to.
***
The weeks continued to pass quickly, and before everyone knew it, it was only a week until the wedding. The dresses had been fitted; the seamstress even came to the hospital to fit Olivia. Everyone was impressed with her services. The cake had been ordered, and the only thing left to be seen was if Olivia would be able to go on a trip. She had not been allowed to go home yet. In the three months that Olivia had been in therapy, she had learned to do almost everything, everything, that is, but walk. Her latest victory was using a walking crutch to make it across the room. This was the plan for walking down the aisle.
***
Jessi and Mark purchased a small house that was set up for handicapped access. Hoping that Olivia would be able to come home after the wedding, they had everything ready for her.
Aunt Merry would be flying home a couple of days later. Although she volunteered to drive to Oklahoma with them to help with Olivia, they said it would be better if she flew and prepared her own place to make it easier on all of them. Olivia wouldn’t be climbing stairs this time, so she would need a place to sleep on the main level. So that was the plan. There were things she could change, things that she had used for her husband’s care when he was still alive, things she could put to good use now with Olivia.
Olivia was permitted to spend the night at home on the eve of the wedding to see how she would fare. Jessi and Merry spent the night with her at the new house, making use of the equipment that was purchased to ease Olivia’s transition to home. They stayed up too late talking about the wedding, and it was after midnight by the time Olivia was sleeping soundly. After Aunt Merry went to bed, Jessi called Mark, knowing he would probably be asleep but wanting to hear his voice. “Hi, were you sleeping?”
A sleepy voice answered, “Uh, no…I mean, maybe I just dozed off.”
“I’m sorry I woke you. Olivia just went to sleep and I wanted to hear your voice. And I wanted to tell you I love you. That was all.”
“I love you too. We haven’t had much time to spend together, just the two of us lately. I miss those times.”
“I know; I was missing our time together too. I guess that’s why I called. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“It’s going to be here soon; you should try to get some sleep. It won’t be long before we’ll have more time together. Know that, okay?”
“I guess I better get to bed. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow. Good night.”
“Good night.”
Jessi hung up the phone, wondering how she had come full circle. There was no doubt she loved this man, more than she ever had. God’s grace was more than she’d ever hoped for. She drifted off to a wonderful place in her dreams.
Chapter 41
The morning of the wedding was clear and sunny. It was going to be a beautiful day for a wedding. Jessi stretched and looked outside her window. Having a house in town was going to take some getting used to. She put on her robe and peeked in Olivia’s room. She was still asleep. Jessi took a hot shower and dressed in a pair of sweats until it was time to get ready for the wedding. Aunt Merry had coffee on and a light breakfast of fru
it and muffins on the table when Jessi emerged. Julia would be here around eleven to help her get ready. The ladies at the church were taking care of the decorating, and the caterers would be arriving around noon. The wedding was taking place at one o’clock, and lunch would be directly afterward.
Julia arrived with bags and baskets, makeup and hairstyle products. It took a good hour and a half to get everyone ready. Aunt Merry didn’t want to be fussed over but still admired herself in the mirror when she looked at the job Julia had done on her hair.
Julia drove the four of them to the church, and Jessi and Olivia hid away in the women’s bathroom until it was time to walk up the aisle. Jessi’s parents were unable to come for the wedding, which didn’t come as a big surprise, seeing as they hadn’t made it the first time she and Mark wed, so going against tradition, Aunt Merry was walking her down the aisle.
Jessi looked in the mirror at herself, trying to see what Mark might see when he looked at her from the front of the church. Her hair was piled up on her head with curls cascading down here and there. Her makeup was perfect, and the dress was a bride’s dream, so why was she so nervous? Maybe because this was her wedding day? Because she was marrying the same man she had been married to before? What if this was a mistake? What if she had allowed her emotions to control her and not her head? She couldn’t believe after all they had been through together lately that she was still questioning him and his character, but a small voice kept creeping up, whispering in her ear. Aunt Merry chose that moment to enter the room Jessi was waiting in. “Are you ready?”
Jessi still stood in front of the mirror looking at her image. “I guess I’m as ready as I will ever be.”
Merry took her hand and pulled her away to the sitting area. “It’s only natural that you are asking yourself some hard questions right now. You are marrying a man who brings some painful memories of the past into your relationship.” Merry looked from Olivia, who was napping on the couch, back to Jessi. “Do you love who Mark is today? Do you want to spend the rest of your life with him? Can you see yourself living without him? I know I’m asking some very pointed questions, but they are questions you will have to answer before you can say ‘I do.’”
Until Forever (Women of Prayer) Page 25