The phone on the nightstand beside him blared to life. He jumped, startled by its intrusion into his imaginings. He sat up and swung his long legs over the side of the bed. The coolness of the air in the room met his bare feet as he picked up the phone. “Hastings.”
“Are you sitting down?” The happy, animated sound of Jeff Anderson’s voice filled Jeb’s ears.
“I’m just getting out of bed, but at the moment I’m still sitting,” Jeb replied with a smile. “Jeff, don’t you ever go home? You’re worse than me!”
“You got that right!” The other doctor chuckled. “Hey, we’ve got the reports back on Michael. Should I let you hang there for awhile, or should I just lay it on you?”
“Just lay it on me, man!” Jeb laughed. He knew that the other doctor would not sound cheerful, would not be laughing unless the news was good.
“Well, Doctor Hastings, Michael Donahue is one hundred percent cancer free! Absolutely no cancer—zippo! Bro, I don’t have to tell you that we’ve got a phenomenon with this boy, or should I say another miracle here at Brannan’s? Is that sweet or what?”
Jeb exhaled. “Oh, that is very sweet indeed, my friend,” he said softly as he absorbed the news. While their efforts as physicians helped children lead better lives, they didn’t get such wonderful news every day. “I—I don’t know what to say other than thank You, God! I imagine that Lauren is thrilled by the news.”
“That would be an understatement, and of course like any other mom; she’s asking when Michael can come home. Can’t blame her, it is Christmas Eve.”
“What do you think, Jeff? You’re the one who has been there all night.”
“Honestly, I can’t think of a single reason why he can’t go home this evening. Everything is perfectly normal, exactly what and where it should be.” He sighed. “There isn’t even a trace of the incision, it’s as if the surgery never happened!”
“That sounds like the best Christmas present we could possibly give to Michael’s mom. I’m sure my wife will be thrilled when I tell her.”
“Uh, it’s too late for that Jeb. She was here with Lauren when I got the results, and she left a message for you.”
Jeb laughed. “What’s the message?”
“And I quote, ‘If you show up more than five minutes before noon, you will be in big trouble, Mister.’ End quote. Listen to her, man, because I gotta tell you—your wife scares me sometimes!”
“My little bitty wife scares you?” Jeb laughed.
“Yes sir, she’s just like my mama! You’ve gotta watch those tiny ones.” Doctor Anderson laughed. “I’ve got two at home just like her! Between Jacquie and Mama, I don’t stand a chance!”
“Hey Jeff, what should we tell people? No one will ever believe that a bona fide miracle has happened, or that we operated on this kid and cut his chest open,” Jeb said.
After a slight hesitation, Jeff replied, “Most people aren’t going to ask. And if they do, we’ll tell them the truth, that God performed a miracle.”
Jeb nodded. “Amen.”
***
Kenni’s contentment showed in her smile as she made her way down the long corridor from the elevator to her office, the Crocs on her feet squishing rhythmically beneath her against the polished tile floor with each step. She loved the warm ambience of the hospital during Christmas, all the decorations, and the spirit of peace and love that came alive during the holiday. Many employees had donned Santa hats and sported festive pins with snowmen, elves, cats and dogs wearing elf hats—whatever they had that reflected Christmas. Kenni had on her seasonal scrubs, the ones with Santa and a smiling, red-nosed Rudolph at his side. Despite all the red and green, the Christmas trees and gifts wrapped in colorful papers and foils, and trimmed with ribbon, she knew that there was a single purpose for celebrating, and that was the birth of Jesus Christ. If she never got around to putting their tree up, which was becoming a distinct possibility as time flew faster than she could get things done; it did nothing to quell her feelings about Christmas, for she considered herself blessed among a world of confused people who didn’t know what to believe in or who to trust. She had come to know Jesus early in life, and looked forward to the days ahead when she and Jeb would introduce their children to Him.
She was turning the corner toward her office when she saw a familiar man with blond hair just outside her door. She smiled and walked a little faster so as to not keep him waiting. “Hi,” she called out as she approached him. She smiled, her eyes twinkling brightly, maternity’s glow warming her cheeks, causing her smile to appear even brighter against the soft blush of her radiance. “I’m surprised to see you. Michael told us that you said goodbye and went home.”
Brownie smiled. He was not wearing hospital garb, instead he was dressed in jeans and a red Ohio State Bucs sweatshirt. “I will be leaving soon,” he said softly. “Seeing as you’ve sort of been my boss, I felt I needed to say goodbye to you in case there are questions as to why I’m not here. I guess I’m quitting.” He laughed. “This is a first for me, Kenni; I’ve never done this before on any of my earthly visits. I’ve never become this involved before. I don’t know why, but I have to admit that you all sort of grew on me.”
“C’mon in,” Kenni said as she opened the door to her office and they stepped inside. “I’ve supervised an angel,” she sighed and then laughed. “And now he’s quitting on me! Oh well, I wouldn’t be able to list it on my resume anyway.”
“You’re a slave driver, Nurse Hastings,” he teased, his luminous green eyes almost dancing. He extended his hand. “Thank you for everything you’ve done, Kenni, to make me feel so welcome, for taking so many things on faith. You’re one of the nicest humans I’ve ever met, and I know you’re going to be a wonderful mother.”
Kenni felt a surprising lump forming in her throat, and tried her best to clear it as she accepted his warm hand. Had it only been a few short days ago that a little teddy bear appeared in my bedroom? “I’ve gotten rather used to having you around, even if I never knew where you were or what you were doing. You’ve been a tremendous blessing to us. I know that you didn’t heal Noah or Michael, just to name a couple of miracles we’ve witnessed since you arrived, but I thank God that He allowed some of us to get to know you.” She forced a smile and blinked back tears. “I’ll miss you, Brownie. I’ve got a feeling that you’ve touched more than one or two of us.”
“Nothing happens by coincidence.” Brownie squeezed her hand. “We’ll meet again one day, Kenni.”
“I certainly hope so.”
“Goodbye then, until we meet again.”
Kenni released his hand. For the last time, she watched as he disappeared within the familiar sight of swirling gold vapors. In seconds, he was gone. “Goodbye, sweet friend,” she whispered as tears filled her eyes.
Bernie’s face suddenly appeared in the open doorway of Kenni’s office, startling her. “I missed him, didn’t I?” He had witnessed the end of the golden display.
Kenni wasn’t sure what to say. Brownie had asked her not to tell anyone about him, but she knew he had revealed himself to others. Bernie seemed to be familiar with the way Brownie came and went, so she silently nodded.
“I was afraid of that.” Bernie sighed. “I was hoping to say goodbye to him before he left. Meeting him has changed my life.”
Kenni reached for some tissues from the box on her desk. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she dabbed at them with the tissues, attempting to stop her mascara from smearing. “In what way did he change you, Bernie?” She sensed that everyone who had been privileged to spend time with Brownie came away changed. “He came to church that night when Seth spoke, and sat with you.”
“Brownie did more than I can explain. He helped me to reach out to Seth.” He smiled just a bit. “I stopped by to let you know that I’m going to Florida with my son for a few weeks,” he explained. “There are lots of wasted years to make up for, lots of time that Seth and I were at odds.” He broke into a grin. “I have a beautif
ul granddaughter and a gorgeous daughter-in-law; I want to get to know them, and be a part of their life. And who knows, I may decide to become a snowbird like many of our fellow Ohioans have already done and migrate south for the winter.”
“Bernie, that’s wonderful!” Kenni was pleased and excited that he had bridged the gap with his son. “I’m sure that would make Isabel very happy.”
Bernie looked up, smiling contentedly. Thanks to Brownie, and God, of course, he knew that with certainty. “I’m sure it does.” He returned his attention back to Kenni. “I’ll be leaving Monday morning. Jeb and Doctor Hobson will be the ranking physicians while I’m gone.”
“Are you going to be here later for the Christmas party?” Kenni asked. “Don’t worry; I won’t bug you to play Santa Clause. Edie and Liza bamboozled Doctor Conley into it, so you’re off the hook. I have no idea how, but somehow they got him to agree to it, poor man!”
“I wouldn’t miss the party for anything,” Bernie said, “but I am relieved that I don’t have to wear that itchy beard again!” He laughed and then remembered something he was supposed to tell her. “By the way, Kenni, are you aware of some little teddy bears that were sent home with parents of children who died?”
It seemed a million years ago since that had happened, before Brownie came along and brightened up their lives. “Yes, I received some curious ‘thank you’ notes from parents who had received them.”
“One of our volunteers—I’m not sure if you know Helen Wood—left me a note this morning,” Bernie explained. “She and another volunteer, Violet North, won two-dozen miniature white teddy bears on eBay.” He laughed softly. “It was their first time and they were the highest bidder when the auction ended. They didn’t know what to do with them once they got them, so they decided it would be a nice idea to send them to grieving families. Another volunteer, Abby Ford, placed them in with the belongings of some of the children. Poor Abby has been upset because they didn’t ask permission and feared she would be banned from the hospital, she begged Helen to see me about it.” He shook his head and smiled. “I guess I’m so formidable around here that Helen was too scared to tell me in person, so she left me a note. Janice promised she would call all three of them today to let them know they don’t have anything to worry about.”
Kenni laughed, relieved that the mystery had been solved. She knew the older ladies Bernie mentioned. They were widows, alone except for one another, and they lived together in a rented house near the hospital.
“You’re just a big, bad old bear, Doctor,” she teased. “What are they going to do with the rest of their bears?”
“They’ve donated them to the Ladies Auxiliary.”
***
“Mommy, are we going to stay for the party?” Angela asked as she and Morgan made their way hand-in-hand along the wet sidewalk that led to the entrance of Brannan’s Point Pediatric Hospital. The walkways were clear of snow and ice, and the residue from salt crystals used to melt the ice crunched beneath their boots with every step. “Do you think we could?”
“I don’t know, Sweetie,” Morgan replied honestly, as it was the furthest thing from her mind. “We have a lot to do to get ready for tonight, both sets of your grandparents and uncles are spending Christmas with us. I’m not sure what time this party starts, and besides, we weren’t invited.”
“Then why are we here?” Angela asked as she looked up at her mother. She frowned. “I’m not sick again, am I? I don’t feel sick.”
Morgan smiled. “No, Baby, it’s nothing like that.” Morgan sighed. “Mommy needs to talk to Nurse Kenni about something.” The idea of humbling herself in front of someone she had wronged wasn’t something she relished doing, but she knew from that spot deep within her very being that she must. She had orchestrated an injustice, and Morgan felt convicted by her actions. The only way to right it was to go to the other woman and apologize. Somehow, she hoped, the words would come and then she could go get on with the business of putting the rest of her world right.
“Goodie! I love Nurse Kenni, she’s so nice, and pretty too,” Angela said happily, a contented smile lighting her face.
To Morgan’s relief, hearing Angela speak affectionately about Kenni Hastings didn’t bother Morgan—no jealousy, no feelings of inadequacy, she realized that the other woman had been a ray of sunshine in the darkness of her child’s world. She had not allowed herself to maintain closeness with Angela during her illness due to her fear of losing her. She knew it didn’t make any sense, but at the time it was her reality as the guilt she felt over Miranda’s death threatened to consume her. It dawned on her that had it not been for Brownie, she would probably still be imprisoned by the darkness, bound by chains of guilt that were not rightfully hers.
Morgan and Angela made their way along the well-known path to the familiar section where the little girl had spent many months of her young life. Morgan found herself gripping Angela’s small hand so tightly the child protested, wriggling free of her mother’s grasp.
“Ouch, Mommy!” she cried out as she rubbed at her wrist and looked up at her with a puzzled expression.
“I’m sorry, Love.” Morgan smiled. “I guess Mommy is just remembering how sad it made me to walk through this hallway after our visits and know that when I left, I had to leave you behind.”
“That’s okay,” Angela said and took her mother’s hand. “You don’t have to leave me ‘hind anymore.”
Morgan noticed that Kenni’s office door was open as they approached. Before she could say a word, Angela let go of her hand and bolted inside.
“Hi, Nurse Kenni.”
Startled, Kenni turned from her computer toward the doorway. Her mouth opened in surprise at the sight of one of her favorite patients. “Angela! Oh, how nice to see you, baby girl! Let me look at you!” Kenni didn’t get much of a look as the little blonde blur ran headlong into her, wrapping her own arms around the nurse’s neck.
“I miss you, Nurse Kenni,” Angela said as she hugged her, then freed her neck just enough to look at her. “I’m not staying. Mommy and I came to say hello to you! Has the Christmas party started yet?”
Kenni smiled. “No, Sunshine, it’s not until later tonight. I know that everyone would love to see you.” She gazed at her former patient, whose curls glistened and rivaled the sparkle in her eyes. Her cheeks were pink from the cold weather; she was the poster child for health and vitality. “Look at you!” she gushed. “You are more beautiful than ever, Miss Angela! Are you happy to be home? Do you still have Lovebug? I’ll bet he missed you.”
Angela nodded. “Lovebug is home now, too, and my Uncle Jack bought me a teddy bear. And guess what? I named him ‘Little Brownie’ ‘cuz he looks like Brownie.”
“Oh, that’s cool!” Kenni noticed Morgan standing uncomfortably in the doorway. “Hello, Mrs. Cole. Angela looks fantastic. She’s obviously happy to be home!”
Edie had picked that moment to walk into Kenni’s office to ask a question. “Oh! My goodness, it’s Angela!” Ignoring Morgan, she took one look at Angela, hugged her, whirled her around as if she were a little rag doll, and announced she was going to take her to see the nurses. In a matter of seconds, Edie and Angela were chattering and laughing noisily on their way down the corridor leaving Kenni and Morgan to stare at one another awkwardly.
“Mrs. Hastings, I would like to talk to you if you have a moment.”
Kenni nodded. “Please, sit down,” she invited and gestured toward a somewhat ugly dark green chair near her desk. Her office furnishings were Spartan compared to the decor of the doctors and administrators, but they served their utilitarian purpose.
“Thank you.” Morgan unbuttoned her wool coat, a lovely shade of rose that reflected on her cheeks, and straightened her charcoal slacks as she sat down. She placed her gray leather purse on the floor near her feet and took as inconspicuous a breath as possible before she looked at Kenni. “I owe you an apology.” Morgan struggled to say the words she found difficult and they did not come ea
sily. It was more like blurting something all out at once instead of making a statement, and not at all the way she intended, but at least it was out.
Kenni shook her head. “You don’t owe me anything, Mrs. Cole. What’s important is that Angela is home, she’s healthy, and everything has worked out the way it was supposed to.”
Morgan pursed her lips, licked them and cleared her throat. “I’m sure you’ve figured out I was the one behind Doctor Parmenter removing you from Angela’s case, and I know I’m the Ice Princess, not that I can blame anyone for thinking that about me with the way I’ve behaved. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am that it happened.”
Kenni’s smile came from her heart as she touched the other woman’s arm. While she had seen this behavior many times, she admitted that Morgan’s had been worse than most. “Parents of seriously ill children do all sorts of things that they wouldn’t otherwise do,” she soothed. “It’s done and in the past. I appreciate your apology, but it isn’t necessary. Angela is doing well, and that is the best news anyone could give me.”
“No, it’s more than that, Mrs. Hastings.”
“Please, call me Kenni.”
“Alright then, Kenni,” Morgan continued and tears glistened in her eyes. “You see, I had a twin sister, Miranda, who died of acute lymphocytic leukemia when we were just about Angela’s age. I always blamed myself for her death, and when Angela got sick, well, I felt God was punishing me. I feared He would take my daughter in retaliation. I kept her here at the hospital because I was convinced she would die, and I couldn’t bear the thought of her dying at home.” She sniffed and accepted the tissues Kenni placed in her hand.
“I had no idea,” Kenni breathed. She understood that the kind of guilt Morgan spoke of, unfounded as it was, could drive people to do very strange things. The revelation helped her to see Morgan Cole in a different light.
“I, uh, just wanted to apologize to you for what I’ve done. I thought if you knew my story that perhaps it would make it easier for you to forgive me.”
BROWNIE: An Angel's Visit Page 38