A Promise of Renewed Journeys

you could hardly see what lay ahead. Marjorie still didn't understand what was happening. But for a moment, Georgia seemed to accept her fate.As her breathing calmed, Georgia closed her eyes and said, "Thanks, Mom.""Welcome, dear."Fortunately there was a hospital near their town. After arriving at the hospital, Marjorie called Leland and told him to get there as soon as possible. Over the past year, the doctors and nurses have loved Georgia. When Marjorie entered, Georgia in her arms, they quickly fetched a wheelchair and wheeled them both into the room.After Marjorie let her daughter in, Georgia asked, "Is daddy here yet?"Before Marjorie could answer, Leland replied, "I'll be right back." He went into the room and calmed down as he walked over to Georgia's bed next to Marjorie. "What did I tell you about the pie contest?" he joked solemnly."I wanted to see if he ran," Georgia smiled.Marjorie complained about being called a cookie. Now he wished he could stop time and live in this moment forever. She couldn't help but let the tears flow.Georgia opened her eyes. They were the only trait Georgia inherited from her mother. They were hot. But most importantly, they never lost their spark."I love you," Georgia said looking at both parents. Her eyes closed again and then her features became angelic as a smile crept onto her face. At that moment, Marjorie and Leland knew she was running up the cloud-lined golden stairs to knock on the door to meet her eternal love and friend.Today, Marjorie's face was full of tears. Now it was morning. He must have fallen asleep thinking about Georgia. Marjorie was almost jealous that Leland could be with her again. But he knew better than that. He believed he would be with them both when his time came.Marjorie looked around to check on Leland. Again, against Dr. Martin's judgment, Leland survived another night through sheer willpower. When he came in during his early morning rounds, Dr. Martin listened carefully to Leland's lungs. His eyes told Marjorie everything she needed to know. Leland put up a brave fight, but death was a terrible opponent.Marjorie prayed with all her might for Leland, just as she had prayed so many nights for their dear Georgia. But that was the cycle of life. Leland's warrior spirit bowed to time. With red and dull eyes, strained and weak voice, short and heavy breathing, Leland wanted to take Marjorie's hand.Marjorie was committed to staying strong for Leland, and the gesture was not lost on her. Marjorie was always his rock. Even as Leland lay dying, he could not help but fear and reverently admire Marjorie's devoted and unwavering devotion.Rev. Mackenzie, who had just arrived, stepped to Leland's other side and took his other hand and offered a brief prayer and consolation.Choking back tears, Marjorie reassured Leland. "It's okay, handsome prince. You've fought all your life for me—for us. You can rest. I can do it. I promise. Go find our little girl and tell her her mommy will be with us soon - and ask her to save me some cookies! Hug her and give her a big hug for me. I love you, Leland! This is NOT "goodbye". I'll meet you both at the finish line."Leland paled. His eyes were on his beautiful bride. Suddenly his face lit up with excitement and breathing heavily he said, "I see her, my love. She's as beautiful as ever!"A small group of nurses entered the room as Leland closed his eyes and his body slowed. The heart monitor confirmed what Marjorie already knew. Leland was dead. Sunlight danced gently through the window like the heaven. greeted Leland's beloved breath..Marjorie had held back her tears for so long, but now they came out. And she cried and held Leland's lifeless hand. "Oh baby, I'm going to miss you so much. SEE YOU SOON!"Pastor Mackenzie knelt by the bed and quoted the Bible: "And Job said: Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I go: the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. ".