Christmas Angels

Chapter 45 & 46:

Chapter 45:

"I don't know if you can hear me Marianne, the doctor thinks not, but I have to say this, anyway. We may have found a way to save you. I know I can't live without you, and Christy needs you more than ever. The only way that can happen now, is by finding a new heart for you. The doctors say they will give you one just as soon as they can manage, once they have one that is suitable!

Hang on for me, and for Christy, too, Sweetheart. I'm praying for you. I love you so much, I'll let you rest now. Please stay strong for all of us! ", Josh whispered, softly into his wife's ear.

Carley was gone now, she had left in anguish, about a half hour ago, Christy reluctantly in tow. Josh's heart ached for his daughter's friend. She was such a saint to shower so much love on Christy when she wanted nothing more than to be by Angela's side, and to grieve. It must be hell for her, knowing the situation, pretending to be happy, while amusing Christy. Thank God they had Carley!

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DECEMBER 24, 2016

When the machines were finally removed from Angela, the end was not long in coming. Angela never stirred. She continued to breath for a few more minutes. Her breathes became shallower and further apart as the minutes ticked by. Eventually they ceased, followed by one big release of air, and Angela breathed no more. Josh fell weeping over her lifeless body.

At 6am the procedure began. Dr. Balthar had long since retired, and another heart surgeon, Dr. Marcus, was preparing to operate. He was an attractive young man, a leader in his field, confident and very up to date on the ever more common art of heart transplant surgery. He was methodical and focused, devoting all of his attention to the task before him. Marianne had been readied for surgery, and a team of assisting doctors and nurses, including Dr. Woods, worked quickly at his side, following his directions and making last minute adjustments.

The operation was lengthy and Josh could only wait on pins and needles in a small waiting room, praying for a successful outcome. He may had lost Angela, but he couldn't bear it if he were to lose Marianne, too. He called Carley on his cell phone from the otherwise vacant waiting room.

"Carley! It's Josh. I'm afraid it is over for Angela. She can rest now. She didn't suffer, thank God, once she was taken off those awful machines. I pray that the Lord can take mercy on my soul. I just couldn't see what else I could do", Josh cried.

"Please stop beating yourself up. What choice was there? You did the only thing that you could, Josh. I am going to miss my friend, Angie, more than anything in my life, believe me. She was gone, really, before they ever removed her from life support. She gave us Christy, and we have to look after her daughter for her now. Please don't think of this any other way", Carley sobbed. "What about Marianne?"

"I haven't heard anything yet, they are still operating. I don't expect to find out more until the operation is over. Just needed you to know what is happening at this point. I know Angela was your best friend, and now she is gone. It must be hard for you, too. I'm so sorry, Carley. Christy, myself and Marianne owe you a huge debt," Josh's words came in a torrent. He trailed off into an uncontrolled bout of sobbing.

"Oh, Josh! No, I want to be close for Christy. Angela couldn't be saved, so she would have wanted it this way. Marianne is so precious to her and this is the last thing she will be able to do for her mom. Try to understand, it is the best you could do for Marianne and Christy, too, for that matter. Of course, I will always miss Angela, but think of your wife and grandchild," Carley said, in an effort to calm him down.

"I know you are right, Carley, but I feel so guilty. I can hardly believe Angela is gone."

"I understand. It's going to be hard for all of us, but we have to go on. Christy needs us, especially you and Marianne. I won't keep you on the phone now, but I will pray for Marianne. Call me as soon as you hear anything", she whispered, sniffling. Carley knew she was about to break down uncontrollably. Best to go, before that happened. She hung up and the line went dead.