Sweet Country Life

Hospital

2000

"I'm not getting my leg amputated guys, no way." Raven stated, sticking with her decision.

"Come on Reyes, it's what the doctor recommended." Micheal said
"Yeah, you should follow the doctor," Echo said.
"He thinks it will improve your quality of life," Lela followed

"You guys don't think I've heard that. I've been hearing the same stuff for the past 3 days. I'm not getting my leg amputated, end of story." Raven was starting to get annoyed.

"It's her life guys, let her decide." Arthur added, he had come home from college to be with his sister for the next few weeks.
"Thank you!" Raven smiled

Several hours later Dr Russell came into the room, with two different clipboards in hand. He asked all the siblings to leave, but Raven said Arthur and Callie could stay.
"So have we come to a decision?" Dr Russell asked.
"I made a decision 3 days ago," Raven giggled.
"Well does everyone else agree with you?"
"Uhh, not really." Raven answered

Dr Russell turned to Mom, and just looked at her.
"She's a bright kid. Obviously I want to do what the doctor has recommended, but if she is that stuck on her decision there has to be a reason for it. We'll do the surgery." Mom said reluctantly
"To save the leg?"
"yes"
Raven's face lit up, "Mom!! Thank you, thank you thank you!!!! Come hug me please!!"
Mom came over and gave Raven a hug, nearly squeezing the life out of her mother Raven was nearly screaming with joy.

"If you'd come with me Ms. Reyes, you just need to sign a few papers, and if it's okay with you both we could even do the surgery today."

"YES!" Raven screamed
"I guess that's a yes," Mom smiled as she left the room with Dr Russell.

"You're an animal. Just thought you should know that," Arthur shook his head.
"I try." Raven laughed
———————

At about 3pm the nurses came in to take Raven to surgery. Every sibling had come in wishing her luck, even Patrick who could barely look at her without feeling deathly guilty.
Surgery took hours, Callie took the kids back to the house while Arthur and Mom sat in the waiting room.
At 11pm Dr Russell came out to get Mom and Arthur.
"The surgery went well, we found more damage then we expected.. but we will take it one day at a time." Dr Russell explained

Walking to Raven's room, Mom was extremely nervous. Opening the door she saw Raven sleeping in her bed, a black cast propped up on two pillows.
"She's going to be okay," Arthur stated rubbing Moms back, "Take a breather Ma."
Mom's head lowered and rested on Arthur's shoulder, tears falling down her face.
"I know she'll be okay, but my poor little baby. Look at her." Mom cried
"I know I know," Arthur just continued to rub Moms back.

Waking up the next morning Raven cried, the pain was excruciating. She put on a tough exterior for as long as she could. But now the pain was just to much.
Crying in her bed, Mom had never seen her like this before.
"Mom get the doctor. They can take my leg. Please get the doctor Mom I can't do it anymore. I can't do it anymore, help me mommy," She cried

That's the day Raven learned this would be no easy road