Sarah's Story

Josiah

Emerson High lets out at 3:30. By 4:15, Josiah is at his job at Emerson Community Hospital. He works at the day care center. It is the type of work he wants to do. He is taking classes in Early Childhood Developmentand business. He saves every cent he makes in a college saving account.

He loves the children he looks after. He looks at his work as a ministry. Most of the children he loves on each day are from single parent households and, are starved for a good male influence.

The main entrance to the hospital features a beautiful fountain surrounding by benches. This makes it a perfect place to sit and relax for the patients, their visitors, and the employees. It is where Josiah sits and prays for the children and parents he will be working with. So, it is where he is sitting when as Sarah and Beth approach the hospital.

"Sarah! Beth! Are you visiting someone? We missed y'all at school today."

They exchange looks and wait for the other to answer. "Well," replies Sarah," we aren't visiting anyone. I am the patient. We have a few minutes while daddy's parking the car. Come and I will tell you what is going on.

"Okay. Let's go to the chapel." He leads her there.

"I have spent the day at Uncle Eric's office. I found a lump. They have determined it is cancer. So,  they are admitting me to do tests and determine treatment." She finishes with a catch in her voice and her head down.

Josiah doesn't say a word, at first. He just pulls her into his arms and holds her tight as she weeps. When she cries herself out,  he hands her some tisues. "I m so sorry Sarah. I know how incredibly scary this is for you. I am not going to try to talk you out of that fear. I will tell you that I will be here for you. I will never let you feel alone. I will remind you of the God who loves you. "

"Thank you so much.  That means the world to me. I still can't imaginne getting through this. But, wiith my friends, family, and God, I have hope."

"One day aand step at a time." He says taking another tissue and wiping under her eyes.

"Don't you have to be at work?"

"Yikes! Yes I do. I am going to run upstairs and get a replacement for tonight. Do you know what room you will be in?"

"Not yet.  But, you don't have to take off work for me."

"You need me. And as many friends around you as you can get. It will be okay." With a long hug and a promise to see her soon, he sprints towards the elevators.

She stands still for a moment, fighting different feelings. The fear that has been her constant companion since the previous night. A hope that her friiends support gives her. A hope that she is afraid to trust. Afraid it isn't true.

This is where her daddy and Beth finds her. She stands stone still with drying tears on her face. They wrap her in their arms and simply hold her.

"Are you ready baby girl?"

"Yes daddy," she replies with renewed strength," let's go get me a room. I am ready for an adjustable bed and room service " she teases.

"Alright! Let's go kick cancers butt." Beth adds.