From the Heart

Chapter V

The Foundation was getting bigger and better known. School started, which meant Abel and Bailey went dormant and had nothing to do with the Foundation. Despite the two heads of the Foundation being inactive, the Foundation was still active. Abel and Bailey received dozens of emails from potential families that they would help. On weekends, in their spare time, they read the touching emails. Then they chose the few they would help and emailed them back. In the email they said during Fall Break, they would come to visit and make their final decision. They were getting emails from potential clients across all states. Besides emails from clients, they got emails from donors and prospective donors, who wanted to donate money to the Foundation. Abel and Bailey replied to the donors that they would not accept any payment unless they offer a fundraiser. They wanted to meet the donors. They promised the donors they would do fundraisers during Thanksgiving Break. With everyone wanting time with Abel and Bailey, Carol came to the rescue. Carol became their manager and dealt with Foundation during the school year.

It was the afternoon of their last day before fall break. Bailey and Abel had their bags packed and got on a plane once released. They were heading for a Texas hospital. "These next four days are all about the hospital kids and their families," Bailey explained. "I called the hospital, and they said they would have the hospital ready to do the tie-dye. They also got the food for the picnic." "Are you doing a dance class?" " I am, and I am doing it alone this time." "But, when we land, we need to talk to the person that we're helping." "Yep! Her name is Lindsay. She needs a right leg amputation because her arteries are narrowed, leaving poor circulation." "Her parents are going to be picking us up from the airport." "That is great! Let's get our journey started. After about three hours, their plane landed. The parents greeted them. The parents gave hugs and thanks. Abel and Bailey could feel that the parents looked at them like miracles. The parents took them to their house. They cooked a feast for them, which Bailey and Abel thanked them for. Bailey and Abel rested the night, which the parents insisted.

Early the next morning. Abel and Bailey took a cab to the hospital. "Hello, Lindsay," Bailey said. "Hello! It's so nice to meet you guys finally.." "Abel had a bouquet of flowers. "These are for you," Abel said. "Thank you! I have never gotten flowers from a guy before," Lindsay said bashfully. "We are here for you. This means we want to hear what you have to say. We want to help," Bailey said. "That is amazing. So, my right leg needs to be amputated," Lindsay pulled out her leg. It was all bandaged up, but you could still see some black skin poking out. "They are only removing the part of my leg that is below the knee." Whenever Lindsay spoke, she had a smile and an uplifting tone of voice. "My parents deserve a daughter that they can be proud of. I can't make them proud from the hospital bed. I can't do anything from this hospital bed that would make them proud. My parents are good at saving money, but they can't do it when there is a continuous pile up of medical bills. My parents deserve some of the money they earn. I want less stress on my parents. Me: I just want to be healthy and pain-free. The money for my parents, I just want your friendship." Lindsay was vulnerable. She was sincere and serious. Bailey and Abel gave each other one look and grinned. "You have our friendship," Bailey answered. "As my friends, I need to tell you something. I might seem like I am comfortable in my own skin; I am now. But, I know I am going to lose that comfort after my right leg is cut in half. I will have a hindrance that will limit what I can do. No one wants restrictions. No one wants to feel helpless. No one wants to be the reason everyone else can't do something. The worst part is you hope that after you leave the hospital, there fewer burdens." "All I can say is that you will have limits, but don't let your hindrance limit you to the point where you are avoiding life experiences. Let those restrictions be minimal." Bailey offered her advice while stretching out her left hand. Lindsay held it and felt the weakness in it. "There is this thing called adjustments. It is not special treatment." Abel looked onward with, please.