From the Heart

Chapter VII

The morning of Abel and Bailey's last exam before winter break, they were shoving clothing in suitcases. They had tickets for a plane that took off right after their exams. Winter break started a week before Christmas. Abel and Bailey were set to be traveling for the organization during the week before Christmas. Abel's and Bailey's first destination was Colorado. They were meeting a young burn victim. Bailey and Abel did not get to see each other often while school was in session. They went to separate schools. Both went into their last exam with confidence and left with that same confidence. Each had their parents pick them up with their luggage and take them to the airport. Abel and Bailey used the plane ride as an opportunity to nap. Upon their arrival, a nurse greeted them. The nurse had kindly offered her home to house them.

The nurse's name was Jill. The teenagers settled down in their rooms, while Jill cooked dinner. Jill set the kitchen table for a family-style dinner. "Thank you for offering your home up to us," Bailey said. "Yes, thank you," Abel followed with. "So, who are you helping?" "His name is Luke. He is a burn victim, "Bailey replied. "Do you know him?" Abel asked. "I do, I have been lucky to be his nurse. As a nurse, there are patients you encounter that you feel privileged to meet. These patients teach you life lessons that will change your life forever. These patients are usually long-term patients. Luke is one of those incredible patients." Jill's story brought massive smiles to the teenagers' faces. "You two are not surprised by my revelation, which means you know what I am talking about. I am guessing you two have met several incredible patients throughout your journal?" The teens gave each other a look. "Every single person we have met," Abel replied gratefully. "These patients make an impression on you! I guarantee that you guys are making an impression on the patients you help. You, guys, are incredible. As much as you are teaching these patients and their families, you are educating a world. A world that does not understand or embrace the ill or injured and their families. I am thankful that you are teaching the world." Both stayed quiet, but Jill could see that both were having a realization.

Jill had an early shift, which meant all of them had to be at the hospital. Luckily, the early arrival allowed Bailey and Abel time to set up tie-dying. The young patients were ready to tie-dye ahead of time. Everything was going ahead of schedule. Abel and Bailey met Luke during the tie-dying activity. Unfortunately, their meeting only included introducing names and shaking hands. Luke's body was covered by gauze, except for his face. With assistance from several nurses, Bailey and Abel finished cleaning quickly.

Abel and Bailey arrived at Luke's room at lunch hour. "Hello," Abel said as he entered the room. "Welcome," Luke answered after swallowing some apple sauce. "Sorry I should not eat in front of you. You guys do not have food." "Nope, we have our lunch. Keep eating," Bailey insisted. Abel and Bailey showed their paper bag lunches. They all ate their lunches, quietly; the only sound was chewing. "So, what grade are you in?" Bailey asked. "I'm a sophomore." "How do you like it?" Abel asked. "I cannot really tell you. My accident happened over the summer. I have missed most of this year. I have missed schoolwork and school functions." Luke became a bit frustrated and upset. "Have you missed anything recently at school?" Bailey asked, getting the hint. Luke sighed, "tonight, there was a dance. I was going to go with my crush. Not only will I miss the dance; my crush does not acknowledge existence." Luke was sighing after every sentence. Bailey did not know what to say, so instead, she gave Luke a tender hug. "Why do people put so much emphasis on looks? I am not saying I am innocent; there was a time I cared about looks too much. Then my accident, and now, I look like this. Now it is hard to feel confident that I can be loved and find someone who does not care so much about looks." "Your right; I will not lie to you. Character comes second to looks," Bailey said, understandably. The room fell silent for a few minutes. "Sorry, I probably have made a bad impression. I just ranted at you. I should not be complaining. I do know that I have grown and learned from this experience." Luke spoke with great sincerity, which Abel and Bailey appreciated. "We want to work with real people. Real people are not static. People grow and learn; you just said so. We are not looking for perfection. You guys go through so much, we expect that you have frustrations, anger, and sadness. We want to hear your thoughts; we want you to feel comfortable with us." Bailey gave the final say of approval.