From the Heart

Chapter XI

Months quickly passed after Carol's death. Matthew returned as a fully practicing surgeon. Bailey and Hanes returned to school and were completely dedicated to their studies. The Nelson family seemed not to be too stunned by their loss. After investing months in school, the kids were out for winter break. Everyone seemed in good shape. Winter break gave Bailey some time to contemplate. This time allowed Bailey to sink into periodic sadness when reflecting on her mother's death: Empty periods were Bailey's enemy. Bailey did not like feeling sad. Fortunately, the organization had not slowed down. Bailey and Abel had plans to travel during the vacation. Bailey's and Abel's first trip before Christmas was to Georgia. They were heading to Atlanta's Children Hospital. There was a boy with Leukemia that needed their aid. Abel had convinced Bailey to make a road trip out of the Georgia visit. Bailey was going to take advantage of the road trip. A portion of the car would be taken up by Christmas presents for the kids.

Bailey and Abel loaded the car the night before they left. The next day, they left early in the morning. Abel was going to start the journey driving. Bailey kept to herself during the first thirty minutes of the trip. "So...you seem like you are in a good place," Abel softly commented. Bailey turned to him, startled: "I feel like I am in a good place. I mean, my life is what I want it to be." "Good...," Abel replied with a hint of skepticism. "Put in your two cents," Bailey, slightly sarcastic. "Well, ...you lost someone you loved! It is supposed to make a huge impact on you. Your emotions are in overdrive. Yet, you are seemingly going on with your life. Not saying you do not have bursts of emotions. No one wants to fee; sad, which is why we keep on going so we do not have to think and be sad. Nothing really changed; I still have a life. Your life is lying to you. You are sort of in a false reality, a daze. The real transition has not hit! Beware! Reality will hit and hard! I will be there when reality truly hits." Bailey was surprised by his revelation. "I mean, I feel happy and content. Where is this coming from? How do you know all this?" "My brother, Daniel. His kidney failure diagnosis was devastating. I knew everything was going to change. Yet, after my brother's diagnosis, I kept going to school and danced in competitions. Nothing had changed; I was just living. Then, Daniel's illness's repercussions began. I was beginning to withdraw from my dance career. More family obligations were upon me. It was my dose of reality. I was feeling every emotion, which got to me. Then I met you, and you eased my transition." "When will this reality hit?" Bailey asked, trusting his words. "It can happen any time now. Once the reality sets in, then the real transition will begin." Bailey took a huge sigh. "Thanks." Bailey was sincere.

Bailey and Abel were welcomed to the pediatric floor by its nurses. The nurses took the two into the playroom. Before their arrival, Bailey and Abel sent Christmas decorations. The nurses had agreed to put up the decorations. After introductions, everyone retrieved the presents and put it under the fake, miniature tree. Finally, all the kids were allowed in. Everyone grabbed a gift and gathered on the floor. "Hello, my name is Bailey, and this is Abel. We can to visit you and have some fun. Since it is the Christmas season, we wanted to give a little more." "Yeah! Now let us open some presents!" Abel shouted with animation. Before wrapping was torn, the kids harmonized: "Thank you! Merry Christmas!" Bailey, Abel, and nurses scanned the room with joy because kids were beaming with happiness. Then Bailey and Abel joined the festivities. One last surprise that only Bailey and one nurse knew about. Kids were enjoying their gifts, while nurses picked up wrapping paper. Suddenly, parents were rolling into the room. When the kids saw their parents, their joy was not rooted in the gifts, but by their parents' presence. "How?!" Abel whispered in surprise. "I made some calls. Christmas is meant to be celebrated with family," Bailey was becoming sentimental. "Your Christmas will be different, but cherish your father's and brother's presence." A luncheon was provided to the families.

Bringing joy to the families gave Bailey happiness. Yet, she felt a pit in her stomach. She never wanted to dwell on her mother's death, but her missing left her lonely. Bailey watched onwards with an ounce of despair. Quickly, though several parents motioned to Bailey and Abel to join, immediately, Bailey felt better through the inclusion of the family gathering. "How more incredible can you be?" one parent complimented. Bailey began blushing. "First, you lose a dear friend and choose to use the death as a platform for this incredible organization. Through the organization, you are easing and bringing joy to families like ours. You are getting the world to participate in this cause. Then your mother's death and you are here selflessly: Still giving back. And unfortunately, we probably cannot give back the time and day you have given the world. For that, I am sorry, but we can try," the spouse explained. Bailey's loneliness disappeared without notice.