Chapter 27
Early the
next morning, Tina, Ellen and James are at the hospital waiting on Dr.
Armstrong. Just as he arrives, Michael
also comes in. “Well, looks like the gang’s all here,” Dr.
Armstrong says. “I just got his latest
blood work and everything looks good. We
are going to remove the renal and heart machines. We will recheck about 1PM and if all goes is
good, we will start the process of waking him.
We also did a brain scan this morning and everything looks normal so I
don’t foresee any issues.”
Just as he
finishes, a couple of nurses come in to remove the machines. “I will ask you folks to please wait outside
while we remove these. It is a bit more
in-depth than the vent so don’t want to scare anyone,” Dr. Armstrong says.
Tina kisses
Cole and they all move to the hallway, silently. Finally, Tina asks Pastor James to pray.
“Our loving
Heavenly Father,” James begins as they all hold hands. “We come before you on behalf of our brother
Cole. Father, we ask that you have mercy
on him at this time. We ask that you
work in his life even in this difficult time.
Please Father, we ask that your will be done. We ask that you would heal his body and
return him safely to his family. We ask
that you give him a long happy life with Tina, Isaac and Laura. But not our will Father, only yours be
done. Give us all the strength to
endure, especially Tina. Help us do your
work and abide in your will, Amen.”
They all hug
as Dr. Armstrong comes out. “A hug fest
going on here. Well, everything looks
good. The nurses are finishing up. His body seemed to react well. I will check on him in an hour or two after I
finish rounds. If all is good, we will
do a few tests and go from there.”
“Thanks
Doctor,” Tina says as the nurses come out and he follows them down the hall. Tina leads Ellen, James, and Michael into
Cole’s room.
“He looks so
much better than the last time I saw him,” Ellen says.
“He really
does,” Tina says as she kisses his hands.
“It’s amazing what happens when they take the machines off.”
“He really looks
good,” Michael agrees. “Tina, I hate to
leave but duty calls. Please call me if
there is any change. Here is my number.”
“You got it
Michael, and thank you,” Tina says as he walks out the door.
After a few
minutes Pastor James speaks, “Ladies, I need to do somethings at the
orphanage. Will you be ok by yourselves
for a few hours?”
Ellen puts
her arm around Tina. “We’ll be just
fine. Join us for lunch?”
“That I will
do,” he replies as he kisses Ellen and leaves.
“Well
sweetie,” Ellen says. “Looks like it’s
just us. What you want to do?”
Tina laughs,
“I was actually thinking of going to the lobby to make some phones calls. You know, updating everyone, checking on the
kids, and checking in with my office.
Want to join me?”
Ellen agrees
and they walk down the hall after Tina makes the nurse swear to call if
anything changes.
Tina
finishes all her calls just as James returns to go to lunch. “Well the kids are good,” Tina says. “I still didn’t tell them where I am or why,
even though Isaac tried to get it out. His
family is glad to hear he is recovering and they are still praying. Hospital is charging on without me. So, let me check with Dr. Armstrong and then
we can head to lunch. Be right back,”
Tina says as she heads down the hall.
James kisses
Ellen, “That girl is something else,” he says as they sit down to wait.
Ellen
laughs, “Yes she is. I can’t wait until
the Lord blesses her as I know He will.” James smiles in agreement.
Tina returns
and they all head to lunch. They eat
quickly so they can return to the hospital for Cole’s next round of tests. Dr. Armstrong promised to call Tina when the
tests were complete. They sat in the
café and visited as they waited for his call.
“Ellen, I’ve
been thinking about something. I love it
down here and know we will return often with the kids to visit so I think I
want to buy a house down here. Do you
know a good realtor?”
Ellen looks
at James with a big smile on her face, then back at Tina. “Yes I do.
There is a wonderful young lady in our church. She is very good and is a strong
Christian. She has 2 kids about Isaac
and Laura’s ages. I’ll give her a call
and see if maybe she can have lunch or dinner soon.”
“Great,”
Tina replies. “I’ll put a list together
of what I am looking for. I just think
it will be nice to have.” Tina smiles at
Ellen as her phone rings. Tina
answers.
“Thank you
Dr. Armstrong. We will be right
there.” She hangs up and they all walk
around the corner to the hospital.
Chapter 28
“Everything
is looking great,” Dr. Armstrong announces.
“Actually better than I expected.
So, I am going to start the process of bringing him out of the coma. However, it may be some time still before he
wakes up. We just never know how his
body will react. Sometimes it’s just a
few minutes or could be hours or days.
We just don’t know. Any
Questions?”
Tina smiles,
“I think we are good. I will be here
when he wakes up so if need be can I stay the night?”
“Of course,”
Dr. Armstrong replies. “I’ll let the
nurse know and we can get it set up. A
nurse will be right in to put the shot in his IV to start the process. I’ll be around on the floor and check in
later. Call if you need me.”
A few
minutes later the nurse comes in. “Ok,
here we go. Call us if you need us. Also when he starts to wake up, please let us
know. I’ll be back in about an hour to
change the IV.”
Tina sits
and gets comfortable. “Well, you two, I
am here for the long haul. If you need
to go do anything, please feel free.
I’ve got a book, my computer, and my phone so I am good.”
Ellen hugs
her, “We do have a few things to do.
Call us if you need anything. We
will bring dinner up later. Let us know
when he wakes up.” They hug again and James and Ellen leave.
Tina pulls
out her computer to get some much needed work done. Before long she finds herself side track
looking at houses in the area. She
realizes how much time she has wasted when the nurse come in to change Cole’s
IV.
The nurse
asks her, “Do you need anything?”
“A more
comfortable chair would be nice,” Tina jokingly says.
“I’ll see
what I can do,” the nurse replies. “We
also just brewed a fresh pot of coffee if you’d like some. Help yourself.”
“Thanks,”
Tina replies. “I just might a bit
later. I was kidding about the chair.”
The nurse
smiles. “By the way my name is
Devin. I’ll be his day nurse while he’s
here. I’ll introduce you to the night
nurse when she comes in. Let me know if
you need or want anything,” she says.
“Nice to
meet you Devin. I am Tina. Thank you for taking such good care of my
Cole.” Tina replies.
Devin smiles
and nods as she leaves. A few minutes
later she returns with a huge smile.
“Brought you a present Miss Tina.”
As she opens the door all the way and orderly rolls in a big comfy
recliner.
“Wow,” Tina says. “Thank you so much. I was kidding but since it’s here, I’ll take
it,” she laughs.
“We aim to
please Miss Tina. Besides, we want you
to be comfortable. I also have a roll
away bed on its way. If you decide to
stay the night, it will be in the hallway by the door. You can leave it there when you aren’t using
it so it doesn’t take up all the space in here.”
Tina smiles,
“You deserve a hug. Thank you so
much.” She hugs Devin.
“You are
most welcome,” Devin says. “Again let me
know if you need anything.” She closes
the door as she leaves.
Tina settles
into the recliner, turns on the radio and tries to ear herself away from house
hunting to get some work done. She calls
Trudy to get an update and to have her send some files. Tina hates being away during the research but
knows it’s in good hands. She hangs up
with just as another call comes in. “Dr.
Carpenter,” she answers.
“Hey Carp,
it’s Larry. Listen I know you got a lot
going on but thought you might have dinner with Bess and I tomorrow.”
“I’d love to
Larry but that might be a bit hard,” Tina laughs. “I’m in Jamaica.”
“Jamaica! You just got back from vacation.”
“It’s not a
vacation,” she says with a sigh. Tina
proceeds to tell him the story about Cole.
He is delighted to hear and prays everything works out. They talk for a few and Tina promises to have
dinner with them when she returns. She
hangs up just as Dr. Armstrong comes in.
“Just doing
a quick check, Tina. Don’t let me
interrupt,” he says as he checks on Cole.
“Oh it’s
ok. I am not really getting anything
done anyway. Just can’t stay on track,”
she says standing to stretch.
“Well,
everything looks and sounds good. Just
going to take him time. I’ll be back in
later,” he says.
“Thanks,”
Tina replies as he leaves.
Tina decides
to pray since she can’t concentrate. She puts the small chair by Cole’s bed,
takes his hand and begins to pray aloud.
“Gracious
Father, thank you for sparing Cole so far.
Thank you for allowing me to be here now. Thank you for family and friends who care so
much. Lord, please continue to heal Cole
until he is fully recovered. Please
somehow find a way for him to get out of the agency. Lord, just somehow let him be the husband and
father he longs to be. Keep him in your
will and in your hands, Amen.”
Just as she
finishes, she feels her hand being squeezed and faintly hears, “Amen.”
Tina’s head
shoots up. She stands up and sees Cole’s
eyes slowly starting to open. She calls
his name. “Cole? Cole?
Can you hear me?”
He looks up
at her and smiles as he squeezes her hand again, “My Sweet T.”
Tina leans
in a kisses his lips. “Cole, I knew
you’d make it.” She reaches over and
pushes the nurse call button. In less
than 30 seconds Devin rushes in.
“What’s
wrong Miss Tina?”
“Devin he’s
wake. He’s awake!”
Devin sees
Cole’s eyes, “Let me get the Doctor.”
She rushes out to page Dr. Armstrong and comes back in. She checks Cole’s vitals as Tina talks to
him.
“How do you
feel Cole?”
“Little sore
but over all pretty good. How are
you?” He smiles.
“Much better
now,” she smiles and kisses him again, just as Dr. Armstrong comes in.
“That ought
to perk him up,” He says with a laugh.
“Cole, I am Dr. Armstrong. Tell
me how and what you are feeling.”
“Pretty good
here Doc. My left arm and abdomen is
pretty sore. Can’t really feel much
else, especially my left foot. “
Tina looks
as Cole then Dr. Armstrong. She knows
what’s next as Dr. Armstrong speaks.
“Glad you
feel your left arm,” he says. “Can you
wiggle your fingers?”
Cole barely
moves his fingers. “Not much.”
“Any
movement is good,” Dr. Armstrong says.
“Now, let’s talk about ‘that left foot.
Cole, your left leg was badly damaged.
We tried to repair it but unfortunately were unable to do so. We had to amputate below the knee. The good news is, you still have the knee at
full function which will really help for walking.”
Cole lifts
up the covers to see his missing leg, then lays back in bed holding back tears
and sighs, “What else Doc?”
Dr.
Armstrong proceeds to tell Cole about all his other injuries but that he should
make a full recovery. Cole thanks him
and Dr. Armstrong leaves.
Tina is so
excited, “Let me call Ellen and James.
Then we can call your family.”
Tina steps into the doorway and calls Ellen and James. Cole lays in his bed coming to terms with his
injuries. As she hangs up with Ellen she
walks back to Cole. “You ready to call
your mom?”
Cole smiles
as Tina dials the number and hands Cole the phone.
“Connor
residence,” Hazel answers.
“Hey mom,
how are you?” Cole has a huge smile on
his face.
“Oh my
baby! I am great. It is so good to hear your voice. How are you feeling?”
“I am ok
Mom,” Cole replies. “Tired and
sore. Just glad to still be here. Listen, I’m really tired so gonna give you to
T. Love you, Mom.”
“Love you
too, baby,” Hazel replies.
Tina takes
the phone from Cole. “Hey Hazel. He’s still pretty weak. So how’s Matt?
“He’s doing
well,” Hazel tells her. “He’s napping
right now. He went for a walk and got
pretty tired. I will tell him the good
news when he wakes up. He’s slowly
getting back to normal. We’ve been
praying for you.”
“Thank you,
Hazel,” Tina replies. “I better call my
family now. I’ll call you guys later
when we know more.”
“Thank you
Tina. Love you. Take Care,” Hazel tells
her then hangs up.
Tina calls her
parents and then Pam who are all thrilled.
They all agree not to tell Isaac until they know more. She finishes talking as Ellen and James
arrive.
Cole greets
them and they just talk. It isn’t long
before Michael arrives with Dr. Armstrong.
Michael
greets everyone. “Ok guys. I am sorry to have to tell you this, but
Tina, I told you it would happen. Day
after tomorrow, he belongs to the agency again.
So enjoy this next day and a half because after that, you will have no
more contact with him until the agency makes a decision.”
Cole and
Tina protest the short notice but Michael tells them it is no use. Cole finally realizes he’s stuck and
agrees. Tina still protest. “Cole, I can’t believe you are gonna do
this. If you go back, you may never get
out,” she screams at him.
“T,” he says
softly and takes her hand. “I have no
choice. Look, just pray and trust God
will find a way. I know He will and w
will be together soon. I promise.”
Tina lays
over Cole, buried her face in his chest and starts to sob. Cole put his good arm around her and kisses
the top of her head. “T, listen. Tomorrow let’s call and talk to the family
and Isaac. I need to talk to them about
this. We will spend the rest of the day
talking about the wedding. We will get
it all planned. Set the date and
everything. That way, you know I’ll be
back before then. It’s gonna happen. Just believe!”
Tina raises
her head and wipes her tears. “I am not
sure that makes it all better but I will take it.” She leans in and they kiss.
They all
spend the rest of the evening chatting.
Ellen talks about what the realtor says.
Tina explains to Cole about buying a vacation house. Cole smiles and agrees but then brings up
another topic.
“James, do
you remember what we talked about that first day we met, the orphanage and
all?”
“Yes, I do,”
James replies with a smile. “I have been
praying about that. Why do you ask?”
“Well,” Cole
answers. “When I was out there, I had a
lot of time talking to God and listening to Him. Now maybe I should discuss this with my soon
to be wife but…. God has called me to be that person for you and I have
accepted his called,” Cole says with a smile.
James and
Ellen are ecstatic but Tina is a bit confused about what he is saying. James and Ellen finally explain to her the
situation. Tina just smiles a big smile
as they tell her. By the time they
finish, Tina is almost laughing. Ellen
notices and says, “Tina, you seem very excited about this and not at all
surprised. What’s up?”
Tina sits on
the side of Cole’s bed, takes his hand and speaks. “I had some time alone with God as well. He also has new plans for me. He showed me a need here that I can fill as
well. Ellen, I believe you hinted at
this during one of our long talks, about the orphanage needing a medical clinic
and the church offering medical services to those that can’t afford it. God has called me to do just that.” Cole squeezes her hand and they have a mice
long kiss. Ellen and James hug them
both. James leads a prayer thanking God
for His guidance.
After the
prayer Cole speaks, “So, I guess that vacation home just turned into a
permanent family home!”
Tina laughs,
“I guess so.”
They spend
the rest of the evening talking about houses and how to make the
transition. Cole finally leaves the
house search up to Tina. “As long as you
and those 2 precious kids are there, that’s all I need.” Tina kisses him as he dozes off to sleep.
Tina, Ellen
and James talk quietly as they eat dinner.
They nurse comes in and wakes Cole up to eat. “Ok Cole, you have been on fluids for several
days. We are going to work your way up,”
Devin tells him. “This is your night
nurse Coral. She will be taking care of
you until I come back in the morning.”
She then turns towards Tina.
“Coral, this is Miss Tina, I was telling you about.” They all greet and chat for a bit. The nurses
leave.
Tina decides
to spend the night at Ellen and James’ house to get a good night sleep. She talks to Coral before she leaves to make
sure she will call with changes. Tina
promises Cole to be back first thing in the morning to start planning.
Chapter 29
The Next
morning, Tina is at the hospital bright and early to spend as much time with
Cole as possible. They start making
wedding plans by deciding on the date of November 16th. They also decide that since Jamaica is so
special to them, they want to have it on the rock outside James’ church and
have him perform the ceremony. They will
fly everyone down for the wedding, just close friends and family. It is no mid-May so that give Tina about 6
months to get everything ready.
They work on
a few details and get most everything decided by lunch. They decide that Tina will work out the rest
as needed.
After they
eat lunch, they use Tina’s computer to search houses on the island. As they begin, Ellen and James arrive. Tina shares the wedding plans and James and
Ellen are excited. “That will be great,
dear. Also if you want the realtor is
free tomorrow, if you want to meet in the morning after Cole leaves. Maybe do some looking,” Ellen says.
“That would
be great,” Tina replies. “I’d like to
get something done before I head home, or at least have an idea.”
Cole speaks
up, “Just make sure I get my man cave!”
Tina laughs,
“I will baby don’t worry. I’ve got to
have some place to send you when I get mad at you!”
Cole smiles
and pokes her in the side. They all chat
and visit the rest of the day.
They
continue the next morning after breakfast.
It isn’t until Michael comes in that they are reminded what’s
coming. “Well folks, I hate to break
this up but it’s almost time. Just
letting you know they will be here at 10AM to start his debriefing. So you need to be out of here by 9:45. That gives you almost an hour. Again, I am really sorry.”
“It’s ok
Michael,” Cole says as he sticks his hand out to shake. “You’ve been great. I know you didn’t have to let them be here at
all. You’ve always been there for me,
thanks.”
Tina hugs
Michael as he leaves.
They all
enjoy their last moments together. About
930, James offers up and elegant prayer for Cole. When he finishes, he and Ellen say their
goodbyes and leave to let Tina and Cole have few minutes alone. They wait in the hallway.
Promptly at
9:45, Michael comes up the hall, knocks on the door, and tells Tina its
time. He then waits in the hall with
James and Ellen.
In a few
minutes, Tina comes out crying and Ellen puts her arms around her. They stand there for a moment until Tina can
compose herself enough to walk down the hall.
They drive
to Ellen and James’ house in silence.
When they finally get to the church, Tina slowly gets out of the
car. “I am gonna go for a walk. I’ll be back soon.” She starts down toward the beach. James and Ellen go inside and pray for Cole
and Tina.
It’s almost
dark and Ellen is getting worried since Tina has not returned. She finally walks out on the front steps and
sees Tina sitting on the big rock down by the beach. She slowly walks out to check on her.
Ellen
silently sits beside Tina and puts her arm around her. Ellen says a silent prayer and Tina finally
speaks. “I will be standing right her
with him in 6 months and become his wife.
Tell me it’s gonna happen, Ellen.
Tell me I am not crazy to think this.”
“You are not
crazy, child,” Ellen softly says. “You
and he will stand right here. Trust the
Lord to do that. It WILL happen.”
There is
more silence then Ellen asks, “Do you want me to call the realtor and cancel
tomorrow? It’s ok if you aren’t up to
it.”
“No,” Tina
says. “I want to do it. I am going home in 3 days and would like to
have it at least narrowed down if not decided.
Will you go with me and help?”
Ellen
smiles, “Of course I will. Now let’s go
get some dinner.” They hug and head back
to the church.
The next
morning, they meet Shannon the realtor for breakfast. Tina and Shannon hit if off instantly and
form a quick friendship bond. Ellen knew
they’d get along and be instant friends.
Tina tells Shannon what she is looking for and shows her a couple she
found online. Shannon shows Tina some
she found from the list Ellen gave her.
They make a list of one’s to look at.
“You ladies
give me about an hour,” Shannon says.
“Let me set up some showings and I’ll give you a call.”
Tina and
Ellen go shopping while they wait. About
an hour later Shannon calls and says she has 5 showings set up after
lunch. She tells Tina and Ellen when and
where to meet. They decide to shop a bit
more, grab a bite for lunch and then meet up.
As they pull
up to the first house, Tina is awe struck at how beautiful it is on the outside. “If the inside even comes close, this one
will be hard to beat,” she thinks out loud.
Ellen and Shannon laugh.
As Tina
walks in, she is not impressed with what she see. She hopes the rest of the house makes up for
it but soon realizes that is not the case.
They quickly move on to the next house.
The second
house really impresses Tina and has everything they are looking for. It quickly becomes the one to beat. The third and fourth house don’t meet the
standard. They pull up to the final
house and Tina smiles. “This is a good
one,” she says to Ellen.
“I agree,”
Ellen says. “This looks like you and
Cole.”
As they walk
in Tina loves the inside just as much.
“This is perfect,” She says.
“Everything we want and then some.
Cole has his room, we each have office space and plenty of room for the
family to grow. Shannon, please tell me
this is not out of our budget.”
Shannon
hesitates before finally answering.
“Well, it is a bit above but the owner is really motivated to sale as
they are leaving the country. I think I
can get it down to the top end you gave me if not a bit less. Just say the word and I’ll go in a bit low so
we have room to negotiate. Remember it’s
a buyers’ market. I could also go in with a best offer and hope they take it.”
“Let’s
negotiate! Go in as low as you think you
can without insulting them and go from there.”
Shannon and
Tina discuss what that price would be and Shannon calls the sellers agent. After she hangs up, she tells Tina, “Ok, she
is going to call the seller and get back to me.
Want to grab some coffee or tea while we wait?”
They find a
seat at a nearby café. Tina decided to
call Pam and check in with the kids. She
updates Pam on Cole’s situation and Pam agrees to call the rest of the family. And let them know. “The kids are napping as this is a great time
to do it,” she tells Tina.
Pam wishes
her luck on the house. “Thanks, sis,”
Tina says. “I should be back day after
tomorrow. I’ll call you when I know for
sure.”
AS she hangs
up, Shannon’s phone rings. “Yes,
ok. Thank you. Yes, I’ll present that to my client and get
back to you.” Shannon hangs up. “Ok so they did not accept your offer but
they did come back with their absolute bottom offer. It’s several thousand more than your offer
but still well within your budget,” Shannon says as she shows Tina the number
she wrote down. “I think it’s a great
price. The house is worth a bit more but
like I said they want out.”
Tina smiles,
“Great! Let’s do it”
Shannon
calls the seller agent back and accepts.
“Ok I can have the papers to you tomorrow. Thank you.”
She hangs up and says to Tina, “Can you come by my office this evening
to sign the papers?”
“Here’s my
number, call when you are ready and we will be there.” Tina thanks her and they leave excited to
share the news with James.
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