All the other passengers had already boarded when Mommy and Shevi entered the plane, and the doors swung shut immediately. With sighs of relief, Mommy and Shevi sank into their seats. The first leg of their journey would take them to Amsterdam. The plane taxied to its assigned runway and in a few more moments was in the air.
Shevi felt slightly dizzy and closed her eyes. She wasn't sure if it was because of the rush, the change in air pressure at takeoff, or her emotional state before this third transplant operation. Mommy, too, was in a bit of a daze. She hardly heard the stewardess come by and ask them what they would like to drink.
"Oh, er...two colas, please."
When the drinks were served and placed on the tray in front of them, Mommy stared at them blankly for a few moments, then started to cry quietly.
"Mommy! Why are you crying?" Shevi asked. She wanted to say, "We should be happy..." but she started to cry, too.
After a while they blotted their tears with tissues and were able to sip their drinks. Shevi had never seen her mother in such a state and wasn't sure how to handle it. Finally, she offered her some chocolate from the package they'd bought at the airport, but that set them off again. They comforted each other with hugs and sat quietly in their seats, unable to speak during most of the flight.
The plane for London was waiting for them in Amsterdam. An airline agent boarded as soon as they rolled to a stop to help them hurry off one plane and onto another. The hospital in Boston had been in touch with the airlines and stressed the urgency of the situation, so the London plane had been waiting for half an hour.
As soon as they were seated in the second plane, it took off. The steward wished them a good trip...and good luck with the transplant operation. He went forward onto the flight deck and they sank back in their seats. Shevi saw that Mommy was weeping again, and that set her off. They more or less cried together quietly all the way to London.
In London they disembarked and hurried off to catch the plane to New York.
The American Airlines stewardess welcomed them aboard with a warm smile.
"We've been waiting for you; the hospital in Boston told us you were on your way. The main thing is, you're here now and we can take off. Come with me." She showed them to their seats.
This would be a longer flight than the two short European "hops" and they managed to settle down and take out things to read. Mommy had bought an English book at the airport, and Shevi had a children's book in her purse - the large letters were suitable for times when it was difficult to concentrate.
The stewardess was attentive; they were served drinks and a kosher meal. They tried to distract themselves by reading, but their thoughts were fastened on the impending operation. Would they arrive in time? Would the transplant succeed? Would Shevi at last begin to grow a bit taller? Maybe it was too late for that, but maybe....
"Fasten your seat belts, please. We are about to land at John F. Kennedy Airport, in New York. You must remain in your seats until the plane has stopped moving."
Now there was just one more plane to catch. Mommy and Shevi prepared themselves for the next dash - to Boston; there only a taxi ride to the hospital awaited them.
They rushed, flight bags in hand, out of the plane, through the enclosed gangway to the waiting room, down the steps and out to the airfield, up the steps of still one more plane.
"We're happy to see you," the stewardess smiled. "The rest of the passengers don't know why we are delayed, but I'm sure you know the hospital in Boston has instructed us to wait for you. Come, sit down and catch your breath...and good luck!"
"Another hour, and this nightmare of a trip will be over," Shevi sighed.
Mommy started to agree with Shevi, but once more the tears started to flow. Mommy had always been the strong, brave one who kept everyone's spirits up, but on this trip it seemed that fear had overwhelmed her. Also, it must be remembered, Mommy did not at all enjoy traveling.
"Mommy," Shevi suddenly turned to Mommy, "do you forgive me?"
"What do you mean? What should I forgive you for, Shevi?"
"I hope you aren't angry with me...."
"Angry? Forgive? What is this all about?"
"I feel terrible that...you have to go through so much...because of me. All the running back and forth to doctors and hospitals, and all the worrying." She stopped to blow her nose. "And now, now you are even missing Tovah Leah's engagement party because of me." She started to sob. "You're not going to be at Tovah Leah's engagement party because of me."
Mommy was stunned. She hugged Shevi. "Shevi, you're wrong! Did you decide that the date of the transplant should be the same day as Tovah Leah's engagement? Of course not! It's not you who's causing us all this running around! There is a Creator who is running the world. He decides when I have to run around, when I should worry and how much.
Baruch Hashem, He decided the transplant would be on her engagement day and not on her wedding day!"
Mommy put her arm around Shevi's shaking shoulders. "Hashem is the One Who decides everything that goes on in the world. He decides who...will live and who...will die; who will become ill and who will get well...." Mommy's voice broke. "And Hashem is the One Who gave me you! I'm happy with the treasure Hashem has given me. I wouldn't trade a precious daughter like you for anyone else in the world...even a healthy daughter! You are my own wonderful daughter and you aren't causing me any trouble or problems. I thank Hashem that He gave you to me. Even if I am a bit worried and upset, thank God it is for a precious girl like you!"
Their tears mingled as they hugged each other tightly. Those were moments of deep importance, of incomparable devotion and steadfast faith...faith in the One who manages the world, who changes times and who alters seasons...and who heals those who are ill.
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