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A Close Call



Written by:

Globy42



"She" was choking........we pulled all the switches we could.......we were trying to save her. Now it seemed hopeless. It had been months since "she" had started those awful symptoms. Try as we may, we finally had to call a professional.

We had hoped to avoid this. for it was admitting just how far gone "she" really was. Now we knew her coughing,and sputtering had been signs of real trouble, a lot more than we had bargained for.

Was "she" worth the best? Oh course "she"was, that went without saying. The real question was , Could they save "her"? Shaking their head it all seemed so hopeless. Yet as long as there was a breathe of life in "her" they would not give up.

As they were trying, discouraged looks possessed their faces working rapidly , feverishly, trying to save this nine year old from losing "her" life.

Oh Why did we wait so long? Why did we not do something at the first signs of trouble? Bringing in experts right away instead of trying to cure the problems on our own? When the feverish boilings of "her" innards began before they were in earnest, why did we not get in touch with professionals right then and there???

We should of had "her" properly diagnosed right then and there?.......But no we waited trying to treat the symptoms without curing "her". Now someone was going to pay the price, Maybe much more that was imagined? For now she was crippled., could she ever function properly again?

Of course we prayed, wrung our hands in fear, while pacing at the same time, while "she" was now being worked on. They notified us her gasping was somewhat eased, would this last? Could she fight the rest of the way and still be alright?

The air was full of anguish. Family and friends were notified, chipped in as much as possible.  If only "she" could be saved?........there was still very little response.

Four hours crept by with just a tinge of hope. They strongly recommended we go home since we could do nothing but get in the way. There was nothing more we could do. When we got home, we rushed to the phone, only to learn there was not new word.

We pictured "her" suffering, the sounds we heard......Running through our heads of her boiling as if in fever, gurgling as if "her" innards would never be well again. Oh Why had we not responded sooner????? There was so much more that had to now be done. They were getting ready to go back in, and did not know if "she" could stand up under the strain. "She" had, had the symptoms too long.

We heard awful news early on in the evening. They called and told us they couldn't proceed any further 'till morning. "She" had hung in there so far, but we all knew "She " had to go under at least once more. Would it never end?

"She" had been left on machines all night. We felt sick as their need for sleep did little for our hopes "she" would survive. Since the last phone call, when the news had not been encouraging, now further operations were being delayed......By Midnight we were over tired wrung with anguish.....not hearing anymore we berated ourselves for trying to cure "her" ourslves......through this how close we were to losing "her" forever.

Even is "she" made it, "she" might never be the same. totally healthy, whole again. "She" might be crippled have wheezing the rest of her days. or "she" might have an instant relapse?

With gritty eyes we faced what could be the fatal morning sadly, with hope at a nil. Staying gathered around the phone with coffee cups in hand, needless to say we were a wreck.

Admonishing ourselves, while deserving no sympathy from anyone, but it did encourage us to warn others. We called the papers, had a warning put on the first page sharing our guilt, and warnings for others to heed.

It would be worth the money if only it saved one other from going through this anguish, "Take Care of any problems at first sight, do not wait trying to cure it alone when you're not an expert." We repeated this to our friends, neighbors and relatives, like a chant of sacred knowledge. Also, advising them of our anguish for waiting so long.

"She" was still ticking, we heard, bringing us some relief.not enough...Final results of course, not in at 9 am. still wringing our hands, pacing the floor none too hopeful, while looking guiltily at each other blaming ourselves.

At noon a platter of sandwiches came with coffee, few were eaten.. Tension was thick. At this time we had received no word and were afraid to call yet again. "No news is good news", we kept telling each other. Trying to convince ourselves. The strain showing in our faces.
What could be taking so long? It had to be bad, another 4 hours we were afraid of losing "her". Tears welled up, in our eyes, spilled over as the time slowly crawled by. "Call. Damn It, CALL"!!

Frozen at the sound of the finally shattering ringing phone, afraid to answer it. We did not want to face the results of our own thoughtfulness. Looking at each other and the pealing phone, for the fifth ring seems as if it were getting even louder. Taking the bull by the horns, we finally stoped the pealing.   Taken the responsibility of our paranoia, not spoiling "her" enough we could of avoided the anguish of this situation.

Taking a deep breathe,cautiously putting the phone to my ear, then grasping tight, turning my back on the rest to receive this news not revealing to the to others......I could not believe it, jumping for joy.....turning back to those waiting for the response. "SHE'd" Been saved!"

"She, was going to be alright!", "She" was not even crippled! In better shape then ever "She" was going to rejoin our family! Now "She" was in better shape than we all were....Assuring them we would be right down after "her"   Hanging up while jumping for joy. hugging and kissing each other hurrying to leave.....We could not wait to see "Her" touch "Her" once again....this second chance we would do things right. See to "her" needs on a regular basis   We would never wait again. "She" would have proper, regular check ups.

Excited.exuberant from the good news. grinning at each other as we headed for those big doors!....As they were opened, we could see "Her". "She" was right there without a wire or tube attached any longer, "She" looked whole, well. shiny. "Her" color glistening brightly in the sun rays.. Cautiously we approached "her". "She" was in the front. and looked ready to go!

Slowly ever so gently we took turns, lovingly touching "her" body, fearful of hurting "her". A man in uniform walked towards us, "What do you think?" he asked gayly. "She's" a real beauty.Ay!" Admiring the workmanship of "her" lines. Not as much as a scar on her. readily we agreed. "She looked wonderful."

Went a lot better than the crew thought it would, It was touch and go there for a while. but "she" pulled though just fine. All the kinks seem to be mended, Nothing major that could not be fixed by the experts.I think you have a wondeful piece of machinery here!"

Beaming at us he added," Of course, the bill just might take those smiles off your face. I've never seen an entire family this jubilant over a nine year old car like you folks were! You would of thought we were doctors taking care of an emergency patient! You folks really like that car, don't you?"

"Like her?"... That was putting it mildly. We loved "her"! We knew we could not live without "her" our means of navigation, had "she" not made it. Our pride and joy, as well as travel. Thanks to the talents of these professionals we had our family car back whole and well. We cared for her as one would a pet,"She" was our mainstay of transportation. Without "her" we could not travel, grocery shop,survive our dirt roads, miles from a town!

Handing the mechanic his check, clambering inside our beloved "she". Anxious impatient to start "her" up once again, Turning the key. we once again heard the sound of "her" sweet engine purr, insuring us we could once again arrive safely home, and "she" would be with us!



This story was written, and copy righted by: Globy42
Do not copy or use any part of it without the written permission of the author: globy42@webtv.net



My first award, Thank you Norbert!!!