Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat – Sharlett Hunt

November 18, 2006

Praying For a Miracle

  by Sharlett F. Hunt

  When my sister and I drove up in the long familiar yard, I had no idea of what to expect.  My daddy, the one who is the light of my life, has just been diagnosed with a dangerous aneurysm in the main artery of his back and we have to help him make a life or death decision.

  He is 89 years old now and surgery could be the end of him.  If this ugly thing stays in his body, it could grow and burst, something like a water balloon.  It is swelled now to five centimeters and has the doctors concerned.  He's having trouble with his appetite and has lost a lot of weight.  Many old people do that before they die.

  I don't want to lose this wonderful man who bought me a tea set when I was eight and I loved it so for years.  Then he bought me a lovely set of dishes a couple years ago for Christmas, each piece painted with lovely sunflowers, a new tea set which I will cherish forever. 

  My dad comes out of his house looking so old.  My sister and I run up and hug him and I just want to hold him and never let go.  He is the most unique person I have ever known.  He knows how to love unconditionally.  I need him around long enough to learn this from him. 

  As we go inside to talk and eat, I felt a little like I didn't have any words to say.  He told us about the surgery they are prepared to do but he has to decide if it is worth the risk.  The risk being the ultimate.  My sister and I will be going to see the third and last Specialist with him this Monday.

  I walked outside to smoke and pray as I have been doing for the past few days since we got this horrible news.  I thought about my dad and remembered how I have harassed him so many times throughout my life but he loves me anyway.  He has a gift that he is all too happy to share with others.  He loves all animals, even human ones.

  I pray that God will send us a miracle.  I try not to bother Him a lot with my needy prayers but this one is in earnest.  I need my dad around for a long time.  I am older now and finally appreciate him for who he is. 

  I go back inside and join in the conversation, trying to be strong.  Somehow the conversation turned to miracles and we told stories, each of us having experienced many miracles in our lives.  One of the biggest was when I saw my dad baptized.  I think he might have been in his seventies before he got around to the actual act of being saved but this man has been a Christian as long as I have known him. 

  My dad is so wise.  He is not educated, probably didn't make it out of grammar school but he knows more than any ten men with a college education.  I listen to him now when he speaks.  Had I learned to do this many years ago my life would have been much easier, I am sure.

  It is time to go with big hugs and I love you's all around.  We will face yet another day of wondering what is going to happen.  I do know that only God can change this situation.  It is not up to me.  I am weak but He is so strong.  All I can do is pray for that miracle.

Sharlett Hunt

Sharlette863@aol.com