Heaven

Four siblings eagerly awaited the arrival of their baby sister as mama entered the hospital. Each had plans of the fun they would share caring for this unexpected but very welcome 'change of life' baby. Our mother suffered greatly throughout her pregnancy with terrible pain but she was determined to have what she knew would be her last child. Finally in her eighth month the time would come as an early blessed reprieve. We children anxiously awaited any news of our sisters arrival, so unaware the worst was about to happen. Mother gave birth that was too much for her heart to bear and she died shortly after birth. Our dear little sister lived for twenty five minutes. Mother related what happened to us when she returned home three days later. In her words... she rose to the ceiling and had a birds eye view of the frantic efforts being made to resuscitate her. At first she did not recognise herself laying on the table. She could hear the concerned voices and feel one nurses hand holding hers, her voice a bit louder than a whisper, telling my mother she had to return because of her children who needed their mother. Mother said she could see through the walls as if they were not there. No one could hear her questions or see her, but she had all her senses. She felt herself being drawn to a dark tunnel, yet she felt a calmness and was unafraid. The most beautiful peaceful light began to appear and envelope her. She could hear the voices of her loved ones who came to meet her, but they were telling her she had to return, that it was not yet her time to leave her earthly body. She felt such urgency to stay in her heavenly surroundings that even the thought of leaving us behind could not sway her to leave. She had never felt such overwhelming peace and love. There was no pain, only joy. Her relatives looked as if they were in their prime, as if time had no consequences. The doctors were finally able to revive mother by inserting a large needle directly into her heart which she witnessed before being drawn back into her body where she suddenly felt excruciating pain return. She was deemed clinically dead for several minutes. As soon as she could speak she asked about her baby girl she named Marlena Marie. The doctors felt it best not to reveal what happened to her baby until she was stronger. Our mother was devastated by the news that little Marlena had not survived. She was a beautiful baby who was destined to return to heaven early. My mother grieved her loss, as we did, for years. Her only solace was in knowing Marlena would be greeted and loved and cared for by family in heaven. 5-31-20 ~First Place~ Heaven Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Regina Riddle