Danielle
© 2013 - William C. Highsmith

The morning came, and the sun shined brightly. There was not a cloud in the sky as the little girl gazed out her bedroom window. Even though it was a beautiful day in the late fall, it was not a happy time. She reached out for her best friend. She needed the comfort of his touch. The big dog seemed to sense that all was not well as he cuddled beside her on the bed.

This would be the day she and her parents traveled to Duke Children's Hospital and Health Center in Durham, North Carolina. Danielle was born with a heart valve defect. The doctors in her home town recommended this hospital and the expertise of their doctors. It was an ordeal for the six-year-old and her parents.

There was a light tap on the door as her mother entered to dress her for the trip. "Pal, you will have to move out of the way," she said to the dog. "Your best friend will come back soon - maybe in time for Christmas."

Darrell loaded the Grand Caravan with the luggage they would need for about an eight-day stay in Durham.

"No, Pal! You can't make this trip. You will have to stay here and look after the place," he said. "When we return, your little friend will be as good as new," he promised. The dog seemed to understand and turned back towards the house and Danielle's brother, Mike, and their Grandmother.

Finally, it was time to leave. It would only be an hour's drive to the hospital but, there was much planning for the trip involved. Darrell worked for the local Cable Company and would use two weeks of vacation time. After many prayers by the church were sent heavenward, he and her mother felt confident this would prepare his daughter for a normal life. It is well-worth all the time and effort. After all, she is 'Daddy's little girl'.

As the family drove into Durham, they noticed how different the big city was from their bedroom community. The traffic was heavy and slow to move. Finally, the hospital came into view. After checking in, they were escorted to her room. Thankfully, it was like a small apartment with an extra room to accommodate Mom and Dad. The staff tried very hard to make the first day an easy transition. Additional tests began immediately and the operation to repair the valve was scheduled for the next evening.

The hospital chapel was packed as the operation proceeded. The pastor of the church led the small group of parishioners in prayer. Several had made the trip over to support the family as they waited. Time moved slowly until finally the doctor came forth to report a completely successful outcome of the procedure. Danielle was in the recovery room.

The hours passed. The pastor and friends returned home. It was early the next morning when the tiny girl was moved back to her room and began to wake up. Of course, she was uncomfortable and refused to eat. She begged to go home. Her parents tried to console her. They promised she would soon be able to return home and maybe even start school. However, at the ripe old age of six, it was difficult to comprehend it all.

On the third day after the operation, Darrell had an idea. He called home and asked her grandmother to do him a favor.

"Danielle! I have a surprise for you," he said. "What would make you very happy?"

"I want to go see Pal," she answered.

Suddenly, her daddy pulled out his iPad. He turned up the sound to hear Pal barking. Turning the instrument around, Danielle could see her beloved friend.

The gleeful little girl began to recuperate from that very moment.

By William C. Highsmith - January 22, 2013




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