The Last Wish of Margaret Dawson

 

**The Last Wish of Margaret Dawson**

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Her room was so still; the only sound was the faint hum of medical machinery. To her, the hospital hardly seemed to have enough noise for nighttime hours but instead appeared to hold its breath, awaiting something. 

And this night, Margaret Dawson lay down hospital-wise on a bed; a woman who, all of her lifetime, had given the earth love and sacrifice; and now the years and disease had ground her body to its fragile residuum.

With them standing at the door were three of Margaret's children – Sarah, Emily, and Jacob, lost in their thoughts. It had been years since the last time all of them were in a room together. The chasms that set them apart seemed impossible to bridge, every one of them holding his baggage and grievances against the others.

Sarah, the eldest, felt it all on her shoulders. She had metamorphosed into a caring role for their mother, feeling bitter that her siblings did not shoulder the responsibility regarding this. 

Emily, the middle child had gone off to pursue her career, feeling that if she were far away, not being at home taking care of the parents was the right thing, showing she had made something of herself, becoming successful enough to make their mother proud of her somehow – language something or another.

 Jacob was the youngest child and had become entirely lost when their father passed away; he went into exile into betrayal and hostility.

Margaret's eyes slowly pried open as the door unraveled, revealing a feeble yet warm smile on her lips. "My kids," she uttered in an almost inaudible tone. "You're all here."

The room abounded in tension, and Sarah approached; she had her mother's hand. "Mom, we're here," she said softly. "We love you."

Margaret's eyes flickered, and something like sadness appeared in her eyes. "I have a wish," she said. "Before I leave, I get to see my family back together. I want you to forgive each other and find peace."

The siblings exchanged discomforting glances; the wounds were deep, and these notions seemed so far away from being real. Yet there was something in her plead that none of them could ignore.

Margaret's breathing was labored, and her eyes- loving, yet with a sense of urgency-locked on each of her children in turn. "Sarah, Emily, Jacob life is too short for regrets and anger. At the foot of the cross, we find forgiveness and peace. Promise me you'll try to find that peace."

**Chapter 2: The Journey of Reconciliation**

After the plea of their mother, the siblings found themselves as gifted Peace Builders at the hospital chapel – though small – there was a dim light in the chapel – and it was all filled with the mighty silent presence of faith. The cross before the chapel seemed to shine with a soft light, which reminded them of his love and the sacrifices he had given to humanity.

Sarah finally broke the silence with her voice. "I felt that since Dad died, I had to take care of everything," she said, her voice cracking, her tears unabated. "I blamed you for running away and leaving me to run it on my own."

Emily stepped towards them, tears glistening from her own eyes. "I thought that if I could just be successful enough, Mom would think all her sacrifices were worth it. I never felt how much of this must have hurt you from me being away," she admitted. "I missed you guys, probably more than you guys will ever have realized."

Jacob, who had just been silently standing up, from some distance, finally spoke. I was angry after Dad died. I didn't know how to cope with it, so I pushed everyone away. I got in trouble because it was the only way I learned how to live," his voice thick with emotion, he babbled to her. "I'm sorry for putting you all through this."

The siblings just stood there, letting the weight of his admissions hang in the air. Slowly, hesitatingly hopeful, they moved slightly closer. They embraced and, as tears mixed with tears, years of feelings turned into resentment, years of anger began to yield, becoming subdued.

A peace of Christ resonated in the chapel, and each felt truly wrapped in his loving and forgiving presence. They prayed together for the strength to heal their wounds and be given grace to forgive one another.

**Chapter 3: A Mother's Love**

There, in Margaret's room, the children had gathered around their mother's bed, her breathing short, her eyes closed. Sarah felt her. "Mom," Sarah whispered. "We talked. We've forgiven each other."

Slowly, Margaret's eyes fluttered then opened, and a tear trickled down the side of her face. "Thank you," she said.

"All night, they were speaking of some better time and days, turning the room on with their laughter and love." They talked of the bond that held them together when speaking about their father's strength, their mother's deep faith, and now, here they were. 

And when dawn broke the next day, Margaret went on out of life, with that final exhalation, while all her children were around her, for the first time in so many years, arriving in peace with each other. When they parted, they took each other's hand, weeping copiously.

**Epilogue: What Margaret Dawson Left Behind**

The siblings headed back to their lives after the funeral. Though there remains the reforged between the batch, the siblings remained closer than ever with each other's support, taking part in different life activities life presented, and most importantly, becoming a testament to mother's enduring spirit by living our own lives, seeing a full life garnished with love and more with forgiveness. 

Sarah found comfort in being the rock of the family, but she also, in time, allowed herself to be more reliant on her siblings. 

Emily would strike a balancing act between her career and coming home often to bring closer a new sense of fulfillment in the organization. Jacob had seemingly turned his life around, redeeming himself through his undying faith in his mother and the reclaiming relationship with his sisters.

They gathered around to celebrate what would have been their mother's birthday - when they undusted an old weathered journal in their mother's belongings. Inside, Margaret wrote letters to each of them – very detailed, full of love, and wisdom, and loaded with faith.

To Sarah, the letter said, "My dearest Sarah, you have always been the strength of this family. Remember to take care of yourself, too. Lean on your siblings; they love you very much."

To Emily, the letter said, "My precious Emily, your successes have brought me great joy, but family is the greatest deal of all. You are loved and your loving and being here means more than you can ever imagine."

To Jacob, the letter said, "My dearest Jacob, you have a heart full of love waiting for the potential to unfold. Let your faith embrace you and lead you into that life purpose and peace. I am so proud of you."

The last entry was a prayer, "Lord, I pray for my children. May they find strength in each other and in You. May they live lives full of love, forgiveness, and faith. Amen."

And so they read, and they cried, but, oh, how full were all their hearts. A legacy of love and faith brought them back together. They both left that meeting knowing that with Jesus in their lives, absolutely nothing was impossible. 

The presence of their mother hugged them that day, and the peace that truly only comes straight from faith kept wrapping around them with a grappling hold on their souls. They knew that whatever was there in the yonder, they would all fight over it, assured by the love and grace that had been instilled in them by Margaret.

**The End**

From the story of Margaret Dawson and her children, overall, we tributes could see the learning that simply, forgiveness and reconciliation are always given. 

That's how we gain peace and strength—down at the foot of the cross—as we mend our hearts and our lives, and may we all actualize this truth in how we live our lives: with love, faith, and hope.

Les

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Enjoy reading for free; if you like the story, and would like to offer a donation it would really be appreciated

Blog Short Stories   I also write short stories for all.