A Prayer More Than a Prophecy

June 8, 2020

She laid in the hospital bed, wearing a hospital gown that seemed two sizes too big. Her hair was starting to come back. A step above a shaved head, but not long enough to be an intentional hairstyle. She was skinnier, weaker, and if I’m being honest, dying. 

I laid next to her in the hard, uncomfortable bed. “She is going to be ok. She will make it. She will get better.” It was a prayer more than a prophecy. 

We wore masks and had to sign waivers to be present in the room with her harsh medication and chemotherapy. She was losing her battle, but remained beautiful and strong. “She will be ok. She will beat this. She will get better.” It was a prayer more than a prophecy. 

Her levels stabilized. She got a wave of strength. She got released from the hospital. She is the purest example of resilience I know.  “She’s doing it. She’s going to beat this. She will get better.” It was a prayer more than a prophecy. 

She feels well enough to take her walker out for an adventure. It’s been days since she’s been able to stand independently and walk. This is a success, so venture to her favorite store. I let her slowly shop and walk and gaze, even though I’m ridden with anxiety and fear. “She can do this. She’ll be ok. There is nothing to fear.” It was a prayer more than a prophecy. 

Slowly she faded. She lost her strength, her ability to move, and her ability to speak. She spent her time in bed, quiet and weak. “I will not lose her. She cannot die.” It was a prayer more than a prophecy. 

Words spoken with certainty. Words spoken with power. Words that were really loud prayers of my heart’s wishes and needs. No matter what I said, or what I demanded, she was dying in front of me. Eventually she did. She took her last breath, and I cried, “This isn’t real. She’s not gone. She isn’t dead.”

A prayer. Not a prophecy.

A reality that she was gone. A reality that it was too late for prayers, too late for hope, and too late for a miracle. 

xox, Chels

Share:
2 comments so far.

2 responses to “A Prayer More Than a Prophecy”

  1. Yvonne says:

    Oh Chels, I so relate. Up until tha last day, tha last moments you feel that they are gonna recover. My lovelee mama passing when she did, never crossed my mind at tha end. Im so sorry! I am glad ta know you! Keep writing! Btw, I know that your lovelee mama is smilin! 💜 xo

    • chelseaohlemiller says:

      Yvonne, you always brighten my day and make me smile! Thank you for supporting my heart’s journey to speak about grief and loss! You are such a blessing and your support means the world to me. I’m so glad you found my page, you bring me joy! xox, Chels

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Chelsea

Chelsea

A wife, mother and educator who has Indiana roots and a passionate spirit. Chelsea is a sappy romantic, coffee junkie, book collector, and person who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s sarcastic, full of jokes, full of tears, and enjoys writing most when life gets messy or complicated. In 2017, Chelsea's mother passed away. Through her grief journey, she decided to take her mother’s advice and share her writing with the world. One day she gained the courage to honor her mother's wishes and write. It turned out to be one of the best decisions she's ever made.

Let’s connect:

Archives: