THE FINAL CHAPTER : A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY (Sept 2009 to Jan 2010)
At the Grotto of Our Immaculate Conception, in Lourdes
Daniel (14+ years old) (Thursday 17/9/2009)
Day 8 in Lourdes
6th day in Hospital (Pao)
Good morning!
The doctor greeted cheerfully when he came to your room.
The clock on the wall showed 8:30 am.
For the first time since You were admitted, six days ago, Dad and Mom had a really good rest. Your room was spacious, could take in two companion beds, and still had lots of space to move about.
Not that we wanted to make ourselves too comfortable. In fact, we had just woken up when a nurse came in with your breakfast tray a short while ago.
"Dah-nee-ell," the doctor called your name, in a strong french accent, as he approached your bed.
"Can You try to stand up?" he said, as he bent over to lower down the bed railing.
You turned over to Dad and Mom with a look of uncertainty.
We understood your hesitance perfectly. After all, You have been in bed, immobile literally, for the past several days. Anyone would feel a little queasy even at the thought of sitting up, let alone standing.
The doctor offered You his hand, and gave You a warm smile of assurance. You took his hand, and slowly sat up. Then You swung one leg, and the other, over the edge of the bed, and straightened up.
Holding both the doctor's hands, You got off the bed and stood up. A little unbalanced at first, but the doctor continued to encourage You, and very quickly, You were standing upright on your own two feet.
He slowly let go of your hands, so that You were then standing on your own.
