The Gift

“They're so young,” he smiled as he talked to her, and then said he thought it was too bad she was giving up the baby, but he didn't want to say more. He didn't want Liz to think he was intruding. “She's a nice girl' he said thoughtfully, and Liz agreed, and then went to check on her. Maribeth was just stirring and she said her headache was better. But she still felt guilty about being in that room. More than anything, she didn't want to upset them.

But Liz was surprised how good it felt to be back in Annie's room, sitting on the bed again, and looking into Maribeth's big green eyes. She looked hardly older than Annie.

“How do you feel?” Liz asked her in a whisper. She had slept for almost three hours, while Tommy played ice hockey and left her with his mother.

“Kind of achy, and stiff, but better, I think. I was so scared when I fell. I really thought I might have killed the baby … it didn't move at all for a while …and Tommy was yelling at me … it was awful.”

“He was just frightened,” she smiled gently at her and tucked her in again, “you both were. It won't be long now. Seven more weeks, Dr. MacLean said, maybe six.” It was an enormous responsibility for her, caring for another human being within her body. “I used to be so excited before my babies came …getting everything ready,” and then suddenly Liz looked sad for her, realizing that in her case, it would be very different. “I'm sorry,” she said, with tears in her eyes, but Maribeth smiled and touched her hand.

“It's okay …thank you for letting me stay here … I love this room …it's funny to say, since we never met, but I really love her. I dream about her sometimes, and all the things Tommy has said about her. I always feel like she's still here … in our hearts and our minds …” She hoped she wouldn't upset Liz too much by saying that, but the older woman smiled and nodded.

“I feel that too. She's always near me.” She seemed more peaceful than she had in a long time, and John did too. Maybe they had finally come around. Maybe they were going to make it. Tommy says you think that some special people pass through our lives to bring us blessings … I like that idea …she was here for such a short time …five years seems like so little now, but it was such a gift … I'm glad I knew her. She taught me so many things …about laughing, and loving, and giving.”

“That's what I mean,” Maribeth said softly, as the two women held hands tightly, across her covers. “She taught you things …she even taught me about Tommy, and I never knew her …and my baby will teach me something too, even though I'll only know it for a few days … or a few hours.” Her eyes filled with tears as she said it. “And I want to give it the best gift of all …people who will love it.” She closed her eyes and the tears rolled down her cheeks, as Liz bent to kiss her forehead.

“You will. Now try and sleep some more …you and the baby need it.” Maribeth nodded, unable to say any more, and Liz quietly left the room. She knew that Maribeth had a hard time ahead of her, but a time of great gifts too, and a time of blessings.

Tommy didn't come home until late that afternoon, and asked for her as soon as he came in. But his mother was quick to reassure him. “She's fine. She's sleeping.” He peeked in at her then, and she was sound asleep in Annie's bed, holding one of her dolls, and looking like an angel.

He looked suddenly grown up as he walked back out of the room and looked at his mother.

“You love her a lot, Son, don't you?”

“I'm going to many her one day, Mom,” he said, certain that he meant it.

“Don't make plans yet. Neither of you knows where life will take you.”

“I'll find her. I'll never let her go. I love her …and the baby …” he said, sounding determined.

“It's going to be hard for her, giving it up,” Liz said. She worried for both of them, they had taken so much on. Maribeth by accident, and Tommy out of kindness.

“I know, Mom.” And if he had anything to say about it, he wouldn't let her.

When Maribeth walked slowly out of Annie's room at dinnertime, Tommy was at the kitchen table, doing homework. “How do you feel?” he asked, smiling up at her. She looked refreshed and prettier than ever.

“Like I've been much too lazy.” She looked at his mother apologetically as she finished dinner. Liz was cooking often these days, and even Tommy loved it.