Chapter 10
"Ma-ry!"
Mary quickly sat up on the pull out couch, realizing that tonight she had to head back to the convent at the end of the day.
"What dear, can you tell me what you want?"
" Hel-p"
"Can you press this button?" Mary handed her the call button. With great difficulty she pressed the button.
"How wonderful, dear."
When the nurse arrived, Mary gladly announced that her sister had pushed the call button.
"Good, now what is it you need?"
"Wa-ter."
"I just brought a fresh pitcher in here a few minutes ago. Here, can you hold the glass?" the nurse asked
"So hard!" Sr. Mary Patrick almost dropped the glass, but the nurse caught it.
"Mary?"
"You want me to hold the glass? I hope it won't always be difficult to do, dear." Mary held the glass as her sister sipped from a straw. After breakfast Fr. Lewis and Mary prayed with Sr. Mary Patrick as they had done every day. She was so proud when she could actually move her Rosary beads.
"Oh I'm so happy you can move your Rosary, dear.
The same routine that had been happening for the past week occurred. Sr. Mary Patrick's physical therapist came; her occupational therapist came as did the speech therapist. Two highlights occurred that day in therapy.
"OK, Sister, Mary Patrick I want you to try to sit up without help", said Dianna, the therapist. It took forever, but Sr. Mary Patrick was able to sit up and was exhausted after words and her bed was moved to support her siting in bed.
"Very good, Sr. Mary Patrick."
"Wonderful, dear!"
"Can't walk!" Sr. Mary Patrick commented. She wanted to be recovered as soon as possible. She still remembered that this summer she was going to University of San Francisco to start her Masters program and she was determined to do so!
"Oh I hope you do, dear!" Mary exclaimed.
"Even if you may not walk again, you still could lead a productive life", suggested Dianna.
"God will help me!" Sr. Mary Patrick declared with difficulty.
"Yes, dear. My goodness that's your first sentence since the accident!"
Sr. Mary Patrick smiled.
As the day wore on Mary prayed that she would be able to remain strong when she returned to the convent. She had thanked God every day that Mother Superior had allowed her the week visit and knew that her aunt and uncle would be good caregivers.
"Margret, I have to return to St. Catherine's now. I promised I would be back by tomorrow morning."
"Pray with me?"
"Of course I will! Fr. Lewis?
"I'll say a prayer with you." He prayed a prayer of healing and prayed for the family.
"Oh thank you for everything Father!"
"Don't go."
"Oh my dear I must. God has given you all these wonderful people to help you. It'll be all right. Peace be with you.
"And also… with you." Sr. Mary Patrick said slowly.
"Dona Nobis Pachem", said Mary as she gave her sister a gentle hug. After saying her goodbyes she cried and prayed until she reached the airport.