Annie fell down onto her bed and started to cry.
"Eric, this is bad, this is very bad. What are we going to do?"
"I wish I knew. I didn't think it would turn out like that. I wish I could take back what I said. I don't say those types of things."
"Yeah, I think we all wish that. Don't blame yourself though; you didn't know she was right there. Eric these last efw days have been very hard; you're overtired, you weren't thinking when you said that."
"I know, but I should have never said something like that."
"We need a miracle Eric. We need one quick."
"Yes. Let's pray for one now."
They prayed for a long time, not only for Ruthie, but also for God to give them strength and guidance and for a miracle.
"Daddy copier, Daddy copier!" Same and David yelled as they tapped on their sister to get up.
"Huh" Ruthie was half awake. "What do you want guys?"
"Ruthie, why don't you want to go to church?" Sam wondered.
"Because, I just have lost all hope. There is nothing to hope for in life. Life is pointless."
"It is?" David asked.
"Yes, it is."
Ruthie and the boys walked down to the kitchen to see the rest of the family. Annie was making coffee and Eric was reading the Sunday News.
"Would you like some breakfast Ruthie?" Annie kindly asked.
Ruthie shrugged. "Um, sure."
Things were very tense between the parents and their daughter.
"I'm still not going to church. So, you don't have to work up a sweat asking me."
"Okay, Ruthie. If that's what you want." Annie gritted. She wanted to yell at her daughter so badly, but she had to be patient.
"I don't want to go to church either." David piped in.
"And why not?" Eric asked from the table.
"Ruthie isn't, and we don't have hope anymore." Sam explained.
Annie looked at her daughter; with that look only mother's can give. She knew Ruthie couldn't see her so it wouldn't be any good, but it was an instinct.
"Ruthie, you shouldn't be telling your little brother's stuff like that!" Annie scolded.
"I'm only telling them the truth." Ruthie simply replied.
Before Annie could fight back, Simon ran down the stairs.
"Hey how is everyone this morning?" he asked.
No one answered.
"Ruthie I just wanted to apologize for last night." Simon said putting his hand on his sisters' shoulders.
"Apology unaccepted." She said in reply to her brother as she took a sip of orange juice.
"Well," Annie started, "it's time to go to church. Are you sure you will be okay here by yourself Ruthie?"
"I'll be fine."
The family left in silence.
Mary Camden lay awake in her Houston, Texas motel room. It was 9:00 AM, and in an hour she was supposed to be at the airport ready to fly from Houston, to Washington D.C., and then back to her home base in Florida. Mary had been awake all night and wasn't sure what was wrong; she had a feeling though that she was needed at home as soon as possible. She had been bothered by this feeling all week, but it had been exceptionally strong that past night. Mary picked up the phone and dialed the airport's number.
"You did the right thing Mary; it will be okay." She kept telling herself after she had called the airport letting them know she wouldn't be able to work for a few days.
Mary hated missing work because she really needed the money, but her family needed her right now and she wasn't going to let them down-not after what she had put them through a few years before. She left the hotel and headed for Glen Oak.
The rays of the sun strongly beat down on Ruthie's face as she relaxed on the hammock. It was an exceptionally hot day for the spring, and Ruthie figured she take advantage of the nice weather.
Ruthie had been home for over a week, and not much had changed. The family tried to be as nice as possible to Ruthie, but it wasn't working. She was too hurt and confused to give them the time of day. She keep to herself, and if she had to talk to someone it was only if she needed help getting something. Claire, Peter, and a few friends from school had been by to visit Ruthie in that past week. She was nice to them, but she was embarrassed for them to see her so dependant on people.
"Ruthie Camden! What are you doing?" A voice echoed from the yard.
Ruthie propped herself up. "Mary? Mary is that you?"
"It sure is!" Mary came over and sat on the hammock with her sister.
"Look at my new puppy. Her name is Bailey."
"That's really cool Ruthie." She petted the dog's head.
" Hey, I thought you had to fly for a little while longer."
"Well, I took a few days off. I really wanted so se you."
"Yeah. I am glad you are here. This past week has been heck."
"I'm sorry. So how are you doing?"
"How do you think?"
"Eh, not to great, huh?"
"Not really. I don't feel like talking about it though."
"I understand. Ruthie, I've got to ask you though, why in the world are you wearing sun glasses?" Mary laughed.
"Oh, well I still want to do things I'd normally do if I could see, and if I could see I would be wearing sunglasses to block the sun."
"I see."
"Mary?" Annie followed by Eric ran out of the back of the house. "Mary it's so good to see you!" They gave their oldest daughter a hug.
"Hi, Mom, hi Dad! It's so good to see you!"
Annie looked over at Ruthie. "Hey Mary," she whispered. "can I talk to you privately for a moment?"
"Um, sure."
She pulled her daughter to the nearest corner.
"Mary, Ruthie is not the same."
"Well no kidding, she is blind."
"I know, but Mary when Ruthie came home a big misunderstanding occurred, and Ruthie isn't very happy with us right now."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. She also has lost faith in God. She blames this on Him."
"Kind of like what happened to Dad, huh?"
"Yes, but this is worse than what happened to Dad. She has turned atheist on us."
"Wow, this is worse. I'm sorry I've only called once since this incident, I have been very busy. All week this feeling has been tugging at me that I need to be home. I was supposed to work today, but I called in sick so I could be here."
"I really appreciate it Mary. Ruthie has really missed you. She has been saying how much she wished you were here all week. That's basically all she will say to us."
"Well I am going to do the best I can to help my sister."
"Thanks."
Mary walked back over to where Ruthie was.
"Hey Ruthie, do you want to go to the pool hall?"
"Sure." Ruthie said hesitantly.
They headed towards Mary's car. As they drove off Annie looked in her husband's eyes.
"Eric, she just might be the miracle we asked for."
"You know," Ruthie started, "I haven't left the house since I got home from the hospital."
"This will be good for you then."
"I'm nervous."
"Don't be. It will all be fine."
"Easy for you to say."
Do you want to talk about it?"
"No! Besides there is nothing to talk about."
"Right." Mary was being sarcastic.
"Well, maybe there are a few things wrong. Mom must have mentioned something to you."
'Yeah, she did, but even if she hadn't, it wouldn't have taken a genius to figure out there were tensions in the house."
"I'll discuss the family problems with you, but I am not going to talk about my losing faith. Deal?"
"Deal."
'If mom hasn't already told you why I am mad at everyone it is because they said I was a burden to them. They didn't say it to my face of course, but I was around when Lucy, Mom, Simon, and Dad said it. I couldn't believe it."
"What did they say?"
"Well Mom asked Lucy to stay in the attic with me for a few days so I'd feel comfortable, and Lucy got all ticked. She was like 'I want to spend time with Kevin, it's not fair.' Mom was like 'I know it's a pain.' I wasn't extremely upset though until I went upstairs and Simon was all frustrated because Bailey ruined his pants. He was complaining to Dad about how hard and long life would be with me this way, and I thought Dad would try to tell Simon to calm down and be reasonable but no. You know what Dad said, he said, "I know it's hard, but sometimes I wish Ruthie would disappear.' That hurt me so much. And to pay back for what everyone said I'm being a total jerk."
"Wow Ruthie that is tough. I am so sorry. I m not taking there side at all, but just think of this. What if it were Simon who was blind, how would you feel."
Ruthie thought for a moment. "I wouldn't like it. I guess I'd feel he is getting all the attention."
"Yeah, see how he feels now. And pretend you are a parent, Your daughter had just gotten married, a few months before you had had a heart attack, and you think things are just starting to settle down, when your other daughter goes blind. Now how would you feel about that?"
"Awfully stressed."
"Now do you see why they reacted like they did?"
"Maybe so, but I still would have never said those things allowed."
"No, maybe not. They did though, and now they have realized their mistakes. They love you Ruthie they really do. Everyone was just frustrated when they said it. You need to forgive. I know it will be hard, but they are really trying Ruthie."
"I might. I am still upset though."
"Of course, no one expects you just to forget about the whole thing, but just try to make a truce. It will take time, but it will all work out."
"Mary?"
"Yes?"
"Promise me you won't leave. I really need you right now. Promise me you will stay until I feel better. Please.
"Ruthie I've got to work."
"I know, but I don't think I can go on without you. Stay, please. Not forever, just until I feel adjusted."
As Ruthie finished her pleading, the car pulled into the pool hall.
A few days came and went and Mary stayed. She desperately needed to go back to work, but she loved her sister too much. Ruthie decided she was going to tell everybody that she forgave them. It took her a few days to think about what Mary had said, but she realized it made since and she couldn't live the rest of her life with that big of a grudge inflicted open her.
"Mom, can I talk to you and everyone in the living room?" Ruthie asked.
"Sure." Annie answered back surprised that her daughter was talking to her, and in such a nice tone.
"Great! I'll go get everyone else."
About ten minutes later Annie, Eric, Simon, Lucy, Sam, David, and Mary had all filled into the living room.
"Okay. Listen, I am really sorry for the way I have been treating all of you lately. I was just very upset. I have since realized that you all were and still are going through a lot, and that you were just frustrated. If I were one of you I would have probably done the same thing. I just wanted to let you know I forgive all of you."
Eric smiled. "Ruthie, we are extremely sorry. We should have never of said such things. We are sorry too."
"Yes, and we love you. We would never hurt you." Lucy added.
After the family's little meeting everyone felt better about themselves. Ruthie had a major amount of anger taken from her. That night they all enjoyed dinner, and people actually talked and laughed. After dinner Annie was putting away the dishes and she saw Ruthie sitting outside with her dog. Eric entered with more plates.
"I'm really glad Ruthie isn't mad at us anymore, but I'm still sad about her disbelief in God." Annie said.
Eric sighed. "I know. I am hoping this is just a phase."
"I know she doesn't want to talk about it, but I think it is time for her to. I have an idea of how I can help." Mary said from the stairwell.
"Oh Mary I didn't know you were standing there. If you know how to help please do help. It seems like you know all the answers." Annie replied.
"No, I just can relate to Ruthie. Plus, I have had similar things happen to me." Mary went on the kitchen door.
"Hey Ruthie. Mind if I have a seat."
"No, go right ahead."
"What's up?"
"Nothing much. Just pretending I can see the stars. Are they pretty tonight?"
"They are amazing."
"That's good. I always pretend I can see them. I think of how beautiful they must look. And if it's a cloudy night, I wouldn't know the difference. One benefit of being blind is that I use my imagination a lot more and have become more creative."
"That's good." Ruthie, I know you have been avoiding this subject, but we need to talk about it."
Ruthie gave her sister a sharp look.
"Ruthie, it really makes me sad that you have given up your faith."
"I know but I don't want to believe in a God that makes people sick. How loving is that?"
"He didn't make you sick. God allows bad things to happen to us, only so that we grow from it in the end. God is loving and He knows what's best for us."
"So you are saying that God thought it was best that I fall off Ed and hurt myself?"
"You know, when I got hit by that car and hurt my leg, I wanted to give up on God too."
"You did?"
"Sure, but I didn't. I realized that through this adversity I could grow. Now that I look back on it, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I am in a way glad that happened to me. It helped me become a better person."
"How so?"
"Well for instance, it made me push myself to do more. I could be kind of laid back, but after my accident I had to make myself do simple things that I were no problem before the accident. And it stuck with me. So now I push myself to do things even when it is scary. It stuck with me."
"So you are saying this is sort of fate?"
"Yeah. Maybe He allowed you be blind so you could help someone else out. Life is sort of like puzzle pieces and you put them together and it all fits. You know, everything happens for a reason."
" Maybe. Well, how will this help me?"
"Hmm, earlier you were saying you are now more creative than before. That's good. Also, when something bad happens it gives you a better outlook on life. You will eventually realize God gave you another chance and this time you are going to make your life better than what it was before. You realize life is a precious thing that can't be taken seriously."
"Mary you always seem to make since out of everything. How do you do it?"
"Oh, it will become easier as you get older."
"I guess it was fate that you came back home, or else things would be in a terrible wreck still.
"See! You're getting it. So, are you willing to give God a second chance?"
"Oh why not!"
"Great Ruthie!"
"Hey Mary do you think you could take me riding tomorrow?"
"Ruthie I don't know."
"It will be safe as long is there is an adult watching. I think it will be good for me. Please. My friend Caitlin who rides horses she says when you fall off to get right back on. I think it is time."
"I'll ask mom."
"Yay!"
Ruthie sat and thought for a little longer. "Lord, maybe you allowed this to happen, so I could become closer with my sister, and understand the stress my parents go through. Also, it's helped me become even more so independent because through this I have learned to do things on my on. Even things I used not even think about, like crossing the street, or getting a glass of water. Now I have to think about them, but it some odd way it's making me more independent. I am more creative now too. And I think I am gaining an appreciation on life. I am sorry for giving up so easily. Please help me not to give up again. I'd really like to see again, but you know what if it is your will to for me not to see than let it be. I know you know things that I don't and if this fits in your plan than I understand. Thanks Lord."
After Ruthie was done praying, she got to go back inside. As she was walking up the patio, she fell and missed a step. Her head hit the stair. A loud "THUMP!" was heard inside. Everyone came flooding outside.
"Ruthie, are you okay honey?" Annie said kneeling down towards her daughter.
Ruthie slowly lifted her head up. "I'm all dizzy." She then opened her eyes. "Oh my gosh!"
"What?" Everyone asked at the same time.
"I can see!"
"You can what?" Eric asked excited.
"I can see, I can see. Thank you Lord! I can see. It's a little blurry, but who cares!"
The Camden's all cheered for Ruthie. It was the best moment that had all experienced in a long time. They went for ice cream to celebrate. Ruthie's vision stayed; it wasn't as good as it was before everything happened, so she needed glasses. She didn't care though- she could see! And Ruthie did have an appreciation for life that she had never had before.
"Eric, this is bad, this is very bad. What are we going to do?"
"I wish I knew. I didn't think it would turn out like that. I wish I could take back what I said. I don't say those types of things."
"Yeah, I think we all wish that. Don't blame yourself though; you didn't know she was right there. Eric these last efw days have been very hard; you're overtired, you weren't thinking when you said that."
"I know, but I should have never said something like that."
"We need a miracle Eric. We need one quick."
"Yes. Let's pray for one now."
They prayed for a long time, not only for Ruthie, but also for God to give them strength and guidance and for a miracle.
"Daddy copier, Daddy copier!" Same and David yelled as they tapped on their sister to get up.
"Huh" Ruthie was half awake. "What do you want guys?"
"Ruthie, why don't you want to go to church?" Sam wondered.
"Because, I just have lost all hope. There is nothing to hope for in life. Life is pointless."
"It is?" David asked.
"Yes, it is."
Ruthie and the boys walked down to the kitchen to see the rest of the family. Annie was making coffee and Eric was reading the Sunday News.
"Would you like some breakfast Ruthie?" Annie kindly asked.
Ruthie shrugged. "Um, sure."
Things were very tense between the parents and their daughter.
"I'm still not going to church. So, you don't have to work up a sweat asking me."
"Okay, Ruthie. If that's what you want." Annie gritted. She wanted to yell at her daughter so badly, but she had to be patient.
"I don't want to go to church either." David piped in.
"And why not?" Eric asked from the table.
"Ruthie isn't, and we don't have hope anymore." Sam explained.
Annie looked at her daughter; with that look only mother's can give. She knew Ruthie couldn't see her so it wouldn't be any good, but it was an instinct.
"Ruthie, you shouldn't be telling your little brother's stuff like that!" Annie scolded.
"I'm only telling them the truth." Ruthie simply replied.
Before Annie could fight back, Simon ran down the stairs.
"Hey how is everyone this morning?" he asked.
No one answered.
"Ruthie I just wanted to apologize for last night." Simon said putting his hand on his sisters' shoulders.
"Apology unaccepted." She said in reply to her brother as she took a sip of orange juice.
"Well," Annie started, "it's time to go to church. Are you sure you will be okay here by yourself Ruthie?"
"I'll be fine."
The family left in silence.
Mary Camden lay awake in her Houston, Texas motel room. It was 9:00 AM, and in an hour she was supposed to be at the airport ready to fly from Houston, to Washington D.C., and then back to her home base in Florida. Mary had been awake all night and wasn't sure what was wrong; she had a feeling though that she was needed at home as soon as possible. She had been bothered by this feeling all week, but it had been exceptionally strong that past night. Mary picked up the phone and dialed the airport's number.
"You did the right thing Mary; it will be okay." She kept telling herself after she had called the airport letting them know she wouldn't be able to work for a few days.
Mary hated missing work because she really needed the money, but her family needed her right now and she wasn't going to let them down-not after what she had put them through a few years before. She left the hotel and headed for Glen Oak.
The rays of the sun strongly beat down on Ruthie's face as she relaxed on the hammock. It was an exceptionally hot day for the spring, and Ruthie figured she take advantage of the nice weather.
Ruthie had been home for over a week, and not much had changed. The family tried to be as nice as possible to Ruthie, but it wasn't working. She was too hurt and confused to give them the time of day. She keep to herself, and if she had to talk to someone it was only if she needed help getting something. Claire, Peter, and a few friends from school had been by to visit Ruthie in that past week. She was nice to them, but she was embarrassed for them to see her so dependant on people.
"Ruthie Camden! What are you doing?" A voice echoed from the yard.
Ruthie propped herself up. "Mary? Mary is that you?"
"It sure is!" Mary came over and sat on the hammock with her sister.
"Look at my new puppy. Her name is Bailey."
"That's really cool Ruthie." She petted the dog's head.
" Hey, I thought you had to fly for a little while longer."
"Well, I took a few days off. I really wanted so se you."
"Yeah. I am glad you are here. This past week has been heck."
"I'm sorry. So how are you doing?"
"How do you think?"
"Eh, not to great, huh?"
"Not really. I don't feel like talking about it though."
"I understand. Ruthie, I've got to ask you though, why in the world are you wearing sun glasses?" Mary laughed.
"Oh, well I still want to do things I'd normally do if I could see, and if I could see I would be wearing sunglasses to block the sun."
"I see."
"Mary?" Annie followed by Eric ran out of the back of the house. "Mary it's so good to see you!" They gave their oldest daughter a hug.
"Hi, Mom, hi Dad! It's so good to see you!"
Annie looked over at Ruthie. "Hey Mary," she whispered. "can I talk to you privately for a moment?"
"Um, sure."
She pulled her daughter to the nearest corner.
"Mary, Ruthie is not the same."
"Well no kidding, she is blind."
"I know, but Mary when Ruthie came home a big misunderstanding occurred, and Ruthie isn't very happy with us right now."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. She also has lost faith in God. She blames this on Him."
"Kind of like what happened to Dad, huh?"
"Yes, but this is worse than what happened to Dad. She has turned atheist on us."
"Wow, this is worse. I'm sorry I've only called once since this incident, I have been very busy. All week this feeling has been tugging at me that I need to be home. I was supposed to work today, but I called in sick so I could be here."
"I really appreciate it Mary. Ruthie has really missed you. She has been saying how much she wished you were here all week. That's basically all she will say to us."
"Well I am going to do the best I can to help my sister."
"Thanks."
Mary walked back over to where Ruthie was.
"Hey Ruthie, do you want to go to the pool hall?"
"Sure." Ruthie said hesitantly.
They headed towards Mary's car. As they drove off Annie looked in her husband's eyes.
"Eric, she just might be the miracle we asked for."
"You know," Ruthie started, "I haven't left the house since I got home from the hospital."
"This will be good for you then."
"I'm nervous."
"Don't be. It will all be fine."
"Easy for you to say."
Do you want to talk about it?"
"No! Besides there is nothing to talk about."
"Right." Mary was being sarcastic.
"Well, maybe there are a few things wrong. Mom must have mentioned something to you."
'Yeah, she did, but even if she hadn't, it wouldn't have taken a genius to figure out there were tensions in the house."
"I'll discuss the family problems with you, but I am not going to talk about my losing faith. Deal?"
"Deal."
'If mom hasn't already told you why I am mad at everyone it is because they said I was a burden to them. They didn't say it to my face of course, but I was around when Lucy, Mom, Simon, and Dad said it. I couldn't believe it."
"What did they say?"
"Well Mom asked Lucy to stay in the attic with me for a few days so I'd feel comfortable, and Lucy got all ticked. She was like 'I want to spend time with Kevin, it's not fair.' Mom was like 'I know it's a pain.' I wasn't extremely upset though until I went upstairs and Simon was all frustrated because Bailey ruined his pants. He was complaining to Dad about how hard and long life would be with me this way, and I thought Dad would try to tell Simon to calm down and be reasonable but no. You know what Dad said, he said, "I know it's hard, but sometimes I wish Ruthie would disappear.' That hurt me so much. And to pay back for what everyone said I'm being a total jerk."
"Wow Ruthie that is tough. I am so sorry. I m not taking there side at all, but just think of this. What if it were Simon who was blind, how would you feel."
Ruthie thought for a moment. "I wouldn't like it. I guess I'd feel he is getting all the attention."
"Yeah, see how he feels now. And pretend you are a parent, Your daughter had just gotten married, a few months before you had had a heart attack, and you think things are just starting to settle down, when your other daughter goes blind. Now how would you feel about that?"
"Awfully stressed."
"Now do you see why they reacted like they did?"
"Maybe so, but I still would have never said those things allowed."
"No, maybe not. They did though, and now they have realized their mistakes. They love you Ruthie they really do. Everyone was just frustrated when they said it. You need to forgive. I know it will be hard, but they are really trying Ruthie."
"I might. I am still upset though."
"Of course, no one expects you just to forget about the whole thing, but just try to make a truce. It will take time, but it will all work out."
"Mary?"
"Yes?"
"Promise me you won't leave. I really need you right now. Promise me you will stay until I feel better. Please.
"Ruthie I've got to work."
"I know, but I don't think I can go on without you. Stay, please. Not forever, just until I feel adjusted."
As Ruthie finished her pleading, the car pulled into the pool hall.
A few days came and went and Mary stayed. She desperately needed to go back to work, but she loved her sister too much. Ruthie decided she was going to tell everybody that she forgave them. It took her a few days to think about what Mary had said, but she realized it made since and she couldn't live the rest of her life with that big of a grudge inflicted open her.
"Mom, can I talk to you and everyone in the living room?" Ruthie asked.
"Sure." Annie answered back surprised that her daughter was talking to her, and in such a nice tone.
"Great! I'll go get everyone else."
About ten minutes later Annie, Eric, Simon, Lucy, Sam, David, and Mary had all filled into the living room.
"Okay. Listen, I am really sorry for the way I have been treating all of you lately. I was just very upset. I have since realized that you all were and still are going through a lot, and that you were just frustrated. If I were one of you I would have probably done the same thing. I just wanted to let you know I forgive all of you."
Eric smiled. "Ruthie, we are extremely sorry. We should have never of said such things. We are sorry too."
"Yes, and we love you. We would never hurt you." Lucy added.
After the family's little meeting everyone felt better about themselves. Ruthie had a major amount of anger taken from her. That night they all enjoyed dinner, and people actually talked and laughed. After dinner Annie was putting away the dishes and she saw Ruthie sitting outside with her dog. Eric entered with more plates.
"I'm really glad Ruthie isn't mad at us anymore, but I'm still sad about her disbelief in God." Annie said.
Eric sighed. "I know. I am hoping this is just a phase."
"I know she doesn't want to talk about it, but I think it is time for her to. I have an idea of how I can help." Mary said from the stairwell.
"Oh Mary I didn't know you were standing there. If you know how to help please do help. It seems like you know all the answers." Annie replied.
"No, I just can relate to Ruthie. Plus, I have had similar things happen to me." Mary went on the kitchen door.
"Hey Ruthie. Mind if I have a seat."
"No, go right ahead."
"What's up?"
"Nothing much. Just pretending I can see the stars. Are they pretty tonight?"
"They are amazing."
"That's good. I always pretend I can see them. I think of how beautiful they must look. And if it's a cloudy night, I wouldn't know the difference. One benefit of being blind is that I use my imagination a lot more and have become more creative."
"That's good." Ruthie, I know you have been avoiding this subject, but we need to talk about it."
Ruthie gave her sister a sharp look.
"Ruthie, it really makes me sad that you have given up your faith."
"I know but I don't want to believe in a God that makes people sick. How loving is that?"
"He didn't make you sick. God allows bad things to happen to us, only so that we grow from it in the end. God is loving and He knows what's best for us."
"So you are saying that God thought it was best that I fall off Ed and hurt myself?"
"You know, when I got hit by that car and hurt my leg, I wanted to give up on God too."
"You did?"
"Sure, but I didn't. I realized that through this adversity I could grow. Now that I look back on it, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I am in a way glad that happened to me. It helped me become a better person."
"How so?"
"Well for instance, it made me push myself to do more. I could be kind of laid back, but after my accident I had to make myself do simple things that I were no problem before the accident. And it stuck with me. So now I push myself to do things even when it is scary. It stuck with me."
"So you are saying this is sort of fate?"
"Yeah. Maybe He allowed you be blind so you could help someone else out. Life is sort of like puzzle pieces and you put them together and it all fits. You know, everything happens for a reason."
" Maybe. Well, how will this help me?"
"Hmm, earlier you were saying you are now more creative than before. That's good. Also, when something bad happens it gives you a better outlook on life. You will eventually realize God gave you another chance and this time you are going to make your life better than what it was before. You realize life is a precious thing that can't be taken seriously."
"Mary you always seem to make since out of everything. How do you do it?"
"Oh, it will become easier as you get older."
"I guess it was fate that you came back home, or else things would be in a terrible wreck still.
"See! You're getting it. So, are you willing to give God a second chance?"
"Oh why not!"
"Great Ruthie!"
"Hey Mary do you think you could take me riding tomorrow?"
"Ruthie I don't know."
"It will be safe as long is there is an adult watching. I think it will be good for me. Please. My friend Caitlin who rides horses she says when you fall off to get right back on. I think it is time."
"I'll ask mom."
"Yay!"
Ruthie sat and thought for a little longer. "Lord, maybe you allowed this to happen, so I could become closer with my sister, and understand the stress my parents go through. Also, it's helped me become even more so independent because through this I have learned to do things on my on. Even things I used not even think about, like crossing the street, or getting a glass of water. Now I have to think about them, but it some odd way it's making me more independent. I am more creative now too. And I think I am gaining an appreciation on life. I am sorry for giving up so easily. Please help me not to give up again. I'd really like to see again, but you know what if it is your will to for me not to see than let it be. I know you know things that I don't and if this fits in your plan than I understand. Thanks Lord."
After Ruthie was done praying, she got to go back inside. As she was walking up the patio, she fell and missed a step. Her head hit the stair. A loud "THUMP!" was heard inside. Everyone came flooding outside.
"Ruthie, are you okay honey?" Annie said kneeling down towards her daughter.
Ruthie slowly lifted her head up. "I'm all dizzy." She then opened her eyes. "Oh my gosh!"
"What?" Everyone asked at the same time.
"I can see!"
"You can what?" Eric asked excited.
"I can see, I can see. Thank you Lord! I can see. It's a little blurry, but who cares!"
The Camden's all cheered for Ruthie. It was the best moment that had all experienced in a long time. They went for ice cream to celebrate. Ruthie's vision stayed; it wasn't as good as it was before everything happened, so she needed glasses. She didn't care though- she could see! And Ruthie did have an appreciation for life that she had never had before.