Page 71 of Loving Lizzy

Victoria took Jake by the arm and led him out the door. One by one the group said their goodbyes. Edie put dinner in the oven and gave Lizzy last-minute instructions in case Michael didn’t wake right away.

“I’m proud of you. I prayed about you every night wondering why it seems like some of the best people get taken way before their time. Sometimes, I think God moves us around to put us on a different path. If something as horrific as a helicopter crash almost claiming my son had never happened, I might never have met my new friends and these young families. Maybe you might be on this path for another reason.”

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

Lizzy leaned against Michael as they walked into the infusion center. True to their word, the women of Serenity loaded them down with things to donate to the infusion center patients.

When they arrived, Lizzy checked in as usual. She glanced inside the sterile area to see if her friends arrived yet. Over the last couple of weeks, she texted and called them to ensure they arrived at the same time. Again, she offered to drop Barb off at her home. It appeared she arrived first. When the nurse called her name, Lizzy took her bags and headed for three empty chairs.

Barb arrived, said hello to Michael, and rolled her walker toward Lizzy. “I love the straight hair in a ponytail. I see you decided to make lemons into lemonade. Personally, I like mine with vodka.”

She giggled. “Good morning. I hope you’re hungry. The bakery in our town made a ton of baked goods and she closed the shop early yesterday because of an emergency. She sent the goodies for us to share.” She handed Barb a bag full of fresh bread, oatmeal raisin cookies, croissants, and a brownie.

“Oh, what a nice surprise.” She took the bag and sat it on her tray as the nurse hooked her up to the lines. She placed a warm blanket over the older woman’s legs before leaving.

“A friend of mine owns a shop in town. She makes her own blends of tea and skin care products. She sent me samples to pass out to help the patients. They help with the nausea. Will you help me?”

“Sure. You seem like Suzy Sunshine today. First, you bring in your hot man to give us some eye candy, fill me with sweets and then bribe me with something to help with the puking. You’re an angel,” Barb teased.

“My halo’s a tad crooked,” Lizzy bantered.

Diana rushed inside. Neither the kids nor her mom accompanied her this time. The nurse escorted her back and proceeded to set up her patient. Lizzy took her in. The dark circles under her eyes contrasted against her pale skin. The typically confident woman seemed shaken.

“What’s wrong?” Barb leaned forward to get a better glance at her friend.

“Nothing, it’s the first break I’ve gotten all day. The baby suffers from croup, and I spent all night in the bathroom running the shower. Mom isn’t feeling good, and I paid my neighbor to watch the baby while I got Caleb off to school. Mom said she’ll pick him up from the bus stop,” she sighed.

“Is there anything we can help you with?” Lizzy offered.

She instantly shook her head. “No. I’ll settle down and maybe take a nap while I’m here.”

“Here,” She handed her a bakery bag. “My friend sent these over.”

Diana opened the bag and stared inside. “I didn’t eat this morning, thank you.”

Something set alarm bells off in Lizzy’s head as her friend stared at the food. She hadn’t considered her situation as dire as it seemed. The nurse returned to Diana and tucked a warm blanket around her. Fearing she might fall asleep before she implemented the plan she practiced with her friends in place.

“I used to work as an administrator at this hospital. I thought about your situation, did you know the hospital has a department which works with low-income families affected by chronic illnesses? You need to fill out a form and they’ll contact you about your needs.”

“Really?” The hope in the younger woman’s face made Lizzy want to pull her into a hug.

“Yeah, they use the information you provide with your insurance to determine your eligibility. My friend assured me it’s easy to qualify,” she informed her.

Diana sat straight up. Lizzy captured her attention. She pulled out the professional-looking form and handed it to her with a blank envelope and a pen. Kassie mentioned if she sealed the envelope thinking Lizzy planned to give it to her friend, she might answer the questions more honestly.

“If you fill it out, I can get it to my friend, and she’ll expedite it.”

The young mother took the forms. Her gaze drifted to the list as she began to check off the items listed. Lizzy felt grateful her friend listed items and left space for her to add any additional information. When she finished, she closed the form up and passed it back.

“Get something in your stomach.” Lizzy handed her Michael’s pre-made baggies of fresh fruit and veggies. Diana didn’t hesitate as she accepted the bag and began to eat.

Barb sat back and read her book as she cast apprehensive glances in Diana’s direction. Lizzy sipped a cup of peppermint tea and watched as the younger woman ate every last bit of food. She sent Michael a concerned glance. He picked up his phone and made some calls. Diana wrapped the blanket higher and drifted off to sleep.

She turned to Barb. “Do you know where she lives? I’m worried about her,” she whispered.

“She’s struggling and I’m afraid she’s too proud to admit how badly the situation escalated. Her job let her go, which means no money coming in and no insurance,” the older woman murmured.

“Can they do that?” Her heart fell, then pure rage filled her at the very idea of an employer firing someone who suffered from cancer.

---