A Heart of Faith – Chapter Twenty-Two
Time. Some think it’s something of which they have lots. But we never can know how much we do have, until it becomes jeopardized. That’s a lesson the Meltsner learnt the hard way, when just that happens to Eugene Meltsner.
All of a sudden, time seems to be slipping away for him, quicker than anyone could have expected. Will the situation be able to be turned around before time is completely gone for good? Only time and faith will reveal what God could possibly have planned for them—of what use the situation could be. And maybe, as the saying goes, “One man’s loss, is another man’s gain.”
Although the events prove to be a fright for the family, and even their close friends, they are all able to find that they can have Hearts of Faith that God will take care of them and their every need.
It was a beautiful afternoon in Odyssey, with citizens continuing to enjoy the warm sunshine. Walking the paths of McAllister park, Eugene and Katrina were arm-in-arm with one another. Both smiled contentedly, as they made their way to the meeting place. Where they were to rendez-vous with two members of the man’s, whose heart was donated, family. “You know what, Eugene?”
“Mm, no. ‘What’, Katrina?” Katrina continued. “We really should do this more often.” She suggested. “You mean, taking strolls in McAllister park, as we are now?” His wife nodded. “Yeah,” She said. “This is really nice.” Eugene hummed. “It truly is.” He agreed. Their small talk came to a pause for a moment, but wasn’t continued any further—as two other people spotted them from a nearby bench. “Hello!”
“Oh-!” The couple’s stride stopped, and they both looked over to see two women standing from a bench. One appeared older than the other, and both sported friendly smiles. The younger woman then asked, “You’re the Meltsners, right?” Eugene nodded. “Yes, and you must be Mr. Bennet’s mother and wife, correct?” The ladies nodded in return. “We are,” The older of the two confirmed.
“I’m Michelle Bennet, Liam’s mother.” Michelle introduced, holding out a hand for Eugene to shake. He gladly took it, Katrina doing the same next. “And I’m his widow, Marry-Ann.” Maria introduced—also shaking the couple’s hands. “But, everyone calls me Maria.” She added. “A pleasure meeting you both,” Eugene said. “I am Eugene Meltsner, and this,” He gestured to the blonde beside him. “Is my wife Katrina.” Katrina smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You, too.” Michelle replied happily. “Here, let’s sit.” Maria suggested, nodding to the bench behind her and her mother-in-law. It seemed long enough to accommodate the four of them. They all did so; Michelle and Mary-Ann sitting where they’d been a moment ago, with Eugene and Katrina now sitting at the other side of the bench.
Clasping her hands in her lap, Michelle spoke again. “Thank you both for meeting up with us.” She thanked. Katrina smiled. “Of course, we’re glad we were able to do this.” She answered. Eugene nodded in agreement with his wife, going on with, “Of course, it is of no surprise how deeply thankful I am for your son’s donation.” Michelle smiled sadly, as did Maria. “… Though, allow us to express our deepest condolences for your loss.” Eugene said. “Yes, we’re so sorry for your loss.” Katrina added. Michelle gave a slow nod. “Thank you… It does make us happy to see that our Liam could help even one more person, even after his death.”
“If it’s alright,” Eugene began, though a bit hesitantly. “May I inquire… as to how Liam died?” Maria nodded. “You may.” She answered. Clearing her throat a little, to keep her composure, she continued. “About… three weeks ago now, was when he died… My husband was coming home from a work conference in missouri. He was driving on a major highway… where he unfortunately wound up in the middle of a terrible collision.” The couple’s eyes slowly widened. Katrina blinked. “How did the collision happen?” Michelle rolled her eyes a little. “A transport trucker. He’d had one too many drinks before… getting behind the wheel, and well…”
“How terrible.” Was all Eugene could really think to say. “That… That must have been awful news to get.” Katrina sympathized. “It very much was… but, we do have peace about it.” Maria hummed in agreement. “We’ll thankfully see him again one day, in heaven.” Eugene and Katrina slowly smiled again. “Most certainly.” Eugene said to them.
“It’s my turn to ask a question, then.” Maria stated. Eugene gestured for her to continued. “If it’s okay, can I ask why you needed a donor heart?” He nodded. “It is, and the reason behind my need, was when I was diagnosed with heart failure two months ago.” Eugene answered her. “It had already become rather late stage when I was diagnosed. There wasn’t much the doctors were able to do for me, treatment wise, save for a heart transplant.” He sighed a little, shaking his head. “And, actually, the heart made it to the hospital just ‘in the nick of time’—to borrow the colloquialism.” Michelle looked both intrigued, and semi-concerned by that explanation. “It did?”
“Yes,” Katrina replied. “The transplant was supposed to happen the next morning, but the evening before, he’d gone into cardiac arrest. The donor heart had arrived a couple hours before, and the doctors were able to rush him to surgery for the transplant.” Maria mouthed a “wow”. “That’s incredible- em- kinda? Sorry, I mean, it’s not good that you nearly died, but…” She sort of trailed off, trying to find her words. Eugene chuckled. “No, I understand what you’re trying to say. It was incredible.” Maria laughed a little, too.
There was a brief lull in the conversation, when another question came to Katrina’s mind. “Was Liam your only son, Michelle?” Michelle shook her head ‘no’. “I also have a daughter, Elizabeth, who’s in her last year of college studying graphic designing.” She replied. “We actually asked if she wanted to join us today, but she wasn’t feeling up to it.” Eugene hummed. “I believe I can understand why that would be.” Maria sighed. “She’s definitely been taking Liam’s death the hardest.” She said, “For one, she was very close with her brother.” Michelle nodded, as she continued Mary-Ann’s comment. “But, she isn’t a Christian. So, for her, it adds another level of hurt that we don’t have.”
“Of course it does,” Katrina agreed. Michelle shook her head a little, and Maria spoke up again. “I said I’d tell her what you were like after today,” She began. “Then, Liz said she’d decide if she really didn’t want to meet you.” Eugene shrugged. “If she does change her mind, do tell me. I would be more than happy to meet her, as well.” Michelle smiled gratefully. “Thank you. I will be in contact if she decides to.” She said to him.
For a short while longer, the four of them continued speaking. More of different things about one another, getting further introduced. The afternoon went by pleasantly, with everyone exchanging smiles when they gave their farewells—going their separate ways in leaving McAllister park.