Building Love

For months Mike Jackson hammered nails into the small building next door. Theresa’s dream of having her own beauty shop was evolving. She noticed Mike’s lack of energy and weight-loss. But Theresa attributed it to his hard work. Mike, however, was hiding his doctor’s March 3rd report that cancer was invading his lungs. He’d work on “The Cut and Curl Shop,” after building decks and porches all day. Any strength came from God, coupled with Theresa’s enthusiasm that her twenty-year dream was becoming a reality. Eventually, Mike could no longer hide. His co-workers noticed weight-loss, diminished vitality, and the time Mike spent in the men’s room vomiting. Theresa was devastated upon receiving the news on October 20th. She suffered with gut-wrenching grief while watching Mike lie in bed filled with tubes. Amazingly, friends showed up on the doorstep to finish Mike's project for his wife. In November the completed labor of love was celebrated. The last nail had been hammered into "The Cut and Curl Shop." Feeling lifeless, Mike listened to his buddies’ chat, while visiting him. Tommy, Mike’s best friend, asked, “Why are you smiling, bud?” “Time's drawin' nigh, guys. Theresa... a kiss?” Theresa’s tears of love, gratitude, and grief streamed. Trying to comfort his wife, Mike said, “Just think, honey there'll be no more tubes in me up there. Plus I haven’t seen Mama in twenty years.” Mike smiled when he closed his eyes, calmly allowing God to take him home. Written November 17th, 2001 © on Nov 17 2001 01:44 AM PST   0 • 8