Page 61 of Someone Like You
Brooke braced herself. What else could be coming? Peter put his arm around her, and together they huddled over the phone. Waiting.
“So … my biological mother is dying of kidney failure.” Maddie sounded resolute. “London was going to give her a kidney, but the accident … her organs didn’t survive the trauma.”
No, Lord.Brooke pressed her hands against her knees. This couldn’t be happening.
“Anyway.” Maddie seemed in a hurry to get to the point. “Dawson took me down and I’m a match. I’ve been through the testing and everything’s approved. I’ll be giving Louise one of my kidneys in mid-August. I’d do it sooner if the doctors would let me.”
Peter’s face was pale, a reflection of how they both clearly felt. He spoke first. “Honey … there are ramifications for someone who donates a kidney. They … haven’t done enough research.” He sounded desperate. “Years from now when … when you go to have babies there could be—”
“I grew up with two doctors, Dad. Three if you count Papa.” Maddie sounded doubly determined. “I’ve done the research. None of those studies has been verified. I’m healthy and it’s perfectly safe to live a long life with one kidney. I can have ten babies if I want.”
Most research backed what Maddie was saying. Brooke knew that. But no scientific study mitigated the risk of anesthesia and infection. All sorts of problems were possible with such a serious surgery. Brooke closed her eyes. Her perfectly healthy daughter was going under the knife to give a kidney to a woman she hadn’t known until this summer?
My daughter, you taught her to think of others better than herself. You taught her because I taught you.
Brooke’s eyes flew open. She didn’t have to wonderwhere the voice came from. The reminder was from God Himself. Because it was true, the most important truth she could have heard in this moment.
“Mom?” Maddie sounded concerned, even just a little. “Are you there?”
Peter looked at Brooke. “I think … what your mom and I want you to understand is that therearerisks. Whenever you have surgery of any kind.” He paused. “Also, if you go through with this … please, let us fly there. To be with you, honey.”
“Yes. Please, Maddie.” Brooke felt stronger now. Her fear was gone and a strange pride took root inside her. Despite the risks, Maddie was about to do a heroic thing here. Even if Brooke wouldn’t have chosen it. “We would love to be there. And as for the risks … you already know about them, don’t you?”
“I do.” Maddie’s tone was unshakable. “I won’t change my mind.” She sighed. “And … I don’t want you to fly here. This … it’s something I have to do on my own.”
For a quick moment, Brooke looked at her husband. Their daughter was going to have major surgery and she didn’t want them there? In the hospital, praying for her? Standing by here? She felt sicker than before, but she gave a slight nod and he seemed to understand what she was saying. They needed to affirm this decision, or they would lose Maddie again. Besides, God would be with her. Whatever happened, Maddie was only acting in faith and love.
Peter took over. “What you’re doing, Maddie … it’s a beautiful thing. Your mother and I both think so.”
“Yes.” Brooke felt the sting of tears. “We’re supposed to love others. Even more than ourselves.”
“Exactly.” A hint of indignation remained in Maddie’s tone. “Thank you.”
“The Lord will walk this journey out with you, Maddie.” Peter had tears now. “Does that mean … you’re not coming home yet?”
“No.” She drew a deep breath. “Not till after the surgery. Even then … I’m not sure.”
Brooke worked to keep her panic at bay. “Honey … what about your job? You worked so hard to get that position.”
A group of noisy, happy people walked past them. Brooke had to work to hear their daughter’s answer. “I talked to my boss. She said I can start up again the first of October.” Maddie hesitated. “If I want to come back.”
Was she really considering not coming home? Brooke didn’t trust her voice. She shook her head and motioned to Peter.
He cleared his throat. “Maddie.” His tone was heavy with sadness. “We will pray for your return. Every day. Just like we’ve been doing.” He hung his head for a moment. “Again … we’re very … very sorry.”
“I know.” Maddie sounded a fraction softer. “I’ll call again. Sometime.”
Sometime soon, Brooke wanted to add. But she wouldn’t do anything to push Maddie away. Not at this point. “We miss you, Maddie.” Brooke fought the tears. She didn’t want her daughter to hear her so upset. That would only make Maddie less likely to call again. “Thank you … for reaching out.”
“And for telling us about your decision.” Peter straightened and turned his face to the sun. “If there’s anything we can do … let us know. We’d be on the next flight.”
“Yes. We love you so much.” Brooke put her hand on Peter’s knee. They would have to get through this together. “Thank you for the call.”
Brooke wasn’t sure, but it sounded like Maddie was crying. A quiet, subdued cry. “Okay.” She sniffed. “Talk to you later.”
The call ended and Brooke put her phone back in her purse. Then she fell into Peter’s arms. How had things gotten so broken? Never mind that another group of patrons was walking past them. Tears came for both of them.
“Lord,” Peter whispered. “Thank You for the call from Maddie. Thank You for the love she’s willing to show to her biological mother.” There was a catch in his voice. “Heal her heart, Father. Please … work through this Dawson friend of hers so that one day … one day soon … she might forgive us.” He massaged his brow. “And come home … In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
