Billy and Patches

The doctors took me away as soon as my parents walked through the door of the emergency room. I was six months old, lifeless and on a breathing machine. My parents were not given much hope. They had been through so much and now this. It was a hard fight but i believe an angel was with me the whole time and God had a plan for me.

My first memories are when I was very young, too young to even speak. I recall my grandmother and mother out side of my hospital room waiting for the few moments they would spend with me each day. I recall I was unable to move, turn my head reach out a hand. I could not get enough air to really cry loud enough for anyone to hear. The tears would just run down my cheek toward my ear. My mother and grandmother would come in and reach to take me out of my crib. They would comfort me and talk sweetly to stop the tears.

As time passes and I got better they moved me in with other children in a ward. There were about 20 children there. My crib was up against a window and I could see the leaves in the trees wave back and fourth. In the bed next to me was a boy names Billy. He was very sick, much worse off then I. I would see his mother come in and read to him every day. On one of her visits she brought his a stuffed dog. His name was Patches. Billy love that dog.

I could hear him trying to play but could not get his breath. The nurses told all the parents it was nap time and they had to go. Grandmom kissed me and patted my hand and said she would be back soon. My mom smiled and said she loved me as she walked away to the door. Billy's mom was very tearful as she was reluctant to leave. I could see Billy, he was watching me. His eyes seemed tired and dimmer. He closed them slowly. I drifted off to sleep.

I had a dream, of an angel that came to me. She had Billy with her. He was happy, smile ear to ear. The angel told me that he would be there waiting for me and he had no more pain. Billy laughing said,"You can have Patches. She is a good dog and she will keep you safe." Billy and the angel walked away into a bright lite. I could hear him laughing.

When I woke up from my nap, Billy's crib was gone. I knew he was gone. His Patches was in my crib. I smiled and laughed a bit. My mother and grandmother came in and saw the dog and looked for Billy's bed. My mother looked very upset so I told her,"Ok mommy, Angel has Billy and Billy gave me dog." She walked away for a moment and began to cry. I know what she was thinking, It could have been me.

Now I am 42 and a mother myself and still remember that day. The dream still as clear as it was then. I know and have known that I have never been alone Billy and the Angel look after me. They are there with all my loved ones. Waiting and watching for when it is time for me to go home.