phenomenon, like a giant redwood.” Renie did not add,
as she might have, that Kristin was damned near as big.
Judith tensed as Sister Jacqueline quietly entered the
room. “Mrs. Flynn?”
“Yes?” Judith flinched, her voice hoarse.
“I wanted to thank both you and your husband for
being organ donors,” the nun said, approaching Judith’s bed. “We’re very big proponents of the program,
and I’m sure you know what a wonderful thing it is.”
Judith barely heard what Sister Jacqueline was saying. “What about Joe?”
“He’s still in the ICU,” Sister Jacqueline replied.
230
Mary Daheim
“The last I heard, he was holding his own. He’s officially listed as in critical condition.”
“Is that the worst?” Judith asked in an anguished
voice.
The nun shook her head. “No. Please don’t fuss.
We’ll let you know as soon as there’s any change in
your husband’s condition. I simply wanted to mention
our gratitude for your participation in the organ donor
program, and,” she went on, moving over to Renie’s
bed, “to encourage you to sign up, Mrs. Jones. Your
husband might be interested, too.”
“My husband could give you a couple of overdressed Chihuahuas,” Renie replied, “but I’m not sure
he wants to surrender his body parts.”
A faint smile touched the nun’s mouth. “We don’t
take them while you’re still alive, Mrs. Jones. People
say miracles don’t occur in the modern age. But they
do, in ways that we can understand and that are made
possible by people whose generosity saves lives every
day. Heart, kidneys, liver, eyes—they make many miracles. What, for instance could be a better gift? For example, Mr. Randall’s corneas went to an aspiring artist
who had lost his sight in a tragic accident. Now that
young man will be able to see again and fulfill his
dream.”
“That’s sweet,” Renie allowed. “But who’d want my
eyes? I’m not exactly a kid anymore.”
“Neither was Mr. Randall,” Sister Jacqueline declared. “Of course, he had excellent vision, which I’m
told was one of his greatest assets on the football field.
But even slightly impaired eyesight is better than none.”
Renie gave a slight nod. “Yes, I realize that. Bill and
I’ll talk it over when he gets out of the doghouse. So to
speak.”
SUTURE SELF
231
Sister Jacqueline looked pleased, if vaguely puzzled.
“That’s wonderful. I’ll pray that you make the right decision.”
A voice erupted sharply from the hallway. “Sister!
Come at once! We need your help!” Blanche Van
Boeck stepped inside the door, beckoning with an imperious finger.
“What is it?” Sister Jacqueline inquired.
