They were friends at first sight and had always been. Nothing could separate these two, not even the stupid things they did that hurt each other. Though very different in some ways, they were alike in the ways that counted, at least to them. So what if others didn't understand? They did and that's what mattered most. Endless parties, endless nights. Memories held and cherished tight.

That fateful night was to be the true test of their friendship. Tires screeched and came to a halt. It was a stupid accident that went seriously wrong. The man who hit them was dead at the scene, but the two women were still holding on. At the hospital the families had gathered, crying and praying the girls would be all right. Margo woke with bruises and a broken heart, while Kendall, they were told, wouldn't make it through the night. "We know this is a really bad time to ask, but did Kendall ever talk to you about being a donor?" Well, daddy got mad and started yelling "get out!", but big brother stepped in and said if Kendall could help Margo in any way, he knew she would want it that way. Doctors were informed and preparations made, so the minister came in to bid Kendall farewell and ask God to light her way. The doctors declared her brain as dead, but her heart was still beating on. The operations were completed, giving one girl a second chance at life, while the other sacrificed the gift of her heart.

After awaking from the procedure, Margo asked, "Where's Kenny?" Kendall's mom held her hand and squeezed it tight as the tears began to pour out of her eyes. "She didn't make it sweetheart, but she wanted you to know that she loved you with all of her heart." Margo just started Screaming, "Kenny! Kenny!" The doctors hurried in to give her a shot because they knew she couldn't bear the pain. That night, through the door an angel stepped in, looking so beautiful and bright. Margo rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn't seeing things... and she wasn't. The angel told her Kendall was all right and the gift of love had been left right in her sight. As Margo started to cry, Kendall appeared and seemed to be laughing. "Hey girl, no more tears, you'll mess up those eyes. Now you must carry on where we left off, but don't you ever worry about leaving me behind, cause I'll always be with you, in your heart and in your mind."

Margo knew she had truly been blessed to have Kendall as her friend. Life just wasn't the same without Kendall, but Margo celebrated living and life in honor of Kendall, her best friend.

We never know when our light will grow dim so we must cherish the memories of friendship. . . for the gifts of friendship are given with the heart.

********************

Finding a mate should have been easy according to her mother. She was pretty, had a good sense of humor and was smart. She prayed for God to send her a nice man, but so far he hadn't answered as far as she knew. All the men she dated weren't ready for commitment or didn't even really know who she was inside. It was a difficult time for her.

One beautiful spring evening, while strolling through the water gardens, she happened upon a frog. She remembered the fairy tale about the frog turning in to a prince so she snatched up the frog and gave him a kiss. All of a sudden, the ground began to move and she lost her footing. Down she went with a thud. A beautiful winged vision appeared. Could this be the answer to her prayers? She quietly asked, "Who are you?" He replied, "I'm an angel sent by God to tell you that you will find your prince when the time is right. There is much for you to do before you meet him, so follow your dreams and you will accomplish much, my little one." She was stunned by this message. She didn't want to wait; she wanted him now. "I'm lonely and I need someone," she said. The vision answered, "Patience truly is a virtue. You must trust that God has heard your prayers and is working on them. It's true what your mother tells you. Good things do come to those who wait." This wasn't what she wanted to hear, but she was afraid to disagree so she simply said, "Okay, I'll try." "Trying sets you up for failure, little one. You must say 'I will'." Something inside her began to shake and she started to cry. The angel put his arms around her and told her to remember how his arms felt, because it would feel the same way when her prince held her. This gave her the comfort she needed. As quickly as he had appeared, he had gone, leaving a single flower in her hand. Jumping up to her feet, she felt dizzy and sat down to think about what had just happened. Was it a dream, or was it truly a vision? What a jewel of a memory this was for her. Now she wasn't so worried about meeting the right man and she could focus on her dream of becoming a great dancer. She threw herself into auditions and landed a role in a popular musical. She worked tirelessly and actually was having the most fun she'd ever had in her life. Opening night came, and she twirled so fast that she spun right off stage into the arms of a stranger. Her first thought was, "I'm so embarrassed, I don't know what to do." As she looked in his eyes, she recognized something she couldn't put her finger on. Was it his smile, or maybe his voice asking her, "Are you okay, my little one?" She'd heard words like that before and her heart danced with joy as she felt his arms holding her tight. This is the one! She just knew it. After the show they walked together to the ice cream shop and shared a float. It was love at first sight for these two lucky kids. They held hands as he walked her to her door. Neither wanted to say good night but it was late so he asked, "Can I call on you tomorrow?" "Certainly. If you don't, I'll be disappointed." "Well we wouldn't want to disappoint such a beautiful lady now, would we?" She smiled and turned toward the door. He quickly grabbed her hand and kissed her cheek then whispered, "I've been waiting for you all of my life. I'll see you soon, my little one. Just remember I'll be dreaming of you tonight."

The next day, they met for lunch at a little bistro. She asked if he thought about her much. His face glowed as he said, "My dear, I've only thought of you twice, all day and all night." She was so touched, she began to whimper. He kissed her tears away and they gazed in to each other's eyes so long that the next thing they knew the waitress asked, "Will you be joining us for dinner?" A little shocked, they jumped up so she could prepare for that night's performance.

He delighted in her smile, her voice, her touch. Everything about her was magnificent. He felt alive when they were together. He was sure he had found the woman of his dreams and wanted to make her his wife. Waiting for the right person didn't seem such a long time after all. The following years were filled with love and joy such as the world had never known before.

©1998 Nadine Hielscher


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