Miranda spent her 100th birthday alone since all of her loved ones had died. The doorbell rang, and an unexpected stranger stood outside her door as she blew out the candles on her cake. It was a surprise she had not anticipated after 60 years. “I can’t believe I’m still here,” Miranda exclaimed as she sat at her kitchen table, lighting the candles on her birthday cake.
She was appreciative for her many years of excellent health and the miracle of living a long life, having seen the world evolve through wars, technology, music, and love. She had a fantastic life. Sadly, all of her friends and loved ones had died. She never married or had children because she chose not to. Her nursing job had been much too essential to her. Many people cautioned her that she would come to regret it, but regret wasn’t the perfect word to describe her sentiments!
Miranda was content and cheerful, and although loneliness struck her sometimes, she was perfectly content by herself. Until her birthday arrived. All she could think of was her past, the parties and celebrations. Her present state was best described as bittersweet. Miranda’s mouth fell as she realized what had happened, and lengthy chains of memories flashed across her head.
Even if she was alone, she wouldn’t allow any unpleasant emotions get in her way. So she sung herself happy birthday and blew out the candles, hoping for a better world, more people to go into medicine and aid others, and scientists and politicians to take climate change seriously. She jumped in her seat as she heard the doorbell ring. “Who could it be?” she wondered as she rose up.
As the bell rang again, the scraping of the chair’s legs on the floor produced a dreadful sound. “Coming! Coming! Coming!” “Hello?” she said as she opened the door to see a strange guy on her doorway. He had to be in his 60s or early 70s, but Miranda didn’t recognize him. At first, yes. “Nurse Estevez?” he said, smiling broadly at the elderly lady.
“Nurse? Oh well, I haven’t heard anything like that in years. But do I recognize you?” “It’s me! Adrian!” “Adrian?” Miranda inquired, her lips pursed. She finally shook her head. “I apologize. I don’t recognize you. “Could you perhaps offer me a hint?” “Don’t be concerned. This was something I anticipated, but I can offer you more than a clue. My name is Adrian Miller. You treated me when I was at my lowest 60 years ago. At Flagler Hospital, I was your patient. “Do you recall now?” The guy continued to smile at the elderly lady.
Miranda’s mouth fell as she realized what had happened, and lengthy chains of memories flashed across her head. A poor young boy had been diagnosed with a serious kind of cancer, and no one believed he would survive. But all of the nurses on duty, including her, were full of optimism. Adrian’s grin was brighter than the other ill children’s. He was also more intellectual and friendlier. They were all rooting for him to improve.
Miranda was in her forties, and seeing children in that situation was always upsetting to her. But the nicest feeling was seeing them heal, and Adrian was one of them. Despite physicians’ worst predictions, the child responded well to treatment and surgery. Adrian was discharged from the hospital after months of treatment, with nurses and colleagues praising his extraordinary recovery. He waved as their parents wept quiet, glad tears over the fact that their kid was healthy and cancer-free.
Miranda stayed in contact with Adrian’s family for many years after that. Adrian’s mother answered the phone and raved over her son’s health. He was doing well in school and had returned to playing outdoors. At the moment, happiness reigned supreme, and the elder lady recalled telling his mother, “This is the first miracle I’ve witnessed in my career.” Keep it safe.” She was certain Adrian’s parents loved him totally.
However, they later relocated to another state and lost touch with the nurse who had so adored their kid. Miranda had never imagined to see the youngster standing in front of her as a full-grown man. “Oh my goodness! My adorable young man! This is unbelievable. “Come here,” she said, wrapping her arms around him and holding them there for many minutes. “Let’s go in there and have some cake!”
Adrian sat down, surprised by the cake, since he had no clue it was her birthday. “Wow, this is perfect time!” “I’m going to give you a present!” he added, pulling out his phone. They both put on their glasses as Adrian scanned through photos of his wife, children, and grandchildren. There were also images of his pets, vacations, and graduations. His whole existence.
Miranda removed her spectacles as tears streamed down her cheeks. “This makes me quite delighted.” “I’ve been looking for you, and the hospital – Flagler Health, as it’s now named – finally consented to give me your last known address.” “Thank God you didn’t move,” Adrian murmured as he stowed his phone. “Did you really want to locate me so you could show me these pictures?” “No, I simply wanted to express my gratitude.” We experienced a health scare with our first grandchild recently, and it reminded me of you.
How you encouraged me to fight with all I had since I had so little time. I believe… I took your advice to heart. That, I believe, is one of the reasons I created it. Because all my mother could say for years was that I was a miracle. “But I suppose you forced me to fight, Nurse Estevez,” he said, making Miranda weep even more. “I’m delighted you’re still here.” Without you, the world would be a terrible place.”
“Oh, poor child. This is the finest birthday I’ve had since… well, forever. The finest of all time. “Tell me more about your life,” the elder lady urged as she wiped the sweat from her brow. “However, while we chat, let’s have some cake.” She stood up to cut some cake and bring Adrian some milk. They spoke for hours and hours, letting Miranda forget about her heart’s bittersweet thoughts.