Chapter 12
God's Daughter
On the ride to the clinic, I delighted in the fresh air and sunshine,
after so many years of living in darkness. I couldn’t help admiring all the
beautiful flowers, trees, buildings, houses, cars, and everything all over
again. My eyes were still very sensitive to the light, so I wasn’t able to
look out as long as I would’ve liked, but I took a last glance up to the sky.
“Thank you, God, for this miracle. You will let me know when the
right time comes to tell my story. At that time, I will do your will and
bless your holy name.”
I then sat back and close my eyes to rest.
In the days that followed, I regained my strength a little bit at a time.
I had to relearn how to do so many basic things in new ways—things as
simple as walking and lying on a bed without hurting my back.
All this time, I wanted so badly to see my girls again. But I didn’t
want them to be frightened by my physical condition. I prayed every
single day to get better so I could see them soon.
The doctors and nurses had told me that my recovery might take as
much as two years, but it gave me hope to know that I eventually would
recover. Every day was bright for me. Even when there was no sun, I
would imagine it and put it in my heart.
One morning in November, 2006, a few days before Thanksgiving
Day, Rose came to see me with some news.
“Mrs. Cervantes, I see you’re looking healthy and beautiful!”
“Do you really think so? I haven’t wanted to look in a mirror all
this time."
“Oh, no! You’re very pretty. And your girls are going to confirm
that, because what I’m here to tell you is that I’ve spoken to them and
the court, and I’ve gotten visitation rights for you!”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, and immediately broke into
tears.
After a moment, Rose continued, “I’ve met with your girls many
times, Mrs. Cervantes, and given them a general idea of what you’ve
been going through. I left out the gruesome details, of course.
All of them have told me how much they love you and miss you.
All this time, they thought you didn’t want to see them anymore, because that’s the
story their father gave them. But I’ve told them that if they want to live
with you, they’re old enough now to decide that for themselves. Even
though the youngest one is not quite old enough to make that decision,
the court is not likely to separate the girls.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Mrs. Cervantes. All I need is for your girls to talk to the mediator
about their needs, and we can change the custody arrangements.”
I felt so much happiness and hope.
After she left, I was so happy that I couldn’t stop crying.
I’m going to see my girls, and maybe they’ll want to live with me!
I prayed day and night to Jesus Christ for me and my girls.