Worst Wingman Ever

by Abby Jimenez

She didn’t like the sterilized hospital thing or any reminder of what was actually happening here. She’d made me drape a floral scarf over the IV stand, and I wasn’t allowed to wear scrubs. Not for this assignment. She liked things pretty and soft and comfortable. Food cooking in the kitchen, people around her. So that’s what we gave her. I wore my regular clothes. Blousy tops and flowy skirts. Jillian brought candles she’d made and Nadia Cakes cupcakes, Mom simmered pasta sauce, and we watched Grandma slowly decline.

“Let it be with someone who will love it. Sell it if you don’t want it. Let it be a gift for a stranger. Things should bring joy. If these organs weren’t ninety years old, I’d say don’t bury these either. Donate them so someone else can live.”

That’s the thing about kindness. You never know how big the ripple is. How one little selfless gesture can make all the difference for the person who receives it.

No, the whole point in me telling you this story is to remind you that we need to manifest our own destiny. I never accepted less than what I deserved ever again. Never ignored a red flag or excused bad behavior. I asked for what I wanted, and I protected those I loved, and I demanded the things I needed, and I had a beautiful life.

“Take responsibility for your own unhappiness, Holly. If you don’t love your life, change it.”

“You’re gonna have so many people waiting for you in heaven one day, beautiful girl,” she said quietly. “I’ll be the first one in line.”