An Uphill Battle
Miller's family had been fighting an uphill battle. They'd endured the pain of seeing their father, Josh, suffer from a deadly lung condition for six years.
Hilary, his wife, had promised to terminate the relationship after five years. The problem was that she couldn't do it for twelve entire months. In the past year, she had not seen any improvement, so she decided to take action. She would have avoided a terrible mistake if she knew what she was about to do.
Not A Good Morning
That morning, there was a sense of somberness. Winds didn't blow, and the sun wouldn't shine. A thick layer of dark clouds didn't seem to be able to dissipate.
In their car, Hilary and her nine-year-old daughter, Cheryl, strapped themselves in. In the midst of their tears, neither of them spoke a word, only nodding and looking at each other. The six years of holding on had to come to an end for Hilary and Cheryl. Although it was a sad, heartbreaking morning, the two had to get through it.
Trip To The Hospital
During the drive to the hospital, everything was quiet. Hilary struggled to hold back tears as she walked into the facility with her mother. They stepped out of their vehicle and walked into the facility together.
The Cheryls had already started flowing. In spite of only being nine years old, she knew that today was the last day she would see her father. Her life had been filled with only the man strapped to machines, but she had grown up without him. It had been her dream to one day talk with him and play with him, to show him how well she was doing at school and how good she was at singing. However, that seemed impossible.
Time Was Running Out
An attending doctor was waiting in Josh's room for Hilary and Cheryl. Dr. Andrews whispered, "It's almost time.". Since the beginning, he has tried to keep the family on the right track. Despite that, he had to accept that all of them had lost. There was no better fight than one against Mother Nature's will. The odds were sometimes against you, and sometimes they were in your favor. Life revolved around it.
A nurse prepared Josh's final day in a dark room. Josh and his mother were ushered into the room. Somber clouds hung over the sky that morning. However, there was an unexpected ending to the story.
His Purpose
She knew Josh was the one the moment she met him. The two were just college students trying to figure out where life would take them. As a chemical engineering student, she was pursuing a business degree while he was studying business. In the beginning, the two did not have much in common, but their friends forced them into the same room.
But that was because they never took the time to get to know one another. In spite of this, Hilary had known. There was a boy before her, quiet and composed, who was supposed to show her the world.
Their First Conversation
It was at one of their friends' parties that she finally gained the courage to speak to him. As a shy person, she always struggled to speak to new people, fumbling with words every time.
Despite this, he seemed to be able to do anything easily. Her favorite thing about him was how good a listener he was, as well as how funny his comebacks were. The most lasting impression Hilary had of him was his sweet, caring nature. She gave him her number after their first night of conversation, hoping against hope that he would call or text her.
Making Arrangements
It was a dream come true for Josh to talk to Hilary for the first time. He spent weeks trying to come up with the perfect response. Her first conversation with him was supposed to be unlike anything she'd ever experienced before.
His pocket was always filled with Post-It notes he'd written down after watching online videos on how to talk to women. She appeared before him that evening, radiant and smelling as if heaven was around her. A soft pause fell over his entire world when she began speaking.
The Feeling Was Mutual
In her first approach to Josh, Hilary doesn't realize how much he likes her, maybe even more than she likes him. In reality, he was too stunned to speak, although she thought he was a great listener. He had no words to express his feelings, and his heart wouldn't stop pounding.
Every time she said something funny, he smiled, nodded, and laughed. The girl of his dreams was standing right in front of him, and he was shocked that she was talking to him. It would have been nice if he knew how all this would end.
Doing Things The Right Way
Within a short period of time, the two became good friends and best friends. Their platonic dates and movie watching helped them get to know each other better. There was no way either could have known that the other liked them more than they were letting on. Each was afraid to express such feelings for fear of scaring the other away.
In 2010, New Year's Eve finally brought it about. A New Year's party was underway when the two met. All of a sudden, the hour hand of the clock reached twelve, and everything came to a halt.
Undeniable Chemistry
Their first kiss was a New Year’s tradition, yet it conveyed all the unspoken feelings the two had harbored for almost a year. It was perfect, and it ushered in a new life neither of them expected. Their journey to meet their families had them crossing the country before they knew it.
Having met Josh's parents and sister, who live in Vancouver, Hilary, an Oklahoma girl, was thrilled. Josh had the honor of meeting her dad and brothers. These visits could only lead to good things.
Starting Life
Josh and Hilary dated for three more years before Josh popped the question. They’d moved into a quaint apartment just outside of Austin, Texas, where both of them were starting their lives post-graduation.
Hilary said yes immediately. Life had been perfect for the last four years, and she knew it was because of Josh. He’d never stopped being caring and kind, and he always made her laugh. He was also handsome and protective, with a ruggedness that always did things to her. She slipped on the engagement ring with a bright smile, unaware of the terrors that awaited her in the future.
Getting Ready
Josh and Hilary got married, and before they knew it, they’d fallen pregnant. Josh went into overdrive trying to create the best environment for his new family. He moved Hilary from their apartment to a beautiful two-bedroom house in a better neighborhood. He’d always take her on walks and talk to their unborn child whenever they lay down.
He also recorded future messages for his daughter, talking about the world on his phone. He’d advise on different stages of life, sharing his own experiences. He wanted his child to know he’d always be there for her no matter what.
Welcoming Cheryl
Nine months flew by quickly, and before the couple could blink, they were in the hospital getting ready to welcome their child. They’d already decided on the name Cheryl, Hilary’s late mom’s name. The delivery went smoothly, only taking five hours between the most pronounced contractions and full birth. A proud Josh drove home with his wife and daughter, still unable to believe that all this was happening to him.
For the next three years, life would be beyond incredible. The two doting parents would watch their baby grow into a beautiful, curious, and energetic little girl. But good things don’t last forever.
Burning Lungs
The dark cloud over Joshua’s perfect life had come in the name of a severe cough that wouldn't relent. It happened in the middle of dinner while he and his family were enjoying the night’s meal, laughing, and having a good time.
“Are you okay, honey?” Hilary asked, her brows knitted together. “Yeah, yeah,” Josh chuckled. “I think the casserole went down the wrong pipe. But even as he talked, he could tell something was wrong. His lungs burned as if someone had poured hot sand inside them, and his throat was sore. Hilary rushed off to the kitchen to bring him some water. But that wouldn’t help.
I Can’t Breathe
Josh drank the water, hoping the irritation would die off. But it only seemed to get worse. He excused himself from the table, smiling at little Cheryl so she wouldn’t be spooked.
But he couldn’t even breathe. He rushed to the master bathroom and threw water on his face. Something was happening to him. The coughs were getting worse, with crimson coming out. Hilary came in a few seconds later, hoping her husband was feeling a little better. But what she saw leached the color from her face.
To The Emergency Room
The entire sink was covered in crimson splatters. Josh’s mouth was red with it, and his hands, too. Hilary held in a scream; their daughter was still eating her dinner, and she didn’t want to alarm her. She turned around immediately, no words shared, and returned with Josh’s coat. Josh drew it on, knowing this was serious.
An hour in, the couple was in the emergency room. Hilary had quickly handled the situation, calling a babysitter for Cheryl before driving Josh there in record time. She needed to know what was wrong with her husband.
Running A Few Tests
The doctors and nurses quickly acted. They had seen Josh’s anguished look and the red stain on his handkerchief and shirt. They ran a few tests to establish what was happening. But even then, most of them knew that this was lung-related. The red stains and continuous coughs were signs enough.
The tests took a few hours. The doctor had given Josh some remedies to soothe his coughs and pain. Hilary prayed with every fiber in her being that this wasn’t anything serious. It was. This was something the Miller family had not expected.
He Had To Be Strong
As they waited to hear back from the doctor, Josh could only imagine what the results would be. He knew something was wrong, but in the back of his mind, he was preparing himself for the worst-case scenario.
He had to be strong for his family. He could feel his body was giving in on him. He just had to be there for his wife and daughter. Whatever the results may be, he had to assure them that everything was going to be just fine. If only he believed that himself. He felt a sense of impending doom. Something wasn’t right, and he could feel bad news was coming.
Fear Of The Unknown
Hilary could see the fear in her husband’s eyes. “Don’t worry, honey. Everything is going to be fine. You’ll see. Whatever it is, we’ll get through it together as a family.”
Josh appreciated his wife’s undying support. Both of them were scared, and they clutched each other’s hands as they waited for the doctor to return. It seemed like forever since they were sitting in the waiting room. An hour had already passed, and Josh was getting impatient.
He Knew
“What’s taking them so long? Surely, it can’t be that bad, right?” Josh didn’t know who he was trying to convince. Deep down, he knew the result would be bad.
Nothing could be worse than coughing up blood. His chest was burning up, and that in itself could not have been a good sign. He hadn’t been feeling well for weeks, and he just kept it to himself. He thought it was just the flu, but when he saw the blood, he knew it was something serious.
They Didn’t Deserve This
Now, he wished he had spoken up or gone to see a doctor sooner. He hated that he was putting his family through this now. They didn’t deserve this at all. At this point, he was thinking about all kinds of things. What if he didn’t have much time to live? What would happen to Hilary and Cheryl?
Would they be able to cope without him? He didn’t want to think about it, but it was the reality. He might not be on this earth for much longer.
Unfair
All he could do now was hope and pray for them. Was he really going to miss out on seeing his little girl grow up? How can life be so unfair?
One minute, you’re there, and the next, you could be staring death right in the face. Josh needed to compose himself. He didn’t want Hilary to see how afraid he really was.When he looked at his watch once more, he could see the doctor walking towards them. The moment of truth had arrived. This was it.
Follow Me
Hilary and Josh waited patiently for their results. Josh could tell Hilary was worried sick. He spent the time talking about everyday things, trying to get her mind off his condition.
He was in the middle of talking about their daughter’s piano lessons when the doctor came in. His eyes were cast, and there was a slight tremble to the sheets of paper in his hand. “Sorry for keeping you waiting, Mr. and Mrs. Miller. We finally have an answer,” he said. “If you would please follow me.”
The Results
The couple followed the doctor to the office, and he read out the results. “Acute bronchitis,” he started. It is a long-term condition in which the airways of the lungs become widened.
“It results in a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection.” The doctor leaned back with a sigh. “Usually, the signs manifest early enough, allowing the condition to be triangulated and the treatment to be administered. “But in your case, Mr. Miller, it seemed the condition flew under the radar for a while now. It has graduated into acute status, which explains the blood.”
The Full Truth
Josh was stunned. His eyes smarted, and an uncomfortable heat took hold of his body. He waited for the doctor to lean forward and show any signs of “That is the end of my report.”
But the doctor removed his glasses and held the bridge of his nose for what seemed like a minute. “The condition has grown to an irreversible state, Mr. Miller. You have two different severe infections in both your lungs. “Your lungs' airways are slowly narrowing and filling with carbon dioxide. We are officially classifying it as Type 2 lung failure.”
A Cold Realization
Josh felt like the walls of the room were closing in on him. Type 2 lung failure? Irreversible? The words echoed in his mind, each one carrying the weight of a death sentence.
He glanced at Hilary, whose face had drained of all color. Cheryl's innocent smile flashed before his eyes, and he felt a lump form in his throat. How were they going to get through this? Was this the end of their family? Josh felt his world come crumbling down all around him.
Denial and Acceptance
Denial surged through him like a tidal wave. This couldn't be happening. Not to him, not to his family. But as the doctor continued to speak, outlining the treatment options and the grim prognosis, a sliver of acceptance began to creep into his mind. He had to face the harsh reality staring him in the face.
It wasn’t the end of the world. He needed to be strong for his wife and daughter. They needed him to be. He needed to fight this.
Hilary's Anguish
Hilary's grip on Josh's hand tightened as the doctor spoke. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she struggled to maintain her composure. The weight of the situation crashed down on her, threatening to suffocate her with its overwhelming enormity. How could she bear the thought of losing the love of her life?
Why was this happening to their family? What was she going to tell Cheryl? She loved her father so much, and this was surely going to crush her.
The Unspoken Fear
Cheryl sat quietly, her young mind trying to comprehend the gravity of the situation. She didn't fully understand what was happening, but she could sense the fear and sadness emanating from her parents.
A sense of unease settled in her chest, a fear of the unknown future looming before them like a shadowy specter. Hilary’s heart was shattered for their daughter. But she made a promise that they were going to get through this as a family. They had to come out on the other side. They were going to be alright.
A Fragmented Future
The Miller family sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Their once bright future now lay fractured and uncertain before them, overshadowed by the specter of illness and mortality.
Little did they know, their journey was about to become even more tumultuous as they navigated the treacherous waters of grief and despair. Tough times lay ahead of them, and Hilary and Josh had no idea how their family was about to be tested.
Lucky
The words came as a blow to both mother and father. Type 2 lung failure, the words replayed in Josh’s mind. He couldn’t even respond. “What’s the way forward, doctor,” Hilary’s voice came. Josh could only watch quietly as she tried to figure things out for him.
She laid out several possible remedies she’d heard or read about and even asked the doctor if he could recommend something for Josh. I am lucky to be in her life, Josh thought. I have been lucky to be in her life.
Dr. Andrews
Josh was admitted immediately, and a new doctor, Dr. Andrews, who specialized in lung diseases and conditions, came in to spearhead his road to recovery. The doctor took a few more tests and confirmed that Josh’s lungs were indeed failing. He estimated a maximum of seven months before they ultimately gave out, and Josh passed on.
Dr. Andrews placed him on a high-priority donation list, hoping to curb the issue before it turned fatal. Luckily, the doctor’s team was able to find lungs perfect for him. They even planned out how they’d do the double transplant. It was during this planning that they encountered an even bigger problem.
Another Complication
Dr. Andrews breathed in and wiped the sweat from his forehead. “This just got more complicated,” he whispered. He’d discovered that Josh had a genetic disorder that affected his body’s ability to quickly develop white blood cells, which usually fight infections.
What this meant was that the immunosuppressive drugs Josh would need for the double transplant could ultimately destroy his already failing immune system, killing him. The doctor couldn’t even speak. He knew Josh’s time was running out. He shared the news, proposing a medically induced coma that would stabilize Josh’s situation while the doctor and his team continued to fight for a way out. Josh agreed.
Making The Decision
Josh knew what it meant when Dr. Andrews suggested a medically induced coma. He’d miss out on precious time with his wife and daughter. But he saw it as a necessary step if he was still to remain on this earth. What was a few months or a year without seeing his family when he could grow old with his Hilary and play catch with Cheryl’s kids, their grandchildren?
He called every member of their family to say goodbye, and a week later, dove into the endless dream that awaited him on that hospital bed. He’d hoped to only stay there for mere months. But soon, six years would pass.
Six Years Down
It had been six good years since Josh went under. But sadly, his body was on its last lap, and Dr. Andrews and his team hadn’t found a way around his immune system conundrum. They’d already made arrangements with Hilary to pull the plug. Josh had made them promise that if five years would pass without any improvements to his situation, they should let him rest.
The medical bill was also hefty, and Hilary was struggling to make ends meet. She’d barely been able to sustain it past the five-year mark, holding on to hope that some miracle would happen. But now, only one solution remained.
It Is Time To Rest
“It is time,” Dr. Andrews said in defeat. This was the first case he’d encountered in his thirty-year medical career that had overwhelmed him.
Every member of Josh’s and Hilary’s family walked into the room. His friends and colleagues were also present. With stemmed tears, Hilary stepped forward, her hand trembling. Several machines beeped around her husband, with tubes going in and out of him. “It is time to rest, my love,” she croaked in a troubled voice. And then, it happened.
A Child’s Tears
Cheryl, who had been standing with her grandma, broke from the older lady’s grasp and ran to hug her dad. She cried out, fisting his hospital robe and digging her face into his chest. “Dad,” she cried. One of her cousins rushed in to help, but her grandma stopped them. “I love you, Daddy,” she said. “I will always love you no matter what!”
A sob fought its way out of Hilary’s throat. She’d been composed since stepping into the room. But seeing how cruel life had been and how it had affected her daughter broke her, leaving her in tears. But a miracle was about to happen.
Saying Her Goodbyes
‘There’s nothing as precious as a child’s tears,’ Hilary’s late mother once told her. ‘They are pure, and they are measured. Always treasure them.’ Today, those tears fell onto a father to whom life had dealt the worst hand.
Those tears, pure and measured, cut through everyone’s heart in the room, pulling out raw emotions from even the most stoic. Cheryl leaned in and hugged her dad. She whispered something in his ear and gently kissed his forehead. She turned around, lips trembling and eyes puffy and wet. But as she took her first step away from the bed, a groggy voice called her name.
Back To Life
“C-Cheryl?” Josh’s voice was harsh. His eyes were fully open, staring straight at his daughter. Hilary gasped. Cheryl turned around wide-eyed, and when she registered her dad looking at her, she tore off to hug him.
Dr. Andrews was the next to follow, although he ran straight to the many machines. He couldn’t understand what was happening. How was Josh awake? He called in all the nurses and doctors available at the time and had the Miller family and friends file out of the room. Something short of a miracle was happening here.
A Man Of Miracles
A few tests revealed that through some miracle, Josh’s spirit had fought to get back to the breathing world. But his condition was still dire, as he needed the machines to survive as his lungs were at their worst. But he’d surged back to life after hearing two words from his daughter, “Come home.”
When he was strong enough to speak, he told Dr. Andrews to carry out the double transplant even if the risk of not making it was great. Of course, given the extremely low chances of success, the good doctor was pessimistic about agreeing. Regardless, he did both surgeries, one after the other. He was dumbfounded when, three months later, Hilary and Cheryl wheeled Josh out of the hospital with both of his new lungs working perfectly. “You’re a man of miracles,” the doctor had said. “Go home. Be with your family.”
A New Beginning
Josh’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous. With his new lungs, he was able to breathe freely for the first time in years.
As he settled back into life at home with Hilary and Cheryl, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the second chance he’d been given. Every moment felt like a gift, and he cherished each one with his family. Their home was filled with laughter once again, and Josh savored every precious moment he spent with his daughter, watching her grow and thrive before his eyes.
A Fresh Perspective
Josh’s near-death experience had given him a fresh perspective on life. He no longer took anything for granted, cherishing every moment and every opportunity that came his way.
He poured his heart into every aspect of his life, whether it was spending time with his family, pursuing his passions, or simply enjoying the beauty of the world around him. Each day felt like a blessing, and Josh made a conscious effort to live each moment to the fullest, grateful for the chance to be alive and to share his love with those who mattered most to him.
Reconnecting
Josh’s journey had brought him even closer to his family. He and Hilary shared a bond that had only grown stronger in the face of adversity, and they leaned on each other for support and strength.
Cheryl, too, had grown closer to her father, cherishing every moment they shared together. Their bond was unbreakable, forged through love, resilience, and a deep understanding of what it meant to overcome obstacles together. Together, the Miller family faced each new day with hope and determination, knowing that as long as they had each other, they could overcome any challenge that came their way.
Paying It Forward
Josh’s experience had inspired him to give back to others who were facing similar challenges. He became an advocate for organ donation, sharing his story and raising awareness about the importance of registering as an organ donor.
He volunteered at hospitals and support groups, offering guidance and support to patients and families who were navigating the difficult journey of organ transplantation. Through his efforts, Josh hoped to make a difference in the lives of others, spreading hope and encouragement to those who needed it most.
Living Each Day
For Josh, every day was a gift, and he was determined to make the most of it. Whether it was enjoying simple moments with his family, pursuing his passions, or reaching out to help others, he lived each day with purpose and gratitude.
He knew that life was precious and fragile, and he refused to take a single moment for granted. Instead, he embraced each new day as an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world around him. With his newfound perspective and unwavering determination, Josh faced the future with hope and optimism, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would always have his family by his side.