Do you ever have those moments when you doubt the importance of what you do? Questioning the worth of your work is common for writers. I was having a bit of doubt this week while writing this scene: It’s 1911 in a coal camp in Eastern Ky. My lead character, Lilly Still M.D. is treating a young boy who has swallowed a coin which is lodged in his right bronchus. The boy, Timmy, is in danger of suffocation. I had read of a similar situation in one of my 1880’s medical texts. I needed to get Timmy to throw up. I decided if Lilly gave him castor oil (anybody remember this old time remedy?) he might up chuck the coin. My remedy worked and Timmy recovered, but I began to doubt the validity of my writing. If I let the scene stay as written would my readers accept it? Or did I need to do more research? It’s important when writing historical fiction to be as realistic as possible. I casually turned my quandary over to the Lord.
Now for the Jesus passing by moment: That evening Maggie and I settled down with our cheese and cracker snack to watch my favorite television program, NYC Medical. This is a new series, no repeats yet. One of the stories featured that evening was about a young boy who had a piece of meat lodged in his airway. The doctor ordered a scan to pinpoint exactly where the obstruction was. In order for the test to work the boy had to drink contrast dye. Yuck—double yuck. When the boy tried to swallow the vile liquid he vomited and the meat chunk shot out.
I couldn’t believe my scene was being played out right before my eyes. Forevermore, this was all the verification I needed to know I’m writing exactly what I’m supposed to write. I was so excited I woke Maggie (who had gone to sleep as soon as the cheese was gone) to tell her. She was not surprised. I thanked Jesus for His kindness and His gentle care of me.
Watch for these special moments in your own life. Share them with others.
Have a blessed week.
