Sutterwriters

Terry McCabe was born and raised in Kansas by loving, conservative parents. Life was simple. Adults were trusted and marriage and friendships lasted forever. Spending an evening in the summertime catching fireflies then sitting around the kitchen table playing cards with her family was enough.

Beginning dancing lessons at an early age, dreams and fantasies budded along with a love of rhythm and movement. As a young woman Terry wrote her personal thoughts in a journal and often reality and fantasy tumbled together onto the page.

As a Registered Nurse on a pediatric oncology unit a story began growing and now comes to life in “Do They Wear Shoes in Heaven?”

Terry lives in Northern California with her husband Lew, their son Nick and two dogs Sandy and Lacey. She is currently writing her second book.

Excerpt from Do They Where Shoes in Heaven?

The Beginning

"The Truth Will Set You Free." Hope is what I had felt when I first saw those words. Standing at the bottom of the steep concrete steps that marched up to the entryway of the Science building, I read the words chipped into the archway I would be passing under to take anatomy, physiology, chemistry and the rest of the required science courses for my nursing degree. Placing my right foot on the bottom stair, I proudly thought, I've already taken the first step! Applying to the R.N. program and then being accepted filled me with confidence. I was making a new life for myself. As I ran up the steps, my heart had pounded, not from physical exertion, but from the knowledge that I was running towards the beginning of what had been, at one time, only a hopeful dream.

How many years ago was that? I thought, while directing my steps into the medication room to get Annie's next dose of chemotherapy. As my shoulder shoved against the door, Margaret protested, "My coffee! This is the second cup I've spilled tonight." Two Registered Nurses stood together chatting, eating doughnuts and gulping down warm coffee on their fifteen minute break that usually ended up being a five-minute one.

"We've got to do something about that door! Sorry, Margaret. Annie's next chemo dose needs to be hung." Double-checking the toxic medication with Gwen, I spun around and smiled at the two dedicated night owls, then went back out the door.

I was alert. It was night shift on the Pediatric Oncology Unit. Terry, you're a good nurse. I was aglow with pride. When I walk onto this unit I'm filled with a sense of being complete. Holding onto the warm feeling, I carefully slipped through the door of room 518. The darkness lightened as I stood for a moment behind the closed door. All of my senses were in motion and I was still. Two small children occupied the space, asleep in their hospital beds. Scattered around the room were cots, blankets, pillows and two fatigued mothers, fast asleep. Without sound, I slipped in beside Annie's bed and watched the small girl's respirations. Next, I lifted a corner of the patchwork quilt that went everywhere with Annie and took her temperature. So far, so good. Everyone continued deep in slumber. Now comes the tricky part, but never fear, Terry. I smiled to myself as I used my secret way of taking a sleeping blood pressure. All vital signs were normal. Satisfied that Annie's condition was stable, I hung the new bottle of chemotherapy, adjusting the pump to deliver the right dose per minute to my little patient. It had become second nature, hanging medication, adjusting the dose and doing patient care in the dark. I was lifted by a sense of pride.