Bells of Freedom by Bryan Ridenour

Zuzu Bailey: “Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.”
George Bailey: “That's right, that's right. Attaboy, Clarence.”

I hear this dialogue every year as I lounge in front of the television, watching my favorite Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Yesterday, my family heard a bell ringing in the pediatric oncology clinic followed by raucous applause and cheering. My wife and son looked at each other, curious about the party-like happenings behind closed doors. I happened to know the reason for the celebration. 

Every time a pediatric patient completes his or her prescribed course of treatment, the cancer survivor rings the bell and general hoopla erupts!  

As the party winded down, a child-life specialist walked through the waiting room and looked at Noah. “That’s going to be you in a few months.” She smiled. I secretly wished for a time machine….

After a few minutes, a nurse pulled Noah's chart and called his name. There, beside the bell, stood the girl celebrating. The medical staff swarmed around her, family members flanking her on both sides. The girl pulled the rope and rang the bell once more. Everyone cheered again for good measure.

That bell signified a milestone.

That bell announced the finish line.

That bell celebrated life.

That bell proclaimed freedom...

Freedom from lab draws, intravenous chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, and neutropenia.  Freedom from medicine induced nausea and monthly clinic visits.  Freedom from unexpected and ofttimes   violent side effects stemming from varied treatments.

Freedom to return to a semblance of normalcy.  Freedom to participate in large group activities like AWANA, Upward Basketball and Sunday School.  Freedom to crawl around in germ laden plastic tubes at local fast food restaurants. 

Freedom to be a child.

In some ways, that young lady sprouted wings yesterday. I do not know her religious affiliation or background, but I do know this, if she knows Christ, a certain passage from the Bible speaks relevantly to her situation: “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:30-31)

Yesterday a bell rang, and a young lady strapped on her wings.

Today, she soars....

This post was authored by guest blogger Bryan Ridenour, a Christian, a husband, a father of four, and a music/youth pastor.  To learn more about him, visit his blog at http://brvan.com/