Praise For Christmas

by Vanessa Miller

  “What’s your suggestion, Doc?” Ramsey asked.

  Dr. Mika said, “I want to start you on medication... just a low dose for now so that we can regulate your blood sugar.”

  Too stunned to speak, Carmella looked around the office and then back to her doctor. She didn’t know much about diabetes, but she knew her God. Shaking her head, she told Dr. Mika, “I don’t want medication. I don’t have diabetes.”

  “I’m sorry, Carmella but the test shows that you very clearly have this disease.”

  “I understand what your test says, but I’m thinking about my God and His ability to reverse any curse or disease that trying to attack my life.”

  Dr. Mika didn’t say anything for a moment. Almost as if she didn’t know what to say.

  Carmella asked, “Do you have any recommendations for things I should do while I’m praying about this illness?”

  “My suggestion would be medication, but I can’t force you to take it.” Dr. Mika tapped her pen against the table and then added, “Diet and exercise can help, but there’s no cure for diabetes.”

  Carmella stood up and said, “I know too much about my God, Dr. Mika. I’m going to reverse this disease. Diabetes will not kill me.”

  Chapter 3

  “Oh Ram, you should have seen her, she was so cute and precious,” Maxine told Ramsey Jr, her husband of almost two years.

  “I bet she was a cute little something.” Ram laughed as he added, “Leave it to Dontae to suck up and name her after Mama Carmella.”

  Shoving his shoulder playfully, Maxine said, “Don’t be jealous. I’m sure that Carmella and your father will love all of their grandchildren equally.”

  “They better.” Ram pulled Maxine down into the oversized chair with him. “They already treat Brielle like a little princess. But they better not slack on the baby you and I are going to have just because Dontae is a suck up.”

  Maxine stiffened. She had wanted to have a serious talk with her husband but when he said things like that, she didn’t know if her words would fall on deaf ears.

  “I’m sorry, Maxine, I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean to upset me.” She turned to him, eyes full of love, heart filled with trepidation. “I just think it’s time for us to consider other options.”

  “No,” Ramsey said as he stood up and gave his wife a determined look. “We just have to keep our faith in God. He knows our hearts’ desire.”

  “All right, hon, we’ll do it your way,” Maxine said as she turned her head so that Ram couldn’t see the tears in her eyes.

  ***

  Carmella hadn’t taken the medication that Dr. Mika recommended but she had picked up the blood glucose meter and strips that Dr. Mika suggested she use to check her levels three times a day. She had been given a little pamphlet to jot down her numbers. Since she didn’t have any pharmaceutical medication, Carmella took a daily dose of the word of God as she meditated on healing scriptures every morning.

  Today she was reading Jeremiah 17:14, Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

  Carmella had no doubt that the God she served was well able to save and heal her from this dreaded illness. Her mother had been diagnosed with diabetes when Carmella was in her early teens. She’d watched her mother take pills and then inject insulin into her body in hopes of curing the disease. But no medication had been invented to cure diabetes. So, instead of a cure, her mother eventually died from kidney complications related to her diabetes.

  She had known people who had lost limbs and even gone blind because of this type of illness, and yet none of that knowledge had stopped her from adding ten extra pounds a year to her girth for the last five years. Her famous cakes, cookies and pies didn’t just come out of her oven and go out to the masses. Carmella and Ramsey had eaten their fair share as well. But the difference between her and Ramsey was that he went to the gym and worked out regularly.

  She laid her glucose meter on the bed, poked her finger with the devise that came with the meter. She then massaged her finger to extract enough blood to lay on the little strip. She placed the little blood bubble on the strip and then waited with expectancy for God to do His thing with the numbers.

  She had been testing herself for the last three days each morning before she even put a morsel of food in her mouth, and each time the meter had read some crazy number that had been over two hundred. Carmella had gone on the internet and researched the types of foods she needed to eat in order to get the insulin levels in her body to line back up and act like they had some sense.

  For years she’d heard diet gurus say that shoppers should stay on the outside aisles of the grocery store. Now she understood. Because all the foods that promised to reverse the curse of diabetes were in the vegetable and meat sections of the grocery store. The meter beeped and Carmella glanced down... 230.

  Ramsey picked that moment to walk into the room. He glanced at her meter and said, “Are you sure you don’t need the medication? I don’t want to lose you, Carmella.”

  Putting her equipment back in the box she said, “You’re not going to lose me. I plan to live a long time. We’ll both be in here shuffling around on our walkers and seeing just how wonderful all of our grandchildren turned out.”

  “But your numbers haven’t gone down. The doctor said that unchecked, diabetes could cause a heart attack or a stroke. Now faith is one thing, but using your God-given common sense to live is another.”

  Carmella loved Ramsey Thomas Sr. with everything that was in her. He was the man of her dreams. She thanked God every day for a man who loved her as much as Ramsey did. So, she wasn’t going to condemn him just because his faith wasn’t where hers was in this matter. After all, he was the one who would have to take care of her if she had a stroke. And he was the one who’d be left to grieve if she died from a heart attack. She softly touched his face and then leaned over and kissed him. When she pulled back from his warmth she asked, “Can we play let’s make a deal?”

  “What kind of deal?”

  “Give me two weeks. I go back to see Dr. Mika on the twentieth. If I’m not better by that date, then I’ll agree to take the medicine.”

  “The twentieth. That’s the date of Renee’s rehearsal dinner.”

  “Sure is. So, how about it? Do I have a deal? Will you let me do this my way?”

  “For two weeks?”

  “That’s all I’m asking.” Carmella smiled at him, hoping that he would take her smile as confidence.

  “Okay, I’ll give you two weeks, but those numbers better start going down or I just might change my mind.”

  She nodded while silently praying, You heard him, Lord. We have to show Ramsey something, so help me out with my glucose numbers. When Ramsey came out of their walk-in closet dressed in a jogging suit and gym shoes, she asked, “Are you getting ready to go workout?”

  “Yep. Got to get my workout in before I begin my day.”

  He was so good with this stuff. “Can I work out with you today?”

  Ramsey was tying his shoes; he turned to look at his wife. “Are you serious?”

  “I’m serious, Ramsey. I am determined to get healthy. All the research I’ve found says that diabetes is mostly a lifestyle disease. So, I believe that we can turn my situation around by changing the foods that we eat and working out. So I’m going to need your help to keep me motivated on the workout tip.”

  Ramsey nodded. “That vegetable lasagna you fixed yesterday was banging, so I don’t think I’ll need much help with motivation when it comes to changing our diets. The way you cook, I’ll eat anything you put in front of me.”

  “Thanks honey. Now let me make my smoothie and then I’ll be ready to hit the gym with you.”

  “Are you putting those pomegranates and blueberries in your smoothie again?”

  “I sure am, those two fruit are packed with antioxidants that my body needs to get my pancreas creating insulin
like it’s supposed to again, among other things.”

  “Sounds good. I think I’ll take a protein shake this morning, also.”

  “Coming right up.” Carmella jumped out of bed and headed to the kitchen with her mind set on changing circumstances. She wasn’t going to be a cake-eating couch potato anymore. She took the steps like Rocky when as he trained for the fight of his life. Because that’s just how she felt, but with God’s help, Carmella planned to beat diabetes to death. She was going to tear the head off of her enemy and stop it in its tracks.

  “Thank you, Jesus for reversing this curse. I am not diabetic and will not live in that state. You’re an awesome God and to You and You alone goes all my praise.”

  ***

  “Thanks for seeing us, Dr. Reynolds. I don’t know what I would have done if you had already left for your Christmas vacation,” Renee said as she and Jay sat down on the couch.

  “If you had called a day later I would have been gone to the cabin. We like to get away for about two weeks during this time of year. The wife likes for us to get in the Christmas spirit in a big way.”

  “Sounds nice,” Jay said, “I’ve been so busy with the wedding and my company that I haven’t even had the time to buy a tree.”

  “If I remember correctly, the two of you are going to be on an island, lying on the beach during Christmas. So, I wouldn’t worry about getting a tree this year if I were you,” Dr. Reynolds said.

  “The tree isn’t the problem,” Renee told him. “It’s the island. I’m afraid. I keep having nightmares.” Renee had become a patient of Dr. Reynolds after the tragic events that occurred during her escape to the Bahamas last year. Her ex-boyfriend had followed her and tried to kill her and Jay. Most days Renee dealt with the trauma of the past by praying and putting it out of her mind. But ever since she and Jay decided to go back to the Bahamas, the place where they fell in love, Renee’s nightmares had started up again. And therefore she felt compelled to see Dr. Reynolds one more time.

  “Maybe I made a bad decision about our honeymoon trip,” Jay said. “All I was thinking about was how beautiful the island is and how we finally admitted the feelings we had for each other over there.”

  Renee put a hand on Jay’s face. “Your thought was sweet, and I love you all the more for it. This is something I need to conquer.”

  “I think you’re right about this, Renee. Right now it sounds like you’re dealing with fear. And God has not given us the spirit of fear, but what?”

  Renee loved that her psychologist was a Christian. He always turned her back to the word of God. So, she happily finished the scripture he began for her... “but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.”

  Jay put his hand on Renee’s shoulder as he said to Dr. Reynolds, “So what you’re saying is, since this fear is not from God that Renee and I should go to the Bahamas?”

  “No.” Dr. Reynolds looked from Jay and then back to Renee. “The fear that you have is very real. Or at least the trauma that’s causing the fear. You did shoot and kill your ex-boyfriend on that island.”

  She didn’t like being reminded of the events that occurred on that island. But Renee knew one thing for sure, God had been with her. Because there is no way she would have survived if He hadn’t been.

  “So now you have to decide if you are willing to give that fear over to God. Because your ex-boyfriend can’t hurt you anymore. But if you can’t give it over to God, this might not be the time for the Bahamas,” Dr. Reynolds added.

  Leaning against Jay, Renee closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again, Renee said, “Thank you, Dr. Reynolds, you’ve given me a lot to think and pray about.”

  Chapter 4

  “I just don’t know what I’m going to do, Mom. Lance has been in a mood ever since little Cammie was born,” Joy said as she dunked her wheat donut in ice cold milk while she sat at a table with Carmella in Hallelujah Cakes and Such.

  “Have you asked him what’s wrong?”

  “Don’t need to. I already know what he’s tripping on.”

  Carmella sipped her protein shake with pomegranates, blueberries, cinnamon and hemp seeds, all things that are good for regulating blood sugar levels.

  “Look at me. I’m being a hog. I put three donuts on my plate and didn’t even ask if you wanted one.” Joy lifted her plate, offering Carmella one of the donuts.

  “This is my breakfast.” Carmella lifted the shake. “Protein and fruit does a body good.”

  “If you say so. I absolutely love your donuts and don’t know what I would do without them,” Joy said as she dunked and then took another bite out of her donut.

  The funny thing was, Carmella would have said the same thing a month ago. She never would have thought that she could have gone off of sweets cold turkey, but once she stopped eating them, it was as if her body stopped craving them. She could work all day in her bakery, making the most deliciously sweet desserts and not even think about eating any of it. Carmella attributed that to God. He was giving her the grace she needed to get to the other side of this disease.

  “What’s Lance so upset about?” Carmella asked.

  “He has been after me about having a baby and it’s just gotten worse since Dontae had his baby.”

  “Joy, that’s wonderful. I’d love to have another grandbaby. When are you going to start trying?”

  “I’m not. That’s why Lance has been so moody. He thinks I’m being selfish.”

  When handling her strong-willed daughter, Carmella tried very hard not to push. Joy would eventually make the right decision. Sometimes it just took her a little longer to see what right looked like. “Do you think you’re being selfish?”

  Joy shook her head. “Absolutely not. I’m being wise about the matter. All Lance can think about is having a house full of kids, but I’m busy building my career. I want to be a judge within the next ten years.”

  “I know you don’t plan to wait ten years before having a child, Joy. Good Lord, you’ve already been married for seven years.”

  “You sound like Lance. All I hear from him is about how long we’ve been married without having kids. He doesn’t even care that having kids will most likely hurt my career.”

  “Is that the only reason you don’t want kids after seven years of marriage? Or is something else bothering you?”

  Before Joy could answer, the door swung open and Renee bounced over to their table. “Hello ladies, I’m glad that both of you are here on time. We have tons to do and only a week left to do it.”

  “Then maybe next time you might try to be on time yourself,” Joy responded.

  “Whatever, I didn’t complain during your wedding preparations when you bossed everyone around like we were your own personal servants. So, just smile sweetly and give me a hug even if I’m a few minutes late for the next few days. Okay, big sis?”

  “You’ve got a deal. And I’m sorry for being a grouch. I was just taking my frustration out on you.” Joy stood and hugged her sister.

  “Okay, you two, let’s get started, “Carmella said as her daughters sat down.

  “Hey, where’s my donuts?” Renee plucked a donut off of Joy’s plate. “I love these things. Can you make some for the rehearsal dinner?”

  “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” Carmella said, trying to tread lightly. She didn’t want to do anything to make Renee’s day feel any less special than Joy’s had been. But she was learning so much, and feeling as if she was causing her family more harm than good. She wanted to start some new traditions and hoped that Renee would allow her to start at the rehearsal dinner. “I was thinking that we would go easy on the sweets and the pasta. I found this recipe for a spaghetti squash baked with cheese. It tastes a lot like the au gratin potatoes that I used to make.”

  “What do you mean, used to make. I thought you were making those potatoes and fried chicken for the dinner.”

  “Hold on.” Carmella got up and rushed to the kitchen. She figured it woul
d be better to show them, than to try to convince them that vegetables could be just as delicious as starchy potatoes. She warmed the plates she had made earlier in the microwave and then took them out to the girls. “Here’s one for you.” She put the plate in front of Renee. “And one for you.” She handed the other plate to Joy.

  “Mmm, this is good. And you’re right, it does taste like au gratin potatoes,” Renee said.

  “This turkey is good, too.”

  Sitting back down, Carmella said. “So, spaghetti squash, turkey and green beans. Does that sound like something you’d be okay with at your rehearsal dinner?”

  “I don’t mind eating light. Jay will probably thank you, especially since it will help me keep my figure... “Well, at least until I have a few kids.”

  “You’ll be able to keep your figure even after you and Jay have children. Just eat right and exercise,” Carmella told her.

  “Is that what you’re doing? Because it looks like you’ve lost some weight,” Joy said.

  “You noticed?” Carmella was grinning from ear to ear as she stood up and turned to the left and then back around. “I’ve lost ten pounds.”

  “Good for you. I’m on board,” Joy said, and then asked, “What’s for dessert?”

  Turning to Renee for approval, Carmella said, “I was thinking that we could do a sugar-free chocolate pudding in a glass that we would fill with whip cream and strawberries.”

  “Sounds yummy. And I bet it will look even better than it will taste,” Renee said.

  “I think we can pretty it up. Don’t you worry. Just leave it to me,” Carmella told her.

  “Okay, what gives, Mom? During my wedding sugar and carbs were flowing like milk and honey. Why are you changing things up for Renee’s wedding?”

  She’d just about had Renee convinced about accepting the lighter fare, but now that Joy had opened her question-everything-mouth, Renee just might change her mind. No matter the outcome, Carmella wasn’t upset with Joy. Her daughter’s personality was what made her an awesome attorney. “The older I get the more I wonder if I’ve made the right decisions in the foods I feed my family. I want you all to live long, happy and healthy lives. So, Ramsey and I have made changes in the way we eat. And I just wanted to share some of that with all of you... It’s all in love.”