Chapter 1

Faith woke up smiling. She looked to the glowing numbers on her alarm clock. Three A.M.. It wasn't a nightmare but it was the strangest feeling for Faith. She had definatley had more than her fair share of nightmares, sleep walking episodes, Insomnia, etc. Since she was a child she never had an entire nights sleep. Growing up her sister and mom had told her stories of her escapades during the night.

Harmless things. Finding her in the basement on several occasions her mother had told her when she grew up.

"You were not old enough to walk. I have no idea how you made it to the basement at two in the morning without breaking your neck. I always found you in the back room. Always that one room. I couldn't chain you in bed that would have been abuse, but after the first time I found you gone the idea had crossed my mind. You would have had to roll down all those basement stairs. After the first time and the second, when you went missing at that age I knew where you were. Always scared me." Her mom had told her this story several times with amusement but also with genuine parent horror.

Faith had heard this story several times. Now that she was an adult she didn't want to tell her mom she did remember rolling down the basement stairs to follow another child to that room. She still remembered the image of the little red headed child her age. She remebered playing, and singing, and talking. It was a vision. But a live ineractive one. Looking back now that little child was a mystery. She never told anyone. The little girl was definately not an imaginary friend. As she grew up she realized she seen things others didn't. She could hear things others didn't. At times her family and friends thought she was crazy when they would sneak up on her having a full conversation with a wall. In middle school she didn't have bully's, or enemies, but she was different if spoken by another peer who didn't know her very well. She never took it personally, but she did learn to hold her tongue. She didn't want others to think she was needing therapy to cure some type of mental illness.


Chapter 2

She just dealt with her gift. Her close friends and family knew she was special. One example. She had known her dad had some type of illness when she was ten. She actually had physical problems herself first. She was weak, and tired all the time. She had grown very thin although she ate all her food on her plate during meals. Her mom had took her to the Dr. and the Dr. had shook his head in puzzlement.

"Blood tests and all other tests had all come back normal. Maybe it is just a growth spur. Maybe puberty was the answer." The Dr. had said outside the examining room. She had been embarrased but she really had felt sick. And weight loss was evident.

It was after she remembered growing more tired when she was around her dad. She could actually see a bright white shadow encircle her fathers figure when she was near him. She had told her mom this but her mom looked at her with a skeptical eye. Dismissing a ten year olds imagination she had assumed at the time.

One morning she sat eating breakfest with her dad. She noticed he was not really eating his biscuits and gravy my mom had made. He was just moving it around on his plate. The white glow she seen had turn a light shade of yellow.

"Dad you okay?" she had asked while sitting at the table
"Yes of cource, why do you ask?" he had replied.
"Because you aren't eating." I replied
"Oh that, I ate early before I had come in from work. Guess I am just still full from that."

I seen my mom look at me out of the corner of her eye and hadn't said a word. I remembered thinking doesn't she see he isn't eating?

Later that same day we were eating chicken soup when the telephone rang. My mom answered the phone, spoke to the caller, and begun to cry and handed my dad the phone. My dad took the phone into the other room spoke in a whiser so we couldn't overhear and hung the phone back up. He walked over to my mom and tried to console her sniffle cries. The results had been Thyroid Cancer. My dad had went through intensive radiation, and had his thyroid removed. Remission took time but he had survived. I began to get better when dad did. Still everyone thought for me it was a puberty thing.

Last year I myself had become very ill. The doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong. I lost wieght, and could barely funtion. I was sure I would die before they found out what it was. I had went to visit my mom on her birthday. And it was then I knew. My dad had that yellow glow around him again.

"Dad you feeling okay?" I had pulled him aside to ask this.
"Sure why?"
That was my dad. Never to complain. He was always quiet and a gentle man. Neve to let on when anything was wrong.

One month later my dad was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer. Nothing they could do. It was the worst thing to sit with my mom and dad when they had told him this news. I held strong. I held my breath during the rest of that appointment. My mom had held strong also. I don't know how we held that strong for dad.

Two months after my dad ended up in hospice. He didn't want recitation. I was there everyday. Four days had gone by and he had the darkest yellow shadow around his from of his body as he lay in bed. The hospice nurses sat us down and said he was a 2. I asked what a 2 was.

"We do a scale to 5 here. 5 being grave. Today right now at this moment he is a 2. But at anytime he could go worse. I've seen it happen several times." The nurse explained this to me and my mom and other family and friends. I had to run out of the room to not break down in front of everyone. I had to look and stay strong. On my way back in the nurse stopped me.

"You okay? I know this is hard. I speak to you most because you seem to be strong even though I know this is a very hard thing to go through. I understand I lost my dad also recently."

"Thank you. I'm sorry I had to leave. I didn't want to break down in front of everyone."

"you know he could go home tomorow. He is doing quite well and he says he wants to go home."

"Really did you tell my mom?"

"Yes I did. But I tell you what. If he changes at anytime I will call you. I have your number."

"Thanks." was all I could say. My heart was telling me something and better wasn't what it was telling me.

I had told my dad I loved him and would see him the next day. He told me he loved me to. A very bright white light surrounded his entire body frameas as he lay thin and fragile in his bed.

I walked out of his room. Thinking maybe my heart is wrong. A miracle may happen.

That night I didn't sleep. I had major anxiety, At times I couldn't breathe.

My cell phone rang at seven in the morning.

"Hello?"

"Hello?" I asked.

"Is this Faith?" a women asked.

"Yes.."

"This is judy from Hospice... I spoke to you yesterday... Your dad is worse today. I don't think he is going home tommorow."

"Did you call my mom?"

"No.."

"Why?

"Well your mom is hard of hearing and I didn't want to sound like I was screaming this over the phone line."

"I'll be right there."

I called my mom immediately. On our way I had repeatedly told my mom why she hadn't called her, Judy's reasons.. My mom didn't understand but I think I did. When I was around strangers they always picked up quickly with me. I was a good listener, but I always felt I pulled there energy into mine and that is why in time like this I was called but not my mom. My mom felt hurt they hadn't called her but I had to dismiss it and think "Lets just get there. I don't think there is much time"

Dad lay in his bed when we walked in and was sleeping. The glow around him had become even brighter. I ran to the bathroom and threw up. I had the worst headache, the worst nausea, and my breathing had come to uncontolled I begged a nurse to get me a brown bag to breathe in. My emotions were in a tight tangle.

When I got my bearings, I walked back to my dads room.

"He's gone..." my sister stood beside my mom.

"What?"

I was afraid to move, blink, or even breath. My dad was on his back. Mouth open. I looked to his chest. Not moving. Dad breathe I thought. This isn't happening.He looked like he was in a deep sleep.

Not a sound sitrred in the room. There was no white glow, yellow glow, blue glow...nothing around his body.

It was then I nealt at his feet and prayed and cried silently.

I have never forgiven myself for not being in the room when he left this earth. I was too busy hyperventilating in a bathroom. But I look back and know it was him leaving and my emotions were in turmoil.

He went peaceful a nurse had came to my side and whispered.

From that day on I told myself he is my guardian angel watching over me, and decided then and there I would talk to him everyday even if I didn't see him. I knew he would be around.


Chapter 3

Faith had went through the day smiling still to herself but it was driving her crazy to not know why.

"Dad... did you tell me a joke while I slept last night?"

There were no signs that he was there.

"Wish I knew why I was so happy today." She said aloud to nobody.

Faith lived in an efficency apartment. It was enough for her. She worked from home. She made crafts and had her own website. She sold her Quilts, Jewerly, knits online. She couldn't believe it had paid the bills and she had quite a savings account tucked away.

The last year had been difficult. She had been married once but it had ended almost as quickly as it has started. An abusive husband, a miscarriage... she had gotten out and never looked back. She was still afraid to go out often. She felt she was always looking over her shoulder. There was always a fear. Her friend Christina had told her once.

"it's amazing you see things, and hear things, and just know things that to me would scare me... but you aren't afraid of that"

Faith loved Christina but she would never understand. Her gift was something she lived with and really no one understood it. So Faith would often see things When Christina was around but had learn to not point it out. Faith had learned to keep it held in around people.

And Christina was happily married with children. A miscarriage and a divorce she didn't know about either. Faith learned sometimes you had to live it to understand it. But she still loved her friend Christina even though there was a barrier they would never have in common.

Chapter 4

Faith woke up covered in sweat the next night. The alarm clock registered 3 A.M.... She had trouble breathing and slowly got out of bed and went to the bathroom. The room spun and instantly she threw up in the commode. She flushed the commode and grabbed the hand towel that hung on the towel rack.

She controlled her breathing. Her heart was racing and black dots were everywhere she looked.

Faith wondered what was going on. Last night it had been something that made her smile, now it was something that mad her feel very ill. She stood and went to the sink to wash up. She washed her face and brushed her teeth. The nausea was still there. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. The black dots had left her sight. But there was a golden glow around her figure. She took her fingers and rubbed her eyes. Looked again and it was still there.

She suddenly turned when she heard a childs giggle.

Am I dreaming? Did I just hear that?

"Mommy..."

Faith heard the words clearly.

What was going on. Was she sleep walking?

Another giggle made her turn and rush back to her room. She threw herself onto the bed. She looked around. Nothing. She sat up in bed until sleep overcame her.

She starled awake to the sound of her cell phone. She looked at the clock. Eleven A.M.

"Hello?"

"Hey you don't sound so good... Were you sleeping at this hour?"

"Hey Christina. Yeah I was sleeping in for a change."

"Well you want to go to the market today? Thought I could swing by and pick you up?"

The market. Faith felt weak and shaky but knew the Market could make her feel better.

"Can you give me a half hour?"

"Sure thing. I'll bring you some cocoa. It's a crisp cool day. Autumn has arrived."

"Thanks."

Chapter 5

The market was crowded.

"Thank Christina for the offer... I love this place."

"Your welcome... Hey you feel okay? You look like you don't"

"Well thanks... I look pretty crappy huh?"

Catherine eyeballed her.

"Dreams again?"

"Naw, I just stayed up too late. Just sleep dprived today that's all."

Christina still looked at her.

"Hey look at that quilt isn't it beuatiful?"

Faith had meant to end the conversation. But once she really got a look at the quilt she couldn't believe her eyes. Someone really had put some time into this quilt. There were pale blue patches mixed with white. shapes had been sewed into the patches. There were clouds, and crosses, and praying hands....

"O my... is that a little boy and jesus?"

Christina took a step closer.

"Yes... wow this one took some time."

Faith looked at the white tag to see how much it cost. One hundred and fifty dollars.

"Wow look at the price." Catherine replied.

Faith stood there mesmerized by it.

"It's beautiful..."

The vendor walked over.

"Can I help you?"

"Did you make this?"

"Yes."

"You did a beautiful job. This took some time."

"Did you see the back?"

Faith lifted the quilt from its rack and swung it open. The back had little boy hand prints.

"Wow! How did you do that?"

"Well I have a special machine that helps me along. This one was a special order that was never picked up. I can give you a discount if you really like it."

Faith had to have it.

She walked out of the market smiling. She hadn't felt this good in ahilw and she had no idea why?

"Earth to Faith.."

"Oh sorry."

"You seem so mesmerized by that quilt. I personally think you could make something like that. You've made batter..."

Faith was so into the quilt she hadn't hardley heard the compliment.

"Thanks." Faith answered quickly.

Christine was driving and looked at Faith out of the corner of her eye.

Something was up and she couldn't put her finger on it.


Chapter 6

Christine had dropped Faith off two hours ago and Faith still was examining the quilt.

She looked closer on the back. There were seven sets of handprints. Each set got larger and larger. Then she noticed a very small describtion sewed into the fabric. She held the quilt to her eyes and read.

To Mommy, Love Robbie...

Faith thought that was a shame. Some mother hadn't gotten her quilt that was ordered for her from her son.

A loud giggle came out of nowhere.

Faith jumped, still clinging to the quilt.

"Mommy?" a childs voice asked.

Faith froze. The hairs standing on edge.

Sometimes she heard sounds, seen shapes, seen oras....But never heard a child speak since the friend she played with in her basement adventures as a child herself.

A wave of nausea rushed through Faith. She laid down on the bed hopeing it would subside.

Faith feel into a deep sleep.

Chapter 7

Faith had slept soundly all night. She awoke the next morning with the quilt wrapped around her. Nice and cozy.

She had slept until noon. She rushed from the bed. She needed to get working on her website. She was sure there were orders placed she needed to ship.

As she rose from the bed everything became a blur. The room spun, she feel to her knees.

Her breathing was shallow. She knew she was coing to pass out. But before she did, she heard the sound of two little feet running towards her. "

"Mommy?... Mommy?"

Those words spoken, everything turned black.


Chapter 8

Faith Dreamed of a little boy.

She laughed, and played cars with him... he kept rolling toy trucks on a whilte pilllowy surface. The boy had dark hair, and very familiar hazel eyes...

The boy suddenly stopped playing.

"Here comes Grandpa.."

The little boy jumped up and down.

Everything was white around her. She was sitting on a soft white pillow of some kind. She seen The little boy running away from her to a larger figure. The figure hugged the boy and took the larger figures hand.

Faith heard a familiar voice. Everything seem to echo a little and it was hard to concentrate. The boy and the figure walked towards Faith. She heard voices but still couldn't make them out.

As the small boy got closer she began to make out the shadows.

"Faith... "

Suddenly she rememberd that voice.

"DAD?"

Faith tried to scramble to her feet as fast as she could.

When she got on her feet the little boy and her dad stood before her.

Faith begun to cry from happiness. She had never in her life been so overwhelmed.

"Dad... Can I ...

Her dad came rushing to her and hugged her and kissed her.

"DAD is this real? am I dreaming?, or am I..."

"No you are asleep. God has made it possible for me to see you again. I have something to tell you. And I asked God to bring you to me to tell you."

Faith stood speechless.

"You see this little boy?"

Faith nodded...

This is my grandon Robbie. Your Son.

Faith was condfused. I haven't had children.

"Yes you have a child. Seven years ago you miscarried. I didn't find out till I came to heaven. Robbie was here to meet me."

Faith begun to cry...

"So I have a little boy here in heaven? This is heaven?"

"Yes this is your soon. God named him. It seems he has had angels taking care of him here. Then I came and know I take care of him. You know he has my eyes..' My dad winked his arm around my son.

"So it has been Robbie visiting me?"

"yes he and I."

"Robbie was so excited he just couldn't hold back... His has a strong spirit"

"Say hello to your mommy Robbie""

Robbie came running towards me with open arms for a hug.

I held him close, I smelled him. He smelled of lavender and jasmine.

"Dad can I stay?"

"Faith it isn't your time."

Faith begun to cry.

"God gave us three a gift. This is a blessing for you. You have lived a hard life, a life I never knew. You held back so much from me to not hurt me. You were there for me in my difficult times."

Faith swiped the tears and stared from robbie to her dad, trying to imprint this vision inside her brain. She never wanted it to leave.

"Faith I Love you more than you will ever know. You still have a life to live on earth. But we must leave soon..."

Faith almost seen sadness in her dad's eyes. Robbie clung to her.

"Dad I love you and miss you so much."

Then she turned to Robbie.

"Robbie I love you too. I am so thankful to have been able to know you are here in heaven with your grandpa."

"I Love my grandpa. He plays with me, and we talk, and walk, and look down on you and grandma..."

Suddenly her dad came forward.

"Faith we must go now. We will be watching over you. Remember. This was a gift and a blessing that God made possible. miracles do happen. Robbie say goodbye for now..."

"Goodbye Mommy."

Faith began to weep again overwhelming joy...

Her dad came over to her and hugged as hard as he could as did Faith. Fatih didn't want to go. She held Robbie and her dad in one big embrace...

"Thank you Dad, I will cherish this gift until the day I die..."

"Remember Faith, Always live the best you can. Do unto others as you would do unto yourself."

She kissed her dad and her son then.

Her dad and Robbie started walking away slowly hand in hand.

"I Love you Both!!!!"

Faith wanted to run after them. She actually tried. Her dad stopped and turned and waved goodbye...

Things started to swirl. The whiteness turned dark.

"Faith..... Faith...."

She felt her body being shook. She opened her eyes... Christine was syanding over her.

"Your neighbor downstairs called me. She said she heard a loud boom and came up to knock and didn't get and answer. She knew I had a key, I came right over."

Faith sat up slowly.

"Faith did you faint or something?"

A boys giggle was clarly heard through the room.

"What was that noise?" Christine asked.

Faith smiled the biggest smile she had ever given.

"Chrstine can you help me to my bed?"

"you think that is a good idea? I was on the verge of calling a life squad."

"Help me will you. I'm fine."

Christine helped her to the bed. Faith layed down and tugged the quilt to her. holding it as tightly as she could. Handprints. Seven sets. Probably one for each year.

"Thanks Christine for coming. Your the best."

"Your very welcome. I think I will stay with you for awhile to make sure you are okay."

"I assure you I am more than okay."

Faith layed down and closed her eyes. Remebering the visons of her dad and Robbie. Overwhelmed again she began to cry.

Christine sat down on her bed and hugged her.

Impressum

Texte: Terri Collins
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 28.07.2012

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