Category: Inspirational Publisher: First Run Publishing
ISBN-10: 0982413211
Type: Fiction
Pages: 126
Copyright: May 26, 2009
ISBN-13: 9780982413210
Price: $9.99 (eBook)
To those whom much is given; sometimes too much is asked in return. If you could cure illness with a simple touch, would you? Does your answer change if it's for a family member versus a friend? What about a total stranger? Imagine being faced with this type of dilemma everyday. Zoë has never felt the joy a simple touch can bring.
If you could cure illness with a simple touch, would you? Does your answer change if it’s for a family member versus a friend? What about a total stranger? Imagine being faced with this type of dilemma everyday Zoë has never felt the joy a simple touch can bring. From the moment of her birth, someone else’s touch has always brought her great pain and sorrow. Born a true empathic Zoë must shelter herself from the world around her. Her only wish is to be able to live a normal life and feel the touch of another human without fear or pain. Chased from state to state by a reporter who wants to expose Zoë's abilities to the world as a miracle cure, Zoë and her family must always look over their shoulders never knowing a moments peace. Never knowing true love.
Excerpt
Have you ever meet someone who can remember every detail of their childhood? Well my mother’s friend Carol said she could remember her actual birth. I don’t know how true that is. Carol is … how can I say it gently? Carol is a unique individual. She’s into astrology and all that stuff.
I can only remember bits and pieces of my childhood. I’d like to say my childhood was nothing special. But now, as I look back at my childhood all I can remember is the pain. Not the sort of pain that comes from abuse or falling down a lot. But, the sort of pain that comes from being different from everyone else around you.
I guess if I’m going to tell you my life’s story I’m going to have to start from the beginning. Now like I said before, I don’t remember my birth. But I’ve heard my father tell it so many times, I could swear it was my own memory.
∞∞∞
My parents, Jack and Janet Spellings, have just gotten married almost a year to the date. Mom was in her early twenties. Despite the fact she was about to give birth, she looked radiant. At least she did when dad told the story. Mom was experiencing intense labor pains as a nurse was wheeling her through a crowded hospital hallway. Mom found it hard to concentrate on her breathing exercises as the hospital intercom blazes inaudible phrases over head. Her eyes search through the crowd for dad.
Dad was also in his early twenties. He pushed his way through an ocean of people as he struggled to keep pace with the nurse pushing the wheelchair. Dad says they thought they had at least another week before I would be born.
An over packed overnight bag kept slipping from his shoulder with almost every other step. His mind raced as he tried to recall if he remembered to pack mom’s fuzzy slippers before they left the house. Maybe he should have packed the bag two weeks ago like mom asked him to. But it just all seemed so pointless at the time. Hindsight… go figure. Anyways if I remember the story right mom did a lot of yelling at dad that day.
∞∞∞
“Jack … God!” Janet tries to turn around to look for her husband. “Jack, where are you?”
The nurse gently nudges Janet back into the wheelchair and faces her forward. “He’s right behind you dear. Just hang on; we’re almost to your room.”
Jack is finally able to catch up. He reaches out with his free hand to comfort his wife by touching her shoulder. “I’m right here babe, everything is going to be just fine.”
Janet reaches up and grabs Jack’s hand in what can only be described as some sort of Amazonian construction, steel worker … lumber jack woman death grip. Jack nearly falls to the ground as he struggles to keep pace and balance the overnight bag on his shoulder.
“I need drugs.” The first of many tears roll down Janet’s face. “Tell them I need lots of drugs.”
Jack does his best to comfort her. “It’s going to be alright. I’m here for you. Just remember our breathing exercises.”
“Damnit Jack you breathe, I want drugs!”
They arrive at Janet’s room. The nurse turns the wheelchair so she can back it into the room. The aging nurse pauses for a brief moment to rub her hands. From the expression on her face it was clear she was in intense pain. She slowly reaches out to help Janet onto the bed. “Here we are Mrs. Spellings. Your doctor will be with you in just a moment.”
As Janet attempts to stand to her feet, her legs give out and she drops back into her wheelchair. A contraction hits her. This one is different from the others. Janet instinctively knows something isn’t right. She squeezes Jack’s hand. “Oh my God, it’s coming!”
The unexpected jolt sends Jack to his knees. The overnight bag tumbles to the ground. A tear makes its way down Janet’s already tear stained face as she struggles to do her breathing exercises.
This exceptional book, Celebrating the Gift of Being Alive, has the perfect thoughts and words for birthdays, graduations, engagements, marriages, and any life celebration or family tradition.
This exceptional book, Celebrating the Gift of Being Alive, has the perfect thoughts and words for birthdays, graduations, engagements, marriages, and any life celebration or family tradition.
From the Caribbean Sea to Machu Picchu in Peru, and from birds to flowers and butterflies, Reflections and Treasured Wonders offers a collection of images gathered from around the world.
