UPCOMING BOOKS
You are Love (Inspirational Genre)
Here’s a quick peek into chapter one.
My dance with death began when I was five years old. I was just shy of my fourth birthday when Mom came home from the hospital with a baby boy. My two-year old sister, Lori and I glanced inquisitively into the bassinet. Smitten, I straightway claimed Gary Pete as my very own living doll. He was Mom’s little man, named after my dad, and a baby brother to cuddle and hug.
As natural as a garden party on a warm spring afternoon, Gary slipped into our family life. He clapped while Lori and I danced around the room, then giggled as we tickled his toes. When Daddy returned from his day at the university, he’d kiss Mom, then lovingly squeeze my sister and me while he scanned the room for his new pride and joy.
Before long Gary learned to crawl. I’d join him on all fours in a scuttle train, forging tunnels beneath the kitchen table and chairs. I’d make silly faces, and he’e wrinkle up his nose, then we’d both collapse in laughter on the floor. My little brother was my favorite pastime. . . .
Then without warning those Shangri-La days ended. Like a punch to the gut I was blindsided by life. A sudden illness took Gary’s life. . . .
Inky somberness engulfed me as I inched my way past the dark wood doors of the sanctuary. I squinted in the foggy stillness to make sense of my surroundings. Adults in suits and dresses moved about in exaggerated slow motion. I saw rows of empty chairs and long heavy drapes. As solemn music filled the room, I bade my lungs to fill as fear’s long fingers cinched around my trembling neck. My young mind scanned the surroundings, trying to make sense of this foreign scene. Near the front I spotted something blue. Eyes fixated on Gary’s small casket, I grabbed my daddy’s hand, clutching tightly for support. Slowly I walked down the aisle, my father by my side. . . .
Mourners mingled. Hushed voices spoke inaudible words. Occasionally their lowered eyes glanced my way in a sympathetic stare. I wanted to disappear. So many unanswered questions spun in my head.
Mom and Dad told me, “Gary is in a better place. He’s happy and living with God.”
My brother was gone.
They’re going to bury him in the ground!
How can that be all right?
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