Love the Wounded

Contents

Reviews for the Wounded Trilogy

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Epilogue

LOVE THE WOUNDED

Copyright © 2012 Lynn Dove

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, me¬ch-anical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without prior permission from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resembl¬ance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

EPUB Version ISBN: 978-1-77069-721-8

Word Alive Press

131 Cordite Road, Winnipeg, MB R3W 1S1

www.wordalivepress.ca

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Dove, Lynn

Love the wounded / Lynn Dove.

ISBN 978-1-77069-587-0

I. Title.

PS8607.O9855L69 2012 C813’.6 C2012-903254-9

Dedicated to my one true love,

Charles.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

—Proverbs 16:9

Acknowledgements

There are no words to adequately express gratitude at a time like this. Once again, I look at how much my family has sacrificed to see Love the Wounded come to print. Special thanks must go to my number one fan, my husband Charles. If it weren’t for your constant support and encouragement to stay the course, The Wounded Trilogy might never have been written. I love you so much! Thanks for believing in the message and ministry of these books!

To my precious children—Laurelle (Matt), Brett, and Carmen. I love you all so very, very much. Thanks for being so understanding and patient with me while I wrote for hours, days, weeks, and months on end. You were as determined as your father to help me stay the course and I can’t thank you enough for loving me through this whole journey.

In the middle of writing this book, we welcomed a new addition to our family, my first grandbaby. You were a bit of a distraction for Grandma, sweet Jaxon. A welcome distraction to be sure, but there were days when I didn’t want to write (or do anything else) because all I wanted to do was hug on you. I’m already counting down the days when I can hug on you some more!

Certainly there are a lot of dear friends and family who have been so supportive of me throughout my writing journey: in particular my mentor, Connie Cavanaugh; cover artist and friend, Caleb Booth; smile-provider and head cheerleader, Elaine Phillips (and husband Robin, thanks for the photo shoot!); and my entire Bow Valley Baptist Church family.

Special thanks also go out to a choice few who always knew the right thing to say, at exactly the right time when I needed

encouragement: Serge Roy; Charles and Etta Dove; Shirley, Peter, and Vicki McGowan; Jack Jorgensen; Brenda, Jeff, Breann, and Hayley Ryan; Gracie Watson; Margaret and Kristie Abbott; Marilyn Maclean; Moneen Wuthrich; Paul and Marylyn Nelson; D.K. and Brenda Hale; Frankie and Sue Rainey; and Dwight Huffman. Blessings to you all!

The Wounded Trilogy has focused on some powerful topics, such as bullying, teen pregnancy, and cancer. I would be remiss if I didn’t draw special attention to the following websites:

Bullying: www.bullying.org

Canadian Association of Pregnancy Support Services: http://www.capss.com/

The Terry Fox Foundation: https://www.terryfox.org/

The Gospel Acrostic: http://www.dare2share.org/gospeljourney/

Lastly, I end as I began, by praising God. Again I say that if any accolades come to me through the writing of this story, all praise will be His; all Glory will rightly go to Him.

I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

—Psalm 31:7

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

—Psalm 147:3

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

—John 15:12–13



Chapter 1

Leigh didn’t know how long she stood in the middle of the street watching Jake drive away. She had seen the hurt in Jake’s eyes. She knew she had betrayed him. The look he’d flashed at her as he drove past now haunted her. Jake had witnessed the kiss between her and Dylan and she could only imagine the pain she had caused Jake in that moment. What had she expected?

She barely noticed Dylan come to her side, but when she glanced up at him with tears of shame coursing down her cheeks, she recognized the same shattered expression she had seen in Jake’s face now evident in Dylan’s. She had betrayed him, too. She couldn’t hide how she felt about Jake from Dylan, either. How could she love them both? And yet she did.

I don’t know what to do! Leigh bawled.

Dylan reached an arm around her, but she shrugged it away. She couldn’t bear his touch. Throwing down the bouquet of roses he held at her feet, Dylan stalked to the Ford Escape and slid behind the wheel. Without a word, he gunned the engine and made a U-turn

in front of her and sped after Jake. Leigh watched him drive off and feared she had lost them both.

  

Tim glared at Dr. Radcliffe and crossed his arms tightly across his chest. His parents sat quietly across the room and watched uncomfortably. Dr. Radcliffe looked professional in her blue blazer and skirt, her clipboard resting on her lap. She waited patiently for Tim to respond but so far he had remained silent, refusing to answer any of her questions.

Why do my parents have to be here? Tim thought. It’s bad enough having to talk about this stuff with some stupid doctor. I don’t want to tell her anything. I sure don’t want to talk to her in front of my parents!

Tim’s mother, Dot, cleared her throat nervously and tried to encourage her son. Now, Tim, Dr. Radcliffe is just trying to find out what may be bothering you enough to… She stumbled over the words and cleared her throat again. …cut yourself.

Tim flashed his mother a dark, angry look. I don’t know why I cut myself. There. I just cut myself, that’s all. Now can I go home?

Dr. Radcliffe held up her hand and focused all her attention on Tim. She knew by experience that the first session with a new patient was always tense and awkward. She had a way around it.

Tim, we’re not here today to talk about your cutting. I’ve only asked you simple questions about where you go to school, what classes you like, what sports or hobbies you have…? I haven’t asked you any questions that may be thought of as overly personal, intimidating, or threatening, have I?

Tim grunted.

I just want to find out some of your likes and dislikes, she continued. I want to get to know you and your parents a bit better and I want you to get to know me better. She turned and spoke directly to Dot and Will Webber. I want to build a trust relationship with you and with your son. I know that my clients won’t talk to me unless they feel they’re in a safe and caring environment. They won’t know that unless they know a little bit about me and I know a little bit about them. She faced Tim again and smiled widely. "I

hear that you’ve made a new friend in the hospital. Tell me about her."

Tim immediately grinned when he thought about little Cassidy. Dr. Radcliffe caught the hint of a smile on Tim’s face and watched how he relaxed his posture. He wasn’t the first patient over the past year to react similarly when she asked about Cassidy. Dr. Radcliffe lifted a silent prayer of thanks to God. Cassidy was certainly one of God’s special angels on earth.

  

Maggie winced as Dr. Lafabre checked her mastectomy incision. Nurse June hovered over Maggie, winking at her for encouragement. When the doctor finished the examination, June expertly applied new dressings while the doctor spoke to Maggie.

Mrs. Taylor, everything is healing nicely. I think you can go home Saturday!

That’s wonderful, Doctor! Maggie beamed up at him, but then grew serious. When will I start chemo?

I have you scheduled for four rounds of chemotherapy starting a month from now. We’ll be giving you a lot of literature to look over before your first treatment and you’ll need to meet with another oncologist to see you through those treatments. Of course, I’ll stay posted on your progress throughout the procedures. For now I want you to go home, get lots of rest, and build up your strength.

Maggie grasped Dr. Lafabre’s hand. Thank you, Doctor. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me.

Dr. Lafabre blushed and self-consciously removed his glasses, pretending to wipe some dirt from the lenses using the hem of his lab coat. You have been a model patient, Mrs. Taylor.

Maggie flushed red, embarrassed by the compliment. I don’t know about that, Dr. Lafabre, but I pray now that God will give me strength for the next part of this journey. I will admit that I’m afraid of chemo treatments. I hope He gives me peace about having to go through that.

Dr. Lafabre patted Maggie’s hand. I have no doubt that you can do all things through Christ Who strengthens you.

Both Maggie and June gasped and Dr. Lafabre looked slightly amused. Mrs. Taylor, ever since you and your family prayed for me before I operated on you Monday, I’ve been curious about this God your family prays to. I had to borrow a Bible from a colleague, but I’ve been reading it every night before going to bed and… well… Dr. Lafabre’s eyes twinkled at Maggie. I read that verse in Philly…Phil…

Philippians, Maggie prompted.

Yes, Philippians… thank you, and I memorized that one verse. It’s a good one.

Maggie’s eyes glistened with tears. Philippians 4:13. It’s my son’s life verse and one of my favorites.

Dr. Lafabre grinned and patted her hand again. I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a good day and we’ll get you ready to go home on Saturday.

Nurse June watched wide-eyed and open-mouthed as Dr. Lafabre left Maggie’s bedside, making his way down the hall. June grabbed Maggie’s hand excitedly. God is good!

Maggie squeezed June’s hand in return. All the time!

The two women giggled like teenagers.

  

Mike glanced sideways at Jake, who sat beside him in the passenger seat of the car. Jake stared straight ahead, silent and brooding, a dark expression on his face. Mike had never seen that look on Jake’s face before and it worried him.

How could Leigh have betrayed Jake like that? Two weeks ago, Leigh and Jake had been the couple at school. Jake had even confided to Mike that Leigh might be the girl he’d one day marry. Now, two weeks later, they were barely broken up before Leigh was kissing another guy.

Mike involuntarily shook his head and grunted out loud in disgust. Without realizing what he was doing, Mike beat the steering wheel once with the palm of his right hand.

First my dad, now Leigh… is there no one left to trust in this world? Mike hissed under his breath.

Jake turned. Hot tears welled up in his eyes. Don’t, Mike, he said weakly.

Don’t what, Jake?

Don’t stop trusting people. Don’t stop believing.

Mike glared incredulously at Jake. How could you, of all people, say that? What’s this year been like for you? Jake blanched, but Mike continued relentlessly. First one of your best friends, Ronnie, dies. Dies in childbirth, no less! Then you lose the student council elections, your mom gets diagnosed with breast cancer, your girlfriend breaks up with you, and now you see her messing with another guy! How long after your break up? Yeah… less than two weeks! Talk about a kick in the teeth.

Jake got defensive. "Yeah, well, Mike, if my life sucks so much, how about yours? Ronnie was your friend, too, remember? I remember how it tore you up when you heard that her baby would be moving with his adoptive parents to Ontario in a few months. You took a real shine to the little guy, didn’t you? All of us did! Neither one of us will be happy to say goodbye to little David! But I guess what really has you thrown right now is the fact that your dad just got an impaired driving charge and your mom told you this wasn’t the first time. Am I right? Jake could tell he had hit a nerve. It’s just that the last time he drove drunk, when you were too little to remember, he slammed into another car and killed two people. This time Mike blanched, but Jake refused to back down. Yeah, it sucks! Sometimes life sucks! What can I say?"

Mike’s fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, "What can you say, Jake? What can you say? Tell me that God is in control of all this crap! You said to me once that God has a plan and a purpose for us. What’s His plan here, Jake? Was this His plan for us? Was it His plan to let Ronnie die? Was it His plan to let my dad get behind the wheel of a car, knowing he was drunk, to crash into another car so that two innocent people, a father and his little girl, would die? Was it just their time to die? What good has come out of that, Jake? Tell me, I want to know!"

Jake was silent.

Yeah, that’s what I thought. Mike’s eyes started to water. Jake, if this is what life is like for us Christians, I’m not sure I want any more of it. I was blissfully ignorant before, but now I just feel like God is this cosmic killjoy who plays with us like chess pieces on a game board. Is that how He gets His kicks, Jake? One minute everything is going just great, and then the next everything gets messed up. Is that His plan for us, Jake? Well, is it?

For half a year, Jake had asked much the same things of God as Mike was now asking. He wasn’t sure he had all the answers, but he knew that abandoning God was the worst thing he could do now. God wasn’t to blame for the harsh circumstances of his life. He knew that. God only wanted what was best for His children, His creation. All the cruel realities of life—illness, pain, death—they were the result of the fallen nature of man. His father called it the reality of living in a fallen world rather than in the perfect paradise God originally planned for man in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve chose to ignore God’s warnings and allowed sin into the world because of their disobedience, sin was let loose. A rift, a separation, was caused between man and God that could only be bridged through man believing in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

Jake had grown up hearing that the only way to God the Father was through Jesus Christ. He had been wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. Jake had memorized the scripture well, but he hadn’t just memorized the scriptures; he believed them with all his heart! God wasn’t a cosmic killjoy as Mike called Him. God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believed in Him could have everlasting life! Jake’s parents had taught him to trust God in all circumstances, good or bad, and he wasn’t going to stop trusting God now when things were going badly.

Jake brushed an errant tear from his cheek. Sorry, man, he said meekly.

Sorry for what? Mike asked.

I’m sorry that I brought up all that stuff about your dad. I don’t want you to stop trusting God. I look at what my mom is going through with her cancer right now. She doesn’t feel sorry for herself and she sure doesn’t blame God. She says she doesn’t know how she can get through cancer without God in her life. He gives her peace and reminds her that He loves her. She can trust Him in every circumstance. I’m amazed by her strength as she claims every promise she knows to be true about God. Jake chuckled in spite of himself. I’ve seen her stub her toe. she howls like a coyote! Mom would be the first one to admit that she’s the worst wimp when it comes to pain, yet only hours after her mastectomy on Monday she was sitting up, even laughing! That’s got to be a God-thing!

Mike frowned. "Jake, I just don’t get why bad things happen to good people. I don’t get it! I figure if Dad gets thrown in jail this time, he sort of deserves it. He brought this on himself, but what about that man and his daughter? Did they deserve to die? They were innocent. Dad slammed his car into them because he was drunk. He deserved to die that day, not them."

Jake pondered Mike’s words before answering quietly. "Mike, no one deserves to die. God loves everyone equally… yeah, even criminals and thieves and murderers. My dad said that we don’t understand that kind of love. We tend to think in degrees of love. We think some people are more deserving of love than others. That’s why we don’t understand God’s love. When Jesus died on the cross, He not only died for the righteous but also the unrighteous. Dying for His friends or His family, yeah, that’s sort of something we can understand, but dying for those who hated and despised Him? That’s miraculous. We don’t understand that."

Mike’s eyes clouded with tears. It’s us then, isn’t it, Jake? We’re the ones who reject Him. He doesn’t reject us, we reject Him. He loves us even when we don’t deserve to be loved. Yeah, you’re right. I don’t understand that kind of love.

The boys were silent for a long while, each lost in their own thoughts.

Jake, where are we going? Mike asked.

Jake grinned. Is that another philosophical question?

Nahhhh. I just want to know where we should drive to. I mean, I’m sort of driving around aimlessly here.

Jake pointed to the road. Let’s go up to Clearwater Lake. I just need a couple of hours to get my head together, to figure out what I’m going to do about Leigh. Then we’ll go home. You okay with that?

Sure, no problem.

Mike glanced at his rearview mirror and scowled. Jake caught the look and glanced over his shoulder. He caught a glimpse of a red car following behind them.

Do you think that’s Leigh and her new boyfriend? Mike asked tactlessly.

Jake grimaced. Why?

Yeah, why? Mike peeked at his mirror again. He focused again on the road in front of him but pressed the accelerator

purposefully. Whoever was following them would have a hard time keeping up with his muscle car if he wanted to lose them. Jake needed a little more time before he faced Leigh.

Mike decided he’d put a little more distance between cars and sped up a bit more.

Thirty kilometres later, Mike turned onto the back road leading towards Clearwater Lake. Muddy and rutted, the road was used sparingly in the winter. The recent Chinook had melted most of the snow from off the road, but wherever the trees hung over the pavement, blocking the sun, there were still icy patches and drifts of snow in the ditches. From the look of the road and lack of tire tracks, no one had been this way for quite a while.

Mike slowed down slightly, thinking that if they got stuck here, it would be a very long and cold walk back to the main road. Even then, few people drove up to Clearwater Lake in the winter. It could be days before someone drove by.

Mike checked his mirror again. The red car had stayed back, unable to match Mike’s speed. If it was just a random red car, it would drive past and take the more travelled route to the town of Clearwater. If it was following them, he would know soon enough.

Jake seemed to sense what Mike was thinking and turned in his seat to see if the red car had made the turn after them. Mike slowed down so they were barely rolling ahead but immediately stepped on the gas, spinning the tires and throwing mud, snow, and gravel to the side when the red Ford Escape made the turn towards them.

It’s him! Mike yelled.

Mike, slow down! We should stop and see what he wants.

Why? We can outrun him! Mike swerved around a pothole without slowing down.

Jake grabbed the dashboard in reaction to the car’s side-to-side motion. Outrun him? Why? I have to face him sooner or later.

Mike glared at Jake. I can lose him easy, Jake.

Jake noticed that the Ford Escape was slowing down considerably to avoid the mud and potholes. Perhaps if they put more distance between them, the red car would just turn around and give up. Jake sighed. He knew he would have to confront Leigh eventually, but he wasn’t ready to face her yet. He certainly wasn’t ready to meet her new boyfriend. He just needed a few hours to think. He turned to Mike and nodded.

Mike grinned and stepped on the gas again. His Plymouth Roadrunner was finally going to live up to its name! Dodging potholes expertly, Mike swerved from one side of the road to the other. They were definitely outdistancing the red car, but still it continued to follow. Mike glanced into the rearview mirror and in that instance a white-tailed deer leaped across the road in front of his car. Mike saw the animal too late and the passenger side bumper clipped the deer’s front quarters with a sickening thud. The animal launched up and over the hood, into the front windshield. With glass fragments raining in on them, Mike had no time to react before he felt the car lurch and flip.

Dylan watched the car in front of him flip twice across the road before it landed in the ditch, driver-side-down. All he could think to himself was, No one could survive that!



Chapter 2

Leigh picked up the flowers at her feet. They seemed withered and sick now after Dylan had thrown them down in the street. They looked