The Guardian Protection League

By Barbara Butterfield

Walking away from problems is one thing, walking away from ones personal relationship with Jesus Christ is something else, and thats just the path Sarah chooses to takewillful disobedience to God. Its this path that leads her life on a frustrating, sorrowful downward spiral. Journey with Sarah as she discovers that decisions one makes in life can also have a devastating effect on others. Learn with her that obedience to the will of God is always the best path anyone can ever take. Above all, discover with Sarah that Jesus is always with you in every storm and every calm.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503575929

Barbara Butterfield

Ms. Butterfield is California born and raised, and currently resides in a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona…where she lives with her favorite feline friend: Baybee. Integrity, suspense, camaraderie, romance, and personal growth are all values that play a vital role in her novels. More importantly, the gospel and spiritual growth are also an aspect of life into which she delves. Ms. Butterfield has written for many years; her first novel having been penned at the age of fourteen. She also studied writing and journalism, becoming the Editor-In-Chief of the school’s newspaper. She is currently working on her 60th novel.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Their deaths had seemed an untimely occurrence.

The auto accident where young, seventeen-year-old Julio Martinez broadsided the vehicle driven by twenty-four-year-old Tony DeFrancisco… killing them both, left the two families to mourn the sudden deaths of the two young men. Antonio had been the youngest child of Marco and Gina DeFrancisco, while Julio had been the first-born son of Hector and Maria Martinez.

* * *

Julio waited alone in the room. Measuring merely 20’ x 20’ square, the room was entirely decorated in white, and there was not an ounce of color anywhere to be seen in there.

Julio sat there, slouched down on the over-stuffed couch, picking at his fingernails and snapping his now tasteless bubble gum. It had been a fresh piece only a few moments ago, but suddenly all of the flavor was gone. He pulled the wad out of his mouth and glanced at the ball of white goo, silently wondering why it was now… white, and not the bright pink it had been only moments before. He shrugged, and sighing… Julio simply popped the gum back into his mouth.

He had been on his way to a job interview… at his parents’ insistence, as a bagger for a nearby Value Hound grocery store. His fellow dropouts were on the street, dealing drugs and living large, and yet his old man wanted him to work for his living and figured that the Value Hound was a good place to start.

Yeah right, Julio snickered as he put a finger to his lips, his teeth gnawing at a ragged hangnail that he found there. Then he tried using the tip of a ballpoint pen to clean the axle grease out from underneath his nails, and though the black was removed, it was replaced by blue. What the hell, Julio chuckled, oh well, it looks better than black.

Did you say… hell? He heard someone ask, though glancing about the small room he didn’t see anyone.

Yeah, so what’s it to ya? Julio asked, not bothering to glance up.

It’s just a word that’s not bandied about a whole lot around here, that’s… what’s it to me, the voice replied, sounding rather droll and just as bored as the young man who was still sitting slouched on the couch.

Here? Julio asked, finally deigning to glance up, yet no one was in the room with him. So where’s here? He asked, spreading his arms wide. But there was no answer, so he shrugged with one shoulder and went back to chewing on his fingernails. It didn’t seem but a moment later that someone else sat down at the other end of the eight-foot long couch.

Must you do that?

Yeah. What?

Chew on yourself like that?

What’s it to ya? It’s just something I do, comprende? Like… man, back off… no one gives a shit, Julio swore and soon regretted it because a small, yet powerful electric current coursed through his white-clad body the moment he uttered the swear word. Aye! What the shit was that?! Again, the current zig-zagged through him and shocked… literally, he jumped up off the couch. Are you doin’ that to me?! He accused, casting an angry glare at his companion.

Doing what? Lay off me, man. It hasn’t exactly been a good day for me either! I didn’t ask to be here, ya know!

Well, don’t get all pissed off at me, huh? Ehhh! It happened again! Julio gasped, looking down at the couch, which didn’t appear to be the source of his problems.

Don’t cuss, Tony commented simply.

Oh right, dad, Julio sneered.

Every time you cuss, you get a shock, Tony explained.

You’re shittin’ me! Aaaiiieeee!

See? Tony chuckled, glancing calmly down at his hands that lay on his lap, his fingers calmly intertwined.

So how do you know?

I did it often enough that I learned, guess some of us learn more quicker than others.

More quicker? Julio laughed out loud. What school you graduate from… Swamp U? He started to feel the electric current again, but when he surprised the Powers That Be by not uttering a much stronger expletive they quickly ceased the attempt at discipline.

Look, I’ve only been here a little longer than you.

Where you been, man?

Down the hall.

Is it white too?

Yeah, everything’s white here.

"Where is here?" Julio plaintively asked as he wandered about the room.

The business card here… Tony replied, and noticing a cardholder on the end table, he picked it up, . . . says Heaven, Inc.

Heaven, Inc. Do we got an interview here, or what?

I don’t think so, pal. Don’t look now, but I think we’re dead.

Dead?! Julio gasped, whirling about so fast that it caused him to lose balance and he stumbled sideward, plopping back down onto the couch… hard. What the hell?! Ow! He exclaimed as he jumped right back up again. Shit! Ow! Ow! He shouted as he hopped from spot to spot about the room.

Stop cussing and that won’t happen, you idiot.

PHOTO%201-ANGELS%20ARRIVE.jpg

Shut the hel… hey! Ouch! Julio shouted. So what is this place?

I think it’s, you know… kinda like… Intake, or something, Tony replied, sounding bored or pensive, it was difficult to tell which one it was.

Intake… what? We’re in an all white jail?

Not hardly. But yeah, like in… Admissions. On that end table over there, Tony explained, gesturing toward a small white table in the corner. That model… it’s a display of the Pearly Gates. Kinda ironic, ain’t it.

Hmm, Julio murmured, frowning intently at the scale model of the real thing. Funny, I thought they’d be bigger than that.

No doubt the real thing is, Tony replied, wherever the pearly gates are.

So, we’re really… like, dead? Julio gasped as the harsh light of reality began to dawn on him.

Looks that way, dude.

But how? Julio asked, seeking some explanation for what was happening to them both.

Because, man… you don’t know how to drive! Tony hotly accused.

Me?! I can drive! Julio stated, instantly defending himself.

Sure you can, just not very well, Tony explained, chuckling. You and your ride hit me and took us both out.

I never…

You sure as hel… heck did, comprende? When was the last time you had your brakes done?

I just did’em myself, not two weeks ago!

Well, that explains it, Tony muttered, shaking his head slowly.

"Listen pal, if you want to… talk about this, why don’t we take it outside!" Julio challenged, while gesturing for Tony to ‘bring it’.

Hey, dumbass… ouch! Geez, dang shock thing. Anyway, if we can’t cuss here, what makes you think they’re going to let us fight here?

I… I don’t know! Julio lamented, tears forming in his young eyes. It’s just that, damn. Ow! Shit… aieeee! I don’t want to be dead! This can’t be happening!

Get over it, because there ain’t nothin’ you can do about it now, that’s for damn… ouch! . . . sure, Tony advised, taking a chance on swearing and then just as quickly paying for his self-inflicted liberty.

Good afternoon, hmm… that doesn’t quite sound right, said the angel who suddenly stood by the doorway, having entered the room without using the portal. It was after all, just for looks. Good day, he began again… more optimistically, though his smile soon faded again. Hmm, that’s not right either. Well, anyway… how do you do? He tried again, smiling at his two newest trainees. My name is Benjamin, and I’ll be your instructor for the next few weeks. Welcome aboard! So, how are we doing today?

I don’t do jack! Julio snapped. I want to know what the hell… Ouch! Shit! Aaaiiieee!! He yelled, once again hopping about the small room trying to evade an electrical current that seemed to be able to follow him just about anywhere he went.

Perhaps it would be best if you didn’t swear, the angel suggested.

"I told him that, Tony shrugged, but he don’t listen."

"Doesn’t… he doesn’t listen, not don’t," the angel kindly corrected.

He not don’t what?

He not don’t listen, wait… that’s not right, the angel answered with a shake of his head as he was quickly becoming as confused as his new charges. Let’s see… your English classes start… Ben murmured as he thumbed through a white, spiral-bound notebook. Ah… here, he said pointing an index finger at a listing. You’re in the Class of 0000… hmm… only 150,000 in that class… small one… must be a good week, he added thoughtfully.

Class?! I ain’t goin’ to no school. I dropped outta that shit… Ow! A year ago! Comprende!

It is quite possible that if you had stayed in school that you wouldn’t be where you are right now, the angel gently counseled the newcomer.

"What’s that supposed to mean?!" Julio asked, turning on the angel.

Different choices take us different places. For instance, a long time ago you both chose Jesus when you were young boys and attended Sunday School, so you’re both here now instead of downstairs with Bubba, Johnny, Leatherman, and the Fabrini Brothers.

Who?

Trust me, you don’t want to know, the angel smugly replied. "Be that as it may… you’re here now and you both must work together. We… well, He has a plan for your afterlife," the angel confidently smiled as if he had been a kindly flight attendant at one time… welcoming passengers aboard today’s afternoon flight to Disneyland.

"He who?"

Him, the angel smiled beatifically, while casting soulful eyes toward the white ceiling.

Him… who?

The Lord, the angel answered.

The Lord… who? Julio persisted.

God.

Oh wow, you mean God? Tony asked, suddenly paling as white as the walls of the small room.

Oh Lord, groaned Julio, finally giving some serious thought to what the angel was saying.

If that was a cuss and not a reverential endearment, you’ll get buzzed, the angel warned. Which one was it?

Uh… reverential, Julio replied, trying to think fast. Ow! What the hell… Ouch! Shit! Aaaiiieee!

You get buzzed for lying too. Thou shalt not… you know, the angel smirked, clearly enjoying his task.

I’m gonna wipe that shi… eating grin… wait, can I say smartass? Julio asked, finally at least starting to ask first.

Uhmm… yes, I believe you can, the angel replied, having had to think first before answering.

I’m gonna wipe that smartass grin right off your face! Julio threatened, smartly re-tucking his shirt into his pants in preparation for a fight. If only his shirt had long sleeves, he felt it would’ve presented a much more threatening gesture by pushing up long sleeves of his shirt. As it was, short sleeves seemed to reign in Heaven, at least where the ‘trainees’ apparel was concerned.

I don’t think so, Benjamin confidently replied.

And who’s gonna stop me, Julio countered, getting right in the angels face.

Him, the angel replied, tossing a thumb back over his shoulder without deigning to glance backward.

Naturally, Julio’s gaze was drawn to the visitor in question as he looked in desired direction. Obviously startled, his eyes grew large and round as they roamed upward a good two feet to meet the stern visage of another angel. At least 6’8" and 350 pounds of solid muscle, the warrior angels T-shirt clung desperately to every sinewy bulge.

Meet Dexter. Don’t mess with him, Ben advised, smiling.

Shit, Julio murmured in awe, which of course was quickly followed by the requisite exclamation. Ow! As he hopped back and to the side.

Strong-armed even in Heaven, Tony muttered. But I woulda liked to have had Dexter chillin’ with my posse back in South Central, ya know?

Dexter smiled at the new angels comment, but just then Julio started chuckling and pointing at the formidable angel’s footwear.

Is something bothering you, Mr. Martinez? Ben asked, almost too calmly.

Man, look at his feet! Julio sputtered between random snorts as he pointed at the warrior angel’s feet. Sneakers? In Heaven? You gotta be kiddin’ me!

And that strikes you as humorous… how? Ben asked, not giving an inch.

No… sandals? I thought all you dude’s up here wore sandals, ya know? Julio asked, now having to hold his aching sides, so great was his humor with the situation. Tony didn’t laugh, not one bit, he just sort of stepped away a few feet, apparently not wanting to be within lightning strike range.

Mr. Martinez, have you not looked down at your own feet? Ben asked, and suddenly somber, Julio glanced downward to view his own sneaker-clad extremities.

Well, I’ll be damned! He swore, and of course, Ow! immediately followed his expletive.

Well, actually… no you’re not damned, which is why you’re now in Heaven, Ben explained, rather simply too. However, as you will soon come to discover, we tend to do a lot of walking up here and we like to be comfortable. You’ll find that most people up here prefer sneakers, though some… like our Lord, still prefer the more traditional sandal. So, are you okay with that?

Yeah, I’m fine, Julio agreed with a shrug. I guess I should apologize to Dex, huh?

It may be the wisest thing you’ve ever done in your after-life, Ben agreed, with a simple nod of his head, as Dexter stood there bristling, apparently on the verge of committing some Heavenly discipline.

Uh, Dex-ter, Julio haltingly began, like man, hey… I’m sorry, ya know? I didn’t mean anything by it, not really. Apparently, the rookie angel’s words worked for Dexter immediately relaxed and ceased flexing his hands into tautened fists.

Okay Dex, take a hike, Benjamin ordered, and now that the situation was back under control, Dexter disappeared.

How’d he do that? Julio asked, narrowing his eyes on the angelic drill instructor.

It’s a learned behavior, Ben simply replied.

Can we do that? Tony asked.

"Yes, in due time of course. But for right now… He has a plan."

Yeah… yeah, you already told us that. Slack off on the jive, Ang, and cut to the chase. Comprende?

Si, the angel nodded. First off, I’ll tell you that you are indeed in Heaven.

Ahhh shit, Julio swore. Yikes! He shouted as he leapt off to the side. I knew it. But, what about my parents, you know… they’ve got to be you know grieving.

For you? Tony smirked, chuckling.

The Lord is comforting them. They know you’re in Heaven and that they will see you again one day. The Lord will take good care of them.

Good. I mean, it’s a bummer that this happened. I didn’t mean for it to.

I know you didn’t, Benjamin comforted the dearly departed youth. But, like I said… there is a plan here, for you both, he added, smiling kindly.

Both? Tony questioned the angel’s use of that particular word.

Yes, you two have to work together… as a team…

What the hell for?! Tony shouted his comment, which was immediately followed by the standard exclamation. Ow!

Because He chose you.

What’d we ever do to Him?!

S-i-n, and do I really have to explain further? Benjamin asked with a roll of the eyes.

I… I guess not… but geez, I have to work with Taco Junior over there?

Hey, it ain’t no better for me, man. Or should I just call you Mr. Spaghetti Face!

Gentleman, please… can’t we all just get along? Ben asked, and though he sounded very long-suffering, his patience was tending to grow a bit thin. Suffice it to say that you were chosen, and that’s that.

Hey, even on earth we got to appeal, right? Tony argued.

Not here, man… like, guess again, Julio replied, finally beginning to see the bigger picture.

Dorothy, you ain’t in Kansas anymore, comprende? Benjamin stated before continuing. Your mission is to work as a team to get two people together, so they can fall in love, before time is up.

But there ain’t no time here, argued Tony, and rightly so.

Well then, let’s just call it… a pesky detail then, the angel suggested helpfully.

Do we have to get’em into bed too? Julio asked, as a lecherous smirk spread across his good-looking features. Or… you know, just dating and stuff like that.

Hey Ang… is there sex in Heaven? Tony asked, giving the idea some newly found interest. I mean, it’d be pretty great, right?

Awright, sex in Heaven! This place is awesome! Julio exclaimed, jumping to conclusions. Bring on the ladies, Ang… this is just too cool, he said, and smiling broadly he sat back down on the couch, casually crossing one ankle over the other knee and resting his arms comfortably upon the top cushion on which he was smugly reclined at the moment.

You’re both jumping the gun here, boys… and please stop calling me Ang… my name is Benjamin, thank you!

Guns? We get guns too? Tony asked, looking hopeful.

No. No guns, Ben stated, wearily shaking his head.

Damn, Julio cussed. Aiiieee! He shouted in response to the electrical shock, and Tony just sat there… grinning.

Gentlemen, we have other ways of satisfying the soul around here, Benjamin offered.

What? Better than sex? Julio asked, his brows furrowing together into a quizzical frown. "You have got to be kidding!"

"I don’t think Julio here is thinking about satisfying his… soul, if you know what I mean," Tony commented, casting a dubious expression in the angel’s direction.

I see… at least I think I do. Well, perhaps not better, per se, the angel hedged. But, truly far superior to anything either of you have ever experienced in your lifetimes. However, I must be honest with you and tell you that I’ve never had sex, so I’m not sure about that… but…

Holy hell! Ouch! Shit! Ow! Aaaiiieee! Julio shouted leaping up from the couch and never quite getting his comment out since he was busy jumping about the room.

A virgin angel?! Tony laughed right out loud.

Celibacy is not all that uncommon up here, okay? So lay off the jive, Ben stated, defending his purity.

"Well, sex is common back home," Julio sneered.

Trust me, that’s all part of the problem down on earth. However… Dorothy, like I said… you ain’t in Kansas anymore, the angel sneered right back at him.

Look, you stop callin’ me Dorothy, Julio bargained, and I’ll stop callin you Ang, how’s that?

Deal, Ben agreed as he held out a hand and the two shook on it.

Look, you and Tony make nice, be friends and get these two people together, Ben continued, explaining their mission as he handed a flyer to both of them. No one has to get into bed… you just need to work it out so that they overcome their human issues and get them together in a relationship.

She’s pretty, Julio commented, glancing at a glossy black-and-white, 8 x 10 photograph of Sarah. This Luke guy is sure a lucky bas… wait, can I say bastard?

Yes, I believe so, Ben said with a curt nod of his head.

Lucky bastard, Julio exclaimed, and then yelped.

Nope, guess not, the angel-in-charge shrugged.

Well, he already said it once… safely, comprende? Tony was quick to point out.

But the first time, he was merely asking, the second time was cussing… and ‘thou shalt not’ is just a good rule-of-thumb to remember up here.

"Mind your own tongue, friend," Julio snapped.

Taco hound, Tony snipped.

Pizza lover, Julio flippantly accused.

Frijoles sucker! Tony sneered.

Pasta whore! Julio shouted, as both men’s anger was rapidly escalating. Ow! Damn! Aiiiieeee!

Don’t say bad words, Tony chastised, using his most motherly voice, and then rapidly ducked away when Julio took a swing at him. Though Julio’s aim was good, it wasn’t Tony that he connected with, but… Dexter, who suddenly appeared again. The dull thud of Julio’s fist plowing into the body-builder angel’s massive 6-pack abs caused Julio to yelp in pain. Just as quickly, he protectively pulled his hand back toward his body where he rubbed at the sore extremity.

As you can see, Benjamin began, Dexter here is totally un-phased by your meager… assault.

Hey! That was my best shot! Julio verbally defended his physical prowess, and Dexter laughed right out loud, before Benjamin put a staying hand to his arm, urging him to silence.

Be that as it may, I would not try such a move again, because trust me… Dexter can and will react. It wouldn’t be a pretty sight.

Don’t he ever talk? Julio asked, still rubbing at his hand.

When I need ta guv’na, but for now keep a lid on it, Dexter replied in a perfect British cockney.

Man, where’s he from? Tony asked, aghast by the thick accent.

The Bronx, Benjamin replied.

The Bronx, eh?

Yeah, do not mess with him, the angel reminded the boys once again. Now, if we can please get back to business? You just have to work together, coordinate a plan, and get Luke and Sarah together, and in love…

And maybe even in da bed, Julio leered. I mean, what the heck… let’s let ol Luke go for the gold, right?

That’s it! I can’t work with him, Tony protested turning on the angel. He’s far too juvenile!

"And he’s far too stuck up! Julio chimed in, pointing an outstretched arm in his companions’ direction. What’s wrong, Tony… got tomato paste instead of blood in your veins?!"

That… doesn’t really matter anymore, now does it? Benjamin interrupted his charges escalating argument.

"So… like, ya know… since He’s God and all, why don’t He just make these people fall in love? Comprende? Julio asked, and Benjamin just closed his eyes and exhaled a deep, longsuffering sigh. What? What’d I say?" Julio asked, innocently glancing back and forth between Tony and the angel.

"Because it’s His plan, that’s why," Benjamin replied.

Well, maybe it’s flawed, maybe there could be a better plan, Tony offered, somewhat hesitantly.

Oh my word, Benjamin exclaimed exhaling another heavy sigh. Inwardly, he wondered if he couldn’t ask for another assignment.

Because He’s God, right? Julio suggested, spreading his arms wide.

Yes! Precisely! Benjamin shouted in exultation. That’s why! He’s God, ’nuf said! Comprende?!

Dude… wow, you know, it’s probably not a good idea to go around pissing off… Ow! Sorry. Gods dude, huh? Julio offered, but Tony just shook his head, opting this time to keep quiet.

So, like… we really are in Heaven? Tony dared to ask the question that had been on both the young men’s minds.

Yes, Benjamin offered the quiet, one word answer.

Then we’re dead.

No, you’ve alive for all eternity, the angel corrected, reassuring both men. You’re just in new, perfected bodies.

So… I mean, like… what got us? Disease? Rap music? Mid-term finals? Gangs? Drugs? Tell us man, how’d we go? Julio insisted on knowing.

I believe you boys already touched on this topic, but for the record… you T-boned Tony’s Camaro at the intersection of Crenshaw and Harbor when you ran a red light, the angel explained as good as any police officer would.

"So, that really was it?! Damn! Ouch! You filthy rotten bast… Mexican!" Tony shouted and leaping to his feet, he grabbed Julio by the shirt, hauling him roughly to his feet.

Boys… boys… no fighting in Heaven! Benjamin was quick to step into the fray. Dexter! He shouted, and instantly Dexter was there.

Like hell… ow! There’s not?! No fighting?! Tony swore, deciding to take the surge of electricity for a chance at swearing at his fellow Heavenly citizen. Just you watch this! He yelled, as his right arm pulled back, his hand curling into a tight, rock-hard fist as he assumed an experienced fighting posture.

Ben! Julio cried. Tell him to back off!

Chicken! Tony laughed, clucking in Julio’s face.

Pasta brains! Julio challenged, apparently finding some much needed courage. Benjamin just rolled his eyes and taking a couple steps backward, he merely snapped his fingers and Dexter went into action. The extremely well-developed warrior angel grabbed each man by the back of the neck and hauled them apart as easily as if he was pulling apart a wad of bread dough. Now completely cowed, Tony and Julio hung limply from Dexter’s huge hands, looking more like two toddlers caught with their hands in the cookie jar than two now dead… formerly street-wise gangbangers.

Thanks, Dex, Benjamin smiled, with an airy wave of his hand. I think you can put them down now, and with that Dexter lowered both men to their feet. Straightening their white shirts, both Tony and Julio cast disparaging glances up at Dexter. Though they maintained their newly found silence, they chose to remain quiet and still, not wanting to have another encounter with the well-trained warrior angel again anytime soon.

So gentlemen, are we going to behave now, or must Dex go to… say… level two or three in dealing with you?

No! Julio gasped. Uh, I think we’re fine now… how ’bout you Tone?

Yeah… yeah, we’re fine, Tony replied, still keeping a wary eye on Dexter.

Good. Thanks, Dex, Benjamin offered, and once again Dexter vanished.

Man, I wish I could do that, Julio muttered.

Give it some time, and you will, Ben replied. Now, shall we get back down to business… again?

Yeah, but wait… I mean, is this all there is to Heaven? A small room, and all this white paint? Tony finally asked something that had been on his mind for quite a while.

Oh Heavens no, Benjamin replied with a good-natured gasp. "There’s a whole… I mean… a whole world out there! He enthused, waving his right arm toward the door. It’s huge… and colorful… and wonderful… and fun… and amazing… and miraculous! I mean, it’s… it’s wheels off Disneyland! Only… only better!" Ben exclaimed, becoming quite wrapped up in his enthusiastic reply.

Sounds cool, so when do we get to see it, can we get a tour?

After you finish your mission, Benjamin interrupted, knowing where Tony was going with his query.

So, is this like year-end finals, or what?

Something like that, Ben replied, choosing a response that he felt both young men could understand.

What if we fail? We won’t get promoted to the real Heaven, or what?

"This is the real Heaven. But this… place is just sort of a waiting room."

All of God’s children get the white room first?

No, not all. Just special ones that need a bit more training before being turned loose on the golden streets of Heaven.

But why…

With you two, it was thought that since you were taken from life on earth… well, let’s just say… prematurely, you weren’t ‘grown up’ yet and you just need a bit more preparation for Heaven.

I thought once you die you’re perfected, at least that’s what the Sunday School teacher used to say.

"Well, yes… you are perfected, but you still have personalities and that’s what we have to work on."

Oh great, Tony groaned, sighing heavily, just like Grandma DeFrancisco.

Something like that, yes, Ben agreed with a knowing grin.

Now, if you’ll both just take a seat we’ll commence with the pre-mission briefing, Ben added and at this point, both Tony and Julio sat back down onto the couch, ready to listen.

CHAPTER 2

Just rest, My child. You will be just fine, and all will be well once again, Jesus spoke, and I felt the warmth of His skin as He placed the palm of His hand against my forehead. Immediately, I felt a wave of peace wash through me, and then… there was no pain. Still, I kept my eyes on my Savior as I suddenly felt very weary, and try as I might to keep my eyes open, I was overwhelmed by the sudden need for sleep.

I love you, Jesus, I whispered as my hand reached up to cup His cheek, and again I felt the coarseness of His beard. He raised His right hand, covering my hand with His, and turning His head toward my fingertips, I felt soft lips tenderly kiss my palm.

I love you too, daughter, He whispered, and for some reason… I just wanted to cry. I felt like we were saying goodbye or something, and I knew that couldn’t be for we have all eternity together. I hate goodbyes."

Don’t let go, okay? I asked as I forcibly willed my eyes to remain open. I gazed up at Him, not wanting to relinquish consciousness. If I did sleep, I thought I might not see Him again, and I surely didn’t want that to happen! I wanted so much to scream, but I couldn’t. I didn’t like this feeling, and I didn’t know what was happening, but I felt that something precious was being taken from me.

Please don’t let me go, I whispered, struggling to speak as the words choked in my throat.

Never, came His gentle, reassuring voice and I knew that He meant what He said. His fingers lifted my hand and He clasped it to His chest. Never, He said again, and a comforting smile touched His lips and the look in His eyes was pure love and peace, and on some level I knew that everything would be okay, just like He had said. I only had to keep my focus on Him, just as it had always been. His hand still holding mine, my eyes slowly closed and the smile diffused from His face as He felt my arm go limp