Wounded Heart in Flight

By Anne R. Murray

Drawing on the successes of her previous books, this novel by Dr. Murray again echoes the maxim that art holds up a mirror to life. Her literary brushstrokes clearly carry the reader through a brilliantly realistic flow of life that each of us can recognize and relate to.
Anne R. Murray was born and raised near Atlanta in Marietta, Georgia, to well-educated parents who adhered closely to the Christian ethos typical of natives in that part of the nation. Motivated by the challenges of helping others, Anne became a successful high school teacher there. She increased her skill and ability in the classroom by earning a doctorate degree in education from which she eventually took a well-earned retirement.
Like her previous works, this is an easy read that holds the attention while taking one on a roller coaster through lifes turmoil in a hick Midwestern town. The details that she paints make it easy for the reader to identify with the characters, scenes, and situations that make up the challenges for Julia, the story's central character, of American Indian heritage.
May you too enjoy the panoramic view of life that Wounded Heart in Flight paints as you read the latest work from this delightful author.
vanLee Hughey,
Author of You Could Be at Sea Dance Hosting and Youd Be Arrested If You Werent on the Dance Floor

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504956673

Anne R. Murray

Anne R. Murray is a native Georgian. Her roots are from the Southeastern region of the United States. She is the sixth generation born here from the old country. Anne was raised on Christian beliefs and traditions. She has three sisters and her parents are still living. Dr. Murray is a retired schoolteacher, earning a doctorate in education while teaching. She spends her time writing, researching and motivating others. She enjoys inspiring others to write as well as to read. Her brilliance to detail shows in her literary works. She uses the element of time to capture the essence of her writing. Anne delivers her heart and soul every time. Her strengths are her emotional portrayal of the characters in the story. The narration is delivered by presenting the main character in third person (she or her), as she expresses her thoughts. Shattered Dreams is a story of suspense, drama and adventure at the same time. There are some terrifying moments in the book. Other literary works include As The Scarlet Tanager Sings, As The Sweet Honey Runs, The Jagged Edge, Wounded Heart in Flight and Gentle Rain of Thoughts.

Book preview

Wounded Heart

in

Flight

Anne R. Murray

40964.png

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

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© 2015 Anne R. Murray. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/21/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5669-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5668-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5667-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015917350

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

In Loving Memory

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Epilogue

Notes

About the Author

In Loving Memory

It is with sadness and sorrow I write that my first cousin’s husband, Bob, suddenly passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2015. Bob was a good man, as well as a good husband, father, and grandfather. He was a Christian and a firm believer in Jesus Christ, attending church locally. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to help others or anything he couldn’t fix. He will be missed by all.

I want to dedicate this book to my father, Bill, who is one-eighth Cherokee, on his maternal side. It is through his Native American ancestral lines that I was inspired to write this novel. In addition, I want to dedicate this book to my nephew Bo and his fiancé, Dannie, who will unite in marriage on Saturday, October 10, 2015.

Acknowledgments

It goes without saying that I would like to acknowledge and thank the many people who aided me for their help. If it wasn’t for them, I couldn’t have published this novel.

First, I want to thank vanLee for his blurb on the back cover. His comments are much appreciated, as well as his taking the time for to consider the book.

Much thanks to the artist, Dannie, who drew the sketch for the interior of this book. I am most grateful for her talented work and diligence. Her time is unselfish and relentless.

I want to also thank the several friends who read and reviewed my manuscript before publication, especially Deborah and Lindsay. Their kindness is generous.

I want to thank my uncle Robert for the hours he participated with me at the local bookstore, helping me to promote my books.

Last but not least, if it weren’t for the support of family and friends, I wouldn’t be here writing. Their encouragement over the years has helped me push myself to accomplish more than I originally thought I could do.

Without the courtesy of AuthorHouse for the image on the front cover, I wouldn’t be able to finish production. Thanks so much for the help of their staff members.

Introduction

Everyone has a silver lining hidden in the clouds. Most of us are hopeful and optimistic for the future. Much of what we hope for is a spiritual need to rise above our conflicts and problems in life—a spiritual uplifting. Often, this is when, in the Indian folklore, a cleansing of evil or bad spirits comes into play. The rituals play a key role in the cleansing of spirits from individual souls and from the land itself.

The main character, Julia Hawkins, in this story plays a significant role. With her Cherokee heritage, she holds the ability to cleanse and heal. She learns that not only is healing increased through forgiveness, it is a key element. Julia had to forgive herself in order to forgive others. It takes someone of Julia’s background and ancestry to give way to the mystical powers inside.

Hope and acknowledgment are also inspirational in dealing with issues of healing. Through her own courageous journey, Julia was able to heal inside with God’s help. She saw a positive outlet in life for the future. Her hopelessness was changed into a restoration of hope by a life-changing event. She was a wounded heart. After a tragic event and loss in her early adulthood, she found the courage to acknowledge the truth—that her heart would hurt, but it would get better over time.

Julia not only used the wisdom of her forefathers, she used the sacred land that her predecessors stood on at one time. Her lineage was rich in Native American culture and stories handed down to her through her maternal grandmother, a full-blooded Cherokee. Her inner strength led her to gather strength and hold on to life, not only for herself but also for her daughter.

Many readers have gone through similar circumstances. Whether they suffered a tragedy, loss, or disappointment, it is how one deals with the experience that matters most. Life has a way of punching back and can be restored, but sometimes the restoration is a very painful one. This is such a story and can be explained only through the characters restoring peace, comfort, and hope back into their lives.

Prologue

The intensity was unbearable. It was agonizing as she drove to the parking lot. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she nervously got out of her car. There were fear and anxiety with apprehension as her whole body shook. Catching her breath, she was nauseated. With fingers fumbling for her car keys and clutching her purse, she managed to lock the car door behind her with the remote. Bending down, she felt the weight of her body tremble, and she thought she was going to throw up.

She rarely came to the local hospital unless there was an emergency. The last time she had been here was a couple of years ago. Her grandfather had had chest pains—a potential heart attack. Now he was doing well. As she walked her way into the hospital, she had a sinking feeling deep in her heart. She didn’t know why she was here or why the hospital had called her. Only minutes before, Emergency Services had contacted her but didn’t answer any questions. The caller was vague and said she was calling for the doctor on staff. The physician’s assistant explained she was calling from the hospital and it was urgent.

On the way to the hospital, her sister left a message on her cell phone to go immediately to the emergency room. Amelia was on her way to the hospital and would meet her there in the waiting room. She had no answers either but sounded panicked. Leaving her daughter with a next-door neighbor, Julia drove immediately over to the hospital.

As she entered the door to Emergency Services, she saw her sister standing there with tear-stained eyes. This made her even more frightened as she saw her brother-in-law standing with emergency technicians. Richard was a state patrol officer. He had begun working for them the first of the year. Richard was the first to see her enter the emergency room, and he walked toward her. He looked as pale as a ghost. There were no words spoken between them, but his face said it all. There was a gesture of sadness and grief.

Richard, what are you doing here? Julia asked.

Julia, there’s been an accident, Richard replied reluctantly.

Amelia walked toward them slowly and wrapped her arms around Julia, saying nothing. She continued to cry.

What’s going on, guys? I get a call from Amelia, and you are here. I need to get home, as Danny will be home from work soon, Julia replied.

Richard looked at her as tears started to flow from his eyes. He didn’t crack a smile. Julia knew something serious and grave had happened.

Julia, Danny isn’t coming home tonight, Richard answered her.

What? she asked. Julia was almost enraged with Richard’s statement.

Just then, a medical doctor came out into the waiting room. He walked toward her. He was dressed in green scrubs and bloodied all over. He introduced himself as Dr. Frederick Anderson. I’m so sorry, Mrs. Daniel Hawkins. We did all we could do.

Julia looked at the doctor in disbelief. Was she hearing the doctor right? Somehow it was all a fog right now in her head. Her knees trembled as her body started to shake all over. Her mind was playing tricks on her. She realized the sudden panic her heart was feeling at the moment. It was her inner voice telling her something was very wrong.

Julia was finally able to ask in her timid voice, Has Danny been in an accident at work? The doctor looked at Julia as Richard stepped forward. Before he could reply, Richard said, I will tell her, Dr. Anderson.

Amelia remained motionless as she stood beside Julia, holding her up. She didn’t utter a word but looked grieved and deeply heart-stricken. Julia turned to her brother-in-law standing nearby.

Richard slowly turned to Julia and said, Julia, Danny didn’t make it. Julia heard the words, but they were all moving in slow motion as if her ears were hanging on to the words. She played in her head every word he said. Just then, her body shifted and went limp. Julia, still hanging on to every word, started to collapse to the floor. Amelia, still standing by her side, tried to grab her arm as she slowly descended to the floor.

Part of her had died that day. She was still in a delusional state of denial. She didn’t perceive the conversation yet—the doctor confronting her worst fears … and that’s what it was, fear. But fear of what, actually? Reality? Julia had fainted.

Moving quickly to her side, the doctor tried to revive her. By then, she was unconscious. She has fainted. She’s in shock. Two technicians lifted Julia off the floor to a stretcher and wheeled her into an examination room. After a few minutes examining her, the doctor said she would be physically all right. He prescribed some sedatives to help her sleep better. Emotionally, she was a train wreck.

Amelia was by her side holding her hand. A cold compress was placed on Julia’s forehead as Amelia begun to stroke her. Julia gradually regained consciousness, hoping this was all a terrible dream. When she recovered, Amelia was standing over her, stroking her head. Julia, how are you feeling?

What happened? All of a sudden, I felt suffocated and couldn’t breathe, answered Julia.

You collapsed in the waiting room, Amelia answered.

I remember coming into the hospital, but everything after that is a blank. I guess I’m still at the hospital, Julia replied.

Yes, you are, Amelia answered.

Why are you telling me all of this? Julia asked.

As soon as you are able to get up, they want you to identify the body, Amelia answered. They want to move Danny’s body to the morgue.

There was silence for a minute as Julia caught her breath. She thought this was all a nightmare she had dreamed and it would all go away when she awoke.

You know, Amelia, I had a vision of this several months ago. I dreamed I was called to the emergency room but nobody said anything to me. I don’t recall who it was or why I was here, but it was very real. It is all a blur now, as if reality is fading away, Julia responded.

Baby, I know you are strong. You are still very young and have a lot to live for, Amelia said.

Suddenly, Julia wailed, Oh, my God! What am I going to do? Why, God? Why him, so young? What about Leah? Just then, Julia clenched her fists tight against the bed. I told him not to buy that stupid motorcycle! He spent his last savings and went out and bought one after I told him not to. I have heard of so many people injured or killed on one—

Baby, listen to me, please. You are strong. You are a very strong individual and will get through this, her sister stated. Danny’s body may be deceased on earthly grounds, but he is with us in spirit. Stay with me, Julia.

Why? Julia cried. She looked up as if cursing God. She raised her right fist and pointed toward the heavens.

Baby, listen, you always listened to me when you were little. The hospital says you need to identify his remains. Richard could identify them; however, they want the next of kin. Are you able to do that? Amelia asked.

Oh, no! yelled Julia. Them? Meaning … pieces? I think I’m going to throw up.

Nurse! We need help here! exclaimed Amelia.

Just then a nurse came into the examination room. She got a plastic bag for Julia. She helped Julia sit up as Julia’s lunch came up and all the other contents in her stomach. The nurse got a new cold compress for Julia to put on her forehead. Julia lay back down on the bed. Amelia rubbed her head softly.

After a few minutes, Julia regained some sense of where she was.

I don’t know what state he is in. His body is in one of the emergency examination rooms. Listen to me, Julia. I will go with you. Do you want me to get a wheelchair for you? Amelia asked.

Uh … uttered Julia.

I will go with you, baby. Take my hand? asked Amelia.

The nurse asked Julia if she could sit up. Julia nodded, saying nothing. The nurse helped Julia off the bed into a wheelchair, with Amelia’s assistance. Need some help wheeling her to the other side? the nurse asked.

I can wheel her, thanks, Amelia replied. She asked the nurse if they needed to check out. The nurse advised them that the hospital would take care of everything. Amelia then followed the nurse over to the other side of the emergency room, while she wheeled Julia. No words were spoken as Julia held her head down. There was too much sorrow, too much grief, and too much pain.

The doctor came out from behind the curtain of the room and talked to them. I just want to prepare you. We will send your husband’s body to the morgue shortly afterward. I need you to identify your husband’s remains, Mrs. Hawkins, before we can do that.

Can I go with my sister? Amelia asked.

Yes, I think she needs your support right now, the doctor replied.

Amelia motioned to her sister. Do you want me to wheel you in, Julia? she asked. No, uttered Julia. I can get up.

Are you sure? Amelia asked.

Julia nodded, still in shock after hearing of her husband’s passing. Julia stood up slowly with her sister’s help. Richard was still talking with the emergency technicians in the waiting room.

The nurse pulled the curtain open. The doctor led Julia and Amelia inside. Julia was clutching her sister’s right arm. The doctor had said to be prepared, but nothing could have prepared her for this. Julia looked around the small examination room. It was more like a horror movie inside the curtain, with blood spattered on the wall and spread everywhere on the floor. There in the middle of the room was a stretcher with a fresh sheet pulled over it.

The doctor addressed the women. It’s not very pretty, so please take a deep breath. Are you ready? Julia nodded to the doctor without saying a word.

He removed the sheet to reveal a massive bloody body, swollen to double its normal size. Amelia stood beside Julia but couldn’t look at the body, looking away instead. It wasn’t Danny’s body but a mangled piece of blood and bones. There was blood all over his clothes and the sheet underneath. His face was unrecognizable except for his eyes. Those beautiful piercing eyes! As clear as the blue sky! They looked at you with light reflecting the prism of the earth. Julia knelt down to look at his face. His beautiful face—the most handsome man she knew. It was gone with the scattered bones and lacerations to his neck, throat, and face. He wasn’t the man that she knew anymore. His gorgeous brown hair was matted with blood-clotted chunks of brain matter and debris. He looked like he had been beaten with a baseball bat multiple times.

Yet she knew the truth. This was her husband. It was Danny. His eyes said it all. Is this your husband’s body? the doctor asked.

Julia nodded, affirming her worst fear. Her enduring desire was to run and forget this all had happened. Then suddenly, without warning, there was a loud wail inside the curtain. You promised me you wouldn’t leave me! I’m so angry right now! How could you do this to me and Leah? Julia lashed out with both her fists clenched. Amelia began to cry. Julia’s knees shook again, and she trembled all over. She began to be weak at the knees.

Get her out of here, please! Can’t you see she is in visible pain! exclaimed Amelia. The nurse hurriedly took Julia and Amelia out of the room, while the doctor covered her husband’s body back up with the sheet. He then left the room to talk with the state patrol officers. The nurse and Amelia helped Julia back to the wheelchair.

Julia’s world crashed before her that day. She felt alone now, without her intended. This was the man who had promised her that he would never leave her side. What would happen to her and their baby … the baby they had conceived together in love and who was a part of them? She meant more to Julia than anyone else in the world, besides her husband and her family. They were her universe*!

*Poem – My Universe

Chapter One

One month later…

Leah had her first birthday. Julia gave her daughter a birthday party, and her family attended. Leah got many nice surprises, and Julia made her birthday cake. It had a buttercream filling with chocolate icing and Winnie the Pooh characters. Leah loved Winnie the Pooh.

Julia wished her husband could have been there to share this day. This was the first of many birthdays he would miss. Julia did the best she could, as she had to be both mother and father to Leah.

She held on to her own faith in God and her determination to pull herself together. Finding happiness the best she could while taking care of Leah, she managed to keep hope alive. Julia and Leah had grown with a loving and supportive family surrounding them during this difficult time. At times, she felt her family members were almost too protective.

Julia’s