Walking with Faith

By D.W. Askew

Faith has always liked to play it safe. She has never been on a date, gone to a school dance, or even kissed anyone. She has always wanted to sing in the school talent show, but she's never had the courage to walk out on that stage. A senior in high school, she likes to read, sing, write songs, and volunteer at the local medical center.

While working at the medical center, she meets a boy from her school. Aaron is the captain of the football and baseball teams. After a serious back injury leaves him on the sidelines, Aaron goes from having it all to having nothing at all. Aaron starts to get depressed and feels like giving up on life. He doesn't really care about his physical therapy until he meets Faith, and she helps him with his therapy. They get to know each other and begin spending more and more time together. Faith changes Aaron's life for the better and shows him that there is more to life than just sports. Aaron returns the favor when he gives her the courage she has been searching for her whole life.

As you read this book, you will learn that tomorrow is not promised, so when it comes to life, you should walk with faith.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous ways in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalms 139:23-24)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781662460944

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Walking with Faith

D.W. Askew

Copyright © 2022 D.W. Askew

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-6624-6093-7 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-6624-6094-4 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

About the Author

Preface

This book is about a teenage girl who has a heart condition known as QT prolongation. The only people that know of her ailment is her immediate family member.

Faith is a high school senior who enjoys volunteering at the health center and spending her free time reading or singing. Faith takes life seriously. She plays it safe. She's never been on a date or to any of the school dances and has never even kissed a guy. Faith has always had a desire to sing in the school talent shows but never had the courage to enter. But all this is about to change when her life is thrown a curveball.

One day, she meets a boy from her school named Aaron while working at the medical center. Aaron is captain of both the football and baseball team. After a serious back injury leaves him on the sideline looking in, Aaron goes from being an athletic star who has it all—girls, fare, and respect—to having nothing at all. He's been feeling depressed and having thoughts of giving up on life. Aaron really doesn't care about his physical therapy until he meets Faith, and she convinces and helps him through therapy. They get to know each other, and he begins to enjoy the time they share together. Faith changes Aaron's life for the good and shows him that there is more to life than just sports. He in turn gives her the courage she's been searching for her whole life.

As you read this book, you will find out that tomorrow is not always promised to you, so when it comes to life, you should walk with faith.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23–24).

Chapter 1

Prelude

Hi, my name is Faith. I'm not your everyday high school senior. I like singing and reading romance novels. Some days, I go to the local medical center and do volunteer work. When it comes to my personal life, I don't have any friends, and I don't hang out like the average female teen. I'm what you might call a recluse, loner, hermit, or homebody. My family is protective of me. They keep a close eye on me because I was born with a heart condition known as QT prolongation. So my family and I are constantly playing it safe. No one at my school knows about my problem. I don't think it would matter because people in school don't associate with me. Some of them pick on me and make fun of me, but I understand that they probably think this is strange that I prefer to be a loner. I wish that my life was not this bad. I've been going through treatment and going in and out of the ER since I was five years old. The doctors have been waiting on a heart donor my whole life, but it's been hard when you have a very rare blood type. There are days when I'm so weak that I can't even pull myself out of bed. My mom, Angela, has been going through a lot of stress and anxiety trying to take care of me. My dad is barely ever at home. He's usually working, but to be honest, I think he doesn't like seeing his child in pain.

Faith!

Yes, Mom!

Are you ready to go?

Almost. Just have to fix my hair.

Okay, I'll wait for you in the car, Faith.

When it comes to my mom, she doesn't like to be late for anything, and today, we have Bible study and choir rehearsal. I sing in the choir but never did I lead or do a solo. I usually just fade to the back. My mom loves my voice and said I need to stop being shy and come out of my shell. That's easier said than done because I have very low self-esteem and don't have the bravery to do anything. My dad is constantly saying, Faith, just because you have a bad heart doesn't mean that you have to live your entire life in fear. You must walk with a little faith. I just have a hard time believing in faith. Sometimes my faith is so small that I feel I'm not honoring the name my parents gave me. Sometimes I feel cursed because I can't participate in regular activities, like other normal teenage girls. My mom said she named me Faith because the doctors said it would be a great chance I would not live through the birth because of the condition of my heart. When I was born, my parents said it was through faith and the grace of God that I survived thus far. This is why they chose to name me Faith.

After church, I and mom do our Friday night routine of going to get milkshakes and going home to order us a pizza and watch Netflix until Dad comes home.

Faith, did you take your medicine?

Yes, mom, and make sure you get mushrooms on the pizza!

Already did that. Now go pick a movie.

Mom and I sat and talked a little while we waited on the pizza.

So, Faith, any lucky guy?

No, Mom. No one thinks I'm cute.

Faith, you're beautiful!

Mom, you're just saying that because I'm your daughter.

No, Faith, you are. And when are you going to sing in the school talent show?

Never. You know I can't do it. I don't have the courage.

Faith, your voice is so boundless, so beautiful, so great. You should compete.

I don't think so. Pizza is here.

After watching a movie and devouring the pizza, Dad comes in, looking tired and energetic at the same time if that's possible.

Hey, Dad, you still going to take me to the mall tomorrow?

Yes, sweetheart, and we can do some practice driving for your upcoming road test next week.

Okay, just remember I have volunteer duty at the med center tomorrow at three.

Yes, I know. It's time for bed.

I know. Good night, Mom, Dad. Love you, guys.

Good night, Faith. See you in the morning.

Some nights I just lay in my bed, looking out the window, thinking how it would be to be normal, like other teenage girls: Have a boyfriend that would take me to school dances and out on dates, and my first kiss would be so extreme. I'm a senior and haven't done anything I should have been doing.

I was talking with my mom last week, and she has been trying to talk me into doing to the prom. I told her I would think about it so she could drop the subject. I really don't want to go because I won't have a date, and I don't like how I look in a dress. It's not a good look. I'm this five-foot-seven brown-haired girl that no one pays attention to and that dresses in baggy jeans and shirts two sizes big for me. I'm Faith, the girl who stays at home with her mom, which is her best friend. I'm that girl who has a bad heart and no life outside school and work. Yes, I get to help the little kids, but at the same time, they are helping me, but they don't know it.

Now that I think of it, I probably won't be going to the senior picnic or the senior trip. Once I finish high school and go off to college, I'll probably major in a field where I get to work with kids. That's what I want to do because little kids are not too quick to judge an adult. That is if my heart doesn't fail me. Keep beating, heart. Keep beating!

Chapter 2

Values

Mark, I think it's time to go wake up Faith. It's after nine, and breakfast is ready.

Okay, honey. Faith, it's time to get up.

Okay, Dad. I'll be down in a second.

Good morning, Faith. How did you sleep?

I got a little sleep. I'm going to get in the shower and get ready for the mall.

Okay.

Riding with my dad in the car is so different from riding with my mom. All he wants to talk about is sports. My dad was an all-state quarterback at the same high school where I attend. It's kind of weird because he was popular and to this day still holds several records at the school. Then there is me, his daughter—that unpopular girl with no athletic abilities and no other known attributes, the girl that no one associates with.

So, Faith, I was thinking we could go to the state championship football game tonight after you come home from the med center.

I don't know, Dad.

I'll buy you that new songbook you wanted.

Let me think about it, Dad. I'll go, but you have to buy us ice cream, deal?

I honestly don't like going to the games, but it makes my dad happy to spend quality time with him doing something that he likes. I've been thinking about taking my driving test next week. I hate participating with my dad. He is always saying, Do this. Do that. Check your mirrors. Check the engine light, oil light. That's kind of cool, though, because he's only thinking about my safety. My plan is to take my time in the mall and hope that he forgets about me driving. I came to the mall for these new earrings and necklace sets that I'd seen advertised on Bale. I hope they still have them in stock. I'm truly rot into shopping and dressing up, but my parents taught me the value of money and to work hard for what you want. On the way out of the mall, my dad tossed me the keys. I guess you didn't forget. I really don't want to drive because Dad makes it such a tedious venture. Since I must get in some practice before I test next week, I'd better drive. I also think it makes Dad proud to be driven by his daughter. I'm a really good driver when I want to be. After driving home, it was time for me to get ready to go to the med center.

How was the mall, Faith, with your dad?

It was okay. You know him, sports talk there and back like always. Yeah, he talked me into going to the game tonight.

How did he manage to do that?

He got me a new music book and bought us some ice cream. I got a double scoop.

Mom knows that I don't like sports, but it makes my dad happy. On the way to the med center, my mom brought up the subject of me going to the prom again. Lucky, for me her phone rang. It was my aunt asking if she was still coming over. Once I got to the med center, I went right to helping the kids. This was such therapy for me, being around kids. Helping them helps diminish the depression and stress of my situation. Ms. Stewart is a therapist here at the med center who helps people who have been in accidents. She helps them with the therapy of learning to walk on their own again. Sometimes I'll assist her with helping with the therapeutic remedies. She teaches me in what to do and how to assist the patient in helping them help themselves. I really enjoy working here. Some days, I sing for the little kids.

So, Faith, what are your plans for later?

Dad wants me to go to the championship game tonight, and I'm not going to disappoint him.

Yeah, that sounds like fun.

Yeah, yeah!

On the way home from the med center, my mom was telling me about how she has to bake cookies for the church's bake sale. I guess she's going to my aunt's house to bake a few dozen cookies when Dad and I go to the game. I'd like to go with Mom and help, but another value that my parents taught me is always keep your word no matter what the situation. So I'll gladly spend time with Dad and tolerate being at a sports event because being with my dad makes it tolerable. I got home and lay down for a little rest before getting ready for the game. When I got downstairs, Mom was already gone on her way to my aunt's house.

On the way to the game, I asked my dad if we could get some food at the game. In the car, dad started talking about the game and how the team's quarterback, Aaron, was 250 yards away from beating his record. Aaron was a senior at my school who had everything going for him. There were scouts looking at him play. He was going to play for a college team. Everyone knew Aaron. I have known him since first grade, but we never talked. Every girl in the school wanted to be his girlfriend.

At the game, my dad talked with some of his old friends while I was reading my book. I ate a couple of hot dogs and some chips. My dad was so into the game, he kept saying, He's 200 yards away, now 150. At halftime, he was at one hundred yards away from beating my dad's record. At the start of the third quarter, my dad was pumped up. I was still into reading my book, acting like I was watching the game. My school was up to ten points at the start of the fourth quarter. Aaron went down, and he screamed in agony. My dad turned to his friends and said, Did you see that hit? Aaron couldn't get up, so they had to cart him off the field and rush him to the hospital.

After Aaron was removed from the field, everyone was still in shock. The team won. Our team won the game by three. On the way home, my dad just kept saying, I hope he's okay. Aaron did take a hard hit. When we got home, Mom was there, and Dad told her all that had happened at the game. Mom got right down to it. Yep, she got on the phone and called Aaron's mom to check on him. She was informed by Aaron's mom that he was doing okay and she would have more information tomorrow.

That night, I didn't get much sleep. I couldn't help but think people were talking about it. The pastor said a prayer for him. I helped my mom with the church bake sale, then my dad walked up to me and told us the news that Aaron had suffered a back injury and he would be confined to a wheelchair and wouldn't be playing college football. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

On my way home from church, my parents were telling me that I have to go see the doctor tomorrow afternoon. It's time for the twice-monthly checkup to see how your heart is doing. When we got home, Mom and I ate ice cream and watched a movie. Dad went to sleep. He had work in the morning. Mom and I followed Dad into dreamland soon after we finished our ice cream. I had the craziest dream that night! I was at the hospital with Aaron, and he was crying. I tried to console him by telling him that everything was going to be all right. He was upset and said he was never going to play college football. I gave him a hug, then I woke up to my mom calling me for breakfast.

After eating a large breakfast, I got ready for school. On my way out the door, Mom said she would be waiting for me after school let out. That day at school, everyone was talking about Aaron. Some people were getting get-well cards signed, but no one asked me to sign any of them. Later that day while on my way to the doctor's office, my mom was telling me about what Aaron's mom was going through, the stress she was under.

So, Faith, how do you feel?

Okay. Sometimes I get chest pain.

Are you taking your medication?

Yes, Doctor.

Your heart sounds good. Make sure that you take your medication, get adequate sleep each night, and don't put any unnecessary stress on your heart. I'll see you next month, Faith. Till then, stay safe.

Okay, have a good day, Doctor.

On the way home, Mom and I made a stop at the grocery store for food and to get a refill on my pills from the pharmacy.

So, Faith, when are we going dress shopping?

For what, Mom?

Well, honey, prom is only six months away.

Mom, I never told you that I was going to attend prom.

I know, but you never said that were not going either, dear.

I really don't want to go. No one would miss me if I'm not there. Mom, I'll think about it. Maybe I'll change my mind, and maybe I won't you'll just have to wait and see.

After getting home, I ate a small meal and did my homework and some other studying while my mom talked to my aunt on the phone. They were probably planning on what color I should wear to the prom. Done with all homework and studying, I did a little something on my laptop and then I decided to spend some time reading my book before going to bed.

That night, I had another dream about Aaron. This one was somewhat erotic. I just can't understand for the life of me why I was having dreams about him. Could it be because of what happened to him? I never talked to him. I guess I can just relate to him after his injury. I know how it feels to want something but can't because of a problem. That's how I feel about my heart condition. I feel like it has been holding me back from a lot of things I'd like to have been able to participate in. I awake in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep sometimes for over an hour. So I'd write in my music book, then I'd be able to fall back to sleep peacefully.

The next morning, I awoke refreshed and got ready to face the world of a high school teenage girl. On the way to school, my mom told me that I had my road test coming up on Friday. After school today, I'm going to the med center to work and help where I may be needed. When I got to school, everyone was again talking about Aaron, the lost opportunity he had by missing out on playing college football and maybe becoming pro, and wondering when he'll be coming back to school. I went to lunch, and Jessica came up to me with two of her goony friends, making fun of me like always.

Hey, what's up, Faithless?

Leave me alone!

Where do you shop for your clothes—at Goodwill?

Jessica is the captain of the cheerleading squad and dates Aaron. I don't know how he could tolerate dating her. She is such an evil, nefarious, skank bitch. Ooh, I cannot stand the sight of that girl! I just couldn't wait for school to let out as I could go to a much more peaceful environment, the medical center with the kids. This had been a bad day. Mr. Gill, my English teacher, informed the class that we would be required to write an essay about our goals for the future and that we would be reading it to the class during the last