Hard to Kill: The Accident

By DeBorah ("Debbie") M. Paschal Evans

"HARD TO KILL: The Accident" is an electrifying and suspense-filled novel that delves deep into the heart of unseen forces that lurk in the shadows. On a deceptively tranquil night, our protagonist finds herself standing alone on a dark corner, feeling the palpable presence of a looming, ominous danger. Overwhelmed with an instinctual fear that

• Language: English
• Publisher: DEBORAH M Evans
• Release date: Aug 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988851509

Book preview

DEDICATIONS

T

his manuscript would not exist without my Father, the Lord God, His Son, Jesus the Christ, and the precious Holy Spirit. It is because the Cross is both vertical, pointing upward to Heaven, and horizontal, pointing out to our relationship with our fellow man, that I pause to give honor where honor is due.

In terms of finance, I have not yet reached millionaire status, but it is an empty life in which money alone is a person’s ultimate metron of success. My personal wealth has shown up in the form of treasures in earthen vessels! A separate book could be written concerning each one of the remarkable human beings whose names will grace the pages of this, and future, manuscripts. For now, I will corporately honor everyone by declaring how happy I am that we have been able to do life together up until this present day. While I could not do anything without God, I also could not have done this work without any of you. If I miss your name in this Volume, please charge it to my head and not my heart, and remember that there will be at least another two volumes, and maybe more. The testimony of my life, and the Blood of the Lamb that spared my life, cannot be revealed in a single volume alone.

To those of my Family still on earth, and those who are now a part of that So great a cloud of witnesses!

My Grandparents, the late Otis & Gussie Roberta Paschal… My beloved Grandparents were pillars in the community and church. They raised me to love the Lord and His people. From the time I can remember being a person, my grandmother read Bible stories to me every night, and made sure I knew all the books of the Bible frontwards and backwards. For people born and raised in the South, Otis and Gussie were light years ahead of their time. They bought me baby dolls, architectural sets, trains, and cowboy and Indian gear. Traditional male and female roles were not a part of my upbringing as they always reminded me that I could be anything I wanted to be. Because words never die, I am alive and still living off of dead people’s prayers.

My Amazing and Forever Beautiful Mother, Rose Marie Paschal Sherrill… As you would say, We certainly have a story to tell! I am so grateful God decided to pick you to be my mother. We have had an amazing journey, with some hiccups here in there, as in all human relationships. Nevertheless, God obviously knew what He was doing because you have been the most supportive and unconditionally loving mom on the planet. I don’t tell you enough that I love you and I thank God for you. Thank you Mother for your constant encouragement and belief in me all the days of my life – even when I failed miserably! They say the apple does not fall far from the tree, and it is clear you landed at the feet of your marvelous parents (my grandparents), Otis & Gussie Paschal.

My Bonus Dad, the late Clarence Sherrill … I hate with everything in me to refer to this man as my Stepfather because he was the best Dad any girl could have ever wanted. He possessed a seemingly unlimited amount of patience, seeing as a kid I tried every ounce of it. He loved me and treated me as his very own daughter. My mother did our entire family to walk in extraordinary favor the day she said yes to his proposal of marriage. They were together for 45+ years with him still referring to my mom as his girlfriend until the day he drew his last breath. A music teacher of stringed instruments, and a classically trained musician, he played with the Windsor Symphony, and was also a gifted jazz artis backing up all of the Motown greats, and such stars as Nancy Wilson and Ella Fitzgerald. I dated the now famous jazz guitarist, Earl Klugh, the last two years of high school and my first year of college. I think Earl and I were late for every date we ever had because my dad would kidnap him for a basement jam session before we could leave the house. I miss his patience, his peaceful spirit, his wisdom, and his love for my mom, my brother Kris, and myself.

My Biological Dad, the late Alexander Smith … God rest his soul. I was his love child! He was one of the most handsome men I have ever laid eyes on, and I was not the only one who felt that way! He attended my graduation from Gupton Jones Mortuary College in 2000, and by time I picked him up from the airport, the flight attendants had fed him, wined him, dined him, and nearly refused to let him leave the airport. This avid golf player and business owner of Dot N’ Etta’s Shrimp Hut in Detroit, Michigan started by his lovely wife, James Etta and her Aunt Dorothy. I was blessed with three younger siblings, Christopher, Kathy, and Donna. My Father was a few hours short of a Ph.D. and met my mother when he was her College Science Professor. In later life he and his wife became ministers after attending Rhema Bible College. I miss his wisdom and locking horns with him during our theological Biblical discussions. I think right here is a good place to share the fact that my father died in October of 2011. However, he actually died some years before then when he succumbed to a major heart attack. When he relayed the story to me, I asked him what he remembered after death. He said there was a light about the size of the head of a pin, and as the light grew brighter and brighter while drawing him toward it, he explained, in his own words, Sweetheart, there was a peace that I just don’t have the words for! The next thing he said he remembered were the paramedics using the paddles on his chest and reviving him. When he came to, he was actually angry with them for bringing him back. I wanted to share that little story here because by the time he died (and stayed dead), I had absolutely no doubt that Heaven had become his home. While I miss his wisdom, his charm, and the ladies swooning over him whenever we would be out, I really miss locking horns with him during our deep theological discussions at which time we thought we walked away having solved the problems of the world!

My sweet baby brother (who is not a baby anymore), Michael Kristu Sherill… I thought you came along too late in my life to really get to enjoy you. Especially when the task of babysitting loomed large in front of me. Although, as my friend Deb Turner once said, I needed a Ph.D. to babysit you, I am so proud of who you are and who you have become. I remember when Corey was born and you were only about 7, you looked down in his bassinette and said, I’m glad Debbie brought THIS baby home! I’m glad Mom and Dad brought YOU home (even though there was a time or two I tried to convince them to take you back to the hospital)! I love you little brother… I would not know how to navigate this life without you in it.

Beverly Nicks (Rev. Charles Nicks, Sr., Alliece Mahala Nicks, and Rev. Charles Nicks, Jr.)… From the cradle to the grave, you have been, and will always be, my sister, and so much more. The story was relayed to me, by Charles, that when you laid eyes on me for the first time as a newborn, I looked up at you and smiled, and from that day on, you were the only one who could handle me – with ease! For every important and pivotal time in my life, the momentous occasions, and the not so joyful ones too, you, and everyone with the last name Nicks, were there to walk with me through the valleys and dance with me on the mountaintops. This, thank God, is one of those mountaintop experiences, and I am beyond thrilled that you are here to celebrate alongside me. I love you to the moon and back… Thank you!

MY CHILDREN (from eldest to youngest)

Corey R. Peden… You were born cute, smart, and with an incredible gift of discernment. God has had His hand on you in a mighty way from the day you were born. You are gifted! When you speak, like E. F. Hutton, people stop what they are doing and listen! When you get in a jam, nobody can revelate the Word of God like you do, and nobody can prophesy like you do when you know you have heard God speaking… I cannot wait to see you walk in the fullness of those gifts. You have a story to tell, and the world is waiting to hear it! I love you!

Thurston Campbell … You hold a precarious position in the family. You are my second born, but first born of your Father. I will never get tired of telling the story of how I knew the exact moment God released you to become a resident of my body. I knew you were special – not better than anyone – but special in your own unique way. I knew you would be the main carrier of wealth in our family, and that is why you have such a rich name, which, by the way, I did not know until this writing that your name means god of thunder! Umm, that’s a little ‘g’, not a capital one, son! Lol! I love you!

Baron Campbell… You were really named after your Dad because he did not want you to be called Junior, so he dropped the Le which was not on his birth certificate anyway, but that’s our little secret. You came here as a warm, sensitive, and laidback soul. Your name fits you so well because you are a Prince among men. You love your family without regard for yourself, and you love your friends just the same way. I am so proud of the man you have become, and glad to call you my son!

Wayne (Wiz) Diggs… Yours is the most special of all because God chose you and gave you the option of choosing me late in life to become your Mom. When I was unable to love on and hug my own kids, God sent me you. Your story is truly a rags to riches story, and I am so glad I got to play a part. I am equally as proud of you as I am of Corey, Thurston, and Baron. You overcame insurmountable odds to be the entrepreneur/businessman that you are today. Everybody loves Wiz is a part of your legacy because you give until it hurts. I love you.

Marisa Campbell… The day I met you, you became the daughter I never had. Wise beyond your years, smart, beautiful, and yet extraordinarily down-to-earth, simply stated, I was handed a gem and a jewel. You know I love my sons, but there is a scripture in the Book of Ruth where Ruth says to Naomi, You are better to me than seven sons! Your amazing father, the late Dr. Bell, and your beautiful mother, Brenda Bell, deserve a major shout-out as well… They took our Thurston under their wings at a young age and loved him as if he were their own. I love you, and thank you, Bell Family!

WORDS OF LIFE OVER MY GRANDCHILDREN

Kameryn Vertielanae Campbell… At 16 years old, you have developed into a superbly intelligent, poised, graceful, and pretty young lady. As a leader, I speak success and favor over your life in whatever career path you choose. I pray for your spouse, even now, that he will be a man like your father, wise, caring, and loving. The fact that your dad would hold full conversations with you while you were in utero makes it evident that there was some great transference of gifts taking place. Take the Lord God with you wherever you go, pretty girl!

Savannah Peyton Campbell… At the tender age of 9 years old, I do not think I have enough room in this book to talk about you. You hit this planet with a smile on your face and an awareness in your eyes that supersedes anything I have ever seen in any child, including your dad and your uncles. When I would babysit you, you would never wake up crying, but when I looked at you, you would flash a smile that lit up my world. You are already an athlete amongst athletes. You are pretty, even though I know you do not like anyone to say that, but one day you will appreciate the compliment. One day you will grow so far away from the tomboyish ways you enjoy so much now, and blossom into a poised, wise, and intelligent young woman fit to walk amongst queens. I have no clue what you will do with your life, but I would not be surprised to look up and see you sitting on the Supreme Court of the land! However, whatever you do, like your big sister, take the Name of the Lord Jesus with you everywhere you go, and you will not fail!

Langston Campbell… At 8 years old, you are, by far, the sweetest and most sensitive of all of my grandchildren. I have no doubt that you will live up to the greatness that is your name, Langston. Since you were 3 years old, you policed your cousins and looked out for everyone. Your daycare teacher said you would help her put the other children to bed for their naps. I bet you did not know that your dad used to do the same thing. He would walk with me while I put your uncles to bed, and then follow me to the sofa to watch TV as if he were an adult. Since you were the first, and only so far, of my grandchildren to take your maiden voyage with me on an airplane, perhaps you will become a pilot. Again, like your cousins, whatever you should decide to do with your life, make sure you bless someone else and take the Holy Spirit with you wherever you go.

Silas Baron Campbell (Guy)… At 7 years old now, you are the most unique of all of my grandchildren. In your dad’s own words, You’re a character! Like your big sister, Savannah, you always woke up with a smile – at least for me! Your vocabulary, alone, rivals that of a thiry year-old adult. You have such an old soul. I will always remember, with great fondness, the day I heard you and Savannah in my car speaking in tongues, and you finished by placing your hands in the prayer position and saying to us, Be quiet, I’m trying to bless God! And then you clasped your little hands, and you prayed! Whew! That incident took me back to the day you stomped into the kitchen with your little 5-year-old self, demanding chocolate milk and orange juice at 2:00 o’clock in the morning! In your preacher’s voice you said, When my daddy gets home, I’m gonna’ get my chocolate milk, and I’m gonna’ get my orange juice! Holding back my laughter, and my pride, that is the day I first called you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Campbell!" Guy, simply put, you are the Preacher of the family. Like your sisters and your cousins, God has his hands on you as well. I cannot wait to see what you will accomplish in this life, although I would not be surprised to see you gracing the pulpit for your trial sermon one day. Take the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost with you everywhere you go.

Ava Rose Campbell… As of this writing, you are less than one year old. You are still the most beautiful and tiniest little bundle of joy. It does not yet appear who and what you shall do and be, but what is clear is that you have been chosen by God and pre-ordained before the foundations of this earth to make a powerfully positive impact on this planet called earth. Know that you are loved already by more than just your family, and with a name like Ava Rose, your sweet spirit precedes you. But because you are a Campbell, you are a born leader. I look forward to, and am excited about, great things from you, my beloved Ava Rose.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

A

lvis O. Davis… As a best-selling relationship author, coach, and friend, your influence on me has lasted decades. I am still putting into practice lessons you taught me about writing, and life in general, especially as concerns relationships. I hear your voice of encouragement, and the voice of rebuke, every time I sit down to put pen to paper, and especially when discouragement attempts to find its home in my head and heart. After reading this book, I hope you are pleased with the results of your tutelage. The world needs to know that becoming a published author has been 20 years in the making, and that it would have NEVER become a reality without your critical commentary and no-nonsense advice. Your famous words, Stop talking about it, and be about it resonate with me daily.

How marvelous it is to be able to share with the world what a wonderful friend you are, and have been throughout the years, in spite of our slight propensity to occasionally bump heads! On a more serious note, my heart feels as if it is going to explode when I reflect on the day John called you from my hospital room in the ICU. Having just been removed from life support, as John put the phone up to my ear, I heard your calming and soothing voice. You asked me one question, and that question was, Do you want me to come now, or should I wait until you get home? Coming from you, those words lit a fire in my spirit that supernaturally intensified my will to fight to live! To think that you would fly over 2,090 miles, putting your life on hold for me, was more than my heart could comprehend. The sheer depth of your love and friendship was expressed within that one question. What an amazing friend you have proven to be, Alvis O. Davis. Even during the periods of time we did not speak, I have always known you would be there if I really needed you. Prior to each one of your visits, God consistently downloaded prophetic dreams alerting me that you would soon be in the ATL. As a matter of fact, if you recall, I literally met you in my dreams... Alvis, I am beyond delighted and overjoyed to have you back where you belong, and that is in the VIP section of my life. You earned the spot!

Carolyn Pinkard… Our grandmothers were best friends. Our mothers were best friends, and thank you for being my absolute best childhood friend. Even though life eventually took us in opposite directions, nothing could ever change our friendship. What was – still is! You were the reason I didn’t lose my whole entire mind in those coming of age years. Kudos to you for putting your best foot forward using your dynamic editing skills. You have no clue how much you helped this project come to fruition. Thank you – until you’re better paid…

Trudy Lee. The Mother and Grandmother to us all. The day the late Baron Campbell brought you into his life, and the lives of our sons, was a greater day than any of us could have imagined. You stepped in and took care of our sons as if you had birthed them yourself, and you did not stop there. You have gone on to be the live-in Grandma and caretaker to the grands. How blessed are you… How blessed are they… How blessed are we all that God brought you into our lives. I pray that we may all continue to enjoy and share many more years of your love, kindness, teaching, and caring spirit. I have come to realize that you, Trudy Lee, have actually mothered us all! I will give you the flowers while you yet live! Well done!

Barbara Watson, Vertie Townley, Dave & Laura Noonan… You all know who you are and how much you have meant to my children and to me. Aunt Barbara, thank you for always being there, being a sister-in-love, and