The Sterling Redemption: Samson's Strength

By Collette Smith

Does God forgive those who cannot forgive themselves? Can a sinner become a saint? Is destiny predetermined, or do we create our own? Is purpose in life important?

These questions and more are evoked in The Sterling Redemption trilogy. In this first installment, Samson’s Strength, we meet Samson Sterling, a successful and wealthy actor who has a bad-boy reputation for womanizing as well as drug and alcohol use. When his son develops a serious illness, he returns to his Louisiana hometown at his mother’s urging so that she might help take care of the boy. Samson vows to stay sober during his child’s sickness, and though he claims that religion isn’t his thing, he soon finds solace as well as the strength to stay sober in the faith in which he was raised—the Catholic faith.

The nurse assigned to little Joey Sterling’s case is Christina Young, and she has dreams of her own, perhaps even a calling. But her student loan debt stands in the way, and the memory of her departed husband remains alive in her heart.

Can true love be found in the midst of emotional turmoil, or will happiness be forgotten with a cruel twist of fate?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9798890438072

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The Sterling Redemption

Samson's Strength

Collette Smith

ISBN 979-8-89043-806-5 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89043-807-2 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by Collette Smith

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

The author is neither a canon lawyer nor any other type of expert regarding the teachings of the Catholic Church. Considerable efforts have been made to accurately depict these teachings, and any misinformation presented is completely unintentional.

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About the Author

The author is neither a canon lawyer nor any other type of expert regarding the teachings of the Catholic Church. Considerable efforts have been made to accurately depict these teachings, and any misinformation presented is completely unintentional.

1

Christina nervously drove to the address given to her by the agency. The hospice company said this would be a high-profile case, and privacy issues dictated that their best nurse care for this patient. Privacy was such a concern that Christina knew nothing about this case except for the patient's address. Under normal circumstances, she would have been told at least the patient's name and diagnosis. Christina had been informed that the family would give her the code to get into the patient's electronic record on arrival and that no one else was to receive this code. The address led her to a large but rather old-fashioned home. Two limousines were parked outside, and there were camera crews from at least three different news agencies. Christina hesitated before getting out of the car. The agency wasn't kidding when they said this was a high-profile case. Her patient was someone of some sort of notoriety, or at least related to someone of some notoriety. The news crews would see her uniform and hound her with questions. She gathered her supplies, said a quick prayer, stared straight ahead, and kept her mouth shut as she headed straight for the door.

The reporters were relentless as she headed forth, making the twenty-foot walk seem much longer.

Can you tell us little Joey's prognosis?

Are you one of the nurses who will be providing round-the-clock care for Joey Sterling?

What is the treatment plan for Mr. Sterling's son?

There was a security guard standing at the door, and he kept the reporters from following Christina into the house as an older, well-groomed woman opened the door.

I'm sorry about all the commotion outside, the woman said. This is one of the things we were hoping to avoid when I told my son we needed to move Joey here. Someone must have leaked this to the press. I'm Sarah Sterling, Joey's grandmother.

It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Sterling. I'm Christina. I understand you have the code to unlock my patient's electronic record. If it's all right, I'd like to learn a little more about my patient before I meet him. He is a him, right? You mentioned the name Joey.

Yes. Joseph, actually, but we call him Joey. Sarah picked up a computer tablet and punched in a code before handing it over to Christina. Joseph Sterling, age five, terminal brain cancer, one-month prognosis. Christina could hardly hide her gasp when she read the chart. This would be a difficult case, and it was one Christina wasn't sure she should even take. Voices could be heard from another part of the house, and footsteps were approaching. Three people entered the room, continuing their conversation as they walked in.

I'll try my best to get extensions and exceptions worked in for your existing contracts, said one of the men, but I can't make any guarantees. He had long gray hair and a long beard. There were tattoos on his arm. He was talking to the most handsome man Christina had ever seen—tall and muscular with long, thick, wavy, brown hair. Looking at him again, she wondered if she had seen him before. The handsome man started to continue the conversation, but then he noticed Christina.

Oh, you must be my son's nurse, he said as he approached Christina. I'm Samson Sterling. I'm Joey's father. Christina could hardly believe that she was talking to Samson Sterling, one of the biggest motion picture stars of all time.

Christina needed to maintain a professional composure. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Sterling. I'm Christina, and yes, I am the registered nurse assigned to this case. I was just going over your son's chart.

If you don't mind, Mr. Sterling replied, I'd like to go over it together. Just let me see my friends to the door. Oh, this is Daniel, my agent, and this is my friend Delilah.

Please take good care of little Joey, Delilah replied. Her thick foreign accent oozed with sensuality. She had an exotic look, vivacious even, and the dress she was wearing showed off her ample bosom. Mr. Sterling showed his companions to the door, and the barrage of reporters could be heard from outside, badgering them with their questions.

It might be better if we go over the chart together in Joey's room, Mr. Sterling said.

That would probably be best, Christina replied. There's lots of admit paperwork to be filled out and signed.

Mr. Sterling led Christina to Joey's room. Mrs. Sterling was in there with him. The room was filled with toys and balloons; and there, in a hospital bed that seemed so big that it would swallow him up, was little Joey. He was asleep. He had a feeding tube in his nose, and while he didn't need oxygen now, it was available if that changed. The monitoring equipment showed his vital signs were stable for now. Though bald and frail, he looked better than Christina had anticipated for a patient with a one-month prognosis. And then Christina remembered her husband's experience. He looked pretty good for someone with a one-month prognosis too; but his downfall was sudden, and once that happened, he was gone in a matter of days.

They reviewed the chart and went over the admission paperwork as little Joey slept. Mr. Sterling was attentive and concerned throughout the process, and Christina answered his questions about what to expect regarding his son's care. He hardly seemed to be the Samson Sterling portrayed in the media. That Samson Sterling was known for drinking, drug use, and womanizing. This Samson Sterling was just a dad—one who was hoping the doctors were wrong but one who was also trying to be realistic with the idea that they were likely right.

One of the last questions in the admission questionnaire was the one concerning religious affiliation. Mr. Sterling responded that religion was never really his thing, and he casually mentioned that his son was never even baptized.

Mrs. Sterling became upset on hearing this. Samson, this cannot be. You must get Joey baptized! To think that he might…and not even be baptized…

Mr. Sterling could see that his mother was distraught and knew that she was right. Okay, Mom, he replied, I'll look up a priest online and get one to come over today.

Christina hesitated before interjecting, I was planning to go to Mass at five thirty this afternoon. If you like, I can save you the trouble and ask the priest myself. I know Fr. Dean very well. He is the priest at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Today is Wednesday, Mr. Sterling replied. They have a Mass on Wednesdays?

Yes, Christina answered. There is a Mass at six thirty every morning and another at five thirty every evening, and I try to attend one of those Masses every day.

Mr. Sterling looked at his mom. Her eyes were pleading with him to get little Joey baptized. He then looked at his son, who was just stirring awake from a long rest. Mom, he said, I've done a lot of wrong by this boy, including delegating a lot of responsibilities to others where his upbringing was concerned. Asking the priest to baptize him is something I should do myself.

Mr. Sterling then turned to Christina. Would you mind if I went to Mass with you? I mean, it might be a little hazardous. I might burst into flames or something, Mr. Sterling said, a little embarrassed to crack a joke at this time.

It would be my pleasure, Mr. Sterling, Christina answered.

Now that little Joey had awakened, Christina had just enough time to meet him before it was time to leave for church with Mr. Sterling. Christina assumed they would be taking separate vehicles so she could drive home directly after Mass.

My driver can take us both in the limo, Mr. Sterling offered. Christina hesitated. Come on, he encouraged. You'll need to come back anyway.

What do you mean? Christina asked.

Well, since this is so last-minute, Mr. Sterling explained. I don't really have someone to ask. Would you please be my Joey's godmother?

Christina was momentarily caught off-guard but quickly recovered and smiled. I'd be happy to.

Braving the paparazzi outside, Christina and Mr. Sterling got into the limo and headed toward the church. They rode silently in the car, and Christina broke the silence with a confession. You know, Mr. Sterling, I thought about telling the agency that I couldn't take this case.

The media presence is intimidating, Mr. Sterling interrupted.

Well, that's really just part of it, but there's more, Christina spoke softly. You see, my husband's name was Joseph, just like your little Joey, and he, too, had brain cancer. He died nearly three years ago.

Oh, I'm so sorry, Mr. Sterling replied. If this is too much—

Christina wouldn't let Mr. Sterling finish. It's okay. Now that you've asked me to be his godmother, I think Joseph may have led me to this case. We never had any children, and had we been blessed with a son, we would have named that son Joseph. After his father. Maybe this is his way of giving me a child even if it's for a short time. Christina didn't want to cry. It would be unprofessional. Mr. Sterling handed Christina a tissue. She looked around the limousine as she wiped her eyes. The only other time I ever rode in a limo was for my wedding day. It makes me feel as though Joseph is with us.

Mr. Sterling tried to turn the conversation into something more positive. Well, if that's how you came to us, then I'm glad that your Joseph led you to my Joseph. Then he paused before continuing, You know, it has been ages since I've been inside a church, much less attended a service. I might need your help.

Christina pulled out her prayer book. We can share my book.

They arrived at church and hurried inside before any reporters could follow. Mr. Sterling awkwardly followed Christina's every move as she made her way toward a pew. Christina touched her right hand into the holy water at the entrance and made the sign of the cross. Mr. Sterling did the same. Christina genuflected before entering her pew. Mr. Sterling did the same. Then he realized that he remembered doing those very same things as a boy when his mother took him to church. A quiet comfort came over him as he remembered making the sign of the cross as a child.

As the Mass began and he followed along with Christina, sharing her prayer book, that same quiet comfort fell on him whenever he stumbled on something familiar. It was a comfort that he had not known for decades. His vow to stay sober and drug-free during his son's final days was a struggle. When his mom suggested that he bring Joey back to his small hometown in Louisiana, he hoped being removed from some of the movie industry's more unsavory influences would lessen that struggle; and to a certain degree, it did. But this quiet comfort. In it was strength, and as the Mass progressed, he welcomed this comfort whenever something familiar popped up. He knew the strength he found in it was exactly what he needed to stay clean and sober during his son's final days.

As Mr. Sterling stood in line for Communion, he noticed a parishioner cross his arms over his chest. It was a symbol that indicated he should not receive Communion but a blessing instead. Having been raised in the church, Mr. Sterling knew that he needed to cross his arms over his chest too. And, for the first time, something familiar with the Mass did not bring him comfort. How strange it was to yearn for the Eucharist!

As he knelt next to Christina during the final moments of the Mass, he thought to himself how just a couple of hours ago, he told her that religion wasn't his thing; and yet here he was, finding comfort in things nearly forgotten and longing for more. He came to realize that as long as his son needed him and as long as he needed to stay sober for his son, he would need the comfort he was finding in the church.

After the Mass, Fr. Dean agreed to baptize little Joey and rode to the house in the limousine with Mr. Sterling and Christina.

As Mr. Sterling told Fr. Dean more about his son, Christina decided to check her social media. Mr. Sterling, Christina interrupted, I'm afraid we might be walking into a zoo when we get to your house.

What do you mean? Mr. Sterling asked.

The hashtag #PrayForLittleJoey is trending, Christina responded.

Mr. Sterling looked at his phone. Various news organizations posted photos of the priest getting into the limousine, and a rumor was circulating that little Joey was at death's door. All too familiar with how quickly reporters and curiosity seekers could gather together and form a crowd whenever and wherever celebrity drama was in the air, Mr. Sterling knew he would have to address the crowd himself to dissipate the rumor.

As anticipated, the crowd at the Sterling residence had grown from just a few reporters this morning to nearly a hundred. The vast majority were well-wishers holding candles, a tribute as a last-minute vigil for the boy. As Mr. Sterling, Christina, and Fr. Dean exited the limousine, they were met with a barrage of questions, and the blinding flash of cameras made it difficult to navigate through the crowd.

Is little Joey receiving his last rites?

Are you praying for a miracle?

Is the priest helping you with funeral arrangements?

These were some of the questions shouted out by the reporters, while We're praying for little Joey! and We love you, Samson! hailed from those who came to show their support.

When they reached the door to the house, Mr. Sterling turned to address the crowd. Thank you all for the concern you are showing for my son. I am happy to report that his condition is stable. There are many of you wondering why Fr. Dean is here. For much of my son's little life, I have delegated far too many of my responsibilities regarding his upbringing to others. This has led to the outright neglect of his spiritual nurturing. Today I seek baptism for my son, and I am hopeful that his receiving of this sacrament will bring all of us who love him closer to the divine strength that we will need during this difficult time. Thank you. With that statement, Mr. Sterling led Fr. Dean and Christina into the home. Christina remarked that she was impressed that Mr. Sterling could come up with such an eloquent statement at a moment's notice. Mr. Sterling kind of shrugged, stating that this sort of thing came with the territory of celebrity life.

Little Joey lay awake in his bed, but he was restless. His grandmother was trying to calm him, but to no avail. I've been to a few of your Masses, Father, but we've never officially met, Mrs. Sterling began. I'm Sarah Sterling, Joey's grandmother.

Fr. Dean responded, I'm happy to meet you, Mrs. Sterling. This must be little Joey.

Yes, Mrs. Sterling replied, I'm sorry he's so restless right now, but I'm glad that you are here. Having Joey baptized is very important to me.

It's important to me too, Mom, Mr. Sterling said. I'm glad you insisted on it.

Fr. Dean took out the holy water for the baptism and began to administer the sacrament. From outside, the voices of the crowd could be heard singing, Jesus Loves the Little Children as the priest said the words Joseph Paul, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The crowd outside could still be heard singing when the baptism was complete. Observing Joey's feeding tube through his nose, Fr. Dean realized this child could not receive his first Communion; so he continued by administering the sacrament of confirmation, a sacrament that was usually received closer to adulthood but could be administered in cases such as Joey's. Lastly, Fr. Dean asked if Joey should also receive the sacrament of the sick. Mr. Sterling agreed, but he implored Fr. Dean that this information was not to be leaked to the press.

When Joey received the oil to his forehead, his restlessness quieted; his breathing eased. The voices outside were no longer singing. It was more like a murmuring or a chanting, and the decreased sound suggested that the crowd was beginning to dissipate. Christina looked outside the window. There were about a dozen people out there saying the Rosary. Many of the faces looked familiar. Some of them were at the very Mass she attended with Mr. Sterling. Someone must have recognized him during Mass and believed the rumors when they saw Fr. Dean come with them in the limousine.

Mr. Sterling was touched that these perfect strangers would be so moved to pray for his son. So many of his Hollywood friends didn't seem to have time for him and his son during this time of need, but these strangers did. As he listened to them praying the Rosary, the quiet comfort Mr. Sterling felt during some parts of the Mass was returning. With Joey just having received the sacraments and no longer restless, Mr. Sterling couldn't help but believe that his son felt that same quiet comfort. His heart told him that tonight would be a good night.

2

Christina arrived at eight the next morning. She brought a rosary and children's books about different figures in the Bible as baptism gifts for her new godson. She had also downloaded various children's hymns into her phone. She was more convinced than ever that her Joseph had led her to this Joseph, and she wanted to take her role as his godmother as seriously as she would take her role as his nurse.

Mr. Sterling was happy to say that he had spent the night with Joey and that his son had rested well. Christina was glad to see that Joey was wide awake on her arrival. He had slept during much of her admission visit yesterday, and she didn't have much of an opportunity to get to know him.

Good morning, Joey. I'm Christina. I'm your nurse. We met yesterday. Do you remember?

Yes, I remember, Joey answered. You were here last night too. When that man gave me that treatment. Who was that? Was that my new doctor?

Christina and Mr. Sterling quickly realized that Joey was talking about receiving his sacraments. With the barrage of various treatments that he had been receiving, it was a logical conclusion for a five-year-old.

No, buddy, Mr. Sterling responded. You received your sacraments last night. The first one you received was your baptism. Sacraments are different from treatments. And the man who was here last night, giving you those sacraments? He is a priest. His name is Fr. Dean.

Oh, Joey answered, a little dismayed. I liked getting sacraments, he continued. It's better than treatments. Can I get sacraments instead of treatments?

Mr. Sterling tried to hide his emotions as he gave his answer. I wish you could, buddy.

Christina took Joey's little hand as she explained, The sacraments you received last night united you to God, and last night I became your godmother during your baptism. So now I'm not just your nurse, Joey. I'm also your godmother. I won't only be giving you your medicines and doing things to help you feel better. I will also be helping you learn about God.

Christina spent the day helping keep Joey comfortable and used as many opportunities as possible to incorporate spiritual teachings as the day progressed. The child had a people-pleaser type of personality, and he eagerly absorbed the things Christina taught him about God and the Catholic faith. She played the children's Christian hymns during his bath and caught him trying to learn the words in the songs. When Joey inquired about the necklace Christina had given him, she explained that it wasn't a necklace but a rosary and that she would be teaching him the prayers to say on it. When he was ready to nod off for a nap, she read to him from the children's books about biblical figures. The day passed by quickly, and everyone was relieved that it was a day relatively free of the discomforts that came with his illness. He did have a headache for a moment, but at least for today, the medicine worked.

When the time came for Christina to go home, Mr. Sterling inquired if she was going to church again this afternoon.

I went to church this morning, Christina explained. I actually attended Mass this morning so I could get Fr. Dean to open the gift shop for little Joey's baptism gifts.

Those were such thoughtful gifts, Christina, Mr. Sterling replied. You really didn't have to go through all that trouble.

It was no trouble at all, Christina said. I really feel like Joseph led me to this case. It's as though Joseph wanted me to care for little Joey while Joey was here, and he would… Christina stopped herself from continuing. While she could feel some comfort in believing that Joseph would look after little Joey in heaven, things might be different for Mr. Sterling.

But Mr. Sterling understood what Christina was going to say next, and he finished her sentence. And he would watch Joey when Joey joins him in heaven. There was an awkward silent pause. Christina opened her mouth to speak, but Mr. Sterling wouldn't let her. You know, he said, I like the idea of your husband watching out for him on the other side. Mr. Sterling hung his head as he continued, He will probably have a better dad up in heaven than he had here on earth.

You can't beat yourself up over any mistakes you feel you might have made in the past, Christina said. From what I see now, you are doing everything you can to make Joey's last days comfortable. Only God the Father is the perfect parent.

I'm trying, Mr. Sterling responded, but sometimes it's hard not to feel guilty or have regrets. But look, I can't let you stay here while I'm throwing myself a pity party. Your shift is over, and I'm sure you have someplace to be.

I'm actually planning on visiting Joseph's grave, Christina answered. I want to thank him for leading me to little Joey. I want to thank him for sending me a godchild.

I'm thankful he led you here too. Will you thank him for me as well? Mr. Sterling asked.

Sure, Christina answered, but I wouldn't mind if you come with me if you want to thank him yourself.

Mr. Sterling thought for a moment. He never liked visiting cemeteries, but the cemetery would be unavoidable when Joey passed away. Getting accustomed to being in one might be helpful when that final moment came. Let me see if Mom's okay with watching Joey for a little while, Mr. Sterling said, accepting her invitation.

With Mr. Sterling riding along, Christina drove her car to Joseph's grave site. They had learned from yesterday's trip that a limo ride was a surefire way to attract more media attention, which was something neither of them wanted. As they walked to Joseph's grave in silence, Mr. Sterling dug through his wallet to find a photograph of Joey. He felt it appropriate that Joseph have a picture of his wife's new godchild. It was a little unnerving to be in the cemetery, knowing that it wouldn't be long before he would be here to bury his son; and as he looked around, he realized that the place where they planned to lay Joey to rest wasn't very far from Joseph's tomb. He listened as Christina thanked Joseph for the many times he had led her during certain crossroads in her life. He listened as Christina thanked Joseph for leading her to her new godson and told Joseph about him and how he would be joining him in heaven soon.

I've brought little Joey's dad with me, Christina went on to say as she continued to tell her husband about her godson. "You might recognize him as Samson Sterling. You know why? Because he is Samson Sterling! I know, right? You led me straight to this case so I could be little Joseph Sterling's godmother. You've led me on some pretty amazing journeys since you've been gone, Joseph, but this might be the best one you've led me to yet. Anyway, I want to thank you for giving me this godchild, and Mr. Sterling wants to thank you for sending me to be his godmother. So, Joseph, let me introduce you to Samson Sterling."

Mr. Sterling didn't often have difficulty finding the right words to say, but this was one of those occasions. His words came out awkwardly at first. I want to thank you, Joseph, for sending Christina Joey's way. She's only been with us for a couple of days, and yet we already know that she is going to be a glimpse of heaven shining through the hell we are all experiencing, especially the hell that Joey is experiencing. Mr. Sterling wanted to continue, but he stopped. A cardinal had just landed on Joseph's grave.

Joseph must be here, Christina gasped. The cardinal. I think it's Joseph's way of saying, ‘You're welcome.'

Seeing the cardinal at Joseph's grave gave both Christina and Mr. Sterling a sense of peace that the heavens were watching over little Joey and those who cared for him.

After dropping Mr. Sterling off at his house, Christina continued to her own place. It had been a long day, and she was looking forward to curling up with a good book and reading until she fell asleep. She had just finished the first chapter when the phone rang. It was Mrs. Young, Joseph's mom, and Christina was glad to hear from her.

"Christina, was that you standing next to Samson Sterling when he made that statement about his son getting baptized? I saw a clip of it on social media. Are you one of the nurses caring for Samson Sterling's son?"

Now, Mama Young, you know I'm not allowed to talk about my patients, Christina responded.

I'm not asking you to tell me about the case. I just want to know if that is you standing next to Samson Sterling when he made that statement about his son. I'm replaying the clip on my laptop right now. It sure looks like you.

Christina knew that her agency had chosen her for this case because of the very privacy issues facing her right now. She wasn't about to lose her job or her nursing license by confirming or denying anything—not even to her mother-in-law. Mama Young, the only thing that I am going to tell you about my current patient is that I truly believe that Joseph led me to this case.

Oh, Mrs. Young said, how did you figure that? Did you get some sort of sign?

A few, Christina answered. The latest confirmation came from a little bird, a cardinal, actually. I was visiting Joseph's grave today, and a cardinal came by.

He's been gone almost three years, Mrs. Young reminisced, and yet we still both feel his presence and his guidance sometimes.

Their conversation continued. It was nice sharing memories and catching up on their personal lives. When Christina hung up the phone, she didn't feel like going back to her book. She found herself looking through old photos on her phone—photos of her and Joseph. One of them was of Joseph and his family enjoying a Thanksgiving meal that Christina had prepared. She missed cooking for her husband. In fact, she missed cooking in general. It felt silly to go through the trouble of cooking just for one, so she didn't do it often anymore.

Christina received a text, interrupting her reminiscing. It was Mr. Sterling. Joey had apparently been asking to listen to some of the songs Christina had played for him from her phone. Mr. Sterling wanted to download the songs to his phone so Joey could listen to them whenever he wanted. Christina sent him the online links for the music and called it a night. She would need to return to caring for Joey in the morning. Although today had been a good day, patients with a one-month prognosis didn't have many good days left, and she needed to be ready in case tomorrow was one of the bad days that lay ahead.

The morning came, and while she typically preferred to go to the morning Mass, Christina didn't feel like going. She made the decision to attend the evening Mass after work. Her dreams had taken her back to preparing some of Joseph's favorite foods, and she remembered that many of their mornings together began by enjoying a cup of coffee over some of her freshly baked muffins. Lemon blueberry was Joseph's favorite, and she decided to make a batch to bring to her patient's home.

When Christina arrived at the Sterling home, she learned that little Joey didn't have a good night. When Mr. Sterling had called about downloading the songs to his phone, he didn't tell Christina that Joey's medicine for his headaches took longer than usual to take effect, and he had hoped that playing the songs would calm him. It worked to a certain extent, but Joey didn't begin to rest until after he received the next dose of medication, and that was after three in the morning. The ordeal made for little sleep for both father and grandmother, and Christina's lemon-blueberry muffins were a welcome surprise.

How thoughtful, Mrs. Sterling replied as she updated Christina about Joey's night. Mrs. Sterling requested that Christina be as quiet as possible when going into his room and allow Joey to sleep in this morning. Mr. Sterling was sitting with Joey and texting someone when Christina came in. He whispered a quick thank-you before stepping out, still continuing with his text.

Joey was asleep. His room was completely dark except for the light emitting from his equipment. His monitor showed that his oxygen level and heart rate were stable, and he was breathing easily. As she looked at him resting so peacefully, it was hard to imagine him having difficulties last night, but unpredictable changes in condition came with the territory for patients like Joey. Christina took out Joey's electronic record and began her documentation.

Samson met his mother in the kitchen. He was visibly upset. His agent was having trouble renegotiating one of his contracts and pressuring him to fly back to California for a few days.

I'm not going to do it, Mom. I'm not leaving Joey.

Are you really concerned about what will this cost you if you have to back out of this contract? Mrs. Sterling asked.

No, I'm not worried about what it will cost me. He sighed. Financially, I'm fine. I could leave the industry today if I wanted. But sometimes I think Daniel is more worried about what backing out of these contracts will cost him—as my agent. You know, he didn't really want me to come here with Joey. He wanted me to keep on working as though none of this… Mr. Sterling trailed off. In his tired and frustrated state, it was easy to let his emotions get the best of him. I should have done better by Joey, Mom. I shouldn't have waited until it was practically too late to really get to know my son.

Samson, we've been through all this already, Mrs. Sterling comforted him. Last night wasn't easy, but we need to be strong for Joey. Christina is here now, so that gives us a little chance to rest. Mrs. Sterling handed her son one of Christina's muffins. Here. Christina made these for us. Have a little snack and a glass of milk. It will help your body relax, and maybe you can get just a little bit of sleep.

Just then, Mr. Sterling's phone rang. It was his agent, Daniel. His mom took his phone and turned it off. And keep this phone off for the next few hours, Mrs. Sterling implored. You've made it clear to Daniel that you are putting everything on hold to be here for Joey. If he can't understand that, then that is his problem, not yours.

Mr. Sterling realized his mother was right. Being here for Joey was what was most important.