The Adventures of RJ and Alex

By Diana Lynn Todisco

RJ Matthews was a normal, happy, and healthy twelve-year-old boy--until he wasn't. Like many twelve-year-olds, RJ loved spending time with his family. RJ especially loved Sunday mornings when he, his mom and dad, and little brother all went to church together. After church, they would come home and have a big special breakfast and then venture out for an afternoon of fun surprises. Life in the Matthews household was always a grand adventure. Of course, there were times when he and his younger brother argued, when he didn't do his chores and was grounded, and when he really didn't feel like going to church. But those times were few and far between. RJ was particularly excited about this Sunday because after Sunday school, his church was having their annual picnic, and afterward, he was going hiking with his family and some friends. Unfortunately, the Sunday that began with such promise would end with lost hope. This is RJ's story, a story of pain and loss, of denial and anger--a story of losing his way and then rediscovering it. It is ultimately a story of restoration, redemption, and the goodness of God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798891123977

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Introduction

The Beginning

The Revelation

The Meeting

The Realization

Good Night

The Visitor

The Decision

Physical Therapy

Pastor Kevin

The Therapist

Femi

Physical Therapy, Part 2

A New Beginning

The Gleasons

Life Goes On

What Now?

Where Is God?

Dr. Marcus

First Day of School

Emptiness

Judith

Trust

Where Is RJ?

Home

Alex

The Future Is Bright

Surprise

Good News!

Friends

The Best Is Yet to Come

About the Author

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The Adventures of RJ and Alex

Diana Lynn Todisco

ISBN 979-8-89112-396-0 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89112-397-7 (Digital)

Copyright © 2024 Diana Lynn Todisco

All rights reserved

First Edition

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are

taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version.

Copyright 1984 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Nashville, TN. Used by permission.

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.

Covenant Books

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Introduction

Before we begin, I want to dedicate this book to Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord of my life, without whom life would not be worth living.

That said, I have always had a deep desire to write a book—just because I have always loved to write. I started writing stories when I was about twelve years old, and all my childhood friends would tell me that I should write a book. I wrote a story for a fiction writer's contest when I was twenty-two, and all my adult friends told me how great it was and that I should have won (I didn't). Now I am a bit older, with a lot more life experience and insight, and realize that the reason, at least in part, that I never succeeded before was because they were not the kinds of stories that God wanted me to write. One day, about three years ago, God woke me in the early morning and said, The Adventures of RJ and Alex! I was like, What? So He repeated it, The Adventures of RJ and Alex. I didn't know what to make of any of this, but I assumed God wanted me to write a book about the adventures of RJ and Alex—whoever they were!

Long story a bit shorter, there were a lot of twists and turns and a hiatus from writing for a few months because of some personal issues, but the story of RJ and Alex finally came together under the Lord's guidance, and that story, that labor of love, is what you are about to read.

For such a time as this (Esther 4:14b).

The Beginning

That light! Where was it coming from, and why was it so bright? RJ had never seen such a bright light. Where was he? All of a sudden, he heard a voice; not heard, really, more like felt! The voice was booming and quiet at the same time—commanding yet gentle; and it was all around him, yet he could not discern any actual words. RJ was enveloped in a warm cocoon of light and sound. He had never felt this way before, yet he wasn't afraid. He felt peaceful, happy, and comfortable. He closed his eyes and smiled, beginning to drift off to sleep.

Suddenly the voice became clearer, and he understood every word. RJ's eyes flew open, and he immediately jumped up!

RJ, the voice called. RJ, are you awake?

RJ frantically looked around but didn't see anyone. All he could see was that bright light. I-I don't know, he sputtered. Am I dreaming?

No, RJ. The voice smiled. You are in heaven.

H-Heaven? RJ squeaked out. Am I dead?

No, My son, the voice said gently. You are more alive now than you have ever been. You are in heaven, but you are not going to stay here.

RJ felt every nerve in his body tingle, coming alive with fear. Who are You, and where am I going to go if I am not staying here?

I am God, said the voice.

RJ fell backward at this revelation. God? RJ's voice trembled with fright.

Don't be afraid, RJ, God comforted him. You are going to go back to earth because you have many things yet to do. But your life will never be the same. Do not fear. Just know that I love you and will always be with you. Someday you will come back here to live with Me forever.

Before RJ could reply, or even think about what God had told him, he felt himself falling—or flying, he wasn't sure which—and he squeezed his eyes tightly shut. All of a sudden, he felt himself land on what felt like a bed. He lay there for a moment, afraid to open his eyes. When he did open them, RJ saw that he was indeed in a bed, but in a totally unfamiliar place—somewhere he had never even seen before. Machines were beeping somewhere; people were talking in urgent tones. He looked around and saw that he was surrounded by doctors and nurses. It took him a minute to realize that he was in a hospital bed, but he did not know why, and he could not speak. All he could do was lie there, staring up at the ceiling.

Hey, young man, one of the doctors greeted him. You gave us quite a scare. How are you feeling?

RJ just stared up at him. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

One of the nurses reached out and stroked RJ's head. It's okay, she cooed. You were in an accident, but you are safe now. You are going to be okay… The nurse's voice trailed off as she turned quickly away so that RJ would not see the tears that were beginning to form in her eyes.

RJ tried to push himself up in the bed but failed, sinking back against the pillow in exhaustion. What was happening? Where were his mom and dad? Where was his little brother, AJ? RJ longed to ask the doctor these questions, but all he could do was gawk at the man as his mind raced.

Most of the doctors and nurses had left the room when they saw that RJ was awake. Only one doctor and one nurse remained. No one spoke for what seemed like an eternity.

Finally, the doctor cleared his throat and asked, Do you know your name, young man?

RJ continued to stare at the doctor for a minute before he was finally able to find his voice. Of course, I know my name, RJ thought indignantly. But he did not say it.

RJ, he croaked.

RJ? Just RJ? queried the doctor. Is that your full name?

N-no, RJ began haltingly. My full name is Reuben James Matthews. But everyone calls me RJ. RJ's voice was becoming stronger, a little louder, and a lot more frantic. Where am I? Why am I here? Where are my mom and dad and little brother?

The doctor lowered his eyes and let out a deep sigh. The nurse hurried from the room. Time seemed to stand still.

At last, after what seemed like forever, the doctor spoke. I am Dr. Marcus, the doctor said as he lowered himself to sit on the edge of RJ's bed. I have been taking care of you since you came in. There was an accident.

An accident? RJ's mind raced. Yes, that is what the nurse had said. An accident. RJ could not remember any accident. Fear began welling up in his brain, and his whole body tingled. He was starting to panic. What did this mean? What happened? Why couldn't he remember? Why couldn't he ask Dr. Marcus the question he most wanted answered?

Dr. Marcus stood quietly, studying RJ's face. He watched as RJ's brow furrowed, and he could almost see the frenzied thoughts rushing around in RJ's brain. He realized that RJ was trying to remember the accident but was having trouble doing so.

All of a sudden, like a flash of lightning, RJ remembered. It was Sunday, and he and his family were on their way to church. They had only been driving for a few minutes when, out of nowhere, RJ heard brakes screeching and the sound of metal against metal. He heard his mother scream, and then…a horrible crash, shaking the car—and RJ himself—to his very core until he felt himself flying through the air. That was all he could remember until he awoke in this hospital bed.

RJ began to cry. Were his parents okay? Was AJ okay? RJ stared questioningly up at Dr. Marcus, his eyes wide with fear, wanting answers yet not really wanting to know. Finally, through the tears, RJ stammered, A…a…are my mom and dad okay? Where is AJ?

Dr. Marcus let out another deep sigh, took one of RJ's hands into both of his strong ones, and looked directly into his eyes.

RJ, he began softly. The crash caused you to be thrown from the car, so you were the only one who survived.

RJ could feel the screams welling up inside him as he frantically shook his head from side to side. No! What was Dr. Marcus saying? Were his mom, dad, and little brother all dead? How could this be?

No!

The screams finally burst forth from the depths of RJ's soul. He screamed and screamed until he had no more breath. Dr. Marcus attempted to hug him, but RJ just pushed him away and tried to get out of the bed. He wanted to run and run and never stop. This could not be happening! But somehow, RJ could not get up. He threw back the covers and gasped. What? Where was his leg? He looked wildly about the room, once again filled with other doctors and nurses.

What happened to my leg? he screeched.

RJ, Dr. Marcus once again attempted to comfort the grief-stricken boy.

No, no, no! shouted RJ, again trying to push Dr. Marcus away.

He was agitated, screaming and crying and trying to escape, until finally, he felt a slight prick in his arm, and the screams quieted. He fell back against the bed and gazed questioningly at Dr. Marcus as he felt a warm, fuzzy feeling creep through his body. He tried to fight the feeling but eventually gave up and drifted off into an uneasy sleep.

The Revelation

By the time RJ finally awakened, it was the next morning. At first, he snuggled deeper under the covers; it was Monday, and he really didn't want to go to school. All of a sudden, his eyes flew open, and he remembered where he was; he was not home in his own room and his own bed. He wasn't going to school today. He didn't even know what day it was! The events of the day before came flooding back into his weary brain. He threw back the covers and stared down at the spot where his left leg had been. Now there was just a bandaged stump, ending right below his knee. So it wasn't a nightmare! It was all real! He still didn't want to believe it, though, so he began yelling for Dr. Marcus. He needed answers!

A nurse came running in.

Where is Dr. Marcus? cried RJ. I need to see him right now! The nurse tried to comfort RJ, but he would have no part of it. I want Dr. Marcus!

The nurse—who RJ later learned was named Mary—attempted to quiet him. RJ, she began, Dr. Marcus is on his way to the hospital and should be here in about thirty minutes. Can I get you anything?

I need to know what happened to me, RJ cried. How long have I been here? Why was I the only one who lived? RJ began to cry.

Mary sat on the bed and took RJ into her arms, rocking him and stroking his head just like his mother used to do when he was upset. Dr. Marcus will explain everything to you as soon as he gets here, soothed Mary. I know you are frightened and upset, and I am so sorry that I can't change what happened. But it is going to be okay, she said, trying to convince herself that it really would be.

Mary kept rocking RJ and stroking his head while he cried for what seemed like hours. Finally, he pulled away from her and wiped his eyes.

I'm okay. He snuffled, trying to sound as if he really was okay, when both he and Mary knew that he clearly was not. How could he be?

Mary rose from the bed and straightened the covers. She smoothed her rumpled uniform and tried to keep from crying herself. Can I bring you some breakfast, RJ? she asked, trying to sound cheerful.

RJ nodded yes; he really did not feel like eating, but he just wanted to get Mary out of the room so that he could be alone to think, to go over all the questions he had for Dr. Marcus when he finally arrived.

Mary tried to smile and quickly left the room. She had only been gone a few minutes when Dr. Marcus arrived. He strode over to RJ's bed and gave a weak smile. He looked tired.

I understand you've been asking for me, RJ. I'm all yours for the next hour. Do you want me to start, to explain everything that happened, or do you want to ask me questions?

RJ sniffled and wiped his nose on his sleeve. Why me? was all he could squeak out.

Dr. Marcus looked a little puzzled. Why you, what? Why was there an accident? Why was your family killed? Or why did you survive?

Everything, RJ almost shouted. I need to know everything—all of it. And what day is it anyway?

Dr. Marcus motioned to the side of RJ's bed. May I? he asked.

RJ nodded. Dr. Marcus sat down on the bed and studied RJ's face for a long moment before beginning.

First of all, Dr. Marcus began, today is Friday.

Friday? shouted RJ. You mean that I've been here for almost a whole week? What happened to me?

Dr. Marcus took a deep breath and tentatively began. As you know, RJ, you and your family were in a car accident. Another car ran a stop sign at a very high speed and hit your car. You were thrown from the car before it burst into flames.

What? shouted RJ, clearly agitated and trying desperately to remember, to understand. You mean my family burned up?

No, no, RJ! Dr. Marcus quickly exclaimed. The police and the firemen at the scene were able to get both your parents and your little brother out of the car, but… Dr. Marcus's voice trailed off.

But what? cried RJ.

Um, well, they could not be revived. They all died on impact.

RJ burst into tears again. It seemed like that was all he was doing lately—crying and screaming. Dr. Marcus awkwardly patted RJ's shoulder and waited for him to calm down.

When RJ's sobs became sniffles, Dr. Marcus continued. I really shouldn't be saying this, RJ, but you were lucky you weren't wearing your seat belt. Why weren't you?

Lucky! RJ hissed. You call this lucky? My whole family is dead, and I only have one leg! How is that lucky?

You are alive, RJ, Dr. Marcus answered softly. "You may not think that that is lucky, but it is. You are a young man with your whole life ahead