out loud. I’ve always believed that getting through life’s little difficulties and challenges requires a lot of laughter — and I thank you for bringing that to our home. You’re a wonderful boy with such potential. I’m amazed because you’re so talented. I’m praying you’ll have a strong passion to use your gifts for God as you return to high school in the fall. Because, EJ, God has great plans for you, and we want to be the first to congratulate you as you work to discover those. Thanks for your giving heart, EJ. I love you so.
To Austin, my miracle boy …
I think we’ll look back on your seventh grade year as the time when you became obsessed with basketball. It was something you loved as a very little boy, back when people would ask you your name and you’d respond by saying, “Michael Jordan.” Yes, you’re finding out just how talented you are on a basketball court, and we can only dream about where God will take you. But even more than basketball, one highlight from your past school year will always stand out in my mind. The time when you found out there was an eighth grade boy who always sat alone at lunchtime. You made a determination to be that boy’s friend — but even then the first I knew about it was when your teacher told me, “That Austin is probably my favorite student in the whole school. I don’t think anyone has a kinder heart.” Then again after you tried out for the select basketball team in our area, and made the A team, your coach came up to me and said, “It took about a minute to know I wanted Austin on my team. He can play great … but it was his attitude, and the way he was with the other kids. Such a leader. I knew I had to have him.” Wow, buddy … do you know how proud of you I am? The fact that you’re almost as tall as your daddy now just reminds me that this wonderful amazing time together won’t last forever. Austin, I look at you and I see a young man with an ocean of determination and leadership ability, a young man who is first to thank his coach, first to shake the hand of the ref, and last to leave the classroom because you’re so busy cleaning up and expressing your gratitude to your teacher. Sure you still struggle in a few areas, and sometimes your competitive drive can get you in trouble with your brothers. But truly, Austin, you can do anything as long as you keep God first. I believe you have the chance to go all the way with your dreams of playing sports, and I’m grateful to have a front-row seat. Play hard and don’t ever give up, and always remember to be grateful and humble — two traits that will take you further than speed and strength any day. Not every infant who goes in for emergency heart surgery comes back out again. But even then, through our tears, we were certain we’d see you somewhere — here or there. The fact that God has blessed you with the here and now is proof that He has amazing plans for you. How great that you are seizing them with everything inside you, with every breath. Keep on, precious son. We are here for you, praying for you, cheering for you. No one believes more than we do. I’ve said it before, and it’s true. Heaven has windows, and I’m convinced Papa’s still cheering for you, son. Especially this year. Please don’t forget that or him. You’re my youngest, my last, Austin. I’m holding on to every moment, for sure. Thanks for giving me so many wonderful reasons to treasure today. I thank God for you, for the miracle of your life. I love you, Austin.
And to God Almighty, the Author of Life, who has — for now — blessed me with these.
CONTENTS
Cover
Title Page
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
Twenty
Twenty-One
Twenty-Two
Twenty-Three
Twenty-Four
Twenty-Five
Twenty-Six
Twenty-Seven
Twenty-Eight
READER LETTER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Acknowledgments
About the Author
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT KAREN KINGSBURY’S BOOKS
Other Life-Changing Fiction™ by Karen Kingsbury
FOREVER IN FICTION®
Preview
Copyright
About the Publisher
Share Your Throughts
One
CODY COLEMAN ANCHORED HIMSELF NEAR THE HOSPITAL ROOM window and wondered for the hundredth time what he was doing here. Why he was holding vigil for a young woman in a coma while Bailey Flanigan was leaving Indiana — maybe for good? He stared at the rainy parking lot twelve stories down and a realization