Finding Love

CHAPTER 15

Changes and Surprises One year later

Ruth was in awe of how much her life had changed after resetting her steps with the Lord. Spencer had promoted her to lead writer. She mentored and collaborated with other colleagues and headed many projects. Serenity had gotten married and had a cute baby boy named David Murray. Malissa had given birth to a beautiful daughter named Eden. Ruth was happy to share in the delivery of her godchildren and enjoyed being a part of their lives.  Although she longed for a family of her own she still promised to wait on God. These days she became an active member in her mother's church and mentored youth. In addition, she helped with charity groups and women's shelters with abused women. Her schedule became very full with numerous charitable works. At twenty-eight, Ruth was happy with her testimonies and experiences life brought her over the years. But she was not prepared for the biggest change that was about to come to her life. 

"Serenity, David is so intelligent," Ruth beamed as she played with the energetic one-year-old. "I know," Serenity said looking on proudly at her son. Serenity had invited Ruth over for dinner.  Little David pulled Ruth into his room to play with his toys. "Look auntie," he said smiling showing her his new truck. "Wow, that's amazing! You can play racing," Ruth said pointing at his other trucks. David got up excitedly and began racing his other trucks with his new prized toy. Serenity looked on so happy to have Ruth in her son's life. She loved how David would light up when she came around. Serenity knew one day Ruth would be an amazing mother.

"Is something wrong?" Ruth asked wondering why Serenity was so quiet. "You know that my husband and I do not have many relatives and the ones who are alive are seniors," Serenity reminded her.  Ruth nodded her head bewildered as to why Serenity was telling her this. "That is why we have decided to name you as legal guardian to David if something ever happened to us," Serenity continued. 

Ruth's eyes widened in concern. "Is something wrong? Are you sick?" she asked worried about Serenity's suggestion. "No I am fine just putting things in place," Serenity chuckled. "I am not planning on going anywhere," Serenity smiled. Ruth said, "That is good to hear." "Do you agree to my request?" Serenity asked. "Of course. I love David and would be honored to take care of him," Ruth said not realizing the magnitude of her decision. Serenity smiled and hugged her friend relieved that David would be okay if she was not here. 

The Accident

A week later Ruth found herself reminiscing over her conversation with Serenity. She prayed God would cover her friend, husband, and son. She loved them all and could not imagine life without Serenity. Ruth turned in early and fell asleep oblivious to how her life was about to change. An hour later she heard her phone ringing off the hook. 

Malissa sobbed on the other end crying uncontrollably. Ruth felt her heart beating profusely not wanting to face why she was crying so much. "What's wrong?" Ruth managed to say. "I don't know how.............. to tell you this," Malissa said between sobs. Ruth sat down worried about what Malissa was about to say. "Serenity and her husband were in a terrible car accident," Malissa cried. "I heard...... her husband succumbed to his injuries and Serenity is in bad condition," Malissa said. "Oh God No," Ruth cried sobbing uncontrollably on the phone. "Please Ruth find the strength to go to the hospital," Malissa begged. "I will. Where is David?" Ruth asked abruptly. "He was at home with the babysitter," Malissa said relieved. Ruth exhaled not wanting to hear any more bad news. She turned on the news and saw the car accident. She held her mouth looking at the extreme damage to Serenity's car. A drunk driver ran the light and wrecked her friends' car. Ruth felt bad about this. She drove to the hospital crying the entire time.

Saying Goodbye 

When Ruth got to the hospital she felt as if she was in a dream. A week ago her friend was happy. A week ago they were planning a family trip. Now, this tragic event left devastation and so much hurt. The nurse finally allowed her into Serenity's room and it felt like an eternity. Ruth learned Serenity's husband had died on impact. She walked over to her friend's bed and cried out seeing all the tubes hooked up to her. Ruth heard the inner voice encouraging her to be strong. 

Ruth approached the bed and held Serenity's hands crying and realizing she could lose her friend. As she bowed her head down and cried she felt a hand gently touch her head. Ruth was startled to see Serenity stare back at her. "David," Serenity spoke hoarsely. "Ruth stood and held her hand gently. "He's okay. Don't try to talk," Ruth sniffled rubbing her hands. "Take care of David," Serenity started slowly because it was difficult to speak. "I will," Ruth cried holding onto Serenity's hand. "I love you," Ruth told her. "I love you too," Serenity said as her hands fell to the bed. Ruth started to pray over her friend's life and told her to receive Jesus in her heart. Ten minutes later Serenity went into cardiac arrest. The doctors rushed in and could not save her. Ruth fell to the ground in agony crying still in shock Serenity was gone.

The funeral

David clung to Ruth tightly. Ruth held him with much warmth and love. After his parent's death, he became instantly dependent on her. Ruth knew he was young but somehow she felt he understood what was happening. It took a lot for her to find strength for David when she was grieving. One of her best friends was gone and now she was a mother instantly. Ruth gathered everything she could in a box so that one day David would know everything about his parents. Saying goodbye was harder than she expected. She held it together at the funeral for David's sake. She knew he would not be strong if he saw her crying uncontrollably. Ruth tucked him in, prayed with him, gave him a big hug, and reminded him how much his parents loved him. When he was fast asleep she left the room and sobbed on her pillow. She cried out muffling the sound not to startle him. When she thought she was all alone in the grief process she heard a knock at the door. Malissa showed up to spend time with her after the funeral ceremony. They grabbed each other in a hugged and wept together. 

Four years later

"Aunty Ruth, look at my drawing," David bounced up and down. Ruth came near him and looked at his beautiful drawing. "My, my, David you outdid yourself," she smiled. "It's me and you in our new house," He cheered. "It's amazing!" Ruth pulled him in a hug and tickled him over and over. David laughed hysterically enjoying every moment of it. "Are you ready to visit your parent's grave?" she asked. "Yes, I am," he said. Ruth hugged him. She thanked God she had a piece of Serenity in him. She had to teach him about the process of grief while learning to cope herself. David Murray was her number one priority and she gave him so much love. Ruth found herself teaching David about faith, love, prayer, and God. Ruth never knew she could love someone so much. They got ready and headed to the graveyard.

As they drove they sang enjoying the moment. David told his parents about his birthday coming up. He was so happy to be turning five years old. David was excited and did not know Ruth had planned to have a birthday party for him. As they left David ran ahead prompting Ruth to tell him to wait up.  David stumbled into a tall gentleman who was visiting his mother's grave. Michael Cambridge looked at the beautiful woman and handsome little boy.