Be Still

Guess who's back?

Over the next few weeks, I surprisingly found myself increasingly busy.  I had been helping with the talent show, plus school. I'd been going to church more, and even signed up to help feed the homeless, which including witnessing to them to them.

During Christmas break the gang and I  volunteered to help read to little kids, visit nursing homes, and at the talent show we have a clothing drive planned. These past weeks, although tiring, they were absolutely amazing.

After volunteering my relationship in Christ began to grow as I was seeing His power and mercy every where. It truly makes a difference when you see multiple people, who seemed to have nothing, have everything because they have Jesus. I learned how much I actually had, and I became truly grateful.

My parents and all of those around me also see the changes. I help out around the house more, and complain less. I've also been confident enough to speak about the word at the dinner table. My dad even bought me devotionals to help guide me along when I study the Bible. He now looks at me with a greater pride in his eyes. It's such a great feeling.

Along with everything that's happened, I've been getting closer to the gang. I sit at lunch with them everyday, and participate in their devotional discussions. They even amped up my courage to go sit in on a few practices. So I went, and it was hard at first seeing everyone being able to play when I couldn't, but according to my physical therapist I would be able to play next season. Even though my heart banged in my chest at hearing that. I just realized it gave me more time to focus on growing and maturing into a better me.

Also another piece of medical news was that Jack has been getting better. His 10% chance raising each and everyday. Its crazy! Its been about three months, crazy I know, but he's getting better. The doctor said his brain is functioning well and he should wake up in a matter of days.  It's amazing how God works, a few weeks earlier Jack wasn't expected to wake up. His brain function was very low, but in a matter of days it spiked. Doctors call it a miracle. However, the grim reapers say there's a chance of permanent damage and possible memory loss. Im vouching for neither.

I, now, ride up in the elevator on the way to Jack's room. I had been trying to visit lately, but haven't really had the chance, and I had a free moment today.

Plus, Jack's parents called and said that it would be,' lovely for me to visit today.'
As I stepped off the elevator I quickly make my way to Jack's room, and said hello to his parents.

Their moods seemingly somber, yet I swore I could see them secretly grinning. What is going on?  They both greeted me and hugged me before telling me how much better I look.
"Collin, I think we should step out for coffee," Mrs. Jenny said, it caused me to be suspicious, almost like her words had been rehearsed.
" Yes, that would be lovely dear," Mr. Collin said before slipping out his arm snaked around Mrs. Jenny. My eyes watched them carefully as they walked out of the room.
That was weird! Anywho!
" Sup Bud," I say as I crutch over to a chair. As I sit down, I see that he had color in his face, he looked nothing like he did when I first visited him.
" You've got some color in you, watch you'll have girls pining over you when you wake up," I say to break the silence.
" Oh, I um, got some news for you, man you would be howling if you were awake now. I um, Im back with the Jesus fam, I got saved, and I been praying for you man,"I say continuing with the one-sided conversation that was beginning to get really awkward.  I began to ramble to fill the silence.

" Oh the talent show is happening when we all get back to school, supposed to be some ' big spectacle' at least that's what my booth partner Jessica says."

" The doctors say you're to wake up soon, and I hope they're right. Im tired of talking to myself, it's not as fun having to make up my own sarcastic comebacks," I sighed and looked over at Jack and saw his eyelids flicker.

Wait did that really just, did he just, I ask myself not believing my eyes.

" Jack, Jack, are you," I ask as I get up and walk to his side. His eyes flicked once more.
" Jack, Jack! Wake up, man!"
After a few more seconds, that seemed to move in slow motion, his eyes opened. I was elated!
As I saw his eyes squinting I closed the curtains to darken the room.
" Jack, welcome back to the real world," I announce, trying to keep it quiet, but finding it hard to keep out the excitement in my voice.
" Huh, where am I, " he asks with confusion, his voice hoarse.
" Here," I say as I hand him a cup a water. As he slowly sipped I answer is question," You're in the hospital."

"What happened" he asks his face twisted together.
" Do you not remember," I ask with slight worry.
" A little I remember being in a car," he says.
" Okay, that's good," I say with a nod.
" So,um, do you work here or something," he questions.
" What," I ask, as I sit down," Jack come on its me!"
His face answered me with a confused look.
" You mean you don't remember me," I ask my heart speeding up.
" No, I'm sorry, am I supposed to?" He asks looking totally perplexed causing me to chuckle.
" Dude quit playin," I say in denial, seriously hoping this was a game.
" I'm not," he says clearly it was not a game.
" Um," I begin in shock, a lump forming in my throat. I clear it before beginning again.
           " Um, I'm your best friend, Jack, it's me Joshua," I say trying to spark something in his mind. I mean we've been best friends since we were three. Him not remembering me is like a punch in the gut.
" I'm sorry," he says shaking his head.
" I'll be right back," I tell him as I get up to get his doctor.  As I walk into the hall I speed to the nurse's station, and pray I find Jack's doctor quick.
Thank you, Jesus,  I think as I spot him staring at a chart.
" Excuse me, Dr. Harold," I approach him.
" Yes, who's asking," he props up his glasses.
" Um, I'm Joshua, Jack's friend, and he just woke up and he can't remember me," I ramble.
" What," a puzzled look was licked upon his wrinkled features.
" Just follow me," I say impatiently as we speed walk back to Jack's room.
Upon entering I see Jack's parents back in the room, sitting back in the chairs they've lived in for the past month. They peered at their phones nonchalantly as Jack ate a cup of applesauce. Now, I was the confused one.
" Oh hello, Jack, I see you're up again," Dr. Harold greets while looking at his chart.  Again?!!!
" Yes, and I see you've met my friend, Joshua, the one who had a crush in Samantha McDonald in the third grade," he announces. All forms of anger were probably displayed across my face. Look who has the extensive memory now! My anger increased as I saw that his parents were recording and laughing.
" Oh, I got you so good, man. You should've seen your face," Jack says with a chuckle.
" You mean to tell me this was a prank," I ask fuming.
" Hey don't be mad I'm alive, and I remember you now, so that's a plus," he defends.
" You know what," I say walking out.
" Buddy come back," he shouts as I comply. My anger dissipating knowing that my friend was back, and brought his pranks back with him to.
" I knew you couldn't stay mad, huh," he says with a smirk.
" Well, I guess I'm just glad you're awake. I mean you're all talkative and feeling well enough to pull pranks," I say with a grin at the joke.
" Well, I've always had a flair for the dramatics," Jack says with a fake British accent, " So did you mean it when you said girls would be lining up to view this," he said, while pointing his thumbs toward himself causing us all to chuckle.
" Ladies and gentlemen Jack Coleman is back," I shout loudly sparking another round of laughter.
" But, expect some serious payback, Coleman," I say while sitting down, as I catch everyone on what's happened.