by Cindy Adkins
“We had long talks about what she wanted out of life. She wanted to go to law school and become a child advocate. She felt that was how she could serve the Lord. She believed that it was her calling.”
Then, Chris looked upward. “Well, Hailey, you are with the Lord now and I know that He must have welcomed you with open arms into His kingdom. You were gone too soon for those of us who love you here. But, I guess He loved you more and couldn’t wait to see you. I will miss you and so does everyone else who ever had a chance to spend time getting to know you.”
Chris stepped down from the podium. Pastor Evans wanted to offer a few words, although he was not in the shape to say what he normally would have at such an occasion. He walked up to the microphone.
“I would like to thank all of you for coming,” Pastor Evans began while wondering how he was going to keep his composure. He hesitated for a moment and then started to speak again. “About nineteen years ago when Cheryl and I planned our family and she later gave birth to a twin boy and girl, it seemed like we had everything in life that any couple could ever wish for.
“As time went on and they grew older, we realized that Brad was easy-going, while Hailey was so spirited. She always had a lot to say, even if she did not agree with me on various issues. When Hailey reached high school age, she often told people that it was not easy being a minister’s daughter. Maybe it was because she felt that others would judge her more harshly. But, Hailey was always proud and spoke up for what she believed in, even if it was not popular—even if I did not agree with her.”
Then, Pastor Evans paused as tears came streaming down his face. He wiped them away with a handkerchief that he took out of his jacket pocket and continued to speak. He had difficulty getting the words out, but continued saying what was in his heart. “Hailey, I want to tell you, I have always been proud of you. You did everything with a passion, whether it was cheerleading or performing or anything you put your mind to. You see, I did not expect you to be perfect. I wanted you to be yourself and you were. You were authentic and that is all that any parent could ask for.
“Today, your mother and I have to say ‘good-bye’ to you and nothing in my life has been more painful. No father is ready to say ‘good-bye’ to his daughter. No mother could find it in her heart to let go. So, we won’t. Instead, we will say, ‘See you at heaven’s door one day where you will wait for us.’ Hailey, one more thing: You were right about Josh. He really is special. He is part of our family now. He always will be.”
Chapter 7
Three Years Later
Living in San Diego was a change of pace for Nellie. She had only been there a few short months. James, whom she met in Oaxaca, only lived a couple of hours away in Riverside. When she arrived at the volunteer camp right after her father’s funeral, she had no idea that James would become such an important part of her life. He was such a comfort to her after her father died. They spent long evenings talking when she visited Mexico that summer. His sincere concern about her made such a difference in her life. Now, if they were apart for even a short while, it seemed like eternity because she missed him so much when they were not together. She was glad that his recent mission trip to Mexico had only been for a week because the time apart was never easy.
Nellie was surprised when her cell phone rang late that Friday afternoon to hear James on the other end of the line. “Do you want to go out to dinner?” he asked.
“Where are you?” Nellie was curious.
“On my way down to see you,” he answered.
“To San Diego? I had no idea that you had time this weekend,” she replied.
“Actually, I don’t,” admitted James. “But, I thought we could at least go out to dinner. Then, I will head back up to Riverside because I have to work in the morning.”
“What a surprise,” said Nellie. “When will you be here?”
“Come out on your patio.”
“What?” asked Nellie.
“Walk to your patio and look outside.”
Nellie went out on the balcony of her apartment. When she looked down at the parking lot, there was James’ gray truck. “Oh, my gosh! You’re already here.” She waved to him. “I’ll be right down.”
Nellie put on a light blue sundress with matching sandals and hurried downstairs. She got into the truck and he kissed her. “I missed you so much,” he told her.
“I missed you, too.” They had been in a long-distance relationship for nearly three years. So, when Nellie was able to transfer from Hawaii to San Diego, it was a dream-come-true for both of them.
“We may not see each other all the time,” said James, “but this is definitely better than having an ocean between us.”
“Yes, it is,” she agreed.
“Do you want to go to dinner at the beach?” he asked.
“That would be great. I thought we’d be spending all night talking on the phone. I had no idea that you would drive down here.”
“I didn’t want another week to go by before we saw each other.” James was anxious to be with her.
They ate dinner at one of their favorite restaurants overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was a perfect evening and Nellie was so glad to see him. After they finished eating their prime rib dinner, James was intent on talking about the future. “Only one more year, Nellie, and I will be done with seminary and will become a minister at my own church,” he said.
“I’m really proud of you,” said Nellie.
“Proud of me?” asked James. “Look what you have accomplished. You have been in the Navy and in another year, you will be done with your degree, too. I don’t know how you’ve done it all.”
“Well, if we learned one thing from Hailey, it was to make each day count, don’t you think?” she asked.
“Hailey sure did teach all of us that--and more,” James agreed. “She taught us not to compromise about who we are and to speak up for what we believe in.”
“Yes,” said Nellie. “She never shied away from speaking her mind.”
“That day that Hailey and Chris were in the accident, all I wanted was to be able to talk to you,” he told her. “But, I couldn’t because you were on the plane headed back to Hawaii. For the next couple of weeks, it was so frustrating that I had no way to reach you from the volunteer camp. When I got back home, I couldn’t wait to call you.”
“It meant so much to talk to you,” said Nellie. “I felt like the accident was my fault. After all, they had just taken me to the airport before it happened.”
“You had no control over it.”
“I know,” said Nellie. “But, if I didn’t need that ride to the airport when I was leaving Mexico, it never would have happened.”
“Still, you did not cause it.”
“I’d known Hailey since we were in elementary school. I had never seen her happier than the week and a half that I was down there helping at the school. She developed that entire show for the kids single-handedly. Even though she only knew bits and pieces of Spanish, the kids responded so naturally to her that there seemed to be no language barrier between them. It’s like the music and dance filled in the gaps. I don’t know how she did it.” Nellie still could not believe that her friend was gone.
“She loved being them, no doubt,” agreed James. “I don’t think she would have traded that experience for anything and the kids loved her.”
“Yes, they did.” Nellie smiled.
“I have something to show you.”
“What?” she asked.
“Well, when I was there last week to work on the construction, I got some pictures,” explained James. “Both of the plaques are finally in place.”
James pulled some photographs out of his jacket pocket. The new classroom in Mexico was finally completed. On the outside of the building was a plaque that Nellie had ordered in memory of her father that read, “In Honor of John Martin.” James handed a picture of it to her. “I know that it took longer to complete the building than we thought it would, but it is finally
done.”
“My father would be so proud.” Tears welled up in her eyes.
“But, there’s one more,” James said. “Outside of the entrance to the classroom is a decorative metal trellis that the children walk through every day. I thought that you would want to see it.”
James pulled out another photograph. In it, he was standing under a large metal trellis at the entrance to the classrooms. Across the top of it was a bronze plaque inscribed in Spanish that read, “El Corazon de Hailey.”
Nellie started to cry. “How beautiful. It says ‘Hailey’s Heart.’ Yes, the school certainly is where Hailey’s heart was.”
“I think she would love that,” said James.
“Yes, she would,” agreed Nellie. “Thank you so much for bringing the pictures. Do you mind if I keep them?”
“They’re yours.”
“They are very special to me,” said Nellie.
“Well, without you, they would not have been possible,” he reminded her. “Your donation is making a difference in the lives of a lot of children.”
“It was the least I could do.”
“I think that you are one remarkable woman.” James admired her more than she realized.
“Thank you, but don’t forget how much work you put into the construction,” Nellie insisted.
“Still, I realize that we might not have had the materials had it not been for you,” he replied.
“All that matters is that the children have been helped and it will make their lives so much better,” said Nellie. “I’m glad that I could be a part of it.”
James gazed at her lovingly from across the table. “You know, when I went down there last week, not only did I work, but it gave me time to think. In another year, we will both have our degrees. You will be out of the Navy. Would you do me the honor of becoming a minister’s wife?” James pulled a blue velvet box out of his pocket and handed it to her.
Nellie was so surprised as she opened it up and saw a beautiful engagement ring. She leaned across the table and kissed him. “I would love to be a minister’s wife.” James placed the ring on her finger.
“You mean the world to me,” James said holding onto her left hand.
“I am speechless.” Nellie loved James more than he realized. “Dreams really do come true, don’t they?”
* * * * *
A week later in Valley Meadows, Texas, was a special celebration. “I would like to make a toast,” announced Tim lifting up his champagne glass, “to Mrs. Timothy Holloway, my beautiful wife, Jillian.” The happy couple had been planning their fairytale wedding at the Sullivan Estate for six months. The ceremony was held outside on the grass by the pond.
All of Tim and Jillian’s family and friends were there. Brad was Tim’s Best Man and Josh was his groomsman. Rachel was Jillian’s Maid of Honor and Jillian’s friend, Madison, was her bridesmaid. Pastor Evans officiated at the ceremony. He had performed Tim’s baptism three years before and was proud of the young man he had become.
Jillian was well established as an artist and her work was available at Sander’s Antique Mall. Cheryl displayed each piece in the front of the store for all of the customers to see. Jillian could barely keep enough paintings there as they sold as fast as they came onto the floor of the mall. She was best known for her equestrian-themed work that was the favorite amongst her clientele. The horses were realistic and she was a very gifted painter. Rachel often drove Jillian out to her father’s ranch to get photographs. Over the past few years, the girls had become very close.
After Hailey’s death, Rachel initially divided her waking hours between going to beauty school and spending time with Brad. It seemed that the two of them needed each other more than ever since then. Still, with Hailey gone, Rachel felt as if there was a gigantic hole in her life. No one could ever replace her. Rachel did not expect anyone to because her relationship with Hailey felt more like that of two sisters. They shared each other’s hope and dreams since they were children. Rachel had so many precious memories of the times they spent together, much to numerous to count. Yes, Hailey had made an indelible mark on Rachel’s life and she would never forget her.
Years before, when Tim suggested that Rachel take Jillian to the ranch one day, she was surprised. Rachel never knew that Brad had actually mentioned the idea to Tim because he felt that it would be meaningful for both of the young women. Over time, the hour-long drives out to her father’s place were something that they enjoyed doing together. Even though Jillian was confined to a wheelchair, she had a zest for life and Rachel was drawn to her enthusiasm. When Tim and Jillian announced their plans to get married, Rachel could not have been happier for her two friends.
After Tim made the toast to his new bride, it was time for more photographs. “Come on, Rachel,” he coaxed her. “We want one with you and Brad.” The four of them gathered together to get in the picture. Then, Tim walked away for a few moments to talk to Brad.
It gave Rachel an opportunity to speak with Jillian alone. “You are the most beautiful bride,” Rachel whispered in Jillian’s ear. “Tim is a lucky man.”
“Thank you, Rachel,” replied Jillian. “I am a lucky woman. When I came out to stay at my grandmother’s three years ago, little did I know what awaited me here. If it wasn’t for you taking me out to see the horses, I don’t think my art career would have taken off, either. I appreciate it more than you know.”
“Well, now that you’re Mrs. Holloway, we don’t want our little day trips to end,” Rachel told her. “I always look forward to them. My dad enjoys having you come out there, too. In fact, he wouldn’t have missed your wedding for anything.”
“I’m so happy that your dad came here today,” said Jillian. “He still keeps telling me how he’s going to get me back up on a horse one of these days.”
“Don’t put it past him,” Rachel warned her with a smile. “I know he means it. My dad really likes it when we come out to visit.”
“I may take your dad up on his offer, although I actually prefer to paint horses more than ride them.”
“I’m just glad that it worked out so well for you having your art over at the antique mall,” Rachel encouraged her. “Everyone loves your work.”
“I didn’t have a chance to tell you,” Jillian confided in her. “I got a phone call from a writer who works for an equestrian magazine and he wants to do a story on me.”
“Really? That would be fabulous.”
“He said that they would like to feature pictures of me with my art,” said Jillian.
“I have a feeling that people are going to know about you from all over the country.” Rachel was ecstatic for her friend. “Does Tim know about the interview?”
“I told him yesterday afternoon and he was so proud.”
“I’ll bet he was,” Rachel beamed. “I’m also pleased that the landscaping business is going so well, too. They have worked so hard to make it a success.”
“Yes,” agreed Jillian. “They have. All their hard work has really been worth it.”
Madison came up to them holding the baby. Even though she was a year younger than Rachel and Jillian, she had a sophistication about her that was undeniable. Her pleasant personality seemed to draw everyone to her like a magnet. She wore her blonde hair up in a topknot for the wedding with her pale lavender bridesmaid gown and it made her look even more regal than usual. Her bright green eyes sparkled. “Your wedding is like a dream,” she said to Jillian.
“Thank you, Madison,” Jillian told her bridesmaid. “Did Jacob wake up from his nap?”
“Yes,” replied Madison. “I’m so grateful that my sister, Savannah, agreed to come and help take care of him. Having his playpen set up in your grandmother’s house was a great idea.”
“Where is Josh?” asked Rachel.
“He went out to the truck to get some of Jacob’s toys,” answered Madison. “Savannah just came outside to get something to eat.”
“Can I hold him?” asked Rachel.
“Sure,” Madison replied handing the baby to Rachel. “It’s hard to believe that he will be three months old tomorrow.”
“I know,” said Jillian. “I remember when you were in labor at the hospital and Josh came out to announce that the baby was a boy. He was so proud. He was beaming.”
“He is the best dad.” Madison smiled. “Josh is convinced that Jacob will be doing landscaping before he starts kindergarten.”
“It sure is good to see Josh so happy,” commented Rachel. She had always been close to him. Rachel remembered how hard it was for Josh to come to terms with Hailey’s death. “You and Jacob have changed his life.”
Rachel thought back to when she first met Madison two years before. Madison’s family had just relocated from Atlanta three months prior to that because her father was opening a lakeside restaurant in Valley Meadows. Josh had brought her over to the ranch to ride horses. Rachel thought that the friendly Atlanta beauty was just who Josh needed in his life at that moment. He had spent so much time working that year. He never enjoyed doing anything with the rest of them since Hailey died. That was why Rachel was surprised when Josh suddenly appeared with Madison to spend the afternoon with Brad and her.
“I remember that day I met you at the ranch,” Rachel recalled. “It was the first time that I saw Josh smile in over a year. He seemed so comfortable around you like he had known you for a long time.”
“It’s hard to believe that we had actually only met the day before,” noted Madison. “When I was at the nursery and his Aunt Janice introduced us, Josh was so helpful, but quiet.”
“Josh seemed so distant from everyone that first year after he lost Hailey,” remembered Jillian.
“When I was at the nursery, I was so busy telling him everything I had planned for my father’s restaurant on the lake,” said Madison. “The few renovations were completed already, but it was time to concentrate on beautifying the grounds. Before I knew it, Josh was nice enough to follow me over there in his truck to see all that we needed.”