‘No. We need to move around a little.”
“I thought you were bringing your dog.”
“We thought better of it. Abby is quite the handful. I didn’t want to spend the week running after her.”
Nia walked the group toward the puzzle room. The boys followed behind their mom. They seemed well-behaved. At the entrance, Nia turned toward them. “This is our puzzle room.”
“Wow. Look at all the puzzles on the walls, Mom.” Mark looked around.
“And you’ll get to do one while you’re here, Mark. All of you will, and then you can take them home and put them on your wall.”
Cooper had decided not to add any more puzzles to the walls for now. Instead, guests took them back home with them.
That would be Nia’s privilege—to add new ones—when the time was right. Her eyes filled with tears. Myra might be that person. No, not might. Would be.
Mark grinned. “Did you hear that Mom?”
“Sounds like fun.”
A man walked down the steps holding a girl’s hand.
Cooper walked in from the kitchen.
The man smiled at Nia. “Hi. I’m Ron and this is my daughter, Myra.”
“I’m Nia. I was just telling Mark that everyone gets to do a puzzle while they’re here. When they’re finished Cooper puts some magic glue on them so they become a picture that they can hang on their walls at home.” She knelt down in front of the girl. “Does that sound like fun, Myra?”
She shrugged. “I guess. Can I sit down, Dad?”
“Of course.”
“Let’s go in the puzzle room.” Nia led the way.
Myra plopped on the sofa in front of one of the huge picture windows that had a clear view of the pond and rolling hills. When Nia had come here as a sick fourteen-year-old girl she’d been angry, but this young teen seemed to have given up.
Rachel had told Nia that God was the power source but Nia had to be the one to have enough faith to turn on the switch. Nia was pretty sure Myra didn’t have that kind of faith. Yet. Give me the right words to help this little girl.
Something stopped her from approaching Myra. Instead, she looked at the boys. “Time to pick out your puzzles.”
Matt came to attention. “Me, too?”
“You, too. And Mom and Dad. You don’t have to start your puzzle right now. I’m sure you’re exhausted from the trip. Just pick one out and claim your table. Then you can help me get some snacks while the boys work on theirs. That way we can talk.”
Cooper’s eyes widened, but he nodded his approval. “Great idea. I’ll stay in here with the kids.”
“How about you, Myra? Need help picking out a puzzle?”
“Maybe later. I’m tired.” Her voice was listless and apathetic.
“OK, sweetie.” Nia wondered how to get through to her and then remembered that God would make it happen.
After picking out a puzzle together, Ron and Vickie followed her to the kitchen.
“Anything in this refrigerator is fair game. Eat what you want when you want. There’s also a soda machine to use. I’ll give you the tokens so you can decide when the kids have one.” She touched the other huge, stainless steel refrigerator. “This one contains the ingredients for the dinner meals. We prefer you get your snacks from the other one or else Cooper gets grumpy when he doesn’t have what he needs to cook dinner. Breakfast and lunch you’re on your own but we cook dinner.”
“Y’all are too generous.” Vickie’s voice was filled with emotion. “We can take care of ourselves. You don’t have to cook for us.”
“It’s our pleasure. We love taking care of our guests. Cooper filled me in that this is a family vacation so we want you to do what you want when you want. We have horses in the barn if anyone wants to go horseback riding. There’s the pond for fishing and swimming.”
“Sounds wonderful.”
Nia opened the refrigerator and pulled out some pudding containers. She held them up. “Do these work?”
“Absolutely.”
“Butterscotch?”
“Perfect.”
Nia took a deep breath. “I thought I should tell you that I had leukemia when I was fourteen and almost died.”
Silence filled the room.
Finally, Vickie asked, “What happened?”
“Puzzle House happened. God chose to give me a miracle, and I’ve been in remission for the past three years.”
“I’m happy for you, but we’re past getting a miracle.” Vickie’s voice was sad. “We just want to make some nice memories for the boys so they’ll remember Myra in a good way.”
“I…I’d like your permission to spend some extra time with Myra. To talk about God with her and how God can and does still heal.”
Ron’s eyes flashed. “I don’t want you to give her false hope. She’s accepted what will happen. I won’t have you making her think she might survive just so she can be disappointed again. Then she’ll have to deal with all that pain again.”
“But we really don’t know what will happen. Only God knows that.”
“I understand that. I’m a Christian. I’m a deacon at my church, but we do know this. We’ve all accepted it. We just want to have a little fun this week. That’s all.”
How had Rachel done this time and time again? She forced a smile. “I get it. That’s what we want for your family as well. But I still…I still feel as if I should talk with Myra about God.”
“Is that the price of admission?” He turned to his wife. “I told you there’d be strings attached.”
“Oh, no. Not at all. I’m sorry if you got that impression.” Nia backed off. “I don’t want to make things more difficult for Myra or for you. I’ll honor your wishes, of course. Enjoy your time here.” Before they could say another word, she rushed up to her room.
9
Failure. How could she have ever thought she was good enough to be a healer? She wasn’t Rachel, and she never would be. Nia couldn’t even convince a dying girl’s father to let her talk to the girl about God.
She fell to her knees. Her head touched the bed. “I’m so sorry, God. I messed up.” Once the tears started, they wouldn’t stop. Failure. Each time she sensed the word, more tears flowed. She’d been absolutely convicted of her need to help heal just an hour ago. Maybe the man was right. Who was she to give Myra false hope? Who was she to think God would listen to her? She moved to a sitting position and leaned against the bed. She sniffled and grabbed a handful of tissues from her nightstand.
But was it false hope?
Nia’s gaze swept heavenward. Is this a test of some kind, God? Are You trying to teach me something? Another David lesson? She pulled her knees up to her chest and let her head rest on them. Her mind scanned through stories from David’s life, searching on. When David’s son had been sick, he’d refused to eat or do anything other than pray to God to heal his son, even to the point that his servants were concerned for him. Once his son died, David resumed his life. He explained that while his son was still alive God had the power to let him live, but now that he was dead, it was time to resume living. But David didn’t give up until his son was actually dead.
And maybe Nia shouldn’t give up either. God didn’t need Myra’s father’s permission to heal her, and Nia didn’t need it to pray for Myra.
Nia lost track of time as she prayed for Myra’s healing. Like David, she wouldn’t stop until God answered her prayer. When she was emotionally spent, Nia blew her nose one more time as she stared in the mirror. She looked awful. But she couldn’t stay hidden in her room all week—even though she wanted to. Or could she? She sighed. No, probably not.
Picking up her phone, she called Keisha—again. Still no answer but she wasn’t giving up on her friend either. Keisha needed her even if she didn’t want it. Keisha was at a dangerous crossroads.
She would pray, even as she helped around the property and did puzzles with her guests. She would pray without ceasing—just like the Bible told her to do. She would send sil
ent whispers to God, asking for healing for all who were here at Puzzle House. Even for Ron.
Was he still be upset with her? What could Nia do to make the situation better? She didn’t want to ruin their family vacation. Seeking God, she asked for the words to calm Ron’s troubled heart. She had no idea what it felt like to watch one’s child die. Nia prayed God would heal Myra and restore her to her family. Nia walked into the Puzzle Room, hoping to avoid Ron.
Vickie was sitting on the sofa.
“Where is everyone?”
“Cooper took them out to meet the horses and some chickens. I was just enjoying the view.”
Nia sat down beside her. “It’s a good one, isn’t it?”
“An amazing one.”
“I’m from Atlanta so I’m always surprised how quiet it is when I first get here.”
“I can imagine. Why do you come back—if you’re healed?”
Sun sparkled on the lake.
What should she say? Vickie’s husband would probably be upset if he found out the truth, but she couldn’t lie. She closed her eyes. Give me strength. And wisdom. She opened her eyes and turned toward Vickie. “That’s an interesting story. Would you like to hear it?”
Vickie nodded.
When Nia finished, Vickie looked at her, hope shined in her eyes. “So you’ve been anointed as a healer?”
“I have, but please understand I’ve never helped heal anyone. My auntie calls these my David Years. David was anointed king when he was a young boy but he didn’t actually become king for many years. So like David, these are my years of learning.”
“I get it, but still you were healed in this house, so the same could happen for Myra.”
“I’ve been praying for exactly that.” Nia sighed. “I don’t know if it will make a difference or not.”
“Thank you so much.” Vickie wiped away a few tears and then patted her arm. “I’m sorry if Ron upset you. He’s not usually like that. It’s a difficult situation for all of us.”
“Not at all. It wasn’t the answer I wanted, but Myra is your child, so you two know what’s best for her. And I really want you all to have a wonderful vacation. But I’ll keep praying for her—for all of you—even when you’re gone.”
Vickie’s eyes reflected her sadness and gratitude. “Ron’s reaction wasn’t about what was best for Myra. That was all about Ron and his pain. I’ll talk with him. In the meantime, you feel free to talk with Myra about whatever God puts on your heart. And, please, keep praying.”
“Don’t worry about it. I just want your family to have fun while you’re here.”
“And we will, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some quiet time with her.”
“I don’t know, Vickie. Ron was pretty adamant.”
“Not to worry. I’ll talk with him. I’m sure it won’t be a problem. You do what you feel is right.”
Nia nodded but had no idea how to proceed.
10
It was the final day of the Baldwins’ stay at Puzzle House.
Nia had spent many hours in prayer in her room this week, praying for—no begging—for healing for Myra. But there’d been no change. So far. That didn’t mean God wasn’t healing her. After Nia’s visit years before, it had taken several months before she’d been declared in remission.
Myra was the only one in the Puzzle Room.
Ron had taken the boys out to the pond to fish.
Cooper and Vickie were in the kitchen fixing lunch.
Myra sat at a table working on her puzzle. She looked up. “Hi, Nia.”
“Hey.” Nia sat down at the table. This would probably be her only chance. God, give me the right words. “How’s your puzzle coming along?”
“Almost done, but I just don’t see the point.”
“Yea, that’s what I thought the first time I came here, too. I was a little older than you. Fourteen. I had leukemia, too.”
Myra’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“Yep. The doctors told me the treatments weren’t helping, and they couldn’t do any more.”
“That’s what they told me, too.”
“I know, and I’m so sorry about that. I know how horrible it is to hear.” Nia plunged forward. “Cooper’s wife was here then. Her name was Rachel, and she was a healer.”
“She healed you?”
“Well, Rachel liked to say only God can heal and she was right about that, but yes, I got better.”
“I wish that would happen to me.”
So do I. So do I. But no false hope. Ron had agreed Nia could talk about God but not about healing. Nia continued to pray in private about that, knowing God could work through her. “Only God can make those decisions, and it’s hard for us to understand why or why not. But you do know that God loves you either way. Right?”
Myra stared down at the puzzle.
“God really loves you, Myra.”
“I guess.” Myra wouldn’t meet her gaze. “But if God loves me so much why is he letting me die?”
Nia’s heart broke. “I can’t tell you why because I’m not God. What I can tell you is that I know God loves you so much. And, yes, God blessed me with the miracle of healing but even if that hadn’t happened I had another miracle while I was here. I learned that there’s more than one kind of healing.”
“That’s the only one I care about.”
“I felt the same way at first but Rachel taught me that was the wrong attitude.”
“Why?”
“Because the most important kind of healing is healing our spiritual connection to God.”
“Why?” Myra fumbled with a puzzle piece and finally found where it fit.
“Because that connection with God is what gets us into heaven. And I want to go to heaven. How about you?”
Myra stared at her for a moment as if considering the question. “I guess.”
“That didn’t sound convincing.”
Myra shrugged.
“What do you think heaven will be like, Myra?”
“I don’t know.”
“The Bible tells us there’s no sickness or tears, but let’s pretend a little. What would you like heaven to be like?”
Myra smiled. “That I could eat all the candy I want.”
“Great one. I think I’d like heaven to have beautiful rainbows. But not just one, but tons of them. Everywhere. And I want to be able to fly.”
Myra looked at her. “People can’t fly. Not without airplanes.”
“Maybe not here. But in heaven? Anything’s possible.”
Myra cracked a smile. “Anything?”
“Anything.”
“Then I want to be able to swim as fast as a dolphin. With a dolphin.”
“Cool.”
They spent the next few minutes coming up with other ideas.
Then Myra sighed. “Yeah, that all sounds wonderful, but I’ll be all alone. Mom and Dad will still be here and so will Mark and Matt. I won’t have anyone with me. And I sure don’t want them to die just so I won’t be alone.”
“What makes you think you’ll be alone?”
“Who would be there with me?”
“Probably lots of your family that died before you were even born. But the best person will be Jesus. Jesus will be there.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
She sat, her eyes in a faraway place, then she smiled. “I think I would like that.”
“Me, too. But, Myra, do you believe Jesus was the son of God and that He died for the remission of our sins?”
“They taught us all about Jesus in Sunday school.”
“That’s wonderful. But does that mean you accepted Jesus as your Savior?”
“I guess so.” Myra stared off into space. “I’m not really sure. My parents are Christians so I guess that means I am too.”
Nia stood and walked to the lamp. She turned it off. “Rachel told me God was the power source and that she was only the cord but that it was up to me to turn on the power.” She turned the ligh
t back on. “That’s true for all of us, Myra. You can’t go to heaven because your parents have a connection with God. You have to have a connection. And it’s your choice to turn on the connection between the two of you.” She flicked the light several times.
“How do I do that?”
Myra wanted to jump for joy, but she contained herself. “I could tell you but you know what?”
“What?”
“I think it would make your Dad so happy to be the one to tell you. I think you should talk with him today. Before you leave here. Deal?”
“Deal.”
The front door opened.
“I caught a fish. I caught a fish, Myra.” Matt ran in holding up a fish.
“Wow, Matt. That’s a big one.”
“It’s a lot bigger than Mark’s or Daddy’s. I’m the bestest fisherman. Ever.”
“I wouldn’t say a lot bigger.” Ron walked up beside his son. ”And there’s no such word as bestest. It’s just best.”
Matt’s smile grew even larger. “Then I’m the best.”
Vickie walked in from the kitchen. “Oh, my goodness. What’s that?”
Matt held up the fish. “Lunch.”
***
Cooper and Nia had the kitchen to themselves.
She loaded the dishwasher while he put the leftovers away. “That was nice of you to fix Matt’s fish for him.”
“It’s not my favorite thing to do, but life’s not always about me. It was worth it to see that smile.”
“He’s a cutie.” Nia shuddered. “Still, I’m glad you’re the one who had to do it. Gives me the creeps just thinking about cleaning a fish.”
“You need to toughen up, city girl.”
“I’m tough enough, thank you very much, but I’ll leave the fish cleaning to you.” She closed the dishwasher and pressed the button. “By the way, I was able to talk with Myra today.”
“How’d that go?”
“Pretty good, I think.”
“Wonderful.”
Ron walked in. “Hey, Cooper. What’s the chances we can have a baptism in that pond of yours today?”
Nia’s heart leapt with joy. Her eyes filled with tears, and she couldn’t stop them.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Cooper’s smile was almost as big as Ron’s.
David Years Page 4