Approx.
2 a.m.
Dallas,
Texas
The
phone in our daughter’s house rang at this unlikely hour. She soon
learned that it was our oldest son, calling from Virginia. In a matter of
seconds, we learned that a younger son, John, had been murdered as he worked at
a Motel, filling in for an employee who couldn’t be there that night.
I
remember screaming, four times. Then a numbness replaced my shock – or
perhaps it was a result of the shock. My daughter and I held each other
as our minds tried to absorb the news.
October
31, 1996
I
boarded the plane to return to our home in Utah. My numbness seemed to be
holding me up, giving me some kind of balance and allowing me to carry out the
actions that were necessary. I remember wondering why I was not
crying. Maybe because there hadn’t been time, or maybe because I was the
mother of nine children and was accustomed to focusing on the immediate needs.
As
I sat down in the window seat of the plane, belt secured, movement of the plane
began. Suddenly, I felt sick and it became obvious to me that a very
unfamiliar feeling, probably hysteria, was near. I needed to get
out! More screams built in my breast. It felt as if I would
smother. I needed air! Almost incapacitated, I closed my eyes and
prayed for help, prayed that I would be able to stay on the plane and get home
to my family.
It
quickly came, the help I so desperately needed. All at once, I was
wrapped tightly in a very warm, comforting blanket. Incredible peace,
calm and love filled my whole being. In addition, I was given the
unrequested blessing of knowledge that Johnny was safe and happy and all was
exactly as it should be and all would be well. Deep within my heart, I
know now, the seeds of love and forgiveness were planted in that moment.
Never
had I imagined this kind of peace. My experiences in prayer had
brought much comfort before, but never this complete and overwhelming
understanding of His love and care for me.
~Rea Whicker
~Rea Whicker
