Page 84 of Dreaming About Forever

“We all do, but it’s not your fault. I can hear it in your voice that you think it is, but that’s not the case.”

“I should have remembered that she took insulin and needed to eat after. I should have made sure she took care of herself. I should have paid more attention. I failed.”

“Oh, hush. Alicia is a grown woman, and she knows how to take care of herself. We all had a lot going on, and time got away from us. It’s no one’s fault.”

“It’s my job to protect her.”

His mom’s hand covered his and Alicia’s. “She’ll get through this, and so will your dad. Alicia won’t blame you. She was caught up in helping your dad too.”

Jordan ran a hand over his face. “Lillian is on her way. She’s been worried sick. Everyone trusted me.”

“And they still will.”

“Nathan is on his way too. If I wasn’t fired before, I definitely am now.”

“Nathan called me too, son. He’s not upset with you. Things happen, and this wasn’t your fault.”

His mom could say it all she wanted, but that didn’t change the gaping hole in his chest. Dad had multiple internal injuries, and Alicia was in and out of consciousness. The people who meant the most to him were both hanging on by a thread.

His mom squeezed his hand and bowed her head. “Lord, we come to You today with aching hearts. We lift up Grant and Alicia to You, and we pray for peace and patience as we sit by their beds. You are the Great Physician, and their bodies, minds, and souls are in your hands. We love You, we trust You, and we lay our futures in Your hands. Amen.”

Jordan looked up at his mom. The woman who’d always been a rock for their family was doing what she did best—she was pointing toward the Lord. It's what she did when times were tough and when there was plenty to be thankful for. In all things, she looked to Him first.

Alicia had done that yesterday. She’d reminded Jordan that they didn’t have to sit by helplessly.

“Thanks, Mom.”

She patted his shoulder. “Anytime. I’m going to check on your dad.”

“Let me know about any updates.”

There was a knock on the door as his mom stood. Nathan tiptoed into the room, and Jordan stood to greet him.

“How’s she doing?” Nathan asked.

“Same. They’re doing all they can to bring her blood sugar up.”

Nathan shook Jordan’s hand and turned to his mom. “How’s Grant?”

“He has a lot to overcome, but he’ll be fine,” his mom said.

“If you need anything, just let me know.”

Jordan’s mom lifted up onto her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around Nathan’s shoulders. “You’re so kind. I’m so grateful for all you’ve done for us.”

Jordan tucked his chin. Nathan had become like a brother to Jordan over the years, and it was going to be a blow to the gut when their friendship and partnership imploded.

The damage was done. It was time to face the music.

Jordan’s mom looked back at Alicia. She lay on her side, but the tense look on her face, even in sleep, said she wasn’t resting soundly. “I’ll be back shortly.”

When the door softly clicked closed behind his mom, Jordan gestured to a chair by the bed. “I guess you’re ready to talk.”

Nathan took the seat Vicci had sat in moments before. “I’m not here to lecture you.”

“That makes one of us. I know I screwed up. There isn’t anything I can do to change it now.”

“I know that. Alicia knows things can go wrong with her condition. It’s no one’s fault.”

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