Journal of a Lifetime (Journals of Love) Read Free

her life when she needed a man’s opinion, or his brute strength. He had helped her move the hospital bed into the house for Nana, and had prayed over Nana in her final moments.
    Lindsey realized she was day dreaming and had missed the first minutes of the sermon. She shook her head and tried to focus on Pete’s words.
    “Psalm 139 reminds us that God is with us on every part of our journey. He charts the path ahead of us and will follow us into the deepest ocean or up on the highest mountain. This reading always gives me a peace for my travels and even in my daily spiritual journey with Him.”
    Lindsey grinned, and looked over at her mother with the feeling that this message was directed at the two of them. She hoped it would help her mother trust that Lindsey was making the right decision and would return home safely.
    The sermon finished and they all stood again when the music resumed. Marie turned to her. “Are we going to breakfast?”
    “Sure. I need to talk with Helen, and Mom’s heading straight toward me. Can I meet you there?”
    Marie didn’t like to wait for anyone and her frustration came out with a sigh. “I guess. I’ll get us a table, but try not to be too long.”
    Lindsey accepted Marie and all of her quirks because she had been a loyal friend over the past five years. She knew better than to take Marie’s sometimes selfish actions personally, and usually just let her abrasive comments slide. Lindsey had learned it didn’t mean Marie didn’t love her; she just needed to learn impulse control.
    Lindsey’s mom met her in the vestibule. “Hi honey. I put together a travel package for you. There’s a small can of Lysol, hand wipes, disinfecting hand gel, an
Enquirer
magazine, and some Reese’s pieces.” Ann handed her a cute pink bag with white polka dots.
    Lindsey laughed at the combination, a perfect blend of both mother’s and daughter’s tastes—all practical on the inside with a carefree outside.
    “Thanks, Mom.” Lindsey leaned in to hug her. “Where’s Dad?”
    “He had a golf event this morning to raise money for cancer.” She leaned toward Lindsey and lowered her voice. “I couldn’t get mad at him for missing church for that.” Looking around the church, Ann declared, “I’m sure Pastor Pete will understand when I tell him.”
    Lindsey’s mother was never one to miss church on Sundays. If she were sick, she would call in as if she were still in grade school and needed an excused absence. Lindsey chuckled again at her mother’s dedication.
    “I’m sure he will,” Lindsey agreed. She saw Helen walking out of the door. “Mom, I want to talk with Helen before I leave. Can I talk to you tonight?”
    She reached over for a hug, but her mother was already making her way toward Pastor Pete. “Sure. Bye, honey!”
    Lindsey excused her way through the crowd of people waiting to talk to Pete, and had to jog to catch up to Helen. Helen’s silver, curly hair bounced as she walked across the parking lot to her car.
    “Helen!”
    She turned around and lifted her hand to her forehead to shield the sun.
    “Oh, Lindsey. I’m sorry. I forgot you wanted to talk with me.”
    Lindsey was out of breath. “That’s . . . ok . . . . Do you . . . have a minute?”
    “Sure. What do you need?”
    “A little oxygen after that run in these heels,” Lindsey joked and looked down at the simple white strapped sandals she was wearing. She looked up again. “I wanted to ask you what you remembered of Nana’s trip to Alberta, Canada fourteen years ago.”
    Helen’s eyes squinted and Lindsey thought it was from the bright sun, but when she heard the chill in Helen’s voice, she thought differently.
    “What do you want to know?”
    “Well, I found Nana’s travel journal from that trip and since it’s the only journal I’ve found, I thought it was a sign,” Lindsey explained. “I need some closure, Helen. I’ve decided to recreate the trip for myself. I’m leaving first thing in the