Chapter 4 - Page 38 - 2000 Acres

   Jackie knew what he’d seen was a vision. It was the first vision he had ever seen.

   Jim was still kneeling on the ground. He opened his eyes and reached down to pick up a handful of dirt, unaware that Jackie was watching him. While sifting the dirt through his fingers, Jim lifted a small rock and rolled it around in his other hand. Finally he stood up and flung the rock across the clearing. He dusted off his hands and walked back to Jackie’s car.

   Jim noticed a strange look on Jackie’s face. “What’s the matter, Jackie?”

   Tears welled up in Jackie’s eyes. “Jim, could I ask a favor of you?”

   Jim saw the anguish in Jackie’s face. “Jackie,” he said gently, “all you need to do is ask.”

   Jackie cupped his hands over his face and spoke in a whimper. “The next time you pray, would you say a prayer for my mother?”

   “I’d be happy to,” Jim replied.

   “Tell God I love my mother very much,” Jackie said. “Ask him, if he must take her, could she go to sleep without much pain?” Jackie ran the tips of his fingers underneath his eyelids to wipe the gathered tears away.

   “Jackie, we’ll both pray for her on the way to the hotel.”

   Jackie wiped his wet fingers on his pant legs and opened the car door. He slid into the driver’s seat and slammed the door. The door didn’t latch tight so he slammed it again as Jim got in on the passenger side. Jackie started the car and put it in gear. As he drove, Jim prayed out loud all the way back to the hotel.