Halfway to forever by Karen Kingsbury

ago." Three weeks ago?
How come no one had called her? Jade's heart ached. She would have wanted to be at the funeral. At
least then she could have comforted Brandy's parents or known the peace of telling Brandy's friends that
she was in heaven with Jesus. That somewhere Brandy Almond was running again, her long beautiful hair
blowing in the breeze of heaven's wind. Running faster and freer than at any other time in her life.
Anger mingled with excruciating feelings of loss, and jade forced herself to speak. "How come ...no one
told me?"
Linda's gaze fell to the ground for a moment before finding Jade's once more. "We didn't want to upset
you." Linda released the hold she had on jade's shoulder and folded her arms. "We figured you had enough
to deal with."
"Well..." Jade's heart pounded in her throat. "I appreciate that. But you figured wrong." She splayed her
fingers against her chest. "I loved that girl... very much."
"I'm sorry" Linda shook her head and wiped at another tear. "We didn't know what to do."
Jade hung her head, and Tanner squeezed her hand, silently assuring her that he shared her grief. Every bit
of it. Tears flooded Jade's eyes and spilled onto her stretch pants. She wanted to fall to the floor, crawl to
Brandy's room, and climb up in her bed. She wanted to weep and wail and demand that God tell her why
Why He would take one so young and precious and new in her faith, one who would have had such an
impact on her friends if she'd lived.
235 I'
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K .A R F N
K I N G S B U R Y
Jade lifted her head and noticed that it took most of her strength. God, get inc through this...
I am your refuge and your strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble...
The Scripture from Psalms worked its way through her being
and she drew a steadying breath. When she lifted her head, she
looked at Linda and nodded twice. "It's not your fault. You did
what you thought was best."
Linda squirmed, clearly anxious to get back to work. "Her
friend-the one who told her about God-comes in once in a
while and brings toys for the sick kids. I could give her your number
if you want."
Jade managed a smile. "I'd like that. Thanks." She tightened
her grip on Tanners hand. "I have an appointment next door in a
few minutes. Tell everyone I said goodbye."
They were halfway down the corridor toward the other building when Tanner pushed her into a quiet
waiting area where they could be alone. He came around the front of her chair, knelt by her feet, and
hugged her knees to his chest. "I'm sorry, Jade."
Tears, hot and steady, streamed down Jade's face. Yes, death was a reality, especially in a children's
cancer ward. Illness was always a threat when a person's immune system was unstable. But Brandy had
looked so good the last time they were together...
Jade squeezed her eyes shut and took quick breaths through her nose, trying to slow the sobs that sought to
overtake her. "I can't... believe... she's gone."
Tanner laid his head in her lap and clung to her. "She's with
Jesus; we both know that."
A thread of terror stitched its way across Jade's heart. "Is that
what people will say about me a month from now? `She's with