Ryan blinked and opened his eyes, his mind fuzzy. What had happened? He glanced around, and found himself in a hospital room. How did he get here? He scrolled back through the day, if it was in fact, still the same day. He’d gotten up early and met with the young adults’ group at church, where they worked together to plant saplings along the front walkway. And Ava had been there. She wore a flowery red shirt and white shorts. Her hair had shone in the sunlight. And she’d agreed to go to lunch with him. He grinned at the memory. Finally. After all these months. They’d gone to the local diner and laughed and laughed. But then what? He struggled to put the pieces together.

The sky had grown dark, and there was a terrible wind. The rain started coming down in sheets. But it was Ava’s mom’s birthday, and she needed to get home to set up for the party that evening. Her dad and sister were counting on her. Her dad was supposed to take her mom out for dinner, and then back to the house for the surprise party.

He struggled to sit up. Then what? Ava had argued with him – said it was too dangerous to drive in the storm, but he didn’t want her to be late because she’d agreed to have lunch with him. They’d gotten in the car and he’d driven her home. His head started to pound. Think, man, think.

A moment later, Mom appeared in the doorway, cup of coffee in hand, bags under her eyes. “Oh, thank the Lord. You’re awake. How are you doing, honey?”

Ryan grimaced as the pounding in his head continued. “Mom, what happened?”

“You were caught in that terrible storm yesterday afternoon. You ended up in a ditch on the side of Route 30.” She approached the bed and squeeze his hand. “I’m so glad you’re OK. How are you feeling?”

“My head is killing me, but I think everything else is OK.” Panic shot through him. “What about Ava? Was she in the car with me when it happened?”

Mom’s eyes clouded and she nodded.

Ryan clutched Mom’s hand. “Is she OK? Where is she?”

“She’s in a room down the hall.”

Relief rushed through Ryan. Ava was alive. He hadn’t killed the love of his life. “Can we go see her?”

“I’m afraid not, dear.”

“But why?”

“She’s not up for visitors right now. She was hurt pretty badly, and they’re not sure whether she’ll be able to walk again.”

Ryan crumpled back against the bed. “This is all my fault.” Sobs wracked his body and he buried his face in his hands. “I should never have tried to drive in that storm. But I wanted to get her home for her mom’s birthday party.” He sucked in a shaky breath. “I ruined everything.”

Mom wrapped her arms around him. “It was an accident. No one blames you.”

“Then why can’t I go see her?”

Mom didn’t have an answer for that.

Ryan couldn’t take any more news. This was truly the worst day of his life. “Mom, I think I just need to rest.”

Mom nodded and stepped back. “I’ll be in the lounge. It’s right down the hall. If you need anything, call me. She placed his phone on the tray table by the bed.

Ryan grabbed a tissue and dabbed at his face, but the tears continued. How could such a perfect day have gone so wrong? He prayed like he’d never prayed before. “God, I’m so sorry I went out in the storm. Please take care of Ava. Please heal her legs and let her walk again. She shouldn’t be punished for my bad decision. And God, I think she and her family must hate me right now. Everything seems hopeless. I’ve loved her for as long as I can remember. I thought she was finally starting to see me as more than a friend. Please, God, I just need some hope to cling to. Everything is so dark.”

As the last whispered words crossed his lips, Ryan fell asleep.

                                               ~*~

Ryan blinked in the sunshine. He stood in front of their church. But something was different. The trees. All along the front walkway grew young trees. He shook his head. Were these the trees they’d planted? But they were 2 or 3 feet taller now. That was weird. His mom called to him from inside the church doorway. He glanced at her. She was dressed up, with her hair and makeup done. What was going on?

“Come on, Ryan. You don’t want to be late. Get in here before the limo arrives.”

Ryan dutifully followed his mother into the church, realizing he was wearing a tuxedo. What on earth?

Mom pointed him in the direction of the back hallway that led to the front of the sanctuary. “The groomsmen are in there waiting for you. Go ahead. And don’t worry, honey. Every groom is a little nervous on their wedding day.”

With that, Mom scurried away in the opposite direction. He made his way to the front of the church and stood, gazing out over the congregation, as one by one, a flower girl and bridesmaids waltzed down the aisle. Ignoring them all, he strained to see behind the doors at the end of the aisle. A moment later, the music changed, and a vision in white appeared. He peered through the veil to find a beaming Ava gazing at him. His heart somersaulted as she walked down the aisle. No wheelchair, no limp, just a beautiful bride strolling along next to her father, approaching him.

When she reached the front of the church, Ryan awoke with love filling every pore of his being. Was that a gift from God, showing him the future? Knowing his Ava would be whole and his one day made everything they had to endure in the meantime worth it.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God,

Thank you for hope. It is such an amazing gift. Please help us hold on to it. For while You never promise life will be easy, You do promise You’ll never leave us nor forsake us. You are a good Father, Who has good gifts for His children. No matter what happens in this life, we can count on that. And we can count on knowing that if we trust in You, we can always cling to the hope of an amazing future together with You in heaven. Thank You for loving us so much that You’ve prepared a place for us there. In Jesus’ name, Amen.