Don’t Forget to Remember Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

sobs
threatening to break free from my chest. I’d denied the possibility
of losing her to Paul and to everyone else, but my education and my
reasoning told me it was possible. “It’s like we’re one person…I
can’t live without you. I love you so much.”
    I lifted my head and looked into her face.
It was still swollen and purple bruises were all over the left
side. My heart ached at the site and I stared at her, willing her
to wake up. I spoke softly to Julia and then to God. “Dear God,
please let her be okay. I’d give my life gladly if you would only
spare hers.”
    I stayed on my
knees next to her, holding her. I talked
to her, repeating the words over and over, feeling her body move
with each breath. At times, tears ran unabashed down my face and I
didn’t even bother wiping them away, the blanket on the bed
absorbing them as they fell. “Please, God. Please .”
    It could have been minutes or hours, but
finally her hand stirred under mine. My head instantly snapped up
to find her green eyes open and staring back at me. I could see the
panic and pain behind them but in that moment, I thought she was
the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. It meant that she was aware
of her surroundings, so chances of brain damage were minimal.
    Thank you, Jesus.

 
     
     
~2~
     

    Julia began struggling against the tube
invading her throat but her injuries kept her movements to a
minimum. She grimaced as pain shot through her, looking at me with
wary eyes. Her brow furrowed as she took in her surroundings. The
ventilator tube was strange and frightening and her right hand
lifted toward her mouth. She tried to speak, but the vent tube
prevented anything but a raspy whisper.
    I jumped up and sat on the
edge of the bed, still in shock myself as I restrained her good
hand from pulling at the tubes. “Honey, stop. You’re in the
hospital and this has been helping you breathe. We’ll get it out,
but you have to stop fighting right now. I know it feels weird, and you won’t be able to talk. Just
please relax.”
    My heart leapt within my chest. Julia’s eyes
were wide and frightened and confusion clouded her features. The
green irises were glassy as she shook her head, frantically trying
to talk but I stopped her with a shake of my head.
    I was capable of removing the tube, but
wasn’t allowed to without a physician’s permission. I put my hand
on her thigh so she’d meet my eyes. “It’s okay, baby. I’ll have
that out very soon.” I reached up and pressed the call button on
the side of her bed.
    “Yes?” the voice on the intercom
answered.
    “Can you please come in here? Julia’s awake
and the vent is scaring her. Is Dr. Brighton around or my father?
We need one of them, stat.”
    I lowered my voice again. “Honey, I was so
worried…going out of my mind.” I held my breath, trying to make
sure she didn’t have any brain damage as I watched for her
reactions to anything and everything. I placed my hand at the side
of her face and ran my thumb along her cheekbone. Once again, Julia
tried to pull at the tube, her eyes connecting with mine. “Just
concentrate on my eyes, and breathe through your nose. It will keep
you from gagging. If you can understand me, will you blink for me?”
She blinked once and nodded slightly.
    I dropped my head as tears flooded my eyes.
This was the miracle I’d prayed for. She was going to be okay. I’d
been so scared and now the relief was equally intense. She resumed
struggling, trying to speak. The effort made her gag and choke.
    “No, sweetheart. They’re
coming to take out that tube. You’ve been in an accident, but
you’re going to be fine,” I said reassuringly, hoping that the calm
tone of my voice would soothe her. I relaxed when the room
flooded with people. That damn tube would be out in a matter of
seconds. My father and three nurses, one of whom quickly turned off the vent and started to gently remove the
tape holding it in place on Julia’s jaw.
    “Julia,