Jordan had been so embarrassed when she was called to the front office and found the little stuffed Teddy Bear holding the single bright yellow carnation. It even had the red tips that Keith knew she loved. He was always paid such close attention to what made her smile or brought joy to her life. As she had walked back to her cubicle, the eyes of all the women were on her. He was such a tease, but she loved his style. The rest of her day went by in a flurry of phone calls, reports, and ...

I've only had you in my life since I turned 19, and it's much too early for you to be taken from mom, the other kids, your grandkids and me. We all have you in our hearts, thoughts and prayers as you face your surgery tomorrow. I want so badly to be there with you and talking with you tonight didn't ease my fears any at all. If anything, they've increased. But I'll do my best to keep the positive thoughts in front of the bad.

Grandpa was the only dad I had from 5 until you came ...

The roads were becoming treacherous as she pulled in to the well lit parking lot of the truck stop diner. From the looks of all the trucks in the parking lot, things were going to get even worse. She had noted over the last few miles there were less vehicles on the road, so when she saw the lights of the diner from the interstate, she figured it was time for her to get off the roads also.

She made her way through the gusting north winds and felt the sting to her face from the ...