A Brief Moment in TIme (27 page)

GAVIN’S HOPES vanished as he heard the discouraging news. Adele had just informed him that Kate’s life support would be removed in less than an hour. She’d been to visit her one last time, and as she apologized for not being able to arrange for him to see Kate, Adele sounded somber. Still, she managed to offer encouraging words. She’d found her power, she said, and now she was able to think of Kate in a loving, positive way. It would be her final gift to her friend and mentor. Gavin admired her strength as he thanked her for all that she had done.

He felt numb when the conversation ended. He desperately wanted to reach out to Kate, to offer her one final lifeline to grasp, but he wasn’t sure he could do it. For the past few days he’d been trying unsuccessfully to hold her image in his mind, reach out to her, feel her soft skin and her silky hair. The problem was, he was keenly aware that the images and the sensations were fabricated; they didn’t come to him as easily or as naturally as they had in the past. He tried again, this time with renewed determination to find her wherever she was.

Kate, it’s Gavin. I know it’s been a while since we’ve had one of our adventures, but I thought maybe you’d like to…you know...go sailing, or maybe flying. You love to fly, Kate. You look so beautiful with the wind in your hair. Fly with me, Kate...one more time,
he begged.

With eyes closed, he imagined taking her hand, stroking her skin. He tried to recall the rich texture of her voice as she led him in a guided meditation.

He was struggling to concentrate—thoughts of losing her were moving in quickly—but with tenacity he continued, allowing the love he felt for her to fuel one final attempt.

Letting his body relax completely, he envisioned strong air currents lifting him, and he tried to feel the dips and dives as he became one with the flow. He concentrated hard, creating hills and trees below, even houses and farms. With beauty all around him, he focused on the feeling of air rushing past as he navigated the skies.

Then it happened. The scenery came to life, drawing him in. Effortlessly he soared higher, taking in the panoramic view. The weather was idyllic with the sun warm on his face and the breeze slight. Below him was a lake, and in the center a small sailboat drifted lazily. As he focused on it, he was instantly drawn into the boat and found himself staring at Kate. Sitting relaxed in the bow, her arms were draped back and her long legs extended just as he’d seen her many times before. She looked at him with an expression he couldn’t interpret.

As in his dreams, it felt good just to sit and watch her. It had been so long since he’d felt her presence, and he reveled in it now. They were together. Gazing at her lovely face, he couldn’t keep from telling her how he felt.
I love you, Kate. I’ve been wanting to tell you that for a long time.

“I know,” she replied, showing no trace of emotion.

I remembered something, Kate,
he said quickly, trying to disregard her apathy.
When I was in prison, I learned that I was creating my experience there. I was free to leave, yet I couldn’t because it was my mind that held me there; it was my beliefs.

Kate frowned at his words.

Gavin felt a chill as the wind suddenly picked up causing heavy clouds to block out the sun. He had to speak louder to be heard over the howling gale.
Kate, I think this applies to you too. Your beliefs are holding you somewhere you don’t want to be.

The boat began pitching back and forth with the power of the waves, and cold pellets of rain battered his cheek. Gavin moved closer to Kate, nearly yelling now.
You can leave any time you like. You’re free. Nothing is holding you here.

Kate looked at him with a slight longing, then shook her head in disagreement. All of a sudden the boat lurched and tipped sideways, throwing them from their seats.

“Gavin!” she cried.

He reached for Kate, and they were both tossed overboard. He felt them moving through the air as the storm’s fury propelled them. Holding her close, Gavin understood that what he was experiencing was a creation of his consciousness, and he wasn’t afraid; all he could think of was how incredible it felt to hold her in his arms.

“Gavin…” she cried again. This time water muffled her cry as they plunged beneath the waves.

It’s not real, Kate.
Gavin repeated the words she’d once said to him.
You can change it with your thoughts.
He tried to hold her, but she slipped from his arms as the waves tossed them about.

It does not matter where you are; where you are is shifting constantly...you must turn your attention to where you want to go.

—ABRAHAM-HICKS

Chapter 25

KATE FELT GAVIN’S arms around her; she heard his words, but she was confused. The words sounded familiar, and she knew they were what she needed to hear, but she felt powerless to act. They continued to echo in her mind as she felt herself slipping away—away from Gavin and from all that was familiar.

Suddenly she found herself standing at a crossroads. She looked in one direction and saw the sun shining brilliantly. Everything within its magnificent radiance glimmered like gold. It was warm on her skin, and it illuminated the lush landscape. Trees were ripe with delicious-looking fruit. Gentle animals basked in the warmth beside a tranquil stream, and waterfalls cascaded down picturesque hills in the distance. It was idyllic; it was a more splendid paradise than she had ever dared imagine, and she turned toward it.

Curious, she looked over her shoulder to see what was in the other direction. A narrow dirt road carved its way through a thick forest. The road was cast in shadows, even complete darkness in spots. In the distance a light twinkled. At first Kate barely noticed it, but as she continued to look, the light became brighter and more distinct. It was flickering and dancing, teasing almost.

She stood at the crossroads for a moment longer and realized that she had a choice. She could choose the magnificent paradise, or she could follow the road with the alluring light. She could have the assurance of comfort and luxury and bliss, or she could opt for the enticing adventure that the flickering light seemed to offer. There was no right or wrong, no good or bad, no reward or punishment; it was simply a matter of preference. Moreover, she sensed that the paradise would be waiting for her return, should she choose the adventure.

Kate made her choice; she turned toward the flickering light and began to walk. As she did, the landscape opened up. It became familiar, and she saw people and places that she recognized. But it was the light that continued to entice her. She was curious now; it felt so compelling.

Memories began to move to the forefront of her mind. She thought of her dear friend, Adele, and smiled as she remembered the good times they’d had, the work they’d done together. She was proud of their accomplishments. It made her realize how much she loved her work, loved helping people. She realized, too, that there was much more she wanted to do.

As she drew closer to the light, another memory surfaced. This one wasn’t as clear, but as she focused on it, details began to emerge. She saw herself working in a prison and felt the satisfaction of seeing lives transformed.

Then she remembered.

Looking into the distance, she saw him. He had a smile on his face as he watched her. Her heart filled with joy as she realized that her choice included Gavin. He was the light. He was the path that she’d chosen. She hurried toward him.

Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation.

Chapter 26

ADELE WALKED into the hospital room and embraced her friend. She was reduced to tears each time she saw her; Kate’s smiling face was a joy to behold. She’d heard the story several times now, and each time, Kate would remember another detail and add to the overall picture. The miracle that Adele had hoped and prayed for—and believed in the possibility of—had manifested. Kate had come back, quite literally, from the dead.

She hadn’t been there when they’d turned off the machines that were keeping Kate alive, but from her apartment, Adele had the most compelling urge to go back to the hospital. She listened to her guidance without questioning and arrived to find Kate not only alive but awake and well. With the machines no longer performing her body’s necessary functions, Kate had clinically died and remained that way for a few minutes before the monitors began to detect a slight pulse. It strengthened on its own, and within several minutes, to the complete shock of her family, she had regained consciousness.

Kate and Adele had talked for many hours about the strange phenomena that occurred while she was unconscious, and Kate was aware that Gavin not only knew of her but had shared a similar experience.

“Tell me again what he’s like,” Kate begged. She was eager to meet Gavin but admitted that, given the circumstances, talking to him on the phone might be awkward, so she’d opted to be patient and let the details of their ‘first’ meeting take care of themselves.

Adele laughed. “From what you’ve told me, he’s just like what you imagined. And why shouldn’t he be? You created him.”

“I can’t believe he feels the same way,” Kate shook her head. “It’s like having the most wonderful dream and then waking up to find that it’s true.”

“That’s exactly what it’s like,” Adele concurred, still in awe of the extraordinary unfolding of events. She’d spent many hours drawing her own conclusions and had discussed the matter further with her friend in paranormal psychology. Having talked with Kate and Gavin about their dreams, Adele questioned why their experiences differed slightly. If they had actually rendezvoused in another realm, she couldn’t understand why their memories of it wouldn’t be the same.

The reasons, her friend explained, involved perspective and recall. He said that everyone’s experience was influenced by their personal perspective, their beliefs, and their thoughts. A person’s desires played a significant role as well. And what people remembered from their trips to other realities varied considerably.

He likened it to the
Holodeck
on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Characters could step into the simulation facility, set criteria for the adventure they wanted to have, and the result would be a virtual reality experience of their own making. Others would obviously be part of the simulated environment, but their perspective would vary, and their ability to recall the experience would depend on many different factors.

Adele understood now that Kate and Gavin, having played together in past lifetimes, chose to include each other in their current adventures. They’d escaped into another realm and enjoyed each other’s presence from their unique perspectives. It would be fun for them to compare their experiences as they began their relationship in the physical realm.

She’d yet to share her newfound knowledge with Kate; she knew they’d have many satisfying discussions in the weeks to come, but for now there was something more pressing that Adele wanted to ask. “Kate, do you know what made the difference? Was it that you couldn’t come back sooner, or that you didn’t know how? Or were you having so much fun you didn’t want to?” she added jokingly.

“I’m not sure,” Kate responded. “I know for a while I truly enjoyed it there. I could experience and accomplish things I’d only dreamed of here. After a while, I think I wanted to come back, but for whatever reason I was stuck. It felt that way, anyway.”

“But didn’t you know all that you’d learned here?”

“It’s funny. I did at the beginning, but it’s kind of like our experience here. We arrive knowing everything but get so immersed in our environment that we forget and have to learn it again. Even there, I was aware that a greater part of me was focused elsewhere. I trusted that greater knowing for the most part, but there were times, especially at the end when I felt I was drowning, that I forgot to trust.”

“Gavin said he was with you!” Adele blurted, suddenly remembering the juicy tidbit she’d wanted to share. Then, noticing the surprised look on Kate’s face, she explained, “When I called to tell him you were all right, we talked awhile. He said that he was trying to reach you in his mind...” Adele relayed the story Gavin had shared with her. “He was holding you, and he felt you slip away.”

“I felt it, too!” Kate exclaimed. “And I heard his voice. He was trying to tell me it wasn’t real. Oh my God, I just remembered that now!