Time period: Joan's flashbacks
Flashback 1: Dream's death
Date: 3-14-2025
March 14, 2025 is a life changing day for me. I was just thirty seven at the time. I found my sixteen year old autistic daughter, Dream Jane Rove dead in her room at 5:30 am. The
gloomy weather matched perfectly with my mood in which consisted mostly of endless tears and screams. Restlessly, I performed cpr on Dream several times. I was not getting any
good results. I concluded that Dream died in her sleep the night before. I cradled Dream's dead body and reflected upon the tragic night when Judith died. I felt as if I was living through
the same horrible nightmare again. Holding out for a miracle, I prayed for my second nightmare to end. Sadly, I couldn't wake up because my fantasy had become a reality. Resentful,
my heart turned bitter against God. I assumed God killed Dream as an act of punishment and revenge. Adam called 9ll for an ambulance to come and pick up Dream. Our son, Matthew and
I found comfort and strength in each other. Later on in the day, a doctor at the hospital told us that a brain aneurysm caused Dream's death.
Flashback 2: Dream's funeral
Date: 3-17-2025
Depressed, I dramatically changed my identity on March 17, 2025. I was unrecognizable at my own daughter's funeral. I wore black clothes to symbolize my heartache. I
hid my pain behind my smile. I couldn't stop thinking about Dream no matter how many times I tried to detach myself from the pain. My heart was buried along with
Dream's coffin in the ground. Strangely, Dream was buried beside Judith Montgomery. Losing control of both my soul and body, I almost collapsed. I placed a bouquet of
red roses beside the tombstone. A pretty white dove flew out of nowhere and perched itself upon the tombstone. I considered the dove to be Dream's spirit. I reached out to
touch the dove. Fearful, the dove flew away. Its departure left an even bigger hole in my heart. Crying, I recounted all of the missed opportunities that I had to confess my love for
Dream. Adam's encouraging words and hugs healed me. I thought I heard God say don't worry for I will bring another angel your way.
Flashback 3: Joy's birth
Date: 11-26-2025 (Nine Months Later)
Somehow through my grief, I managed to be a kind neighbor. My next door neighbors, an interracial couple, Ryan and Rory Mackenzie were quite an interesting pair. Ryan was white and
Rory was an African American, but their love grew stronger everyday. Their only child, Courtney was born prematurely on November 26. Courtney became Joy's best friend later on.
I remember I had helped Rory to deliver her. Rory went into labor at home while Ryan was at work. Rory called me because she didn't have any family or transportation nearby. Luckily,
I was home and unoccupied at the time. Quickly, I rushed over to Rory's house where she was getting ready to give birth. The baby refused to wait for the doctor. It was by God's grace
that everything turned out alright. Ryan and my own family met us at the hospital. When I arrived back home, I hit the bed immediately. The urge to urinate interrupted my peaceful
deep sleep. Shockingly, I gave birth to a baby who Adam and I decided to name Joy Judith Elizabeth Rove. I never knew I was pregnant. Matthew, Adam, and I considered her life to be
a miracle anyway.
Present Reality: Reflection-Joy's 19th birthday
Date: 11-26-2044
Miniature minor miracle, a delicate heartbeat. Destined to exist and prosper forever, ease on down the road of life. Lovely inspirational muse, I will appreciate everyday. Constant companion of mine, an angel sent from heaven above. This holy divine bloodline, extremely precious lineage. A full house of love and support, my very silly family.
