Chapter 20
"Crying may come in the night,
but joy comes in the morning."
(Psalm 10:5)
"My tears have been my food day and night.
They constantly ask me, 'Where is your God?"
(Psalm 42:3)
"Put my tears into your bottle."
(Psalm 56:8)
"God, don't hold your peace against my tears."
(Psalm 39:12)
Once Dale was well enough, the Rescue Rangers packed their things and loaded their luggage onto the Ranger Wing.
Dale hugged Dave. "Thank you . . . for everything," he said.
"You bet, Dale," Dave replied. "Anytime."
"Ready to go, Dale?" Chip inquired.
Dale nodded and climbed in the Ranger Wing.
The ride home was tedious and tiresome. On more than one occasion, they had to stop and refill the fuel tank. After many days of flying, the group finally reached New York.
Dale parked the Ranger Wing on the runway. "All right, everyone out," he bellowed.
They unloaded the luggage from the Ranger Wing and each person took their luggage to their rooms.
As Dale unpacked his things, the events that had occurred over the past few weeks flashed through his mind. It seemed just like yesterday when he'd packed his things and had run away. He couldn't believe that he'd run away just a few weeks ago.
Feeling hot, he took off his shirt and opened the window, letting a cool breeze flow to the room and throughout the house. The weather outside was lovely. Couples strolled through the park, hand in hand, making him think of Erik and Colin. He had to admit that the two made a cute couple. Honestly, it was a shame they'd broken up, but on the other hand, at least he'd be able to meet them in heaven, just as long as they didn't backslide and become a couple again.
He returned to his suitcase and continued to unpack his things. As he removed a pair of shirts, he discovered a book with a piece of folded paper taped to it. He took it out and removed the paper. He unfolded it and read.
Dear Dale,
This book greatly helped me grow in my spirituality. I pray that it does the same for you. Just remember that God gave you a special purpose when He created you. This book will help you realize what that purpose is. Love in Christ.
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Theodore Seville
Dale looked down at the book Theodore had given him. It was called The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
He recalled that Gadget had an old laptop that she barely used. Despite that it was a Windows Vista, which he hated, he needed a laptop. He wanted to check his e-mails. Gadget allowed him to use it and gave him the password to her log-in name.
Before he could get online, he heard a knock at his door. "Come in," he called. He was expecting to see Foxglove, but Chip entered the room.
"You doing okay?" Chip asked.
"I'm doing fine," Dale replied.
Chip sat down on the side of Dale's bed. "Are you sure?"
Dale nodded. "I'm positive."
"Good." He stood up. "What do you want for dinner?"
Dale shrugged. "No clue."
"I'll think of something. I should get going." He left the room.
Dale logged onto the computer, then went to once he'd double-clicked on the Internet icon.
Two hours later, Dale was called to dinner. He closed the laptop and entered the kitchen.
"Hungry?" Gadget asked him.
"Somewhat," Dale replied. He pulled back his chair and sat down.
"Well, I hope you are," Gadget added, "because I made spaghetti."
"Great," he cried.
"I knew you'd be happy," she said.
Dale only had one helping of spaghetti. Afterward, he took a shower to relax himself. Before going to bed, he started reading the book Theodore had given him. He decided to start day number two tomorrow.