Between Sundays

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Forever in Fiction

Note to the Reader

Foreword by Alex Smith

Prologue

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Twenty-Six

Twenty-Seven

Twenty-Eight

Twenty-Nine

Thirty

Thirty-One

Epilogue

A Note from Karen

Reader Study Guide

About the Author

About the Publisher

To Donald, my Prince Charming…

I smile as I write those words because of our recent trip to Ohio. I would take the stage at my speaking events and say, “So, this probably isn’t a good time to mention that I’m a Michigan fan.” When the boos died down, I would hurry and tell them, “But my husband’s a huge Ohio State guy.” After the hearty applause, I would say, “See…he really is Prince Charming!”

We made great memories with the kids, and Kim and Keith, and we gained thousands of new friends. But here’s the thing: you really are my Prince Charming, Donald. I mean it. I love you more with every passing day, understanding as we settle into these middle years that time is not a guarantee. Today is a gift, and tomorrow uncertain. And so I treasure these beautiful, loving days, looking forward to our intimate moments in a quiet walk or laughing over something only we would understand. The ride is breathtakingly beautiful, my love. I pray it lasts far into our twilight years. Until then, I’ll enjoy not always knowing where I end and you begin. I love you always and forever.

To Kelsey, my precious daughter…

You are eighteen now, a young woman, and my heart soars with joy when I see all that you are, all you’ve become. We prayed that through the teenage years you would stay true to who you are, to that promise of purity you made when you were thirteen, once upon a yesterday on a bench overlooking a sunlit river. But I never dreamed you’d so fully hold true to that promise. You look forward to that far-off day, when you can share with your future husband the gift you’ve saved for him alone. But in the meantime, you trust God that laughter and friendship and dancing and singing and spending time with your family is enough. More than enough. Honey, you grow more beautiful every day—inside and out. And always I treasure the way you talk to me, telling me your hopes and dreams and everything in between. I can almost sense the plans God has for you, the very good plans. I pray you keep holding onto His hand as He walks you toward them. I love you, sweetheart.

To Tyler, my lasting song…

So many wonderful things are happening in your life right now, things we once only dreamed about. You’re the Cat in the Hat in
Seussical
, but not once have I seen you act arrogant about the fact. Worried, yes. Something that makes me smile, because I know…I know you’ll be the absolute best ever at that part when the show opens later this month. I’m proud of you, Ty, at the young man you’re becoming. I’m proud of your talent and your compassion for people, and your place in our family.

But two things will stand out when I look back on this time. The way my heart melts when you sing “Proud of Your Boy,” and the earnest look in your eyes when you told me last week that maybe…just maybe, you’d want to be a teacher like your dad. A drama teacher, of course. Giving kids the skills to be successful on stage. You’re fourteen and six-foot-two, Ty, no longer my little boy. But even as I see the future in your eyes, I’ll treasure my memories of all the stages of your life. However your dreams unfold, I’ll be in the front row to watch it happen. Hold onto Jesus, Ty. I love you.

To Sean, my happy sunshine…

Today you came home from school, eyes sparkling, and you told me you’d tied the school record for the high jump at track practice. The fact that your mark didn’t count because it wasn’t in a meet didn’t dim your enthusiasm even a little. I was struck, as you recounted your jump, how much the story symbolized everything about you, Sean. You’re so happy, so optimistic. You have a way of bringing smiles into our family, even in the most mundane moments. I pray that God will use your positive spirit to always make a difference in the lives around you. You’re a precious gift, son. Keep smiling, and keep seeking God’s best for your life. Make sure the bar’s set high—not only at track practice. I love you, honey.

To Josh, my tender-hearted perfectionist…

Watching you work on your social studies project today, I saw again what always amazes me about you. Your work is so careful, so detailed, it would almost seem you’d traced pictures straight from the textbook. I couldn’t turn in the work you do if I took all week. And yet—even with track and soccer and homeschool tests—you still take the time to seek perfection. Along with that, there are bound to be struggles. Times when you need to understand again that the gifts and talents you bear are God’s, not yours. And times when you must learn that perfection isn’t possible for us, only for God. Even so, my heart almost bursts with pride over the young man you’re becoming. You have an unlimited future ahead of you, Josh. I’ll be cheering on the sidelines always. Keep God first in your life, and who knows…one day maybe you and Alex Smith will be teammates. I love you always.

To EJ, my chosen one…

We had a family meeting the other night, one of those talk sessions you kids sometimes tease us about. The subject was a reminder that sitting around the dinner table each night are the very best friends you’ll ever have. Your sister and brothers. And also that everyone needs to pitch in more. We talked about giving a hundred percent, because some day far too soon, when all you kids are grown and in families of your own, you’ll need to give a hundred percent always. That’s what love looks like. In the days that followed our family talk, Dad and I were thrilled to see you truly stepped up your efforts at helping out. We’d see you standing at the sink, washing dishes and singing a happy song, and you’d grin at us. “A hundred percent!” you’d say. EJ, I pray that you hold onto that very small lesson always. You’re a wonderful boy, son, a child with such potential. Every day, every season, just give a hundred percent, okay? Because God has great plans for you, and we want to be the first to congratulate you as you work to discover those. Thanks for giving your heart, EJ. I love you so.

To Austin, my miracle boy…

I was editing this book when you came into my writing room yesterday and smiled at me. “You’re the most beautiful mom in the whole world,” you said. “I really mean it.” Then you plopped down on the sofa beside me and put your arm around my shoulders. “I think I’ll cuddle with you here all day.” I smiled, “Okay…you can watch me edit.” And then—here’s how I know you’re getting older—you jumped up and giggled. “No, Mom. Just kidding. I have schoolwork to do.” You kissed me and patted my cheek, and then you were off.

But in the storage room of my heart, I had a memory I’ll hold onto forever, sweet son. That, and the one from this afternoon. You’re taking voice lessons, and this week your song is from Casting Crowns—“Who Am I.” When the teacher was gone, you came upstairs with Dad, and from the other side of my writing room door, I heard Dad start to play his guitar. I stopped editing for a moment and stared out at the forest beyond my window, holding tight to the precious sound. You’re my youngest, my last, Austin. I’m holding onto every moment, for sure. Thanks for giving me so many wonderful reasons to treasure today. I thank God for you, Austin, for the miracle of your life. I love you, Aus.

And to God Almighty, the Author of Life, who has—for now—blessed me with these.