Christmas in Heaven

I’ll never forget sitting in class that day. I was in the middle of an English/Literature exam in college. As I took my time to work and ensure that I answered every question to the best of my ability, it didn’t occur to me that I was one of the only ones left taking my test. Most of the class had finished and long gone. Before I knew it, I was the only one left. It’s almost as if I sensed something was happening. I went up to the desk to turn in my test, when my professor stopped me. “Lizbeth, there’s something I need to tell you. Could you have a seat,” she asked. “Sure,” I turned around knowing that this was odd. “I’m terribly sorry dear. Your mother wants you to call her right away. Something is wrong, and they cannot find your brother.” Why in the world does my English/Lit. professor know all of this? Why is she telling me this? I knew in my heart, something was wrong. Something was bad. “Okay, yes…of course,” I finally replied after what felt like an eternity of seconds for me to process what was happening. “She said for you to call her at home. There’s a phone in the office around the corner if you need to use it dear.” “Uh, no, no, that’s not necessary. I have my cell phone here. I can just use it. Thanks.” I began to dial and noticed that she was staying nearby as if she too, could sense that this was not good. And normally, that would bother me as I got on the phone. But for whatever reason, I appreciated the comfort at this time. The concern and care was what I needed before I even knew it. “Mom, it’s me, Lizbeth. Is everything alright?” The next few minutes are kind of a blur now honestly. My memory of what she said is so, so clear, yet so… foggy. And still, it’s a memory that is seared into my brain.