SHORT GAP — Frankfort Middle School student Kaitlyn Jackson, who won first place in the Mineral County Young Writers Contest, attended the 2009 Young Writers Celebration Day in Charleston on Friday, May 8.
Held on the campus of the University of Charleston, the celebration featured comments by First Lady Gayle C. Manchin.
Terry Reale, English language coordinator of the West Virginia Department of Education, welcomed the young writers to the event and introduced Dr. Stebbins, dean of the university.
The gathering also enjoyed the unique musical entertainment provided by Ron Sowell of Mountain Stage.
In addition to the program, authors Colleen Anderson, Cheryl Ware, and Anna Smucker conducted writing workshops for the young writers.
Jackson, 13, is an eighth grader at FMS. She attended the event in Charleston with her sister, Brianna, and parents Debbie and Timothy.
Her story follows:
Life After Death
My day started like any other day. A rush of deliveries at eight in the morning, my coffee pot ran over, and my truck wouldn't start. I exclaimed, “GOD, take me now!” I managed to get my semi started, and headed to the dock for my first delivery. My semi started lurching, and made a knocking noise. Then to my horror, it came to an abrupt stop right on top of the railroad crossing. I had almost cleared the tracks, but my trailer was still on them. I called dispatch to let them know my dilemma. I then got out of my truck, and went to the front to diagnose the problem. After thirty minutes of frustration, I slammed the hood, said some choice words, and again radioed dispatch for help.
That's when I heard it. It sounded like a trumpet being blown, two short blasts. The noise kept getting louder and louder still. Then I was floating in a black abyss. Everything was peaceful. I heard my name being called. I figured dispatch had finally arrived. I opened my eyes, sat up, and abruptly came face to face with God. I heard my name like thunder. I felt like I was in second grade again. My teacher was calling roll. Do I answer? I am shocked and speechless. Is this some kind of joke, but even as I think it, I know it is not. I timidly attempt to ask, “AM I DEAD?” God chuckles. I flinch, because his laugh is so kind and gentle. He thunders, “FOLLOW ME.” I follow him diligently, as If I had a choice.
I suddenly realize I am walking on gold, the most beautiful gold I have ever seen. I'm ashamed; I shouldn't be walking on something this perfect. He laughs again and says, "You haven't seen anything yet." Just as he says that, we walk outside and I am at a loss for words. I can't even describe it. It's like nothing I have ever seen before. Buildings with jewels for foundations! The walls are made out of the most amazing Jasper. Everywhere I look I see jewels and gold. I can't even identify half of the jewels. The sky is like a boat of bliss. There was no need for the sun; God brightened everything. The people were so friendly. Everyone was kind to one another. The elderly moved as if they were kids again, without pain. To say it was beautiful did not give it justice.
God lead me to the river of life, which was crystal clear. We sat under the tree of life and He talked to me. He said I had a job to finish. I thought my life was finished. He laughed and said, "I have much in store for you." God told me He was not finished with me and that He wanted me to tell everyone about Him. I asked Him how I was to do that when I am in Heaven. I don't even know how to preach. God said He would teach me and the rest would come in time. He then told me to rest, and remember what He had said. So I did.
I woke up to the sound of my name. To my amazement I was in a hospital bed. I heard the noisy beeping of the equipment. My family filled the room, but their focus was on the T.V. That is when I saw it! There I was on T.V. beside my truck. The next minute my truck was smashed by a train, and it flipped over me hitting me as it skimmed over me. I gaped, remembering what had happened. That's when my family noticed I was awake. They all rushed toward me.
Epilogue:
My whole family believes in God now and is saved. Ever since my accident, I have been sharing the love of God with everyone I meet. They almost always accept Him as their savior. My life has changed drastically since the day I heard the trumpets, and I couldn't be happier.
