“Yeah! A dunk shot!” Three-year-old Darren cheered. “Do it again!” Delton grinned at his little brother and tossed the basketball once more through the hoop. “Gotta take you in for your bath!” he said, scooping Darren up in his arms. “It’s getting dark.”

“Here you go,” he smiled, minutes later as he deposited Darren in Carolyn’s lap. “Mom, where’s Dad?”

“Probably still in the office,” she guessed.

The office adjoining the house was for the family-owned feed business. Delton had been grinding feed and doing other jobs ever since he could remember. Now with his license he enjoyed helping with the feed deliveries. Perhaps there would be a load he could take the next day.

Dad read what was on his mind. Looking up from the computer he suggested, “What about making a delivery to the Jim Price farm? You’ve been there a couple of times already.”

“Sure, I can do that,” responded Delton. “Good night, then.”

“Good night, Delton.”

God looked upon the sleeping family with tender care. They did not know how drastically their lives were about to change. But God knew. As the sun spread its warmth over the Ozark hills, He also surrounded them with His all knowing love.

“Another gorgeous day,” Carolyn rejoiced as she busied herself in the kitchen. The daily calendar on the windowsill caught her eye. She flipped it to July 6, 1995 and silently read:

Mine! This miraculous morning!
Surrendered in trust to my care.
It came bearing only this warning,
Fragile, handle with prayer.

“How true, Lord,” she prayed. “Give us as parents wisdom and guidance today as we teach our children to live for You.”

Delton was filling his water jug at the sink. “See ya, Mom!” he called cheerfully as he headed out to the waiting truck.

“Good-bye, Son!” She smiled, and added an extra prayer for Delton. “Keep him safe and in your care, Lord . . . Help him to continue to grow in You. Most of all, please help him to be ready when his life on earth is ended.”

Delton followed the narrow road as it wound over the hills. He topped a rise where the road began a long curve to the right. Suddenly, the right front wheel of the truck dropped over the sharp edge of the road. Delton held his breath as he fought to get the top heavy load of corn back in his lane. What a relief to be on the road again, 375 feet later, but wait! The truck veered too close to the other side! He cranked sharply to avoid going off again and then everything happened so fast that there was barely time to respond. The truck went into a long skid. It tilted up as the wheels on one side left the ground. Boom! A rear dual tire exploded. Yards later, the rim bit deeply into the asphalt. With a thunderous crash, the bed slammed into the road as its bolts broke loose. Clouds of dust billowed up as corn poured over the road and ditch. The truck righted itself, over centered, and twisted back around. In one awful moment, the door flew open and Delton was flung out. Bouncing on the pavement, he landed by the side of the road . . . and then the entire weight of the truck rolled over him.

Dirt. Warm blood. Harsh pavement, and pain. Oh, the pain! Delton moaned, conscious of every sensation tormenting his body. He tasted the grit of corn and dirt in his mouth. Acutely he could feel the pain; searing pain in every part of him.

“God,” he groaned. “Send someone!”

A hundred thoughts flitted through his mind.

Is this death? Lord will I die here? Am I ready to meet You?

He thought of his conversion. Of his baptism.

A spring day last year . . . I stood in front of the church, I was wearing Dad’s suit and shoes.

Oh, Dad . . . Dad, are you coming?

I gave my testimony. What was it? “Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

God, You’re still there. You’re my Savior. I’m sorry for the times I’ve failed you. Forgive me . . . And O, Lord, please send someone . . .

The roar of the truck grew fainter as it lurched its way through the field.

An overwhelming peace enveloped Delton.

A few minutes later a lady arrived on the scene. She blanched at the gruesome sight. “He’s alive!” and ran for help.