She had barely gotten across the street before the pain hit. It was excruciating. If I can only get to the car, she thought, I'll drive myself to the hospital. As she sat in the car trying to compose herself, she couldn't figure out what could be wrong.

The pain eased enough for her to drive to the hospital. She would call Braxton, her husband, once she found out what was wrong. The waiting room was packed, not surprising, living in a city as large as Chicago. It's times like this she missed the quiet life in Alabama that she left behind only four months ago.

"What seems to be the problem?" the Dr. asked, her kind and sympathetic eyes put Louise at ease. Louise described the pain she had experienced earlier. From the description and the location of the pain Dr. Winston decided to do a pelvic exam.

"Will Louise," Dr. Winston said, "you can relax. You're not dying, you're in labor and in about an hour or so you will be delivering your baby." "No way " Louise gasped, "I should know if I'm pregnant! Besides my husband and I didn't plan to have children for another year or two."

Excitement and fear ceased her all at once as the nurse wheeled her to labor and delivery. Louise was grateful that Dr Winston phoned Braxton, soon he'd be by her side to welcome the sweet little surprise.

The volcano spewed hot ash as I drove along the countryside. Hoping and praying I'd make it to safety before it reached the road.

The warning sirens were deafening, gripped by fear I sped along as fast as I could. Not many cars on the road, since most left town.

The mountain started smoking last week, I knew in my gut it was a prelude of something more. I ignored all the warning signs. How many times had that mountain smoked only to remain dormant...

I love how the heart beats, flowing love so freely.

Laughter, joy, togetherness keeps us alive.

I love how the heart beats, pounding with excitement as you come near, closer.

Intertwined by emotions, thoughts of good times gone by.

Encouraged by the past, excited about the future.

I love how the heart beats.

Beautiful that's what you are to me.

Not just your appearance as

many can see.

Beautiful that's what you are to me.

From deep within, it's

reflected in your

outward qualities.

Beautiful that's what you are to me.

A gift from Jehovah

I'll treasure for all eternity.

Beautiful that's what you are to me.