Gabrielle Graham
A Call to Angels
by
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Chapter 1
A Magical Day
Nine-year-old Gabrielle Graham had just returned home from Sunday school. She had been picked up and dropped off at her home by the mother of one of her friends. Her hair shone brightly in the sun, red-brown curls encircling her face. A yellow cotton dress made her tanned skin seem even darker. Gabi paused for a moment, taking in the squirrels and deer that dawdled on the front lawn before walking slowly along a cobblestone walkway toward the entrance of her home. The day seemed somewhat magical to her, it was a day that she would always remember, as she was about to embark on the strangest and most mysterious journey of her life.
Her parents, Elizabeth and David Graham, who usually attended church with her, had chosen to stay home that Sunday, having attended a late night social event the night before. Gabi went into the house quietly in order to avoid waking her parents but was pleasantly surprised to find them already up sitting at the dining table in the kitchen. Her basset hound, Angel, barked loudly seeking attention. Gabi knelt down to pet her head briefly.
“Hi, Angel,” she said to the dog. “Have you been good?”
“Good morning, honey bunny,” her mother, Elizabeth, greeted her with a smile, opening her arms wide for a hug. “Angel was very good, didn’t even bark or wake us up.”
“Good morning.” Gabi said. She then hugged her mother and moved over to her father to do the same.
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About the Book
GABRIELLE GRAHAM
“A Call to Angels”
When nine-year-old Gabrielle Graham dives into the family pool to retrieve a ring that she has inadvertently dropped, she bumps her head and finds herself transported to an enchanted golden staircase. As she climbs the stairs, in an effort to exit the pool, Gabi is confronted by a succession of angels appearing in the form of her favorite toys. Some are comical, others more serious. Each has a message that pertains to the teachings of her Sunday school class earlier that day.
Gabrielle's dog, Angel, alerts her parents by howling loudly and moments later, upon awakening beside the pool, Gabi becomes aware that she has nearly drowned and that her encounter with the angels on the golden stairs was a strange and amazing dream-like illusion. Or was it?
When a newspaper publishes the story of her perceived journey, the young girl is very surprised to learn that her experience is not that uncommon as others come forward with their own amazing near-death stories.
“A Call to Angels” is designed to bring comfort and solace to the children of fallen soldiers, and those with life-threatening diseases. It is a fictional tale with a big message that is written for children of all ages. It is a lesson in recognizing the consequences of inappropriate actions, as well as pursuing their purpose in life. It further reminds the reader of the “Golden Rule” a fundamental moral principle found in virtually all major religions and cultures, to treat others as one would like to be treated.
About the Author
Patricia Labeda, is retired from law enforcement and resides in the Hill Country of Texas. A student of Research Psychology, her first job upon graduating was with a publishing company, where she was employed for ten years. She later moved to Hawaii, where as a single mother, she raised three children. As a child, Patricia experienced a near-drowning incident. The memory of which has never diminished and has resulted in the creation of “Gabrielle Graham: A Call to Angels”
Since 1962, when prayer was banned in public schools, violence has increased dramatically. More and more crimes, in the form of theft, car-jacking, and street shootings, occur at schools and on the streets. Kids are killing kids as well as total strangers and even family members. Before 1962, when the Ten Commandments were taught in schools, children had an innate fear of reprisal, resulting in far less crime. This book is written with that in mind.
Other children’s books written and illustrated by Ms. Labeda are: Gabi and Pierre La’Pu, Miko and the Mystery Stranger, and Hark! The Ark! (an e-book)