Book of Days_ A Novel - James L. Rubart [130]
Ann slid her hands up Cameron's arms. "At the time I wrote it off. Carpe diem and all that has always seemed like a cliché to me. But it changed when you and I were on the side of that cliff dancing with death.
"I have no idea if we'll be dead tomorrow. We could die tonight. But I do know every moment we don't live to the full now, will be a moment we regret for the rest of our lives; however short that might be. So let's live, Cameron. While we have today—let's live."
Cameron smiled. "That's a good speech. Maybe just a hint of melodrama, but overall an excellent speech."
Ann whacked him on the head, and he pulled her in tight.
Wind whipped through his hair as he lifted her chin and kissed her for a long time. A very long time.
"Ann Banister, let's go record an amazing life together."
Dear Reader,
Why do we take hundreds of pictures of our spouses, kids, and friends?
I believe it's because of a universal desire to record our lives, to somehow keep the ravages of time from eroding our most treasured moments.
It was around 2000 that my family realized my dad had started losing his most treasured memories. As parts of his mind slipped away, it only caused the joy inside him to be released in fuller measure—that part was a gift. Even so, the pain of watching him walk down the path of the long good-bye was wrenching.
As the disease progressed, I started to wonder where my dad's memories were going. Were they mist? Or could God somehow, someday restore them? When I found Psalm 139:16, it was a huge comfort. I knew that his memories would be returned to him when he crossed over into eternity. God had recorded them in His book.
Then I thought, what if God's book could be found on Earth? From that question Book of Days was born.
If the mind of someone you loved or love is melting away, my desire is you find hope in this story, that you will embrace the idea that not one of the treasured moments you shared together is lost.
In the age to come God will restore memories and relationships, and He will revive the most joyful events of our lives to be celebrated again and again.
With great anticipation of reading His Book of Days in eternity,
James L. Rubart
www.jimrubart.com
Discussion Questions
1. What character in the book can you relate to most? Why?
2. Which character in Book of Days most surprised you?
3. What themes did you see in the novel?
4. Cameron is losing his memories of Jessie and it terrifies him. Do you worry about losing some of your memories? Read Psalm 139:16. What does that say to you about memories in light of eternity?
5. If God has forgiven our sins, do you think those parts of our lives will be edited out of God’s Book of Days? (See Psalm 103:12.)
6. Both Cameron and Taylor Stone have to let go of their late wives to be free. Why do we hold on to things from our past that weigh us down? Is there anything or anyone you’ve been holding on to that you need to let go of?
7. Taylor Stone likes Cameron from the start, but he tries to push him away because of the memories that are stirred up. Have you ever shunned a friendship because of a painful memory it reminds you of? What keeps you from dealing with painful memories?
8. Have you ever had a Jason Judah in your life? How did you deal with them? What did it teach you about other people? About yourself?
9. We tend to be harder on ourselves and offer far less forgiveness than other people give us. Why do you think that is? Are there areas of your life you need to forgive yourself for? (See Col. 1:13–14.)
10. Ann has to choose to be with Cameron or not be with him even though his mind might slip further away and their days together might be few. What would you do in such a situation?
11. Do