You can call me ‘friend’

Mom insisted, so Duke ran all the test they had to make sure I didn’t have anything out of the ordinary. They took many vials of blood. I peed in a cup. They did x-rays and put me in an MRI machine.

For that one, I had to be really still. It was very cool! It sounded like, “knock, knock, knock, knock.” Every time it knocked, I felt that feeling again, like when that stuff splashed on me. After a few seconds I got used to it. It tickled a little.

After all those cool tests, everything came back normal. Just like when my family doctor examined me and ran tests. They talked with mom about the elevated Vanadium too.

Next mom wanted me to talk to a psychologist at “Carolina.” We had a long, very nice, conversation. We talked about school, my family, my friends, and the voice. She called mom back in and said she thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. She saw no reason for concern, but thought I was very bright for my age. She said she didn’t know what to make of the voice that I heard, explaining, “I can only think that he went to sleep at the dinner table and dreamed it.”

So mom was finally satisfied that nothing was “wrong” with me. Neither of us told any of the doctors about my improved vision, speed, strength, and other senses. They were not a problem, so she didn’t want to complicate things.

That night as I prayed I started feeling that feeling again. Only this time I wasn’t startled at all. It kind of moved over me like sinking into a warm tub of lotion that tingled. Then I heard the voice again, only it wasn’t with my ears. You know how it is when you read to yourself?  Only this was another voice – a very strong voice, as if it should be louder than it was in its forcefulness.

“Josiah. Do not be afraid. I am your friend and protector.”

“I’m not afraid anymore,” I said. “What is your name?”

“I am the voice of many who are as one.”

“Are you God, Yahweh, Hashem, Allah, or are you an alien?”

“I have been called by many descriptions that have been considered my name.”

“What should I call you?”

“I am your friend. You can call me ‘friend’.”

I said, “I have two other friends; their names are Mohammad, and Kimberly.”

“I know about your friends, Josiah. I’ve been watching you for a long time. You are a good boy. You always try your best, and obey your parents, teachers, Rabbi, and pastors. You study and get along with everybody. You never cause trouble.”

“I *did* bend that stop sign,” I said.

“That wasn’t your fault. You can fix it if you really try. Since you have been such a good boy, I decided to send you that special gift. The gift will give you abilities to do extraordinary things, as you have begun to see.”

“You mean there are more?” I asked.

Yes. Many more. You can also give the gift to six other people. I will let you know my three choices when the time comes, and you can choose three people yourself. I will let you know how to choose them, and how to give them their gifts in due time.”

“Cool! Am I going to be a superhero?  I’ve always wanted to be a hero. Will they be superheroes, too?!”

“Yes. When I need you to do something for me, I will talk to you this way, or I will send a messenger. I will be with you always.  Go to sleep now.”