nothing more than a very expensive dirty habit. What a shame, Jeffrey thought, for so many young intelligent people to sacrifice their well being because they weren’t disciplined enough to say no. They couldn’t resist the temptation offered them by the fast talking sales pitches from those, already, addicted users, whose sole motive was sharing their despair. How sad it was for the human mind to be so easily persuaded to indulge in such life ruining habits. Jason had warned his students of the dangers, but frustrated he could do nothing more. It was ultimately the individual’s choice to wreck one’s life or not. All too often, one learns the harsh reality after the damage is permanent, and the addiction too onerous to dispel. Jason advocated learning from one’s mistakes and those of others; however, with drugs one error of judgment was too many.
Change for the Better
Jeffrey and Monique sought to make everything in their lifestyle as natural as possible. Together, they opted to convert their food consumption to an organic vegan diet.
“ Although there’s so much propaganda being disseminated concerning the large amount of protein the body requires to be healthy, I don’t believe it,” Monique, skeptically, stated.
“You only have to discover the source of this misinformation, and their greedy motivation for convincing the general public of its improbable need, before becoming disillusioned. Unfortunately the meat and dairy industries have too much at stake. Only because it is in their best financial interests, do they attempt to hoodwink the consuming public. They want everyone to believe their products are the only sources of nutrition. It’s next to impossible to dissuade people from taking such claims seriously. They keep hearing all the misinformation these industries dispense through the media and commercials, that are paid for with their massive ill-begotten profits,” Jeffrey added.
“I’ve seen all the advertisements, and they appear convincing at face value. The general public should research the real facts, so readily available on the internet. This will help them reveal the truth, and begin thinking correctly for themselves,” Monique stated.
“I was once guilty of the same mistake. All too often, I would just accept any source of information until I finally realized the ads were almost always financially motivated and not objective. My coma vision taught me to do my own investigating, and not allow any third party to, wrongfully, influence my lifestyle and health,” Jeffrey disclosed.
“What do your parents think about our plans to go vegan?” Monique asked.
“Actually, they think it’s a good idea, and they’re giving it serious consideration. It’ll be a difficult transition, if they opt to change their diets. Most people presume there isn’t anything to eat if you forsake meat and dairy products at every meal, but that’s just a lame excuse. A meal doesn’t require meat or lactose products to be delicious and nutritious. There’s an abundant array of excellent tasting vegetarian substitutes, readily, available. If people only knew the debilitating effects these two foods, plus sugar, and artificial sweeteners caused, they would have a more meaningful reason to avoid them and not so willing to give in to their superficial cravings.”
Yum! Yum!
The next night Jeffrey’s mother presented them with a surprise gift.
“I know both of you opted to go vegan. I commend your decision. I want to give you these two books I found today at the book store.”
Monique unwrapped the package, discovering the first book entitled, Gourmet Vegan Meals, and then a second, The Natural Health Benefits of a Vegan Lifestyle.
“I quickly glanced through both books,” Mrs. Causegood revealed. “The Gourmet Vegan Meals has great tasting recipes; they even seem quite simple to prepare. We’ll need to collaborate, because I’ve a secret to disclose. We, too, are taking the plunge. Craig and I concluded, after taking everything into consideration, our health and peace of mind is better served foregoing the different types of meats, eggs, and dairy products.”
Jeffrey took a fleeting glance at Monique. It was just in time to catch her nodding approval of his parents decision to embrace their new natural lifestyle.
The Trepidation
He, too, was more than thrilled with his parents resolution, but something deep down inside kept troubling him. He had only revealed selected bits and pieces of his dreamy coma vision to Monique and his parents. They didn’t have a clue about the nightmarish conclusion.
“There are some details I must share with you from my coma that are, disturbingly, painful,” Jeffrey confessed to Monique.
“Lately, I’ve noticed you haven’t been quite yourself,” she recollected.
“Well, I’m not sure how to handle my quandary. I think I’d better divulge the final outcome to my father. I don’t want to alarm him unnecessarily; however, I’d never forgive myself if I failed to inform him, and it actually took place.”
“I realize your predicament; if you truly believe your parents’ lives are at risk, you must at least warn them,” she stated, reluctantly, while offering her advice.
The next day, Jeffrey broached the subject to his dad.
“I don’t want you to agonize over this, but there’s something I must make clear about my apparition. Just before I returned to consciousness, there was an incredible explosion that took the lives of my whole family. The uncanny part is, too much of my dream is paralleling our real life,” Jeffrey, hesitantly, informed him.
“I know we must be vigilant, but I refuse to live a life dominated by fear. One must enjoy the present; it isn’t feasible while maintaining an apprehensive mentality. All throughout the ages, mankind has successfully used fear tactics to manipulate and exploit his fellow man. Yes, your mother and I will be cautious, but I won’t allow anything to interfere with enjoying life to its fullest.”
Jeffrey’s father wasn’t naive. There were many people envious of his notoriety and position. There was even a great deal of jealousy among his fellow faculty. Craig received the red carpet treatment, the best off campus housing, and the highest salary to recruit him to Standard. Given those circumstances and the state of misplaced priorities, he was, acutely, aware of the dire possibilities.
Chapter 8
Secret’s Out
What’s the Holdup?
“Dad, have you deposited the trust fund check?”
“I know the impending foundation is losing valuable interest every day I procrastinate, but I’m extremely uncomfortable showing up at the bank with such an enormous amount of money. It will stir up tremendous controversy. I can’t trust anyone to keep it secret. Thankfully, it’s a cashiers check, and the donor’s name will remain anonymous as Mr. Waits requested,” Craig explained, doing his best to justify the cause for delaying.
“You aren’t planning to relinquish your teaching position.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll remain here at Standard until you and Monique complete your doctorate degrees. Then we must fulfill our destiny and Jason’s vision. We’ve all the necessary resources; there’s no reason or excuse to hesitate. My design is a little bit different from Jason’s, but the same impact and end result. It might take
