Exhausted from the morning's travel preparations, Zack lay down in the bed and fell fast asleep. He dreamt, as he often did, of early childhood.

In the dream he was in the courtyard of his parents small home in Hebron. His heart swelled at this familiar scene. Seeing his mother's face again made him smile. She died when he was just nineteen. Now, in his mid thirties Zack missed her strong, guiding presence in his life, more than ever.

"Zachary! Don't forget to put your sandals on before you go outside!"

Even with the nagging reminder, it was a treat to hear her call out once again.

He looked down at his bare feet as he crossed the threshold to the back door and started running before she caught up to him.

"And what about your studies, Zach?" she called out. "You have much to learn if you are going to grow up to be a rabbi of the Sons of Aaron!"

"I just want to play with the boys next door," he whined, as he dashed through the courtyard and into the dusty street that lay beyond the gate.

Her voice trailed off as he ran down the street where the other boys were playing with the chickens and goats their families kept.

He felt a cool breeze pass through his robe as he ran; it made him feel like he was a bird, flying free in the air.

Soon he heard the sound of his mother's voice, calling him back again, this time more sternly. His few moments of bliss were suddenly interrupted by her tone of displeasure.

There was no point arguing with her about the importance of 'playing' with friends. His mother would think of something else for him to do, like practicing his words or sweeping the floors of their home. Why did she care if they were cleaned every day? They would only get dirty again! He did not understand.

Besides, couldn't the servants sweep them instead? Wasn't that their work?

A strong wind rose up and it started to rain. The bright, sunny morning that had earlier called him outdoors turned a swirling grey, with an unusually chill breeze. He felt rain drops against his face.

Now, no one would be playing in the rain, though the idea of it was great fun. The other mothers would call their children inside until the storm passed, spoiling all the fun.

It was at times like this that Zack felt especially lonely. He had no brother to play with at home. He would have to study the Torah instead.

As he turned to walk back toward the house, his mother appeared at the front gate, hands resting on her hips as if she was angry, but with a wry smile on her face. Even when she tried to appear upset with him, he thought, her smile or a laugh betrayed her.

As Zach gazed upon her so familiar face, it suddenly began to change into something else. Her strong, knowing eyes grew wide and almond-shaped, like a lion's eyes. Her dark brown curls radiated out from her head and became like rays of sun -- forming a blinding halo around her head.

Looking into her face now was like trying to look at the fiery orange morning sun rising in the sky. He had to look away for a moment because the light was so bright.

The familiar odor of cedar wood oil his mother rubbed onto her skin every day, began to smell instead, like burning incense at the Temple.

Her simple fabric robes transformed to the feathers of a great bird that vibrated and undulated before him with flapping wings.

Zack was frightened, but there was also something familiar about the 'being' that now stood before him. Neither human nor animal, the visitor before him was an angel like the other angels who had come to him in other dreams.

He looked back at the being, not sure what to expect next.

"Zacharius", the angel spoke to him using his full first name. "He knows that you are lonely and discouraged by the life you've been given. A boy such as yourself deserves someone to play with, to run wild with in the streets and fields. Know that He hears your prayers Zack."

"You must be patient. You will have such a friend, though he will be much more than just a playmate; he will be someone special for you to care for and protect."

"He will be your son, Zack, who will come to you through the special help of The Father who knows what you wish for; what your heart longs for. All things will be good in the days to come.

The Lord promises this to you."

Zack realized as the messenger spoke, that his own body was changing too. He was changing back to his current self. And his current limitations, Zack admitted.

Then, the being and the dream faded away.

Zach awoke, and for a moment thought about what he had just experienced. It felt like he was being teased by the messenger's promise.

In the real world, there would be no son. Though he was married to a woman who could give him a child, she would not allow him even to touch her! His wife was often sad or frightened, and their union so far, was fruitless.

(End of Chapter 1)