The Angelic Occurrence

by Henry K. Ripplinger

  “I made some fresh orange juice, care for a glass?”

  “Yes, a nice cold drink would be great, Mom.”

  Mary dried her hands on a dish towel then turned to the fridge.

  “Was the gallery busy, today?”

  “It sure was. I spent most of the morning with a young couple who ended up taking two of my paintings home. I know they will keep one of them for sure, if not both.”

  “I’m sure they will, Henry.”

  “Thanks, Mom. Man does it ever smell good in here. I can hardly wait for lunch. I should send our chef from the cafe over to take a few lessons from you.”

  “Oh, I’m sure I could learn a thing or two from him. Well, just sit down. It will only be a few more minutes.”

  Mary went to the stove and turned over the potatoes and onions in the frying pan, the golden brown colour looked so tantalizing that Henry couldn’t resist taking one of the crusted potatoes before sitting at the table.

  Henry studied his mother working at the stove. She was shrinking and hunched over a bit more. She was diagnosed with osteoarthritis a few years ago, but never complained of the pain. Her hair had a little more grey in it. The light from the window above the sink also revealed the deepening wrinkles in her face, all signs that time was moving on. But while she was nearing 70, she was still in very good health. Each day, however, brought them closer to the day that one of them would leave this earth. And, as the days passed, Henry became more conscious that time was slowly but surely running out.

  “Your son and his lovely wife, Camilla, and Joshua were over for a visit, Tuesday evening,” Mary said, as she stirred the potatoes.

  “Yeah, Jeremy told me they were coming over. I’m sure glad they are keeping in touch with you. Since Julean passed away, we don’t get together as often as we used to.”

  “Well, you know how it is. Working every day and raising a family is a big responsibility, and their son is quite a handful. I don’t know how that lady does it, working and looking after the boy.”

  “She is a very capable woman, that’s for sure. She loves her job at the Tutorial school.”

  “Oh yes, she would be so good with the girls, so understanding. She always speaks so caringly of them as if they were her daughters.”

  “Yeah, she is a great girl alright, Jeremy married a gem for sure and it’s made him so responsible.”

  Henry turned to his mother and almost hesitatingly said, “I still can’t get over how much she looks like Jenny. I know we have spoken of this before, Mom, but when I see her I almost get the urge to call her Jenny.”

  “Yes, she certainly does have very similar features to that young girl, Jenny. But these things happen, I know in my lifetime people have come up to me as well confusing me for someone else. I heard once that we all have a look alike somewhere on this earth.”

  “Yeah, I’ve heard that, too, and it has happened to me as well.”

  Henry shook his head and then asked, “So, how was your morning, Mom?”

  “Oh, fine. I spent most of it cleaning out the closet. It was so packed, I decided to give away some of my clothes.”

  Thoughts of the letter immediately popped to mind with the mere mention of the closet. Mary quickly returned to the stove and picked up the pan and brought the fried vegetables over to Henry. He scooped some creamy cucumber salad on his plate as well as a slice of homemade bread he’d just finished buttering. He then eagerly took the plate from his mother and emptied well over half of it onto his plate. Mary looked on in delight.

  She turned back to the fridge and took out a plate of cold cuts and set them on the table as well. He was already nibbling away at the potatoes before she sat down, he couldn’t help himself.

  “Why don’t you say grace, today, Henry?”

  Henry crossed himself, “Dear Lord, we thank you for this food and each other. Thank you for Mom and the wonderful meals she always prepares. Bless our conversation. Amen.”

  “Amen,” said Mary and continued, “so, is everything set for Father’s 25th anniversary celebration?”

  “Yeah, it’s coming up fast and only two Sundays away. We still have so many pictures and memorabilia to hang up and display. I’m amazed at all of the baptisms and marriages and funerals he’s performed over the years. I hope we can keep his surprise party at the church hall secret from him.”

  “That may be difficult. He is so alert and attuned to everything, it will be a challenge to hide this from him for sure, son.”

  “Yes, and he indicates no sign that he will be retiring any time soon. When I asked a couple of Sundays ago he said he still feels healthy and there are so many needs to fill.”

  “I wonder how Father Knuka is working out?”

  “I think he’s been a big help to Father, but he did say Father Knuka needs a little more experience before taking over such a large church. It’s very difficult for one person to do it especially when starting out. There is such a shortage of priests that Father feels he just has to stay on a little while longer or until Father Knuka gets some help.

  “And he keeps saying, he feels young and is still raring to go, and ready to do God’s work.” Henry swallowed his food and continued, “The next two weeks are going to be hectic. Gary’s coming in this week and staying until after the anniversary. It sure will be good to see him. Next week will be hectic, too, with Eddy and his wife flying in from Jamaica. It’s going to be great to see them all.”

  “Gary hasn’t been home for almost two years. The last time was for his dad’s funeral.”

  “Yes, that’s right, Mom. I guess his friend Jane has joined the Sisters of Charity…I wonder if Gary will become a priest now?”

  “Well, he seems to be called in that direction, for sure.”

  “I think Father Engelmann wants him to talk about his work in India at all three masses this Sunday. I’m looking forward to what he will have to say.”

  “Yes, that will be interesting to learn more of what he is doing there.”

  “I was wondering Mom, could I invite him to Sunday dinner? Father Engelmann can’t make it this Sunday and I thought Gary might enjoy one of your fine home cooked meals.”

  “Yes, that would be fine. I would love to have Gary here.”

  “That’s great, Mom. Every now and then I wish Gary still lived here. We used to have some good talks. Come to think of it, I really have never met anyone since that I could open up to like Gary. Eddy and Red were friends too, but the relationship I had with Gary was special.”

  “I understand what you mean, son. I’ve had one or two friends like that in my lifetime as well. They are definitely people we treasure and are a blessing in our lives.”

  Once, again Mary sensed Henry’s loneliness…

  “So, you say Eddy and his new wife are coming next week and I understand they will be renewing their vows?”

  “Yeah, I’m not exactly sure how Father is going to fit it into the 9:00 o’clock mass. I know Father is sure excited about it. There is a special connection between Eddy and Father. Whenever Eddy used to come in for a pack of smokes into the store I could tell Mr. Engelmann appreciated Eddy’s honesty as to who the smokes were for and his brashness. I must admit it appealed to me, too. Yeah, his cocky forwardness backed by a quiet confidence…this is me, take me or leave me, it’s your choice. Eddy wore no masks.”

  “Authentic is a word that I will always remember from your grade twelve valedictorian speech. Your exterior should reflect your interior.”

  “That’s a good way to put it, Mom.”

  “And the Archbishop, is still going to make it to Father’s anniversary?”

  “Yes, I spoke with him last week and he’s as excited about it all as we are. Man, will Father Engelmann be surprised when the Bishop comes in from the back of the church and walks down the aisle with his entourage.”

  As Henry go
bbled down the rest of his food, Mary struggled with her conscience whether or not to tell Henry of Jenny’s letter. Since he walked in the door, the compulsion to do so was so powerful. Both the pain of guilt and a building anxiety was growing on her face.

  She didn’t notice her son staring at her.

  “Are you okay Mom? I’ve finished my entire meal and you haven’t even started on yours.”

  Mary shook her head. “Oh, I’m sorry, I was just thinking of how you and Ivania are doing and didn’t know if I should ask?”

  “You can ask anytime, you have known my life story right from the start and I never mind sharing with you what’s going on. I still recall the fun we had when I was in grade twelve and had plans to visit Jenny. Do you recall that, Mom?”

  “Yes, I’ll never forget that Henry. Oh, I was so nervous every time I took a peek inside your drawer to see what you were up to and if you were still going to seek your girlfriend out.”

  Mary reached over and patted Henry’s hand relieved that he didn’t sense her real thoughts over her growing anxiety.

  “I’m glad that we can be so open with each other.” No sooner had the words left her mouth than the feeling of deceit swept through her with an alarming force.

  Oh Lord, help me.

  “Well, Mom, Ivania and I are doing well. She has been off to Toronto several times this spring taking a course that the company sent her on. She left again last week and will be back just in time to attend Father’s anniversary party with me. She’s so different from Julean, but I am getting used to her ways and we seem to have a good relationship. I think she wants a closer one, but I just don’t feel ready yet. I still think so much on Julean and …Henry was going to say Jenny, but didn’t want to upset his mother.

  Mary however immediately knew what Henry’s thoughts were. Jenny was always just below the surface of his mind.

  “Geez, mom!” Henry exclaimed, as he looked at his watch. “It’s almost one-thirty. Where did the time go? I’ve got a meeting with my accountant in 15 minutes. I hate to rush off like this.”

  Mary felt some measure of relief as she almost was going to push herself into telling all to her son.

  She and Henry rose at the same time.

  “That was sure a good lunch, Mom. You’re the best cook in the world.”

  “Flattery will get you everywhere, son.”

  “I mean it with all my heart.”

  Henry kissed her cheek. “I love you, Mom. Thanks again for the lovely meal and visit.”

  Mary returned to the kitchen table and sat down. She was in no hurry to clear the table. She stared at her untouched meal. Her heart felt heavy over the loneliness Henry was feeling. She could see it in his eyes. Ivania may be good for him and might perhaps appease his loneliness since Julean’s parting, but neither Ivania, nor any other woman would ever be able to replace Jenny. Not even his dear sweet wife, Julean could erase the memories that Henry held in his heart for his first love.

  There was never any closure with Jenny for one thing, but even more, there was a spiritual connection between those two that she saw from the very first day they met. To this day Mary recalled her son coming home for lunch and not eating a mouthful of food, and then when Jenny came to call on Henry to take her to Balfour High School she saw then the look of love in her son’s eyes that never went away.

  Perhaps it is as they say, theirs was a match made in heaven. So deep and strong that nothing would ever be able to separate the love they had and still have for one another.

  Mary wondered, as she sat there in the kitchen, if by keeping the letter from Henry that she and her son were being kept prisoners by the past. The fateful decision she had made that day in 1962, in the hopes that Henry would get on with his life with Julean, had it really only kept him a prisoner of his past?

  And like Henry, had she too been imprisoned in the past over the decision she had made?

  “Yes,” Mary muttered, “it was a fateful decision I made, but one that can still be changed.”

  It was just a matter of time now before it all would come to the fore, regardless of what she wanted. Mary was losing the battle within her. Every day the struggle was becoming too great. The truth can never be held in the recesses of darkness. The truth will always win out in the end and along with its light…bring freedom.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  It is wonderful to have you home, Gary, and good of you to say a few words to the parishioners. It’s important that they should know the wonderful work that their neighbour is now doing in the missionary field.”

  “Well, we all can do God’s work whether we are there or here, Father.”

  “Yes, very true, and very well spoken.”

  “If you want to sit in the front pew, after the gospel reading I will let the parishioners know that in place of the homely they will hear you speak. It will be a welcome relief for them not to have to listen to me this Sunday.”

  “I’m not so sure about that, Father. The people love your sermons. They come from the heart and are inspired.”

  “Thank you, Gary, but the Holy Spirit gets all the credit. On my own I could do very little to move hearts.”

  Right after Father read the gospel he introduced Gary.

  “My dear brothers and sisters, in Christ, we are very fortunate this morning to have Gary Franklin to speak to us today. As many of you know he is from our neighbourhood, and he’s here to speak to us on the missionary work he is doing in India. I’m sure what he has to say will enlighten us and be informing of what goes on in the third world and how we can help and be of service.”

  The congregation clapped as Gary made his way up to the podium. He was carrying Anna’s bible in his hand. The bible that Anna had given to Henry, who in turn had given it to his friend.

  Gary set the bible down and adjusted the microphone to his height.

  “Thank you Father for giving me this opportunity to share some of my thoughts and experiences.” And turning back to the congregation he started the same way Father did, “My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, …”

  Gary had not spoken for more than five minutes when Henry noticed and felt a deep peace in his friend. Where he would have been nervous and concerned about the approval of others, Gary showed no fear or being uncomfortable in any way. He was simply Gary through and through much like Eddy would be and yet, with Gary, his presence and words were more like that of Father Engelmann. They both possessed an invisible power, and yet its effects were visible. They were beacons of Jesus’ light that instilled hope and faith in others. Just the way their words, coated with caring and love, flowed from their mouths captivated your attention and heart at the same time.

  When Gary picked up Anna’s bible, Henry’s reverie was broken and he listened more attentively.

  “This is Anna Engelmann’s bible who as many of you know was Father Engelmann’s wife before he became a priest. When she passed away she gave it to my good friend, Henry Pederson, who in turn so generously gave it me when I decided to go overseas and do missionary work. I would like to read what Henry has written in it:

  Gary

  I want you to have this. Mrs. Engelmann loved you as much as she did me and considered you her son, too. May this Bible be a reminder of that love for you and know her spirit and guidance and protection will constantly be with you in your work for God. You’re my very best friend, Gary, and I love you…

  I’m so proud to be your friend and brother in Christ.

  Henry June 29, 1960

  Gary didn’t read the last sentence. He stopped, gazed directly at Henry and said with tears coming to his eyes, “I love you too, Henry for being my friend and giving me something that I know you cherished as well. You have no idea how the familiarity of this Bible helped me to overcome fear and aloneness in a strange land. But more so, if you had not given me this treasure I would have forgotten the
loving spirit of Anna Engelmann and the encouragement and love she gave me when I worked in the store. It reminded me constantly of her faith and belief in the power of the Bible. It was the foundation upon which my faith grew. The words in here,” and Gary lifted the Bible, “are truly living. On more than on several occasions Jane and I experienced the protection of this belief.”

  Gary went on to share two incidents. The first was when they were doing work in the Amazon rain forest and were attacked by several men with raised and swinging machetes. Just as one was about to strike him, he raised Anna’s Bible and saw the large metal knife shatter like an icicle hit by a baseball bat.

  The other incident he spoke of was just over a year ago when he and Jane were on a bus in India. A group of young men tried to take Jane. Once again Gary raised the Bible causing the group to be momentarily paralyzed. Two fled and the other two fell to their knees and begged for forgiveness. Two of the young men are now workers trying to reform street gangs.

  Gary went on to speak of the poverty and need for medical help for so many people. What he considered even more so was the charity of the kind that helped them to live on their own like we do.

  “We need people, leaders and companies that do not go there to exploit the land and their resources and use the cheap labour to their advantage. We need people of faith and integrity who come for the purpose of developing the country and teaching these people to take over themselves. We need to learn the truth of honestly serving our fellow man.”

  Of all the things his friend spoke of, the one thing that resonated in Henry’s heart was the need for someone to travel the western world and keep ever in the forefront the needs of the poor not only abroad but in our own backyard.

  Henry couldn’t wait to talk more of that with Gary when they had dinner that evening.

  “It’s so nice to see you, Gary, welcome home.”

  “It’s nice to be home, too, Mrs. Pederson,” Gary replied as he stepped forward into Mary’s open arms and embraced her.