A Deal With God: The Power of One

by Haden, Michael

  Deana lived out her faith. She loved her church and enjoyed helping Pastor Beckmann increase the size of the congregation. If someone saw her sing Karaoke and it inspired them to come to church, Deana was happy.

  As the month of May came to an end, the boys finished another school year. All three had very good grades. Matthew was hoping Deana and Leon would buy him a used car or truck. He was now sixteen and Leon had helped him learn to drive and get his license.

  Deana did not want Matthew to get a job over the summer; she wanted to be with him and train him for the upcoming football season. Over the years, she and Leon had maintained respectable balances in their bank accounts. As a reward for getting good grades, training hard for football and being a respectful son, they bought Matthew a truck. It was a used 2008 Dodge Dakota quad cab. Deana shopped around and got a really good deal on it.

  The boys were getting too old to ride the bus and it would make it far easier when their football practices started. Matthew agreed to help take Luke to his soccer practices when Deana couldn’t.

  The September after Deana and Leon married, Deana asked Leon’s permission to combine all of their individual bank accounts into joint accounts. She explained it would be much simpler for her when she needed to pay the bills. Leon agreed. One September day in the year 2013, Leon deposited his work check and was in for a surprise when he saw the new account balance. There was over fifteen thousand dollars in their new joint account after Deana transferred her money over.

  Leon never ceased to be amazed by Deana’s generosity. He vowed to himself from that day forward he’d never waste one dime of that money. Deana trusted Leon and he did not want to let her down. Almost five years later, the truck would be the first big expenditure since the opening of their joint accounts.

  July 26, 2018, was Mark’s fifteenth birthday. The one thing Mark wanted the most was his learner’s permit. Mark was ready to start driving. Deana took Mark to get his restricted driver’s license and Leon and Matthew taught him how to drive their trucks.

  All summer long, Deana, Matthew and Mark lifted weights, ran and trained for the upcoming football season. Even though Morrison was not yet quite a powerhouse, every one was looking forward to the upcoming season.

  Luke’s soccer season was also about to start. When Deana finished training Matthew and Mark for football, she would help Luke with his soccer. Luke was moving up this season to U10. This would be his most difficult challenge yet. The U10 soccer fields were much bigger; the goalkeepers were better; the defensive players were more physical and aggressive. Deana was glad Luke enjoyed running with her to the park and to the little beach. Conditioning would be key to having success at this next level on the bigger fields.

  In his first game, Luke struggled in the first half. He didn’t even get any shots on goal. Luke had some nice passes but that was about it. His team was losing 2–0. As the second half wore on, his high fitness level paid off. He faked out a defender and then shot the ball as hard as he could. The goalie tipped the ball but it still went into the back of the net.

  The score was now 2–1. With about seven minutes left in the game, Luke received the ball close to the goal. Two defensemen and a midfielder went to stop him. It left one of his teammates wide open. Luke passed him the ball and he scored. The game ended in a 2–2 tie.

  Wednesday August 22nd, Deana turned thirty–one years old. Deana had to do Karaoke at Vito’s so Leon took Deana out to dinner at her favorite restaurant in Athens on Tuesday night. Matthew took Luke to and from soccer practice, so Deana and Leon had the entire night to themselves. Leon had taken Wednesday off so he and Deana could stay out as late as they wanted. Leon and Deana went to the big lake in Athens for a romantic evening after dinner.

  They went fishing in the smaller local lake by their house Wednesday. They played, fished, picnicked, and partied from late morning until mid afternoon. Leon and Deana had a great time until it was time for them to leave to meet Luke’s school bus so they could drive him home.

  Luke’s birthday was the next day. He’d be nine years old. After his soccer game on Saturday, Deana and Leon took Luke for pizza and a movie before Deana had to go to work.

  Friday, August31st, was Deana and Leon’s fifth Wedding Anniversary. Leon had gotten the day off from work. Mr. Vito told Deana she had to work; he could not let her off. Deana was furious but it was not in her nature to complain. However, she did not speak to or even look at Mr. Vito for the entire week.

  Mr. Vito, Leon and Deana’s friends were planning a surprise party for her at the restaurant. Because Deana is so sentimental and sensitive, the ploy worked to perfection. Deana and Leon had gone fishing earlier in the day and Deana was fuming the entire time. She called Mr. Vito every name in the book without expletives. Well actually, there were a couple of expletives.

  When Deana walked in the restaurant at 3:55pm and heard a loud “SURPRISE!!!,” she started to cry. Balloons, party favors and friends were everywhere.

  One of the first gifts Deana received was a new guitar from Leon. Over the past few weeks Gary had started getting donations from some of the wealthier members of Dothan Christian Church. Gary had received close to two hundred dollars. He’d given the money to Leon and suggested buying a new guitar for Deana with the money. The guitar he recommended was an Ibanez AEL20E Acoustic–Electric Guitar. Ibanez makes their own shape shifter pre–amp with an onboard tuner. The sound that guitar produces really is heavenly. Deana’s own guitar was close to seventeen years old and the frets were about run down into the neck. Deana’s old guitar would be a perfect starter guitar for Luke; he was starting to show interest in playing music like Deana.

  Since Deana was now playing to large crowds, the new Ibanez was the perfect gift. Leon found one in a beautiful space blue color. Gary amped it up for her so everyone could hear Deana lay down her new sound. The new guitar truly was an amazing piece of art; Deana was overwhelmed with the gift.

  Every one had food, fun and a really good time. Mr. Vito let her leave at 7:15 with Leon and Luke. They were on their way to Morrison High School to watch Matthew and Mark play their first home game of the season.

  Deana had been impressed with how hard Matthew and Mark trained during the summer. They, in turn, were impressed with how hard Deana worked out. They seemed to feed off of each other, especially when they were lifting weights.

  Morrison’s defense again was very strong. They allowed only three first downs in the first half of the game tonight. Morrison had won the field position battle and capitalized on this. They were able to set up for a short field goal before halftime and went up 3–0.

  In the third quarter, Burrington tried to open up their passing game. Their right tackle had been struggling to block Mark all game. On a third and ten play, Mark started the play lined up wide of the tackle. When the ball was snapped, Mark cut in front of him making him lose his balance. Mark smashed the quarterback and caused him to fumble the ball. Matthew had worked in from the other side and recovered it

  Morrison had the ball inside the Burrington twenty–five. They took advantage of the short field and scored the only touchdown of the game. Morrison got in field goal range one more time in the fourth quarter; they made the kick and continued to play good defense. They won 13–0. Deana and Leon were very proud parents.

  The biggest game of the year would be homecoming. Morrison would be playing Claybon, who was their biggest rival. It was such a big rivalry because of how near the schools were to each other. Most players and many parents knew each other very well. Claybon had won the last five meetings, but Claybon won by only one point last year in Claybon. Tonight’s game was in Morrison.

  Deana got to work early at 3:55, as per her arrangement with Mr. Vito, and was able to leave just after 7:30. She had a feeling Morrison was going to win tonight. Morrison’s defense had not given up more than ten points to any team they’d played. Their defense was ranked third in the entire state.

  “Tonight’s game will be the bigges
t game we’ve ever played in,” Matthew told Deana earlier that day at breakfast. “A victory tonight will guarantee us of a winning record for the season and mean a real turnaround for our football program.”

  Deana had never seen the laid–back Matthew that animated before. “It will probably make your homecoming dance tomorrow night a little more festive. I’m willing to bet if you guys win tonight, the dance will really be quite an event.”

  “I know Sandy is real excited and tomorrow will be our first double date.” Matthew glanced at Mark as he spoke.

  “Mark, how come you didn’t tell me you had a date for the dance? I need to go buy you a suit tomorrow morning.”

  Matthew answered Deana’s question before Mark had a chance to speak.

  “Actually, Mark and I both need new suits. The one you bought me before is now too small for either one of us.”

  Apparently, one of Sandy’s girlfriends had broken up with her boyfriend on Thursday. So at the last minute, she needed a date for homecoming. Sandy asked Matthew to check with Mark to see if he’d go with her. Mark said ‘yes,’ so it looked like Deana would be doing some power shopping early Saturday morning before Luke’s noon soccer game.

  The game against Claybon wasn’t as close as the score would indicate. Morrison won 14–0. Claybon couldn’t run or pass the ball. Matthew had three sacks and Mark had two. Claybon was forced to punt twelve times during the game. They were held to only three first downs the entire game. Morrison finished the season with seven wins and only three losses.

  Everyone said this Homecoming weekend was the best in many, many years for Morrison. The boys had a great time at the dance. It was looking like both Samuels brothers had girlfriends now.

  Luke’s soccer team ended up with six wins, only one loss and three ties. It was good enough for first place in the division. Luke’s coach wanted them to play in a Veteran’s day tournament in Atlanta.

  This time, Luke’s team did much better. Playing better competition during the season paid off. They won three of their first four games. They qualified to play in the Championship game. They lost 2–1 but it was probably their best played game of the season. Luke had seven goals and four assists during the tournament. Everyone associated with the team was excited by their dramatic improvement.

  Thanksgiving night, Leon and Deana arrived in Gatlinburg Tennessee. They rented their favorite cabin in the woods again. The mountains were as beautiful as Deana had ever seen them. Once inside, Leon ignited the fireplace. “What an amazing year it’s been. It really is unbelievable the difference you’ve made in everyone’s lives since you came to us from Tampa.”

  CHAPTER 20

  THE END IS GETTING NEAR

  Deana was upset. Christmas and New Year’s Day were both on Tuesdays. There would be no extra days off this year. Matthew and Mark spent most of their Christmas break with their girlfriends. Deana understood and tried to make the best of it. She and Luke went Christmas shopping, to the movies and to the little beach at the park. At least he still enjoyed spending time with Mom.

  On Monday December 31st, Leon, Deana and Luke shared a picnic lunch and fished. At night they fired up the burn pit and watched the end of the year countdown on television. They welcomed in the New Year and enjoyed each other’s company.

  New Year’s Day they watched College Bowl games on television. All day long everyone talked about it being 2019. For the first time, Deana realized how close it was to 2020. Over six years had flown by; the extra time God had given her was almost up. When you are 25 years old, eight years seems like forever. Deana would turn 32 this summer.

  Deana did everything in her power to not dwell on what may happen in 2020. Unfortunately, one night the harsh reality caught up to her. On a Tuesday night, she’d just returned from her walk and talk with Matthew. After the boys went to bed, Deana sat on the couch to the left of Leon. She rested the side of her body against the side of his body. She tucked her legs up and in with the flare of her skirt pinned between her knees. He put his left arm around her and Deana held his left hand with her right hand. She kissed the back of his hand. Then it all hit her like a ton of bricks.

  Deana’s deal with God was not to lead a long, prosperous life in Dothan, Georgia. It was to prevent something really bad from happening at Morrison High School on April 20, 2020. It would all be over very soon; Deana broke down and cried profusely.

  Leon was worried. This was not like Deana. Yes, Deana was a very sensitive woman, but she had seemed like she was very happy. Leon thought things were going extremely well.

  “Deana, sweetheart, what in the world is wrong?”

  Deana was afraid to say anything. Part of her deal with God was for her to say nothing about the deal. Leon was her best friend and she desperately needed a friend right now. However, she had to be careful what she said. She looked Leon in the eyes. “I’m scared.”

  “I don’t understand, what are you afraid of?”

  “My time is almost up.” Tears rolled down Deana’s face. She wished she hadn’t just said what she did, but it was too late.

  “Now you’ve really got me confused. You’re young; you’re in perfect physical condition. When God takes you, he takes you; but what makes you think it’s your time? If anyone should be nervous it should be me.”

  Deana stopped crying and tried to laugh. She knew she should not be having this conversation with Leon. Nothing positive could come from it.

  Deana changed the subject. She told Leon that Karaoke Wednesday made going back to work after two days off not so bad. She was almost starting to enjoy Wednesday night.

  Dothan Christian Church was full to capacity almost every Sunday now. Gary, Deana and Mrs. Jarvis had really perfected their sound. Some people initially came to the service just to hear them play; but they also got to hear a powerful spiritual message from Pastor Beckmann. It was a winning combination.

  One Tuesday, Matthew asked Deana if Sandy could go on their walk with them. Deana was taken a little off guard, but said ‘yes.’ Since Deana had their undivided attention for a while, she told Sandy about the observation question she had posed to Matthew and Mark a couple of years back.

  “Matthew, what did you notice about people you’ve known a long time who do drugs versus friends you know who stayed clean?”

  “I really understand the point you were making. The kids that got into weed and other drugs almost all tanked by their early twenties. They almost all had criminal records and couldn’t get or hold onto jobs. Most ended up living back home or in the State or County Condo.

  Sandy laughed when Matthew used State or County Condo as slang for jail.

  “What about the kids you know that stayed clean?”

  “Most of them finished high school and went to college. They have good jobs and some of them have already started their own families.”

  Sandy understood the point Deana was making to Matthew. “I never would have thought to break it down that way,” she exclaimed. “It’s so true. I’m never going to do drugs or be with someone that does.”

  “Now we need to move on to something more complicated,” Deana said. “Drinking alcohol is off limits until you turn 21. There will be temptations for you to start drinking before then, however. If you do drink, regardless of your age, please, please, please don’t drink and drive. Call me, call your father or call your brother. Even if you’re 30 years old, we will drive you home, no questions asked.”

  Sandy looked at Matthew and smiled. “You’re lucky. Your step–mom really seems concerned about you. My parents never have talks like this with me.”

  Over two hours had flown by and they could see their house two blocks down the road. As they finished the last small part of their walk, Deana had one last request.

  “You can tell me to mind my own business or tell me I am being unrealistic,” Deana added. “If there is any way you can wait to consummate your relationship until after you are married, I would be so happy!”

  The next Monday, Deana ask
ed Mark to bring his girlfriend with them on their walk. There were a few things Deana wanted to talk to them about.

  Valentine’s Day this year was on a Thursday. It didn’t deter Leon. He showed up at the restaurant just before 10pm. He brought Deana a bouquet of flowers and a little dolphin ankle bracelet in a cute gift box. Deana jumped up in his arms and gave him a big hug.

  They walked to his truck with their arms around each other; they drove down to the lake and seriously celebrated Valentine’s Day together. Leon and Deana made sparks fly as they warmed up a cold February night. Things got hotter and more intense than ever before.

  On Sunday April 20th, 2019 Deana realized this was it. The final year was upon her. Deana refused to get down or be depressed. Life’s a blessing and a gift; she wanted to embrace and enjoy her final year. She wanted to make it the best year ever.

  When Deana played at church earlier that morning, she threw herself into the performance. Sunday dinner was even more elaborate than usual. She baked an amazing cherry cobbler she’d never made before. She was even more upbeat and friendlier to the customers at Vito’s. Leon got even more attention from Deana, especially when the boys weren’t around.

  Monday, April 29th was Leon’s 39th birthday. Deana got up extra early. She started cooking and baking for their day at the lake. She made butter basted fried chicken and all the fixings. Everyone had loved her cherry cobbler so much she thought she’d fix an apple cobbler for Leon’s big day. All she had to do was fry up some okra and her picnic basket would be complete.

  She had bought a new, white bikini just for today. It was even smaller than the blue one Leon liked so much. She was pretty sure he would like this one even better. She was right. She kissed Leon good morning even more passionately than usual. When he saw the new bikini, the picnic basket and the sparkle in Deana’s green eyes, he knew he was going to have a very happy birthday.