by Annie Boone
He noticed that she was also sharing her hopes and dreams with him. She told him about the matters that bothered her and all she wanted to accomplish.
Albert hadn’t openly shared his news of their courtship with anyone, but decided it was time to let Parson Keller know. He looked forward to hearing the man’s thoughts. He valued his mentor’s opinion and expected good advice on how to be the kind of man Helen would be proud to call her husband.
As he arrived at the church the day after he’d made his decision to go public, he met the parson in the sanctuary. He had expected to talk to him later in the day, but the opportunity presented itself right away, so he took it.
“How’s everything, Albert! Anything new for you lately?” asked Parson Keller.
“Well, now that you mention it, Parson, I do have some news,” replied Albert. “Happy news, at that.”
“Splendid! Let’s hear it.”
“I’ve asked Helen to court me. She’s agreed. I’m a happy man!”
“I imagine so! She’s a lovely woman, Albert. I’m happy for you. Are you sure you’re ready for that kind of commitment at this point in your life?”
“What do you mean? Many men my age are married with children already.”
“It’s just that you feel a calling. A calling I know you’re determined to follow. Do you think Helen can fit into that plan? Do you think she can and will support your work for the Lord?”
“Do you feel that she won’t? Is there something you see in her that I don’t?” asked Albert with some alarm.
“Not directly, no. I just worry that a courtship at this point when you’re on the verge of launching your official career could cause you to falter. Are you certain of her commitment to the Lord?”
“I am quite certain, sir,” replied Albert. He had never been more sure of anything, but didn’t know how to convey that to his mentor without sounding desperate. So, he just continued to listen and see what else he could add at the appropriate time.
“You already have challenges, Albert. Don’t forget the pressure from your father. You’d be foolish to ignore the fact that wealth and position can be a strong temptation. For you or for Helen.”
Albert bowed his head in thought. It was a jolt of truth that he knew but hoped was behind him. His father had been quiet lately about the position he had wanted him to take in the company. He also hadn’t mentioned any of the daughters of his business associates. Wasn’t this a sign that his father was seeing the importance of letting him make his own decisions? And Helen knew of his family wealth and father’s expectations, but she’d never shown interest or even asked many questions.
“I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t see that kind of trait in Helen. She’s not interested in my family’s money.”
“Just remember that temptation comes in many forms, Albert.”
“Pastor, I am aware of the widespread nature of temptation. I might be a mere child in your opinion, but I’ve spent plenty of time observing human nature. I’m far from perfect, but my faith in God is strong. My devotion to Him is unwavering.”
“I see those things in you, Albert. I have no doubt in your faith or devotion. I just am uncertain about Helen. I haven’t spent enough time with her to know her heart. I feel it’s my duty as your pastor and mentor to have this conversation and to be honest about what I know.”
Albert nodded. “I have had these conversations with Helen. I’m surprised that you would think that possibly I hadn’t. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the wife of a parson can be his making or breaking. You may have lost faith in me, but I’m stronger with Helen than without her. I hope your eyes will soon open to that fact.”
However, no matter what, Albert refused to let go of any of the dreams that he had before him. He was certain that he was going to marry Helen, though they hadn’t discussed that in detail yet. He also knew that Helen would devote her life to the vision they shared. Their marriage would be filled with love, but they would also spend their lives together serving God.
He turned and left the building. He decided in a split second to go to the hospital even though it wasn’t his normal day there. He felt that visiting with those who needed him would take some of the sting away from Parson Keller’s words.
The happiness and contentment he felt at having Helen in his life was still smoldering inside him. His disappointment would not overtake his positive outlook.
He spent the day doing what he loved and being with people who inspired him. He read the Bible with families and individuals. He prayed with those who were frightened and broken. On his drive home he prayed again for those he’d met today who needed hope. For those who needed a miracle.
He was almost home. The gravity of what Parson Keller had said to him weighed heavily. His father could be a problem. He felt he and Helen could have many problems. This concerned him and knew he’d need strength.
“Father, God,” he prayed out loud as he drove. “I seem to be at a crossroads. One I didn’t really see coming. Many people think that I can’t have a relationship with Helen and serve You to my calling. I don’t believe that. Please show me if I’m falling back on my own wants and desires, or if Helen truly is the woman you’ve provided for me.”
Just as he said “Amen” he pulled into the livery yard. Sullivan was waiting for him and began to care for his horse and carriage.
“Thank you, Sullivan,” Albert said. He smiled at the young man with true gratitude.
“You’re welcome, sir. Your father asked that I send you to his study when you arrived,” said Sullivan. His look was cautious and sympathetic.
“All right,” Albert nodded and turned to go into the house.
“Good luck, sir,” said Sullivan.
Albert turned and smiled. “I hope I don’t need it, but I probably will. Thank you again.”
Albert couldn’t imagine what it was that Horace needed to speak to him about. Recently things had been quiet and civil between the two men. So, the fact that his father sent word for him to see him was somewhat alarming. Either something bad had happened or his father had decided to pester him again about a job in the company. Either way, this would probably not be a pleasant conversation.
Albert arrived at the door of his father’s study and found the door slightly ajar. He knocked and stuck his head inside. Horace raised his head from the papers on his desk.
“You wanted to see me, Father?” Albert asked as he stepped into the masculine room. Then he carefully closed the mahogany door and looked directly at his father. He knew the room well. He’d spent hours here as a child trying to get his father’s attention.
The large bookshelves were full of books and ledgers. They spanned the wall to the left of the window from floor to ceiling. The hand-carved desk was massive and impressive. It was his father’s pride and joy. He’d found the piece in Europe and had it shipped at a considerable cost.
His father was sitting behind that desk looking tense and even more prickly than usual. A ball of dread intensified in the pit of Albert’s stomach.
“Come in. Sit down,” His father answered, nodding towards one of the two chairs that sat across from the desk.
Albert did what he was told and then stared over at his father, “Yes, Father? What’s so urgent?”
There was a look of disappointment in his eyes that was natural. Albert was used to seeing that look. Suddenly a surge of anger reddened his face and his eyes darkened taking Albert by surprise. He remained silent as he waited to see what the summons was about.
It took great willpower to wait on his father to speak. He didn’t want to give up any power he might have by acknowledging the anger displayed before him. The strained silence lengthened as Albert said quietly. Horace glared at his son.
Albert wasn’t sure what message he was supposed to receive from the silent treatment and wrathful stare. While he waited to find out, he reminded himself of the lessons he’d learned from the years of living with his father. Begging for underst
anding won’t make things right between Father and me. God will provide for all my needs. I must live my life as I am called by Him to do.
Finally, Albert’s father sighed and stood. He walked to the edge of the desk and leaned on the corner. “Albert, I’m quite unhappy that you’ve become so close with this Helen. She’s a common woman. No wealth or connections. She’s an unsuitable match. I also wholeheartedly believe that you should be doing something productive with your time. You should be in a place where you have a future.”
“I’m sorry to be such a disappointment to you father, but nothing has changed and it won’t. I’m called to serve the Lord. Helen supports my plan, she is a Godly woman, and I love her. She is more than a connection into a life I don’t want, anyway. She’s a light in the darkness for me. She shares my vision to serve those who need the Gospel. You and I have different views, but please know that God put Helen in my life for a reason.”
His father narrowed his eyes at him as his lip curled into a scowl, “Then I think you are a fool.”
Albert took in a deep breath before he released it carefully and answered, “I’m sorry you feel that way. However, with all due respect for your wishes, I don’t understand how following God’s will is foolish. I believe it would be foolish to ignore His call. He has blessed me with a woman who loves the man I am and the man I want to be.”
“If you had respect for my wishes boy, you would allow me to help you sort out your mess of a life,” his father snapped back.
At this, Albert grew angry. Unable to keep his composure, he stood to his father’s height and unwaveringly looked him in the eye. “Just because my idea of happiness doesn’t equal yours, doesn’t mean that my life is a mess. Just because I am making different choices than you did doesn’t mean you need to step in to get me in line. My life is not a waste and I know that I am making a difference where it’s most important.” He sighed then before he added, “Honestly, I couldn’t think of any better life than to serve God, beside the woman that completes me.”
“Then you are going to have to be completed and fulfilled on someone else’s dime! If you do not come to your senses, Albert, I will disown you!”
“Then go ahead and do what you think you must, Father,” Albert answered with conviction. “I have no interest in your money or your fame.”
Albert turned his back swiftly on his father and headed to the door. When he reached it, he heard his father call, “Albert, if you walk out of this house, you will never be welcomed here again! You’ll never be able to come back.”
Albert sighed and replied, without anger, but filled with honesty, “Father, I don’t even want to come back. This house has not been a home to me in a very long time. The fact that you don’t even realize that, is a real shame. I love you, but I can’t live this life. I’ll continue to pray for you. Every single day.”
Albert left his father’s study with a heavy heart. As he closed the door he heard a sarcastic laugh and continued to walk away with more resolve than before.
The next few days were difficult as Albert tried to reconcile what had happened with his father in his mind. He’d needed to find a place to live fast. He did spend that night in his father’s house, but packed his things and left the next day. For the immediate future, he would be staying in the guestroom at Pastor and Mrs. Keller’s home.
“Thank you for putting me up in the transition, Parson,” Albert said humbly. “I didn’t expect to find myself in such a position, but I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. My father doesn’t typically make idle threats.”
“You’re welcome as long as you need, Albert.”
“I’ll start a search later today. I don’t want to overstay my welcome,” he smiled.
“I’m glad you were able to take a few things with you. One day some of those things will be meaningful.”
“Yes, I’m sure they will. I took the horse and carriage my father gave me for my birthday last year. I started to leave them, but realized I’d need them. They’re rightfully mine, so I felt like it was reasonable to take them.”
“I agree. You need to be practical, even if this is an emotional situation.”
“You know, Parson, it’s sad for me, but in a way I’m relieved. My future is uncertain, for sure, but I’m not afraid. I know that God will provide.” Albert stood with his hands on his hips and his head high.
“Indeed, He will. Your faith is inspiring. I think that at some point you’ll be able to resolve the differences with your father. I pray that he will come to the Lord and bring himself back into the fold.”
Albert smiled sadly and nodded. “I’m going to get out today and look for a place. I do have some money I can use, so at least I’m not destitute. It’s been over a week. It’s time to get on with it.”
“Good luck with that, but you don’t have to be in a hurry. Be sure to get the right place since you’ll have a roof over your head here for as long as you need it.”
Albert shook his friend’s hand and walked out the door.
His plan was to go to the newspaper stand and see if there were ads for rooms to let. He didn’t need much, so he was hoping he would find it. He didn’t want to be a burden to anyone and he did want to pay his own way.
He bought a paper and stopped at a bench in the small park near the church to look through the rental ads. He found a few possibilities and made plans to go by to see each one. He stood, folded the paper, and tucked it under his arm.
As he walked back to the church, he was flooded with sadness that the relationship with his father was now completely in shambles. He knew that part of the responsibility for this belonged to him. His father was a stern and opinionated man, but he had been stubborn in his own right.
He didn’t regret his decision to become a pastor. He was content with his decision to follow the Lord. He was also grateful for Helen. He did, however, wish he had handled things more skillfully with his father. Not just the other day, but from the beginning.
Albert was not a fighter. He always wanted to keep the peace, no matter what the problem was. In any disagreement, large or small, he would do whatever he could to come to an equitable resolution. This dispute with his father disturbed him greatly.
Yet, Albert also knew how his father’s mind worked. He was sure that if he even tried to make amends with his father, his efforts would be misunderstood. He would think that Albert was weak and that his convictions had softened. He would be right back where he started, except with less leverage.
He decided to put the whole situation out of his mind. This was his way to get through and do the work he was obligated to do at the church and with the people who needed him. He didn’t talk about it with anyone again. Parson Keller and Helen, included.
Helen know the basic details of the fight. Obviously, she knew that Albert wasn’t allowed to live in his family home any longer. The part that Albert kept from her was the terrible things his father had said about her. Sharing that information wouldn’t serve any good purpose at all.
Helen would surely be hurt by the mean comments made by a man she would probably never meet. That man would one day be her father-in-law and he knew her well enough to know that his opinion of her would matter to her. Yes, it was best to withhold the details of his words about her.
Albert arrived at the church and saw Helen waiting for him on the front porch. Seeing her standing there made him smile. Helen was a marvelous woman, he thought. What a lucky man I am!
“Albert,” she said urgently as he approached her. She saw his smile and she faltered just a bit. “I, um, have to talk to you about something.”
Albert turned his head as he watched her nervously bite her lip, “What is it, Helen? Boopi? Is she all right?” He was visibly alarmed at the thought of something happening to the woman he so admired.
She nodded. “Boopi is fine. Everyone in my family is fine. Albert, it’s about your father.” She paused, looking away.
Albert shook his head, “I’m sorry, Helen, but please let
’s don’t talk about my father. I appreciate it that you want to help, but there’s really nothing more to talk about right now. I’m glad to see you. Did you want to go have a late lunch?”
“But, Albert,” she insisted and then nervously bit her lip again. “We really need to talk about your father.”
“Please, Helen. This really isn’t necessary.”
“It is necessary, Albert. Just give me a minute. I don’t want you to find out another way,” She answered with conviction.
Albert was about to argue again, but seeing the serious expression on her face, he stopped short before he questioned, “Find out what?” Even before she said anything more, Albert’s heart began to pound. “What’s wrong?”
He watched as Helen’s eyes widened. She sighed and took his hand. “He’s dead, Albert. Your father passed away this morning. I am so sorry. I came to you as soon as I heard.”
At first, the words didn’t quite sink in. He stood there staring at her without moving. His eyes were wide and unblinking. Helen held his hand tightly and didn’t let go.
Albert felt as though his blood was rushing too loudly in his ears to concentrate as his thoughts raced. He felt anxious, even though the news didn’t completely make sense yet.
Finally, he heard his own voice, as his gaping eyes tried to focus as he stammered, “What? He’s, um, dead? Really? Oh, no. How?”
Helen was nodding her head and instinctively moved closer to Albert. She took his hand in both of hers and held tightly. “I am so sorry,” she said.
Albert closed his hand around Helen’s squeezing it for back without really thinking. “I can’t believe it,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.
“I know. Me, either,” said Helen.
“What happened? How did he die? Do you know?”
Helen’s eyes dropped, before she sighed and then looked back up at Albert. “Apparently there was an accident at the house. They’re not sure why it happened, but he was out on his balcony this morning and the railing gave way.”