by Matt Shea
The prestigious man was in a situation he normally hated. He wasn't the center of attention. This was different though. There was something about the happiness amongst these common people that intrigued him. It dawn on him that it was all about the appreciation of having a common friend. A special friend; but who was that friend?
The professor observed the fun that the restaurant staff was having with Chase and envied it. He studied how they bantered back and forth in good humor. The professor felt at ease and started to drop his airs. He began to loosen up his tie as an effort to fit in. At that moment he just wanted to be “Gerald Richman.”
Laughter rotated around the table as if they were all life-long friends. The server finally asked if there was anything else they would like. “No, thank you,” said the professor in a regal tone. “Everything has been exceptional!”
“Well, good,” said Frank. “It has been a pleasure having you with us tonight. Please come back and see us.”
“That I can promise!” concluded the professor in a gracious voice.
The bill was presented; with a handsome gratuity waiting. The evening was a success and it was now time to return home. The professor tipped the doorman a second time and repeated the custom with the lot attendant. The new friends stood at the entryway and waved good bye. The professor waved back and cautiously left the parking lot.
Professor Richman was concentrating on the chain of events that happened that evening. He was deep in thought; curious on what friend everyone was referring to.
The grandfather needed to get information from Chase. In a pleasant tone he addressed the boy. “Excuse me, Chase. I seem to have a lapse of memory. Could you remind me which one of my friends we were talking about this evening?”
“Your special friend that talked to me on the radio tonight,” answered an innocent Chase.
Professor Richman's mind went to work. It was obvious that he had Chase listen to a popular talk show that opened doors and changed lives. He would find out what radio show it was and listen to it when he was alone. He realized that the radio would be on the same station that Chase listened to.
The professor pulled in front of his children's house and saw that they were home. His son and daughter opened the front door and waved as Chase unfastened his seat belt. “Good bye, grandfather,” said the grandson. “Thank you for dinner.”
“You are quite welcomed, Chase,” he replied. Chase closed the car door and raced up the walkway to his mother and uncle. The dad waved good bye and drove home.
The professor arrived at his house with Margret thanking him for a wonderful evening. She kissed her father on the cheek and went to her car to go home.
Professor Richman stayed in his car. He turned on the radio and listened until the announcer identified the station. From there he entered his home and turned on his computer. He found the station on the internet and looked up its broadcast schedule for that day. He then counted backwards and pin-pointed what program Chase listened to. To his delight, it would replay at midnight.
He set his alarm clock ten minutes before midnight and took a nap. It seemed that the moment he fell asleep that the alarm went off. He got out of bed and leisurely put on his bathrobe. It was almost the bewitching hour as the professor went outside to his car and turned on the radio program. He got comfortable and sat back with an open mind. The gala instrumental started to play, signaling the start of the program.
The professor tensed up with anticipation. “Now I'll know what everyone else was talking about,” he thought to himself.
A commanding voice entered the car through the speakers.
“Hello, my friends. This is Pastor Wiley and I'd like to welcome you to be with our family tonight.”
Professor Richman gave his undivided attention realizing that he was about to hear a spiritual message. The host continued his sermon.
“This message is for those who are lonely. Whether you are in a dark room at home, sitting on a park bench in solitude, or alone in the back seat of a car; this message is for you.”
The professor gave a nervous twitch realizing how accurate that introduction was for his grandson, Chase. The pastor continued.
“That's because there is someone that's always there with you. Someone who loves you and will never leave you. That someone is your ‘special friend’.”
Professor Richman thought about the episode at the restaurant. He realized that this understanding was what gained him entry. Everyone at the restaurant was aware that they were never alone with their special friend in their life. He listened further.
The orator had a masterful flow that penetrated all of his insecurities and exposed them. But there was no shame. In-fact, it created a freedom. Professor Richman was being touched by grace. For the first time in his life he realized that he didn't have to put forth an effort to impress others. Identifying one-another as being equal through that special friend was all that was needed. Our various accomplishments, place in society or titles became meaningless.
Professor Gerald Michael Richman cracked the code! It occurred to him the identity of that special friend who opened doors- and it felt wonderful! In relief, he leaned back with the joy of laughter. The enlightened professor looked over the dashboard and gazed up to the heavens. He waved acknowledging that he finally found the peace and happiness that always eluded him.
He continued to listen to the broadcast. Step-by-step the pastor emphasized that he was never alone and was always respected and appreciated. He also pointed out that there was never a moment where he wasn't loved or accepted.
Gerald realized that for the first time in his life he had a friend. A real friend. But there was more to it than that. It was the same friend shared by others.
That special friend who is always there.
THE RIGHT COMPANY
The first drop of rain hit the plastic canopy. Another drop followed, then more creating a rhythm. Underneath sat Chase with excitement. His uncle, John had kept his promise. They were camping out in the backyard that Saturday, even if it rained.
“Do you want to know what sounds good to me?” asked John.
“What?” asked Chase.
“Having another hot dog,” he said. “Then we can roast marshmallows.”
Chase was thrilled. His uncle had a plastic tarp suspended well above the fire pit with umbrellas on hand.
John looked up and saw Julia through the kitchen window with a smile. He gave her a ‘thumbs-up’ with Chase being unaware. It continued to rain.
***
The following morning gave clear skies. The campers cooked a breakfast over the open fire and continued bonding.
“After this we should put our gear away,” said the fatherly figure. “We will allow the sun to dry out the tent and put that away later.”
“Okay,” agreed Chase.
“I have an idea,” said the uncle. “Since the weather is better today, do you want to have a picnic at the beach tonight? We can include your mom and watch the sunset together.”
“That's a great idea, Uncle John!” exclaimed Chase.
***
Later that evening Chase was at the park with his mother and uncle. They were able to get their favorite picnic site that looked over the waves. A tablecloth was spread over the wood table with napkins and silverware. Fruit, salad, buttered rolls and juice awaited in the cooler. Smoke billowed off the grill with the tantalizing aroma of hickory. John Mansfield's famous spareribs were being grilled to perfection.
“We are about a half hour away before dinner is ready,” said John wearing a tall, white chef’s hat. “Why don't you two walk the beach and build up an appetite?” he suggested.
“That sounds good to me,” said Julia. “Let's go, Chase.”
“Okay, Mom” said her son. They left the picnic site and followed a trail to the beach. John tended the barbeque with an extended fork in hand.
An unmistakable voice called out through the surrounding trees. “I thought that was you.”
John looked around and saw his friend, Paul Evans approaching him. “Nobody can barbeque like John Mansfield.”
John smiled at his friend as he absorbed the compliment. “Can you join us for dinner?” he asked.
“I appreciate the offer, but I already ate,” said Paul. “Do you know who you are going to take to Bermuda?” he asked.
Paul and John just celebrated their tenth anniversary at work. There was a luncheon to commemorate this milestone with a gift presented: a vacation to Bermuda.
“I don't know,” said John. “I still haven't come down from the shock of receiving such a gift.”
“Before I forget, how is Chase doing?” asked Paul.
“He's walking the beach with his mom right now,” answered John. “He keeps busy; he even went camping in the back yard last night.”
“Camping?” cried out Paul. “Didn't we grow out of that after cub scouts?”
“It's still fun,” defended John. “It's like the sunset; we came here to watch it this evening.”
“You watch sunsets too?” Paul asked in astonishment.
“We sure do,” replied John. “We have fun camping, hiking and just being out in nature. Just ask Chase if you don't believe me. You and your son, Eric should go with us next time.”
“Eric is a young man with his own life,” he pointed out. “He needs to let his single dad find a relationship now.”
“He is still your son,” explained John. “That's the most important relationship you will ever have. In-fact,” continued John, “you just made a decision for me. I will bring Chase with me on this vacation.”
“What?” cried out Paul. “That would be just another evening at home with him.” Paul paused and spoke more tactfully. “Look, John, I love Chase; everyone does. But what about guys like us?” he remarked. “We don't want to grow old being alone, do we?”
“I understand what you're saying,” said John. “You want to be with the right person on those getaways, and hope that things go well. I am not dating anyone right now and neither are you. How about bringing Eric?” he suggested. “He gets along with Chase, and the four of us will have a good time together.”
“Not me,” said a smug Paul. “There is a woman that just agreed to go on that trip with me. Her name is, Pam and she is first class all the way! We will get there two days early just to extend the vacation.” Paul changed tone and looked directly at John. “Now let me ask you a question: do you think that Chase would get bored after a while?”
“Chase is happy in a simple way,” defended John. “He is always grateful and does his part to make things better. I think he will be fine on this trip.”
“Okay,” said Paul. “We can all meet for dinner your first night there. How about the restaurant in the hotel we're staying at? I heard that it's pretty good. Let's say... at seven o'clock their time?”
“That sounds great,” replied John.
“I have to go now and meet Pam,” said Paul. “It has been good seeing you. Say “hi” to Julia and Chase for me.”
“I will,” said John. “Have a good evening with Pam and see you in Bermuda.”
Paul continued on his path as John turned over the ribs.
“That smells wonderful,” said Julia as she returned with her son. “I'll set the table.”
“I'll help you, mom,” added Chase.
Dinner was a masterpiece as the sun began to set. It was the perfect time to tell Chase about the vacation. “I have some good news for you, Chase.”
Chase turned and looked at his uncle. “Do you see that sun setting?” John asked.
“Yes,” answered the nephew as he turned around.
“A few days from now, you and I will be watching it from the other side of the world!” exclaimed the uncle. “I want you to go to Bermuda with me.”
Chase froze in shock. “Me?” he asked.
“Yes, you,” said John.
Julia was impressed. It was already understood that her schedule wouldn't allow her to go. “I think that's wonderful!” she exclaimed.
***
Several days later Chase and John were unpacking their bags in the hotel room. “We're having dinner with Paul and his date tonight,” said John. “This hotel has a good restaurant and we're to meet them there at seven.”
“Okay, Uncle John,” said Chase.
Dinner time arrived with Chase and his uncle waiting for Paul and his guest. After a half hour it occurred that they might not even show up. Chase and John got seated leaving instructions for the hostess to expect Paul and his date. They didn't show up that evening. Not even a phone call. John tried to call Paul twice on his cell phone; but all he could do was to leave a message.
Even though John and Chase were concerned about Paul’s whereabouts, they still enjoyed each- other’s company over dinner.
The next day Chase and his uncle were relaxing on the beach. They just had an eventful day of walking through town, swimming, snorkeling and playing volleyball with other tourists. Still, they were preoccupied about the disappearance of Paul and his companion and kept an eye out for them.
It was approaching the last hour of daylight when Paul was finally seen alone… They were relieved to see him regardless. Paul waved and walked towards them trudging through the sand. It was obvious that he was depressed. His face and slouched posture telegraphed hurt feelings.
“What's wrong?” asked John.
“We're not getting along,” said Paul. “Pam was under the impression that I was wealthy. She thought that I always went on trips like this. It became obvious to her that I'm just an average guy. She let me know that she wants much more than that. She is leaving tonight on her own.”
“Why don't you spend the rest of this vacation with a couple of regular guys like us?” suggested John.
Paul laughed to himself saying, “Sure.” He looked up to the blue sky and asked, “Why shouldn't I stay here with my friends?”
“We are having another camp out when we get home,” said John. “Why don't you and Eric join us?”
Chase perked up over the idea. “We always have lots of fun when we do that,” he said.
Paul was humbled and said, “I know you do.”
“We even roast hotdogs and marshmallows,” Chase added.
“We'd love that,” said Paul. “I only wish that he was here with us now.” He looked at John and said, “I need to follow your advice more.” The single man patted John on his leg and left in thought.
Paul walked towards the shore with his head hung low. His bare feet left prints in the wet sand as he wandered further away. The lonesome figure grew smaller and smaller as he slowly blended in with the background.
John silently said a prayer for his friend.
With toes in the sand John and Chase relaxed. The makeshift father and son team sat in lounge chairs under an umbrella. They were mesmerized by the gentle breeze that kept rhythm with the outgoing tide. Palm trees gracefully swayed in harmony. Nothing had to be added to this tropical heaven.
This was the perfect balance needed to become one with life. It was a tranquility that barred excitement. Soon the sun would be setting, giving a silent light show throughout the sky.
It was just like being back home.
Chase finally broke the silence. “It's going to be a lot of fun camping with Paul and Eric next week!”
“That will be a great time,” replied the uncle. “I'm looking forward to it.”
The Discovery of Teddy Downing
THE DISCOVERY OF TEDDY DOWNING
The lunch bell rang as students migrated to the cafeteria. Hastily, the hungry pupils got in line to select their tasty meals as friends united to share lunch. The laughter filled the hall as half-time arrived. Clusters of the many cliques gathered in their usual spots, with recess waiting outside. It would then be decided who would be picked for what team and what game would be played.
The “in crowd” seemed to be where Steven Choy and his friends sat. They were known to be the nicest k
ids in school as well as the most respected. Alone in the corner sat Thor Downing, the biggest boy in school. He was intimidating and was always avoided out of fear. His large stature seemed to belong in junior high school, not elementary. He never smiled and looked mean. There was a reason why Thor never showed happiness; he didn't have any friends.
Steven Choy arrived home after school. He was an honor student who always addressed homework first and immediately went to his room to do his assignments. He began to study, completing his homework just before dinner.
Moments later, he went downstairs as his mother started to serve supper. Family recipes from the “old country” graced the dinner table as Bernard Choy addressed his family. “How was school today?” asked Steven's father.