Saints Among Us

by Anne Marie Rodgers

  By the time Florence finished, Jane had a list of seven craft items that Florence was sure she and her friends could contribute.

  “Are you sure you want to commit to all of these? It seems like an awful lot to ask of you.” Jane looked over her notes with concern. Perhaps she had been a little too encouraging.

  “Nonsense! It’ll be no trouble at all. And are you going to need people to work at the church’s booths?”

  “Most definitely, and at the raffle and the food concession. Sylvia has volunteered, and Alice, Louise and I plan to help. But we could use more.”

  “Let me check with some of my friends in the congregation. I’m certain some of them would be happy to help us.”

  Jane was delighted at Florence’s use of the inclusive pronoun. It certainly seemed as if the mission to smooth Florence’s feathers had been successful. Still, Jane made a mental note to appeal to Ethel to deal gently with Florence.

  Goodness! That was probably going to take as much finesse as today’s visit had. Lord, Jane said silently, give me the patience to handle these strong-willed ladies with kindness and understanding. She smiled to herself. Especially since it’s possible that I’ll be just like them some day.

  When the slight, blonde woman with the toddler in tow came through the door of the inn Saturday afternoon, Alice was puzzled. They did not have a reservation for anyone with children.

  She smiled kindly at the woman as she paused on the rug in front of the reception desk. “Welcome to Grace Chapel Inn. May I help you?”

  “I’m looking for Alice Howard.”

  “I’m Alice.” Sudden comprehension dawned. “You must be Shelby.”

  The younger woman smiled and extended a hand. “Yes, and this is Jonathan. Hello, Alice. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Oh, you too! Hello, Jonathan.” Alice shook Shelby’s hand and chuckled when the child clutched at his mother’s leg. Then she came around the desk and ushered her guests toward the living room across from the gleaming mahogany balustrade of the staircase. “I have so many questions about your trip down to the disaster area.”

  “I’m glad you called,” said Shelby as she took the seat Alice indicated on the overstuffed burgundy sofa. Jonathan sat down beside her. “I would love to go back, but I simply can’t leave my family for an extended period again. I’m compromising by talking about it to any poor soul who will listen to me, and by trying to recruit others to go.” She smiled down at the little boy who clung to her. “It was hard to be away for two weeks.”

  “That’s a long time.” Alice took a seat in the matching chair and smiled at Jonathan. “I bet you’re glad your mommy is home again.”

  The little boy shot her a shy smile before turning his face into Shelby’s side.

  “I didn’t intend to be gone more than a week.” Shelby shook her head. “But once you get down there, it’s hard to leave. You realize how desperately every pair of hands is needed.”

  Alice sat forward. “Where did you go? And how did you find out about it? I want to help, but I’d like to make sure I will be needed wherever I go.”

  “Oh, you’ll be needed. But you might not be able to talk to anyone ahead of time because there’s no phone or electric service for miles around.”

  “But surely by now they’ve got some service. It’s been almost three weeks.”

  Shelby shook her head. “Until you get down there, you can’t imagine the scale of devastation. It’s going to be months before most utilities are anywhere close to normal service again.” She dug into the large denim shoulder bag she had set on the floor by her chair. “I have a fact sheet here. The camp we went to is called Camp Compassion. It’s almost a dozen miles outside the worst part of the disaster area, which could be dangerous for strangers, especially after dark.”

  “How did you ever find it?”

  “After the hurricane, I got online to see if any of the big animal-rescue groups were organizing efforts and found that one of them had set up a bulletin board for volunteers. People returning from the area posted notes about their experiences, and people wanting to go posted questions and requests for traveling companions in their region.”

  “Did you go alone?”

  Shelby shook her head. “No. I have a friend from my church who is a dog lover, and I approached her about going. When I did, she said she had been thinking the exact same thing. So we loaded up her minivan with as much pet food as we could take, and off we went.” She smiled and stroked Jonathan’s hair. “I’m blessed with an understanding husband, as well as a mother-in-law who was delighted to have the chance to stay with my children.”

  Shelby took a breath. “Our church donated gas money, which was a big help, since we drove almost a thousand miles each way.”

  “And where did you stay?” This was one of Alice’s biggest concerns. “If there are no phones, how can I make hotel reservations?”

  Shelby’s eyebrows rose and she began to laugh. “Oh, Alice, I’m afraid you’re going to have to prepare yourself for much more primitive conditions. There are very few hotels open, and those that are not closed are filled with Red Cross workers and medical personnel. Animal rescuers are a bit farther down the totem pole.”

  “Oh, heavens.” Alice felt dismay. “You mean we’ll be camping? I haven’t camped out in years. I don’t even have a sleeping bag, much less a tent or anything to cook on.”

  “You can borrow my things if you decide to go. I have a six-man tent, a Coleman stove and some cooking gear, a lantern you can hang inside the tent, a two-person air mattress and several sleeping bags. There’s a big field behind the kennel area where all the volunteers are pitching their tents.”

  “But what about bathing?” Alice supposed she had been silly to expect normal accommodations in a disaster zone, but she honestly had not given that aspect of this whole venture much thought.

  Shelby shook her head. “Some of the folks rigged up a makeshift shower out of a garden hose surrounded by sheets, but that’s it. Oh, and there are two portable potties.”

  Alice was shocked. “Goodness! I guess I really hadn’t thought this through.”

  “It isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds,” Shelby hastened to assure her. “It actually was quite a bit of fun. It’s not as horribly hot as it could be if it were earlier in the fall, and there aren’t many bugs. And honestly, once you get down there and see all those committed people who just showed up because they love animals…” Tears welled in her eyes. “It’s truly miraculous, Alice. You can see God’s hand at work in a very concrete way. There is a level of selflessness that I have never experienced before in my life.”

  Alice was moved by Shelby’s impassioned words and encouraged by her open expression of faith. A feeling of peace and certainty washed through Alice. The young woman had been placed in her path, via Jane and that news article, for a reason, Alice felt sure. “I’m going to go,” she declared. “For days I’ve been feeling that God has plans for me, that I am supposed to do something to help those animals. So I’m just going to do it.”

  “That’s very much how I felt. And I will be glad I did it for the rest of my life.” Shelby wrapped her arm around Jonathan, who had started to fidget.

  “You’ve convinced me. What do I need to take along?”

  “I made a list for you on that sheet.” Shelby indicated the paper she had handed to Alice earlier. “I also included three Web sites that have bulletin boards where volunteers can share information as well as updates on the animal-rescue efforts. Do you use the Internet?”

  “Yes. Well, my sister does. My skills barely cover e-mail.” Alice felt compelled to be honest. “Jane is far more able to get around online than I am, so she can help me.”

  “Is there anyone you’ve spoken with about going? You shouldn’t go alone. It is a disaster area. And you need at least one person to share the driving, especially if you’re planning on driving straight through.”

  Alice immediately thought of Mark Graves. A long-time friend with w
hom she had been romantically involved during her college days, Mark was the head veterinarian at the Philadelphia Zoo. He might be going down there. Even if he was not, he might know someone who would like to travel with her. “I haven’t spoken with anyone yet, but I know someone I can ask. I’m sure I will find someone who’d like to go along.” If Mark was not going, Alice thought, she might ask one of the older high school or college students from the Grace Chapel congregation to accompany her.

  “Wonderful!” Shelby rose and Jonathan jumped down quickly. “I won’t keep you,” she looked down at her son, then looked at Alice apologetically. “Please stay in touch and don’t hesitate to call if you need more information.”

  As Alice returned from having seen Shelby and Jonathan out, she heard footsteps in the kitchen. “Hello,” she called.

  “Hello, Alice. Where are you?” The voice belonged to Jane.

  As Alice entered the kitchen, she had to smile. “You match,” she told her younger sister.

  “Pardon?” Jane looked bewildered. “I match what?”

  “The kitchen.” Alice gestured around them. She often envied Jane her sense of style and today was no exception. Jane wore a pair of black-and-white houndstooth trousers with a loose and flowing red top decorated with black piping. She looked very much a part of the kitchen, with its colors in a similar theme.

  “So I do.” Jane laughed. “I swear I didn’t do it on purpose.”

  “Well, regardless, you look very chic. Very put together.” Alice shook her head ruefully. “The way I’d love to be if only I had the vision to create a look as easily as you do.”

  “I think you dress nicely,” Jane said loyally. She waved a notebook at Alice. “I accomplished a lot this afternoon.”

  “Wonderful. You can tell Louise as well as me at dinner. And I have news too. I met with Shelby, the woman who just came back from down South.”

  “Oh, I bet you have loads to share. But speaking of dinner…” Jane gestured in the direction of the kitchen table. “I need to peel some potatoes and carrots. I’m making a roast tonight.”

  “I’ll set the table and then I’ll help.” Alice reached for the flatware, then paused. “Would you help me look something up on the Internet tonight, Jane?”

  “Sure.” Jane already had an apron tied around her trim middle. “We can do it as soon as the dishes are finished.”

  Chapter Four

  T he following morning, the three sisters attended church, walking to the picturesque white chapel where their father had been pastor.

  As they had the past few Sundays, the members of the congregation said special prayers for the persons harmed and displaced by the recent Florida hurricane. Alice added her own private prayers for the animals that were so much on her mind.

  Rev. Kenneth Thompson was normally a riveting speaker; nevertheless, that morning Alice found her concentration lacking. A lamb on one of the beautiful stained-glass window panels caught her attention, and she remembered the sad scene with the little white dog she had seen on the news. Her anticipation rose. She could not wait to get involved in the animal-rescue efforts.

  With Jane’s help, her Internet foray had borne fruit. Alice found a Web site administered by a large humane organization that provided a great deal of practical information. Volunteers planning a trip or wanting to go south posted their locations and possible dates for travel. Volunteers in many communities posted notes about supplies they had gathered that needed to be taken to the rescue facilities in case anyone driving down had room to spare in a vehicle. Volunteers returning from their animal-rescue experiences posted directions to various rescue areas, information about supplies needed and personal notes that Alice found useful. They included such tips as remembering to bring lots of bug spray, taking sturdy shoes rather than sandals or flip-flops and making sure to bring nonperishable food because there was no refrigeration available. When one woman even suggested that they bring their own toilet tissue, Alice began to wonder if she was rash to be doing this. Then she thought about the animals in such desperate need. Her desire for luxuries and comforts seemed trivial and self-indulgent.

  When the congregation rose, Alice started with surprise. Had she completed the service on autopilot? Hastily she rose and flipped through her hymnal to find the selection. As the organ began to play and a familiar tune fell on her ears, Alice could not stop a wide smile from spreading over her face.

  The closing hymn was “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” Alice felt warm certainty spread through her for a second time as she sang the opening verse: “All things bright and beautiful, / All creatures great and small, / All things wise and wonderful: / The Lord God made them all.” God was blessing her endeavor, she felt sure.

  As everyone began to file out of the chapel after the service, Alice heard her name called. She looked over to see Jane waving at her.

  Jane had begun to chat with June Carter on her way out. “Alice, did you know June is the leader of a feline-rescue group?”

  “Good morning, Alice.” June was a petite, pleasant, fifty-something woman whose natural blonde hair showed speckles of silver in certain lights. Alice knew June had a college-age daughter and a married son, both of whom lived in the Philadelphia area. A fellow member of the church board, June owned the Coffee Shop on the corner of Chapel Road and Hill Street. She always seemed friendly and warm, although Alice didn’t know June well. “Jane tells me you’re considering a trip south to work in animal rescue.”

  Alice nodded. “I’m hoping to leave next week if I can get everything organized.” She paused, wondering if June was going to offer to donate some supplies for cats.

  “Would you have an extra spot in your car?” June asked.

  Alice blinked. “Are you kidding?” Her voice rose in her excitement, a reaction completely at odds with her normal understated demeanor. “I would be thrilled to have company. I’ve been wondering how I was going to find someone to go with me.”

  “Wonder no more. I have been thinking I should go down there and help too. When I heard you might be going, I knew God was giving me a kick in the pants.”

  “I felt the same way. Jane gave me an article she found about a woman from Potterston who has just returned from volunteering. I’ve spoken with her and I want to do this.” She took a deep breath. “It’s a little scary, to tell you the truth. I’m nervous about going into a disaster area, nervous about the living conditions, nervous about being away from everyone and everything I’ve ever known.”

  “Well, I think it will be a grand adventure. And now you won’t be alone.”

  “How wonderful! We’d better get together so we can make our plans.”

  “Plans for what?” Louise paused beside them. “Hello, June. How are you?”

  “I’m fine.” June smiled at Louise. “I’m going to go south with Alice, and I’m so excited already I can barely stand it.”

  “I’ll call you this afternoon,” Alice said, smiling at June. “Thank you again so much.”

  “I’ll look forward to it,” June said. “Oh, Alice, I just know we’re doing the right thing.”

  Louise moved on ahead, her back straight and her expression rigid. Alice sighed inwardly, realizing that her older sister was not happy with her. She would talk with Louise that afternoon, she vowed. She would try to explain why she felt so compelled to go on this rescue mission.

  Other churchgoers hailed Alice as she made her way to the back of the church. She shook Rev. Thompson’s hand, relieved when he did not ask her any specific questions about the sermon. As the daughter of a minister, Alice knew how hard he worked to write his homilies. She would hate for him to think that his efforts had not held her interest.

  As she started across the sidewalk to where her family was waiting for her, she noticed Ethel had joined Louise and Jane.

  “Alice Howard!” Ethel Buckley’s stern tone made Alice feel like a grade-schooler about to be called down for misbehavior.

  “Hello, Aunt Ethel. Have I done some
thing wrong?”

  “Louise tells me you haven’t given up this foolish idea to go save animals in Florida. Really, Alice, I’m surprised at you, worrying your family like this. It’s a disaster zone. On the news, they say there are people running around at night looting. There are shoot-outs between the National Guard and gangs roaming the area. It wouldn’t be safe. Why, I would worry myself sick the whole time you were gone.” Ethel took a deep breath, clearly prepared to go on, but Alice leaped into the momentary lull.

  “Aunt Ethel. Louise.” She held up a hand. “I understand your reservations. I really do. And I appreciate your concern. But my heart is telling me this is the right thing to do. I was thinking of Father yesterday, wondering what he would have said. And do you know what? I believe he would have approved. He always said that each of us has special gifts, that we should use our unique personal skills to help others. Well, I love animals. I may not be a veterinarian, but I do know how to care for creatures in distress, and Father would have encouraged me to use that knowledge. He might have been concerned for my safety, and he might have mentioned his concern, but he wouldn’t have continued to try to undermine my decision. Do you know what he would have done?” Alice had tears in her eyes and she swallowed hard before she continued. “He would have prayed for my safety. He would have given my life into Christ’s care and trusted that He would be with me throughout the trip. Father would have…he would have given me his blessing.” Her voice died away to a whisper as Jane put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed gently.

  There was a lengthy silence. Alice was aware of a bird in one of the large shade trees that overhung the sidewalk, singing his heart out. She wanted to speak, to apologize for her outburst, but her throat felt constricted.

  “Oh, Alice.” Ethel sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. And you’re exactly right about Daniel. He would have supported your decision.”