by Todie West
“Is Ruby in?”
“Oh, hi, Michael. Yes, let me tell her you’re here. … Okay … You can go on in.” The secretary was noticeably baffled and wished she could hear what was being said behind closed doors.
“Hi, Ruby, how’s it going?” Michael’s genuinely courteous demeanor found Ruby speechless, at least momentarily.
“Just fine.”
Ruby’s glares did not phase Michael. “Ruby, I just wanted to apologize for my actions and I hold no ill will for you or anyone for what happened to me.”
Ruby had no words. She just sat there staring at Michael. It was as if she was waiting for the but, which never came. That was all he wanted to say and he said it with poise and grace. She finally found a very quiet “thank you.”
“Well, that’s all I wanted to say. Have a nice day.”
That was it. End of conversation. No flares, no fanfare. Just an honest, heartfelt apology and forgiveness. Michael smiled, stood up, and exited the office. He smiled at the secretary who was wondering what had just happened.
In his heart, Michael was even able to forgive Lydia for draining his bank account. He had no way of contacting her, which he felt was a blessing, since he did not want her to interpret his forgiveness as a desire to reconcile their relationship. He was ready to move forward and leave the past behind.
Chapter 18
It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Patrick Henry)
Michael noticed an old pickup truck pull up behind him in his driveway. He strained to see who was driving.
“Roy?”
“Hey there, Michael. I’ve been wanting to talk to you for weeks, but I was trying to get up the nerve. And I didn’t want to talk to you on the phone.”
“I tried to find you after the hearing. Why’d you run out so fast?”
“I was embarrassed about what I did to you.” Roy was surprised at Michael’s kindness towards him, especially after how he had destroyed the good teacher’s life.
“Embarrassed?”
“Well, more like … guilty. I just want you to know how very sorry I am for getting you into trouble.”
“Oh, Roy, it was not your fault.”
“Yes, it was. I was the one who wrote on the blackboard. If I hadn’t done that, you’d still be teaching at Drake Valley Elementary. Now you’re out of a job. I can’t tell you how bad I feel.”
“Roy, Roy, Roy, don’t feel bad at all. Really. It was probably the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Roy gave Michael an inquisitive stare.
“Really, Roy. I have to tell you, I am a new man because of what happened to me.”
“What?”
“Yes, I have been on a journey you wouldn’t believe. You want to come in for a few minutes?”
“Maybe I will, I have got to hear this.”
“Sure, come on in. I have instant coffee, is that okay?”
“Yes, thanks. If it’s not too much trouble.”
“Not at all. Now that the days are shorter, it sure cools off fast in the late afternoon.”
“Yes, it does.”
“I know you must think I’m crazy. No, don’t answer that.”
Roy smiled.
“When the decision came down, as you know, it was just a few weeks after my mother’s untimely death.”
“Yes, I remember. And I am so sorry about that, too.”
“Well, it was a bit much all at once and I kind of had a little mental breakdown.”
“And that is understandable.”
“Well, I’m here to tell you I am just fine now. In fact, I’m better than fine. I am terrific. I never got to tell you how much I appreciated your kind words about my mom. I have gotten to know her more since she died because of the number of people whose lives she touched over the years.”
“Oh, she was a wonderful Christian woman.”
“That’s what I’m finally realizing. I was so wrapped up in my own self-pity and self-doubts, I couldn’t see anything but my problems. It was all about me. And that isn’t the way it’s supposed to be.”
“So what happened?”
“I turned my life over to God and He’s working on making me whole again.”
“I am so happy for you. I went through the same thing several years ago, as I mentioned at the hearing.”
“I had no idea. And you have a daughter who was in my class. That’s amazing.”
“Yes, I do. And since she does not know I even exist, I’d like to keep her identity to myself.”
“I remember that’s what you said, and I honor that. I couldn’t figure out who she was anyway, since there are so many broken homes and step situations with my kids, or I should say, the kids I used to teach.”
“I still feel bad about that.”
“Please, Roy. Don’t feel bad. I know God has something bigger and better in store for me.”
“It’s not just that, it’s that my daughter is now in a very chaotic situation and I can’t intervene. If it was up to me, I’d pull her out today and put her in the Christian school.”
“I know. And under the circumstances, you can’t even ask for scholarship help, because no one is supposed to know she’s your daughter.”
“Right.”
“So all you can do is pray for her, right?”
“That’s right. I do appreciate what you tried to do with that class. I could tell you were really making a difference.”
“Thanks, Roy.”
“Can you appeal the decision?”
“I’m not sure I want to. I have a question for you, though.”
“What’s that?”
“All those quotes, are they really written like you said, in Washington, D.C.?”
“Absolutely. I’ve never been to D.C. but would love to go sometime. I have a video of a tour of all the monuments and all of the Christian quotes. What you saw was just a small sample. They are everywhere.”
“I’d like to see the video sometime.”
“I have several I think you’d be interested in seeing. I’ll drop them by.”
“Thanks, Roy. And are you doing okay at school? Ruby treating you alright?”
“Oh, I was sure you had heard. I was let go.”
“Oh, I am so sorry, Roy?” What are you going to do?”
“I wasn’t out of work long. I found another job right away. A couple of people who were at the hearing heard me speak and offered me jobs. I am working for Drake Commercial. They own several office buildings in town and I clean a different one every night.”
“You must miss seeing your daughter.”
“I do. I miss all the kids. But I just put on my ear buds and listen to uplifting music and pray all night as I work. It’s actually very therapeutic. Just me and the Lord.”
“Where do you go to church, Roy?”
“I go to Harvest Baptist.”
“Oh, that’s where my friend Brad goes, or used to go.”
“Really. Where do you go?”
“I used to go to Orchard Christian Church. I will probably start going again real soon.”
“That’s where your mother’s funeral was. I didn’t get to go, had to work that day. Sorry.”
“It was quite an eye opener for me, that’s for sure.”
“Do you know what you’re going to do?”
“I’m thinking about going back to school to get my Master’s. After that, who knows. Maybe teach at a community college or go into administration. I even thought about doing some coaching. I love baseball.”
“Well, you have a special gift of teaching.”
“You are so kind, and please stop feeling bad for me. I’m going to be fine. And I will pray for your daughter. Even though I don’t know which one she is, God does.”
“I appreciate that. And I am so glad I got to talk to you. I’
ll bring those videos by in the next day or so.”
“Thanks, Roy. And I think I remember you.”
“What?”
“On the school bus.”
“I remember you, too. I know you were with your mom when she delivered groceries to my family.”
“I remember. Well, it was good getting to know you.”
“And you, too. Thanks for the coffee.”
“Any time.”
* * *
Michael’s first Thanksgiving without his mother turned out to be a bittersweet but rewarding experience. The Salvation Army hall was filled with hungry souls, young and old, both men and women, many single moms with children. Michael knew he was where he needed to be, anywhere but in his mother’s empty house, without even a cat to keep him company. This was something his mother had always wanted to do on Thanksgiving, but she knew Michael needed his own family tradition and stability at home. She always cooked a turkey with his favorite stuffing recipe, and her dynamite pumpkin pie. They were never alone on Thanksgiving, though, because there was always someone from her church who had nowhere to go, and her door was always open. If anyone was hungry or just wanted to talk, they were drawn to Bessie Webster.
* * *
Michael still had not gone to church since his conversion. Christmas Eve he decided he wouldn’t mind a few hugs. Maybe once he started going to church, it would become clear that he no longer needed to be lured into the kingdom by the ladies’ casseroles. He always ate everything they brought, except the tuna casserole, but it was time for him to stand on his own. Maybe they would get the message without him having to say anything. Or maybe he could suggest that there were shut-ins who needed it more than he did.
It was a lovely Christmas Eve service and, just as he expected, Mrs. Baker and company were not short on hugs. Michael didn’t retreat when he saw them coming but embraced them back, this time as a part of the family. After all, they were now his sisters and they could hug him all day long if they wanted to. Michael finally understood true Christian love. He was so happy to be part of the family and, as such, he began to seek out ways he could take responsibility and give back as the church ladies had reached out to him. He knew he couldn’t bake pies or make casseroles, but there certainly had to be something he could do.
Michael spent Christmas with Brad and Marnie. Brad’s parents flew in from Florida and Michael found himself talking to Brad’s mom about his conversion experience. He was somehow drawn to her, perhaps because he knew she was a devout Christian, Southern Baptist, who would totally understand where he was coming from. He wasn’t so sure if Brad had accepted it, but both Brad and Marnie were amazed at the changes in Michael, and were feeling a little nudge in their own hearts that they needed to get back to church.
Brad’s mother asked Michael, “Does your church have a good children’s program?”
“They have a huge children’s program on Sunday morning, and a Wednesday night AWANA program, where they play games and memorize scriptures.”
“Oh, we have that at our church. Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. It’s a wonderful program,” Brad’s mother responded, giving Brad a little nod and a wink, as if to say that Katy should be there.
Now that Katy was nearing Sunday School age, Brad and Marnie had already discussed going back to church. Brad thought this might be his mother’s way of saying he didn’t need to go to the Baptist Church. She could tell just by talking with Michael that Orchard was a good church and she only wanted her son and his family to be in a place where they would hear truth and learn how to apply it to their lives. She especially was concerned about her granddaughter. Michael had few acquaintances his own age at Orchard, so he was thrilled at even the thought of Brad and Marnie joining him there.
Michael attended church regularly from that point on, and was soon joined by Brad and Marnie. Michael’s meetings with Pastor Dan were more sporadic now, since Michael was attending a weekly men’s Bible study, in addition to church every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. He and his pals went hunting whenever they could get away, until Jason left for the police academy.
* * *
Michael tried to forget he was having a birthday in March, since it was the first time he would celebrate without his mother. He had been on such a high, he didn’t want to think about sad things. Brad and Jason had other ideas. Jason had two days off from the academy and Brad made arrangements for the two of them to converge on Michael with a cake and ice cream. Brad had another big surprise for Michael.
“What are you two doing here? Jason, how’d you get away?”
“Hey, we couldn’t forget your birthday. Happy Birthday, Michael,” Jason replied.
“Yeah, Happy Birthday.” Brad handed Michael the cake and ice cream and announced, “I have another surprise for you out in the truck.”
“Surprise?”
“Oh, wait until you see this,” remarked Jason.
Michael watched as Brad opened the door to his truck and out jumped the most adorable, rambunctious Black Lab puppy. “Happy Birthday! Meet Bob’s son,” Brad announced.
“Oh, look at this little guy. Thanks, Brad!”
“Oh, I bought you something, too.”
“What is it?”
“Fifty pounds of puppy food.”
The three laughed, ate cake, and watched the puppy as he explored the kitchen.
“I can’t believe you did this.”
“I just figured you needed a new roommate.”
“Yeah, he’ll be a great chick magnet, too,” Jason mused.
“You’re right. I hadn’t thought about that,” Michael answered, laughing. The puppy slobbered all over his face as he bent down.
“I figured it would give you something to do. He’s already learned a lot. The owner had a buyer who backed out and they were going to keep him, but decided two dogs was too much. You will have lots of time to fine tune his training before hunting season rolls around again.”
“He might be a little young and wild for this season, but I’ll take him anyway.”
“He’s from good stock. He’ll be a good retriever before you know it,” Brad interjected.
“No doubt,” answered Michael.
“Sorry to bring it up, but any leads on jobs?” Jason asked.
“I’ll be flipping burgers down at Bill’s a couple of days a week. Have some yard work lined up for the neighbors. Just doing what I can until school starts in September.”
“So you’re going to go back for sure?” Brad inquired.
“If they accept my application. I have to have it in by the end of this month and should know by June. If not, we’ll see.”
Brad was surprised at Michael’s positive attitude. He had a confidence about him that Brad had never seen in Michael before.
“So how does Marnie like it at Orchard? I know you both grew up in the Baptist church.”
“It’s not all that much different, except the format of the service. We like it. Katy was a little apprehensive about being left at first, but turns out she’s quite the social butterfly. She’s starting to like it, too.”
“I’m glad you’re there,” Michael responded. “So how’s the Police Academy, Jase?”
“It’s good. It’s hard work, though.”
“Looks like they’re whipping you into shape,” added Brad.
“That’s for sure,” Jason fisted his rock hard abs.
“Do you know where you might be working?”
“I’m hoping it’s not too far, but I really don’t want to work in a big city. I guess I’ll have to go where the jobs are, though.”
The three visited into the night while the puppy fell asleep on the kitchen floor.
“So does he have a name?” asked Michael.
“We’ve just been calling him Sam.”
“Sam and Bob. Great dog names,” answered Michael.
Sam woke up and scurried to the front door as Brad and Jason prepared to leav
e.
“No, Sam, you stay here. This is your new home.”
Fist pumps all around as they said their goodbyes and Sam peed on the floor.
“Have fun with that,” Brad laughed.
“Yeah, thanks.”
Chapter 19
The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts. (John Jay)
It had been a mild winter which seemed to fly by. Michael’s yard was beginning to look like spring. A March windstorm spread the pink plum blossoms across the lawn and the rose buds were a precursor to a colorful backdrop. Pastor Dan announced one Sunday morning that the nine missionaries would be returning and the following Sunday would be devoted to them sharing their experiences in Ecuador. Michael was a little apprehensive, thinking he might skip church that day, but Pastor Dan added that there would also be a baptism during the service.
Michael had already heard Pastor Dan’s sermon a few weeks prior on baptism and, of course, he knew that he had no choice. It would be a difficult reminder of his mother’s short mission trip, but what a tribute to have her only son baptized on the same day as the missionaries’ return.
“Anyone interested in being baptized next Sunday needs to call my office and set up an appointment, so you know what to expect.” Michael knew Pastor Dan was talking to him. The next day he called the church office and made an appointment.
“Michael, I am so glad you decided to do this. I know your mother would be thrilled,” Pastor Dan replied.
“I’m surprised my mother didn’t drag me into the baptismal when I was a boy.”
“Oh, Michael, it doesn’t work like that. She totally understood what the Bible says about baptism.”
“I know my friend Jason was baptized when he was just a week old, he told me. And Brad was baptized at some church camp. I was supposed to go with him to that, but I didn’t want to. I was already spending half my life in church. That was more than enough for me.”
“Well, I can understand why your mother didn’t force you. It’s supposed to be your decision.”