“You look wonderful, Mimi,” her mom exclaimed, as she held both of Michelle’s hands and looked her in the eyes.
“You too, Mom. Hi Grandma.”
“Hi baby. Oh it’s so good to see you both,” Joan said with a beaming smile.
“Where’s Dad?” Michelle asked as the men carried their luggage into Michelle’s old bedroom.
“He’s asleep, dear. We’ll get him up pretty soon. You can take a peek at him if you’d like.” Sheila gestured toward the master bedroom.
Michelle quietly opened their bedroom door. Her father was stretched out on the bed, but his eyes were open. “Dad?” she whispered.
“Prin —cess,” he said in a strained voice as he lifted a shaking hand to reach out to her.
“Oh, Daddy — it’s so good to see you home!” Michelle rushed over and took his hand in hers, trying to stop the shaking.
“You.... are.... a.... sight.... for... sore.... eyes,” John said through his labored breathing. “I’ve.... missed.... you... Michelle.”
“I’ve missed you too, Daddy.” She leaned over, hugging him. “You look great.”
“Not.... really....” he answered and then added, “but... I’m... working... on... it.”
“I thought I heard you two talking,” Sheila said, as she entered the room. “Are you ready to get up?”
John just nodded.
“I’ll get Tim. Just a minute.” She came back a moment later with Tim and Steve in tow.
Rolling the wheelchair over from the corner of the room, she explained to Steve how they helped John into the chair. Tim took a hold of his father’s hand, supporting him behind the elbow as well as he helped him to sit up. Sheila lifted his legs and gently set his feet down on the floor. Then Steve and Tim each took one of John’s arms to help him stand up and get into his chair.
“Thanks for helping, Steve. My back hasn’t been doing so well today,” Sheila explained.
“No thanks needed, Mom,” Steve replied. They both seemed to enjoy the familiarity and closeness of that term, especially since Steve had been without a mother for so long.
Michelle’s heart ached to see her dad so weak, so dependent on others just to get up from the bed. Her mind flashed back to her childhood and the ways he’d always taken such good care of the whole family. Now he needed to be taken care of himself.
She watched Steve help her dad and suddenly felt so proud to be married to him. He really was a great guy. As soon as the holidays were over, she was going to have a little talk with Trevor and put an end to their friendship just like Kristin had suggested.
As the afternoon settled over them, Michelle spotted her grandfather sitting on the back patio, deep in thought. Steve was occupied, shooting hoops out front with Tim, and her father was napping in his chair while the ladies fussed over the final meal preparations in the kitchen.
Michelle went over to join Phil, sitting down close to him. “Penny for your thoughts, Grandpa,” she said with a smile.
He glanced over at her, nodding, as a warm grin spread over his face. “Got me, didn’t you.”
She laughed.
“Okay. I was thinking about your father and all the things God has done recently in our lives. So many miracles and breakthroughs. It’s been tough, but good in so many ways.”
She nodded in agreement. “Seems like all our lives are different now,” she observed. “I’m noticing that I look at life from a whole new perspective.”
“I know, pumpkin. Me, too.”
A comfortable pause filled the air as they gazed out toward the distance.
“Grandpa?” she asked.
“Yes?”
“Can I get your advice on something?”
He turned to look her in the eye. “Sure. What’s up?”
“Well, you know I’ve started back to school, right?”
“Yep. Your mother tells me you’re taking an anthropology class.
How’s it going?” he asked.
“That’s what I need your advice on.”
“I’m not much for anthropology, kid, but fire away,” he replied with a smile.
“It’s not the anthropology part I’m struggling with, Grandpa. It’s the professor. He’s got some kind of vendetta against Christians, and he keeps interjecting his thoughts and opinions about it during lectures.” She studied her grandfather’s face, hoping his wisdom would guide her future responses to Dr. Chambers.
Phil shook his head and sighed. “You know, I’ve heard about this several times in the past couple of years. Seems to be the trend with many college professors these days to try to discredit our beliefs.”
She nodded. “Why, Grandpa? What’s the point?”
“I think a lot of it is just a matter of pride, honey. Lots of these professors are pretty puffed up with their own sense of self- importance. They crave accolades and want to appear to be above the masses in their intellectual prowess. And they love to stimulate debate, so they’ll do whatever they think will challenge their students to rethink issues and the things they’ve been taught in the past.”
“But it doesn’t seem like they challenge other belief systems, Grandpa. It’s only the Christians who are attacked.”
“I think there are two reasons for that. First, Jesus is the name that divides. You can find that truth in scripture. For example, Jesus talked about being the only way to God. He also said anyone who was not with Him was against Him. No middle ground, Michelle. That troubles a lot of people because it forces them to take a stand on one side or the other.
“I also think it has a lot to do with the politically correct atmosphere of our culture. You know, tolerance with a capital T. Because Christians really believe and embrace Jesus’ teachings about only one way to heaven, they are seen as intolerant. So, some professors make it their politically correct mission to stamp out that mindset.” He patted her on the shoulder. “Scripture warned us that in the last days there would be mockers. You’re seeing that.”
“Yeah. I guess you’re right.”
“Here’s something for you to consider, sweetheart,” he added. “What do you think is the root of intellectual arrogance?”
She thought for a moment. “I don’t know. Pride?”
“Yeah. I think that is a big part of it. But I also think it comes from insecurity.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“I mean the need to be the smartest, the best, to outwit others – it comes from a basic insecurity, a need to somehow be significant. It’s just off track from the root of real significance – being linked with the all-powerful God of the universe and having Him as your Father and friend.”
“I never thought of that.”
“Most guys with big egos are really hiding insecurity, honey.”
“So what should I do, Grandpa? I want to stand up to the guy, but I don’t think I know enough about scripture or about history and anthropology to make a strong argument. Like when he brings up the Crusades and the brutality of Christians during that time period, I don’t know what to say in response.”
“You know, the most important thing you can do is to start praying for that professor. He may be bugging and offending you with his comments, but ultimately he’s taking a stand against God and His word. That’s a mighty fearful place for anyone to be, even if he’s totally unaware of his own personal eternal danger. He needs your prayers more than your debates, pumpkin.”
“I never thought of that, but I guess you’re right. It’s just hard to pray for someone who’s such a jerk,” she added.
“I understand, honey. But think of Jesus when He was hanging on the cross. What did He pray? ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.’ His life and death are an example for us. God’s ways are always higher than man’s.”
“What about the guys who stand up to Dr. Chambers? Like there’s this one guy named David who is pretty bold.”
“Good for him. But he has a responsibility to pray for Dr. Chambers too.”
; Michelle sat silently, thinking about everything her grandfather was telling her. “One more thing, Grandpa.”
“Yes?”
“What about things like the Crusades? What do you think about those brutal attacks in the name of Christianity?”
He shook his head. “Lots of wars and acts of violence or terror have been committed under a false banner of religion that were really cloaking other motives. The crusaders were not warring to spread Christianity. Even if they were, Christianity is not something that comes through conquest. It is a spiritual adoption that can only come when God personally touches the hearts of individuals, and they respond to His love.
“The truth is that most crusaders were ‘Christian’ in name only. They fought for fame, glory, riches, and power. Leaders throughout history have used religion to stir up emotion and passion for war.
Don’t fall for your professor’s false portrayal of these marauders as men attempting to spread the gospel.”
“Well, that’s not how Dr. Chambers portrays it. He makes a big deal over the fact they were crusades – like the brutality was motivated by their Christianity.”
“I know it’s frustrating, and I agree it seems wrong to have professors be able to lecture based on a biased mindset. But think of it this way. Maybe there is a good side to having teachers like Dr. Chambers in colleges. His lectures force Christian students to really sink their roots deep into their faith and not rely on a surface understanding of their beliefs. Those who have truly made a commitment to God have the opportunity to get that much stronger. Those who flounder and succumb to Dr. Chambers and others like him may think they are embracing a more rational, thought-based perspective, but actually they are sheep, who have not exercised enough discernment and courage to stand their ground. It takes a greater mind to see the deception of pseudo intellectuals like your professor and be willing to stand up to them rather than allowing insecurities to lead you down the same path of arrogance and pride.”
She studied his face and nodded.
“Don’t try to argue with him about his anthropology claims, Michelle. He’s spent years perfecting his arguments with regard to his field of study. Instead, share what your experience with God has been. He can’t argue with that. Pray for such an opportunity. You might even want to tell him about what your father has been going through. God can use that horrible experience to touch others. Who knows? Dr. Chambers might be one of them.”
Michelle was quiet for a moment as she pondered what he had said. Looking at her grandfather, she reached over to squeeze his hand. “Grandpa?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, kid.” He planted a big kiss on her cheek.
“Now let’s go check on those ladies in the kitchen and see if they could use a hand.”
That evening after dinner, they all retired to the living room. The Christmas tree looked so beautiful with its sparkling white lights and myriad of sentimental ornaments. Michelle stood drinking it in and remembering her childhood Christmases in this room with so many of these same decorations. She recalled sitting under the tree every day for what seemed like months on end, waiting for Santa to come and deliver all the packages.
“The tree looks great,” Steve exclaimed, settling on the couch beside her.
“Thanks,” Sheila replied. “I had help from Tim.”
Michelle noticed a faraway look in her father’s eyes. “I’m so glad you are here to share Christmas with us, Dad,” she said as she reached over and put her hand on his arm.
He just nodded, but his expression looked weary and very distant.
“Are you getting tired, dear?” Sheila asked.
He nodded again, closing his eyes. As if on cue, Tim rose and nodded to Steve, who immediately joined him to help John back into the bedroom and onto the bed.
After they were out of earshot, Michelle asked softly, “Is he always this tired?”
“Pretty much,” her mom replied with a sigh.
“You have to realize how much effort this takes,” Phil said, leaning forward in his chair. “Your father has to work hard to say every word, to chew his food and swallow it correctly, to keep himself upright and focused on the events around him. It will take time, Michelle, but he’ll get there.”
“We’re praying for him continuously,” Joan added with a hopeful voice.
“Me, too,” Michelle replied.
Steve and Tim walked back into the room. “He’s pretty much settled for the night,” Tim said matter-of-factly, as if he were accustomed to caring for his father every day.
“You are so good with him, Tim,” Michelle said with a smile. “I’m sure it means a lot to Dad to have you around helping out like this.”
“Did Tim tell you he moved back in?” Sheila asked.
“You did? You gave up your apartment?” Michelle was impressed with her younger brother’s sense of responsibility and willingness to help.
“I figured Dad has done plenty for me over the years. It’s the least I could do for him.”
“Good man,” Steve said, patting him on the back.
“Thanks,” he replied with a shrug. He looked embarrassed by all the attention.
“Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m beat,” said Phil as he stood up and stretched. “Come on, Mrs. Claus, let’s hit the hay.” He reached over, taking Joan’s hand and helping her to her feet.
“Goodnight, everyone,” Joan said with a weary but contented smile.
As they headed for the guest room, Tim asked Steve if he wanted to have some more pie with him. Steve patted his stomach and smiled. “You’re on,” he said, as he followed his brother-in-law into the kitchen.
“So will you and Steve be okay in your old room? I know it’s only a double bed.”
“We’ll be fine, Mom. Steve will love sleeping under my lavender comforter,” she added with a grin.
“I guess I could have changed the décor in there a little,” Sheila began.
“Don’t you dare. It wouldn’t be home without my lavender room.”
Sheila smiled. “That’s how I felt, too.”
They chuckled together. Then Michelle asked, “So tell me how everything is going with Dad, really.”
“He’s doing fine. It just takes time.”
“That seems to be the theme to life these days,” Michelle said.
“What?”
“Nothing, Mom. What do the doctors say about his progress?”
“They’re all very pleased with how far he’s come. They’ve been working on getting him up and walking. He can walk between the two parallel bars at the rehab gym, and they are getting him going with a walker.”
“That’s great. So why is he still in the wheelchair?”
“He’s embarrassed about the walker. Says it makes him look like an old man.”
“When do they think he’ll be home to stay?”
“We really don’t know. As long as he’s making progress, they want to keep him at Rancho. But I think it’s really good for him to be home here for Christmas. It will give him more motivation to keep working hard to get well.”
“How’s he doing psychologically?”
“He’s come to terms with what happened, I think. He seems to want to make things right. But his physical struggles are really hard for him. You know your father. Always so independent.”
“Yeah, I know. It’s hard to see him like this.” She paused, staring at the tree. On the piano next to it, she could see a family portrait taken the year she had graduated from high school. Her dad looked so handsome and strong.
Her mom came over and sat next to her on the couch. “I know what you mean, honey. We just have to believe he’ll recover completely.”
“Yep. We have to keep hoping and praying.”
“Did I tell you about the lawsuit?” Sheila asked.
“What about it?”
“That attorney Steve found for us thinks he has solved the case. He discovered who forged you
r father’s signature on the transfers of funds.”
“Really? Why didn’t you call me and tell me?”
“I guess I’ve been a bit overwhelmed with everything. Besides, I wasn’t quite sure what to tell you.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I can’t give you any details about it. But I wanted you to know it looks pretty certain the charges against your dad will be dropped in a matter of weeks.”
“That’s great, Mom.” Why was her mom being so evasive and mysterious about this? Maybe she wasn’t allowed to say anything until the evidence was presented in court. “Well that should take a load off of Dad’s shoulders.”
“Yes.” Sheila turned to her, taking her hand. “Tell me about you, `Shell. What’s going on in your life lately?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The stereo system played traditional Christmas songs and the smell of pine mingled with the magical effects of the twinkling lights. Christmas. Michelle was so glad to be home with her family.
She felt an overwhelming urge to confide in her mother. It had been a long time since they had talked about anything other than her father. Sitting there in the living room of her childhood home, she thought of all the conversations she had shared with her mom on this very couch. She could remember the first time she told her mom about Steve – how nervous she had felt and how hopeful that her mother would like him.
Sheila studied Michelle’s face and waited for her answer. She seemed genuinely interested in hearing whatever it was she had to say.
“Well, Mom,” Michelle began as she reached up and started twisting a piece of her hair, “Steve and I have started working on a special project.”
“A project?”
“That’s what we’re calling it,” she said rather mysteriously.
“What is it?”
“We’ve decided to try to have a baby.” She watched her mother’s expression to see how she would react.
Through the Tears (Sandy Cove Series Book 2) Page 18