Sandy rolled over in bed to look at the clock. It was 3 a.m. The darkest hour before dawn. She was partially awake and her mind kept focusing on negative thoughts. She became angry with her deceased husband and resentful of a child she never had laid eyes on. Sandy switched on her bedside lamp and padded to the kitchen in her slippers. Each thought that entered her mind was of the betrayal and the way she would tell her grown daughters of their 2 year old brother in a country across the sea.
Her hands shook as she filled her tea kettle and set it on the stove. She practiced the way the conversation would go. 'Your father wanted a cheap thrill and left behind a brat in a foreign country. After all the years I gave to him.' No, that would never do! Yet in the wee hours of the morning Sandy was held captive by thoughts that wouldn't go away.
She stared at the phone on the wall. Would Sid be awake yet? She didn't hesitate and went to dial his number.
'H-Hello?' A gravelly voice filled with sleep coughed and sniffed. Sandy could hear a soft yawn and knew she had woken him.
'Sid, it's me. Sorry to wake you. I just woke up and can't stop thinking...'
'Just talk to me sweetie, I'll try to wake up.' Another yawn and Sandy heard him moving the phone to a different ear. 'What time is it?'
'I'm not sure. Wait, it's 3:15.' Sandy thought maybe this wasn't a good idea after all.
Sid smiled in the darkness. 'Are you going to wake me at this hour a lot?'
Sandy heard the smile in his voice. 'I”m glad you aren't upset. I wasn't even fully awake and I just had this feeling of impending doom. Then I kept thinking about what to tell the girls today. They'll both be here and....'
'Well, I am going to be right there with you. Plus, I think I know what's happening over there too. Satan always hits us when we are most vulnerable, like half asleep. You got what is called 'Stinkin Thinkin' going on. Just a second, here it is.' Sid turned on his light and opened his bible to Phillipians 4:4-8 'Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'...Sandy, do you remember what we said about Arnie's misdeeds?'
Sandy sat in her chair and suddenly felt at ease. 'We said it was the past and it can't be changed. Now, we step into a future together.' She go up and poured her tea and sat back down.
'Sandy, think about how we are going to announce our marriage today. Think about how we are going to be happy and handle the future together. 'Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right; whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable...if anything is excellent or praiseworthy...think about such things.' I think we have a lot to be praiseworthy about. Or, is it just one sided?'
'No, Sid I am on top of the world knowing we are going to get married soon. I just woke up like this and needed to hear you. I will reread that passage. Maybe you should go back to sleep now. I'll make breakfast if you want to come over.'
'Sounds great, pancakes and sausage?'
'Sure! Good night Sid, thanks!'
Sid said good night and hung up. It took him no time to roll over and start snoring. Meanwhile, Sandy sat at the table finishing her tea with a smile. She did the unthinkable for her, she left the tea cup on the table rather than put it in the sink, and went back to bed.
Patti and Joanie arrived just as Sid was loading the dishwasher from the breakfast dishes. 'Sid!' The girls yelled in unison and ran over to hug him. Sandy was next in line for hugs. 'We got here early but too late for breakfast huh?'
Joanie looked around and noticed more pancakes and sausage. 'Nope, ours is over there!' The girls reheated their breakfast in the microwave and sat down to eat while Sid and Sandy grabbed a second cup of coffee.
The usual chatter ensued until the girls finished eating. Joanie mentioned she wanted to call her friends up. 'Would you mind waiting on that a bit dear? I have some things to discuss with the both of you.'
Patti grew nervous and looked over at Sid. 'She's not sick is she?'
Sid shook his head no. 'Well, you be the judge of that after she speaks.' He said with a smile.
'Sid and I are getting married in two weeks.' Both girls stared at their mother.
A second went by and Sid grew nervous. Suddenly both girls began to smile and one got up to hug Sandy while the other went to Sid. They ended up in one huge family hug.
Patti began to laugh. 'This is so awesome! Two weeks! We'll be able to be here too.'
They talked about the wedding plans for a while. It was to be a simple affair at the church. Only immediate family and a few friends. A small reception and when the girls went back to college the plan was to go on a trip somewhere. Sid was not telling anyone because it was a planned surprise for Sandy.
As things calmed down, Sandy told the girls; 'There is other news though that isn't so good.'
Silence filled the room for a while and Sandy wasn't sure how to proceed. She looked to Sid and he nodded.
'Last month we had a real bad storm. The power went out and I was here at the time. I decided to sleep on the couch rather than leave your mother alone without power. She went over to the closet to grab a blanket for me and this envelope fell down.' He had the envelope in his hand.
Joanie and Patti looked at it. 'Mail for Dad?'
Sid told the story as best he could. 'It would appear your father had a lapse in judgment while in Iraq. He had an affair and this woman wanted him to know about this.' He took the picture out and handed it to Patti.
'He's cute. Who, wait...we have a baby brother?' Patti handed the picture to Joanie.
Joanie stared at the photo and began to shake. 'I'm so sorry Mom. I don't know what to say.' She began to cry and Sandy reached over and hugged her.
'We can't change what is done. I just wanted you to know you have a baby brother somewhere in England now. It is your right to know.' she said.
Sid reached out and held both girls hands for a moment. 'You know, I've been around you girls enough to speak frankly. You have a choice to make here. You can spend the rest of your lives harboring a burdensome hate over what your father did, or you can choose to forgive and move on from there.'
Patti stared at Sid with tear filled eyes. 'Dad is dead, we don't even get to yell at him.'
'If he were alive, this wouldn't be any easier. I don't want to tell you what to do, but I'm here if you want to scream and yell.' Sid held out his arms and the girls both filed in.
It had never dawned on Sandy how good Sid was with the girls. Yet, like always Sid had saved the day.
Later that day Joanie spoke up. 'I think we should find out more about this baby. Can we get in touch with the mother? I mean, he is our brother.'
Sandy was dreading this conversation. Sid was ready though. 'Well, we would have to show this letter to someone who knows how to track her down but I think it can be done.'
'You don't want to yell at her do you?' Sandy asked. 'She is a single mom as far as I can tell. Life can't be easy for her. I mean, it hurts to think of what was done but it is over now. Oh, I don't know how to put it in words. I just don't want any trouble.'
'We don't either Mom. I just thought she should know that we know. Maybe someday we can take a trip over and meet him.' Joanie said.
That night Sid made a few phone calls and then went to Sandy. 'I've done all I can. They said it will take a few days and then they will let me know.' Sid put his arms around his future wife. He kissed her head. 'You smell like sugar cookies, scrumptious!'
Sandy squeezed him and just stood quietly.
Sid lifted her chin to look into her eyes. 'Whatever happens, the Lord all ready knows about. It's going to be all right.'
to be continued...
