A Moment in Heaven

When I was a child I used to sit in the back row at church and listen as the minister yelled out his ‘Hell Fire and Brimstone’ sermons. I used to hear a lot about the terrible place called hell. I was told it is a fiery pit without any water. Your tongue will continuously burn without relief. I was told that you will not have any friends in heaven. You will be in such agony of the mind and body that you will not see anyone.

The bible has several passages that tell of what hell is. Hell is not a theory though the world of people who do not believe in God would have you think so. Hell is actually a place that was created to entomb Satan. It was not meant for humans. Yet, when humans decided to not believe or obey God they chose to serve either Satan or make themselves their own God. The bible clearly states ‘Thou shall have no other Gods before me.’

I seldom heard what heaven was like. There is very little written about it. Yet, heaven is also a place. It is a place where sin can not live. In the following pages I will let you into the fictional characters’ lives of Perry and Liza. There world is much different than the one we see today. Let’s take a peek!

Page one

The bench where Liza and Perry sat was overlooking a beautiful garden. The flowers were in full bloom. “I can’t remember Liza..Who got here first? You or me?” Liza sat a while and couldn’t remember herself.

“Oh, Perry I think we’ve been here so long it doesn’t matter who died first in our before life. This after life is the reality anyways. This is forever!”

Perry watched as the flowers turned their heads so he could see them. “I still can’t get over those flowers. Nothing dies here. No wilted flowers or weeds to pull. Remember how I used to hate to pull weeds?”

“I remember. I just can’t believe the vividness of those colors either. It’s like we never saw things before. Everything is so bright and beautiful here!”

Perry and Liza got up and walked through the area. They hadn’t gone far when they spotted a lion lying on the grass. Perry walked over to scratch its belly. “You love to do that don’t you girl!” The female lion licked his face and rolled on its side. Soon, a squirrel came over and cuddled up next to the lion.

“It’s amazing to see a world where there is no evil. It’s good we never read too much about heaven. I just love these surprises. There is no need for police, hospitals, EMT’s, no man made governments. No loneliness, jealousy, offense, or pride. No one trys to steal our joy here. We’re free from the burdens of sin. I love living in a world with no disease or missing things in our live. No frustration or want for anything. I could never have imagined the heaven that we live in.”

They stopped to the eagles in flight. The eagles weren’t looking to kill anything to eat. God made sure they had all they needed. “The animals here never cease to shock me. They are so loving. It must have been a horrible shock for Adam and Eve after the fall of man. Those bear hugs they were used to suddenly became deadly. Just watching those loving animals suddenly become hunters and carnivorous. It boggles the mind to see those same animals that we could never go near in the before life, to now come to us and want to play. That jaguar a while ago just wanted to chase after the ball.”

There was no darkness around the couple. The glory of the Lord made everything light. There was no time either. Yet, they always knew when to be wherever they needed to be. “Jesus is giving dance lessons at the pavilion soon. Are you going to watch?” asked Liza.

“No, I sat on the sidelines while I was in my earthly body. I’m going to be dancing right along with him. Who knew he’d be such a party guy! The banquet tables never cease to amaze me. Food I’ve never seen in my life and I don’t crave any of the food I used to eat. I don’t even remember what I ate before. There are no butcher shops here either. No need to kill anything. Remember the term, ‘comfort food’? We don’t need comfort food when we sit at the table now. There is no stress, no fear, and no tears. We always used to hear of the new wine. Up here we get the new everything!”

The couple sat down next to an apple tree. Liza smiled. “I love how there is absolutely no poverty and no reason to raise money for charity. There’s no need here. No need of any kind. I remember when our kids used to do things to get attention. There is no need of trying to get attention here. Jesus gives us so much attention! I love the feeling of completeness. We have total satisfaction. It’s so wonderful to know we belong and have total approval. Absolute perfection is what we experience.”

“I know Liza, it’s amazing. I have to admit, when I was a young guy in our before life; the thought of no marriages in heaven made me squirm. Yet, we have no reason for marriage up here. We have total satisfaction, total completeness here. I used to read about how the heavenly hosts were praising and worshipping God non stop. I didn’t quite get it. I mean, I knew what it felt like to love. At least I thought I did. A husband who loves his bride will do anything for her. He gives her gifts and she is passionately in love with him too. That passion I once received and gave is pale compared to the absolute perfection of Jesus’ love.” Perry smiled as he had the understanding of God in a whole new way.

Liza laughed. “I still can’t stop smiling when I am aware that along with this perfect heavenly body I now have, I also am able to use my new perfect brain to its fullest creative capacity. To think we were excited when computers came into being!”

“Do you remember when we could only use a small percentage of our brains on earth because of the fall of man? Who knew what it would be like to have perfect bodies and be able to use our whole brain as God intended. Plus, we never age. We remain in our perfect state.”

Perry sat back and laughed. “The best part is watching others from earth too. There’s no competition here of any kind. No envying others because they have more muscle or longer legs. We are what God intended for us to be and we enjoy the contentment of it all. Total contentment was such a foreign idea down on earth.”

Liza reminded Perry, “I love that there are no volcanoes, hurricanes, earth quakes or any unnatural disasters to think of ever again. I enjoyed being a EMT and working the phones for 911 but I don’t miss that. Plus, even though I was a beautician on earth I never could out do God’s creative masterpieces of today.”

Perry nodded his head. “I’m also happy to think there is no poverty here. Money is useless. No need to campaign for any causes. The greatest cause lives among us and He owns everything and gives with sparing.


Just then, a group of people walked by. Abraham, Moses and Peter each called out to them. “We were told you two are helping with the decorations for the party. Come on with us!” Soon they were laughing and stringing up colorful decorations and more lights. Six musical groups came over and began to sing. Moses laughed and said, ‘What are we listening to at this party? Jazz, classical, or steel drums? To think of centuries of music all being played as the composer meant it to be. Yes, God is a great composer. To think, He gave talents and gifts to all on earth and it was used for evil a lot of the times. All music was meant to be praise and worship music.”

“You know Perry; a lot of us never realized that there would be no churches in heaven.”

“That’s true Liza; they never got the message that as followers of Christ we WERE the church. Now, we are the bride of Christ.”

Suddenly a whole flock of birds of all colors settled in some nearby trees and began to sing. The newest party had begun. “To finally hear those birds sing in a whole new way is mind boggling still. Life is so more vibrant not only to see but to experience.” said Liza.

Jesus took Perry’s hand and led him to the center of the crowd. “My precious one, you sat on the sidelines with polio on earth but not here!” Jesus laughed and showed Perry a new dance step. Fred Astaire was clumsy compared to the master. “Now, left foot out, shimmy one, two, three, right arm up, link with mine and turn. Now, get those drums going guys and we’ll do it in a conga line.” Jesus missed no one as he danced and swung everyone around. No one was breathless after two hours of dancing. No tired feet. There are no after effects of drinking the heavenly wine at this party. Jesus danced and leaped up and down and soon everyone was dancing and leaping.

Liza waited her turn to dance with the King. While she was in His arms she told him what she’d been thinking. “You know this, but still I want to tell you. I’m just so filled with joy that I want to forever express it!”

“Ah, but Liza…I want to forever hear it and express it back to you! For you are my own that I bought with a price. I died so that you would live with me forever. You believed in what you could not see. You obeyed as best you knew. You spoke to me in prayer so often, and I’ve kept all those prayers like old love letters. Even when I did not answer your prayers like you thought I would, you still trusted in a God you could not see. I love you and now you have your reward. You have me.”

Liza hugged Jesus. It was a silent hug because she had joy unspeakable. Jesus knew how to touch each place in Liza’s heart for her to be filled with joy. Liza stepped back and took a little girl’s hand. Amy had died at two weeks old from SIDS. Yet, now Liza had a chance to raise her in a non evil environment. “I am so glad to be with you Amy!”

Amy smiled up at her mother. “Jesus told me you would be here soon. In fact he told me all about you and Dad. I’ve got lots of surprises to show you Mom. Do you want to go see my friend Elizabeth? Her son John is very nice too.”

“Well, the party should be winding down so I think we’ll wait until it’s over. I’d love to pop in on Elizabeth then. All right?”

The little girl nodded and went into the crowd to dance with her father. Her earthly brothers and sister were dancing as well. There were no orphans in heaven.

Perry danced and enjoyed the banquet with friends he’d known and worshipped with in the before life. He also danced with his ancestors and children, and children’s children to many generations.

Laughter erupted several times. There were all sorts of interesting things that Jesus did as he hosted this party. He told stories of how His father had spoken to him while he was in human form on earth. He explained how the pyramids were made crooked at first. He even explained that flamingo’s knees are not backwards. They would have fallen over if they had knees in the front. He stood up and demonstrated falling facedown in the cake. “I love slapstick comedy.” He said.

This story ends. Yet, your story could just begin. Have you enjoyed reading this story? Did you notice I didn’t write anything about golden streets or palaces? The bible talks about streets of gold. Yet, when we get to heaven those things will not be the main things. I didn’t mention the throne room either or the pearly gates. I prayed a lot while writing this little story. I can honestly say that the Lord moved me to write this His way!

Would you like to know for sure that when you die, you will pass over to this eternal life? Romans 6:23 states “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I wrote about a life without evil. Evil came into the world through a choice to disobey God. Evil cannot live in heaven. Unless Jesus cleanses us from this evil, we will not enter into heaven. It matters not how much good you do. Unless you believe and ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life you will not enter heaven. He is the only way! If we could earn our way to heaven, Christ would not have had to die for our sins. We believe in Jesus and obey Him. That is making him Lord of our life. It’s more than saying a prayer. It’s a life changing decision.

cold cereal and hot shorts

I'm sure you've all heard of the old sit coms "I love Lucy" and "Ozzie and Harriet"? Well, this post is another in the life of 'Weez and Sherm'. There is nothing particularly special about Weez and Sherm. They are a Christian couple in their fifties. Yet, humor always seems to follow them! Love abounds amidst the trials of life. We hope you will enjoy this 'Marriage Chuckle'.

The alarm clock rang at 4:30 a.m. Sherm had to be at work by 6 a.m. Weez gets out of bed per usual and brews a pot of coffee. Just like most households, nothing wakes the couple up like a strong cup of joe! At least in America!

The morning routine seldom changes. Sherm heads for the shower as weez fixes breakfast. Sherm would love to have bacon, eggs, homefries with onions and toast for breakfast each morning. His doctor explained that his high blood pressure would not stand for it though. So, Weez fixes his breakfast instead of letting him fix his own. Every other morning Sherm gets lowfat high fiber oatmeal.

For some reason, the oatmeal jumped off the pantry shelf and bopped weez on the head. She fixed her glasses and as she was picking up the oatmeal box she spotted the cold oat cereal. "Sherm might like a change of pace!" Soon, Weez had sliced up a fresh orange and made a cheerful place setting for Sherm to sit at. Weez always prays in the morning as she fixes breakfast. "Let this turn out good. Show favor to Sherm today.", she prayed as she sliced the fruit.


A banana rested on the placemat next to his cereal bowl along with the sliced orange. A tall glass of ice water and his morning pills graced the table within easy reach.

Suddenly Weez remembers something. "Oh rats! I forgot to take his work shorts out of the dryer last night! I'll just take them out!" Weez rushes to the laundry room and puts the dryer back on for a minute to take out any possible wrinkles. They were folded and in his dresser drawer before he got out of the shower.

"Hey Weez, my shorts are warm." Sherm tells his wife. He sits and eats his breakfast and watches the morning news as Weez pours his coffee. "Did you just take these out of the dryer?" He asks.

"Yes, I forgot them last night." Weez confesses.

A few minutes later Sherm smiles as he tells his wife. " Cold cereal and warm shorts?"

"Well," weez says as she kisses her husband good bye at the door. "I was trying to give you something different!"

Sherm laughs! "You have been doing that for 35 years Weez!"

Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

OUR NATIONAL NEWS

It's happened again! The news spoke of price gouging at the fuel pumps! The stock market plunged again over 300 points. Then, a picture of the Democratic Party flashed across the television screen! “The Mexican President bashes the United States while Democrats give standing ovation!" The newsman was just reading the prompter as his job allows him to do. I sat in anger and waited for the 'rest of the story'.

While I watched several different channels on this subject I became aware that I was being baited. No one gave the full speech of this Mexican President, yet I was ready to climb the walls. I was then informed of Hollywood's finest who were invited to the White House for a dinner on this President's behalf.

Suddenly, I felt the Lord reigning me in. Several thoughts came to my mind. First of all, it is not unusual for the White House to invite celebrities to the White House for dinners. Anyone can do a little digging and come up with Republican dinners and Democratic dinners with famous names. The fact that I don't agree with the stand these celebrities make is not the issue here.

Then, I was reminded of the many foreign heads of other countries who have spoken in our country. Are we posturing ourselves to leap at each opportunity against this government? Are we being manipulated by the press?

On some weeks I hear how our economy is doing much better. Then, Wall Street tells another story. I have listened to news casts that I’ve known leave out facts to make the story more appealing. So, how much should we take in?

Then, I decided to view the actual speech given by the Mexican President. It was difficult to find one without parts being taken out. Yet, I found one which told essentially that he wasn’t ‘Bashing’ the U.S. At least not to my ears. Did he have ulterior motives? Only God knows the heart. I listened as he spoke on the ban for the sale of assault weapons. I agreed that racial profiling isn’t the answer. I do agree in securing our borders.

When I was visiting with my neighbors, it occurred to me that they did not listen to the speech and also did not know what the Arizona Immigration Law was. I went to Wikipedia to get a brief synopsis. It is stated as follows,

The Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act (introduced as Arizona Senate Bill 1070 and often referred to simply as Arizona SB 1070)[1] is a legislative act in the state of Arizona that is the broadest and strictest anti-illegal immigration measure in decades.[2] It has received national and international attention and has spurred considerable controversy.[3]
The act makes it a state misdemeanor crime for an alien to be in Arizona without carrying registration documents required by federal law, steps up state and local law enforcement of Federal immigration laws, and cracks down on those sheltering, hiring and transporting illegal aliens. The paragraph on intent in the legislation says it embodies an "attrition through enforcement" doctrine.[1]:§ 1[4]
Critics of the legislation say it encourages racial profiling, while supporters say the law simply enforces existing federal law.[5] The law was modified by Arizona House Bill 2162 within a week of its signing with the goal of addressing some of these concerns. There have been protests in opposition to the law in over 70 U.S. cities,[6] including calls for a boycott of Arizona.[7] Polling has found the law to have majority support in Arizona and nationwide.[8][9][10][11] Passage of the measure has prompted other states to consider adopting similar legislation.[12]
The act was signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer on April 23, 2010.[2] It is scheduled to go into effect on July 28, 2010, ninety days after the end of the legislative session.[13][14] Legal challenges over its constitutionality and compliance with civil rights law are expected.[15][16

I might be writing with crayons and fingerpaints again but I'm not sure this is so horrible. With the terrorist’s threats coming in droves, doesn’t it seem good to secure our borders a bit? What do other countries do? Ever get caught without papers in Iran? Russia?

I could easily have had plenty to get angry and post sarcastic and demeaning comments. Yet, God chose for me to dig a little deeper.

Then I remembered what the bible said starting in 2 Corinthians 10:3….’for though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.’

I did not vote for this government and I won’t vote for it in the next election. But, I WILL pray for this government and this nation to turn to Christ. In a world where Hollywood dictates to our children what moral values mean, we as Christians need to fight on our knees for the kingdom of God to take hold. We need to teach Christ to our children, and be living examples of Christ. We fight not against flesh and blood but spirits and principalities in dark places. There is still a remnant of believers in this nation who understand that we stand for a higher government.

Let’s not get carried away with demonstrations that result in violence. Let’s not resort to threats and words of hate. Above all, let’s not get sucked in to the medias tactics of exaggeration, taking things out of context and fear tactics. If this be a call to arms, let it be armed with the word of God. He told us we would always have trials but that He would be with us in them.

Jesus didn’t spend a lot of time discussing politics. [I know folks will disagree] He said, ‘Pay to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but give to God what is God’s’.’ He was more interested in establishing the Kingdom of God.

People’s hearts and minds won’t be changed by a man made government anyway. Only God can change the heart. My heart is this…pray for our government. Resist the urge to draw out anger and useless energy in violence. Fight on your knees and in the voting booths!

Can you imagine having Jesus as your older brother?

Recently I have been excited to find family members on the computer who I haven't seen in years. We are reuniting in a new way. Family is a precious gift and can be a challenge as well. I was thinking of Jesus and wondered what it must have been like for him at home while he walked the earth as a man. Can you imagine having Jesus as an older brother?


Little sister: How did you know I was meeting Thomas at the well?

Jesus: I told you I would be with you always.

Little sister: I suppose your going to report everything I do to Mother Mary! She always believes you over me. I don’t get it. It’s like your God or something!

Jesus: uh huh

Little sister: I suppose you were there when the stars were put in the skies and the oceans were formed?

Jesus: yes


Little sister: Quit fooling around! You eat at the same table I do and I know you get thirsty and hungry just like me.

Jesus: Actually, I’ve been meaning to discuss thirst with you. You weren’t supposed to get into that wine at the wedding. You fell asleep and didn’t help with the clean up.

Little sister: It was late at night and I was just sampling the wine. It was better than the wine earlier you know. Now, I have a headache and ache all over!

Jesus: Aches and pain go away!

Little sister: How do you always do that? You just speak the word and now I feel fine? I tried that and nothing happened.

Jesus: my ways are higher than yours


Little sister: aargh!

Little brother: I think your a show off! That trick with the wine, walking on the water...what's next? With you around, no one even knows my name!

Jesus: I know your name, you and everyone

We can love our relatives but we can not save them for eternity. We can get disappointed by our siblings but Jesus never disappoints. One thing is for certain though...Jesus was and is the perfect brother.

Boaz in Blue Jeans

When I was young I read the stories in the bible and thought 'That's fine but how do I apply that message for today?' The following story was based on the book of Ruth. I felt the Lord urge me to take this true story and make a fictional story like it for the year 2010. I am not adding or subtracting from the bible. This story is fiction but gives the reader a glimpse of some of the priceless principals of bible days applied to today.


Page One


The wind blew gently at the cemetery. The mother sat with a handkerchief. The wife sat with her shoulders tense. Her shoulder length blonde hair was pinned back. The black dress hung on her slender frame. She had lost ten pounds since receiving word of her husband’s death. Dark shadows encircled the usually sparkling eyes. She hadn’t eaten a whole meal in days due to her grief. Marie sat in the chair and received the folded up flag from the man in uniform. It seemed like she was playing a part in some dramatic play. Her husband couldn’t be gone! He’d kissed her good bye only a month ago before being shipped out to the Middle East. But, the letter of his death had been delivered by two soldiers in person. Now, she sat with her mother in law at the funeral. She had been living with his mother. Now what would she do? The funeral went on without her mind being present. She was there in body but her mind was back to the day of her wedding. He was in full dress uniform that day. It was a small outdoor wedding with a bright shining sun overhead. The sun sparkled in her eyes as she sat in memory. The sounds of a gun salute brought her back to the present.

When the day was over and well wishers left her mother in law’s home; Marie didn’t know what to do. Nancy walked over to the couch were her daughter in law sat trembling. She put her arm around her as she sat down. “We don’t have to make any more decisions today Ruth. Just rest for a few days. Everyone has left. “

Ruth went to bed after hugging Nancy. Nancy was a dear person who had raised a very dear son. Now, she was all alone and Ruth was alone as well. “I guess I’ll go to be with my sister in Queensbury now.” Nancy spoke without realizing it.

“When will we go?” asked Ruth. Nancy turned and looked at the young woman.

“Ruth, I thought you would want to go home to be with your folks in Georgia. You don’t have to stay with me. I don’t know what I’m going to do in New York. “

Ruth was very emotional and decided to leave things alone at that point. She went up stairs and thought about going to live at her folk’s home in Georgia. Her mother was a waitress when she wasn’t giving tarot card readings. Her father had been gone since she was five years old. What did she have to go home to? She decided that she would rather take her chances with her mother in laws family. She would have to find a way to let her go with her.




PAGE TWO


The following morning Ruth approached the subject as they were having coffee. “Mom, I really don’t want to leave you. Couldn’t I go with you?” She sat down her coffee cup and waited for Nancy to answer.

Nancy looked out the window for a moment and prayed silently. “Ruth, I don’t mind if you go with me. But, you’ll have to find work. You are too young to be a widow the rest of your life. Why you are scarcely twenty nine years old. I want you to be able to meet people. If I had another son I would love to give him to you. Do you understand that you would be making a whole new life?”

The sun was just coming up over the mountains and cast a bright glow on the red and white checkered table cloth in front of them. “Yes, I do understand. If Joe had lived I would have had your people as my family. I still want to have you as a mom. My mother reads tarot cards for a living. Her God is so foreign to me now. Wherever you go, I want to go with you.”

Nancy was delighted that she wouldn’t have to travel alone. The car was in good condition but driving for 600 miles didn’t appeal to the woman. Also, Ruth had become such a part of her that she would have missed her terribly. Just knowing that she was coming out of love and not obligation meant a lot to Nancy.

They sold most of their possessions and made plans with Nancy’s brother to arrive the following week in Fort Ann, New York. The four large suitcases were all they brought with them. Ruth made arrangements to have several boxes shipped to them later. Nancy’s brother had an apartment all ready and waiting for them. It was completely furnished.





PAGE THREE

Ruth drove as Nancy gave directions and within three days they met their destination. Nancy’s brother’s home was on a farm on the outskirts of town. Nancy told Ruth about the apartment as they drove. The apartment was near the back of her brother’s property. It was an upstairs apartment with a garage underneath. It wasn’t fancy but it was neat and clean. It had two bedrooms, a complete kitchen and living area. It had a television and dishes too. They made plans to go shopping after they settled in.

Buster came out to greet his sister as they emerged from the car. “Hello! Come here and give me hugs you two!” Soon Nancy was enjoying the feeling of safety within her brother’s arms. Ruth hung back and looked around the area. She saw the barn and heard the sound of cows and dogs barking. The hills surrounding the area made it feel as though she was in a valley. She had never seen the Adirondack Mountains before.

“Just call me Uncle Buster my dear.” He reached over and swung a brawny arm around the young woman. Ruth was glad to be welcome. The trio went into the house and Ruth was rewarded with a view that she’d seen only in pictures. The home was very old and yet it was well kept. It felt like you were walking into 1940’s era. A round little woman came out to greet them. “Nancy? Is that you?” Nancy smiled and said “Oh Kate, it’s so good to see you!” The two women were of the same height and both in their sixties. They had been best friends before Kate married Buster.

The two women hugged and Nancy introduced Ruth. Ruth was swallowed up in the woman’s arms. “Now, you are just as much family as Nancy dear. Don’t be shy!” Ruth giggled as the woman tweaked her cheek.




PAGE FOUR

“We’re so glad to have you! Come in! I’ve made dinner and you can eat with us. I’ll tell you all about the apartment. You can see it from my kitchen window. See?

Ruth looked out the window. She enjoyed the looks of the white curtains with green ivy print that matched the green linoleum floor. Nancy’s sister in law had decorated her kitchen in greens and white with red checkered tablecloth and red pots and pans hanging on the wall. It was old and charming looking. The kitchen had a white oven with matching refrigerator. They were obviously new but made to look old. A huge pine wood pantry lined an entire wall. The table was another antique from the forties era. White metal with red trim and matching chairs with red and white leather cushions against stainless steel legs. The tea kettle was whistling on the stove as Ruth looked out the window.

Out side the window Ruth saw the apartment building where she would be staying. It was sturdy with a wooden porch upstairs. The garage underneath was filled with junk but she didn’t care. She was starting a new life. She was living on a farm. A pasture was between the garage/apartment and the farm house. Chickens roamed in their pen. Horses and cows lived in her back yard. Mountains rose with vibrant colors all around the farm. Ruth stared as if looking into a whole new world.

The family paused to say grace before eating. Ruth was glad that Nancy’s family followed the same faith as she did. Ruth was still new to the Lord even though she had been in church for three years. It had been such a change from her upbringing.




PAGE FIVE

After supper was done, Buster phoned his son to help load the women’s suitcases into the apartment. Nancy was amazed when she noticed the elevator on the back side of the building. “An elevator?” Before Nancy was able to ask why the elevator was there, her nephew came into view.

Ruth was met with another hug as a taller version of Buster came to her and Nancy. “Aunt Nancy! This must be Ruth! Yes, I had an elevator installed last year. I was living out here and when I had tons of boxes I realized the elevator would be easier. I hope you like it!”

“Bo!” Nancy was glad to see her nephew. “It’s been too long!” Nancy was excited and Ruth noticed that she’d never seen her mother in law look so happy. Nancy had been a mother of three sons. One had died when he was just three from SIDS. Ten years later Nancy gave birth to Robert. Joe was born seven years later when Nancy was thirty eight. When her husband died from a heart attack, Robert and Joe took care of their mother.

Robert was killed by a drunk driver the year Joe went into the army. Ruth was glad for Nancy to have her family now. She was especially glad to have them accept her as well. Ruth watched as Nancy hugged her nephew several times. “You were such a handful as a kid Bo! Just look at you now.”

“I’m no kid anymore Aunt Nancy. I’m forty on my next birthday! Don’t worry; I won’t cause you any trouble!” Bo had an easy laugh. Ruth saw that he resembled her deceased husband in that he was average height and had light brown hair. His jeans and tee shirt gave her the impression he spent a lot of time on the farm.





PAGE SIX

Soon Ruth and Nancy were upstairs looking over their new home. Nancy hoped Ruth wouldn’t be disappointed. They had lived in a nice condo before they moved here. She was relieved that Ruth was smiling and remarking at the pretty kitchen. “Oh, Mom! Look at this! We have a yellow kitchen with white trim. The curtains are dotted Swiss yellow and white! How sweet! It’s a gas stove and the refrigerator looks new!”

Bo smiled. “Mom said to get a new one after the old one made noises. I’m glad you like it! Well, I’ll be going unless you need anything else.” Nancy gave him a hug and sent him on his way.

“You’d never know it but he owns a construction company in town. He’s one of the richest guys in the area. But, he always makes time for family.” Nancy was very proud of her family.

Before long the two women had made the apartment their own. Nancy found everything they needed in the kitchen. Kate had put her old set of pots and pans, dishes, silverware and even a coffee pot. Ruth found the linen closet in the bathroom. Towels, washcloths and even two hand maid quilts were left for them. Each bedroom had a full size bed with sheets, pillows and bedspreads for each. The windows had curtains with shades beneath them. The beds themselves were four poster beds and the matching dressers and armoire made the room look very homey. The huge bay window overlooked the mountains.

Ruth went out on the porch that evening with her coffee. Nancy chose to bring out her bible and they had some time in prayer. “I think you are going to love our little church on the mountain top. We just call it ‘Mountain top Church’. Kate told me there is about two hundred people who go there now. It’s quite friendly. In fact, Bo leads a group of singles on Thursday nights. You may like that group Ruth. Kate says he has quite a ministry.” Nancy waited for Ruth to reply. When Ruth remained silent, she went on. “I hope you’ll go to church with me here.”

Ruth suddenly left her view of the mountains to look at her mother in law. “Of course Mom!” Nancy was relieved. She knew Ruth would need friends her own age.





PAGE SEVEN

The following Sunday Ruth was welcomed by a large group of people. Nancy knew most of the older ones and sat down to have a chat with them. Ruth sat close by. The minister’s wife was a tall willowy woman named Lilith. Lilith had curly red hair that made her look like a little orphan Annie grown up. “We have a group of people in their twenties that get together each week. Perhaps you would rather go to Bo's group on Thursday nights though. He leads the singles group. It's a varied age group. Would you like to come?”

“Well, I need to find a job first. But, as soon as I know what my schedule is going to be I want to get involved with a group like that.” She hoped Lilith wouldn’t be put off. She really did need to get to working.

Bo had been standing nearby and walked over to Ruth. “Pardon me, I didn’t mean to be eavesdropping. Did you say you are looking for work?” He sat down next to Ruth.

Ruth told Bo that she was. “What can you do?” he asked.

“Well, I was an office worker before I married Joe. That’s where he met me. I did anything from making coffee to answering phones and scheduling appointments. I know my way around a computer too. I have a degree in bookkeeping as well.” She began to blush. “I’m sorry; I sound like I’m bragging. Truth is I’m terrified. It’s been a few years since I’ve worked.” She took a sip of coffee that Nancy had brought to her from the church’s kitchen.

“Bingo! You are hired! When can you start?” Bo smiled and crossed his arms.

“Start?” Ruth was confused.

“I’m looking for someone just like you! I mean, I’m out on the field all the time and I try to answer all my calls but it’s been crazy. My old secretary went off and got herself married. Then quit! You’d be doing me a huge favor by taking this job. I’ll give you benefits too. So, what do you think?” He was staring at Ruth’s many emotions displayed on her face. He saw surprise, wonder, amusement and hope. He also saw a beautiful young lady. He would make a point to keep her safe until she was ready to date. He made a mental note to move Charley back outside.




PAGE EIGHT

“Why, I’d love that. I’d be working with family and….” Ruth was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to say. She did the first thing that came to mind. She stood up and kissed Bo on the cheek. “Thank you Bo! Oh wait, I’d better not kiss the boss huh?” She laughed.

Bo felt like a protective uncle. “Well, just this once won’t count!” He grinned and got up. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning?”

Ruth drove into town with careful detail as to where she was going. Soon, she found the main street and parked where Bo had told her. She walked to the glass doors and noticed the sign on the window. ‘Bo Az Construction’ Underneath was his full name. ‘Bogdan Azure’ Ruth remembered that his name meant ‘gift from God’ in Slavic. His ancestors had come from Bulgaria years ago. “Oh good, I’m in the right place” she said to herself. She walked inside and saw an office that was glassed in to the left and another office to the right. There was a desk and some office equipment immediately in front of her. Scattered notes were all over the desk. Papers had blown to the floor and the fax was going off. Before she found Bo, she reached down and picked up the papers.

“My goodness, you don’t waste time!” A deep baritone voice told her that Bo had found her.

“Oh, hi!” I just noticed some papers had blown off the desk.” Ruth stood and waited to be taken somewhere for an interview. Instead, Bo told her that this was her desk and showed her what the other two offices were. The office on the right is mine. The one on the left is for storage of contracts and things. It’s a mess, this is all a mess. I’m sorry, but I have to be some place in twenty minutes. I’ll show you where everything is.

Bo explained how he wanted things to run. He gave Ruth his cell number for emergencies. He had a crew of thirty men. The back area is where we meet. He showed her what looked like a cafeteria. Ruth noticed several long tables with chairs and a couple of coffee makers. Ruth made a mental note to arrange for sugars, creams etc. “We meet here and I send them where ever. Your hours are going to be the same as mine. I start at five. You will leave at 2 p.m. with an hour off for lunch and two fifteen minutes breaks. It’s up to you when.” Ruth nodded her head.




PAGE NINE


“The phone calls are a good thing, but only if I have you to take messages. I don’t normally answer the phones at all. Can you screen calls?” He wondered if he was talking too fast.


“Yes, I’m pretty good at deciphering emergencies from just simple questions. It might help if you were to tell me more about it though. For now, you are rushed so go ahead. I can manage from here.” She didn’t want to make him late.

“Tell you what! I’ll come over tonight and we can go over stuff more. OK?” Bo smiled when she nodded her head.

Bo was off in his jeep to a construction site within moments. Ruth straightened her desk without a problem. The fax machine sent messages and she gathered them up in order and placed them on Bo’s desk. She found a tray that had been used for incoming mail and faxes and retrieved it from the corner. After placing it on Bo’s desk she sorted the mail and faxes and organized them for Bo. She put a little note about the tray on top. “If you don’t want to use the tray let me know. I thought it might help to organize things so you can see at a glance what you have waiting for you.”

The phones rang almost every five minutes. Ruth didn’t mind the phones though. She took down messages and found it easy to decipher emergencies. The town inspectors were an emergency on Broad Street. She gave Bo a quick call. “Bo, the building inspector says that he needs to speak to you about possible code violations. It’s Friday now, if you don’t reach him today you’ll have to wait until Monday. That might make trouble for deadlines.” Ruth waited for Bo to answer.

“Wow, your good at this aren’t you? Give me the number, I keep losing it.” Ruth told him the number. After she got off the phone, Ruth went to the storage room. It looked like a bomb went off. She opened several filing cabinets and quickly figured out how things were sorted. She had always loved filing in her old job. It was so easy. She found that Bo’s previous secretary had a weird system though. To do things by date or alphabet was simply not good in this type of business. She began to sort things by types of jobs, and then sort them by alphabet. “Bo wouldn’t have time to remember the date of a job. He’d remember the street though, I bet.” She started to doubt herself.




PAGE TEN

An hour later Ruth had the filing room all set up to find things according to type of project and according to street name. She decided to ask Bo for further ideas to help him locate things at a glance.

She walked back to her desk just as a fax was coming in. She laughed when she read it. “Want to have lunch? Mom made peach cobbler and chicken sandwiches.” She phoned Bo. “I’d love to go have lunch. If you have time.”

Bo was hot and sweaty and very hungry. “I always make time when it’s my mom.” I’ll pick you up in five minutes.” Five minutes later he was walking through the door. “Wow, this place looks different. You ready?”

“Yes, it’s so nice of you to do this. I could have gone next door to the deli.” Ruth was happy to be busy.

“Nonsense, Aunt Nancy is going to be there and they all want to see you. So, how do you like it so far?” Bo hoped she wasn’t too overwhelmed. He was getting sick of trying out new people.

“Oh, I love it. I was wondering about the filing system though.” She began to ask him about it when he interrupted.

“I never could find anything, that’s why it’s such a mess. I spent over an hour one time just looking for the permits on a job. How can we make this better?” He was watching the road and driving with one hand.

“When you think of a job don’t you call it a street number? Do you remember it as the ‘Main Street job or something?

“Yeah, that and I think of it as a residential repair or restructure job, or a commercial job. Why?” he asked.

Ruth smiled. “I hoped that’s what you did. I arranged them first in order of the type of job. You’ve done four school additions. I have them under ‘commercial’ and then ‘school’ and under that I wrote the street names. It’s all done. If you have time before you go back to work I’d like to show you.”




PAGE ELEVEN

“Sure! This sounds great!” Soon they were back at the farm. Bo helped Ruth out of his truck and they were soon seated in front of the table. “How are the telephone messages coming?” Bo asked.

Nancy, Kate and Buster had gone out on the porch with their coffee, leaving Bo and Ruth at the table. “Well, I think I’ve got a handle on it. I found several notes that you had taken while I cleaned the desk. I put them on your desk. If you ever get in a jam and need to answer the phone, try to put a date on your notes.” Ruth was surprised by the look on Bo’s face. “Oh, it’s not for me! I just that it would be easier for you in case the note gets lost. That way we’d know how long ago the phone call came in. If you don’t want to do that, it’s fine. Did I say the wrong thing?” Ruth had only worked for a few hours and didn’t want to get fired by lunchtime.

Bo laughed. “No, I just never thought of it! Give me any suggestions you think of.” He wolfed down half a sandwich and washed it down with a glass of lemonade.

“Well I do happen to have a suggestion. Does your cell phone have a phone directory?”

There was a moment of silence as Bo pulled out his cell phone. “Here, you check it out if you like. I only make calls.”

Ruth checked the cell phone over. It was a newer model and had a large capacity for a phone numbers. It had call waiting, and voice mail as well. “Why don’t you come over tonight with this? I want to show you ways to shorten your time and make it more productive.”

Bo smiled and nodded his head. Just then his mother and aunt walked in. “That will be a splendid idea. Why not have supper with us?” she asked.

“I never pass up a home cooked meal!” Kate poked him on the shoulder. “If you’d get married you’d have more of them!”

“Aww Mom, you know I’m looking for a girl like you!” Bo stood up and gave Kate a squeeze. “Well, we have to boogie out of here. Ready Ruth?”




PAGE TWELVE

Ruth was soon feeling the wind in her hair as Bo drove back to the office. “I want to see what you did in the office for a second.” Bo said as they walked in.

Just then the door opened and a friendly voice called “Hello cousin!”

Bo turned and greeted his cousin Mike. “Hi, I want you to meet Ruth. She’s working for us now.”

Ruth looked at the man who had entered. He was also medium build with broad shoulders and a suntan that told her he worked outside. The family resemblance was unmistakable. He was a younger version of Bo except his hair was darker.

Mike smiled and held his hand out for a handshake. “Pleasure to meet you! Just think of me as your cousin! Joe and I used to get into a lot of trouble when we were kids. Of course old Bo here used to whip us in shape. I work with Bo, so I guess we’ll see a lot of each other.”

Ruth smiled and shook his hand. Bo and his cousin spoke for a few minutes about some business and then Mike turned to Ruth again. “Hey, if you aren’t busy Friday night do you want to go out to dinner? I know a great new place over in Lake George. It overlooks the river. It might be nice to see something other than the farm.”

Ruth thought a moment and decided ‘why not?’ Mike smiled as she accepted the offer. After Mike had left, Ruth went back to talking to Bo.

Ruth explained his office first. Bo liked the idea of having incoming messages separate from incoming mail. He looked around and noticed that Ruth had dusted and cleaned the floor too. “These are those notes I found too.”




PAGE THIRTEEN

Bo sorted them out and threw some away. “Man, I can’t believe I lost Mayer Dayton’s phone number!”

“That should go in your cell phone tonight.” Ruth suggested.

When Bo saw the filing room he stood and looked at the clean cabinets first. “I forgot these were made of wood.” He laughed.

“I’m going to show you how it’s put together.” Soon Bo was familiar with her filing method. “Now, I want you to find the residential repair job on Fourth Street.”

“Oh, I get a test now?” Bo smiled and looked around. He soon found the exact papers. “Hey, you’re right this IS easy. I don’t have to increase your pay do I?” He was enjoying teasing her.

“Oh, now tomorrow I’ll introduce you to the team of guys I have working with me. They are a nice bunch. They love to tease like I do. I’ll let them know up front that you are related though. That way, no one will get any ideas of bothering you.”

Ruth wasn’t sure what he meant but she nodded her head.

Bo smiled and said good bye. As he was getting into the truck he wondered if he had unintentionally frightened Ruth. The men he had working for him were mostly old friends and school chums. He always checked back grounds as well. He began to count off all of the guys who went to his church and then the amount of men who were married. “Why am I getting so protective? Ruth will be fine. Some of the crew was women too. There were six women painters. They took care of detail work to make the job go faster at times.

That night after supper Ruth explained to Bo how to put new phone numbers into his cell phone. They were sitting on the balcony with the outside light on. Bo had installed a bug zapper and every once in a while the sound of ‘zzzzt’ could be heard as bugs flew to the light rather than to Ruth and Bo. “It’s really not difficult Bo if you have time to read the directions. I have the time, you don’t.”

Bo waited patiently as she described what she was doing. She also wrote out the directions for voice mail. In about an hour Bo had a whole phone directory in his hands. He explained that the voice mail would be for only personal use. “I just don’t have time to talk while I’m working.” Ruth agreed.

"Sure" Ruth said. She sat back in the chair and enjoyed the warm night air.

Bo cleared his throat and got to the point. "When did you make a committment to Jesus Christ?"

"Oh, well Joe told me about the Lord before we even dated. I had been raised by folks who practiced the occult. I was a mess. I felt like death was all around me. Joe invited me to his church and I listened to what they said about Jesus dying on the cross. I felt a tug on night and asked Joe to pray for me. I asked the Lord into my life that night. I confess I have been saved for a few years but still don't know everything. Joe used to go over things and teach me. Mom and I study together now."

Bo was silent a moment. "Would you like to come to my group on Thursday nights? We are studying the gospels. You'd meet some really nice folks. It's about 14 or so who meet at my place. I could pick you up if you like."

"Well sure I guess. But, what do you think of Jesus?" She wanted to hear his testimony.

Bo toyed with his cell phone a moment before answering. "Well, I went along to church all of my life. Yet, I didn't make it my own faith until after having problems in my life. I figured I would get to heaven with my parent's faith I guess. I started really reading the bible and understanding my need for Christ about 10 years ago."

Ruth was silent as Bo spoke. Bo went on after taking a sip of coffee. "Let's see, one night I felt like the whole world was on my chest. I asked the Lord to really take over my life. I asked Him to show me His glory! Over the next few days I just couldn't get Him off of my mind. Then I remember the night I sat outside after having a huge disappointment in my life. Yet, I was praying and feeling such a peace that it surpised me. I knew He was there."

Ruth was excited to find someone so real in their faith. "You remind me of Joe when you talk. I can tell it's real too. Sure, you come get me on Thursdays Bo. I think this is just what I needed."






PAGE FOURTEEN


The following morning Ruth set out the two coffee makers on either end of the table and put a carafe on each table as well. Styrofoam cups were on the tables with packages of sugar and cream. In the middle of each table was a plate of donuts.

“Wow, we got donuts?” One of them grabbed a donut and sat with his coffee. Soon, everyone was ready for their orders. Ruth disappeared into the filing room. A small radio was playing in the corner as she took out a box of unsorted files. There were five boxes of files to be updated and sorted through. Ruth kept a notebook handy in case she had to jot something down.

She kept the door open so that if the phone rang she could hear it. Soon, Ruth had totally blocked out the voices in the back room. Her mind was on the soft jazz music and her work. When a deep voice said ‘hi’ she nearly jumped out of her sandals.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I was so engrossed I never heard you come in.” Ruth looked up from her stool. Bo was smiling.

“I was wondering if you paid for those donuts out of your own pocket. The men loved them, they’re all gone.”

Ruth shook her head. “No, when I was going over the books I realized you had a special cash fund for misc. I noticed you buy coffee, sugar etc. Is it all right? They are day old donuts for half price at the donut shop.”

“It’s a wonderful idea. It sure put the men in a good mood to start off the day. But, we meet every morning and I didn’t want you to have to go buying extras each day.” He was amazed at how neat the place looked so quickly.

“Oh, I made friends with the owner. He said he’d deliver three dozen a day if it’s ok with you.” Ruth was making friends with people easily.

“What a little business woman you are! I get half priced donuts delivered each day? Old Barney must have flipped his noodle! He doesn’t do anything for nothing.”

“Well, according to him you have plowed him out every year since you were old enough to drive. He just wanted to pay you back some how. Besides, we are paying him albeit half price!”

Bo threw his head back and laughed. “Oh Ruth, you got him to talk to you! He’s been a lonely man for years and I plowed him out to show God’s love! This is wonderful! You are going to fit in just fine young lady! Well done!”

Ruth was left to do her work. Each day she met a new challenge. She enjoyed her time at work. Bo enjoyed the easy way his office was handled.




PAGE FIFTEEN

Friday night came and Mike drove Ruth to a beautiful restaurant near a marina in Lake George. They sat on a outside deck overlooking the river. Ruth enjoyed the live music and watching the boats sail by as she waited for her meal. Mike explained that he owned a boat nearby. “I thought maybe I’d take you out on the lake tomorrow is you like. Do you swim?”

Ruth laughed. ‘I was on the Olympic swim team six years ago as an alternate. I’m very at home in the water.”

“Oh no kidding? Well, I’ll come get you around eight in the morning then. We’ll have breakfast on the boat. I’m a great cook! I’ll see if Bo and Aunt Nancy want to come! Oh, wait it might be short notice for them.” Mike picked up his cell phone and made a few calls. A few minutes later their dinner was served.

Ruth sat sipping her drink as Mike spoke to her mother in law and then Bo. When he got off the phone he explained to Ruth, “Aunt Nancy said no thanks but Bo will be ready and waiting here. This should be fun!”

Mike was an excellent host and Ruth enjoyed her evening. The two laughed and even sang to some of the music. It was the first time Ruth had gone out since her husband’s death.

The following day Ruth was pleasantly surprised when Mike arrived with his cooler in the back seat. “I’ve got hamburgers, salad from the deli and my favorite Chianti. I love to entertain on the boat!”

Bo was waiting at the marina and soon they shoved off into the water. The cool wind felt good on Ruth’s face. Her white Capri pants and blue and white striped t shirt showed off the sun tan she had gotten. Mike brought the two of them down to the galley. Bo and Ruth drank coffee as Mike flipped pan cakes and fried summer sausages. The smell of breakfast against the clean air was a welcome change for Ruth. The day was relaxed and soon they were in the part of the lake where Mike decided to let down the anchor. She had brought her swimsuit and soon the three of them were in the water. “Isn’t this the life?” Mike asked.

Bo watched as his younger cousin was playing the entertaining host. He was glad that Ruth was enjoying herself. The three of them laughed and talked for hours that day.





PAGE SIXTEEN

Lunch was eaten on deck. Ruth commented that she was having a wonderful time. She looked at both of Joe’s cousins and marveled at how generous they were with their time. “It feels like I’m finding parts of my family for the first time.” She said.

“Good! I want you to feel like family because you are family!” Bo said. Mike smiled and began to pick up the dishes.

“I guess we’d best head back.” Mike said. The ride through the waters was wonderful and calm. “We’ve got to do this again some time.” Mike said.

Once they reached the dock Bo gave them both a brief hug and said good bye. Mike drove Ruth home. “I’m tired from all of that fresh air and exercise but it was wonderful Mike!”

“Good, I’m glad you had a good time. I know I had a great day! I guess I’ll see you tomorrow!” Mike let her out of the car and gave her a squeeze.

Soon, Ruth was able to go to the parties and functions for people who were in their twenties at the church. Bo's group on thursday nights was exciting. She met and befriended everyone. Each week it seemed that she always had a party to go to. Soon, she was being asked out on dates as well. She was polite but firmly said no. She went out with Mike on the boat a few times. They became great friends.

Six months went by and Nancy sat with Ruth one day with a cup of tea. “You need to get out more.” She said.

“Mom, I’m at a party or off with Bo and Mike almost three times a week. I have a wonderful job. What more could a girl want?”

Nancy patted Ruth’s arm. “You are too young to be alone Ruth. Why not go out on a date. I know several have invited you and you always say no. It’s been long enough.”

Ruth went out on the balcony and stared over the mountains one evening. The evening sky was deep purple and she could see the stars as well as the black outlines of the mountains. The air was fresh and clean. “I just can’t imagine living anywhere else.” She hadn’t realized she’d spoken aloud until someone said, “Me either”. She looked down and saw Bo smiling up at her.

“Hi, I came over to fix Dad’s tractor. Sorry to intrude on you thoughts!” Ruth went downstairs and asked to assist Bo as he changed the gasket on the tractor. “You don’t have to help me Ruth.”

Ruth was silent for so long that Bo stopped what he was doing. “What’s wrong?”

“Mom is worried I’m going to be an old maid. I just don’t have a clue what to do. I always thought I’d be having a life with Joe. I’ve tried to talk to some of the women at the church but they don’t understand. They’ve never lost a spouse. I guess you don’t understand either. Oh, never mind. I just talk too much.” Ruth started to get embarrassed and leave.





PAGE SEVENTEEN

Bo reached out and gently grabbed her wrist. “I do understand Ruth. I was married once. I’m surprised no one told you. She decided I was too boring and left with some guy years ago. The divorce papers were settled quickly and I haven’t heard from her since. It was sixteen years ago. Dating just seemed too awkward. Everyone in town knew she ran off with another guy. I made my life full with the construction business and helping my folks out. I don't do that quite so much though since the Lord became more real to me."

Ruth watched Bo pull off the worn gasket. Bo talked in gentle tones as he worked on the tractor. “I guess I just kept hearing her tell me ‘You are the most boring man I ever met.”

Ruth was shocked. “I can’t believe you sucked that garbage in! You are definitely not boring Bo. Why, I find your work exciting! You have a great sense of humor and you are very creative. You are fun to talk to. How could you think you are boring?”

Bo smiled and kept on working. A few minutes went by and Ruth spoke. “I really like my job and I enjoy the church functions. You don’t think I’m weird then?” she asked.

“No, of course not! I know folks have asked you out. If you ever do want to go out though, maybe I can help. Do you want me to weed out the bad seeds from the good guys? I know most every man around here.” Bo kept working as he talked. He had grease all over his fingers and some on his shirt. Ruth leaned over and wiped his nose with her finger.

“You always manage to get stuff all over yourself Bo!” Bo laughed.

“Tell you what I think we’ll do.” Bo said. “Tomorrow, when we’re having coffee and donuts; why don’t you tell me if you’re interested in anyone in the room? Just put down an extra cup of coffee in front of someone you want me to check out. OK? I hate to see you never having a date.”

Ruth looked over at Bo as if for the first time. His hair was messed up and he had grease clear up to his elbows. Yet, she suddenly realized that if she wanted anyone’s company it would be someone like him. His mind was on his work and he never noticed Ruth’s stare. “OK” she said.

Bo drove home by instinct. His mind was on Ruth. He enjoyed going to work and hearing her singing in the file room. He envisioned her helping his aunt pack her things and come to the area. She seemed to be everywhere in the church. She took whatever jobs that needed extra help. One Sunday she’d be in the nursery, another she substituted in Sunday school. Sometimes, she went to help a sick person after she finished work. She baked fresh cookies and brought them to work at times. She always smelled like strawberries. Bo had asked her and she said it was her shampoo. Bo shook his head. “If I were ten years younger I would take her out.”





PAGE EIGHTEEN

Ruth went back into the apartment and found her mother in law sitting in the living room. “What do you think of me going out with Bo?” she asked directly. To her surprise Nancy smiled.

“Well, doesn’t God work in mysterious ways?” Ruth told her mother in law of her talk with Bo. “Here is what you should do Ruth…” Nancy laid out a plan for her to get Bo’s attention. They talked for an hour and prayed before going to bed.

The next morning when Bo and the men loaded into the back room for coffee, Bo waited to see what Ruth would do. He began the work schedules as usual. Ruth stood with her coffee in her hand. He was surprised when she didn’t move from the wall. When he was almost finished talking Ruth came over and set the extra cup of coffee next to him.

At first he didn’t think anything of it. Then he looked up and saw the smile. The message of her eyes startled him at first. Nothing was said and the rest of the men never caught on. Ruth quickly left to go to her desk.

An hour later Bo was still sitting at the long table staring at the Styrofoam cup. Ruth came in and sat down.

“I don’t quite know what to think Ruth. Do you remember what I said to do last night?” Bo almost was afraid of her answer. He sat staring at his hands.

“You said if I was interested in anyone I should give them a second cup of coffee. I gave you the coffee.” Ruth was nervous but she thought she was doing what the Lord wanted. She’d prayed for a long time about this.

Bo looked up and met her smile. “Well, we’ll need to talk about this. I hate to have to leave but I do have an appointment. You know that. How about I swing over tonight and we’ll go grab a bite to eat?”

Ruth agreed and soon Bo was out the door and jumping into his truck. He’d forgotten his paperwork and tool belt and Ruth phoned him. “Hello?”




PAGE NINETEEN

“You forgot your paperwork Bo.” Ruth said. “Oh, well I’m coming right back.” Bo swiped his hand over his unruly hair. “Gee, I’m losing it!” he thought.

Ruth met him at the door with the paperwork and a smile. She handed him his tool belt as well. “I thought you might need this as well.” Bo gave her a startled look with wide eyes. “See ya!” was all he could think to say. As he was driving to his destination he thought of what a fool he must have looked like.

That night Bo arrived to take Ruth out so they could talk. Ruth was relieved to see him in jeans and not a fancy suit. She didn’t want to go to a fancy restaurant. They were a mile down the road before either one of them spoke.

“I’m thinking of going to Stan’s Diner. Is that all right?” He was in the mood for country fried steak and Stan cooked it the way he liked it. Ruth agreed and soon they pulled into a parking spot.

Ruth began talking in light conversation as they sat down. She sipped her coffee and explained how a cat had gotten under her Mother’s bed without anyone knowing it. They had screamed when they heard a noise and Nancy held out a broom to protect the two of them. When a scrawny yellow cat crawled out they both laughed. “I guess we have a new houseguest. I hope the rent doesn’t go up!”

Bo found himself laughing with Ruth during the meal. When Ruth ordered desert she began to get serious. “If you want to let me down easy Bo, it’s all right. I’ll still work for you. I don’t mean to upset you.”

The waitress came and refilled their coffee cups. Bo swallowed and looked back over at Ruth. “I’m just a little surprised. I mean, I’m ten or twelve years older than you. I figured you wouldn’t want an old guy like me.”





PAGE TWENTY

“Have you looked into a mirror lately Bo? You aren’t ready for the retirement home yet! I’m 29 years old. Not exactly a young chick anymore!” Ruth giggled as she talked to him. For the next hour the two sat and relaxed.

Bo drove Ruth back home after they ate. Bo stood leaning against his car watching to see what Ruth was going to do. Would she kiss him good night or scoot up the stairs? He’d been out of the dating scene in a while and didn’t want to be making the wrong move. Ruth stood facing Bo one second, two seconds, and three seconds without moving or speaking. Bo took a chance and reached for her hand.

Ruth walked closer and turned her face up. The moonlight danced on her eyes as Bo looked down at her. “Come here Bo.”

Bo realized he’d been holding his breath and let out a sigh of relief. The invitation had been sent. He bent over and grazed her lips with his own. Then, he reached around her waist and pulled her to his chest. He bent his head and rested his forehead on hers a moment. Ruth reached up and claimed his lips for a full four second kiss. When she released Bo he stood with a foolish grin on his face.

“Well, hello!” he said. Ruth laughed and said good night. Bo stood there a moment too dumb struck to move.

Buster was cleaning his glasses and looked out the window to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating. “Well, finally!” he said. He went back to reading the paper and sipping his coffee. A few minutes later his son knocked on the door.

Buster sat the paper down and offered his son a cup of coffee. “No, thanks. I just had some.”

Bo sat staring into space for a while. Buster tried not to laugh at the look on his son’s face. Cat got yer tongue boy?” He reached over and picked up his coffee cup.




PAGE TWENTY ONE

“Oh, no I was just thinking. Ruth wants to date. What do you think?” He sat staring out the window.

Buster wanted to laugh out loud but he kept a straight face. He propped his feet up on the old ottoman. “Well, Ruth wants to date huh? Anyone in particular or am I going to have to guess? I warn you, I always win at ‘Wheel of Fortune’.”

Bo shook his head. “You aren’t making any sense. I told you Ruth wants to date me.”

“Well, I don’t care what Ruth wants. You have a say in this Bo! What does Bo want?” Buster settled back in amusement. His coffee cup settled on his armrest.

“I really like the idea. But, I’m so old.” Bo scratched the back of his head.

Buster let out a loud laugh. “Hah! Well, you old timer you, take some vitamins if your going to kiss her good night next time! You looked like you were ready to pass out there kissing her good night!” He continued to laugh.

Bo just sat there. “I looked old?”

“No, you didn’t! The two of you looked perfect together! What do you care what you look like anyhow? I’ve been praying you’d find the right girl for years. Who knew my own sister would bring her to you!” Buster looked at his son and smiled.

Bo smiled and then got very serious. “Dad, there are a lot of other guys more suitable for her. Should I wait and let her date someone else?”




PAGE TWENTY TWO

“Bo, there is no one more in line to date that girl than you. This isn’t like it was in bible days when ‘Boaz’ went to make a deal with a relative who was next in line to marry Ruth.”

Bo relaxed a bit and then went home. The next day he was working at a project with his cousin Mike. “Hey Mike, can I talk to you a minute?”

Mike was using his cordless drill and shut it off. “Well sure, is something wrong?”

Bo leaned against the wall and folded his arms. His head was down and he was searching for what he wanted to ask. “No, nothings wrong Mike. I’m wondering about Ruth. I know you spend a lot of time with her. You and Ruth are almost the same age.”

Mike stood still and narrowed his eyes on his cousin. “What on earth are you trying to ask me? Spit it out Bo!”

“Are you interested in Ruth? I mean she isn’t actually related except by marriage. I know she’s really pretty…” Bo didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence.

“Sure I’m interested in Ruth. I love her, but not in any romantic way. Have I done something wrong?” Mike was used to his older cousin pointing things out that he missed.

“Oh no, it’s just that well…I would like to date her but I won’t if you have designs on her. I figure you should be first in line since you and her are of an age.” Bo’s face had flushed a bit.




PAGE TWENTY THREE

Mike was silent a moment before answering. He smiled at his cousin and answered his questions. “Ruth is a prize worth going after I’m sure. But, I think you are the one who she has eyes for Bo. So, date her then. The coast is clear!” He slapped his cousin on the back and teased him per usual. “You had me worried there a minute. I thought you were losing it!”

The following few weeks Bo spent his days working and being very businesslike to Ruth. He spent the evenings taking her to see the work sites and out to dinner. A month went by and Bo had made a decision.

Ruth was sitting across a picnic table eating half of a submarine sandwich. The sun was shining and Bo watched the breeze lift Ruth’s hair. “This is a wonderful picnic area Bo.”

“I wanted a place where I could talk to you privately.” Bo watched as Ruth’s face looked surprised.

Bo spoke in a gentle baritone voice as he proposed to Ruth. “It’s been amazing getting to know you these past few weeks. Do you want to go on dating me another year or two; or would you like to marry me next week?”

Ruth dropped her sandwich and wiped her mouth. She cleared her throat and began to speak.

“Oh, wow! I mean, yes! Next week?” She was laughing and getting up to go over to Bo. He grabbed her and hugged her close to him.

“Well, is that too soon?”

“No, tomorrow would be better!” The laughter rang out as they made their plans. Bo suddenly got serious. “Would you want to stay at home after we get married?”

Ruth shook her head. “No, I love my job. Even when we have children I’d like to stay. We can do it, can’t we?”

Bo was relieved. “Yes, we can! I hate the idea of having someone else in the office. I guess we are a team!”





PAGE TWENTY FOUR

Six days later Bo stood in a white tuxedo at Mountain Top church waiting for Ruth to walk down the isle. The church was filled with friends and family. Ruth’s mother was in attendance.

The music started and Buster walked Ruth down the isle on his arm to deliver her to his son. Ruth wore a simple sleeveless white gown with blue flowers in her hair. The music ended and a hush went over the church as Ruth took Bo’s hand. The minister led them in the vows and Mr. and Mrs. Azure were formerly introduced.

When the marriage ceremony was over and they were midway through the reception Ruth went to Nancy. She handed her a microphone.

Nancy stood and spoke into the microphone. “I am like Naomi from the book of Ruth, I love you Bo and Ruth.” Nancy then opened her small bible and spoke to the wedding party.

“Ruth chapter 4 says this…’So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her and the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi [the mother in law] “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.’ I tell you all that whatever children Ruth has will also be my grand children. I am blessed to introduce to you all my precious daughter Ruth and my nephew/son Bo. A child will come within the next few years. Just you wait and see.”




PAGE TWENTY FIVE

Two years later Bo handed his aunt Nancy a wiggling bundle. “His name is Joseph Peter Azure.” He’s named after my cousin and your son!

"What do you do all day?"

One of her most destested questions is when doctors ask her "What do you do all day?" Weez's list of things that she cannot do is about two pages long. However, Sherm and Weez sat and tried to make a list of the things she does all day.

Sherm sat with his arm around Weez's shoulder as she took a pad and pen. "Start out any given day." Sherm said.

Weez wrote for almost a minute. Sherm waited for her to pause before he took the pad. "Let's see, you make the coffee, read from 'My Utmost for His Highest' and then wake me up. Ok, then you make breakfast, check me for my wallet, keys, and other essentials before I leave for work." Sherm looked over at his wife. "You really add that to every day agenda?" Weez nodded. 'Taking care of you is a full time job!' They both laughed as Sherm said the same thing about her.

Next Sherm read the household chore list. Weez was a stay at home housewife and her list made up for the rest of the page.

"OK, go on." Weez took the pad and wrote out her routine of prayer walking as the treadmill rolled on for an hour. Then, the neighborhood walk.

"What is that?" he asked. "Well, I usually stroll over to the library and see who's around. That's where I meet Charlie, Pat, Mary, Ed, and whoever. I also walk about the block and when I spot a U Haul, I am able to meet the new comers. Folks are scared sometimes when they move into new apt. complexes and it's fun to be a greeter of sorts. I learned it in church."

Sherm laughed as he knew his wife's ways. He too kept a watchful eye out and many times they were found praying with folks over health issues or other things. Next on the list was 'pool ministry'.

"I'm glad you remembered that one Weez. What a wonderful way to reach out, while having fun."

Weez smiled. "It's totally non threatening and I get to hear all sorts of stories of others. Funny thing, I never mention the Lord but he always comes up from other people's conversation."

The list of things that Weez does was well into 10 pages as the couple sat together. Sherm smiled at it and reminded his wife "People ask what you do and they associate a job with your lifestyle. On paper you are a 'housewife' but in the Lord's eyes you are His 'Ambassador'. One who represents Jesus in any way He chooses." Weez listened as Sherm went on.

"Whether you work outside the home or inside, in the end; the only things that will last for eternity are the things you do for the Lord. Only the Lord's approval counts as you measure your day. However, as your earthly employer I would give you a good evaluation."

Happy Mother's Day

Recently I enjoyed sitting outside in the morning having coffee with some of my friends. A May morning in Florida with sunshine and subtropical breezes cushioned amongst beautiful flowers and greenery. The palm trees were swaying and the smell of coffee mixed with the murmurings of those I sat with. The subject was children. Some of the people profess to be Christians and some do not.

I listened as one woman told of her boredom after her first few children no longer needed her. “They picked up after themselves and there was only so much housework that needs to be done.” She smiled as she told of seducing her husband so she would be pregnant again and have something to do.

Later, I heard someone speak of their bad relationship with a daughter. She vowed revenge if her daughter ever complained about her grandchildren. “I’m going to tell her she got just what she deserved.” No one remarked. The sound of the birds above gave the only answer to the woman’s statement.

I listened as some remarked that their children never called them. They made plans to exclude them.

After I went home I became aware that my own perception of parenthood had changed since the Lord changed me. No longer did I think of my children as an extension of myself. Their triumphs or failures are not a reflection of how great a parent or poor a parent I am. God gave us children as a gift and for His purposes. We love them and cuddle them as infants. We teach them how to talk and balance them until they can walk by themselves. How fun it was to see my own two children discover the world around them for the first time.

I dreamed of what they would do with their lives. The expectations of them were based on the potential I could see. Yet, children seldom live up to a parent’s dream. They stumble at times and fall. I myself stumbled and fell. How blessed I was that my mother never shut me out when I did not fulfill her dreams for me. You see, she had envisioned that I would go to a Christian college and do great things. I turned away from the Lord and married in my senior year of high school. Rather than preach at me of my failure to follow after God, she got together with the family and I had a beautiful wedding.

When I soon had a baby, she once again made sure I had a shower given by the church. She never let me see disappointment in her eyes. I wasn’t burdened down by shame. Instead, I felt that I could still go back to church when I wanted to. She phoned me, came to see me and kept the communication going. “Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 My mother knew that someday I would turn back to the Lord. In fact, she put inspiration into me to make me thirsty after God.

Mom praised my efforts to be a good Mom and told of her own mistakes. She used the word of God to illustrate where she got her ideas. There was no pressure. Yet, I became thirsty after the God of my mother. Mom could have grieved over the her shattered dreams for me. She CHOSE to put me on the alter and let God have a crack at me. She opened up a new line of communication based on love.

When I had trouble with my marriage she didn’t say, “I told you not to get unequally yoked.” She prayed fervently for my husband’s salvation. She explained that if I was being abused I shouldn’t stay in the marriage. She stressed physical and mental abuse were causes not to remain. She explained the importance of good counsel, even telling me that she herself was too close to be objective at times. However, she counseled my husband with hugs and love. Her prayers went well into the night at times. Once, I went to her with idea of leaving my spouse entirely. It was for the wrong reason and I was sent home with love.

She sat down and opened up I Corinthians 13 and although I was upset, she got through. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes always perseveres. Love never fails…”

My mom was quick to point out that this verse was not just for married couples. It was how we should love everyone. This is how a parent copes with prodigals too. The Godly mom keeps no record of wrongs. She remains patient, kind, trusting, and hoping. I gave my mother very little to hope for in my twenties. I was arrogant, boastful and full of myself. I did things my way. The cost was great.

Yet, mom captured the essence of what Jesus meant for parents to do. Like the father of the prodigal, Mom waited and watched for me. She told me how Jesus died for us while we were still in our sin. Mom showed Christ’s love rather than her own disappointment and grief over my mistakes. When the time came for special days, the doors to my mom were always open because she never closed them to me.

As parents we are helpless when our children willfully disobey God. They may end up in jail, on drugs, and spit out hate at us. Yet, we are to display Jesus in front of them. Mom used tough love many times. She loved me so much that I found it too tough to resist Jesus. She didn’t bail me out of anything. Yet, she came alongside. Just like Jesus taught her. May God make himself known in the heart of every mother out there! Our children may disappoint us, even reject us and do things to spite us. Yet, if we continue to seek the kingdom of God we are less likely to be wounded.

Only God can fulfill all of our needs. A child is not meant to do that. Only God creates the end of the story, not the parent. Our job is love them, pray for them, hope the best, keep the lines of loving communication open. If we have raised them with the truth of Jesus, we need not preach. We don’t agree with them, they know that. My mother’s flesh died daily. She died to self. She threw off the brokenness over what I had done. Her dreams for me went away, and she hoped to see the Lord’s final masterpiece. Praise God she lives to see I am on my way. I’ll never be ‘there’ until that glorious day.

Night Shift

Her white uniform and white stockings made it easy for others to recognize that she was the charge nurse. Her white cap with several pins on one side told of the awards she’d won and how long she’d been at this facility. Yet, all of those things said nothing about the nurse who worked 11-7 five days a week. It didn’t tell of what she did, or who she interacted with or how she had the strength to face so many years working a shift most considered the graveyard shift.

She drove the fifteen miles to work in the darkness thinking of what the night would bring. Would Margaret ring her call bell every twenty minutes so that she would reposition her arm five inches from where it was? Would Gary begin scooting down the hall on his backside yelling, “gimme a cigarette”, repeatedly. How many aides would she have to help with the rounds? Would there be hot water for bathing in the morning? Before she knew it she had pulled into a parking lot. Her name was Louise and she was an LPN charge nurse at a local nursing home.

She saw a few of the night shift girls depart their cars as well. She punched her time card and headed for the elevator that would take her to the second floor. She walked by the supervisor’s office on her way to B wing.

Looking down the hall with the overhead lights on she noticed half the wing was up and calling for aid via their call bells. The 3-11 aides looked tired as they stood at the desk waiting to go home. Louise had two aides working with her on this night. One girl was a 40 year old recent divorcee who had four children at home. Another was a fifty five year old woman who was planning to retire soon. Both seasoned nurse’s aides and Louise breathed a sigh of relief. For, this was a full staff on this floor for this shift.

Louise walked to the end of the hall to an enclosed room to receive the previous shift’s report and then count narcotics. Narcotics were kept in the locked med room and were counted at the end of each shift to assure none were stolen or lost. On this particular night the 3-11 nurse was tired and more than ready to go home. “It’s been a regular zoo. We’ve got two new residents. One isn’t completely admitted.” Pat shoved a bunch of papers toward Louise. “I did the best I could, but here’s the rest”. Louise nodded and took notes from Pat’s report.

“Robert choked on his dinner again. He’s having a swallowing consult Friday. Until then, it’s just liquids, Red went outside and we had to find him twice. I’d give him a valium if I were you. Let’s see, Trudy’s daughter died and she’s on the call bell constantly for just about any reason. I hope she settles down for you. Three are really sick. Marguerite’s chest is sounding juicy, Temps 100.4. We’ve got new orders for her. The antibiotics are in. She hates needles but she can’t hold anything down. I scheduled the shots for 12 noon and 12 midnight. Peg’s head cold has gone to her throat and so we’re watching her chest too in case it spreads. So far, no rhonci is heard. Finally, Albert is having diarrhea and refusing to let the aide’s assist him with a change of clothes. Other than that, it’s just been a peachy night!”

The two nurses walked to the med room to count the narcotics. Pat was getting very upset when the count on someone’s Darvon was off by one. Louise took a breath and prayed a quick prayer of help. Pat looked like she was ready to explode. Louise looked at the plastic container with the green see through top. All of the pills were in their own slots except for one that had popped into the next slot. “I see the problem Pat; there are two in one slot. Nothing’s missing, it just was jostled.”

“Oh, thanks! Louise you have no idea how tired I am. One more thing would have set me off forever!” Louise smiled as Pat and her crew walked off the floor.

“OK boss, which way do we go first? We don’t have the 11-7 linen cart yet.” Louise looked for the worst trouble spots on the floor. “First, I suggest asking Trudy if she would like to help us out. Make it sound like she’s helping anyway. Use your imagination; help us keep track of call lights or let us know when the linen cart comes up. Obviously she won’t be doing anything, but it will get her out of her room and off the bell so we can organize. Treat her like part of us, not some patient we have to deal with. OK? Fix her up some tea and bring her out near the desk. She can watch TV, listen to the radio whatever. In fact, I’m going to give her a sedative. Be sure and talk to her about her daughter. If she needs a shoulder I guess we’re it tonight. Her family won’t be here until tomorrow afternoon.” Linda, the younger ns aide went to handle Trudy.

Ruth stood by waiting for Louise to think. “If you could get vital signs on these three I’d appreciate it. Don’t worry about the cigarette man. We have orders not to restrain him so he scoots up and down the halls on his fanny on 3-11. He’s the nightshift inch worm so to speak. I have sleep meds for him which I will attend to.”

Ruth went off to take temperatures and check pulses. Louise put her med cart together. A large pitcher of ice water on top of her med cart with orange juice as well. Then, she restocked supplies. Straws, paper cups, tongue depressors, and the narcotics were locked in a compartment inside the med cart. Quickly, Louise scanned the med sheets from the loose leaf binder on top of the cart. She pulled the tabs on those getting 12 midnight meds, 2 a.m. meds, 4 a.m. meds and 6 a.m. meds.

Soon, she was going down the hall with her wheeling med cart to administer Gary’s sleeping pill in his favorite strawberry jam. Gary liked three things, smoking, alcohol and anything sweet. He never got beer or wine of course, but Louise tried to make sure his meds were in something sweet. The other nurses tried to put his crushed meds in applesauce but he spit it out. “Oh, well I told them how I did it.” Louise thought. Soon, Gary was sleeping.

Louise walked back to the desk in time to see Linda give Trudy a hug. “I’m so sorry Trudy!” Trudy wiped her eyes and sipped her tea. As Linda walked down the hall, Louise pulled her cart to a stop and sat down next to Trudy. Trudy was a Christian woman of eighty nine. Her mind was in tact but she got confused after hours. A lot of it was her medicine and also anxiety. Tonight, Trudy was confused and glad to be near the noise of the nurse’s desk. Louise took her hand.

“Can you pray for me tonight Trudy?” Trudy’s red rimmed eyes looked at Louise. “I pray for you constantly child. Yes, I will pray. If you start to get anxious, bitter, or confused just think of the A B C’s. Tillie taught all of us on Sunday. A is for the Almighty, B is for Beloved, C is for Christ, D is for Discovering truth, E is Everlasting God and G is ….Great, …” Louise nodded her head.

“If you can Trudy, I want you to take this medicine. Shall I crush it or can you take it whole tonight?” Louise wanted Trudy to know she respected her. Trudy smiled. “Crush it in some of that strawberry jam you’re always giving to Gary! You’re an imp Louise. You always find some little thing to make us old goats feel special!”

Soon, Trudy was going over her A, B, C’s and Louise moved on. The linen cart had been delivered and the nurse’s aides were sorting out the linen. “Got time for report?” Louise asked.

Linda laughed at Louise. “You’re the boss silly; you just tell us when it’s time.” Louise shook her head.

“Listen, I may know a lot about pills and things, but without you two I’m dead in the water. You know I don’t order people around like that. Besides, the coffee is almost ready and it’s almost 12 thirty. Come on down when you get a chance. I have two more pills to push and I’m going to meet you for report down the hall. OK?”

“You got it!” Soon, Louise handed some horrible black coffee to the girls and gave them a run down of what she’d been told. “It’s gotten quieter now. I guess it’s time for rounds again. Do you know where Albert is?”

Linda said, “Sure, I had him sit down next to Trudy. He thinks he’s back in church and quiet as a mouse. He used to be a Methodist minister before dementia set in. He’s such a sweet heart. I think his wandering has a lot to do with the fact he walked to see everyone from the church all the time. He was always checking in on my father years ago. What a nice man. Trudy needs to talk, and he needs to have someone to talk to as well.”

Louise smiled at this. If folks only knew what difference the atmosphere became after the lights went out. Louise left the girls to do their rounds. They went together room to room and turned, changed and positioned the patients every two hours. She went to see the three who were ill. Peg patted her hand. “I’m glad you’re here. My head feels like I’m in a cotton ball.” Louise gave Peg her medicine and talked a little with her. She was alert and oriented and her chest sounded clear. She took a look down her throat as well. It was pink and not red. She had an order for antihistamine so Louise handed her one. “This might help you sleep get that head to clear for a while. I think tomorrow the dr. is going to want to see you. Your throat looks ok, and your chest sounds good though Peg.” Peg was relieved to hear that.

Next, Louise walked over to see Marguerite. Marguerite had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She was easily agitated and got frightened when she couldn’t breathe well. Louise made sure the head of her bed was up a little and her O2 was on. She checked the tank to see how much was left. “I’m sorry to have to do this Marguerite, but I have to give you a shot.”

“I don’t have choice do I?” Marguerite knew she could refuse the shot but she’d only vomit on any pills. Louise helped her turn slightly and gave her the shot. “My house burned down today. Did you hear?” Louise was alarmed that she hadn’t gotten that on report. “No Marguerite I didn’t know. I’m so sorry!” Marguerite told Louise that her husband was a smoker and had dropped a cigarette when he fell asleep in his chair. He got out of the house but the house was a total loss. This news alerted Louise that there was more to Margaret’s problem than just physical. She was anxious and that could trigger the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Louise pulled out Marguerite’s puffer. After Marguerite had used her ‘puffers’ Marguerite took Louise’s hand. “Please don’t leave, pray for me first.” Unbeknownst to many, patients who are Christians and even those who aren’t sometimes ask for prayer. Louise was more than willing and prayed for the woman before she left the room.

Louise sat at the desk and watched for the call bells. She took out the unfinished admission papers and checked them all in. Soon, all of the new admissions were done and now it was time for tube feeds and then checking on the sick patients again. When the girls had finished their rounds and were doing their own charting, Louise approached Albert.

“Albert, I found a new pair of pants in your closet. I need to make sure they fit for Sunday. Would you mind going into the bathroom so I can help you change and check them out?” Albert looked at Louise blankly.

He got up and followed Louise to the hall bathroom where Louise had all ready put the clean pants, and clean washcloths to help wash him. Soon, Albert was back at the desk sitting near a sleeping Trudy. Ruth had put Trudy in a geri lounger so it was easy to put Trudy’s feet up and cover her with a blanket.

Linda approached Albert after a while. “Hey buddy, don’t you think you should lie down?” Albert walked with Linda to his room and went to bed. He slept the rest of the night.

The night proceeded rather quietly until six a.m. when the emergency bells went off. Albert had gotten up without notice and by the time Ruth caught him he was almost to the end of the driveway. When they returned, Louise smiled at Ruth. “Want to work a double?”

“Ha-ha! I think I all ready did!” Ruth had Albert all washed and dressed for the day when the 7-3 girls came on the floor. The lights were turned back on and the
7-3 shift began to pour in.

Louise began to gather her notes and headed for the lounge area designated for giving her report to the next shift. Meanwhile, the 11-7 nurse aides finished their tasks and headed for the time clock.

The report was given and the two LPN’s went into the med room to count narcotics. “Hey, Louise I forgot to ask about Tillie. Is she still talking about her alphabet? Sure would like to have Dr. Allen put her on something. She babbles on and off all day about A standing for the Almighty and B standing for Beloved and so on.”

Louise smiled. “There is no pill that would stop her from doing that. She is as sane as you and I. That’s her way of telling everyone about Jesus. If you try to stop her, she’ll call her lawyer in and you will see how sane she is. Freedom of speech in a nursing home is the same as on the street corner. The lady is an evangelist.”

The day nurse snapped the medicine cabinet shut and stared at Louise. “How can you say she’s sane? She talks about that alphabet all day!”

Louise was tired and knew she’d get no where with this part time nurse. “Look, all I am saying is that I don’t think she needs psychotropic drugs. Is she eating ok? Is she bothering the others? Perhaps you need to take it up with the doctor.” Louise did not mention that the doctor knew Tillie wasn’t insane or in need of any psychotropic drugs.

The day nurse wrote down a note to herself to call the doctor. A brief ‘good bye’ and Louise was on her way home.

It had been a hectic night of organizing and planning ahead for the residents on her floor. Louise wondered if she could have done things better. As she drove up into her driveway though, she only thought of how good a hot shower would feel and then off to bed.

Soon, Louise was fast asleep. The following night she was given the news that the day nurse had complained about Tillie. “The nerve of her thinking I’m a whacko! I’m calling my lawyer tomorrow!” Tillie remained at the nurse’s desk while Louise was doing her paperwork.

“I agree that it was premature, but you know the Lord Tillie. Perhaps he has a reason for this.” Louise knew that Tillie needed to calm down or she’d be up all night. If a psych consult were given in the morning it wouldn’t do well for Tillie.

“Would you pray with me?” Tillie asked. The staff wasn’t allowed to approach the residents with any sort of faith. However, when a resident asked a staff member; well that was different. It was up to the staff member. Louise pulled her wheeled office chair around the desk and held on to Tillie’s hands.

“Dear God, we know that you are aware of this situation. I pray you help us to walk in peace while this is being looked into. No matter what, we pray that you be magnified.” Louise was silent as Tillie prayed. “I told you a long time ago Lord that I would magnify your name until you took me home. Show my lawyers the right way to go. I pray I can have freedom to speak your name in my home. Even though it’s a nursing home.”

Louise smiled and prayed as well. “Lord you said where two or more are gathered that you are in the midst. I thank you for being here at Shady Palms. I ask that you calm Tillie and help her to get the rest she needs to be her best for tomorrow’s interview. I pray that your peace envelope her tonight and during the day tomorrow. Open the eyes of the doctors and nurses. Magnify your name.”

Tillie squeezed Louise’s hand and leaned over to kiss her good night. “Tell that Ruthie that this old bird’s off to bed!” Ruthie laughed as she was standing behind her.

“OK you old bird, let’s get you off to dream land. You need your beauty sleep because you have a big day tomorrow.” Ruthie and Louise did not go to the same church but they shared the same faith with Tillie and several others in the nursing home.

Louise went into Paul’s room and checked his IV. His pump was flashing and his bag was nearly empty. Paul was awake and watching for Louise. He had AIDS. “I guess it won’t be much longer and I won’t be here nursie.” Hollow eyes focused on Louise.

“Paul, I’m sorry to wake you.” Louise pulled a stool up to his bed. Paul didn’t talk much but when he did Louise tried to be there.

“I know that you’re a Christian. Folks like to talk and those day nurses are split down the middle about you. Some like you and some wish you’d quit. Is it because of your faith?”

Louise knew that she was being talked about behind her back. Her name was Louise Cooper and they nicknamed her ‘Super duper Cooper”. She’d been one of a few who’d been questioned when a nurse was found to have stolen narcotics. She’d known who it was and informed the police herself. This had led to many being questioned. There had been a ring of thieves during the first year she’d gone to work at Shady Palms. Folks knew that Louise was a no nonsense person. They also knew she was a Christian.

“I am not ashamed of my faith. My faith in God directs how I live. I have had choices to make since working here. Some of those choices led me to testify about a few coworkers who have been let go. But, why do you ask?”

Paul nodded his head. “Yeah, Ruthie told me that you were honest and not afraid to speak when needed. I guess I won’t see you where I’m going huh?”

“That depends on where you think you are going. Are we speaking in this life or the next?” Louise was being careful. She was praying silently for Paul to ask the right questions.

“I’m gay and now I got this AIDS thing. I guess that means I’m going to hell.” Paul stared at Louise. She knew he was hoping she would say it wasn’t so.

“When Jesus hung on the cross, there were two criminals who were on crosses on either side of him. One of them asked the Lord to remember him when he came into his kingdom. Jesus replied “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. Paul, if you pray and repent of anything that you feel you need to repent of, and then ask the Lord to be your Savior, you will be in heaven when I get there.” Louise felt she had been quick in her reply but thorough.

Paul looked at his hands. They were filled with scars from his drug years. “I know what the bible says about gays. We are damned.”

Louise replied again. “Is there a reason why that criminal was forgiven and not you?”

Paul went into a coughing fit. Fluid had entered his lungs some time ago and the antibiotics were only keeping him comfortable.

“You can ask him Paul. You believe don’t you?” Louise had turned his O2 up as she spoke.

“Yes, I believe it all. I’ll pray.” His voice was soft from being sore. The coughing took his strength away. He reached for Louise arm as she turned to leave. “You pray?”

“You want me to pray with you?” She asked.

Paul nodded his head. “I thank you for allowing me to meet your creation Lord. You know Paul’s heart before he speaks. As he prays, give him peace and let him feel your love and forgiveness.” Louise sat back a moment. She didn’t have a lot of time on her hands.

A few seconds went by and she heard Paul whisper. “Remember me like you did that criminal Lord. Forgive me, I didn’t think of you all of my life. But now I know you are real. You sent me a light in the dark. ” Paul was silent then. Louise looked down and he smiled up at her.

“I promise I won’t die on your shift nursie. You are special to me.” Louise blinked back tears.

“Paul, you are special too. On earth and in heaven!” She squeezed his hand and left the room.

One of the nurse’s aids met Louise in the hall. “Floyd is at it again. I think he needs something.”

Floyd had Alzheimer’s disease and was very combative. In fact, Louise had several combative patients on the floor. However, Floyd was a pussycat once he had his Haldol. The trick was in him taking it. “I’ll help getting him into a geri lounger.” The three staff members put the man into a geri lounger.

Floyd yelled at Louise, “I’m king of this ship and you’re going overboard! You’re a sorry excuse for a captain mister!” He pointed his boney finger at Louise. Ruthie had a scratch on her arm and Linda’s shirt was now sporting orange juice that Floyd had thrown at her. Floyd saved his best trick for Louise by spitting at her. She was used to him though and ducked. Ruthie took a cloth and wiped the spit off the wall.

“The restaurant is getting ready to close sir. Would you like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before I close it down?” The nurse aide’s looked over at Louise in shock. She went into an act for Floyd’s attention to refocus.

“Oh, sure I’d like a sandwich. I want some milk too.” Floyd’s attention had been redirected for a second. Louise went to her med cart and crushed a Haldol. Quickly, she inserted it into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Floyd ate and drank his milk. Forty minutes later he was telling the girls how pretty they looked. “It’s a lovely day. I’ve worked hard; I think I’ll take a nap.”

This was the aide’s cue to help him back to bed. No further problem with Floyd that night. This was good because another Alzheimer patient had awoken. Leda was unable to walk but she fought like two men. Everyone was thankful that she didn’t have any teeth. Soon the three of them had Leda in a lounger. She raked her fingers through her hair as she chanted “Come on down, come on down” she watched ‘The Price is Right” most of her adult life, they were told by her daughters. She liked coffee and so her medicine was put in some coffee and she drank sips as she combed her hair with her fingers. “Oh, yes come on down, come on down” This went on for an hour and soon Leda’s voice softened. She said the same words but in a gentler tone that alerted the staff she would no longer bite, kick and dig them if they put her to bed.

Finally, it was quiet and Louise had a chance to look at the papers on her desk again. She found the paper talking about Tillie. “Tillie repeats the alphabet all day. She is disruptive to the other residents. She needs help with most activities of daily living. It is my belief she should have a psych evaluation to determine if she is a candidate for psychotropic meds.”

Louise couldn’t believe all of the blanks left out. Even though she didn’t work days, she had been to work during the day and had seen Tillie. Tillie went to bingo twice a week and was able to follow the game. She needed help with ADL’s [activities of daily living] but that had nothing to do with her being in need of psychotropic meds. Plus, she had several friends here. She was in a bible study and led it many times. Louise wondered what to do. She prayed.


The following night Louise walked on the floor and noticed the anger in the countenance of the 2nd shift nurse. “Lenny passed away just now. I haven’t got time to do anything but chart on it.” Louise counted narcotics and took report. As the 2nd shift was walking off the floor she hurried to tell the nurses aides of Lenny. She was just walking into his room when she noticed he wasn’t in bed. The aides had gotten him up to toilet him per usual. There he sat, gray and cold with the aides holding him up.

Laughter bubbled out of Louise. “Put him back to bed.”

“I think there’s something wrong with him. He’s clammy and cold.” The aide said. Joyce was a sweet older nurse aide. She sometimes did the funniest things though.

“Yes, he’s dead!” Louise blurted out. She was laughing and helping Joyce and Patti put the body back on the bed. “Go get a kit to wash him down and bag him and tag him.”

Joyce couldn’t believe what a blunder she’d made. All three of them were in hysterics when the supervisor came on the floor.

“What’s so funny?” She asked. When Louise told her what Joyce and Patti had tried to do with the corpse she was laughing as well. “You guys sure are thorough around here!”

Soon everything was business as usual and Louise was pulling tabs on her med book to begin her med pass.


Tillie rang her call bell and Louse went to check on her. Tillie was sitting up in bed with her pink satin bed jacket on. Her cheeks were rosy and her hair had been permed. She looked like an ad for the healthy elderly woman. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke to Louise.

“I have my list of Bill of Rights and I have yellowed out the part I think is pertinent.”

Louise read what was yellowed out.

“Residents may participate in social, religious, and community activities to the extent that they do not interfere with the rights of other residents.”


Tillie was smiling as she relayed the story of the psyche evaluation. “I told the man that I had read the bill of rights. In fact I brought it with me. I explained that in some religions we gather our prayer beads and chant repetitious prayers. I on the other hand like to remind myself of how great my God is by using the alphabet. In fact, many of the other residents ask me to repeat the ABC’s for them. I got around with my lawyer friend and 15 other residents from all over the nursing home told the good doctor that I wasn’t lying. The only ones who complained was a few nurses. But they can’t stop me!” Tillie was beaming.

“Tillie, that’s wonderful! I’ve been praying for you to have wisdom: so, what about the doctor?”

Tillie nearly shook from excitement. “Well, that’s the best part. He said that anyone who could organize their thoughts to this extent was definitely not a candidate for senility! The nurse was called on the carpet too.”

Louise was glad that Tillie had made her case. “I’ll bet your lawyer friend is glad for you.”

Tillie laughed and said, “Oh, my grandson Chip is a pistol. He came in with his suit and tie and brief case. All loaded and looking for bear! He and the good doctor have known each other since they were kids. They went out to lunch afterwards. Chip went to the Director of Nursing and told them who he was and that he is my grandson. I have nothing to worry about.”

Louise giggled all the way back to the nurse’s desk. The residents were all excited that night. The call bells went off a lot but it was to tell everyone the news about Tillie.

The following night Louise was met at the door with very sad news. “Paul passed away about an hour ago.” True to his word he had not died on Louise’s shift. He had no idea that she would have to do post mortem care on him though.

Louise washed Paul and noticed the peaceful look on his face. He was no longer in the ravaged sore filled body but he was in heaven.

The nurse aides went from room to room doing bed checks. Louise let the mortician in and soon the body was off the floor. The empty bed bothered Louise. It was hard to lose someone who had been a friend. Yet, it was good to know that she would see him again.

All of a sudden the two aides were in hysterics again. Louise looked down the hall at Linda and Ruthie. “Shhh, you’ll wake everyone up.”

Linda motioned for Louise to come down the hall. Louise pushed her medicine cart down and peaked into the room.

There lying in bed with Sarah was old Floyd. He had wandered without being detected and just plunked down. Leda was busy covering him up. “Good night Harvey!” she said. Leda had somehow thought it was her dead husband.

“We can’t leave him there! But, if we touch him he’ll beat the daylights out of us and possibly hit Sarah too. They looked so cute though.”

Louise was trying to think fast on her feet. “I know! Just come in with me.”

“Sarah, can you get up quietly so Harvey won’t wake up?” Louise figured she’d play along to get Sarah out safely. It worked!

Leda slowly got out of bed and took Louise’s hand. “I wanted to give you something to eat. Can you come with me?” Leda loved cookies so she went. Sarah stood four feet six with fluffy thin white hair that stood on end at night. She got into a wheel chair and soon was happily eating cookies and watching the late show as the three staff members tackled Floyd.

With a quick transfer to a wheel chair Floyd was put back to bed without incident.

Louise breathed a sigh of relief but it was too soon. Joe’s family was still in his room visiting. Joe was on continuous oxygen with a mask. He had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His son and daughter were arguing thinking that old Joe couldn’t hear him. They had somehow gotten the idea that he was in a coma.

Louise knew that Joe faked things. He used to scare the nurses by crimping is oxygen tube and making the alarms go off just to get a rise out of them. His sense of humor was notorious. Somehow his children had no sense of humor. This was a hurtful situation though.

As Louise was wondering how to handle this, Joe took charge. He removed his own mask and though he was huffing and puffing he told his kids…”Your both wrong” He put the mask back on a second and then took it off. “I changed the will” he put the mask back on for another time and took it off “get out”. The son and daughter were in their fifties or sixties but looked like small forlorn children as they exited the building.

Louise made sure Joe was all right. The patient was her only concern. “People get a little crazy sometimes Joe. I’m sure they love you.”

Joe looked over at Louise and took her hand. His hand squeezed hers as his breathing returned to normal. He closed his eyes. Louise thought he was asleep and kissed his forehead as she had done each night she worked.

Joe opened his eyes. “I didn’t change the will; thought they needed to cool off.” His breathing seemed better. Joe was another retired pastor. “Guess I should repent for lying but they need to think. I’m an old man you know.” He put on his tired of man act. Louise wasn’t buying it though.

Louise smiled and laughed. “Oh, Joe! You are my favorite patient tonight.”

Joe smiled. “Don’t suppose there’s any cookies left. I mean you didn’t give them all to Sarah did you?”

Louise brought him a snack and said a prayer with Joe. Joe smiled as he watched the late show with his snack. “I always look forward to the nightshift. It’s a light in a dark place!” Louise grinned. “God is so good!”