More About Morgan - #6

Recap from last week: Mrs. McCloud sneered, "Well I would enjoy it; but now that I've seen the likes of you, I doubt I could choke it down."

Before Sharon could stop herself, words tumbled out of her mouth "Mrs. McCloud, I'm so sorry you are living in such hate and can't enjoy your food. I'm not your enemy, my daughter is not your enemy, we can't help what my father did. We hate it just as much as you do! Are you held responsible for everything your family ever did?"

As Mrs. McCloud stood there shocked and speechless, her husband appeared and taking her by the elbow, said, "Dee, our food has been served. Come and eat it before it gets cold." He gently pulled her away as Sharon turned around and bolted out the door.

Chapter 6 – Aftermath

Bill led Dee over to the table and pulled her chair out for her, then took his own place.

“My,” he said, sniffing his plate, “this smells delicious. Old Herb has got to be the best cook around. I know he’s the oldest and the most crotchety!”

Dee slowly nodded as some of the red left her cheeks. “He’s the only reason I come here.”

Nothing else was said for a time, and the only sounds heard were the chink of silverware, the tinkle of ice in the water glasses and the faint murmur of the other diners.

Then Dee burst out, “I can’t stop thinking about what she said!”

Bill calmly laid his napkin by his plate. “You mean, the part where she asked if we wanted to be held responsible for everything our family ever did?”

“Yes!” Dee hesitated for a moment, and then said, ”You know I hate when people bring up about Uncle Buford being put in jail back in the ‘20s, as if we had anything to do with it!”

“That is certainly true,” Bill responded, “and it is unjust to blame us 50 years later. It’s not like we encouraged him to make the choices he did.”

Dee sighed. “And I guess it is unjust for me to blame Sharon 30 years later of what that old nutcase did.”

Gently, Bill pointed out, “Sharon would not have wanted her dad to kill the boys. She wanted to marry Joe Lee.”

Dee stared down at her plate with tears trickling down the sides of her face.

Bill went on. “I know it hurts. There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t miss Darren, when I don’t wish I could take him and Joe Lee camping again or watch them play football. But I’m tired of the hate. Even that sad old cuss rotting away in jail – what good does it do to hate him?”

“It’s killin’ us, Dee … think about it – in the old days, you would have never made a scene in a public place like this That’s not how a Southern genteel lady would act.”

Dee quickly raised her head to glare at him but the kind questioning regard with which Bill looked steadily into her eyes made her drop her head again.

“You’re right,” she said softly. Then with a slight chuckle, “If Grandma Effie had been here, she would have grabbed me by the ear and marched me to the ladies’ room to wash my mouth out with soap.”

Bill chuckled, “That she would. I can see it now! She’d say, “That is NOT how a Morgan would act in public.”

Then he sighed, “Dee, I really believe we need help. We can’t kick this on our own. It’s been thirty years and we’re still drowning in hate.”

“And the bad thing is, all this has drained us of anything we might have to give to our other children and grandchildren.”

Dee sadly shook her head, “Yes, I think the girls think we are a drag to be around… Okay, let me be honest, I’m the drag to be around. You manage to be your charming humble self!”

Bill gripped her hand, “Dee, you are always charming to me. And believe me, I’m not charming on the inside.”

“We must get help. I don’t know who or how, but we must.”

~~~

Miss any of the Book of Morgan? Click here to visit a page with a link to every chapter.

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Chapter 5 - Conflict

She felt someone staring at her. At first, she tried to ignore it, but as time passed, she felt more and more uncomfortable.

Sharon had heard of the hairs on the back of your neck standing up and now she experienced it as a cold malevolent gaze fell upon her.

Phyllis, the waitress, came to her table, "Hi, Sharon! Are you here to get Herb's famous meatloaf?" 

Sharon put down her menu and gave a forced little chuckle. "Yes ... yes that's it. You know how my daughter loves it. Instead of eating it here, I've decided to get it to go and take enough home for her, too."

Phyllis said, "Great, honey. Our meatloaf is so good, it tastes even better warmed up. What sides do you want?"

As Sharon picked out the sides and listened to Phyllis extol the virtues of the diner's food, she glanced around the room and located the source of her discomfort.

Joe Lee's aunt was sitting across the room staring at her belligerently.

"Will it take long?" Sharon spoke quietly, "I need to get home."

"Why sure, honey, I'll get you a to-go box right away. Why don't you go ahead and pay at the register while I'm getting it ready; Cindy will check you out."

As Sharon stood at the register pulling out her wallet with her back to Mrs. McCloud, she whispered to herself, "Please, Lord, don't let her say anything. Don't let her cause a scene. Let me get out of here quickly."

Cindy said, "That will be $14.56," just as Phyllis came out with two to-go boxes. Glancing over as Mrs. McCloud was walking up to them, Phyllis loudly exclaimed, "There ya go, honey. You and Morgan enjoy!"

Sharon threw a $20 at Cindy, "Keep the change," and grabbed the boxes and started pushing the door open.

"Well, well, well. Look who's here enjoying meatloaf while my son and my nephew lie cold in their graves. And she's even taking some home to MOR-GAN," Mrs. McCloud said in a nasty sing-song voice standing with her arms crossed in front of herself.

Sharon stood stock still, heart racing, as she prayed furiously inside, "Lord, help me be calm. Lord, don't let me go off on her."

Slowly turning towards her, Sharon gulped and said in a shaky voice, "Yes, Mrs. McCloud, Herb's meatloaf is the best. You should try it."

Mrs. McCloud sneered, "Well I would enjoy it; but now that I've seen the likes of you, I doubt I could choke it down."

Before Sharon could stop herself, words tumbled out of her mouth "Mrs. McCloud, I'm so sorry you are living in such hate and can't enjoy your food. I'm not your enemy, my daughter is not your enemy, we can't help what my father did. We hate it just as much as you do! Are you held responsible for everything your family ever did?"

As Mrs. McCloud stood there shocked and speechless, her husband appeared and taking her by the elbow, said, "Dear, our food has been served. Come and eat it before it gets cold." He gently pulled her away as Sharon turned around and bolted out the door,

Tears streaming down her face, Sharon got in her car, started up and sped out into the street as fast as she could go. There was only one person she felt could comfort her and she headed straight to Sister Clara’s.

~~~

Have you missed any of Morgan's story? You can catch up here.

I just want you to know how highly I value those of you that make your way to the Journey to read my words! I believe encouraging others with the written word is a worthy calling. Thank you especially to those who respond. You make it worthwhile!

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More About Morgan, #4

NOTE: If you've missed any of Morgan's story, you can find links to all installments here.

Chapter Four – Planning for the FutureWhen I got home, I glanced at the bench in the backyard and thought, “It’s been way too long since I sat under Grandma Rose’s trees and just relaxed.”

I changed clothes, got a glass of sweet tea and went out to my favorite spot when I was a kid.

“Ahhh … this is more like it!” I sniffed the nearby aroma of the rosebushes and watched the sunlight dance on the leaves of the trees swaying in the breeze. No wonder Grandma loved this place so!

I closed my eyes while pondering all the changes I was soon to make. First, I’d need to hand in my notice at work. I’d need to clean out my apartment and ship my stuff home. I’d need to check into a Master’s program. And then there was the question:  should I live at home or get my own place? What subject would I teach? Were there any openings at the high school?

My head was spinning!

I heard the crunch of tires on the driveway and opened my eyes to see Mom’s car parked in front of the garage. Her shoulders were slumped sitting in the car, but when she opened the door and got out, she glanced my way, and seeing me, straightened her shoulders and pasted on a bright smile.

“Hey, Mom!  Get comfortable and come out here and relax with me.”

“Okay, let me get out of this garb first and grab some tea.”

Pretty soon, the screen door slammed and she came out dressed in her favorites: blue jean bermudas, flip flops and a tee shirt in her signature color, yellow.

As she walked out to the bench, I thought to myself, “Mom is really a beautiful lady with her slim figure and auburn hair. How come I never thought so before? Maybe it is because the bitter expression is gone.”

As Mom settled in beside me, she said, “Whew, what a day! Doing all this uncomfortable stuff takes a lot out of an introvert.”

“How did it go?”

“Well, pretty good, I guess,” Mom said with a slight frown. “At work, they couldn’t have been nicer about the promotion. I now have my very own work area, and a mentor! Someone from corporate is coming to train both me and a new assistant manager at the Summerville store. We are going to have class every morning from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. for the next month. We’ll be training at the main branch in St. Peters, which is about equal distance for each of us to drive. I’ll have to hit the road about 5 a.m. to get there on time.

“Wow, I didn’t realize that! When do you start?”

“Next Monday.”

“Sweet!”

“Then I headed over to the community college before I lost my courage. I figured I’d better strike while the iron is hot.” Mom sighed. “It was actually harder to do that than anything.”

“Why?”

“Because I have such bad memories connected with going to school. Being pregnant and sick with shame over what my dad had done made those last few weeks of my senior year hell on earth.”

I said slowly, “I guess I never dreamed you had to go back to school after what Bobby had done.”

Mom said softly, “Yeah, I had to get that degree because I had a baby depending on me. I couldn’t get any kind of job without a diploma. In those days, you couldn’t homeschool or do anything online.”

I looked up teary-eyed, “I’m sorry, Mom, that you had to experience all of that for me.”

“Why, baby, it wasn’t your fault! I see that now!” Mom squeezed my hand. “Anyway, what a blessing I have you now, because I’m going to need some serious help with these studies! It looks overwhelming!”

“I wanted to talk to you about that,” and I went ahead and told her of my decision to become a guidance counselor and my discussion with Miss Amy.

Mom said, “I feel kind of shell shocked with all this change! To think a few months ago, the future looked dull and gray and hardly worth living!”

I nodded, “In my case, a couple months ago I was in this whirlwind of work trying to become CEO. I couldn’t hardly breathe, let alone think of the future.”

Pausing for a moment to consider, I went on softly, “So then the Lord sent Kai, the angel, to change our destinies.”

Mom nodded. “Yes, He really did change the paths we were on. I hope someday to meet him.”

“Surely in heaven, we’ll see him again … if not ever again on earth,” I mused.

My Type A, list-making personality, kicked in. “Mom, let’s go sit at the dining room table and plan our schedules and our budgets and how we are going to make everything work.”

Mom said, “OK, but one thing we have to settle. Will you consider living here while you are studying your Master’s? I’m lonely here, plus I’m going to need a study partner.”

“Really, Mom, you want me here? You don’t want me to get an apartment in town and give you space?”

“I’ve had 9 years of space. I’m ready to be bugged,” she winked, “although I can already see you are going to be a bulldog and hound me when I need it.”

“Only because I love you,” I smiled.

Mom smiled back, “Right back at you!”

~~~

I just want you to know how highly I value those of you that make your way to the Journey to read my words! I believe encouraging others with the written word is a worthy calling. Thank you especially to those who respond. You make it worthwhile!

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More About Morgan: Chapter 3

Hello! I'm continuing with More about Morgan. If you have missed any of her story, you can now go to the tab "The Book of Morgan" right under the Home page tab and find a link for every one of the posts.

Chapter Three – I Want to Do What You Do

The next day, I called the school and made an appointment to see Miss Amy. Not only did I owe her an apology for never coming back to say thanks for all her help; but, I also wanted her advice.

At breakfast, Mom asked what my plans were for the day. After hearing mine, she said, “Well, I’ve prayed about it all night, and I’ve decided to accept the assistant manager job. I’m going in to sign paperwork, then I’ll stop by the college and find out what my first steps need to be to earn that degree.”

“Mom, I’m so proud of you for taking steps to fulfill your potential!”

“Well, you might want to wait to find out what my grades are before you are too proud.”

“Here is what I know: you are a hard worker. You put everything into what you decide to do. You don’t give up. How could that not translate into getting a degree?”

“Thank you, my own personal cheerleader,” Mom said as she gave me a hug.

“Wow, look at the time! I’m supposed to see Miss Amy at 9,” I said over my shoulder as I took my breakfast dishes into the kitchen to load up the dishwasher.

“Ok, see you later,” Mom said, “I’ve got to go find something professional looking to wear to the corporate office.”

“Wear what you wore Sunday,” I called after her as she headed upstairs.

I thought to myself as I headed towards the school. “Mom is going to need a lot of help with studying, with navigating the corporate world, and with wardrobe choices. These are all things I know well. Lord, I really feel you want me to come back and help her.”

Before I knew it, I was standing in the hallway of my old high school. The only thing different from nine years ago is now there was a guard at the door and a metal detector you had to walk through before being allowed inside the school.

He buzzed Miss Amy to let her know I was waiting; and she came out to meet me.

“Morgan! How wonderful to see you! You look so awesome!”

I gave her a big hug. “Miss Amy, you don’t look like you’ve aged a day!”

“Morgan! Didn’t that fancy school teach you to tell the truth! I feel like I’ve aged several decades since I last saw you.” Miss Amy led me to her office and then sat down next to me on the same little love-seat where we sat the day she told me I had won the scholarship.

“Miss Amy, before I go any further, I just have to beg your forgiveness for taking all your help and then never sending word on how I was doing, or thanking you, or anything! That was just rotten of me, and I am ashamed!”

Tears sparkled in her eyes as she said, “Well, Morgan, I can’t deny it would have been nice to have heard from you, but I understood your situation. You were in pure survival mode.”

“That’s true, but it was still no excuse. I’ve made things right with the Lord, with Sister Clara, with Mom, and now I’d like to make things right with you,” I said tearfully.

“Morgan, I forgive you. I’m just glad you did come back, and … wait a minute! Did you say you made things right with your Mom?” she asked excitedly.

“Yes! Let me tell you all about it,” and I started relating everything that happened since the fateful day Kai confronted me.

At the end of my story, Miss Amy was just dumbfounded. “I can’t hardly believe God would send an angel to confront you – You’re sure he was an angel?”

“I’m as serious as a heart attack! God will do whatever it takes to get His children’s attention. Hopefully, not everyone’s as hard-headed as me to where such drastic measures have to be taken.”

“Thanks so much for sharing your story with me! It gives me a lot to think about. But, we’re running out of time before I have my next appointment, and I remember you said on the phone that you had something to ask me.”

“Yes, I do. Of course, I wanted to ask your forgiveness, but I also wanted to ask you what I would need to become a guidance counselor like you.” I took a deep breath, “I feel like God wants me to work with kids who were in the place I was all those years ago. If it hadn’t been for you and the help you gave me, I don’t know where I would be today. Who knows if I’d even be alive?”

“I want to do what you do,” I said fervently.

Miss Amy stared at me in surprise. “You’d give up your high-paying job to come work with high school kids? Do you realize you’d be only earning a fraction of what you could make at your current job?”

“I have a great nest-egg. I never spent any of the money I earned except on living expenses – well, all right, I do have a seriously nice wardrobe – but still, I accumulated quite a lot what with making a fantastic salary, bonuses, stock options and such. I can afford to take a cut,” I grinned.

“I also feel I should tell you that as I was earning my marketing degree, I was a double major and I have a secondary education degree as well.”

Miss Amy shook her head, “Imagine that! You, an over-achiever.”

“Miss Amy, it was meant to be. My Mom is going back to school to get a marketing degree. I feel led to give back to this school. I need both degrees to help. I just didn’t know it at the time.”

“I’ll have to look into the details for what the requirements are now. It’s probably different than when I started all those years ago, but I do know you will have to have a Master’s degree and you must have a teacher's certificate. It would be even better if you had taught a least a year in the classroom,” Miss Amy mused.

“Ah, so, I will have to hit the books, just like Mom. I don’t have a Master’s in education, just a Bachelor’s.” I grinned, “We can have study nights together.”

Glancing at the clock, she said, “I’m going to have to let you go now, but I will get back with you on the requirements to get your teaching certificate and just which Master’s degree you’ll need. I probably already know the answer to this, but I am wondering if you want to teach while you are studying for your Master’s?”

“Oh, definitely teach while I’m studying. You know I’m a workaholic!” I declared.

“I know you don’t know what you’re getting into!” Miss Amy smiled sweetly.

I let that remark slide off me like water off a duck’s back. Now to go home and tell Mom my decision!

~~~

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More About Morgan, #2

Today's portion from The Book of Morgan, Part 2, shows us Sharon decides to let go of the past and build for the future.

(Just now joining us? You can read the last installment here, or go to a landing page here where you can read Part 1 on the series.)

CHAPTER 2 – Heart to Heart

After stuffing ourselves at the diner, we headed back home for that other Sunday ritual that I’d heard about but not gotten into the habit of doing. (No, not attending church. You already know I’d never had that habit - until now!) I’m talking about the sacred Sunday afternoon nap.

When I awoke, I found Mom sitting in Grandma Rose’s rocking chair in the living room, looking out the window with a faraway expression.

“A penny for your thoughts,” I said softly as I sat down on the nearby sofa.

She glanced at me and smiled, “I’d give them to you for free if they were worth sharing.”

A few moments of silence, then she said, “I feel like we have been given a chance for a new relationship, but I’m afraid I’ll mess it up.”

I hesitated a moment and then said softly, “I would like us to be best friends. I’ve never really had a friend except Sister Clara. I’m not all that sure about going about it, but I’m pretty sure we have to be honest with each other and be loyal to another.

Mom laughed, “I’ve been a crab so long, I’m not sure how to be a friend. Lordy, what Jamie must have had to put up with over the years!”

“Let’s start by really getting to know each other,” I suggested. “Ask me anything you want, and I’ll be honest and tell you, and I will do the same. You go first.”

Mom wrinkled up her brow and thought. “Why did you go to Portland?”

“Well… truthfully it was the first school faraway from home that offered me a full ride scholarship. After I learned the truth about what the town thought of our family, I thought it was best to go as far-off as possible.”

Mom said, “Okay, I accept that. Now it’s your turn to ask.”

"Mom, were you really happy living the way we were, holed up at Grandma's and never seeing anyone but Jamie?"

"Not really," she explained, "but it was comfortable because I was used to it."

After a little silence, she mused, "This was never how I expected my life to turn out."

I asked, "Mom, how did you expect your life to be?"

She sat in silence staring ahead. Finally, she turned to me and said in a quivery voice, "I thought I'd be married to your dad, who was a wealthy Southern gentleman - or at least he would have been, if he'd just been allowed to live!

“We would have had a good life, Morgan. You could have had all the things a little girl would want or desire. But best of all, you would have had a dad who wanted you! He was so excited when he knew you were on the way. He kept saying he wanted to be the best dad ever."

“I wanted to give you something I never had. A dad who wanted you.”

Now it was my turn to have tears fall. "I would have loved that for sure. All I ever wanted was to feel important to someone like Grandma Rose made me feel."

At that, Mom dropped her head and cried. "Morgan, I'm so sorry I didn't show how much I valued you. Can I ever make it up to you?"

I leaned over and gave her a side-hug. "I know, Mom, and I forgive you. We have a lifetime of making things right.“

After a little pause, I decided to lighten the atmosphere. “So, Mom, was there any career that you wanted to do before all this happened to you?”

“Well, it might surprise you, but I wanted to be a veterinarian, especially for large animals. Joe Lee and I talked about raising horses. He was into agriculture in a big way. His dream, besides playing college football, was to run the family farm using the latest and newest technology.”

“That would have been awesome,” I smiled, “I could see myself living on a farm as a kid!’

“Gathering eggs and cleaning out stalls?” Mom questioned.

“Well …”

She laughed, then sighed. “Anyway, that was what might have been. I’ve spent too long on dwelling on the past and missing the future right in front of me. You weren’t gone too many weeks before the truth of that crashed in on me! I’m not going to make that same mistake again.”

“Mom, I’m so proud of your attitude! You are so right! It’s time to make plans for the rest of our lives.”

“I’m glad you brought that up. I want to tell you of an opportunity that has come up,” Mom said excitedly.

“You don’t know it since we’ve been apart, but in the last few years I’ve been promoted. Our store was sold to a food market chain; and over the years, it’s been updated and expanded. I’ve moved up from being a cashier. I was first made produce manager. I’ve done pretty well with that; and now there is an opening to be the assistant store manager. I was just told before I went to see you in the hospital that the job is mine if I want it.”

“Mom! That is awesome! Of course, you want it!”

Mom threw up her hand and said, “Now, hold on. There’s a couple things to consider. If I’m going to get into management, there is a cost to pay. Of course, since I live by myself, I can work as many hours as I want. But since we’ve reconnected, I don’t want to miss any time with you. I know you’ll be going back to Portland at the end of the month, I’m supposed to give them an answer next week.”

“Well, Mom …” I started to say, but she interrupted.

“Another cost I will have to pay is going back to school. Since this is a national chain that bought out our store, there is a lot of competition for jobs. I’m going to need to get a degree if I want to advance. It’s been a long time since I hit the books, so it’s going to be rough.”

I smiled, “You know, Jamie told me when you were in high school that you were a bright student. I know you can do it, Mom. You should go for it!”

I hesitated a moment, then took the plunge, “Mom, I’ve been thinking a lot about the future, too. I don’t think I want to go back to Portland. I want to stay here, with you. I mean, if we’re going to be best friends, we have to hang out.”

Tears sparkled in Mom’s eyes. “You mean, you’d give up that fancy high-faluting job to come back to this po-dunk town?”

I said firmly, “I’d give up a fancy job for family any day of the week. Love is more important.”

Now the tears really flowed. Mom said, “Oh, I don’t deserve a daughter like you. Jesus, you’re too good to me!”

~~~

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More about Morgan

For my readers who followed along with my Write 31 Days challenge, you can now find out more of the story!

Each Wednesday, I will be publishing a fictional post, and for the foreseeable future, we will be learning more of her story. 

If you missed any of the previous posts of my serial, Angel on Assignment: The Book of Morgan, click here and be taken to a landing page that has all 31 posts of the story in order.

THE BOOK OF MORGAN

PART II – More about Morgan

Chapter 1 – What’s next?

The next day after all the secrets were told, Sunday dawned fresh and new.

As a grown woman, I knew I could now make my own decisions; but I hoped Mom would approve.

I wanted my first action as a forgiven, reconciled and restored daughter to be attendance at Sunday morning church. Although I had been allowed to attend some youth meetings during my late teens, I had never once gone on a Sunday morning to Sister Clara’s church.

At the breakfast table, I casually remarked I’d like to attend. Mom looked down at her cup of coffee for awhile, and then looked up at me with her eyes brimming with tears.

“I think it would mean a lot to Sister Clara if we both attended,” she said softly, “except I don’t own any clothes worthy of going to church.”

“Oh, Mom,” I went over to her and hugged her, “People don’t dress as formally for church as in Grandma Rose’s day. Let me help you go through your closet and find something.”

In about half an hour’s time we were ready to go. We both wore black dress slacks and jewel-toned tops. I think we looked pretty spiffy, but more importantly, we both were wearing smiles in each other’s presence.

As we approached the double doors of the church, Mom whispered nervously, “Hope the roof doesn’t fall in.”

“Mom! That’s not going to happen!  You’ll see, people will be happy to see us.”

Sure enough, when we stepped into the foyer, the first person we saw was Sister Clara holding court with all her church lady friends. As soon as she saw us, happy tears sprung to her eyes as she held out her arms for a hug.

“Sharon! Morgan! I’m so happy to see you here today! You must come sit with me,” she invited.

As we got settled in our places she mentioned her son Bro. John Cook, was visiting today and would be the special speaker.

“I’m so proud of him,” she said, “even though he used to be a big-shot CEO at Clark and Clark Innovations back in Portland, he turned out okay because he listened to the Lord and went into the ministry.”

“Oh!” I exclaimed, “I’ve heard of John Cook in Portland. I didn’t know he was your son!”

Sister Clara smiled, “Well, there are a lot of Cooks in the world. What were the chances you’d end up in the same part of the country as my son?”

When Bro. John took the pulpit, I watched him with interest. He had kind eyes, but I didn’t think he looked much like Sister Clara.

As if she were a mind-reader, Clara leaned over and whispered to me, “John gets his good looks from his daddy! But he got his way with people from me!”

“Ssh,” whispered Mom, “I’m trying to listen!”

Clara and I settled back in our pew with grins on our faces and started listening to Bro. John.

Interestingly, his sermon was on forgiveness. He started with the timeless story of Peter asking Jesus how many times a person was expected to forgive someone.

I glanced over at Mom, and her gaze was riveted on Bro. John as he read the following scripture:

Matthew 18:21-22 New King James Version (NKJV)

²¹ Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

²² Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Bro. John explained, “In Peter’s day, rabbis taught you should forgive a person at least three times. Peter thought he was going above and beyond to suggest forgiving a brother seven times!”

“Imagine how the listening crowd took the news Jesus expected them to forgive 490 times, which is another way of saying, “Forgive without limit’.  Who would keep track of 490 times and say on the 491^st offence, ‘Nope, sorry, can’t do it.’”

“In fact, the Love Chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, actually tells us ‘love bears no record.’ So, it would be wrong to even keep track of those 490 offences.”

“Does forgiving mean the person who hurt me gets away with it? Not at all. The law of sowing and reaping assures us people pay consequences for their sins. The ‘wages of sin is death,’ the bible tells us. So, unless a person repents, they will pay the ultimate price for their sin.”

“Forgiveness is for YOU. It frees the load, the burden, you have been carrying around, and it says to God, ‘I trust You, Father, to take care of it for me.”

I glanced over at Mom and was startled to see a trickle of tears running down her face.

Pastor John went on, “Here’s another reason forgiveness is for you.” He went on to finish Matthew 18 and told the parable of the servant who was forgiven a great debt by the King; but later could not forgive a fellow servant who only owed him a small debt.

“In essence the message of this story is this:  How can we, who have been forgiven so much by the Lord, justify not forgiving someone else?”

Mom sniffled loudly and Sister Clara handed her a handkerchief.

When it came time for the altar call, I was a little surprised to see Clara whisper something to Mom and then they both made their way to the front and had a long conversation with the Bro. John and the Pastor.

Then the Pastor said, “We’re thankful our sister has come to lay some burdens down at the feet of Jesus.” He then prayed a prayer of dismissal and everyone stood to their feet and milled around shaking hands and greeting one another.

Everyone was so nice and friendly to me and I renewed acquaintances with a few youth who were now adults worshiping still at our childhood church.

Not once did anyone mention our family secrets or anything associated with the past!

I met up with Mom and Sister Clara at the door. Clara invited us to lunch with her and her son and his family but we declined feeling she should spend time with him.

“We’ll get together next time, I promise,” Mom said as we filed out the door and headed to the car.

“I kind of have a headache after all that crying, anyway,” Mom explained.

“I agree we should give Sister Clara all the uninterrupted time she can spend with her son.”

“Besides, we got lots to talk about. I’ve been gone 9 years, and I also need more of Herb’s meatloaf.” I declared.

“What? You just had that a couple days ago!”

“I know, but it is soooo good!”

Shaking her head, Mom led the way to the car. After we got in, buckled up and headed toward Herb's, Mom said, "You are really stretching this old introvert! Making me eat in public again."

“Mom, come on! I know you can do it. Do like I did all those years in Portland. Assume a confident demeanor and act like everyone’s invisible. No one will say a word to you. Trust me, I know!”

As we pulled up to the curb in front of the diner, Mom said, “What does a confident demeanor look like?”

“It’s all in the mind,” I explained. “Just think, ‘I’m Morgan, a confident powerful woman. I will be polite; but I am busy, so I don’t have time for idle chat.’ Once you have that mindset in place, your demeanor will look exactly like that.”

“Okay, but I think I will say, ‘I’m Sharon’ instead of Morgan,” Mom said with a grin.

Rolling my eyes, I got out of the car, muttering under my breath, “Everyone’s a comedian.”

“I heard that,” Mom said sweetly as she joined me on the sidewalk.

We assumed the position, linked arms, and strolled confidently into Herb’s Diner.

~~~

I'll be sharing this post at #TellHisStory, and #TuneInThursday.