That's Okay
by: E Walk
(© 2011 by the Author)
 

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...
 

Chapter 34
Church and More

I was awakened by Bill getting dressed for church.  I looked at him, "Bill, are you going to be okay?  Did the words come to you?"

He leaned down and kissed me. "Les, the words for the sermon and Grandma Hattie's funeral came to me during the night.  I'll just have to fumble my way through the services today, with only an outline."

"Bill, which service would you like the boys and me to attend?"

"Les, come to whichever service the boys would like to come to.  We can't always be asking them to go to both services, or they'll get turned off.  Let them decide what they want to do.  I need to go; I'm betting that Jonathan and Julie are probably already at the church."

I was just coming out of the bathroom when David came into the bedroom, "Dad, are we going to the first service or what?  We're all awake, so why don't we go to the first service and maybe we can take everyone to breakfast?"

I nodded my head in agreement, "That sounds fair to me.  Go tell your brothers what we're going to do, and I'll go make us some toast and pour some juice, to hold us until breakfast."

As we were eating, Darrin announced, "Daddy, I've been thinking."

I chuckled, "Oh no, we're in trouble; Darrin's been thinking."

Darrin was indignant, "Dad, be serious.  I think that we should go get some gray slacks for us guys, like you were wearing with your blue jacket, to wear when we are being pall bearers.  It would be neat if we could find six ties that looked alike for the Grandparents' funeral service."

"Darrin, that sounds like a neat idea.  I'll call the Witmers and Stevens and tell them your idea.  We'll go shopping this afternoon when Daddy Bill can go with us."

"I'll take care of the dishes while you guys go brush your teeth and get your jackets."

When we arrived at the church, the guys were looking around and Denny asked, "Dad, where are Jonathan and Julie's motorcycles?"

"I don't know.  Perhaps they put them out of sight so someone wouldn't try to steal them."

When we entered the church, Bill met us, "Guys, you're in for a surprise and a treat."

David looked at Bill, "Dad, please don't tell us you want us to do something else."

Bill hugged David, "No, Son, you'll see and hear when you go into the sanctuary."

As we were approaching the sanctuary, something sounded very different.  The organ was playing, but so was the piano.  When we entered the sanctuary, we saw that Jonathan was playing the organ, and Julie was playing the piano.  

When we were seated, the boys were sitting on the edge of the pew bench so they could watch and listen to the music.  Darrin scooted back and wrote on his bulletin, "They're good; aren't they, Dad?"

I watched as David took a prayer request card and started to write.  He showed it to Darrin who nodded his head yes.

The processional started and it was indeed a very impressive entry.  Father Roberts and Bill were followed by the choir, in their robes.  This was unusual because the choir usually didn't enter as part of processional.

When the processional music was finished, Father Roberts went to the pulpit and made the welcoming remarks.  He deviated from the normal routine and commented, "This morning when I entered the church, I heard these two young people practicing.  They did not know that they were going to be here today, until late yesterday.  This morning when I heard Miss Adams playing, I felt as if God had sent them here to practice at St. Mary's yesterday.  Please stand and greet those people around you."

It was very obvious that the congregation was enjoying the music, because they seemed to be singing louder than usual as Jonathan and Julie were playing the first hymn.

Bill's message was indeed very inspiring.  Darrin looked at me and grinned as Bill was finishing.

David was sitting on the aisle and I saw him pass the prayer request to the usher as they were collecting the offering.  The boys each pulled a bill out of their jacket pockets and put it into the plate.

After the offertory, the choir stood for their anthem. Don Daniels, who was the choir director, motioned for Jonathan and Julie to begin to play.  The choir did an outstanding job and the congregation applauded as did Father Roberts, as he approached the pulpit.  This was not a usual happening at St. Mary's for the choir to be applauded.

Don Daniels approached the pulpit and said something to Father Roberts; Father Roberts nodded and stepped back from the pulpit.

Don approached the microphone, "Members of the congregation, the choir members very much appreciate your demonstration of appreciation.  This was not an easy anthem to accompany.  It is remarkable that Mr. Finch on the organ and Miss Adams on the piano did a flawless job, for never having had the opportunity to practice with the choir." 

"What's even more remarkable, is that I understand that Miss Adams didn't know she would be playing until this morning.  I think we should give the two of them a round of applause.

The four boys stood and started to clap, and the congregation did likewise."

Jonathan and Julie stood and acknowledged the applause.

Father Roberts went through the prayer concerns, and as he read the few prayer request cards that had been turned in, he put one aside.  He looked at the boys, "I have one more prayer request.  Would one of you boys like to read it?"

David and Darrin both shook their heads no and Father Roberts started, "This request came from David, Darrin, Danny and Denny Phillips.  Please pray that God will help our friend, Jonathan, to be able to talk with his voice again."

Jonathan looked at the boys; there were tears in his eyes that he wiped away, with a tissue.

Father Roberts announced, "I have asked Miss Adams to sing The Lord's Prayer at the end of my prayer."

Julie moved to stand beside the organ so that she would be in place when Father Roberts finished his prayer.

After Julie finished, the choir stood as did the congregation for the last hymn which the choir concluded with a five fold Amen.

Jonathan and Julie started to play the recessional, and the boys and I watched as the people started to leave, after the choir had recessed by.  The boys started toward where Jonathan and Julie were playing and were waiting for them to finish playing.  They were joined by Mr. and Mrs. Davidson. 

When the young people stopped playing, they stood up and Darrin made the introductions.  I heard Mr. Davidson say, "You two young people are very talented.  I want to thank you for agreeing to play and sing at Mother's funeral tomorrow."

Jonathan started to sign, "Father Roberts blackmailed us into doing it.  We're pleased to able to do it.  We know how much my new bosses loved your Mother."

Julie had been telling the people what Jonathan was saying.

Mrs. Davidson turned to the boys, "Is this the friend that was mentioned in your prayer request?"

The boys nodded yes.  The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Don Daniels and George Degan.  Don started, "Jonathan and Julie close 'em down and lock 'em up, we're taking you to breakfast before we drown you for making us look like novices."

Darrin put his hands on his hips, "Look, Mr. Daniels, we were here first.  We'll take all of you to breakfast; that way Mr. Degan won't charge Daddy an arm and leg for his services.  Mr. and Mrs. Davidson would you like to join us?"

Mr. Davidson chuckled, "Darrin, it sounds like fun, but we need to go take care of the relatives and feed them all the food that people have been bringing us.  We'll see you at the funeral home tonight."

We collected Bill, over his objection, but with Father Roberts concurrence, and went to a new supermarket that had a Sunday brunch.  It was busy, but we went through the line quickly and found two tables that we could put together, and we visited.  Fortunately, we had taken two cars.  We could tell that Bill was getting anxious, so Don drove Bill, Jonathan and Julie and headed back to the church.

George asked, "What's Jonathan's story?"

I shrugged, "George. I don't honestly know."

I looked at the guys, "Do you want to go home or what?"

Danny spoke for the four of them which was unusual, "Dad, we want to go to the second service, too, so we can make sure they do it right this time.  Besides, all of our friends will probably be at this service."

George laughed, "I'm with the boys; I want to see if it they get it right this time."

The second service was nearly a repeat of the first service; it was even better, if that's possible.  After the service, the four boys went to talk to Jonathan and Julie and were joined by Roy, Shay and Kent.

I went to see what was happening, "Roy was saying, Jonathan and Julie, we'd like for you to play and sing at our wedding, next Saturday, would you be available?"

Jonathan was signing, "Dr. Anderson, where would the wedding be, and at what time?"

Roy nodded, "The wedding will be here at two o'clock; it will just be a small affair.  I know that this is asking a lot of you, especially since you are playing today and for the funerals, tomorrow and Tuesday."

Darrin looked at everyone, "They'll do it.  If we have to do everything that people want us to do, the least they can do is sing and play the organ and piano for your wedding."

Jonathan grabbed Darrin, "Would you stop telling us what we need to do?"

Darrin struggled until he was holding Jonathan's face, "Jonathan, you did it again.  God does answer prayers."

Roy stepped in, "Jonathan, please don't talk anymore until my doctor friends examine you.  I'm afraid that you'll ruin what power you have to speak, if you talk too much.  How soon would you be available to have them check you?"

Jonathan was calculating and started to sign, "Doctor Anderson, with the two funerals and classes, the first time I could be available is Thursday afternoon."

Roy nodded, "Be at my office at one on Thursday, and I'll take you to the doctors who will be examining you."

Julie stopped anymore talk, "We need to go.  My parents are having a family picnic and asked us to attend.  We'll see you all tomorrow morning."

Father Roberts approached, "Oh good, you young people are still here.  Here are your checks for playing today.  You were absolutely wonderful.  I hope you will be here many more times."

Jonathan and Julie were both surprised and Darrin giggled, "I didn't realize that people paid you for having fun."

As we were walking toward the exit, Denny asked, "Where did you hide the motorcylces?"

Julie and Jonathan started to laugh and Julie answered, "We left them at home because we heard you were going to try and steal them, so we rode the dog sled here.  We figured you would be afraid of the dogs."

Danny wasn't buying into that story, "How can you make up stories like that, when we were just in church?"

Jonathan was signing, "If you must know, we couldn't afford to put gas in cycles, so we rollerbladed here.  Actually, Julie was afraid her hair would get mussed up, so I drove my old jalopy that your Granddad Witmer bought me, here.  We'll see you tomorrow when you finally get here.

We watched as Jonathan and Julie climbed into a relatively new Toyota Corolla.  They waved to us as they were leaving the parking lot.

When we arrived at the house, there was a note from Mother Archer,

'Guys, there are things for sandwiches in the fridge.  We're going to spend the day with some of Jake's friends.  We'll see you at the funeral home, tonight.'

We changed clothes and were getting the things ready for lunch for when Bill arrived.  I was on the phone telling Paul Witmer what the boys wanted to do.  He agreed with the plan and volunteered to call the Stevens and tell them.

Bill went to change and as we were eating, Darrin was explaining why we needed to go shopping, but Bill seemed preoccupied.  He only nodded at the appropriate times.

 After we had our lunch, David came to me and whispered, "Why is Daddy Bill upset?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "David, I haven't the foggiest idea.  I'll talk to him while you guys are doing the dishes."

I took Bill into my office, "Bill, why are you upset?  The boys have noticed that something's wrong."

Bill sat down and started to unload, "Les, did you know that Mr. Hightower was Mrs. Witmer's brother?"

"Bill, I don't know Mr. Hightower, so how could I know that he was Lisa's mother's brother."

Bill laid back in the chair, "I didn't know it either, until he lit into Father Roberts and me after the service today.  He accused of us of making his wonderful niece Lisa look like a commoner.  He demanded that we not mention you and the boys again in the services."

"Darryl was so cool; he told Mr. Hightower that good deeds would get people to heaven faster than having a lot of money.  The Phillips are part of this church and have developed a wonderful ministry of taking care of the homeless.  If you can't live with people doing good deeds, I'll be glad to have your and your wife's name deleted from the membership roles."

Bill added, "I guess I said too much.  I informed Mr. Hightower that his wonderful sister had deliberately tried to run down one of the boys.  I also pointed out that his wonderful sister had charged into your house and threatened to take the four boys by force."

"I let him have it with everything that I had, when I told him what his wonderful niece had been doing."

"He left screaming, 'You're a bunch of liars.  I'm going to complain to the board about how uncaring you people are.'"

I hugged Bill, "Bill, everyone will recognize what an ass the man is, so forget it.  Let's go get the boys the clothes they want."

The boys wanted to go the J.C. Penney's store.  When we arrived in the boys' department, Mike and Peter were working.

Mike asked, "Are we doing two of everything or what?"

David answered, " No Sir, we're interested in finding some gray dress slacks that would go with our blue jackets.  Might you be able to help us?"

Mike was laughing, "I might be able to assist you, if you don't try to wear three sets of clothes out of the store.  We have some new slacks that just arrived and they are still on the rack in the storeroom and haven't been put on display yet.  I'll go see if we have them in the sizes you need.  I believe that sizes one, two and three."

When we left the store, we not only had four pairs of dress slacks but four pairs of black loafers, black socks, much to the boys' chagrin, and six matching ties.  We loaded the merchandise into the van and Bill suggested, "I think we should make one more stop." He stopped in front of a Hair Salon.

He walked in and announced, "We have six of us who need to have our hair styled or trimmed.  We can only pay a buck per person."

The young lady behind the counter looked up at us. "Father Bill, we don't have an opening until a week from Tuesday. Why don't you sit down and let me see if I can find someone to butcher your hair?"

We sat down and Danny was almost in tears, "Daddy Bill, why do we gotta' be here?  We look fine."

The receptionist returned, "Will the first two victims please follow me?"

Bill took Danny's wrist, "I guess it's you and me, boy."

It was only a couple of minutes before the receptionist returned and took Denny, Darrin and David away.  She laughed, "I guess you will just have to look like a grizzly bear, Mr. Phillips."

A young man came and got me and laughed, "I guess I received the booby prize and got the old man of the group.  If you would follow me, sir, could you please not talk, so I can hear what your sons are saying."

I was the last person to be finished.  When my stylist and I arrived at the desk, Danny stood, "Come on, Daddy, we need to eat so we can go to the funeral home.  Daddy Bill has already paid the bill and left a tip.  We don't want to be late for the meeting with the funeral director."

The stylist who had done my hair was laughing, "Your Dad said that the next time you came in, we were to give you a buzz job so that everyone would think you're old, like him.  Yes, that includes you Father Bill."

When we arrived at the house, it was after five o'clock.  Bill announced, "I'm going to stay here and work on my message for the funeral.  I'll order a pizza to be delivered at seven o'clock, and make a salad."

The boys and I changed clothes again, so we could be at the funeral before the family arrived.  The family was scheduled to be at the home to meet people, from six thirty until eight.  As we were driving, the boys were talking.  I was thinking to myself, 'Bill and I are lucky to have four wonderful sons.  I'm sure they'll be ready to go home as soon as they say hello to the family.'  

Last Chapter..

Editor's Notes: I somehow doubt that they will want to leave so soon.  I know they loved Grandma Hattie and I am sure they will want to be there with the family.

Mrs. Witmer's brother was a real piece of work, too, wasn't he?  I was surprised, to tell you the truth, that her kids were as nice as they were.  Poor Bill took the brunt of the nastiness from that jerk.  I don't think he will have much to worry about, from his bosses.

I can hardly wait for the next chapter.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 07/29/11