We know
that
in everything
God works
for good
with those
who love Him,
who are called
according
to
His purpose.
[Romans 8:28]
********************
"I think that Ona
would have thought
that sounded like
a bunch of horse
manure, Lord.*"
[NOD.]
[QUIET VOICE.]
"Did you ask her,
child?"
"Uh, uh.
Just cuz I believe
in Christ now, doesn't
mean I'm gonna INTRUDE
myself into someone's
else's GRIEF."
(Pause.)
"That's between You....
and HER."
"Her son was only
30 years old,
Lord."
(Silence.)
"He was plannin'
on gettin' MARRIED...
and...
havin' KIDS."
[QUIET VOICE.]
"I know,
My child."
(Small smile.)
(Cynical look.)
"Yeah.
I forgot.
That's RIGHT.
You DO know...
DON'T You?"
[PATIENT GAZE.]
(Nod.)
"She asked me
how one gets over
it. I said.. they
probably never do."
[SILENCE.]
"Then, I shrugged
and said, 'Time......?'"
[SILENCE.]
"I told her,
I never had any kids
but I know how I
feel when one of my
cats dies. And.....
of course,
that doesn't even
come CLOSE."
[PATIENT GAZE.]
"Before I spoke to her,
yesterday.....I thought
she was just a very
quiet person; now, I
realize she's
just wandering around.....
in shock."
[SILENCE.]
"She says she's gotta
WORK; I said,
'Well.... the work
probably HELPS..."
[NOD.]
"I'm not the type
that's gonna start
spouting Scripture
at somebody; I think
that's CRUEL."
[TENDER VOICE.]
"Why is it
cruel,
My child?"
(Blow out a big sigh.)
"CUZ......
it's just words on a
paper."
[SILENCE.]
"If somebody had
said that.....to ME..
after my Dad's suicide,
I would'a SMACKED 'em."
[GAZE DOWN AT
HIS BELOVED CHILD.]
[TENDER GAZE.]
(Grimace.)
"I would'a smacked 'em.
It's just a bunch 'a
STUPID WORDS."
[LONG PAUSE.]
"Perhaps so, child."
[TENDERLY STROKE
A TEAR ON THE SIDE
OF HIS CHILD'S CHEEK.]
"But,
they're
Mine."
*********************
My days
are past,
my plans
are
broken off,
the desires
of my heart.
[Job 17:11]
______________________
*The author is always
talking to God the Father;
Jews don't use
"Father": usually they
say "Adonai".
In Memory:
Ona's son.
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