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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: It’s Christmas Day (in the present or living memory) (11/27/08)
On My Knees in St. Louis


My eyes slowly open. The alarm clock sounds like a British police siren, and I can’t get to the OFF button fast enough. How annoying! Why would any hotel have such a contraption in their rooms?


I roll back to the center of my bed. What city am I in? Oh yes, St. Louis, Missouri.


Throwing my legs to the side of the bed, I prepare to place my bare feet upon the repulsive carpeting of the “Best Rates in the Midwest” Inn. Make a note to buy a pair of slippers. How long have you been doing this?


Then it hits me, like a ton of industrial strength air purifiers, today is Christmas. My family is at home, their first Christmas without me being there. My wife, Rebecca, is probably just waking up. I miss the smell of her perfume. My daughter, Jessica, is most likely sound asleep. She could sleep through a British police siren! My son, David, he’s probably been awake most of the night playing video games, since the disciplinarian is away on business. Not that I’ve ever followed through on my threats of serious punishment.


Suddenly, the dirty carpet seems the least of my cares. And now, not only are my feet in danger of attacking microbes, but my knees are also possible victims. I can reach them through prayer. If God knows I’m thinking about them, then I’m as good as there!


“Lord, I know today is special for you too; the day your son came to be with the world. Christmas Day is my favorite day of the year. I never dreamed my job would take me away from my family on this day, but it has. Apparently, air purifiers are even more important than I’ve tried to convince my potential customers.”


I’m really getting off topic here.


“Well, Lord, please take care of Tess, Jessica, and David while I’m away. I know that you’re the main provider in everyone’s life. As Solomon fully understood, away from you there is no true joy. So, please grace my family with your presence during this amazing day. If I can’t be with them, I’ll not be so selfish as to hope that a far greater presence is there with them. In Jesus name I pray.”


My head still bowed, my eyes still closed, and my heart barely beating. RRRRRRrrrrrriiiiinnnnngggg! RRRRRrrrriiiiiiiiiingggg! I nearly wet the already contaminated carpet. The phone was ringing. Hopping to my feet, I made my way to answer the receiver, wondering how many germs would assault my ear canal.


“Hello, Brad Goshen here.”


“Brad!” It was my boss, Dirk Honeycutt III. "I tried calling you on your cell phone, but it didn’t get through. Oh man, Telemason Industries made a huge mistake. They didn’t need the installation by December 26th. It has to be done by January 26th. But the good news, and it’s really good news, Brad! The president of Telemason was so upset about you missing Christmas with your family that he is going have you picked up by limo and flown in his own private jet back to Indianapolis”


“Are you serious?” I asked.


“As serious as I’ve ever been. Also, he’s agreed to pay you whatever you would have charged for your services for the entire week. He said it was his company’s mistake and you shouldn’t have to worry about any financial loss from this.”


“Tell him I said thanks, Dirk!”


“I will, Brad. See you when you get back. Bye. Oh, almost forgot, Merry Christmas!”


“Merry Christmas!”


Hanging up the phone, I noticed a note on the nightstand that I must have missed before. It said: On December 26th, 2008, every room at the “Best Rates in the Midwest” Inn – St. Louis will have the carpets steam cleaned and treated with antibacterial solutions in order to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our patrons. This will take place between 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM. We regret any inconvenience this may cause to our guests. Thanks You. Sincerely, THE MANAGEMENT.


Wow! A lot can happen in just a few morning minutes when a little Christmas prayer is added.
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This article has been read 1342 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Helen Murray
12/05/08
kWOW! Our knees are the most important part of the anatomy I think. What a great story, and how you drew us into it emotionally. I felt angry at first that you were not home, and then repentant as the story unfolded, finally joyful as I read of the great integrity of the client.
Gregory Kane
12/07/08
You communicated very effectively the disconnected thoughts and confusion of a man just awakened in an unfamilar hotel room.
If I may say, I found your use of bold somewhat offputting. One of the things I have learned in FW is to use italics for inner thoughts and to use bold sparingly for key emphasis. Have a think about that and see what you reckon.
As has been said, I'm glad that it all came together in the end. It's horrible to have to work through the Christmas holidays.
Karlene Jacobsen 
12/08/08
I enjoyed reading this. It is really amazing how, when we turn our thoughts from ourselves to God, our vision becomes clearer. Even in the natural things. :)
Pamela Kliewer 
12/08/08
WOW!! This is one great entry. Loved it. :) You drew me in emotionally and made me laugh too. Well done. I agree about using only italics for inner thoughts...