Chapter 7

A TIme For Peace

Norman called Oliver to let him know that the recipient had been found and he was traveling today to meet the brother in Virginia. As Shane and Oliver spoke of the case, the nurse came in to check her vitals and overheard them.

She said, "What a coincidence. That sounds like the man down the hall, but I don't remember the name of the brother."

Shane and Oliver looked at each other and smiled. Shane stated, "We know about coincidences right, Mr O'Toole?"

"Of course, coincidence is the middle name of the Almighty."

Nurse said, "What, could you explain?"

"God works in mysterious ways."

"That He does!"

Shane and Oliver were curious but, Norman had already said that they were meeting today, so it couldn't be the same person. Oliver wheeled Shane into her mother's room for a visit. They looked at each other and shared a few tears and held hands. There was an unspoken gratefulness to have made it through the surgery and have a second chance as mother and daughter.

"Mom, I'm so happy your doing well." Shane introduces Oliver, "Mom, this is Oliver O'Toole, my friend, and co worker."

"Hello, I met Oliver the other day and he is the perfect gentleman just as you stated. However, I believe he is more than just a friend." (they both looked at each other and blushed)

" Mom, really? When did you meet him?"

"Two days ago, while you were sleeping in the chair next to me. We had a nice conversation before I fell asleep."

"What did you talk about?"

"Work and reason for changes in life."

Shane raises eyebrow towards mom, " I guess we will talk more about that later."

Oliver could tell they needed to be alone. Oliver dismissed himself to get coffee and while he was there he overheard a conversation at the nurse's desk.

"Hi, I'm Dr. William Benson and I have located a Phillip Benson here at the hospital. I would like to visit with him."

"I'm sorry sir, there are no visitors permitted at this time."

"You don't understand, I am his brother."

The nurse gasped and said, "You're the one? I don't believe it! I'll have to call the room and check with his wife."

Oliver went over to him and introduced himself.

"Hello. I'm Oliver O'Toole, I work for the DLO in Denver. Norman Dorman is my colleague." They shook hands.

Louise walked down the hallway and could not believe her eyes, it was William.

She said, "I didn't think we would ever find you or didn't think you wanted to be found." (as tears rolled down her face)

"It's been a long time. The letter was lost in mail for years and I just received it, yesterday. After I landed, I went to the address and the neighbor told me where to find you. Am I too late?"

"No, you're right on time. He's still here, holding on to what time he has left. He will be so glad to see you."

"We've let too much precious time go by. Shall we go?"

Oliver stood astonished. Yet again, another letter finds it intended recipient right on time. He walked with them to the room and watched the reunion. He marveled at God's handiwork.

Phillip apologized to William for what happened so long ago and for not looking for him earlier. After the apology, tears were shed, hugs were given, and the most important forgiveness was shown. William told Phillip it was fate what happened in the past and how he met the girl of his dreams a few months later. They were married and have a happy life together.

Meanwhile, Shane and her mother carried on in conversation about Oliver.

"Mom, what things did you and Oliver talk about?"

"He spoke of the how the letter reaches the person in time even though its been lost a while. I'm interested in hearing about some of the letters you've solved. It sounds rewarding. You know what else is interesting? ( she looks Shane in eyes and smiles) I can tell he enjoys working with you."

"How do you know?" (as she blushes and tries to hold in her smile by biting lips together and looking off to the side)

"His face lights up when he says your name. I know he cares for you. No employer I know would make this trip, even for surgery. How long have you two been dating?"

"Not long. We've known each other for two years. Sometimes, he infuriates me so, I could scream and then other times he does something sweet and thoughtful. I did quit a few times. (she pauses and smiles) But, he always convinces me to came back to work . At times he's confusing, overconfident, and self-righteous but, other times I see what good comes out of his heart. Like with the recipients of letters, he investigates each one to the fullest of his capabilities. Every letter matters to him and each person that it belongs to matters. That is what makes him so good at his job. His heart is in his job. Mom, you mentioned changes in life. What else did you discuss?"

"Shane, you have changed since you've worked in Denver. You've always been assertive, bold, and a little distant. But, since you moved to Denver, you have something different in your life. I believe your job at the DLO and your relationship with Oliver has changed you. You care about people differently, possibly as if looking through other's eyes. You've matured and understand what is important in life." I know what it is? Love and being loved. You guys must be fairly serious?

"Mom, we just started to date."

"Yes, you're saying one thing and I'm hearing another. I know you're being careful especially after that last guy, Steve, hurt you."

"Let's not talk about him right now."

Oliver excused himself and headed back down to retrieve Shane. After they returned to the room, Oliver told Shane what had transpired. They were both in awe of how these letters proved time and time again that there is a higher power at work.

Before Oliver took Shane to her mother's house, they stopped by and checked on Mary. They spoke of the brother's Phillip and William who were reunited. Mary asked about them, if it was true about the letters you deliver.

Shane said, "Yes, mom another divine delivery brought two brothers together just in time".

"You really believe that there is a higher power at work?"

"Yes, mom we do. We get to see it first hand and experience the restoration, forgiveness and love between the writer and the recipient."

The next day, Oliver took Shane to her mom's house. He pampered her with simple things like sitting on the porch swing, holding hands, and sipping lemonade. Followed by frequent massages and reading to her as she leans against him resting. After a few days, she knew he had to head back to Denver and she would take care of all details pertaining to her mom's release from the hospital.

One night she was sitting on the swing looking up into the great vastness of the universe and thought about Oliver's Devine Delivery Theory.

"Okay God, you definitely have my attention. I know your hand is upon our lives. And I want you to be my guide as you are to Oliver. I want the peace he has when situations arise. As she paused to think for a moment, thank you Lord for bringing us through another storm."