Highway To Healing

Chapter 4:

The doctor has announced that Richard Roberts can see and Richard, Jonathan and Mark return home to Eddyville. Richard gives his family the news. Susan is so thrilled Richard can see and Bobby is also happy. Susan gives her husband a kiss and says, "Richard, honey, it's a miracle."

"Dad, you can see," Bobby says hugging his dad's neck.

Richard answers, "Yes, son!"

The next morning over breakfast Richard and Susan are discussing where and what Richard could do to get back to work after so long. Richard asks, "I wonder if they will let me have my old job back at the State Prison?"

The thought struck Susan as maybe that's not best considering how much trouble that affected him and his whole family back in the 70s but she doesn't say anything except, "All you can do is look into it."

Richard responds, "I wonder if my old friend Bill Smothers still works there he was a prison guard on the opposite wing back in the 70s. I don't know what he does now. I'll call there later and see."

Richard calls and finds out his old friend is now the Prison Warden. Richard thinks to himself that this is better than he thought. Maybe his old friend could help him get his job back. They are on the phone with each other Richard says, "Hey Bill, this is Richard Roberts your old hunting and fishing buddy. Long time no see."

Richard begins to tell Bill how he just got his sight back and how he wants his old job back.

Bill explains to Richard how the prison system has changed over the years.

Richard presses a little too much so Bill has to lay it on the line. He explains, "Richard I hate having to be the one to tell you this and I know we had some good times in the past this is one thing about the job I hate. Buddy, I'm going to shoot it straight with you we can't use you here anymore. Don't make me say anymore. I'm sorry. I do care. I'm glad you got your sight back."

Richard is sighing on the other end of the phone.

Bill speaks again and asks, "Can you do plumbing? I remembered one time when the janitor was out how you fixed the prison commodes. I have a brother in law Nathan Best who's a plumber. He's looking for an apprentice in his business. Richard would you be interested?"

Richard answers, "I've been out of work for so long I suppose I should grab at the chance."

Bill gives Richard the contact information for Nathan Best's plumbing business. The address is right there in Eddyville.

Richard is given a chance at plumbing and learns quick. In a short time he is ready for certification. He is so pleased he can provide for his family again. New hope is brought to the Roberts family.

Mark asks Jonathan, "So does this complete the assignment?"

Jonathan answers, "No we're not quite done yet there's a little more for us to do. Bobby is still delivering pizza to help with his family expenses."

Bobby is on cloud nine with the fact his dad can see again. Susan is so thrilled, for her it was like snuggling with her 'teddy bear' so much the more tighter.

One day in Church Pastor Bartholomew peaches on missions and Bobby feels a tug on his heart. During the invitation Bobby surrenders to become a missionary.

At the end of the message the Pastor explains the need for sewing and stitching done for the Church and Susan volunteers for that.

Jonathan and Mark are in the Church and they turn to each other and smile as Jonathan says, "Now the assignment is done. They have their new hope from Heaven once again!"

Jonathan and Mark get back in the car and Jonathan drives for awhile. Mark begins to yawn and asks, "Jonathan could we stop back at Tina's Cafe for more coffee?"

Jonathan answers, "Sure."

After a few sips of coffee Mark passes out and Jonathan rushes him to the Hospital.

What is wrong with Mark?

To Be Continued