Chapter Twenty-four - Stevenson

When the two men returned over an hour later, the table had been set and Dale was contentedly finishing up the gravy - sipping wine - and teaching several of the younger crowd the finer points. Bridee had made out place cards, and after consulting Emily Post and Aislen, had placed people around the table as she felt appropriate. Amy and Dale were to sit at her father's right; Kylen and The Colonel were to sit directly at her father's left. The rest of the family would be grouped according to age. What had once been 'The Kid's Table' was now pushed to the end of the main table. While not a formal dinner, everyone who had needed to had changed into something more appropriate to the occasion. There were no jeans at the Celina Thanksgiving table. McQueen's face was unreadable, but Kylen noted that her father appeared a little gray. She pulled him aside.

"How bad was it?" she asked.

"You don't want to know, Kylen." Frank told her. He shook his head. "Believe me. Oh, Boy, you don't want to know. But I will tell you this. I have never met a man with more personal dignity than Colonel McQueen. You are incredibly lucky to have him as a friend and mentor. I see why he is so important to you." Frank turned and entered his study where he stayed alone for a several minutes.

**************

Frank called the troops together. "I want to do something a bit different this year. Let's leave all the food in the kitchen for the moment - to keep warm. But please, everyone sit at the table for prayer." While everyone filed into the dining room to the table, which now stretched into the living room as well, Frank took the time to thank Bridee for her thoughtfulness. McQueen was impressed with the man's eye for detail.

Frank looked around the table. He had before him what no man of his years had the right to expect in this day and age. His entire family was before him. They were all together and all healthy. They had honored guests and friends at their table. No one could know when this would happen again. No one could know what the future would hold. But, come what may, he would never forget this day, or forget to give thanks to God for giving it to them all.

Everyone joined hands and bowed their heads. McQueen, as was his habit, did the same as a gesture of respect to the host. Frank Celina began the prayer and McQueen felt a subtle move around the table. People had shifted in their seats slightly. They knew from the sound of their father's voice what McQueen did not. This was going to be one very long prayer.

Frank began with the expected Thanksgiving prayer, and offered the collective thanks and praise for Kylen's safe return. He offered thanks for the armed forces and the swift end to the war. He then gave thanks for those who had died and asked that their families find comfort. Again, not unexpected. He mentioned Nathan and all of the 5-8 by name, which moved McQueen unexpectedly. Frank Celina then did something unexpected. He sat in his chair, but mentally moved around the table starting on his right, giving thanks for an action or attribute of every person sitting at his table. He also asked a personal blessing for everyone present.

He gave thanks, for Amy's generosity of heart, which she had shared with Kylen and asked that God would bless her with insight into her patient's needs.

For Dale: Thanksgiving for his genius. Blessings that his good humor and joy of life would never falter.

For Christian: Thanks for his strength and leadership. Blessings for his research and hopes that he would look to God for guidance in managing Earth's resources.

For Abby: Thanks for her unfailing support of her husband and blessings for something just for herself so that she would not get lost in her husband and child.

For Karin: ...

Frank moved around the table, even showing remarkable insight into Emrys' two young friends. McQueen found himself incredibly moved by this man's belief, which was so different from his own. Ty thought that he just might be beginning to see into, if not totally understand, Kylen's assertion. 'Answered and blessed.'

Frank's mind had moved around the table, and was now envisioning Kylen, his lost child. Kylen knew that she was next on the list and held McQueen's hand so tightly that it was beginning to hurt him. McQueen hadn't thought her strong enough to exert that kind of power.

Frank gave thanks that God had given Kylen such determination and such a strong will - even though as she was growing up it had been a trial to her parents. He asked for mercy and blessing - that peace would return to her soul and victory to her spirit.

He now envisioned Colonel T.C. McQueen. Frank Celina's voice, which had been able to speak with such strength and conviction began to crack as his feelings about McQueen, which were complex and fresh came to the front of his mind.

"Dear Lord, You know that the members of this household have fought against oppression and injustice as You have given us the understanding to do so. Today, Lord, we give thanks for the life and example of this man. No matter what people may have thought of as his purpose when he was formed - we give thanks for the forging of his character and Your purpose for his life. For certainly he has been a blessing to us and to those we love. We pray that he always find favor in Your sight. We ask Your blessing that his decisions and actions be wise. We ask Your mercy that this warrior may know the fulfillment of his dreams and someday live in peace. Amen."

"Amen" the table responded and the room was absolutely still for almost a minute.

McQueen still didn't believe that if there was a God that He would worry about T.C. McQueen. But he had long believed that a generous prayer is never presented in vain. As a man who had been blessed by some pretty powerful padres in his time.... It had been one of the most profound religious experiences of his life.

End Chapter Twenty-four

Literary Giants M.Wheels