Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 4, Page 31
Paul woke up and looked around. Yep, he was still in Hope Valley in his own bed! He jumped out and headed downstairs to see what Mrs. Rosemary was cooking for breakfast. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw her with her apron on and Mr. Lee sitting at the table reading the Valley Voice.
"Good morning sleepyhead!" Rosemary greeted him.
"Hey, there's the young man!" Lee called to him.
"Hello, ah, was I suppose to be down here earlier?" Paul asked hesitantly.
"We let you sleep in silly! You had a long day yesterday!" Rosemary assured him.
"Come, sit down next to me Paul." Lee pushed the chair away from the table and patted the seat. "Did you have a good night sleep?"
Paul sat down and relaxed. "I sure did." he smiled.
"How about some pancakes Paul?" Rosemary asked. "Hungry?"
"Yes, ma'am." Paul answered as he watched her place a plate full of pancakes in front of him. Rosemary sat on the other side of him and Lee and Rosemary each took his hand and said grace as Paul watched.
"Today is Sunday and we are going to church in a little while. So, you'll see most everyone there again." Rosemary was telling Paul.
"We have to go back to the orphanage afterwards though," Lee reminded. Paul's smile left and he put his fork down.
"Oh, but Paul, if you want to come back here, Mr. Lee and I want to pick you up after school next week for another visit!" Rosemary said excitedly. "I know it isn't Miss Dee's week to come, but both of us would really love it if you want to visit again."
Paul's smile came right back where it belonged. "Yes, I want to!" and he picked up his fork and finished eating his pancakes.
Lee and Rosemary burst into laughter. After breakfast, Lee took Paul back upstairs to clean up and put his clean clothes on. Soon, they were all ready and could hear the church bells ringing calling everyone to come. Paul grabbed each of their hands as he walked in the middle between them to sit in a pew with a big smile plastered on his face.
Pastor Canfield always had a poignant homily and this Sunday was no exception. He focused on loving one another and reminded them as a town that has been through many trials, they also have been very blessed. "We are not to forget those who are suffering or grieving especially during this happy and holy season. Our wishing tree asks for many wants, but we must also ask what does the person next to me want or need?"
Dee, had both the children and adult choirs sing Oh Come All Ye Faithful that was accompanied by Angela playing the piano. At the end of the service, Rosemary reminded everyone to be prepared for the Christmas pageant next week with costumes, memorizing lines, practicing songs, and to meet at Billees for their service. As the congregation was starting to leave, Dee asked Rosemary how Paul's visit went and Rosemary asked, "Can't you tell?" she winked.
Pastor Joseph dropped his family off at home as he was going to the O'Neill farm.
When he got there, he saw that the Christmas tree was indeed up and decorated in front of the living room window. That was a good sign he hoped. "Dear Lord, please walk with me and give me your words to speak. Amen."
Mrs. O'Neill answered the door. "Oh, Pastor Joseph, I'm so sorry. We haven't been to church in quite some time. Won't you please come in."
"Thank you," Joseph nodded.
"Would you like some hot tea or a cup of coffee?" Mary asked.
"Coffee would be fine. Is Mr. O'Neill in?" Joseph asked.
"Yes, Sean is in the living room." Mary muttered, "as usual."
"Good morning Sean!" Joseph greeted Mr. O'Neill. "Your tree looks mighty fine all decked out so nice there."
Rick came in the room and said hello and handed Joseph a cup of coffee. "Pastor, it sure was a nice evening last night with the tree ceremony and the caroling!"
"Glad you were there Rick. It's always nice to see everyone gathered around. I hoped Mary, that you and Sean would have joined us."
"What for?" Sean challenged.
"It's been awhile now since any of us have seen you and your family." Joseph reminded him. "What can I say to help you Sean? Your family is worried about you and I must admit, I'm concerned too."
"Like I told you before, nobody can help me unless you can bring Timothy back." Sean replied with misty eyes.
"I'm so sorry, you know I can't. Your grief is understandable and I feel your deep sadness. If you want to share this with me, I'm all ears." Joseph reassured him.
Sean hesitated for a long time, "I don't know how to let go of Timothy. The last time I spoke to him was right before he left for war and I didn't even tell him that I loved him..." Sean's composure vanished. He looked away so embarrassed, so mad at himself.
"So this anger is directed at yourself. Sean, this is such a heavy burden for you to carry alone. You have a loving wife, a devoted son, Rick that both look up to you. I know they are grieving too. They are here alive right beside you. Have you told them that you love them?"
Sean looked at his wife and his son and began to sob. He couldn't hold back any longer. Both Mary and Rick went over to him and cried with him. Joseph watched quietly, as they just poured out their sorrow.
After awhile Joseph spoke gently, "Sean, you must forgive yourself first. Our Lord knows your anguish. Talk to him."
A long silence came between them. Then, Sean spoke in a whisper, "I don't remember how to pray. I've tried, but I just can't find the words. The pain is too real."
Joseph met his gaze. "That's all right. Then, I'll pray the words for you.
Heavenly Father, Sean needs you. Mary needs you. Rick needs you. They miss Timothy so very much Lord. Grief has stolen their happiness. Sean needs forgiveness for himself too Father. The burden is too deep for them to carry alone, but you promise that your yoke is light. Please send the Holy Spirit back into their lives. Allow them to be a loving family together once again. Bring the hope of Your Son's birth back into their hearts. We ask for your peace in Jesus' name. Amen."
