Hi, everyone! Sorry I took so long...real life just got in the way....

Here's the next segment. ASL will be in bold.


Chapter 5

Sunlight filtered through the curtains as she turned over on the bed and blinked the sleepiness away. Glancing at her watch, she saw that it was already mid morning. Sitting up, she realized Levi was no longer in the room with her.

After throwing some clothes on, Sue descended the stairs and headed toward the back porch looking toward the wooded area behind the house. Standing at the door, she watched for a few minutes as Jack lazily threw a stick that Levi obediently brought it back to him each time. Pushing open the screen door she crossed the porch and sat down on the steps, continuing her observations of the man she loved and his play with her trusted canine companion.

As if sensing her presence, Jack turned toward her then tiredly walked back to her. Sue scooted over on the steps as he reached them, joining her. She reached over and placed her hand on his arm, as if to say whenever you were ready, I’m there.
“How long you been up,” Sue asked.

Jack shrugged. “Awhile. I couldn’t sleep anymore. Besides, someone needed out,” pointing to the Golden as he explained.

She squeezed his arm. “He could have gotten me up just as well. But, thanks.”

Jack continued to look out toward the yard, but didn’t seem to really see it. “When I was younger, dad and I would come out here in the evenings and just watch the world go by or toss the ball around. Sometimes we would talk, nothing major – just stuff. Sometimes, we wouldn’t say anything, just sit here and enjoy life.”

Tell me more about him, she silently requested.

Jack picked up the stick that Levi had dropped at his feet and tossed it once more out into the yard. “He was a great dad, a deacon in our church. Everyone respected him. If you were down on your luck, or if you thought the world was against you, you didn’t have to worry about him judging you. He always gave others a second or third chance. He once said if he didn’t give that person a chance to prove to themselves that they could better themselves, who would? That’s something that the two of you have in common.” He grinned at her. “He taught me everything I needed to know to be a better man, husband, or father. I had hoped I would get the chance to talk to him when each of those events in my adult life came along, but now I guess I’ll just have to fumble along on my own.” Jack sighed. I miss him already.

“I know,” she whispered.

He leaned toward her. “I’m really glad you’re here. I don’t think I would have gotten through the last few days without you.”

Sue leaned over until their foreheads met. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

Jack threaded the fingers of his free hand through her hair then pulled back enough so she could read him. “I love you. I love how you are able to instill in me a peace I don’t always have. Even with everything going on, I feel as though my burden is not as great. My dad was the same way. Life would throw a curve at him, but he always took it in stride. I never understood it.”

She caught her lower lip with her teeth, as if weighing her next words. “I think, based on what I know of him, he placed his faith completely in God, trusting He would take care of whatever the problem was.”

“I wish I could do the same.”

Sue placed her hand over his heart. “You can. But you have to trust Him first before that can happen. Once you place your trust in Him, you can be filled with that same kind of peace.”

Jack shook his head. “I don’t think I’m ready….”

“He’ll be there when you are, and so will I.”

With those words, Sue leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on his lips, then pulled him into an embrace that said that she would be there for him, anytime and anywhere.

Poor Jack, and his mom. I'm so glad Sue is there for him. I love their conversation. Nicely written Susan.

Beautiful!!! and Sad too! Glad that Sue is there!

Tere

I love how Sue is able to reach out to Jack...sweet and tender...
Beautifully written
Josy

That was such a great conversation between Jack and Sue.

I just feel so back for Jack and his mom. It's going to take a while for Jack to finally realize that his dad's gone.

Lindsy

For me, you captured the essence of the characters of Sue and Jack perfectly here. Wonderful writing. Her gentle encouragement to him to put his faith and trust completely in God touched me.

A beautiful conversation between Jack and Sue!! I'm so glad she's there with him to help him get through this!!!

Joy

I couldn't say it any better than Ivory! Beautiful and touching.

Lynn

I was thinking the same thing and aching over what a great relationship Jack had with his father and how much he will miss him.

kav

The way Sue was able to gently bring up the subject of his father's faith was beautiful. Non-threatening, non-judgemental - just loving. That was simply beautiful.

Not a story post

I've run into a sort of brick wall with the direction I want to go in with the story which is why I haven't posted the last couple of days. I hope to have it figured out by tomorrow and post tomorrow night.

Thank you all for your wonderful comments! They help keep me going.....

I daresay we've all been THERE! Relax, it'll come to you, and when it does, we'll be here! I really do love the direction you're taking with the story. Sometimes when a story throws us a curve, and we find it's going in a different direction than we'd planned, I think it's just a sign that it's not all in our control! Believe me . . . I'm talking to myself as much as to you right now!

You'll get it!

Believe me, Susan, you are NOT alone! And when you add life getting in the way of the writer's block, its tough! I know, for I'm right there myself, so welcome to the club.

Its something I think we all go thru, though, and I know you will overcome it and present us with an even better post and story than you had planned. I think writer's block is God's way of showing us how to improve as writer's. At least I'm hoping that's the case!

Hang in there!

We'll be here waiting when you have your breakthru, as opposed to breakdown!

Lynn

Thanks for keeping us updated, Susan. I know what you mean about writer's block for sure. I thought what Lynn and Gina said was right on target.

Writer's Block is a deblitating disease to be sure, but fortunately there is a remedy, not a cure as writers often experience reoccuring symptoms, but a remedy...watching Sue Thomas FBEye non-stop unil you get inspired

This story has been great so far, I'm sure you'll be able to come up with the next chapter in time. For now we'll be patiently waiting for you.

- RSL

Thank you all for your words of encouragement! My weekend took a sharp left with activities involving my son and 3 nieces that kept us all busy through last night. I was actually glad Monday came along!

Here's the next installment. I actually have the next two chapters somewhat written out, just needs a little work on before I post.

Again, ASL will be in bold.



Chapter 6

She stood on the back porch, watching him. Reaching down she unclipped the leash from the collar and signaled to the Golden to go to him.

The funeral that morning had taken its toll on him. Instead of entering the home upon their return, he had walked around the house and away from the crowd that had begun to gather for the wake. Seeing that he needed a few moments to himself, Sue watched him as he shoved his hands into his pockets and disappeared from view then went to help Nora and Kim receive the visitors.

After some time had passed, Nora sent Sue outside with the pretense of getting away for a few minutes, but Sue thought it was because Nora needed someone to check on Jack, and she was elected.

Levi loped down the yard until he was beside the dark headed man. As of sensing great sadness from him, Levi sat and gently pawed Jack’s leg to let him know he was there. Jack reached down absently and rubbed the dog between his ears, kneeling as he did so.

Feeling a hand slide across his shoulder, he didn’t have to look up to know that she was there. He reached up and clutched her hand. When he was ready he stood up, clasped her hand in his and headed back to the house.

###

The last guest had left, dishes washed and put away, and the Hudsons and Sue were the only ones left in the house. Feeling quite drained, they were sprawled out on the chairs in the living room. Nora quietly flipped through a scrapbook, paused here and there, lovingly caressing the pictures, wiping at a stray tear. Kim leaned against her mother’s shoulder and watched as the pictures slowly passed by.

Jack and Sue lounged on the love seat, Sue’s legs drapped over Jack’s while she dozed. Jack’s hand gently rubbed her leg as he sat mindlessly letting himself try and not think of what would need to be done over the next few weeks and months as his mother worked on straightening out the estate. Knowing what was in the will, since he had helped his parents prepare it several years ago, he felt that the probate would go very smoothly. It was the act of clearing up many of William’s personal belongings and the final reading of the will that would be the toughest of all.

He gently lifted Sue’s legs and placed them back down on the loveseat. She opened her eyes long enough to see him sign “be right back” before drifting back off.

He walked out of the living room and down the hall then down into the basement where his father’s workshop was located. Memories surfaced as he remember as a young boy, sitting quietly on a stool for hours on end, and watching his father transform simple pieces of wood into things of beauty.

“Daddy, when I grow up, I want to do what you do.”
“What’s that?”
“Make pretty things with wood.”

Jack smiled as ran he fingers along the end. He followed the edge of the workbench to the end where a small bookshelf sat to the side with a few books and various other sundry items were collected. As if trying to decide which item he wanted, he studied the items on the shelf before reaching out pulling one of the figurines off, running his fingers over it, feeling the groves left behind by the carving knife.

“Now, Jack, what you need to do before you can start carving is that you will need study the wood and see if it has a story to tell. Once you find that story, then the story will come to life under your hand and your knife.”
“How do you know what the story is?”
“You will know, just like when you know when someone loves you .You just do.”
“Really?”
“Really. Now, you take your knife…..”

“That was always one of his favorites.”

Jack turned around and saw his mother standing by the stairs, arms folded across her chest, a sad smile gracing her tired face. “It was always one of mine, too.” He held up the figure of the eagle, wings spread wide as if in flight. “I remember watching him, sitting on that stool, patiently carving a lumpy piece of wood into something this beautiful.”

Nora nodded and shuffled across the floor to stand next to him. “And you telling him you wanted to be just like him.”

He gave the eagle one last caress before replacing it on the shelf. “I still do. I hope that someday I’ll be half the man he was.”

She placed her arm around his waist and hugged him. “You will, Jack. You will. Just follow his example, and you will.”

As one, they turned and headed back up the stairs. The light was turned off, the workshop returned to darkness. With an almost audible sigh, as if it were a living being, the room became quiet as if it sensed that the master wood carver would never again return to pick up his tools to lovingly create those items that would glorify Him.

Susan, that was lovely!! Good job!!!

Tere

A very sweet, very poignant post, Susan. I'm really enjoying your story!

Loved how Jack's dad loved the Creator who made the wood for him to carve and his faith in what he did not see but believed it anyway.

Good Job! I dearly love this story! You are doing an amazing job!

Beautifully said, Debbie! I, too, am loving this story and how you are bringing out Jack's dad's faith. Powerful story, Susan!

Lynn

Lovely and touching
Josy

This spoke so well to me. Especially the sense of quite as the room was left alone.

Very touching scene.

Lindsy

That was incredible writing. I was deeply moved with the scene outside, but especially so later when he goes to his dad's workshop. The spiritual signficance of all of this was deeply touching.

I could feel Jack's pain in the backyard, and it felt so right that Levi, then Sue went to him!!!

The scene in the basement workshop is amazing, Susan!! Such faith, memories, and beauty!! That is obviously where Jack felt the closest to his dad!!!

Joy

I have to admit, the basement scene is so far my favorite! Thank you all again for your replies. Hopefully this next part will be ok. I must have rewrote part of this chapter at least 10 times, trying to find the right words to express what I wanted.

As before, any ASL will be in bold.



Chapter 7

Several Months Later

Jack stumbled through the door to his apartment after a long and exhausting day, dropped his keys on the end table by the couch and slowly stripped off first his jacket and then his tie, dropping both at the end of the couch before slowly sinking down unto the cushions.

The months since his father’s death had both gone by very quickly and then at times very slowly. June had turned into July, and before he knew it the end of August was already slipping by like a thief in the night. He had been somewhat shocked to realize when he arrived at work that day and saw the date on the calendar. It had hit him from out of the blue that it had been over two months since he had laid his father to rest.

Bless Sue – seeing the distress on Jack’s face, she had quickly made the excuse that Levi needed a walk and had requested Jack go with her to pick up pastries from the local coffee shop. Whether anyone else saw the true reason for the impromptu trip, it wasn’t spoken of or brought to anyone else’s attention. A little time in the park, watching Levi run after his ball, and generally letting him have his time to collect his thoughts, had done him a world of good. Of course, it didn’t help that the love of his life was there to quietly give him the strength that he so needed.

Sighing, he leaned against the back of the couch and closed his eyes for what he thought was just for a few moments. The next thing he knew he heard the sound of a key sliding into the key hole of his door. Glancing back at the door, he waited. A mass of golden fur flew in first, followed by the blond head of his partner balancing a bag of groceries in one hand, a package in the other, and trying to pull the key out of the door.

Jack jumped up and rescued the bag of groceries before Sue lost her grip. Smiling her thanks, she finally managed to pull the key out and placed it back in her bag. Jack had given her the key some time ago when Sue insisted on helping buy some of the groceries for his place since she was there all the time cooking. So, instead of loaning her his key all the time, Jack just gave her his spare so she could let herself in.

He carried the bag into the kitchen and began pulling stuff out to be put away. He waited until she had a chance to put the package and her bag down before attempting a conversation with her. Once she had put her things away, she followed him into the kitchen and began to pull out what she needed to make their meal that night. Before she got too far, arms reached around her, familiar lips began a slow journey from the base of her skull down the side of her shoulder. “Jack, I’m not going to get far making dinner if you keep distracting me.”

Feeling his laughter rumble behind her, the hands in front of her signed But I like distractions.

She giggled. It was good to see his sense of humor was returning. “Yes, I know you do. But if I don’t get supper started we’ll go hungry.”

Jack spun her around. “Then we can order out later. Right now, all I want is you.” He moved closer to her lips, teased them with light brushes before descending with a passionate kiss that threatened to undo her self control. Slowly, teasingly, he released her. Bereft of any physical feeling, she slumped against him trying to catch her breath. Jack pulled her toward him and buried his face in her hair. When they finally pulled back from each other, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I wasn’t kidding about wanting you. Today, all day, I felt so – I’m not sure. Lost. Dazed. All I really knew was that I needed you. You’re my rock. You are my life. I’d be lost without you.”

Sue reached up and brushed her fingertips across his lips. “You are my life, too.” She gently brushed her lips to his, then pushed away from him and went back to where she had dropped the package. “I was given this on the way into your building. Mrs. Watson said it was delivered earlier today. I guess you two just missed each other when you came home. Anyways, I recognized the address. It’s from your mom.” She handed it to him.

Brow furrowed, Jack walked over to the table and began to open the box. Nestled inside was an envelope and some tissue wrapped items. Pulling out first the envelope, Jack pulled out the page and began to read the note.


Dear Jack,

I was going through some of your father’s things the other day and came across these items. I thought you might like to have them.

Love, Mom


Peeling back the tissue, Jack pulled out his father’s eagle. Stroking the feathers of the wings, Jack slowly sat down at the kitchen table at a loss for words.
Sue tentatively reached out to him. “Jack?”

Clearing his throat, Jack spoke, “My father made this when I was a boy. It was always one of his favorites. He loved to tell stories as he carved them. Said each carving had a story that needed to be told. So, one day, when he was teaching me how to carve animals, he was telling me a story about these people when they were in exile, in Babylon I think. And they were tired, and depressed and thought that God had forgotten about them. But then this guy reminds them that God never gets tired, that he hadn’t forgotten about them, and that He would replace their weariness with His strength, like eagles soaring on their wings.”

“But those who wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,” Sue quoted the verse from Isaiah.

Jack nodded. “Yeah, that sounds right. He always said that it was one of his mottos in life. There are days when I wish I had what he had, the ability to trust in something like that. Like today.” Jack continued to stare at the wooden creature in his hands.

Giving him a few moments, Sue decided to pick up the box to move it from the table but realized it still had some weight to it. Reaching in, she pulled out a leather bound book. “Jack?”

Taking the book from her, he brushed his hand across it feeling the cracked leather where it was worn from many years of use. He turned to the first page and a letter fell out.


Jack,

This bible belonged to your grandfather and when he passed, it was given to me. Your mother has instructions to pass on to you in the event that I do as well, and only when she feels you are ready for it. It is a great instruction manual to this thing we call life. The eagle I carved when you were a boy represents the verse Isaiah 40:39. Know that if you put your trust in Him, he will give you the strength to face whatever comes your way every time.

Dad


The answer he had been seeking all day was suddenly there, in his hands, staring at him. A sob tore through him, clutching the bible to him as Sue pulled him in her arms. As the tears slowed, Jack lifted his head and looked at her desperately. “Is it possible to find what he had? What you have? Why would God want someone like me? I’m not perfect, far from it.”

Tears running down her cheeks, she held his face between her hands. “Because He loves you, unconditionally. No strings attached. Just trust him.”

“Where do I start?”

I am deeply touched by your writing of Jack's spiritual journey as he seeks to find the faith he has seen lived out in the lives of both his father and Sue.

Beautiful Susan!

Tere

I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes. Susan, that is literally one of those posts that "has it all," and to end it with Jack ready and willing to go on his spiritual journey was . . . well, the only word I can think of is perfect. It makes our characters seem even MORE real, if possible! I'm looking forward to reading Sue's response, and to seeing how the rest of the story plays out.

Oh hun, you are doing an excellent job! As I was reading this I had tears of joy for Jack as he asked for help in getting to know the Savior that loved him so much that He endured a cross and rose again, so that Jack could become a child of God.

Well done!

On a side note: Isaiah 40:39 is one of my favorites and part of my high school alma mater.

Absolutely perfect!

Lindsy

Between Jack's father and Sue, Jack's going to be fine!!!

Powerful and thought-provoking post, Susan!!!

Joy

Oh Susan...I am deeply touched.
You wrote Jack emotions and his inner struggle so well.
Nothing is random with God...perfect!!
Josy

YOu have managed to convey a combination of loss and hope in your writing and now this chance for Jack to continue to learn from his father's promptings even after his death -- wow!

kav

I just got caught back up. I'm glad your writer's block is over. Great job on these last few posts. Can't wait to read more.

- RSL

Well, here it is - the final post of this story. I just want to say again thanks to all of you who have encouraged me while I wrote this story. Hopefully I was able to do justice to their characters.

I hope it's ok, but I decided to include the epilogue at the bottom instead of a seperate post. My week is beginning to look extremely full and wasn't sure if I would have time before the deadline to get it in.



Chapter 8

I cannot save and sanctify myself; I cannot make atonement for sin; I cannot redeem the world; I cannot right what is wrong, purify what is impure, or make holy what is unholy. That is all the sovereign work of God. Do I have faith in what Jesus Christ has done? He has made the perfect atonement for sin.

….. The atonement of Jesus must be exhibited in practical, unassuming ways in my life. Every time I obey, the absolute deity of God is on my side, so that the grace of God and my natural obedience are in perfect agreement. Obedience means that I have completely placed my trust in the atonement, and my obedience is immediately met by the delight of the supernatural grace of God.
(Excerpt from “My Utmost for His Highest”, RBC Ministries)

After that evening in his apartment, when he asked how to start finding that peace that Sue and his father had, they joined a bible study at the church that Sue had regularly attended. Along with the bible study, Jack began to tackle his father’s bible. Some days it made sense; others, not so much. He would wait until the end of the day and then discussed what he struggled with Sue over desert or coffee or in their favorite park while walking Levi. If anything, the last few weeks had strengthened their friendship and their love.

That morning he had opened up the daily passage of their bible study and was stunned to see the very thing that Sue, and his father, had both been trying to tell him.

I cannot save myself

Every time I obey…God is on my side

Obedience means that I have completely placed my trust in the atonement, and…God

Trust. Faith. That was what he was missing, two key ingredients that would make him whole and at peace. And so, like the master carver that was his father, his Heavenly Father carved those words into his heart so that His Creation could now be closer to completion.

###

The leaves overhead rustled softly in the cool autumn breeze. He sat back on the bench and glanced up toward them, but did not really see them as his thoughts drifted. So much had happened in the last six months, and now….

Sue slowly slid her hand over his shoulder, letting him know she was there and not pressuring him. He would speak when he was ready, and not before. That was his nature and she would be there whenever he was ready. He reached up and clasped her hand in his acknowledging her gentle presence, thinking back to how they had arrived to this point in their lives.

He thought of how the last six months had changed him. Six months ago, he almost let the woman he loved walk out of his life forever (okay, she changed her mind before he got to a chance to, but he would have said something); if possible, he fell even more in love with her in those weeks after they began dating; she was his rock when his father had passed away; and she was there as he explored this new meaning to life.

“Sue, I think I’m ready.”

And, so it happened that one autumn day, that Jack professed his faith and trust in the Father in that park, surrounded by the beauty of His earth and with the love of a woman who would be by his side for all of eternity, for on that very same day, in that very same park, he asked Susan Thomas to become his wife.

And she said yes.


Epilogue

Two years later

On a cool, autumn day, a new life emerged into the world and was joyfully greeted by his parents.

The pregnancy had been normal, and there had been no complications in the delivery. Sue had worried at the beginning about the possibility of their child being born deaf, but Jack assured her that whether their child was hearing or deaf, that child would be loved and would know not only their love, but the love of their heavenly Father.

As Sue slept, Jack held his new born son, rocking him gently, still so in awe of the wondrous creation that God had so blessed them with. While he rocked, the words of a song came to him that he hoped would become his mission for the rest of his son’s life:

Lord I want to be just like you, cause he wants to be just like me,
Make me a holy example for his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord, that my little boy can read
I want to be just like you, cause he wants to be like me

Jack whispered the words in a prayer that he would be able to do exactly that – be an example for his son, just like his dad was for him.

Sue watched him as he whispered the words, before closing her eyes in a prayer of her own.

Autumn was defiantly her favorite season.



AN: Words are by Phillips, Craig, and Dean. I want to be just like you.
Word Count:5,834

Susan, what a beautiful ending to your story. Jack's decision to accept Christ, and this small glimpse of the future with his little family was heartwarming, to say the least! Thank you!

And yes. . . you definitely did justice to these characters!!

Tere

Absolutely beautiful. Wonderful ending.

Lindsy

This says it all so beautifully. Thank you for writing about Jack's decision, and the journey to faith and trust that he made. That scene in the park was wonderful. The song at the end was a perfect way to complete the story. Bravo.

Oh Wow Susan!! Your story deeply touched me and I love the gentle way you brought Jack to admit he needed Christ!

Beautiful, lovely and touching...
Josy

Great job on your story, Susan. Very touching.

- RSL

I am sitting at my desk reading and crying tears of joy, that Jack accepted Jesus, God's Son, as his Savior. You have beautifully written a story that will inspire others to come to know a wonderful Savior.

Job well done!

What a wonderful, beautifully written story, Susan!! Very inspiring and uplifting!!!

Thanks for sharing with us!!!

Joy

Susan! My goodness, I'm sitting here wondering how in the world I missed this story until now! I enjoyed it greatly and I admire the 'serene' way in which you told it. There was not a wasted word in the whole thing, and every word seemed so well chosen. While I loved every scene, and the one where Jack visited his father's workshop was a stand-out, I think my favorite was the one just before that when he was in the backyard after the funeral and Sue came to him. It just spoke volumes even though I don't think they said a word.

Beautiful, beautiful job. I believe you were inspired...

Tina

Hopefully it's okay to post this - I'm still new so please let me know if it's not.

I have to admit there was some inspiration to this story. My husband's father passed away unexpectedly in Dec 2000, however my husband did not have the crisis of faith Jack did. I was going through some doubts of my own when this challenge came along and something just told me to do it. When I first invisioned this story, it was not intended to see Jack through finding his faith, but my muse had other ideas! It was a struggle to write, but I'm glad I finally did it. I could not have completed this story if it weren't for all the lovely words you all gave regarding the story in these posts.

Susan, I'm so glad you decided to share this beautiful inspirational story. I really enjoyed the tenderness, honesty and love that shone through it. Great song by PC&D.

Thank you!

P5-Ch 7-75 - What an incrediblly beautiful post, Susan, to be witness to Jack's spiritual awakening. That it was his father's words which finally brought him to take that first step on his faith journey toward his heavenly father, and Sue who was the one to be there to show him the way, is very powerful. This filled me with such joy for Jack, I'm having trouble reading thru my tears. And Isaiah 40:39 is one of my favorite verses too.

I could just feel the love pouring from this story. Very beautiful and touching in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

Beautiful.



Hope ~