Sunday arrived sunny and warm, a perfect day for a barbeque. Work had been challenging last night. We caught one of two robbery suspects that had just held up a gas station. Once we got our guy into the station we convinced him to give up his partner, so we spent the rest of the night sitting on what was his home address.
Even though you're sitting in a car and not doing anything it wears you out. Just having to focus on one house, as well as keeping your eyes peeled for anything happening around you, drains your strength. One of the ways that I've always been able to keep myself awake on midnights has been to keep moving. Surveillance lends itself to daydreaming and naps. Marilyn and I had to take turns keeping the eye for fear that both of us would fall asleep. I was glad when the shift ended.
I got home and walked into the kitchen to find Beth busy with preparing for the afternoon barbeque. "Hi babe, did you sleep well?"
Beth put a hand on her stomach and said, "Like a baby!"
I took her into my arms and gave her a big hug and kiss. "Thank you Lord for blessing us..."
"Amen," said Beth. "Pete I'm going to need a couple of things that I forgot to get last time that I was at the grocery store. Do you think that you can pick them up for me?"
"Of course, what mass are we going to this morning?"
"I'd like to go to 10:30, is that okay?"
"That's fine," I said.
"Are you working out today Pete?"
"I don't think so babe. I want to help you get everything ready, besides I don't want you to over exert yourself and hurt the baby."
"Pete, you're crazy," she said. "There's no chance of that happening at this early stage. Don't get into the habit of doing things for me unless I ask you. I don't want our way of life to change any more than is necessary. I'm sure that I'll probably appreciate your help in the last month, but until then I'll be fine."
"10-4 ma'am, I understand your orders," I replied sarcastically.
"Okay Pete, knock it off before you start to aggravate me."
"Sorry. Hey, how are we on the responses? Is everyone coming that was invited?"
Beth pulled out a head of lettuce and began making a salad. "The only one that hasn't responded is Joe Murphy. Have you heard from him?"
I hoped that Joe would show, he needs some time away from work. Andy told me that Joe's turned into a workaholic. "No I haven't, but he usually attends the 10:30 Mass. Let's look for him there."
"Okay, and if we do see him make sure you go up to him and ask whether he's coming or not."
"I will," I said. "It will do him good to get away from work. I worry about him; I don't know if he even sees any of his friends anymore."
"You know babe, with so much happening in our lives, I'm ashamed to say that I haven't given Joe much thought. Not very Christian of me, is it? Today at mass I'm going to offer up my Communion and ask the Lord to shine His light on Joe, that he'll give him comfort from the pain that he's been in."
"Beth that's a great idea," I said. "I'm just as guilty, let's pray for him now."
We put our hands together and bowed our heads while I lifted a prayer up for Joe...Dear Father in heaven; you are an awesome and loving God. We thank you and praise your name for the blessings that you bring us each day. Our brother Joe is in pain; we pray that you will comfort him and heal his heart. Help him to realize that his wife Pat is with you and would want him to be happy for her. Help him to resume a normal life and once again become one of your beloved children. In Jesus' name we pray...Amen."
We busied ourselves in the kitchen with further preparations until it was time to get ready for church.
We arrived a little early and met with a couple of friends at the rear of the church, then went inside and found a seat on the side with the Blessed Mother. Beth had been praying to her, asking for her intercession that she would have her son bless our baby and keep him safe.
Father Mike was the celebrant for 10:30 mass, and as he began I saw Joe walk in the side door and take a seat. The gospel today was from Matthew, Chapter 18-The Parable of the Lost Sheep. I couldn't help but think how appropriate it was for us to hear that today. We had just prayed this morning for Joe, and now here he was.
"Pete, there's Joe," said Beth.
"I know honey."
"Make sure you talk with him afterward, okay?"
"I will."
After the final blessing I made my way to the section where Joe was seated and blended into the crowd behind him as everyone began to exit the church. Once outside I tapped him on the shoulder. "Joe..."
He turned around and saw me. "Hi Pete, I didn't see you inside. I guess I'm in my own little world these days."
We shook hands. "Did Andy tell you about the barbeque at my house today?"
"Oh yeah," he said. "He told me that you were having a bunch of people over."
"I asked him to tell you that you're invited...can you make it?"
Joe hesitated for a moment, "I uh...I haven't really given it much thought..."
"Joe c'mon, I know Andy has closed the shop today. He and Nano are coming, and we would love to have you join us. It's been ages since we've talked with you. Beth and I have been praying for you."
His eyes looked sad and his posture indicated that he was feeling depressed. Please Lord, have him come...
"Well, I guess that I can stop over. What time?"
I grabbed his hand again and shook it, "Two o'clock is fine," I said. "And bring your appetite."
"Okay Pete, I'll be there. Can I bring anything?"
"Yes, bring the old Joe with you-I miss him."
He turned and walked away and I thought to myself that he was really down in the dumps. I hoped that our get together today might be able to re-invigorate him into once again being part of the "old crowd." One thing that I knew for sure...I needed to keep Joe on my prayer list. He was in a bad place right now. This was the perfect opportunity for the Evil One to do his dirty work.
I walked back to the parking lot where Beth was talking with Father Mike.
"Pete, did you speak with Joe?"
"Yes, boy he is really feeling low. Let's make sure that we keep him right in the middle of things today."
Father Mike added, "That would be great guys. You know I used to see him and his wife at 10:30 Mass every Sunday without fail. Since she died I rarely see him.
"Will you be coming over today Father?" I asked.
"Definitely," he said. "I rarely ever pass up free food, and Beth just told me what was on the menu so count me in."
"Great, we'll see you later Father."
A few hours later the grill was hot and guests started arriving. Our deck and yard that had once appeared to be much more than the two of us needed, was now straining with a crowd of people. The good weather had encouraged people to attend. Beth's parents, my sister, Mac and Shirley, Marilyn, two of Beth's co-workers, our neighbors on either side of us, Andy and Nano, Susan and the boys, and Father Mike, had all arrived. The only one missing was Joe Murphy; where could he be?
I was busy at the grill, preparing a steady supply of regular and turkey burgers, regular and turkey Italian sausage, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and skewered veggies. Beth had an array of salads-Greek, Caesar, three bean, potato, and her special cole slaw, all made from scratch, laid out on the kitchen counters. The party was in full swing.
As I took another batch of burgers off the grill, Beth came out on the deck to ask me a question. "When should we make the announcement, everyone but Joe is here?"
"I know, but I really want him to be a part of it. Let's give it a few more minutes. If he's not here by 3:00 we'll go ahead."
"Okay babe." She gave me a kiss then whispered, "I love you so much Pete Shannon..."
"I love you too."
Mac was playing kick ball with Susan's boys when one of them kicked the ball down the driveway. "I'll get it Mac," I shouted. I ran down the drive and stopped it before it got out onto the street, and as I stood back up I spotted Joe walking down the sidewalk.
"Joe, thanks for coming brother!" I grabbed him and gave him a warm hug.
"Sorry I'm late Pete. I laid down for what I thought was going to be a little nap and before I knew it I had slept for two and half hours."
"No problem-I'm just glad you're here. C'mon in the back and grab some chow; I've got a ton of food left that I don't want to go to waste."
We walked into the backyard and I introduced Joe to the few people that didn't know who he was, then steered him up on the deck to fill a plate.
"Wow Pete, you guys went all out or do you eat like this every day?"
"No way," I said. "Today is special; Beth and I have an announcement to make. I was holding off making it until you arrived."
Joe had finished filling his plate and said, "You didn't have to wait Pete."
"I know...but I did because I wanted my friends to all be here when we made it. You're a long-time friend Joe, and whether you're a cop or not makes no difference, we love you as a person. We care about you and are praying for you."
Joe shook his head... "I guess that I haven't heard kind words like that in a long time. Or maybe someone has said them, but I haven't wanted to hear them. Thanks Pete, you're a true friend."
"You're welcome." I looked around for Beth; it was time. I took her by the hand and led her out to the deck.
I whistled as loud as I could to get everyone's attention. "Family and friends...Beth and I thank you for your company today. We feel blessed to have all of you at our house. The reason that we wanted all of you here is because we have an announcement to make. Beth...."
"Pete's right, we have good news to share; such good news that my heart is almost bursting with joy-we're going to have a baby!"
With that everyone cheered and surrounded Beth and me, showering us with hugs and kisses. Beth's parents were in tears, as was my sister Liz. Seeing everyone crying I guess was contagious because even I started it. Father Mike asked for quiet...
"Friends this is a moment that belongs to God, please bow your head and pray with me.
Dear Father we thank you for all that you've given us. Thank you for grandparents who prayed for us before we were born, for parents and family that bind us together. Thank you for teaching us to love by loving us. Thank you for surrounding us with the miracle of your creation, from the heavens to the tiniest sparrows. Thank you for laughter, health, sight, and hearing and for hands to work and to hold. Thank you for shining your light on your children Pete and Beth, and for allowing them to experience the joy of parenthood. But most all Father, thank you for watching, for caring, for helping and for being who you are-a kind and compassionate Father. In Jesus' name we pray...Amen."
I went up to Father Mike to thank him for that beautiful prayer. "Father, you made our day by saying that wonderful prayer."
"It was my pleasure Pete. I am overjoyed by your good news. Just a short while ago we were hard pressed to see the Lord's light in your marriage, now He has smiled upon you both in a way that you never dreamed possible."
"You're right; He does work in mysterious ways."
"Pete thanks for the invite and including me in your special day. I have business to tend to at the rectory. I'll say my good-byes and be on my way."
"Okay Father, see you at the gym."
Marilyn came up from behind and gave me a big hug. "Pete, I'm so happy for you and Beth-you're going to be a daddy!"
"Yes, and I can't wait."
She glanced over in the direction of Joe who was in a conversation with Mac. "What's the story with Joe? Someone said that he used to be a cop?"
I filled her in on Joe's story.
"Oh, how terrible, and here I am thinking my life sucks..."
"I know what you mean. Anytime that I start to feel sorry for myself, all I need do is look around and I'll find someone in trouble. If you don't mind Bens, could you put Joe on your prayer list? Beth and I are worried about him."
"No problem," she said. "I need to go over and talk with him, maybe even cheer him up."
"Good, anything you can do to get him back to normal would be super."
Marilyn walked over to where Joe was standing with Mac. "Isn't it great news about Pete and Beth?"
"Fantastic," said Mac. "Those two will make great parents; I don't know what took them so long."
She looked at Joe's glass which was empty and said, "Joe, looks like you're ready for a refill. Can I get you anything, a glass of wine perhaps?"
"No thanks Marilyn. I don't drink anymore."
"Good for you," she said.
"Well I do, and since Shirley's driving us home I think that I'll have one more." Mac made his way to the kitchen, leaving Joe and Marilyn alone.
"Pete tells me that you used to be on the job...a homicide dick."
"Yeah, I left a couple of years ago. I guess that I lost my enthusiasm for the job."
Marilyn put her hand on Joe's arm and said, "He told me that you lost your wife Joe, I'm so sorry for you loss."
"Thanks," he said. "I know that it's been two years now, but I've just been feeling blah for so long...you know the feeling? You can't really get excited about anything so you try to lose yourself in anything that will keep you busy."
"Is that why you're working at the shirt shop twelve hours a day?"
"To tell you the truth, I don't even know how long I work each day. I just keep going until Andy sends me home. I hate going home-there's nothing there for me."
Marilyn understood what Pete meant now when he said Joe was seriously depressed. She was already feeling his pain.
"Hey, what am I doing," said Joe. "I'm ruining Pete's happy day here with my sob story. I'm sorry for crying on your shoulder..."
Marilyn quickly responded, "Sorry for what? There's no need to apologize Joe, I want to hear what you have to say. Besides, I know what it means to be lost...I've been there and I wish that someone would have allowed me the opportunity to talk about it. I'll tell you what...we'll suspend this conversation for now so that we can help Beth and Pete celebrate, but promise me that you and I can sit down over coffee and just talk. Can you pull yourself away from work long enough to do that Joe?"
A little smile began to form on Joe's face. "Are you sure about this Marilyn; I mean you hardly know me?"
"I'm positive."
"Okay then," he said. "It's a date."
Marilyn took his hand and shook it with both of hers..."Tomorrow okay for you?"
"Yes; let's meet at the Starbucks on Western around three," he said.
"I'll be there."
On the ride home Joe began to have second thoughts about what he had agreed to, thinking that in some way he was dishonoring the memory of his late wife Pat. But as he laid in bed that night thinking more about it, he made a decision that it was time... He needed his broken heart to mend for he was slowly dying inside. Pat if you're there please don't be mad; I need to move on...I love you.
Next: Past Curfew
Previous: Workout With Kim
- Article Word Count: 2789
- |
- Total Views: 85
- |
- permalink