Seasons of a Life: The Lakeville Series

By DH Barbara

Time passes with little regard of human perspective. At times painfully slow and often it slips past more swiftly than we'd like. Sammie Young is a testimony to the changing of life's many seasons. As life deals it's harsh blows, she stands strong. Now, with two of her five children left at home, change whizzes toward her at the speed of light. Frequently down, but never beaten, Sammie steps out in faith to face the new and exciting seasons awaiting her family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rushing Wind Media
• Release date: Mar 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386914501

Book preview

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Chapter One

Autumn Strains

Hearing the phone ringing over the din of the Guitar Hero video game, Sammie was amazed that she could locate the handset. It usually resided in the most inopportune spots, most commonly found atop the dryer in the basement. Grateful that running down the stairs was not required at the moment, she located the television remote before she picked up the phone.

Hello? House of Mania, she answered once the game volume was lowered, to great protests from the two young men in the living room.

Sammie, it's Victoria. What are you doing later?

Vic, get off the speaker—I can barely hear you. Besides, you know what I'll be doing later.

Let's meet for lunch instead. Let me take you shopping. You need some time for you. Victoria’s request was painted with concern.

Silently debating on the other end of the phone, Sammie acquiesced. Okay. I'll meet you for coffee at two. How's that? You don't have to take me shopping. It's not my birthday. I promise you can take me shopping then. Just coffee today. She smiled into the phone, knowing that her friend would try to talk her into it later anyhow.

Fine. Meet you at Daily Treat, two on the nose. Bye! Victoria was off the phone before Sammie could reciprocate the goodbye. She laughed, putting her handset back on the charger base as she called to her boys to start their schoolwork. Let the daily grind begin.

After they were dropped at the homeschool co-op, Sammie headed across town. With a take-out coffee in hand, she went to the cemetery. It was located in a beautiful spot in town, with rolling hills and plenty of trees. Families of the loved ones interred there made small areas warm and welcoming so one could visit comfortably. Many graves were decorated with personal touches such as wind chimes and small mementos; it was peaceful to be there. As Sammie pulled to the side of the gravel road through the park near her husband's grave, she sighed. It was futile to attempt to hold back her tears.

She walked through the crisp leaves to the site and sat on the cool ground, cross-legged, sipping her coffee. Things were becoming so hard. The boys were almost graduated and off to school, her daughters all busy with their own lives. She thought about the last three wonderful years she had with Jackie after he had come to faith. Pictures from the past, the good as well as the horrid, flowed through her mind, swiftly as water in a rushing stream. She brushed her hand along his name carved in the stone, a soft smile appearing as she recalled how he was Jackie only to her.

John Michael Young, the name read. Radically Changed by the Power of Christ. Sammie’s fingers traced the words—words he had spoken often to four of his five children those last years. She never wanted them to forget the most important lesson of Jackie’s life. The boys just entered their teen years and her daughters just left them at the time. The Lord had abundantly blessed the time he spent with them in the end.

Sammie's reverie was interrupted by her cell phone ringing into the quiet fall air. Sunnie Day flashed on the ID screen. She sighed, glancing around her before answering the phone. She was not up for the inevitable battle.

Hi, Sunnie Day. She could almost hear her daughter's eyes rolling over her mother using the nickname she had called her since babyhood.

At her gleaming desk in her corner office, Sunnie’s eyes did roll. Here she was, working for a top flight company with an office of her own, making more than her wayward father ever had, yet her mother still used a childish nickname. With her head in her hand, Sunnie replied, Yeah, hi, Ma. I assume you’re sitting in the graveyard, aren't you? She awaited confirmation of her mother’s location, tapping a pen on her desk.

Yes, sweetie, I am. How are you today? Sammie put a hand over her eyes, waiting to hear the usual protests from her eldest child. She wasn’t disappointed. Sunnie immediately launched into her adamant assertions.

Ma, get up and get out of there, please. It's a beautiful day and you should be spending it doing something for you.  The man didn't do much for you. I don't know why you insist on sitting there. Sunnie tossed her dark hair, the ferocious curls bouncing with the movement. Her father had given her nothing but bad memories, his dark good looks and a volatile personality. Sammie's eyes welled with tears of frustration at the venom in her daughter's voice. She continually prayed for the day that would change as it had for Jackie.

Sunnie, we disagree on this. I wish you would let go of all that anger. Why don't you come down? Come with me and Vic to the women's conference this weekend? She was always hopeful that her daughter would come around and come out to church. So long as she was alive, she would never give up on that hope.

Yeah, sure, Ma. Because I want to sit in a church with a bunch of blubbering old ladies with blue hair, listening to how ‘mah lie-fah will be better with Jay-zus.!’ Sunnie’s poor imitation of a fiery southern preacher did not amuse her mother. I've heard it Ma, from you. It didn't help Dad too much. All it helped him do was abuse you. I don't believe for a minute that he...

Sunnie abruptly cut off, realizing she was becoming angry and taking it out on her mother, as usual. She took a deep breath and continued. Well, I really didn't call to argue. I just wanted to make sure you were doing something for yourself today.

It took Sammie a few seconds to control her own emotions. As always, it saddened her to hear Sunnie's view on her father. She had been away at school for the last years of Jackie's life, never giving him the opportunity to get to know her, to allow him to ask her to forgive him; severing every opportunity to get to know him again as the man God called him to be. The enmity Sunnie felt ran so deeply she hadn’t deemed it necessary to leave school for the funeral. Hurt and hard feelings were buried deep within her.

Too much silence had passed. Ma, are you there? Ma, I'm sorry... Sunnie was frustrated with herself for allowing the emotions to overtake her. Although she tried hard to keep those feelings from directing her life, they often dictated much of what she said and how she behaved. She resorted to unconsciously shredding an office memo as she waited on her mother’s response.

I'm here, Sunnie Day. You know you are always welcome to come if you change your mind. You should come down anyhow. Little Jacquie is getting so big...she misses her favorite aunt. Sammie’s voice softened at the mention of her grandbaby.

To her great relief, she heard Sunnie snicker. I'll bet she is. Maybe next weekend. I'll have to see what my work schedule is. Now, what else are you doing today? Putting the emphasis on the else, Sunnie understood arguing her mother's determination to stay at the cemetery would not be successful.

I really should get up and get going. I'm meeting Vic in town for coffee. I'll probably run late, as usual. Let me know about next weekend, Sunnie Day, please? I'd love to see you. I miss you, you know. More tears threatened to fall. Sammie’s love for her children, even her most wayward, ruled her very being.

Even though I've been on my own for six years now? Sunnie bantered back, enjoying being completely enveloped in that love. No matter the circumstance, she knew she could always turn to Sammie. She snickered at the answer.

You're still my baby. Love you, Sunnie Day. Sammie got up, looking around at the other visitors.

Love you too, Ma. Now, go have fun with Vic...tell her I said hello. Sunnie hung up before her mother could add more. Her emotions were threatening to erupt over the granite surface she worked hard to maintain.

Sammie smiled as she clicked her phone shut, trusting the Lord that He would break through that same tough shell. She wiped the grass and leaves from her sweater and slacks, then got in the car to drive back into town for her date with Victoria and a cup of coffee.

In her corner office two hours away from her mother, Sunnie stared out the window at the bustling city below. Sunshine Ellen Young was everything her mother wasn't: tall, dark-haired, almost painfully slender. The mirror reflected the image of the man she despised. She picked up her cigarettes and lighter, then pushed herself out of the plush leather chair. Walking around her desk and out of the office, she barked an order over her shoulder to the secretary at the reception desk: I’ll be back in ten. Take messages.

Sunnie walked out onto the smoking deck the real estate corporation had fashioned from the beautiful patio that overlooked the city. Sunnie loved the bustling city: the noise, the size, the energy. So opposite small, sleepy Lakeville. As an added bonus, it was far enough away that she didn't have to relive things. Unless it was a day like today; one of Sammie's private anniversaries. As Sunnie snuffed out her slim cigarette, she sighed, feeling very empty.

Rob Revell was finished with a business lunch at Daily Treat. It was the ideal place to enjoy a casual meal any time of the day in Lakeville. Located on the small town’s main drag, Daily Treat had been a staple eatery for years, passing ownership through family for four generations. The classic American diner style and hearty food made it a popular and lucrative business. The gleaming black Formica counter, booths with tuck and roll upholstery, and the friendly service kept people coming from the surrounding towns.

Rob was by the counter, exchanging pleasantries with the cashier when Victoria blew through the doors. He smiled and nodded, amused by her entrance. Only Victoria could make an entrance into a small town diner like she was royalty. She was, in fact, Lakeville royalty. After a fashion.

She smiled when she saw Rob, immediately heading to him for a hug. Enveloping him in her flowing poncho, she included a loud kiss on the cheek which left plum lipstick behind. How are you? I have not seen you in—well, forever! Been busy working? You must come by this Saturday! George will be all alone. I have the conference to attend all weekend.

Victoria was somewhat akin to a small but powerful tornado. Rob smiled with a quiet laugh. It's very nice to see you too, Mrs. Reiger. Yes, business has picked up again, thanks be to God! Please do let George know I will come by and rescue him from his lonely existence on Saturday. I’m free for the day. Tell me, who did you line up to speak this weekend? Rob attended the same large church in town as George and Victoria. He knew she was involved in all the women's outreach ministries. He was certain she arranged the list of speakers who were coming.

Oh, only one. A gal from Texas, with a hoot of a testimony. Too bad it's ladies only, or I'd invite you. I will certainly tell George—he'll love to have some time to chat. Steven is away at school and he'll be rattling around trying to rearrange furniture. So, stop him! She winked at Rob.

It's a promise. What are you doing in town today?

Meeting a friend. Who is late, as always. Anyhow, do give George a call, he's home right now—oh, finally! Victoria turned to look for the wait staff, spotting Sammie coming through the door looking wind-blown.

She nodded to Victoria and the handsome man beside her. With a small sigh, she started over to make her apologies for being late. She attempted smoothing her straight hair, which was still in her eyes. That action caused static rather than the desired objective. She gave up quickly with a small grin.

Hi, Vic, I’m sorry! I was just leaving when Sunnie called. You know how she can be... Sammie's explanation was stopped by Victoria's waving hand.

I do understand—no worries. Have you ever met Rob? He goes to my church, and he's a good friend of George's. Rob, this is my dear friend Samantha Young—Sammie to her friends. Now, let me get us a table... Victoria was off, designer boot heels clacking loudly on the marble floor, to take hold of a waitress. That left Sammie looking into Rob's face, slightly embarrassed.

Amused by Victoria's whirlwind introduction, Rob turned kind eyes to Sammie. His light brown hair, grayed about the temples, softened the features of his well-tanned face as did his smile. His dress was business casual; khakis and a light seasonal sweater, with suede Nubucks. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Young, he said, his voice warm, the hint of southern drawl almost imperceptible.

Sammie smiled back. Thank you, Rob. Nice to meet you, too. Lowering her voice, she asked conspiratorially, Was I very late?

Rob chuckled lightly. I don't think so. I was only chatting with Victoria for a few minutes. I'm sure you're good.

She laughed, relieved. She likes to be punctual. Not one of my strong points. The admission brought a tad of color to highlight her cheeks.

Victoria arrived back, announcing that their table was ready. Sammie smiled once more at Rob. Again, nice to meet you, Rob.

He nodded and returned the smile. And you too, Mrs. Young. Have a nice lunch, ladies. I'll see you over the weekend, Vi. He casually threw his leather jacket over one shoulder and pulled his sunglasses down off his head. He waved goodbye and was out the door. The women walked through the restaurant to their table. Coffee was awaiting their arrival, steam wafting from the cups. Sammie spied Rob entering a massive truck just outside the window they were sitting closest to.

Vic, you amaze me. I can't even get coffee this quick at Starbucks. Thanks. What else is coming? Sammie well knew Victoria's tactics; likely, a three-course lunch was being prepared for them.

Just an appetizer tray—I haven't eaten a bite since breakfast! So, what did Miss Sunshine Daydream have to say?

Well, she told me to tell YOU that she said hello, but if she ever heard you calling her that... They laughed together, both knowing how much Sunnie despised her given name. It was my tribute to the sixties, Vic, what can I say? Autumn and Storm never complain. In any case, I wish she could be sunny. She's so bitter. It kills me to hear her talk about Jackie the way she does. Sammie dabbed her eyes with a spare napkin while Victoria sipped her coffee.

She's hurting. Deeply. I’m sure she doesn’t even realize it. It may take her a very long time to be able to forgive John for all his wayward ways while she was growing up. She never got to know him after she moved away, never saw how drastically he’d changed. She needs to forgive herself for that, also. Victoria patted her friend's hand, assorted jewelry jingling with the gesture. And how are you doing today? I wish you'd come to the mall with me this afternoon. I saw a perfect outfit—it just screams your name.

Sammie waved at her while sipping her coffee. Oh, stop! I told you, you can lavish a gift on me once a year. It's not that time yet. I have plenty of outfits. Honestly, the mall would undo me today. Too loud, too busy. Just too.

The waitress arrived, sporting a large tray in her hand. An enormous platter and two smaller plates, along with flatware and water glasses were balanced expertly on it. She placed the water on the table, pulling out two straws that were poking up from a pocket of her maroon apron. Their conversation paused as she arranged their order to her satisfaction before leaving them to lunch.

Vic! What in the world is this? I thought you said appetizer? Sammie’s eyes widened at the choices.

It's a sampler plate of all their appetizers. Now, enjoy. They do have the best mozzarella sticks around! Victoria cheerfully toasted Sammie with the one she had picked up before she dipped it in the bowl of marinara.

You are outrageous. Thanks, I am a bit hungry. So, who's this Rob? Sammie was always amazed at the scope of people Victoria knew. She knew the wealthiest doctors as well as the names of the two homeless people in town, and almost everyone in between. Anyone who had lived in Lakeville for any amount of time knew Victoria MacDougall Reiger, daughter of former mayor Earnhardt MacDougall. Sammie considered it highly unusual if Victoria DIDN'T know someone.

Oh, Rob! Rob Revell, he's a pistol! He's a friend of George's from college, landscaper. He owned the nursery and florist up on Elm Street, remember? It burned down right around the time of John's funeral. In fact, I think he did several of the arrangements that arrived at the church. Thankfully, he consulted George for years on his insurance policy, and he was well covered. Now he does landscape design for kicks. Lifelong bachelor. He's known George forever. I think he may have warned George not to marry me. Victoria’s lips pursed a moment as she considered that tidbit, then smiled.

Now, why in the world would anyone do that, Vic? Could it have been your tendency to tell people exactly what you think? Sammie winked at her dear friend.

Victoria laughed before chewing her shrimp wrapped in bacon. Maybe. Men are afraid of strong-minded women, you know. My father always said that. Victoria unabashed reverence of her late father crept into the conversation.

Well, there's strong-minded, and then there's obnoxious. Sammie remarked innocently. She snorted into her coffee at the look on Victoria's face. Oh, stop. You know I'm kidding and you are my very best friend. No one would have been able to talk George out of marrying you. Divorced when she met George at a rally for one of her father's political supporters, the old adage about opposites attracting seemed penned exclusively for them. They fell  in love and married quickly. Almost fifteen years later, neither regretted a moment of their lives together.

No, no one would have or could have. Victoria sighed, smiling happily as a newlywed. He's a jewel. So, are you ready for the weekend? Are the boys still coming by? Victoria and George doted on them as often as Sammie allowed.

"They would not miss a chance to watch college football with George! They've been working hard to get all their schoolwork done so they don't have to bring any with them. Can I make something for them? I know George loves that chili dip we make." Sammie laughed at the look of false dismay on Victoria’s face. There was nothing wholesome about Sammie’s infamous chili dip.

Oh, sure, make that. It's something I would never make him. She winked at Sammie. Victoria would spend all day making a pot of chili instead of buying three generic cans to make the dip.

You buy the chips, I'll make the dip. Loaded with chemicals, just like we all like it, Sammie conceded to her friend, knowing she'd get an enormous array of colored chips. Victoria smiled and nodded, savoring the last cheese puff on the plate.

Refusing coffee refills, they chatted until it was time for Sammie to pick the boys up. Victoria picked up the check the waitress left, shooing Sammie out the door with a loud kiss that left the trademark plum lipstick. She promised to see Sammie Saturday morning, bright and early.

Sammie decided on a quick stop at the store before she forgot about the chili dip. The boys would be thrilled. It was their favorite game snack—a tradition they’d enjoyed with Jackie. Sammie was glad that they could continue their game-loving Saturdays with George. It was an extra bonus if Victoria's son Steven was home. The boys came close to hero-worshiping him. He was athletic, smart, handsome and a good student. He was also active in the on-campus ministry and church at his college. Undoubtedly not a bad role model.

Sammie headed to Victoria's early on Saturday with her two strapping sons squeezed into their small old car. There had been enough from Jackie's insurance to pay off the house and medical debts, leaving a small amount in savings to live on. No money for a new car, so they had to make do. Most activities in their small town they could walk to.

Sammie was determined to finish the boys’ education at home. She did not want to have to go out to work until they were through, and that time was fast approaching. She pushed that thought from her mind as they drove, while the boys discussed the day of football games.

They turned into Victoria's half-mile, oak-lined drive. Her immense Irish Wolfhound bounded at them from the trees like they were a chew toy a giant had tossed for him to fetch. Silas reached his hand out the window to pat the dog's head as he trotted alongside the car, oblivious to the machinery.

You shouldn't encourage him, Si! One of these days someone is going to run him over! Sammie admonished, careful to avoid the dog on the way to the house.

One of these days, Vic will kill someone, Jude said from the back seat and Sammie giggled. Surely, anyone who hurt this massive beast, even accidentally, would rue the day once Victoria was done with them. They stopped in front of the immense wrap-around porch. Before Sammie could shut off the ignition and get the door opened, Silas and Jude were bounding up the steps. They knocked on the door before walking in, announcing their arrival to George.

Sammie smiled indulgently at their backs as she took the two trays of chili dip out of the trunk. She walked up the steps and opened up the door, batting the nose of the large white dog away from the trays in her hand. Oh no you don't! I don't care how much Vic spoils you! I am not giving you any of this! He snuffled as though insulted, then trotted through the kitchen to find the men. Sammie placed the trays in the refrigerator and called for Victoria.

George appeared a few moments later, the dog following hot on his heels. He greeted Sammie with a firm and friendly hug. He was older than Sammie by a decade plus, robust from many rounds of golf. Well-tanned, white-haired and dressed as though he’d just returned from a quick nine holes, he cut a dashing figure. He beamed at Sammie over his glasses. Those boys, Samantha! They just grow like weeds! I think Silas is a hair taller than me now.

Sammie laughed and agreed. George, they passed me a year ago at least, probably more. Thanks so much for having them over today. Two trays of chili dip are in the fridge for you.

His eyes lit up. "Ah, bless you, Samantha! You know Vi would never make that. I had the feeling it