Called to the Work

By F. Elizabeth Hauser

Given a tempting career-boosting hospital administrator offer, John Dyorich takes his family, uprooting their lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts to move across the country to Salt Lake City, Utah. John and his wife,Diane, both feel a little uneasy about moving where they know they can expect to be surrounded by a lot of Mormons, but they’re well-prepared to refuse any and all expected attempts to be proselyted to their strange religion.
Family adjustment to their new home is very different for each member of the family. For older son, Joey, it’s not a happy move. It’s often said that things have to take a turn for the very worst, to bring a person to rock bottom, before things get better. And get worse they do. For the whole family.
But, it’s also more the rule than the exception that life is full of surprises. The Dyorich family has more than their share of those surprises in the coming years. And occasionally in our lives, we find that we are doing that which we were sure we were never going to do. And liking it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: F. Elizabeth Hauser
• Release date: Aug 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463165416

F. Elizabeth Hauser

Hello, readers! I'm delighted that you've come to my author page. Let me tell you a little about myself. Before I do, let me say, I hope you'll download a sample of my books and like them so much you want to buy them. You can see that they're priced to be accessible to just about everyone. I write for the love of it, not to get rich.I grew up in Lakewood, WA, majored in English at what is now BYU-Idaho, formerly Ricks College. After counseling with a close friend, I changed my major to nursing, with a minor in English when I entered BYU in Provo, UT. I had always wanted to teach high school or Freshman college composition. I was fortunate to have some very influential English teachers in both high school and college that helped to develop that desire to teach young people to appreciate literature of all kinds and learn to communicate well with the written word, in all the various literary forms, from poetry to essays, short stories to novels.After a twenty-five year career in nursing, a vocation I came to understand that I was meant to pursue, I retired and began writing in a way I had never done, or even considered, when I studied literature and composition in college. Once I turned in the direction of nursing and all of the education necessary to achieve that goal, my reading was strictly non-fiction.When I married and began raising a family of five children, I seldom found time to read for pleasure.It was when I joined a book club of a dozen women in our very tiny community in Arizona that I discovered the pure joy of reading fiction. I thrilled to the realization that stories, like movies, transported me into another world. I wanted to enjoy creating those stories and "other world", and I wanted to provide that reading experience for other readers. By the time I began writing fiction, I had plenty of life experience to draw on for my characters, stories, and settings. In each of my books, a smaller part of the setting, if not a major part, takes place in areas that I've actually lived. Describing places where story takes place becomes a pleasant journey into my memories, rich with details that color my stories. In The Homesteaders: Following a Dream, my husband and I owned land on the Siuslaw River in Swisshome, and I saw in my mind the exact place where Caleb was fishing when...oh, I can't spoil the story. Just know that I have seen the rocks, the river, the cliffs, the eagles and ospreys that are part of the setting in the latter part of that first volume. And yes, the blackberries that can only be tamed with goats.I was introduced to the practice of writing a first draft of at least 50,000 words, which now seems like just warming up, in thirty days by the wonderful world-wide-organization for writers, Nanowrimo. Their name is taken from National Novel Writers Month, which is celebrated by thousands of participating writers, including young writers, world-wide every November. For those who just can't wait for November, they sponsor Camp Nanowrimo in June every year. What a supportive community of writers and for writers!I discovered Smashwords when a classmate in a small novel writing community class told me about this wonderful free platform to electronically publish my books. I consider that a true gift. I had used other platforms before, but found Mark Coker's organization, as well as all of his valuable tools and informational help, the easiest and most enjoyable way to accomplish publishing. I hope to keep writing for many years to come, and my goal is to complete at least one each year for the foreseeable future. Twelve months to write a book...easy, huh? For all of those reading this that are fellow writers, you know that bringing that manuscript to a point, after revisions, edits, and more of the same, to a point where you are satisfied that it's ready to make its debut to the world is a lot of work. That's the other thing I LOVE about Smashwords, though. If you later decide that you want to make changes, you can upload a revised edition as many times as you want...FREE. Thank you!I have other interests that make my life a lot of fun, besides writing. Family history research has been very rewarding. I'm an outdoor person at heart, and love camping, fishing, and backpacking when I have time. I'm a confirmed animal lover and my dog and cat are much-loved family members. And speaking of family, there's nothing more rewarding to me than spending time with my grown kids and grandkids. I lost my husband, best friend, and biggest supporter last year, but he will always be an inspiration for my writing.

Book preview

Preface

Given a tempting career-boosting job offer, John Dyorich uproots his family from Cambridge, Massachusetts to move across the country to Salt Lake City, Utah. He and his wife,Diane, know they can expect to be surrounded by a lot of Mormons, but they’re well-prepared to refuse any and all attempts to be proselyted to their strange religion.

Adjustment to their new home is an individual undertaking for each member of the family. Eleven year old Michael is a naturally resilient kid, and makes friends easily wherever he goes, with his outgoing nature. For older son, Joey, fifteen years old, it’s not a happy move. Friendships in his new home come with a high price tag.

The Dyorich family has more than their share of unforeseen problems and surprises in the coming years. But now and then, sometimes as a result of the adversity one experiences, he finds himeself doing that which he was sure he was never going to do. And liking it.

chapter one

The Dyorich family arrived a couple of hours later than they hoped, but given the weather they’d made reasonable time. The boys were both anxious to get out of the car after so many hours of travel, and be in their new home. Joey was anxious to get out of the car, but this would never be home.

I don’t see any tread marks in the snow, Dad. The movers obviously haven’t been here, Joey murmured loudly.

Not to worry, honey, they’ll be here in about another hour. They weren’t scheduled to deliver our things until six o’clock. It’s only five. Be patient, Diane said.

Well, we expected some snow, but probably not this much. Michael, you and Mom stay in the warm car while Joey and I clear the driveway and a path to the kitchen door in the back. If memory serves there is a slightly winding set of stepping stones that lead from the back door to the garage and driveway. Joey, be helpful while I figure this out a little bit, and go to the neighbors right there with their front porch light on. Ask if they have a snow shovel we could borrow.

Dad, that’s a sucky way to meet the neighbors. We don’t even know them.

Of course we don’t know them, son, but we know we need a snow shovel and they will probably be nice enough to let us use theirs. Now, go, please. Joey trudged down the sidewalk, where only a couple of inches of new snow had accumulated, and approached the door. When he rang the bell, a boy a little older than he answered.

We’re just moving in next door and we wondered if you have a snow shovel we could borrow to clear our driveway and path to the back door, Joey petitioned. Before the neighbor boy could say a word, his father was at the door.

We’ve been watching today, thinking you would be here any day. I should have gotten over and done this days ago. We have a shovel for the path, but let me get my coat and boots on, and show you how we really deal with Utah snow! he chuckled. Bill was a big, warm, happy and comfortable kind of man. He made you feel like you’d been best friends your whole life. What’s your name, son?

Joey.

This is Brigham, our seventeen year old. How old are you?

Fifteen, sir, Joey answered.

Aw, you don’t have to call me sir. We have another boy just your age. His name is Isaac. Okay, now hop out there and let your folks know that Brother Romney will be right over to take care of that driveway in a jiffy. You don’t sound like you’re from around here. Did you move here from Massachussettes?

How’d you know?

You have more of an accent than you realize, he winked.

Brother Romney? What was he actually supposed to tell his parents? Uh, Mr. Romney said he’d be right... Just then, Bill came striding up behind him. He stopped and shook hands with John, Bill Romney. My son, Brigham, will be right here with the shovel for the small pathways, but I told Joey here that I’d show you how we handle snow here in Utah, he smiled.

John Dyorich, he held out his hand to shake Bill’s. We sure thank you. I’m sure you had a lot of other plans for your Christmas Eve than digging the neighbors out of the snow.

Actually...do you have your furniture and everything here yet? Doesn’t look like anyone has been in the driveway for quite awhile. We were expecting you, but we weren’t sure when you’d be moving in.

No, the moving truck is supposed to be here in about an hour. I kind of wonder with these roads and the weather. Just then Brigham trotted up to his father and the neighbor.

Brigham, this is Mr. Dyorich. Did I say that right? John nodded. This is our son, and he’s just a couple years older than Joey. We’ve got a boy that’s fifteen, but he must be upstairs playing games with the rest of the kids or something. Have you folks got plans with family or friends for dinner?

No, Bill, we don’t have any family living here and we just got here. We don’t know anyone.

Well, my Annie is a world-class cook, as you can see, Bill said, patting his rotund belly. Please come for dinner, and after dinner we have a Christmas Eve tradition we would love you to stay for. Speaking of staying, if you don’t get your furniture here tonight, where will you stay?

Oh, we’ll just go get a hotel room. It’s not a problem. We all have our overnight things in the car with us, John answered.

I hope you can find a room. Things fill up pretty tight during the Christmas break. Everyone converges on Salt Lake and all points north and south up the Wasatch front to enjoy Utah’s snow. Okay, let me fire this big boy up and get that snow off the driveway and sidewalk in front of your house.

Joey, you take that shovel to the area between the driveway and back door. You’ll see the stepping stones as soon as you get the snow cleared. Thanks so much for your help, John reiterated to Bill.

I mean it now, John, you and your family are expected at our dinner table when we’re done hre. As a matter of fact, is your wife in the car? Do you have any other children?

My son, Michael, is in the car, and so is my wife, Diane. I told them to stay put and keep warm.

Well, tell Diane to come over to our place, and Michael can either go with her or hang out with us boys. Brigham, take Mrs. Dyorich and introduce her to your mom.

Seeing Diane and Brigham walking up the sidewalk, Ann opened the door and welcomed them inside their warm home. We’ve been waiting for you in suspense, not knowing when our new neighbors would be moving in. This is perfect! I’ve started setting the table for you, but I wasn’t sure how many children to set it for. Diane looked into the Romney’s dining room, visible from the entry, and saw a beautiful Christmas table set with china, crystal glasses, and gleaming silverware. And two extra chairs and placesettings. Oh, I’m totally forgetting my manners. My name is Ann Romney. Have you met Bill?

Yes, he’s just an angel to help us. I’m Diane Dyorich. We have two sons, fifteen year old Joey and eleven year old Michael. You didn’t need to invite us to dinner, she said, apologizing for already being a bother to them on this Christmas Eve.

Of course we don’t have to! We want to! You just drove up to your house, and you could’t possibly be able to fix dinner after such a long drive. We have enough food to feed half the county. Please join us. And stay for our Christmas Eve family night. Please?

Well, this is so nice. How can I say no?

That’s more like it. Take your coat off and come sit by the fire and warm up. As soon as the men are here, I’ll put the food on the table. Brigham, you go upstairs and wash up for dinner, and tell the rest to wash up, too. Diane, would you like me to show you where our downstairs bathroom is so you can wash your hands, too?

Please, that would be wonderful. You have a beautiful home! And the Christmas decor is so pretty. Do you have a professional decorate for you?

Thank you. Oh, no. I enjoy doing this myself. You have a beautiful home, too! Have you been iside it yet?

No. I couldn’t get to the door, Diane laughed. After dinner we plan to go over and take a look around. With your dining room window looking out to the street, we’ll be able to see the moving truck pull up. John will run over and let them in, and show them each of the rooms. Everything is labeled so they’ll know where to set things up and stack boxes.

"Oh, your movers are still coming tonight?´Ann seemed dubious as she looked at her watch, given the hour on Christmas Eve no less.

They’re scheduled to be here about six.

Oh, wonderful! What do you plan to do for Christmas? Ann asked.

I have no idea. Probably look for a grocery store that might be open some time during the day, and go get a few groceries, Diane said.

What if the movers don’t get here tonight? Do you have somewhere to stay?

I’m sure if that happens, John will take us to a nice hotel, and we’ll have a nice breakfast tomorrow morning...after we sleep in as long as we want.

Ah...sleeping in! That sounds like a wonderful Christmas present to yourself! I can’t remember the last time...Ann didn’t finish her thought. With ten children, sleeping in just wasn’t in the cards at her house. Not for Mom, anyway. Especially not on Christmas morning!

I’ll just go get ready for dinner. Is there anything I can help you with in the kitchen?

No, I’ve got everything ready, but if you want, you can help me bring it to the table when it’s time. You just relax. How far have you driven to move here?

We came from Cambridge, Diane said. We’ve gotten here in three full days, though. With the winter conditions, we made pretty good time, I’d say.

I thought that was a Massachussettes accent I was hearing. What brought you all the way out here? Ann asked.

John accepted a wonderful job offer! He’ll be the new administrator for LDS Hospital, starting January seventh.

Oh, that’s fantastic! Do you work?

Oh, I’m just a homemaker. I know the boys are both in school, but I like to be home for them when they come home from school. And I enjoy being a homemaker, and pursuing hobbies. I’m passionate about reading.

Oh, that’s perfect, Diane! Would you like to join our neighborhood book club? There are about a dozen of us. We usually rotate homes each month.

I’d love to! When is your next meeting?

We meet on the second Wednesday night of every month. In January, we meet at Rita Roy’s home. She’s just around the corner on the next block. I’ll take you over and introduce you to her and a few of the other women in the neighborhood. Are you and your family members of the Church, by any chance?

No, we’re not, was all Diane said. I’ll go get my hands washed now, she said, hoping to avoid any more discussion on the topic. Ann didn’t have a chance to make any response before Diane was on the move.

Oh, it’s just through the kitchen into the hall. The first door on your right, Ann called after her. Well, I guess that’s not a good topic to bring up, she thought. When Diane returned, Ann was in the kitchen pulling bowls of food out of the refrigerator. Diane, I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t offend you. Sometimes those of us who live in Utah forget that not everybody around us is a member. In any case, we’re real glad to have you for neighbors.

Oh, I’m not offended, Ann. Don’t worry about it. We knew before we came here that we might be the almonds in the Hershey bar, Diane said.

That’s a funny way to put it! Ann laughed. Just then she heard the men and Michael stomping their boots off in the entry. That’s our signal, she smiled at Diane. Bill, you guys wash up in the downstairs bathroom. Dinner will be on the table in five minutes. Bill, when you get done, will you go up the stairs and let everyone know dinner is ready?

When Diane had heard her refer to the others, she was reminded of the dining table that seemed to go on forever. She didn’t even try to count, because it might look like she was staring. Turns out, with Bill and Ann, their ten children, and her own family, there would be sixteen people eating Christmas Eve dinner. Before she could contemplate that and utter a vocal, WOW!, she turned to Ann. What can I take to the table?

Soon the thunder of twenty feet on polished wood stairs made the dinner table size seem real. Each child took his or her customary seat, leaving room for the Dyoriches and their parents, who always sat at either end of the table. When Bill and Ann sat down, Bill nodded at the child closest to him, which she knew was the signal to begin introducing themselves, complete with their ages, around the table. John, Diane, Michael and Joey followed suit when it came around to them.

Let’s see...I think it’s Jacob’s turn to say the prayer. The Romney family all folded their arms, bowed their heads, and closed their eyes while Jacob said a heartfelt five year old blessing on the food, thanking Heavenly Father also for their company at the table. Diane and John had no idea what the proper etiquette for the blessing was, so they bowed their heads and held hands under the table. Joey and Michael, bowed their heads and stared at their empty plates until Jacob said, actually sang, In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen! in his enthusiastic voice. Joey and Michael started laughing...they couldn’t help it. But they soon controlled themselves, after looking at their parents.

Bill apologized, I’m sorry...I forget when we have company to explain our mealtime prayer ahead of time. And that last part? It’s from a song the children learn at church. He’s kind of going through a stage, and we don’t try to stop him when he gets to that part.

I think Jacob gave a beautiful prayer! And how thoughtful to thank God for our family joining you tonight. It is we who should be thanking Him for your generous hospitality, Diane said, and smiled at Jacob. Children, I will never be able to remember all of your names for at least a few days. Forgive me in advance.

It’s okay, thirteen year old Preston said. Most people that meet us for the first time can’t either. In fact, we usually have a little game of it. Dad picks one of us to vote in favor of people remembering our names, and he takes the opposite side. The winner gets ice cream, and the loser has to buy it. So far, as you can see, Dad’s never lost, he grinned at his dad, and patted his own sleek tummy. That actually made Joey smile; one of the first all day.

Jacob, still a believer, asked Michael what he was hoping Santa Claus would bring him. Joey didn’t give Michael a chance to speak. Jacob, Santa’s never going to be able to find us here. He’s used to coming down our chimney in Cambridge, and when he gets there, he’s going to find an empty house, not a pretty Christmas tree. Jacob was confounded and couldn’t say a word about it after that. John gave Joey the look.

Well, it’s a good thing that your Dad and I have some pretty good connections with Santa. All of the children eight and older looked knowingly at each other, but kept silent to maintain the magic for Jacob and their two little twin sisters who were two. And you need to display a more positive tone, if you don’t want to find a lump of coal in your stocking come morning. Joey looked down at his plate so the rest of them at the table wouldn’t see him rolling his eyes at his mother.

Well, let’s get to passing that food around! Kids, John, Diane, if there’s something in front of you, take as much as you want and pass it to your right. Just bypass the twins, of course. Ann and I will dish them up, he said, looking at the little girls sitting in their high chairs, one next to each parent. Diane could immediately see that this was not a man who put all the duties of caring for the children onto his wife. She smiled quietly about that and enjoyed watching Bill lovingly interacting with his little daughter...Emma was it?...and helping her with her food. He was so jolly the way he talked to her. She thought these children must feel like they live with Santa Claus every day.

The talk and eating, and passing seconds, went on for close to an hour. Everyone was having a splendid time getting to know each other and savoring Ann’s superb dinner. So, you do your holiday meal on Christmas Eve? And what about Christmas Day? Diane asked Ann.

Yes, we have our special Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, and enjoy a special night together feeling the spirit of Christmas together. Then on Christmas Day, we have brunch with my cinnamon rolls that I’ve prepared and refrigerated the day before, so they’re just ready to bake by morning. And for dinner, we keep it simple with leftovers from Christmas Eve. That way, we can relax and not have to spend the day in the kitchen on Christmas Day.

That sounds like a great way to do it, Diane replied. Are you going to have enough leftovers for tomorrow? she worried aloud.

Smiling, Diane confessed, Oh, yes. With the size of our family, if we want leftovers even without guests, I always make two hams, and I have more homemade rolls in the freezer to use for sandwiches. I just pop them out tomorrow morning and let them rise until they’re ready to bake. I make them more in the shape of Kaiser rolls so they’re the right size for sandwiches. I’ve got loads of the fruit salad ingredients and Pam just mixes that together when we’re ready to have dinner. We keep it simple...sandwiches and ambrosia salad for dinner. And tomorrow, we’ll use paper plates and take our food into the family room to eat and play games together. That’s kind of a tradition in our family, too. Every year we get a new game or two for the whole family.

Yeah, we really love playing games together, Isaac said.

Yeah, that’s the best! Brigham seconded. Hey, if you aren’t doing anything special tomorrow, you could all come over and play games and eat with us!

Uh... John stammered.

Oh, absolutely! Bill concurred.

Please, Ann affirmed. We have tons of food and if you like games, you’ll have a great time. We’d love to have you.

Can we, Dad? Michael urged expectantly.

Well, we’d love to, but let’s see what tomorrow brings. We might be pretty occupied unpacking and getting settled in.

"You still have to eat, even if you don’t want to rest and play some games. We’ve got everything from ping pong to card games. Pretty much something for everyone. The kids and their friends spend hours in the family room with all the things we’ve got down there to entertain," Bill said

That’s a lovely invitation, and maybe we’ll be able to accept it, kind of based on what happens with our furniture and belongings. I haven’t even seen inside the house. Neither have the kids. We’re just trusting that Dad found us just the right home, Diane said. Later tonight, we’re all going to go take our tour! I can’t wait to see it!

Oh, Diane, it’s a lovely historic home, I assure you. You’ll love it. The older couple that lived there took meticulous care of it, with the help of domestics that were part of their family, more or less. There was a couple that lived there with them, and Bessie helped with all the home care inside and Ben took care of everything outside. They were all such nice people. But Joseph and Janie both passed away within a few months of each other, and of course, the household help had to leave and find other employers. But with the help of those two, that house was kept like it was spit polished. They had a large family, but none of them lived nearby and wanted to keep the home, so they put it up for sale. And here you are!

I didn’t ask Joel how long it had been on the market before we made an offer, John said.

Probably a week or less, Bill answered.

Really? Diane said.

This Avenues district is popular, for those who can afford it, Bill said.

chapter two

While two of the younger children cleared the dishes from the table, two of the older ones cleared the food and put it away. The rest of the family and guests gathered in the livingroom. It was the picture of Christmas wonder, with the fragrant fresh evergreens and the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. There were lit candles in the windows and the lace curtains were pulled back to show them off and prevent the curtains from catching fire. The old polished upright piano was covered on top with lit evergreen boughs and holly, and in the center, a large porcelain hand painted crèche.

This is so beautiful! Diane exclaimed. Ann, did you do all this?

Well, yes, she said modestly. I like to have two Christmas trees. The one in the livingroom is decorated more formally, and the one in the family room is for all the kids to decorate however they want.

Well, it looks like something out of a magazine, it’s so lovely. Are you Martha Stewart’s sister? she teased Ann. All of the adults got a chuckle out of that.

Who’s Martha Stewart? a little voice peeped up.

Oh, pumpkin, I’ll explain that later. Just have a seat wherever you’ll be comfortable. Bill can sit anywhere, and my favorite seat is always at the piano.

You play? Before Ann could confirm that, the rest of the children piled into the livingroom and Bill followed right behind them. He took a seat in a deep comfortable upholstered chair that looked like it was built just for a man of his size. He brought with him his scriptures, and opening them, turned to look around the family.

Let’s see here, he said as if he was having to think a lot about it. We need three shepherds, three wise men, Joseph, Mary, and two little lambs. I think the twins can be the two little lambs, can’t they, Mother?"

Sure! Brigham, will you run upstairs to their room and get their soft little white wooly pajamas? He ran up the stairs and was back in less than three minutes. Pam, can you and Brigham dress the girls in their jammies quickly?

Okay, this year our shepherds have got their work cut out for them, keeping their little lambs gathered up. I think Isaac and Preston and Pam could handle that. And Rachel and Jacob, would you be Mary and Joseph this year? That just leaves the wise men, he said, as he looked at the remaining boys, Ethan, Ammon, and Nephi. Now, he said, pretending forgetfullness. Who have we forgotten?

Baby Jesus! Rachel exclaimed excitedly. You can use my baby doll, Daddy, she added.

That would be just perfect, Pumpkin. Will you go get it, and wrap it in a baby blanket from your toys?

Okay, Daddy! and she skipped up the stairs.

Minutes later, I think we’re all ready, Bill said. Okay, the Dyoriches get to be our audience. Sound good? he asked, and looked at them, his jolly eyes twinkling.

That sounds right, John said, smiling back at him, and thankful he wasn’t chosen to play a major role in this production.

Ammon, would you give us an opening prayer? and the boy said a short, heart felt prayer.

"Mom, you want to start us out with O, Little Town of Bethlehem? And then whenever I pause in the reading, you put in the right hymn, okay?"

Aye, aye, Captain! she joked with Bill.

Everyone sang all three verses of the hymn, with help from the several hymn books that the children had passed around, making sure their guests had one for each two people. Then Bill began to read the solemn, familiar story from the second chapter of Luke in the New Testament. Periodically he paused, and everyone sang additional hymns.

When the story was closed, Bill bore a simple, sincere testimony about Jesus Christ and then asked a blessing on the dessert. Brigham, will you and Pam set out the Christmas pastries your mom made, and the crockpot of hot cranberry punch? Rachel, you know where the plastic plates and cups are that Mommy uses for parties, right?

Yes, Daddy, she beamed.

If Brigham and Pam show you where to put them on the serving table, would you put out sixteen of each? Can you count that high? he pretended to be serious.

Of course I can, Daddy! I’ll be in kindergarten next year! What do you think?

Well, I was just making sure, Bill again feigned seriousness. After we enjoy some dessert, are you ready to go see your house? he looked at Diane and the boys.

Yeah, Joey mumbled apathetically.

Sure am! Michael piped in.

Serving themselves from the dining table, John said, This is just amazing, Ann! What a feast you’ve treated us to! And what a nice evening.

What kind of Christmas breads are these, Ann? Diane asked.

They’re an old family tradition brought from Denmark. My parents were both born here but my grandparents emigrated from Denmark to join the handcart companies that were coming to the Salt Lake Valley. My father was born on that trail, and my mother in the Valley, shortly after they arrived. There were three families from Denmark, and my parents came from two of them. My mother taught me to make these when I was just a girl.

They’re delicious! John said, wiping powdered sugar from his lips.

A few minutes later, the Dyoriches were bundling up in their coats, and Bill was escorting them to their back door with his bright camp lantern. John unlocked the kitchen door, and the family filed in. Thank you for everything! John and Diane said almost simultaneously. Good night! As Bill walked back to his home, John and Diane mulled over the fact that the movers had still not arrived with their furniture, and the unlikelihood of them doing so on Christmas Day. They resolved to drive downtown and look for a hotel for the night and the next night, after they took a quick look at the home. John went around and turned on lights, and invited the boys to go upstairs and pick out their bedrooms, except for the larger one on the right side of the hall. They bounded up the stairs, and even Joey was getting excited about choosing his new bedroom. John was describing the upstairs to Diane, noting that it had a bathroom in the master bedroom and another one at the end of the hall for the boys. Then they both just walked around and looked. While John was upstairs still with the boys, Diane meandered down to the kitchen and opened a door, thinking it might be a pantry. It was a stairway. A dark stairway. There was a strange smell coming from whatever was down there. She turned on the light just inside the door, and it illuminated the stairs and the basement at the bottom of the stairs.

"John! she screamed. John! Come here! Quickly!"

He took the stairs two at a time and was standing behind her in moments. What’s the matter, he called as he ran to the kitchen.

Look! she pointed to the basement...and the two feet of water that covered it, and was beginning to produce moldy odors.

Oh, no! Joey! he called. Run back over to Romneys and ask Bill if they have a garden hose and a sump pump we could borrow. Tell him we have deep water in our basement.

Okay, Dad, he said, and took off out the back door, without bothering to put his coat back on.

There must be a broken pipe down there somewhere, John speculated.

What are we going to do? Diane asked.

We can’t get a plumber this time of night on Christmas Eve. We’ll have to shut off the water at the street and see if we can pump this out, John said.

chapter three

It took Bill less than ten minutes to locate his sump pump and grab up a garden hose. With Brigham’s help, they carried the equipment over to John and helped him set up the sump pump and run the hose out the window onto the back lawn. Brigham, you and Joey get the snow shovels and clear out an area on the back lawn. Make it as flat as you can, and build up the sides with the snow, while I help John. Wait...first, go shovel snow off the front where the water meter should be. About two feet in from the sidewalk and likely about in the center of the property. See how quick you can shovel the snow off completely clear and then run to the garage and grab my homemade water key, okay?

Sure, Dad! He went to work quickly, and ran to the back door of Joey’s house. He yelled, I found it! I’ll go get the key!

Thanks, Brigham! Bill called up the stairs. I’ll be right back, John. I’m going to go shut off the water at the meter so we don’t keep adding to the problem until we can find out where the break is. I’ll get my hip waders so I can go set the pump and hose for you. You get outside that window and run the hose to the back yard, where the boys are going to shovel out the yard and make a contained area to hold the water. It’ll freeze up quickly. You can’t think about staying in the house until it’s thoroughly dried out. That mold’ll make you mighty sick. We’ll need to go to Home Depot or something and rent several industrial fans to dry it up. It will take probably five days or so after all the water is drained out.

We were going to go get a hotel room for tonight anyway, since our furniture never arrived. It won’t be here tomorrow, either. So we’ll just get reservations for a week instead of two nights.We’ll come back over and check on the basement tomorrow morning sometime. Oh, here, Joey, you got the back yard shoveled out?

Yep, Brigham and I have it all ready for the water. Ready to pump it, yet?

I think we’re ready, John, Bill said as he turned on the pump. It hummed and thrummed, and John could feel the dank, stinky water coursing through the garden hose.

It’s coming! Brigham yelled.

Look! It’s freezing already! Joey said. We made this area flat enough, I bet when it’s all frozen, we can skate on it! Do you play ice hockey?

No, but I like to ice skate. I’ve never learned anything about ice hockey, Brigham said.

Michael and I played on teams in Cambridge, Joey said.

Maybe you can teach me, Brigham suggested.

Yeah, we could! Does Preston like to skate?

Joey, go get your mom and Michael. We need to go find a hotel, and we’ll come back tomorrow, John said. Thanks, again, Bill. I can’t thank you enough for all your help, he said, shaking Bill’s hand again.

"Hey, that’s what we’re here for, John. If you need anything, we’re always right next door. Now, tomorrow when you come back to check on the water in the basement, I want you to do two things. First, come over and get me so I can take a look at the progress also. And two, we’ll expect you for cinnamon rolls and orange juice whenever you get here. You don’t want to miss Annie’s cinnamon rolls. They’re epic!"

Alright, then! We’ll see you tomorrow! John said. Joey, are Michael and your mom in the car?

chapter four

John, have you noticed that Joey doesn’t spend time with the Romney boys anymore? Three months ago they were ice skating in the back yard until we made them come in late at night. He’s been going to the skate park, but he’s pretty tight lipped about it. In fact, he’s tight lipped about everything. Have you noticed that? He doesn’t talk about school or friends or anything, really, Diane said quietly, her head on the pillow beside him.

"Yes, I’ve noticed. I guess I was just wanting to give it time and see if it would change. Michael has plenty of friends, including the Romney kids. I don’t really know what’s going on with Joey. Maybe he’s just going through a stage. We probably don’t need to worry. I mean, this is Joey we’re talking about. I think the dip in his scholastic achievement is just a reflection of our move

Are you sure, honey?

I’m pretty sure, sweetheart, John said and kissed her cheek. We need to get some sleep now. The hospital ball is tomorrow night and that’s going to be a long day and night. I wish we didn’t have to go. I know you like that stuff, but it’s more of a chore for me. Maybe because I eat, sleep and breathe the hospital all day, and I want to leave that behind at five o’clock.

We don’t have to go if you don’t want, dear.

"I have to go. I don’t have much choice," John said.

While John and Diane got a chance to have their first dance, away from the table of John’s hospital employees and their partners, Diane had the opportunity to talk privately with John while they slow danced to a quiet love song. You won’t believe what happened today, because we were just talking about this last night, she said.

What? John asked.

Joey came home with three friends he met at the skate park. I wish you’d been home to see the same thing that I saw. Joey introduced them, and they barely mumbled, hi" in recognition of my presence. Except for the oldest one, Chris. He spoke to me and made eye contact, but it was noticeably insincere and superficial. It reminds me of Eddy on Leave It to Beaver. Beneath those syrupy sweet manners there’s a kid that’s up to no good. While they were all grazing through the refrigerator, John, they reeked of cigarette smoke. I don’t like to see Joey hanging around boys like that. They all had long hair, sloppy clothes, and they just looked like little thugs."

Oh, Diane, I’m sure you’re exaggerating a little aren’t you?

Not a bit. I wish you had been there. You’d say the same thing. Really.

Well, I’m sure I’ll meet them soon enough, he said calmly. And at this age, friendships come and go. I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Not tonight anyway, he said, and slowly twirled Diane and brought her back close to him, where he held her a little closer, knowing she needed some reassurance and comfort.While they continued to dance to slow, sweet love songs, John was reminded of the night during his first trip to Salt Lake when he interviewed for his job.

It was rainy and cold, but he’d had dinner alone in the restaurant at the top of the Joseph Smith building. Through the gloomy, dark night he saw from the huge window where he sat, a white building that almost shone like brilliant marble. It was on the north side of Temple Square, and in the center of the building there was a huge two-story window that revealed the interior of