Janett’S Short Stories

By Janett Norris Nelson

In Janetts Collection of Short Stories, you can find, people falling in love, playing sports, cheating on their loved ones, a lot of laughter, feeding the hungry, surprises, finding that special job, building things, having faith, churches coming together for special occasions, learning about music, and solving mysteries.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477276488

Janett Norris Nelson

Janet Elizabeth Norris Nelson was born in 1937 at Rockingham, North Carolina. Her parents are the late Harvey Cecil Norris and Margaret Elizabeth Cameron. Nelson started writing in 1971. Her first novel was a children’s book, HARRIET’S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE, published in 1982. Nelson writes fiction, nonfiction, creates original greeting cards with her poetry written inside of each card, and bookmarks all in English and Español. Nelson was a charter member and past president of, Writers of the Purple Sage, a writer’s club in Woodward, Oklahoma that was created in 1979. Also she has freelanced for newspapers in Oklahoma. Among her actives in her church, is singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school to kindergarten children, and a missionary to pre-school children. In her community she volunteers to operate a used clothing store for those in need. Nelson has seven sisters, three brothers, and four children. Her children are, Michael, Sherry, Roger, and Harriet. Her grandchildren are, Larry, Elizabeth, Georgia, Tonya, Beth, Klavin, Steven, Wayne, Cody, Timothy, Levi, and Riley. Her great grandchildren are, Mitchel, Madison, Savannah, Kirsten, Alyson, Abigail, Chloe, Tre, and Maelee. Nelson lives in Robbins, North Carolina.

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© 2012 Janett Norris Nelson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/19/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-7648-8 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-7649-5 (sc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012918659

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

1.   One Christian’s Faith

2.   Opal Kisses

3.   The Missing Journal

4.   Between The Sheets

5.   Captain’s Coffee

6.   Ripples In The Bridge

7.   Policeman’s Bag Lady

8.   Boxer Jim

9.   Three Times, No Charm

10.   Dr. Monroe’s Heyday

11.   The Glass Room

12.   Sheriff Hussey’s Heyday

13.   Roger’s Gift

14.   The Missing Writer

15.   The Chauffeur And The Bag Lady

16.   The Missing Music

These stories are dedicated to all my friends and family who live in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, California, and Oklahoma.

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ONE CHRISTIAN’S FAITH

Are you ready to go to church, Momma? Sherry asked.

Yes, Elizabeth Baker said, following her to the car.

Sherry drove her car until they came to the, Church Of God Of Prophecy, a short distance from Elizabeth’s house. The church was a small white frame building with a steeple on top.

Sister, Clarice King, the pastor’s wife, met them at the door. Come in, she said, shaking their hands. It’s nice to see you this morning."

"Sister Clarice was Elizabeth’s Sunday school teacher, and was about five feet, with pretty snow white curly hair. She always greeted you with a warm smile.

Elizabeth sat beside her good friend, Reba Britt.

A song from a hymn book was sung by the congregation. Pastor Burton King stood behind a pulpit to preach. He was a very tall slender man. His hair was black and white. Gold rim glasses framed his kind face. He wore a white shirt and a navy blue suit. A picture of Jesus was printed on his blue tie.

I feel the Spirit is in here today. God gave His only Son for our sins. Yes, God loves us that much, he said, and paces the floor while he preached. He walked up and down the aisle saying, Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. Yes, God’s word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. God loved us then and God loves us now that will never change.

Elizabeth hung on to every word she was hungry for the Lord. He loves the rich and the poor, He forgives us our sins when we ask him too, and he answers our prayers."

Elizabeth felt the Spirit coming from the pastor when he looked her way. Her soul filled with joy making her happy.

While we come to the end of the service, does anyone want to talk to Jesus? Pastor King asked.

No one went to the alter so the Pastor said, Brother Manus, will you say our closing prayer?

While brother Manus prayed Pastor King stood near the door so he could shake everyone’s hand. When he came to Sherry he asked, Is this your mother?

Yes, this is Elizabeth Baker, she just moved here from Woodward, Oklahoma. She is the one I asked you to pray for.

How do you like North Carolina? he asked.

I love it, I was born in North Carolina and I am glad to be home.

I’m glad you like it here too.

I will have to write my Pastor in Oklahoma and tell him I may have found a church home.

A-men, Pastor King said, shaking her hand.

Outside the October sun shone bright, the autumn air was warm. The sun would soon set and the air would turn cooler. Elizabeth took a deep breath inhaling the fresh air. She always had a good feeling when she attended church.

When Sherry arrived at Elizabeth’s house she asked,

Momma, do you need to go to the store?

No.

I will be here around six to take you to church tonight.

Okay.

Sunday was always special to Elizabeth. It was truly God’s day for her. She had read the Bible when she was younger. It took her three years to read from Genesis through Revelation. It never took that long to read the second or third time. She loved reading the Bible, some of the verses read like poetry. Some books she read over and over. She tried to make it a point to read at least ten chapters on Sunday, sometimes she read more.

What ever the Pastor preached about on Sunday, is where she began to read. One of Elizabeth’s favorite books was Ecclesiastes. Her favorite chapter, the third chapter which begins, ’to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven, A time to love and a time to hate.

Elizabeth didn’t hate anyone. She was reading the Bible when Sherry and her children arrived. Elizabeth loved five year old Klavin and ten year old Beth. They both had their mom’s sunny smile. Klavin’s eyes were brown like Sherry’s; he had the prettiest curly red hair. Beth had brown hair and blue eyes like her dad.

Hey little darlings, Grandma sang.

Hey Grandma, Beth grinned.

Grandma listened with great pleasure to Klavin and Beth talk while they rode to church.

The church choir was singing a hymn when they entered. Sherry was a member of the choir and went to join them. When the songs ended Sherry came and sat beside Elizabeth.

Pastor King preached another moving sermon. The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want, he read from the Bible. If we believe in God we shall never want.

Elizabeth was filled with so much joy she felt like she was going to burst.

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. You will find that wonderful verse in the Old Testament, Habakkuk 2:14. Now we have come to the end of a sermon. Brother Paul will you say the closing prayer? Pastor King said, taking his place at the door.

I enjoy your sermons, Elizabeth said.

The Lord bless you, I hope to see you again, he smiled, shaking her hand.

How do you like our church Momma? Sherry asked.

I like it, did you know your great Grandpa Thomas Charles Cameron, and was a Baptist Evangelistic Pastor?

No.

Yes, he preached at revivals and at other churches when the attending pastors were sick, or out of town.

How did great Grandpa preach? she asked.

He stood up and preached what he had to say in about twenty or twenty five minutes. Grandpa Cameron said he didn’t want to be a long winded preacher. He never repeated his sermons. I suppose that is why he wasn’t one, He said after preaching for twenty or twenty five minutes, he would lose his congregation. They would quit looking at him.

Yeah, I might be guilty of that sometimes, Sherry said.

Grandpa Cameron had a great sense of humor. He said there was a dear elderly gentleman who came to church every Sunday. He always sat on the back row. After about ten minutes he would go to sleep. One Sunday no one woke him. When everyone left Grandpa went and sat beside him to see how long he would sleep."

How long did he sleep?

About twenty minutes later he woke up. After a few minutes of silence, he looked at Grandpa Cameron and said, Good sermon Pastor," then he left.

That is so funny, what kind of Pastors do you like Momma?

I like all Pastors; I could listen to them preach words from the Bible all day long.

Yes, what time is your doctor’s appointment tomorrow?

The time is nine o’clock; I will see you in the morning.

Okay, good night, Sherry said.

It had turned cold Elizabeth turned the heat on and read from the Bible before going to sleep.

The sun was shinning when Elizabeth woke. She pulled back the white lace curtains to allow more sunlight in. She put on a blue skirt, white blouse, and a matching blue vest. Now she sipped on a cup of coffee while waiting for Sherry.

She heard the sound of a car horn and knew Sherry was outside.

Are you ready momma? Sherry called.

Yes, she said, getting in the car.

I hope you don’t have to wait long, I have a dozen things to do today, Sherry said, while driving down the road.

You always have a dozen things to do you need to slow down.

You always say that, Sherry smiled, while searching for a place to park the car. There weren’t many people in the waiting room Elizabeth had arrived early.

I’ll read a magazine while I wait, Sherry said.

Elizabeth Baker! Nurse Joyce Davis called.

Yes.

Come with me, she said, softly.

She followed her to a small room.

Why do you want to see Dr. Bell?

To have my blood pressure checked and my left arm hurts.

Hold out your arm so I can take your blood pressure, she said wrapping a cuff around her arm. Yes, your pressure is high, Joyce said, writing some numbers on a chart. Dr. Bell will be in to see you shortly.

Elizabeth glanced around the room and saw a pretty picture of a lighthouse. At the bottom the artist had signed it. There was a certificate with Dr. Bell’s name on it where he had attended medical school. On a square table were some medical items such as tongue depressors in a tall container. There was a big box of Kleenex an item usually found in most doctors’ offices.

Dr. Bell was of medium height with dark hair and blue eyes. He entered the room. After reading the chart he looked up.

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Ms. Baker, your blood pressure is too high, and from your test results it shows you have some infection. I am going to change your medication and order some tests.

What kind of tests? she asked.

A test that will show a picture of your kidneys to see if that is the reason for the infection. I’m going to send you to radiology to see if we can find the problem, is that okay with you?

Yes.

Also, Nurse Davis will draw some blood so we can test it and Nurse Ellen will give you some written instruction.

Thank you, Elizabeth said.

Sherry was waiting for Elizabeth. What did Dr. Bell say, momma?

Elizabeth told Sherry what Dr. Bell said. I have a new medication to get too.

When do you have your tests? Sherry asked, driving to the drug store.

I have an appointment tomorrow morning.

Try not to worry I will drive you, Sherry said, giving her the medicine.

As soon as Elizabeth got home the phone rang. It was Elizabeth’s youngest daughter, Harriet.

What did Dr. Bell say momma?

Elizabeth repeated what Dr. Bell told her and said, Say a prayer for me.

You know I will, Momma.

When are you coming to see me?

Sometimes soon, bye momma I love you.

Elizabeth hung up the phone and begins to read the Bible for comfort. She read until she became sleepy.

Morning came and brought beautiful sunshine. Elizabeth heard Sherry drive up in her car and dressed quickly.

Do I have time for coffee, Sherry?

"Yes, bring it with you.

Okay, don’t drive too fast so I can drink it.

The Radiologist building was huge and made of red bricks. Many doctor’s offices were located in the building. Elizabeth found Dr. Braly’s office and checked in.

Several minutes later a nurse called, Elizabeth Baker.

Elizabeth rose and followed her into a large room. A huge white machine was in the center of the room. A long narrow bed was beside the machine.

Put this gown on and lay on your right, Nurse Betty said, handing her a pink gown with red flowers on it.

My, thought Elizabeth, this gown is pretty they used to be all white.

Nurse Betty rubbed some colorless gel on Elizabeth’s side. She took pictures of her side while moving a round metal object over her. She could see the pictures the machine took. It looked like a map with blue and red colors continuing to change. It seemed like Nurse Betty took more pictures of the right side than the left.

An hour later, after a thorough examination, Betty said, you may go; Dr. Bell will be in touch with you.

Thank you, Elizabeth said and went to find Sherry.

What did they tell you, Momma?

A nurse took a lot of pictures of my kidneys and said Dr. Bell would be in touch.

Now you have to wait, Sherry said, getting in the car.

Yes, waiting is the hardest part.

The sun begins to climb high in the sky as they rode along the highway, and some white puffy clouds floated above.

Sherry drove in the yard and let Elizabeth out.

I hear your phone ringing, she said.

Elizabeth hurried and answered the phone.

Ms. Baker this is Dr. Bell, your examination showed a spot on your kidney that may be a blockage. I want to be sure I am making an appointment for you with Dr. Thomas. I want you to have an ultra sound made of your kidneys, is that okay with you?

Yes.

Good, I will make an appointment for you, you may need an operation, he said.

Elizabeth became upset at the news and called Sherry.

Dr. Bell said they found a spot on my kidney and I may need an operation.

Oh momma no I am so sorry.

He wants to be sure and set up an appointment for me to have an ultra sound.

When is the appointment? she asked.

It is set for Monday morning.

Maybe everything will be all right, Sherry said, hopefully.

I sure hope so, Elizabeth said.

You know I will say a prayer for you.

Yes.

I will call you tomorrow, Sherry said.

Elizabeth reached for her Bible to read for comfort.

Saturday morning Elizabeth woke from a knock on the door, she opened it to see Harriet.

Are you okay, momma? she asked, hugging her.

Yes.

Sherry said you were upset.

I was upset until I read some of the Bible, I am okay now.

You know I will be there if you need an operation.

Yes, I know God will be there too.

Of course, where are those books you said I could have?

The books are in my office, are you hungry?

No, I can’t stay long I have to feed my horses. I will take this book of fairy tales to read to my children, this book of Shakespeare, and some of these mystery books, Harriet said, kissing her on the cheek.

Good I will see you later.

Elizabeth stayed busy the rest of the day cleaning her house. She read her Sunday school lesson before going to bed.

Raindrops falling on the roof woke Elizabeth Sunday morning. She made coffee and sipped the strong black liquid while she waited for Sherry. It wasn’t long until she saw the car.

Are you ready to go to church Momma?

Yes, hello, Klavin, Beth, Grandma loves you.

We love you too Grandma, Beth said.

Pastor King met them at the door when they arrived. How are you, Beth, Klavin, Sherry, and Elizabeth?

I am fine, Sherry said.

I’m not good, Elizabeth said. They found a spot on my kidney and I may need an operation. Will you say a prayer for me?

Yes, you know God can remove that spot, He does wonderful things for us.

Yes, Elizabeth said, swallowing to keep from crying.

The hymn the choir sang was one of her favorites’ JESUS HOLD MY HAND.

Pastor King begins his sermon. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands, serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Elizabeth felt the Spirit stirring in her soul.

"I am the Light of the world; he that followed me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life. Yes, let us rejoice in the Lord our Savior. God loves us and he wants us to love one another. With God all things are possible, let us pray. While the saints are praying, does anyone want to talk to God? If anyone wants to be prayed for raise your hand.

Elizabeth soul was crying for God. She was hungry for Him and went to the altar.

Sisters, Clarice and Reba, came to pray with Elizabeth. Brother Lewis read a verse from the Bible. Pastor King took oil and anointed Elizabeth while he prayed. She felt peace overcome her when she returned to her seat. At the end of the service she shook hands with friends and Pastor King.

The Lord can remove that spot, he said.

I hope so, Elizabeth said, leaving.

That was a good sermon, Sherry said, driving down the road.

Yes it was, Elizabeth said.

I will see you in the morning, Sherry said, letting her out of the car.

Elizabeth wrote some letters to her sisters and her son, Michael, who lived in Camden, South Carolina. Then she read her Bible until her eyelids became heavy.

Monday morning brought another day with beautiful sunshine, yet it was cold. I’m glad my appointment is early, Elizabeth thought, while waiting for Sherry.

You look worried, Momma, Sherry said, on the way to see the doctor.

I am trying my best not to, Elizabeth said.

The red brick building loomed in front of them. It was bigger than the first one.

Nurse Faye was waiting for her.

We will begin on your left side.

Elizabeth did as she was told. The examination was similar to the first one, only it seemed to take longer.

Finally Nurse Faye said, You can get dressed now, Dr. Bell will be in touch with you.

Are you okay, Momma? Sherry asked.

Yeah, I couldn’t tell much difference between the two exams. I had to hold my breath a lot both times, only the machines were different.

At least we will find out if you need an operation.

Yes we will, turn the radio on and let’s listen to some pretty gospel music.

That is a good idea, Sherry said. Maybe you won’t have to wait long for the results this time.

That would be nice, Elizabeth said, stepping from the car. I will see you Sunday.

Have faith, Momma, Sherry said, before she drove away.

Elizabeth was reading when Dr. Bell called.

Hello.

Ms Baker, I have some good news for you. We didn’t find any spot on your kidney, if there was a spot it disappeared.

So that means I want need an operation?

Yes, I want you to start taking an aspirin a day, your tests from your blood work are normal. Come for a checkup in six weeks.

Yes sir, thank you.

You’re welcome, he said.

Thank you God and Jesus, Elizabeth said, and called Sherry, Michael, and Harriet.

I am very happy for you, Momma, God sure answered my prayer, Harriet said.

Yes, with God and Jesus all things are possible and He can move mountains.

Faith can do wonderful things, Sherry said.

Promise me Momma, if you ever need me, call and I will drive up there, Michael said.

Sunday morning Elizabeth greeted Pastor King with a big smile.

Do you have good news? he asked.

Yes, they couldn’t find any spot on my kidney. If there had been a spot it must have disappeared. Now I don’t need an operation.

Isn’t that wonderful, he smiled. God has greatly blessed you. God heard and answered our prayers, He healed you.

Yes, Elizabeth smiled. Thank God for He truly is a caring and wonderful God, I will always love and trust Him.

A-men! Pastor King said.

To everything there is