Im/Perfect Family

By Becky Park

Im/Perfect Family takes place in Sanders, Kentucky in the early years of World War II.  The Irish Catholic Maguire family is hated for that, plus the youngest brother, Barney, whom they have kept at home is Mongoloid (Down Syndrome). Dad, Jeff Maguire, goes to war to fight the Nazi's leaving wife, Jana the five kids to fight for her, Ba

• Language: English
• Publisher: Global Summit House
• Release date: Jan 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781647135102

Becky Park

Becky has lived in Windsor, Colorado for 30 years with her family of a daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, two sons and her two dogs. She has worked at a grocery store for five years. She has dabbled in writing since high school and loves writing placing her stories in the 1930’s.

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IM/Perfect Family

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Becky Park

Copyright © Becky Park.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by reviewers, who may quote brief passages in a review.

ISBN: 978-1-64713-512-6 (Paperback Edition)

ISBN: 978-1-64713-513-3 (Hardcover Edition)

ISBN: 978-1-64713-510-2 (E-book Edition)

Some characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Book Ordering Information

Phone Number: 347-901-4929 or 347-901-4920

Email: [e-mail]

Global Summit House

www.globalsummithouse.com

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication Page

This book is dedicated to every Barney Maguire and his family in the world. Thank you to the families who love and care for them.

Also, to Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver for having the love, courage and foresight to fight for the special needs underdogs!

Chapter One

Meet the Maguire’s

The Maguire’s were the black sheep family of Sanders, Kentucky. The kids didn’t understand why, at least, at first! They started to realize that even in 1941 people still held grudges against Irish-Americans. Then they realized that there was another reason why they weren’t liked – Barney. Barney Maguire, youngest brother, the baby of the family. The doctors called him a Mongoloid idiot (later to be called Down Syndrome), or the retard if they were nice! The Maguire’s called him Barney and loved him.

They lived on a farm and needed every body to work the farm. The house was small and modest. The parents, Jeff and Jana, kept it neat and in good repair. They had several out buildings, the big barn, a chicken coop, a smaller building that was used to store the truck even though it was seldom driven. The bulk of the front yard was taken up by fruit trees and a massive oak tree. The fruit trees offered not only shade for the house but food as well. Jana Maguire, had tons of apple recipes which she used often. The second oldest brother, Martin, 15, loved apple ‘pickles!’ Years before a family friend had hung a tire swing from the giant oak tree. On occasion the kids, all five of them, oldest brother Nick, 17, Martin, twins, Eva and Jonah, 13 and Barney, 10, would play on it!

What Jana had fallen in love with about the house and every summer after that was the snow ball bush that was almost as tall as the house. When in bloom the flowers on the bush were white and huge and smelled, oh, so good! The bush was there when, Jeff Maguire, inherited the farm from his childless Uncle Kevin and Aunt Sally Maguire.

Inside the house, which was a 1910 model Sears and Roebuck house, model number 147, it had two bedrooms, sparsely decorated with a small nook off the living room that was turned into Eva’s room. The kitchen had a gas range, a refrigerator and the newest wringer washing machine. The Maguire’s had gotten electricity a few years earlier.

Because seven people lived in the house there were two couches and some chairs in various colors and styles placed around the radio in the living room for the best listening. The lamps were old still yet functional for reading, sewing or whatever activity was planned. Over the years an addition had been built on to the house for a little extra space. The house, also, had a basement.

One night, Jana, Barney and Eva sat at the kitchen table with a box of kleenix and a box of crayons. Barney was trying to color the kleenix to make them pretty and colorful while Jana and Eva were trying to make flowers with them for the kitchen table. Jana was always trying to have some new activity at night. Game night was popular! Barney especially loved the card game war and dominoes. He really got into it, although sometimes he was a sore lose. Then he would storm off into the living room and pout.

Jana had figured out what chores Barney could do. He was the Chicken Captain, he fed them, he herded them into the coop at night, he collected their eggs, he cried when one of the died. He was so valuable to the family’s wellbeing.

People often wondered and asked why didn’t they put Barney, this embarrassment to the family, away. Which meant he would be sent away to some placed called an asylum. What kind of place was called an asylum? Didn’t sound very nice! In fact, one Sunday morning Jana got into a fight with the Methodist minister, Max Patterson. There was no Catholic church in town so they went to the Methodist church.

Mrs. Maguire, I’d like to talk with you about your youngest child! Pastor Patterson said coming up to Jana.

Pastor Patterson, my youngest child has a name AND a job! We named him Barney and he is in charge of the chickens. So, what is it that you wish to talk about? Jana, at five feet two inches tall, flipped her hair, the color of warm copper, over her shoulder and got ready for a fight.

But, Mrs. Maguire, that idiot retarded child of yours isn’t very bright! How can a smart woman like you even think he can do anything and put your chickens in such danger? Pastor Patterson, at six feet and 200 pounds, challenged Jana.

That idiot, Pastor, takes very good care our chickens, among the many other things he does around the farm! Jana was now livid at this man, this so-called man of the cloth.

I understand that you need to believe that, because of your misguided love for that retarded child. Pastor Patterson was really believing that this conversation was going well.

"Pastor, with all due respect, which isn’t much right now, that idiot, retarded child as you call Barney is right where he belongs! Now, I must take the Captain home so he can endanger his chickens! Now good day! She fired off the entire statement while wanting to just get away from this horrible man. She grabbed Barney by the hand. Come on, kids, we’re leaving! I’m suddenly not feeling well!"

They all fell in behind their ma and Barney for the one mile walk to get home. They all laughed when Barney turned around and stuck his tongue out at the minister. I don’t like him, Ma! Barney said emphatically.

Right now, Captain, neither do I! Jana agreed with Barney. We’ve got work to do. Take care of those chickens like I showed you! You others, we’re gonna show that pastor that he’s wrong, dead wrong!

They finished the walk to the farm talking about the sermon and how hateful the minister seemed to be. When they got close, Barney let go of his ma’s hand and started to run. Come on, you slow pokes! They all remembered the rules of the racing game, push Barney, yet let him win. They saved their real speed for races with their friends. At the house, Barney turned with a smile on his face, glowing with pride at yet another victory and rubbing it in.

You need to be fast like me. I bet I could beat Jesse Owens, I’m so fast! Barney started running in place.

Now, Captain, don’t you go bragging up about yourself! Jeff had come out of the barn after putting his 1929 Internatioanal Harvester tractor away.

Yes, Pa, I remember, I’m sorry! Barney dropped his head in hurt.

OK, Barn! Jeff tousled Barney’s red curly hair and gave him a hug.

For Jonah, Barney understood far more than he was given credit for. His heart was so pure, so honest. He was so amazing!

After that Jeff helped all of the kids with their chores while caring a heavy thought in his heart. Jeff had decided to join the army because of a military attack on a place called Pearl Harbor by the nation of Japan. He hadn’t talked with the kids about his decision because he didn’t think they would accept it. Barney didn’t even understand the concept of war much less killing someone you didn’t know. He wouldn’t understand his daddy going off to war and leaving them alone to manage on their own!

That night Jeff told the family, Jana already knew and was already sick with worry about her husband going off to war. She drew strength from Jeff. He helped her stay strong about their decision to keep Barney home with them. People didn’t know that it was really Jeff who begged that Barney be kept at home and given the life he was leading. Jeff had lived with the knowledge that his older sister, Betty, or as Jeff called her Bibi was born mongoloid. She had lived her entire life locked up in the basement. Bibi never got to feel the sun on her face or feel the grass under her feet. She never was taken to go play at the playground. She never got to swing or taken outside in the winter to make snow angels. She was fed table scraps, given the oldest, rattiest clothes. She slept on, what barely could be called, a mattress on the floor. She was never taken to the doctor or even given any kind of formal education.

When she died, at the tender age of ten, the family was so ashamed of her, she wasn’t even given a proper funeral. Jeff remembered the beatings he had gotten because he cared for Bibi. His parents would beat him and his older brother, Mike, with a belt until their backs was almost raw. They would try to sneak her more food, another blanket, companionship, love. Yet they never stopped nor did they ever regret trying to care for her. His parent’s behavior toward Betty only hardened Jeff’s feelings that if he had a child like Betty, that child would be treated like all the children in the family, with love, respect, care. That child would have everything that Jeff could give them and more. For Bibi!

But, Pa, you’re 35 years old, aren’t you to old to go? Nick asked.

Not for a mechanic. I’ve kept that old tractor going for all these years. Jeff answered back.

Martin always the quiet one asked, Pa, how long will you be gone? You know we need you here!

I don’t know, Martin! Jeff was being brutally honest.

Why you, Pa, why do you feel you have to go?

Martin, it’s freedom! We’re hearing horrible things being done to the Jews, people like Barney and your Aunt Betty being killed because they are different. He dropped his head. I couldn’t protect your Aunt Betty even from our parents. But I can sure as hell can do what I can to protect Barney. Jeff explained trying to deny the hurt and guilt he still felt for older sister Betty. He had promised himself that no one in his family would ever be treated like Bibi – ever!

If I can keep some airplane or tank or anything moving to protect Barney, then God damn it, I’ll do it! Betty and Barney do matter they really do! Jeff wiped away tears he hadn’t cried in years for his sister. I loved her, Bibi!

Sorry, Hun, about the language but damn it, she did matter, to me, at least!"

No apologies, Sweetie, none! Jana had learned years ago that her husband’s love for his disabled sister ran deep and the pain was still raw. She walked over to Jeff and wrapped her arm around his waist to give him emotional support.

Pa, will you kill somebody? Barney asked bluntly.

No, Captain, as a mechanic I won’t even carry a gun. Jeff smiled at Barney. Geez, you could see the love Jeff had for Barney. But, Pa, Eva threw in, war means killing people!

Yes, Munchkin, it does but it takes a lot of people, a lot of jobs to make a war. Jeff answered truthfully.

So, it could mean you never fire a gun, never kill anyone? Eva stared hard.

Right, Baby, I’ll probably go to a country called England and never see any war, never carry a gun. Jeff felt like he was repeating himself.

Pa, why can’t Uncle Mike go instead? Martin was digging in for a fight. His brown eyes were flashing and his five foot seven inch body language was stiff.

Uncle Mike is fighting all ready. He’s sitting in China flying airplanes. They call themselves The Flying Tigers. Jeff had a feeling this was going to get really ugly with Martin. Martin didn’t like his Uncle Mike anyway.

So . . . . Uncle Mikey, a bachelor, is off flying airplanes playing soldier while you with a family of five kids and a wife feels the need to leave his family! Martin fired off a whopper of a shot on that one and stared at his pa with a smart aleck look on his face waiting. The quiet one had fired off the loudest shot and wasn’t flinching or backing down.

"Martin, that is enough! Mike is in a real war situation fighting the Japanese! Remember the damn Japs bombed us! The Flying Tigers are helping the Chinese.

Think it’s time, Martin, you need to go clean out the hog house and think about how stupid that statement was." Jeff was livid how Martin questioned his Uncle Mike’s motives and fighting record.

Go! Jeff ordered Martin after Martin stood there defiantly staring at his dad.

Does anyone else have any comments? Jeff ordered, his brown eyes were flashing as well.

Jeff looked at Jonah, well, Jonah, you want to throw in your two cents?

"I don’t know anymore. I don’t want you to go yet you’ve talked about Grampa in World War I and you always seem so proud of him.

I don’t need you to go to war to be proud of you, Pa! I love you, Pa!" Jonah started to, he felt, whine and walked over to his Pa for a hug.

Jeff hugged Jonah back. I love you, Joey. This isn’t about me, it’s about America and us! Jeff took hold of Jonah by his shoulders to look at him, Joey, I’m doing this for Barney, too! You hear people all the time tell us to put him away. I can’t Joey, I can’t! I wanted to take care of her and I couldn’t! Joey, I have to do this for Bibi, for Barney!

Jonah looked at his pa with love and fear in his face. Pa, I love you, protect Barney, please! I love him so much! I love Aunt Bibi and I never knew her.

Pa? Barney came over to his Pa.

Yes, Captain? Jeff looked at Barney and reached out to take his hand.

Will you be gone long? Will you die? Barney looked at Jeff and touched his face.

Captain, I don’t know how long I’ll be gone as a mechanic, like when you and me fix the tractor. The chances of me dying do not exist! Jeff pulled Barney and Jonah to him for a hug. I’m asking that you five pull together as a team to look out for each other and your ma! She’s strong yet even a good strong Irish woman needs some help some times.

Pa, I’ll take care of Ma! Barney stated looking his pa eye to eye. You don’t need to worry none, she’s ok! Barney was adamant.

Pa, he’s right! Ma and us we’ll be fine! You taught us good how to take of each other. You go fight those damn . . . . . . who ever’s, kick their asses. Us Maguire’s, Nick looked at Martin, who hadn’t left to clean the hog house yet, Jonah and Eva, he reached out to Barney, "us, Maguire’s, we fight, we survive, we win!

You go fight and win! And when you come home, us Maguire’s will carry on! Do it for Bibi! Bibi!" Nick had never stood so tall, so adult, so proud! The Maguire kids, even Martin, gathered around their Pa.

They could feel the love, as silly as that sounds, but also the strength of the family.

Jana had stepped back to let Jeff and the kids fight this out. She now watched and listened to hear family debate going to war and falling in love with each other all over again. Jana stopped being afraid right there. She knew they would be fine even with the struggles they would face.

The Maguire’s will prevail, she thought.

Chapter Two

Jeff Leaves

It tore Jeff apart to think about leaving the family to serve his country. Yet he knew it was the right decision. He knew he had to fight, fight for Betty, fight for Barney, fight for cou ntry.

Jeff believed in his family, he believed in his wife to keep the family together. Jeff believed in the brothers to keep the family farm working. It was Spring, Jeff had waited to enlist to make sure the guys could do the farm work. The field work fell to Nick and Martin, Eva and Jonah did the gardenwork and milk the cows. Jana and Barney did everything else.

At last the day came for Jeff to report for book camp and went away. The house seemed awfully empty without him. Jana cried! Nick and Martin worked to adjust to their roles of carrying the really heavy load of farm work to keep the farm and the family together. The had learned how, to a point, to fix the tractor from Jeff. He had taught them well. Jeff was a good mechanic, he made them good mechanics.

Jeff had even tried to make Barney a better chicken captain. Barney listened so hard and worked to be the best chicken captain he could be. Barney wanted to make his daddy proud. His father was proud of him anyway, so proud!

When Jeff left, Jana applied for and got a job at the local motel as the desk clerk. The family needed the money. Jana needed the distraction. Nick and Martin carried so much weight. Eva, Jonah and Barney carried the garden, the chickens, the house.

Eva had become a damn fine cook. Barney was always at her side. Barney learned how to do laundry. The family worked with him and he did it!

With his brothers out in the field, Barney could be found out in the field with a water bucket and a cup. He never stopped moving, never stopped taking care of the family.

Jana never came home to a dirty house or a meal making not in progress. Barney would have Jana sit down in her favorite chair, turn on the radio and give her a foot message.

Jana, somehow, found the energy to home school the family. Barney could read, with some difficulty and a little help. He read at a second grade level with a Maguffey reader. He beamed when he got done.

One day Barney decided he wanted to go to town to see his ma. He took off on his own not telling anyone. He happily walked into town thinking how surprised his ma would be to see him in the middle of the afternoon.

As soon as he got into town things turned bad. Several boys saw him and started to bully him. Hey, Retard, what cha doing? One boy yelled.

Going to see my ma. Barney stated honestly.

Why would your mama wanna see a retard like you? Yet another yelled.

My ma don’t think I’m a retard. Barney tried to defend his ma.

Guess your ma is just as retarded as you are! A third boy said as he pushed Barney.

Barney staggered from the push but didn’t fall. He wasn’t use to being treated like this so he did the only thing he could think of, keep going. He kept heading to the motel.

The boys continued to follow Barney pushing him, taunting him. One backed off only to pick up a rock and throw it at Barney. The rock hit Barney on the shoulder causing him to cry out in pain, yet he kept going.

Boys, leave him alone now! Out of nowhere came a strong voice of defense for Barney.

The bullies stopped and stared at the one person no one expected to hear from, Dennis Matthews, the town drunk. He worked for his brother to pay for his addiction. Now Dennis stood and fought for, possibly, the only person the town hated more than him, Barney Maguire.

What? Demanded one of the boys.

You heard me, leave Maguire alone! Dennis announced. He then took Barney by the hand to escort him to the motel. Where you be headed, Boy?

To the motel to see my ma! Barney was terrified right now. He didn’t really know Dennis Matthews yet was grateful for someone to help him.

Dennis didn’t let go of Barney’s hand until they got to the motel. Dennis may have been a drunk but he knew what to do when a grownup was needed and he really liked Barney.

The gang of boys menacingly followed Dennis and Barney. Barney was really scared. So, this odd duo struggled to get to the safety zone of the motel. Barney hung on tightly. He looked at Dennis and wasn’t quite sure what to think. Yet he knew he didn’t want to be alone.

At one point a rock was thrown that was big enough that when it hit Dennis on the back of his head, it drew blood. Dennis then became really scared.

Come on, Boy, we got to move faster! Dennis wasn’t very fast and Barney was even slower. Dennis kept pushing Barney to go as fast as he could.

When the two turned the corner to be on the same street as the motel, they saw Dave Reynolds, the motel owner, outside.

Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Reynolds! Dennis shouted running out of breath.

Dennis, Barney? Dave was quite surprised to see them and even more for why the two were running.

Just stop right there! Dave pointed his finger at the boys. You youngins, get the hell away from these two and get away from my motel. He ordered in a stern voice.

Dennis, you’re bleeding, get inside. We’ll get that taken care of! Barney, what the hell are you doing in town alone? Dave liked both of them.

I wanted to talk with my ma about something. I didn’t mean to cause no trouble. Barney tried to explain.

Mr. Barney, Dave took Barney’s other hand, come with me. We must get you and Mr. Dennis safe. Dave led Dennis and Barney into the motel.

Jana, Jana! You got company. Dave yelled.

Mr. Reynolds, what are you yelling about? Jana had been in the laundry area doing some work.

What the he. .. . .? She stopped. What is going on? She demanded. Dennis, come sit, we have to look at your head. She got the bleeding stopped while trying not to panic. She also checked Barney’s shoulder from that rock hit, only a bruise.

Now, you two, please kindly explain what happened. Barney, why are you in town, are you alone? Who in the family knows you’re here? Jana, inside was seething.

I don’t remember anymore, Mama! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean for none of this to happen. Barney cried. I’m sorry, Mama, I’m sorry!

Jana held Barney in her arms. "It’s ok, Captain, you’re safe. It’s ok!

Dennis, what do you know?"

"Only, Mrs. Maguire, that your boy was walking alone and found himself in a situation where I thought he needed some help. I tried!

I know that people don’t like me . . . ." Dennis started to say.

Dennis, Mr. Matthews, please, you helped my boy, you saved him. I, thank you, for being there for Barney! Jana gave Dennis a hug and rubbed his back.

Please, Sunday after church, come join us for dinner. She looked at Dennis with friendship and compassion.

Thank you, Mrs. Maguire, I just done the thing I thought needed to be done! Dennis had dropped his head and was humbled that someone was being so kind, gentle and respectful to him.

Come into the kitchen, Dennis, we’ll get you a meal, I’ll pay for it! Barney, you need to do some explaining about your leaving the farm alone. Did you tell Eva or anyone? Barney, you know the rules! Jana hammered that one.

No, Ma, everyone was busy and I was lonely and missed you. I miss Daddy. I’m sorry, Ma. I just wanted to be with you. Barney cried, crushed by the events which just happened and he was scared.

Oh, Barn! Jana hugged him again. Yea, you caused some trouble, for yourself and Dennis, no one else! I hope you learned something from this. Inside Jana was furious at Barney yet knew to show it to him would only make matters worse.

Yes, Ma, never leave the farm and never alone. Barney wiped the tears from his face. Jana’s heart broke when she saw the defeated look on his face.

"Barney, the rules, the rules must be followed, ALWAYS!

Come on, Captain, help me fold sheets for the motel. Dennis, come with me, we’ll get you something to eat then I’ll drive you home." Dave motioned toward the kitchen.

Yes, Sir, Mr. Reynolds. Dennis wiped his nose with his shirt sleeve.

It’s Dave, Mr. Reynolds is my old man. Dave followed Dennis into the kitchen.

Back in the laundry room, Barney, being a veteran, at this already headed to the dryer to get the clean sheets out. He pulled them out, put them in the basket, then pushed it over to the table. He laid out the sheet on the table and had it folded perfectly yet slowly.

Jana almost moved on to other things to leave Barney to do all the sheets by himself. Instead, Jana moved as much paperwork from the front desk to the laundry room as possible to be with her ‘Captain.’ Barney worked nonstop, he needed to be stopped for a break.

After a couple of hours Eva showed up in a panic. Mama, we can’t find Barney! We all thought he was either in the garden or out with the chickens. He ain’t nowhere to be found! Eva was on the verge of tears.

Jana took Eva by the hand, pulled her close. He’s in the laundry room right here in this building. Jana loved how everyone looked out for Barney.

Barney! Why the heck didn’t you tell me you were leaving? Now Eva was angry. She hit Barney in the chest. "Next time you leave, darn it, you’d better tell someone. I’ll hunt you down and kick your butt. You owe me, you turd!

Do I take him home or leave him here?" Eva asked her mom.

Leave him here, Sweetie. He had a pretty bad time getting here. Jana was caught in the middle. She explained the harassment incident that he and Dennis experienced.

Yea, well, it wasn’t no picnic for me realizing he wasn’t nowhere to be found at home. Then to make this trip here into town! Eva really did want to kick the crap out of Barney while at the same time being grateful he was safe.

I know, Hunny, but he doesn’t know any better some times. Jana tucked Eva’s hair behind her ear.

Mama, I’m already tired of taking care of the house and Barney. I wish Daddy could come home so you could quit this job and do your real job of taking care of us. Eva finally did break down and cry. Jana drew her close, again, to let her cry. Jana didn’t want to admit out loud that she totally agreed with her.

I know, Hunny, it’s hard but we gotta keep going. We promised Daddy we would stay strong. We gotta stay strong! Jana said it more for herself than Eva.

Come, help Barney with the laundry. We’ll deal with the home front when we get there.

Eva then turned on the radio to listen to some country music. Eva, personally, like Louise Massey and The Westerners, her favorite song was The Honey Song. For Barney, he liked Gene Autry and his song, Deep in The Heart of Texas.

Never mind that the Maguire’s had never been to Texas. Barney loved that song! He tried really, really hard to sing along, sometimes he succeeded, sometimes he didn’t, either way Barney had fun.

So, when Eva heard a Gene Autry song, she cranked up the volume, took Barney by the hand and started to dance. She had forgiven him already for taking off.

Barney responded and danced like no one was watching and he tried singing. Eva filled in when Barney couldn’t. He let go of Eva’s hand and grabbed his mama’s hand to make the dance a trio.

Dave Reynold stood in the doorway and watched this smiling. This is why he loved the Maguire family and never got mad when Barney showed up. Dave knew he would give the Maguire’s a ride home. Dave had also put Dennis in an empty room so he could sleep safely.

Later Dave tracked down his wife, Ethel, in the diner to look out for the motel when he drove the Maguire’s home. They had had a rough afternoon.

Nick, Martin and Jonah didn’t even know that Eva and Barney were gone. Their chores consumed their attention. They all knew that when school started in the fall they weren’t going to be going. Keeping the farm going was now their main concern.

What the kids didn’t know was that more and more people were putting pressure on Jana to send Barney away thinking that would make things easier for the family. Jana kept the pressure to herself. At the same time, Jana knew she had to find someone to talk to and support her.

Jana, really why do you keep that child home? He would be better off in an asylum where they could take real care of him. Martha Mason really hated even seeing Barney Maguire.

Why do you think an asylum would be better than his home? Jana steeled for a fight.

Well, look at him! He’s not normal. Cindy Wilson offered up.

And, what, Cindy, is normal about anything these days? Jana was fighting alone. She was now getting use to it. "Wasn’t it just a few years ago, ’36, wasn’t it that you kicked your son, Guy, out of the house because of the Depression? You said it would make it easier if he were gone. Well, here it is six years later and he’s still gone. Heck, you don’t know where he is or if he’s even still alive. How has that made your life better?

I know where every one of my kids are and they are alive and thriving!

Think about your own situation and decisions, Cindy, before you judge other people’s situations and decisions!

Well, having a retarded child in the home has to make things harder! Martha just didn’t understand.

No, Barney doesn’t make things harder. He makes things better because every day he tells me he loves me. He tells his brothers and his sister he loves them. How can that make things harder? Jana knew they would never understand how it felt to hear someone say for no reason other than to say ‘I love you!’ because they did.

"We, Maguire’s, stand by our decision to keep Barney home and that isn’t going to change. So, deal with it ladies. If you don’t like him, don’t have anything to do with him. Pretty easy, don’t you think?!

Now, good afternoon, I have to get back to work at the motel." She grabbed her purchases that she had just made at the grocery store and left. She hated that it seemed like she was having some kind of fight with someone about Barney a lot lately.

Out of the blue one day her brother, Catholic Father Angus Gallagher showed up. They loved him. He had his suitcase and he intended to stay. His church had shut down due to the war and a lack of money. Jana had called Angus saying she needed to talk with him about the Barney situation. He had decided to answer his sister’s call rather than the churches. Angus had decided that since Jeff left for war he would go stay with Jana and the family to help run the farm. He loved farm life and the kids.

Jana was excited to have him around and so were the kids. He worked hard, he went to bed the first few weeks dead tired and so sore he could barely move. He realized priestly muscles were nowhere near as strong as farm muscles. He was out in the field helping Nick and Martin. They were grateful for the help even though Nick had to act as a supervisor at times.

Barney was excited to have someone else to help and take care of. He didn’t know Uncle Angus yet, as usual, in Barney’s world there was never a stranger. Barney often helped Angus and showed him the ropes as well.

Even Barney could get the tractor to work. Jeff had shown Barney a little bit of mechanics. At times, he even got the old mule, Suzy, to help pull a wagon if needed. Barney could sweet talk that old damn stubborn mule into doing almost anything he wanted. Barney was a real miracle worker at times.

One evening while the family was sitting down to one of Eva’s good suppers there was a knock on the front door. No one ever came to the front door. Jana looked nervously at everyone, then started to get up.

No, Sis, stay put. Nick, go get the shot gun and follow me. Martin, get the pistol from under the sink. Angus took charge while being scared shitless. Jonah went to get the baseball bat. Barney headed to his ma.

Angus mustered every ounce of courage to head toward the door. Nick had loaded the shot gun and had it aimed at the door. Jonah was standing by the door ready to swing a baseball bat at anyone he saw as a threat. Barney had moved to stand in front of his ma to act as a shield. Eva grabbed the golf club that the kids had found by the road. She stood by Martin.

Uncle Angus leaned into the door, hello?

I’m looked for Jana Maguire, Mrs. Jeff Maguire. The voice sounded quite stern.

Why? Demanded Angus.

Who the hell are you? Demanded the voice back.

Angus looked around scared. Barney and Eva now really stood in front of Jana, while re-working their grips and re-positioning their hands on the bat and club. Nick was an eye lash away from cocking the shot gun.

Who are you and why do you demand at this hour to see Mrs. Maguire? Angus wasn’t ready to reveal his identity or relationship to Jana.

Are we going to play games? The voice sounded angry.

Angus, I think that is Pastor Patterson! Jana came up behind her brother.

Pastor Patterson, is that you? Jana called out.

Yes, now Jana open the door. The pastor requested.

He sounds drunk, Ma. I’m scared. Eva came out to pretty much state the obvious.

Ma, don’t let Angus open the door. Barney added touching her arm.

Nicky, give me the gun! Jana held out her hand to Nick. He gave her the gun without question because he was going to take the pistol away from Martin.

Pastor Patterson, why are you here now? Jana was scared and mad at the same time.

Jana, Mrs. Maguire, I need to talk with you, now! Pastor Patterson was sounding desperate.

Open the door, Angus, lets’ find out what the hell he has to say, sorry! Jana, sort of apologized, and checked, out of nerves, if the gun was loaded. She knew it was because she had just seen Nick do it.

Mama! Barney was still standing by his ma.

Captain, go open the door. Jana was ready. Angus had moved away from it to put himself as another barrier between Jana and the pastor.

Barney walked over to the door. He looked at Angus. Angus pursed his lips and nodded his head. Nick had positioned himself next to his ma. As the door opened, everyone was on edge. Jana had raised the shot gun to waist level, thumb on the firing pin.

Pastor Patterson did look a bit wobbly and red eyed. As he looked around the house, he didn’t expect so many people and so much defensive attitude.

Really, Jana? Tell the boy to put down the gun, you too. He tried to sound sober and forceful.

Barney remembering the conversation at the church when the pastor said ‘send him away’ was upset that he was even in the house. For one of the few times in his life Barney wanted to hurt someone.

Nick knew better. Why are you here? He was holding the pistol with his thumb on the firing pin.

I wanted to make sure she, you, were ok out here by yourself. Max slurred his words.

I’m fine, I’m always fine! Now why don’t you leave! Jana stated with the shot gun, while getting heavy, still held it waist high.

Who the hell are you? Max was livid at Jana’s attitude and didn’t like the idea of another man in the house. He gave Angus a hateful look.

If it’s any of your business, I’m Angus Gallagher. Angus was now mad at this whole stupid situation.

Why are you really here? Martin stood by Barney.

I told you I was, I am concerned for her. Max had had other intentions for Jana other than making sure she was safe.

She’s safe because we are here! Barney stepped aside to open the door wide.

Get out of our house! Nick waved the gun a bit toward the door.

Don’t ever come here again! Martin had put the baseball bat on his shoulder and was willing to start practicing his aim on the minister’s head.

Pastor Patterson, reluctantly, took his leave realizing that any plans he had or in the future with Jana Maguire would be difficult. He staggered home and drank himself into oblivion.

It took some time for everyone to calm down. Jana put the shot gun in its place. Nick put the pistol back under the kitchen sink. Barney and Martin put the baseball bat and golf club against the wall. Barney changed his mind about the golf club as decided to take it with him to bed.

When Jana woke up the next morning she almost fell over Barney who had chosen to sleep on the hall floor in front of his ma’s bedroom with the golf club in his hands. Baby, what are you doing here?

Barney sat up, rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, he looked at his ma, I slept here to protect you from that mean man!

Oh, Barn, I love you! She hugged him. Come on, let’s go get breakfast. I’ll make you a glass of chocolate milk. She smiled while offering a hand up.

We got a can of Milo? Barney was beaming.

Yes, I picked up a can of Nestle’s Milo, your favorite!

‘Oh, Jeff, my love, we done right for him and us!’ She smiled even more and followed Barney into the kitchen. Together they started to fix a big breakfast for everyone. As different people drifted in, they found a way to help. Barney had made coffee. Uncle Angus had started to fry up the bacon.

Mama, I’ll go get fresh eggs and let the chickens out. Barney grabbed his basket and headed out to the chicken coop. He got them all out and went in to go do his job. The captain was shining bright. Barney filled his basket and headed back to the house.

Think we need to either put a lock on the door or something to make sure that people like Patterson can’t get in to cause trouble. Angus had stayed awake most of the night thinking about the events of the night before. The fact that the intruder was a fellow man of the cloth upset Angus deeply. He now knew that he couldn’t leave the farm until Jeff came home. ‘Be damned the church!’ Angus decided.

The family sat down for breakfast and to discuss the activities of the day. Jonah, turn on the radio, let’s get some news. Eva, what if anything, in the garden could be picked? Jana got up to get more coffee. Good coffee, Barn! She held up her cup.

Thanks, Ma! Barney beamed. He hadn’t been out in the chicken coop to long to gather eggs for breakfast and to sell at the grocery store.

Hey, Ma, where is some place called Midway Island? Jonah yelled.

Shhhh! Angus hushed Barney as he came to listen to the radio. The six of them crowded around the radio to listen to a report about some battle far away.

Ma, was daddy there? Barney asked, reaching out to her.

No, Baby, no! Listen everyone come here, geography lesson time! She gathered the family around the world globe in the corner of the living room. Here we are, she marked their state with her finger, (she decided she was going to mark the state of Kentucky with a star so the family could easily find it for reference.) she slowly spun the globe, here’s the Pacific Ocean. She waved her hand over it. After doing some looking on her own, she found Midway Island. Here’s the island of Midway. She pointed to it. Ok, now remember that. Daddy’s ok!

Where is Daddy? Eva asked pointing to the globe.

Jana spun the globe slowly, then Barney grinning and his brown eyes sparkling, reached up to give the globe a really hard spin.

Hey, Cap! Jana grinned and smacked his hand.

Jana stopped the globe, ok, here’s England. Pa is in England! The military base he is on is called R(oyal) A(ir) F(orce) Daws Hill in High Wycome, England. It’s a few miles outside of London. London is the capital of England. Jana was pointing to the globe hoping her family understood that Jeff was safe. She deliberately left out the bombing raids over London that had only ended about three weeks before. No need to scare the kids. She had started to listen to a new radio station called Armed Forces Radio Service. It started out at first The Moral Services Division then it was changed to Special Services Division to finally Armed Forced Radio Service. Pa is safe! She repeated.

So now that we know that, come on, Martin, let’s go milk those cows. Nick headed out to do chores feeling a bit better about his pa. Hey, Captain, come help us with the cows. You’ll help us by herding the cattle into the milking stalls.

Do I get to milk them? Barney was curious.

Not yet, Barn, we gotta lot of work to do today. Nick hated to turn Barney down.

Ok, maybe tomorrow. Come on, Betsy, get in there. Barney slapped Betsy the cow on the rump to get her into the milking stall. One by one Barney called the cows by name, he talked with them like people, calming them, petting them. Nick and Martin didn’t realize how good Barney was at his job. He always did it this way so it was no big deal to them.

After the milking, Barney led each cow to the feeding side of the barn for their breakfast. Barney threw bales of hale with no difficulty to the cattle.

Now Mable stop pushing everybody, you be nice! He ordered her. After that Barney headed to the pig pen to check on them. Once again, he talked to the pigs by name, knew their personalities.

As he walked out of the pig sty, he saw Pastor Max Patterson standing in the grove of trees off in the distance, watching the farm. Barney stood where he was watching the man. He felt an anger, again, well up inside him. He headed back to the milking area, running as fast as he possible.

Nicky, Marty, he’s back, he’s back! Barney gasped as he entered the milking area again.

The guys looked at each other confused, who’s back?

The mean minister! He’s watching from the trees. Barney pointed in the general direction of the grove of trees.

Nick, I’m heading to the house to get the shot gun. Martin yelled running for the house. Martin was going into combat mode.

Joey, Nick yelled, "find Eva, get her to the house.

Barn, keep low but keep a watch on him." Nick now knew he had to keep a gun with him at all times. He was going into commanding officer mode. He would direct his troops to fight the best fight they could. They had to fight the best fight.

Jana was out in the garden, heard, and saw lots of activity and commotion coming from the barn. What the hell! She saw Patterson watching. Oh shit! Stay calm, don’t let him see you scared.

Jana started slowly walking toward the house. She so desperately wanted to run. She did her best to keep an eye on the trees and Patterson. ‘Oh, Jeff, I wish you were here!’ In the meantime, Martin had made it to the house to get both guns. He headed back out to the barn.

Joey, did you find Eva? Nick asked as Jonah came into the barn.

Nicky, I can’t find her, anywhere! Jonah was scared.

Joey, she knows this farm almost better than Barney. Bet she’s hiding! Right now, we have to believe that she went into hiding. We have to deal with Patterson. I’ve never wanted to shoot anyone until now. I just want to plug that son a bitch right between his beady little eyes. Nick wanted the shot gun.

Jonah couldn’t find Eva because she had gone into hiding as soon as she heard Pastor Patterson was watching. Barney had taught her well about the farm.