Heavy Burdens with Luggage

By Andrea L. Nelson

Heavy Burdens with luggage shows us that we all have secrets, burdens that we pick up and carry around daily, which often leads to disastrous results. This fictional tale introduces us to individuals we recognize as family, and reminds us that love can keep us together. Meet Teresa Rosser, heavy burdened with her mother's antics of being a certified nut. Others weave in and out of this novel; which reminds us that it really takes a village to lead the way. Teresa learns the value of life, what truly makes her happy, how she revolves In a full circle; then enters Gerald, the most beautiful chocolate creature God ever created upon the face of this beautiful Earth.....God is good all the time. Enjoy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477115442

Andrea L. Nelson

Andrea L. Nelson is a native of Dallas, Texas. This is her second book.

Book preview

Copyright © 2012 by Andrea L. Nelson.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-4771-1543-5

                Ebook      978-1-4771-1544-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Contents

Fate

Encounter

The Interview

To Tell or Not to Tell… the Truth?

Sing Loud for the Lord!

Back Down Memory Lane

The Party Is Over

Guess Who Is Not Coming to Dinner?

The Road Ahead of Us

Arrival

Family Matters

We All Have Heavy Burdens to Carry

Do, Lord, Remember Me

Do Not Believe Everything the Eye Can See

Speak Up and Be Seen

The Longest Walk

Here and Now

Anticipation

We Shall Always Remember What We Choose

to Reflect On

I Can Only Imagine

While You Were Out

Free Your Mind—and the Rest Shall Follow

Night Time Is the Best Time?

Cock a Doodle Doo

On the Road Again

No Rehearsal This Time

What Really Matters Is Now

Locked Up or Locked Out?

Let the Truth Be Told

A Brewing Storm

All Is Fair

Truth Be Told

Tornado

Expectations

Look and see what is good

Back down Memory Lane

In the blink of one’s eye

At a snail’s pace

Let us all pray

When we all get together.

If memory serves us right.

Excuses excuses

You do me, wait and see

There is always a demon lurking close by

Hold on

My girl… ?

Redemption

Surprise

Thanksgiving, we all have something to be

Thankful for.

Family, turkey,

all the trimmings…

Can you imagine the future?

The day after

Love is in the air.

Soon and Very Soon

It’s not so hard to say goodbye.

The road we all one day must travel.

You don’t know a thing about me

Leaving it

Tuesday

A Wedding

And a funeral.

Repast

The day after

Fate

1

THE ICY RAIN was hitting the windshield with dread as the Texas unpredictable weather took a turn for the worse. This isn’t supposed to be happening this quickly. Teresa sighed as she maneuvered slowly across the soon-frozen bridge.

Texas weather turns as quickly as you can blink you good eye, the radio announcer was speaking into the air. Teresa turned down a narrow road toward the townhome complex; she has called home for nearly five years.

Dog, it’s coming down too fast. As the back wheels went another direction from the Jeep Laredo, Teresa lost control. God help me came as quickly as it took for the car to straighten itself.

Teresa turned into a parking space, the first one she saw in her exclusive village. Grateful to be home, quickly grabbing her purse, opening the door at the same time, as she exited the car, she immediately ran across the parking lot, a huge SUV quickly slid into a space on her driver’s side. Bleep, bleep went the SUV’s horn as Teresa stepped across the parking space. Up on the curve, she went, never looking back.

Sorry. Teresa acknowledged with a wave of her hand as she carefully geared her key toward the upstairs lock. Entering the warmth of her apartment, Teresa quickly punched in the code for the expensive alarm system, triple-locked the door, and reset the alarm. Upon passing the barstool, her coat, hat, and purse went atop the chair.

Coming, Mother! Teresa chided as she pressed a blinking button on the answering machine. Immediately she heard her Mother’s voice as usual every day.

This is your Mother speaking, Frankie Ann Rosser. You know you only have one and only. I have not heard from you today. Anything could have happened to you. It’s threatening snow. I hope you are not in a ditch somewhere. Give us a call if you can. An immediate click was heard. Yes, Mother. Teresa said as she rolled her eyes toward the ceiling, waiting for the next message.

Honey, this is your father speaking. I’m sure you are fine. Love you—whispering into the phone—you know your Mother. Probably having one of her episodes. Give us a call baby girl, when you can. As if on cue, Frankie Ann was heard in the background, I hear you Johnny, episodes? Whispering into the phone? I got your episodes. I am not crazy. That is what you are getting at. I’m just worried, isn’t the snow on the street pretty?

Yes, dear. Teresa heard her father say calmly as the phone clicked off.

The third and final call came exactly two minutes later. This is your Mother, Frankie Ann Rosser. Listen, hon, your father is the one who is crazy. Have a good evening. Click. Silence. The tape rewound as the answering machine light went off.

Why am I shocked at this every day? This is beginning to get on my last nerves. I hate being an only child.

Teresa snapped on the radio to her favorite easy-listening station. As she was changing her clothing, the doorbell chimed. Tying the robe around her waist, she braced herself for her Mother’s tirade.

Mother, please, it is cold outside. Without looking out of the peephole, the three locks came undone quickly as if in anger. I am home, Mother, and fine. Teresa was saying. As she opened the door, she jumped to examine the most beautiful chocolate creature God ever created upon the face of this beautiful earth.

Teresa blew out a ragged breath as she moved her hips around the apartment door. Yes. She asked, definitely holding on to the doorknob.

Hello. The most beautiful creature God had ever created upon the face of this beautiful earth spoke out of lips that were surrounded by a thick moustache trimmed neatly to perfection. I barely missed you downstairs, almost slid right into you. I am so sorry, I apologize. As the word sorry escaped the perfectly shaped kissable now lips, a smile appeared, and the beam of the whitest teeth ever seen by Teresa’s eyes surfaced.

It was my fault. I’m the one who needs to apologize, jumping across like that. Teresa’s face began to feel warm. She immediately reached up and began rubbing her neck, blushing.

I’m Gerald Abington. I live down across the walkway, just moved in before the end of summer. Well, just wanted to apologize. Didn’t want you to think all the people who drove large utility vehicles are hazardous drivers. Gerald spoke while smiling, trying to look into Teresa’s eyes.

No no, I would never think such a thing, Teresa Rosser. Teresa stuck out her hand, eager to shake this beautiful creature’s hand. Thank you for coming up, I accept your apology.

Good, good, maybe, uh, I hope I will see you around… sometimes. Gerald slowly let go of the softest hand he had felt in a long time. It perfectly fit in his.

Yes, I’m sure, it is a very small complex, and it is so nice to meet you. I hope I will see you again also. Teresa closed the door, locked all the locks again.

Jesus, that man looked good to me! Teresa smiled as she walked away from the door.

Gerald stood outside the door, staring at the closed door, marveling, astonished at Teresa’s beauty. Blowing air out of his nostrils, he chuckled as he thought about his father sayings: Boy, get yourself a good thick woman to turn your eye like I got in your momma worked for me. One look at all that goodness, I haven’t been the same since… or cold. Gerald laughed as he walked away, thinking Teresa is not as thick as mom, but just as pretty.

As Teresa walked into her kitchen, the doorbell rang again, hoping it may be Gerald again; she smoothed her hair into place, licked her lips, and quickly unlocked the door smiling. Hello. Teresa said sexually as she opened the door.

Hello to yourself. I could have been an ax murderer. Teresa moved away as her Mother strived into the apartment, looking around. Are you alone or do you have company?

Hello, Daddy. Teresa was taking her Mother’s coat. He looked embarrassed. Daughter, he said, looking Teresa directly into her eyes."

Do you always open your door without asking who is it? I knew that you were not careful. You need to move back home where your father and I can watch you at night. Frankie Ann had a satisfied look upon her face.

Mother it is starting to snow. What are you both doing out? It is getting dark. Teresa was asking while motioning them both to have a seat.

Frankie Ann took a dramatic breath before speaking. We have called and called. I had your father to follow your route from work to here, just to know you were in a ditch somewhere bleeding to death, freezing, all alone. I worry about you. It just seems logical that we should get in your daddy’s old truck and rescue you.

Momma, I’m fine! Perfectly fine! I’m fine every single day. Nothing is going to happen to me. You will be the first to know, I promise. Teresa finished her sentence, rolling her eyes toward the ceiling.

"Well, excuse me for caring. Just thought you were dead, that’s all! D

EAD

! Don’t want to waste any tears for you, little missy! What do you have sweet to eat? Not that you need anything sweet around here, probably would not stay here long anyway. Sweets would take up legs and walk out of here to get away from your sticky fingers. Speaking of legs, I tell you, I knew this weather was a-coming. My legs been hurting all week, since yesterday—yes, they have. I have been rubbing oil on them since last Tuesday." Frankie Ann finished her speech smiling.

Teresa looked at her father; he pretended to look out of the patio door, whistling as he did so. Daddy, Teresa said calmly. Daddy, maybe it’s time you both headed on home before this mess starts to freeze over. She grabbed her Mother’s coat all the while looking at her father, to which he only nodded.

Now I’m going to call you as soon as we get home, so you won’t be so worried, like you do us. Ungrateful heaffah, Frankie Ann smiled sweetly as Teresa opened the door looking puzzled as her parents were leaving.

Episodes, they are getting worse. Doctor said we need to admit her for a couple of days to be evaluated. Something is wrong, daughter. As her father walked by, Teresa thought he looked so tired, and why did he say this as if in an apology?

"Admit yourself, Johnny, if that is your real name. Something’s wrong with you. Makes me sick, always thinking somebody is crazy. Bye, baby, Momma loves you. I saw that delicious, good-looking man smiling when he was leaving your door. I ain’t that crazy." Frankie Ann left, twisting her hips suggestively, walking away slowly.

Daddy, take care. If the weather is not too bad, I’ll be there Sunday to take Mother to church, you need the break. Teresa touched her father on the arm as she spoke.

Thank you, baby. Jesus loves you, so do I. Johnny started to walk away from the door.

"Yeah yeah—hallelujah!" Frankie Ann screamed out.

A tear started to streak down Teresa’s cheek. As she watched her parents’ walk away, her father tried to help her Mother down the stairway. Frankie Ann jerked away from her husband, placing her arm on her left hip and swaying her hips all the way to the bottom of the stairs. Teresa thought as she closed the door and triple-locked the doors, when did her Mother not act strange? Even as a child, Teresa could remember her Mother’s erratic behavior. Too many car wrecks, which were always some else’s fault. The summer trips to Galveston Beach, which resulted in them all being thrown out of the hotel because Frankie Ann convinced Teresa that a sand castle could be built inside of the room after twenty buckets of sand was brought in, then the saltwater.

Embarrassing elementary school visits. Most Mothers wore hats, but not Frankie Ann Rosser. She had to place real fruit upon her hat, clear tape holding it all on top, and then come out in public! Middle school football games. She never got to see the ending of any live games because her momma was always outside blowing her horn during halftime because she did not want to get stuck in traffic.

Family reunions. They never got to eat barbecue links, chicken, or whatever the family was having because Frankie Ann thought everyone was staring at her. Maybe it was the striped shorts and polka-dotted socks with white sandals? "Houston, we have a problem." Teresa sighed as she placed honey in her tea.

Encounter

2

TERESA THOUGHT THE morning sunlight was unusually bright, considering the last evening’s activity. Opening the blinds in her bedroom, she yawned and stretched as she noticed a heavenly creature walking toward his vehicle in the parking lot.

Lord, I want to thank you for today, waking me up and blessing my eyes with such goodness and beauty you have placed upon the earth. Amen. Teresa frowned and shook her head as she thought about her recent prayer. Forgive me, Lord, but I sure do thank you for today.

Gerald sat in his SUV as it warmed. He looked toward the back of the building across the walkway. Six windows, he mumbled, thinking one of them belongs to the woman he couldn’t seem to get out of his mind. All night, sleep would not come, the handshake that he swore that he could still feel. The brown eyes that seemed to welcome Gerald into Teresa’s soul. Thank you, Lord, for today, waking me up to a beautiful morning and your continual blessings. Amen. Gerald finished his prayer and realized the farthest windows to the right upstairs belonged to Teresa. He thought he saw a figure standing there, looking his way. Suddenly, Gerald rolled the driver’s side window down, stuck out his gloved hand and waved. The figure stepped back. Good morning to you too, Teresa. Gerald laughed as he slowly drove over the melting ice.

Teresa jumped and placed her hand over her mouth astonished. Oh my God, oh my God, he saw me. As Teresa stood in the same spot for almost five minutes, repeating the same, he saw me over and over. As she slowly approached the window, the spot where the SUV was, was nothing but a bare spot and slush around the area. The SUV tracks led toward the front of the building.

Okay, get yourself together. Teresa fussed at herself. He is just a man, just happens to be a big beautiful buffed human being.

Teresa finished dressing and quickly grabbed her purse, searching for her keys; she kept blushing, as she thought about the rear window. If only she had not wanted the bright sun to come into the window all over her bedroom. None this fall had she cracked the rear blinds. It must be destiny.

Pulling into the superstore parking lot, Teresa anticipated the crowds, which turned out to be the opposite. Oh my, everyone must have gone last night. Thank God. As she parked close to the door, she muttered small thanks toward the heavens.

Entering the huge store, which was indeed vacant, Teresa grabbed the basket quickly and headed for the health and beauty hygiene section. Stopping suddenly to turn toward the makeup aisle, Teresa felt as though she was being followed or watched. She immediately turned to look both sides of her, seeing nothing. Feeling foolish, she continued on her journey.

Picking up a couple of shades of foundation to compare, again, she felt a shadow near her, watching. You truly do not need any of that, you are beautiful just the way you are. Gerald stood, watching Teresa blush, looking her straight in the eye.

Oh, thank you. I appreciate you saying that. What are you doing out so early in the morning? she managed to stammer out.

Hey, a bachelor like me needs food also. The one place you can get it all. Gerald never stopped looking at Teresa watching her as she obviously was uncomfortable.

I guess you are right. This is the place for it all. Teresa stared just as intently back at Gerald. Why don’t we finish in the next hour or so and meet for coffee or lunch whatever you prefer? I would love to get to know you better, or should I say now. It is better now that I know you. Gerald laughed a deep, sinful laugh that Teresa found it hard not to smile back.

That sounds good. I would like that. Let’s say, noon at Sink, Sank, and Sunk, the seafood restaurant off main in the square? It’s my favorite. Teresa volunteered as though Gerald needed the information.

Gerald walked away pushing his basket, smiling. He turned and pulled his knit hat closer to his ears. See you in a bit, Teresa. As he was smiling, he winked his eye. Teresa felt warmth all over her body slowly.

God, what just happened? Teresa returned back to the makeup section, placed the items back.

The Interview

3

SINK, SANK, AND Sunk restaurant off Main Street was practically empty when Teresa walked in. The fresh odor of fresh fish, catch of the day was standing and waiting at the door ready to get out. Teresa stood and adjusted her eyes, looking for Gerald when the waitress appeared. Hi, my name is Debbie, will you be dining alone? The blonde asked, smiling a bit too hard.

No, I’m meeting with someone. There he is over there. Teresa spotted Gerald, again the warmth came over her.

Okay, I see, Debbie answered, wishing the male customer was dining alone as she walked ahead of Teresa toward the table.

Gerald stood and smiled as the queen approached the table. He stood and pulled out the chair opposite of him. Thank you for meeting me, you look beautiful.

As Teresa sat down, she glanced at Gerald, who was smiling, and the warmth spread to her feet and back to her forehead. She smiled and responded to him by saying a soft thank-you. Since this is your favorite restaurant, what do you recommend for an appetizer?

Teresa knowing her taste spoke up quickly. I recommend the baked crab cakes with lemon sauce or baked tortillas with a creamy seafood dip. Teresa looked to find Gerald not smiling, just looking at her. Is something wrong? If you do not like the crab cakes, we can definitely go for something else baked.

No, I love crab cakes, fried, not baked. What’s up with all the baked food you named? Are you a bake-aholic? Yuck. Gerald made a terrible taste face; they both laughed.

I’m watching my weight, and I am not having fried foods. Teresa answered, not looking up at Gerald as though she was totally engulfed in the menu.

How about you let me watch your weight, and we order the fried crab cakes and enjoy our evening? Gerald was smiling as the waitress reappeared and took the food order.

During the dinner Teresa felt Gerald’s eyes were upon her. As she blushed often, she could not help but smile. Are you going to let me in on the joke? Gerald asked, showing that kilowatt smile again.

I feel as though I am free tonight. No telephone, no answering machine, no knocks on the door. Teresa was actually smiling as she spoke.

Vacuum cleaner salesman? Those overly religious people or relatives, Gerald joked.

You are joking, but it really is relatives, my Mother. Teresa looked sadden.

Are you from Dallas, Teresa, because you most definitely do not sound Texan, Gerald asked, needing to change the subject.

Born and raised, although I attended college in Atlanta. I had to move back home over five years ago when my Mother was beginning to become ill.

I am sorry to hear that. But it is weird because I also attended college in Atlanta. I am shocked that we never ran into each other. I am also a native Texan. I grew up in Dallas, attended University in Waco, and upon graduation, enrolled in a college in Atlanta, lived there a couple of years. Now I am back.

What line of work are you in? Let me guess. Mmmm, let me see, banker, vacuum salesman? Teresa laughed.

Oh, you got jokes this evening. I will not touch other people’s money. Do not have the patience for salesmanship. I work off a small hospital off of Seventy-Five. Gerald held his head down while speaking.

How nice, what do you do? Teresa asked again, really wanting to know.

I do a little of this and a little of that, wherever I’m needed. I’m kept busy entertaining the patients all day, Gerald lied, feeling guilty.

I see, my father worked for a large hospital. He also did janitorial work, and he also made a lot of friends by entertaining them when he came to do janitorial work. Teresa looked as though she had told some great accomplishment.

Gerald thought for a minute. Janitorial, you think I’m into… ? Okay, well, yeah, like I said, I work for a small hospital doing whatever they need me to do. Gerald sat back, wondering how far this lie needed to go.

I must say you have the softest hands I have ever felt for someone working in the custodial trade. Teresa reached out, grabbed Gerald’s right hand, and softly began rubbing it.

Gerald could not believe what just happened. What was said it all happened so quickly. How in heavens was he going to explain that he was chief resident of Gabriel’s Mercy, Texas’s largest psychopathology hospital located in Dallas?

To Tell or Not to Tell… the Truth?

4

TERESA, ENOUGH ABOUT me. What is it you do besides walk around and look beautiful all day? Gerald needing the subject changed quickly. Teresa smiling, feeling like she was on cloud 9, 10, and stepping up on 11.

"I work in an attorney’s office off of Fitzhugh. It is a small nonprofit organization: we help the elderly who have been victimized by society or their families. What I mean by society is, take for example, a homeless person who is at the age of retirement. Okay, I see the look upon your face—yes, retirement, even though the homeless individual may have had a productive life earlier, say, to the age fifty. By whatever reasons became homeless, the individual is still eligible for their retirement benefits. Medicaid and sometimes housing. Many agencies will try to lie to them and tell them that just because they have no permanent residence they are not eligible, which is not the case. They are every bit as eligible as the working person who may have retired yesterday."

Gerald sat listening to every word, understanding Teresa’s passion for her job. So what about the family dynamics, you mentioned being victimized by their families?

Yes, Teresa jumped back in. "Many times people, especially black people, are known to deliberately—or maybe deliberately maybe too strong a word—not knowingly hurt their own people. For some reason, black people see it as an offense to ask for help especially when mental illness is involved. They would rather house the relatives inside of the home than to send off to a residential treatment center and let members of the family get the treatment they deserve."

I wholeheartedly agree, Gerald spoke quickly. Sometimes treatment can begin sooner if family members would ask for and seek help.

Yes, Teresa started again. Mental illness is a disease that is just beginning to surface out loud in black families. It is no longer a shameful secret to be hidden away.

Gerald smiling, hearing Teresa speaking on his specialty, felt proud. So, Gerald spoke up, tell me more about Teresa, what are you really into?

Okay, what all do you want to know, the deep, down secrets? Or the recently tucked-away, hidden secrets? Teresa was in a happy, joking mood.

It all, I have all night, Gerald answered, looking deep into her eyes.

Well, as I said before, I am from Dallas, a proud Texan. I absolutely love it in the Lone Star State. There is no other place like it. I could not wait to get back. I am an only child, not by choice. Still have both of my parents. One is an overzealous about worry and protection about me. My father is my father, has always been the same, easygoing guy, now, enough about me, Gerald. You are not getting away. Explain yourself, sir.

Gerald began slowly laughing and smiling, hating always to tell the world about him and his sister. I am the second born, only boy. My parents were not overprotective enough. My sister and I often babysat each other, while they each did their own thing. My favorite food is Mexican. I love the color green—and no, not the money. I am an avid reader on the workings of the brain. It fascinates me, and yes, I am a nerd. I am interested in you. Any other questions?

Gerald sat back as he expected an answer, but he could readily answer the question. Interested because this was the woman he was going to marry, and then came her next question.

Why are you so interested in me? she asked.

Why not? he answered.

I am just a normal female who works hard, volunteers, and has a meddling Mother who absolutely gets on my nerves, but that is my Mother still.

At least you do have one that cares about you, and shows or tells you, and you are not normal. Normal these days seems to be the female, who, by age twenty, has three or more children, lives on the system, has several baby daddies, and green-and-red hair with blue mixed in between smiling with gold rimmed teeth. But you have a job, so you are wrong. You are not normal, you are way above normal. Gerald was serious, as though he knew what he was speaking about.

As the food began arriving, Teresa noticed that Gerald changed his place settings from right to left; his glass of water also went to the left. Okay, what is that all about? I take it you are a left-hand person, but my goodness.

Yeah, left-hander, and a little bit of an obsession, which more than half of America has. In my case, I have to have everything within reach, of my left side, in order. Most people do not know that they have an obsession or know they are acting out an obsession. Some people have to have everything in order, some repeat what they are doing, such as checking locks, washing hands, rubbing hands, asking what time it is over and over within a certain time frame. I have heard of cases where people will drive around their block in a complete circle before parking in their driveway. All signs of obsessions.

Teresa ate and listened, fascinated on the subject. How did you come to be interested on the subject?

As a child, my sister and I were placed in a sad situation by my own parents. Our parents trying to outdrink each other finally succeeded one January night. My Mother left some cooking oil on the stove and it caught fire, which quickly spread throughout the apartment. I was nine, my sister twelve. She had to drag my Mother off the couch, and we both pulled my father out with the help of our neighbors. He never woke during the act, but he did after the fire, asking why we let his booze burn, and even wanted to go back in the smoke and find it.

Needless to say, Janna, my sister and I were removed by Child Protective Services. We were placed in a good home, which the couple that eventually became our foster parents, and thank God, several years later adopted us.

It must have been terrible for you and your sister during that time. Did you ever see your parents? Teresa asked.

No, it was not terrible at all. My father, adopted father, is an emergency room on-call chief. He is one of the best in Texas. My adopted Mother, a teacher, now retired. They were both a blessing. They are two of the most patient, kindest humans that walk on the face of this earth. Those two were meant to be our second set of parents.

It’s not often you hear such good things about adoptive parents. Teresa summoned.

Well, those two are an exception. They have accepted us and raised and educated us as though we naturally belonged to them. They are great, I cannot say enough.

What eventually happened to your parents? Teresa really was interested in the answer.

My mom kept her visitation up for about a year and a half, then she started missing her weekly visits, and by the time that I was in middle school, she signed away her rights. At the time, I do not know, but I believe in my heart she saw how happy we were and thriving and maybe she did not want to bring us back into that environment called home. She did stop drinking, even though she did manage to attend all the parenting classes that were required. My father never attended one. He showed up for a couple of visits—sober, but angry and antsy. He came and never sat down. I do remember that he would ask how we were doing and smiled a little, but he never hugged us. He never touched us. He always kept his hands in his pockets as if we had some type of catching diseases. My Mother was always all over us, hugging, kissing just sitting between us, hugging us both tight. I haven’t seen my father since I was about twelve. Shortly afterwards their last visit, they both had signed over their parental rights.

It must have been terrible, I can’t imagine, Teresa said, thinking of her own childhood.

Enough about me. Tell me please that you do not eat dessert so that I can have yours, Gerald, said, laughing.

Now that is where you are absolutely wrong. That huge slice of carrot cake has been calling my name, or would you rather split a slice of coconut cake? They make the best one in the world. Remember I said, this is my favorite restaurant? Gerald had a cheerless look on his face as he answered. Carrot.

Thanks again, Gerald, for walking me to my car, you really did not have to.

Yes, I have to, it is the correct thing to do. You are a lady, a beautiful one at that, and it is my absolute pleasure. Gerald wanted to let her know she was worth it.

Teresa smiled and began blushing. Thank you for the dinner. I don’t remember the last time I have had such a wonderful time.

You are welcome. Good night. In the morning, when you open your blinds, wave good morning, Gerald joked and smiled and walked away, whistling, and then he stopped suddenly. May I please have your number? Gerald jogged back toward Teresa’s vehicle. She smiled. And he looked like a vision from her dream, beautiful.

Teresa could not open her purse fast enough. She looked for paper, and then remembered it had been so long, people do not write down numbers anymore. When Gerald got to her driver’s door, she smiled and waited as he pulled his phone off his hip. He seemed to know what was up, and she felt lame. Immediately she spoke her telephone number out, clear like a pro. He smiled and jogged back in the direction of his vehicle. Watching him was like watching a movie that one hated to come to the end of.

Sing Loud for the Lord!

5

SUNDAY MORNING PROVED to be a beautiful beginning for the week. Teresa woke feeling completely refreshed; she stretched especially long, smiling as she did so.

Grabbing her favorite terry cloth robe, tying it at the waist, Teresa quickly went to the window and turning the wand. She immediately noticed the SUV was gone from its usual parking space.

Good morning, Gerald, thank you for last night, Teresa said as if in remembrance while standing at the window. The telephone ringing quickly brought her thoughts back.

Hello, hello, Teresa, sounding annoyed, said into the telephone.

This little light of minessssssssssssssssss, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mines, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shinnnnnnnne! Good morning, sweetheart. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, praise the Lord!

Oh, good morning, Mama, how are you today? Teresa asked, sounding disappointed that it was not Gerald.

Oh, oh, good morning, Mama? Is that all you can say and I gave your life. Speaking of life, what time is church. I’m all ready to go.

Ten thirty, Mama. Same as last Sunday.

I’m ready to go I said. Frankie Ann, sounding angry, replied.

Yes, Mama. I will be there soon, Teresa spoke evenly into the telephone.

The drive over to her parents, though basically a short drive, was filled with dread and tension inside the car. Teresa could not imagine what antics her Mother would be up to mastering today. Here we go. Teresa said out loud as she turned into the street that she used to call home. Teresa climbed out of her vehicle, stopped, adjusted her buttons on her outfit, took a deep breath, and inserted her key into the familiar lock.

Morning, Teresa yelled into the empty living room.

’Bout time. Church starting without you, Frankie Ann yelled from the kitchen.

Teresa entered the kitchen, opening the refrigerator, noticed a light bulb in the butter compartment. Mom, why is there a light bulb inside of the butter compartment? Teresa held the bulb, shaking it to her ear.

Your father likes butter on his pancakes. If he goes and gets butter, he will see the light bulb, which will remind him the bulb has gone out in the fridge, and he will replace it. Frankie Ann stood there, staring at Teresa. And y’all call me crazy now? Frankie Ann grabbed her purse and marched like a choir member toward the front door, singing, Glory hallelujah, since I laid my burdens down, burdens down, Lord. Come on, girl, you aren’t eating, so we have no reason to be late.

Teresa went to the door with heavy feet, positioning herself for what’s to come. After closing the house door, she got outside, and her Mother was standing like an usher by the passenger car door, waiting.

The drive to Christian Life Community Church was a brief one. Frankie Ann kept her eyes shut the entire ride, humming a tune only she knew. My Lord, you must have taken the racetrack. We are here so fast. Frankie Ann climbed out of the car slowly, grunting.

Walking across the parking lot, Sustah Myrtle Jenkins smiled and waved. Morning, ladies. Good, blessed morning. Even though Sustah Myrtle Jenkins was doing her Christian duty, she really should have just kept walking.

Yes, yes, it would be better if you stayed out of that choir trying to sing solo. Listen to yourself sometimes, sing solo in the bathroom, record yourself, then listen and come and tell us what you think.

Frankie Ann kept walking, never looking back. She walked as if she was on a mission to get to the church.

She needs a muzzle, Sustah Jenkins said between pouted lips.

Stepping inside the foyer of the church, Frankie Ann stopped and began a prayer. Shhhh, shhh, quiet, please. I need to get my religion on now, and y’all run on and find your mommas. Frankie Ann shooed the children out of the front of the church.

Be, bah, hummm, praise the Lord, amen. Frankie Ann waved her hands in a circular motion.

Come on, don’t just stand there. Church isn’t gonna wait on you. Frankie Ann walked ahead of Teresa who was stunned over the religion part.

I hope ain’t nobody got my seat. They are going to have to move it! Frankie Ann yelled as she walked down the aisle of the church, heading toward the front.

Two visitors, not knowing this was Frankie Ann’s seat, quickly got up and moved to the other side of the church. Frankie Ann looked back over her shoulder, nodded her head toward them, as if she had won.

Mama, this pew does not have your name on it. Please behave yourself today. It is Sunday. Teresa was trying to whisper to her Mother, who was nodding her head toward the visitors.

Girl, I know what day it is. Why you think I got on this girdle and these tight shoes? Get comfortable and sit back with your confused self.

Teresa managed a weak smile to those sitting around her, feeling embarrassed. She immediately sat back quickly.

The music began loudly, the choir began marching in; and when Frankie Ann saw Sustah Jenkins leading the line, she quickly sat down and looked straight ahead.

Amen, the entire church said at once.

Amen, said Frankie Ann aloud after the entire church.

The choir marched and sat in the choir seats behind the pulpit. The pastor approached the pulpit and switched on the light above his Bible. Praise God, Church, Pastor Mc Elmore began in his graveled voice. This is a day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Today is a special day. The reason why it is so special because the Lord saw fit to see you to another day." Pastor Mc—Elmore paused, took a sip of water, wiped his face with his towel. He was getting ready to continue when an interruption occurred from one member of the congregation:

Look, you need to turn off the extra lights. You would not be sweating. Stop all that wiping. You are making me all heated up! Frankie Ann shouted rather loudly.

Amen, church, pastor continued. If you would, please turn in your Bibles to the book of Ruth, chapter 4 verse 13. My subject for today is—Hold on, Jesus is coming. Ushers you may be seated. Now before I get to the word, I want you all to think back, think hard when you thought you were at your wit’s end. When you did not know where or whatever it was you needed was coming from. You stayed up praying, crying, praying over and over for the Lord to help. If—if you had just held on—faith-held on, Jesus was coming. Jesus, why is it always our last resort when indeed it should be our first. Jesus, we call on the name of Jesus when we are in trouble. We should be thanking Jesus when things are going good before the trouble comes. Jesus—what a name, name that is known all across the continents. Jesus, a name fit for a king. Now look at Ruth. Husband died. Mother-in-law moving to another city. Ruth decides to follow. Orpah and Ruth both daughters-in-laws of Naomi. Orpah deciding after the encouragement of Naomi, went back to her family. But not Ruth. She was dedicated to her Mother-in-law, so much she cried out, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay I will stay, your people will be my people and my God.’ Your God according to the book of Ruth 1:18. Now some of you would have left your mommas-in-law so fast, you would have been gone ten years ago, but not Ruth. She decided to go to work for them both. After all, they needed money, had to eat. To get to the point. Ruth believing her life was over, but had faith, knew that she had to honor and protect her Mother-in-law until death. Let me tell you something about saints. God honors people who are obedient. See, Naomi told Ruth to go to the fields. She went. She did not ask any questions. Naomi asked each evening how it went. Ruth obediently answered. A little while later, a certain gentleman noticed Ruth in the fields. He noticed her because she was different. She did not have long sculptured fingernails. Hair was not painted green red or blue. I’m sure she was fully covered because you do not have to stand out to be pulled out from the crowd. Ruth was minding her own business, working. Never noticing Boaz, see church you never know who is looking at you, watching the work you are doing. One day Ruth came to Boaz’s field. Again, she was minding her own business, went to the fields hoping to gain favor. There she worked after the reapers had finished their jobs. Not trying to get in anyone’s way, she worked after the reapers had gone through the field."

"Now, in the meantime, here comes Boaz. Entering the field, he spoke his I’m sure daily greeting: ‘The Lord be with you.’ See, listen. Boaz put the Lord first—hint, hint, hint, church. If you put the Lord first, good things are bound to come your way. The reapers, I’m sure of the customary greeting answered—’the Lord bless you.’ When you have good people working near you—blessings are all around you."

Boaz looked over at the servants who were in charge. See, they had been there all morning noticing the scene, seeing what was going on. Whose young woman is this? Boaz asked, stunned probably because when something is meant for you, you shall reap the good of the land."

Then the servant who know then and there that he did not stand a chance, answered. It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab, and she asked, Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house." All in all God is a good god. He knows who, what, when, and how long before you were born. Trust in the Lord with all your might. Lean not on to your own understanding. Have faith, believe, and never give up hope. That insurance company has nothing on the Lord. He is the good hands people. Turn it all over to the Lord, put it in his hands, and let him handle it all. Father in heaven, we are your children. Lead us, guide us. We pray that your everlasting love be continually with us, as we go through day throughout the days. Amen."

As pastor wiped his eyes, took a sip of water, his end of sermon music began to play. He took his time as the organist entertained the church members. Several congregational members were wiping eyes, anticipating the pastor’s deep, gravelly singing voice. Pastor cleared his throat, took the microphone into his hands, turned toward the musician for his cue, and got the surprise of his life.

Next to the organ, stood Frankie Ann, poised, holding a microphone with both hands, and one pinky finger sticking up in the air. Wheeeeeeeennnn I, I, I, I, I, bellowed Frankie Ann, with one eye closed, the other scanning the audience. Waaaaaasss in the world, I, I, I, I, did it ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL, but noooooooooooooooow, I’m saved like a folded dollllah bill. Thank you, Jesus! Praise the Lord. Sang with me y’all! Y’all scared to sing. I’ll sing for y’all. Lord help meeeeee. I’m a sinner, yes, yes, yes!

The musician tired of all of this mess, tired of trying to keep up, embarrassed, cut off the organ, gathered his music, held up one finger, and walked out of the church.

The ushers came and tried to take the mike away from Frankie Ann. She jerked away several times. They soon got tired and walked to the side and stood near the wall. After the musician walked away, it was so much commotion going on. The ushers stood nearby, waiting; then Frankie Ann got the Holy Ghost. None ventured to help her.

"Just keep your ugly selves over there. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Praise the Lord, hallelujah, and praise him! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Yessssssssssssssssssssssss! I’m saved!" The ushers grabbed the microphone. Frankie Ann surrendered and collapsed. It took four ushers to pull her into the back of the church.

The services continued, quickly offering was taken up when Teresa went to the offering table. She quickly went back to her seat, grabbed her Mother’s coat and purse then her own belongings, and excused herself to the back as the entire church body watched her with pity, and walk away.

Entering the hallway, it seemed as the entire Nurses Guild was waiting on Teresa to enter the sick room. Teresa gasped when she saw how Frankie Ann lay atop the cot; arms folded across her chest, her Mother’s eyes were toward heaven.

Are you an angel? I did not know they had plus-sized angels in heaven. Praise the Lord you sure have a cherub face. Frankie Ann was looking deeply into her daughters eyes as though she had never seen her.

Without acknowledging her Mother, Teresa held up the coat for her Mother. Mother, please let’s go on home. Put on your coat. Frankie Ann did not move. Mother, please let’s just go.

Is it time to go? I’m ready to go and meet and greet my maker. Let’s get this road trip to heaven on the highway. Frankie Ann got up and put on the coat quickly, buttoned up with precise care, smiled, picked up her purse and walked to the door, smiled to the nurse-aid standing by the door, patted the other lady on the arm, and walked into the hallway.

Sweetie, one of the elder members