Soul Searcher

By Randy Donais

In this sequel to Change for the Bettor, Tully Greenwood accepts an opportunity to retrieve lost and stranded souls, along with their guardian angels in cemeteries around the country. He encounters satanic characters at every stop, but he overcomes them using a gold cross blessed by the Lord himself as his primary tool. In six months, Tullys success total reaches three hundred heaven-bound souls, including his ex-wife and her guardian angel. During his five years in eternity, the former playboy/bettor in life develops into a proven servant-leader. He finds true love and happiness in former high school classmate Brandy Tollefson, his very first rescue in a Kansas cemetery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543417517

Randy Donais

Randy Brian Donais Born: January 5, 1956 in Kenosha, WI Graduate of Tremper High School in Kenosha in 1974 Graduate of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 1978, BS in English Literature and Journalism. Randy Donais’s first novel, ‘’Change for the Bettor’’, was released in October, 2011. He began work on the sequel, ‘’Soul Searcher’’ in early 2014 finally finishing in Spring, 2017. Randy, now an amputee, overcame health and financial challenges to complete this novel. As a veteran of 30 years in the newspaper business, primarily as a sportswriter, the 61-year-old Randy is still an avid sports follower and memorabilia collector. He returned to his native Kenosha in late 2013 after almost 17 years in Milwaukee County. His 30-year-old son, Brian, a former high school and college basketball player, lives and works in Chicago. Randy has two married younger sisters – Tammy Ramirez of Kenosha and Pam Heck of Greenwood, IN.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Father Rene

It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts. – John Wooden

Hello again friends!

This is Father Rene Vondereau.

I’m not here to tell you my life story again or give you another sermon. I just want to share a few thoughts about my former guardian Tully Greenwood and life in general before you begin this story.

As you recall in Change for the Bettor, Tully had to change his ways from a gambler, womanizer, drinker, etc. in order to unconditionally claim his place in heaven.

And Tully had to quickly make some difficult changes. He realized he was down to his final chance, manned up and made it happen.

Tully is having a grand old time in heaven. He’s the gardener, landscaper and all-around handy man for the last five years at St. Mary’s Parish, which I co-pastor with my long time friend, Father Sam McDowell in Milwaukee, WI USA (heaven).

As Tully’s former guardian angel and now best friend I couldn’t be prouder of him! He’s turned out to be the servant/leader I knew he would!

It’s no accident many people develop into that here.

I’m going to let Tully tell you about his first five years in heaven. He’s developed into a model citizen and somebody Father Sam and I can always depend on.

Tully has certainly changed like everybody else who passes through the gates of heaven. His German temper sometimes rears its ugly head but hasn’t been a concern until near the end of this story.

Tully is very happy with the niche he’s carved for himself here but I get the feeling he’s getting hungry for more responsibility. And I can say between you and me that a bigger opportunity is on the horizon.

I’ll leave it go at that so as not to ruin the story. I will say Tully will meet some resistance in "Soul Searcher’, but the tough guy that he is, will overcome them.

Ambitious, hard-working, responsible – those are the things I’ve always loved about Tully, especially now that he’s in heaven. If we ever need a big job done we can always depend upon the Brett Maverick look alike!

As some of you in the sports world might say he’s a gamer.

So sit back and relax! You’ll be taught, informed and entertained! This is a great read, one a good reader can complete in an afternoon or evening! It’ll be well worth your time!

God bless every one of you and may your final journey to our Lord’s kingdom be a joyous one!

Chapter 2

Tully Greenwood

It is not the strongest of the species that survive nor the most intelligent but the most responsive to change – Charles Dickens

I’m Tully Greenwood and don’t even think about calling me Theodore!

Unless you’re the Lord, Father Rene or Father Sam I will ignore you! When I was on earth I would’ve smacked you!

During my five years in heaven I’ve come a long way but still haven’t gotten entirely past the Theodore thing yet, I had to forgive a number of grade school classmates who called me Theodore, Teddy or Beaver.

Since a few bloody noses I issued way back when everybody, even my parents, teachers and coaches, called me Tully.

An uncle started calling me Tully in second grade after a pro wrestler he was a fan of because I was always rough housing with somebody.

There is nothing wrong with the name Theodore in itself. If one of my parents, teachers or coaches called me Theodore I certainly wouldn’t have bloodied their noses. It was always one of those smart ass punks who tried to see how far they could push me.

My dad taught me early on that if you don’t command respect you won’t get any!

Just like your rights! If you don’t know them you really don’t have any!

At any rate I don’t need to make an issue of it now that I’m in heaven. What happened during my life on earth can stay there. This former bettor has changed for the better. After getting a second chance to get in here I’m not about to throw it away. Only a fool would.

My life here is absolutely perfect. The only things that would improve it are my two kids, Craig and Caroline, plus my grandson. Caroline had little Theodore two years ago. His father calls him Tiger.

It also grinds my gears a little that I can’t communicate with them or anybody else on earth to let them know I’m happy and well.

I can see them on my huge flat screen TVs here. Sometimes when I travel to earth I stand within arm’s length of them but I’m not allowed to communicate in any way! Nobody is!

Don’t believe in mediums who claim they can communicate with spirits because they can’t!

The reason? We have successfully crossed over and earned our wings so to speak! In all due respect none of you have! At least not yet!

If mediums could communicate with us don’t you think it would happen all the time? People would be lined up down the street outside their door every day!

For us in heaven to cross back over the line is forbidden. Kind of like the Tree of Knowledge. Oh, it’s here as a constant reminder of what total obedience is.

Eternal life speaks for itself. Like I just said it’s as perfect as perfect gets! I know some day my children will get here, just like all of you will be reunited with your families already here!

Also, don’t believe in ghosts, spooks, goblins or any of that Halloween-related stuff! Everybody who crosses over after death has someplace to go. Or I should say most people have a place to go! Read on and I’ll tell you about the exceptions!

If we were allowed to communicate with or show ourselves on earth we’d do it all the time!

Again, the reason we don’t is we’ve passed on into higher life! It simply means our place in eternity is perfect, final and secure! Why mess that?

Have you seen a ghost lately? If you believe you have you probably believe Rhode Island once succeeded from the union, too!

If you achieved the means to buy a Cadillac would you ever go back to owning a Saturn? Nothing against a Saturn but why would you?

Don’t be like me and wait until it’s almost too late! All you would be doing is making it harder on yourself when the time comes!

Is your life lacking or does it truly rock? Either way its nothing compared to what eternal life is!

I met Craig, Caroline and Tiger’s guardian angels and we talk about them perhaps once a week. Craig’s guardian angel is a former grade school principal from near Watertown, Wisconsin. Caroline’s is a former girl’s high school basketball coach from Minnesota, who died in her forties from ovarian cancer. A very nice lady.

It’s OK to talk with them about my kids, but I can’t interfere in their business!

The Lord assigned them to my kids so I have to respect that. Tiger’s guardian angel is a former college football player from a small Christian school in Illinois who was killed on his way home for Christmas break about seven years ago by a drunk driver.

I found out guardian angels are assigned at birth and are on 24-7 call in case one of Satan’s dingle berries come prowling around before baptism. After that the angels are with their guardians perhaps an hour every day.

I could see myself quarterbacking the Packers before I become a guardian angel! I just don’t see it!

I’d get too emotional depending on my guardian and I’m afraid my temper would get the best of me!

But you never know! Never say never here! Anything is possible!

Your desire to change must be greater than your desire to stay the same. – Author Unknown

I’m not the same arrogant, self-serving egotist I was in life on earth. I had to make a lot of character and attitude adjustments before I was unconditionally granted eternal life.

Eliminating the vices was actually easy. No body, no cravings, no addictions. Changing my way of thinking was the hardest part.

Looking back on it now I can see how easily Albert Walters, one of Satan’s fledging henchmen, manipulated me.

He knew me as well as Father Rene did. He knew my weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Now that I’m a soldier of our Lord God Almighty I won’t allow myself to be hood-winked again.

Part of my change was learning to forgive a lot of people, including myself. I also had to learn to be a better servant-leader.

I had to forgive Albert Walters and every other demon for taking me down the wrong path. I also had to forgive Tess Corridini for setting me up to take my ultimate fall and her estranged husband, Gabe, for putting the bullet in my head.

Those three were the toughest to forgive but Father Rene helped me get through it. Walters and Tess tried one last time when I first got here but haven’t since.

Father Rene said don’t be surprised if I’m tested again outside of heaven. Satan hates to lose and never gives up on a good prospect.

Father Rene also said the Prince of Darkness wants to build up an army big enough to overtake heaven which he says will never happen! And I believe it won’t! He’s had over 5,000 years and hasn’t gotten the job done yet!

I love my every day routine. I rise about 6:30 and read from the huge Bible in my study at home then travel to St. Mary’s to see what Father Rene and Father Sam need done.

The grounds are manicured and watered on Monday and Thursday mornings for sure. I see to it. I take pride in doing my part to keep the grounds up to heavenly standards!

After all, the Lord created all of it.

There is no shortage of things to do and people to see here.

I easily found my ancestors dating back to darn near the Mayflower. What a trip that was finding out how far back the Greenwood family went! My dad’s relation is from Germany, my mom’s from Norway.

For those of you trying to find your roots on the internet don’t get discouraged. Eventually you’ll meet them face to face, I promise you!

Imagine that! They’ve known you since birth and you didn’t know they existed! If you don’t find them they will most definitely find you here!

I’ve found and talked with numerous famous people who’ve been here for years.

I’ve found victims who suffered and died in holocausts; at the hands of Caesar, Pilot, Herrod, Hitler, Hussein, bin Laden and many other tyrants. I also met casualties from the many battles and wars down through history.

I’ve met some early presidents like Washington, Adams and Jefferson; and famous statesmen like Franklin, Edwards and Burke; athletes like Jim Thorpe, Lou Gehrig, Wilt Chamberlain and Reggie White; football coaches like Knute Rockne, George Halas, Vince Lombardi, Bear Bryant and Bill Walsh.

I’d be remiss if I failed to mention three of our newer residents, Bum Phillips, Joe Paterno and John Wooden.

I’ve met my favorite baseball managers — John McGraw, Connie Mack, Kidd Gleason, Joe McCarthy, Casey Stengel, Walter Alston, Sparky Anderson and Harvey Kuehn.

And yes, I’ve met the Boys of Summer along with Mickey, Roger, Billy, the Babe, Gehrig and Cy Young.

I haven’t found Ty Cobb yet! I’m not even sure he’s here!

I talked with victims who sailed and died on the Titanic. I met Columbus, Thomas Edison, Ann Frank, Leonardo Di Vinci, Picasso, Thomas Paine, Charles Dickens, the cast of It’s a Wonderful Life, Gone with the Wind and Wizard of Oz.

I found and chatted with Laurel and Hardy, The Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello and the Bowery Boys.

I ran into many children who were victims of neglect or abuse but I stopped seeing them because every time I did anger welled up inside of me!

Even for an angel that’s a tough pill to swallow!

I’ve gone to football, basketball, baseball and hockey games to see players who played back in the 20’s and 30’s. My favorite teams are the 1919 Black Sox, 1927 Yankees and 1936 Packers.

I even watched a golf tournament from the gallery and a tennis match. Nice to see them play in living color and get their autographs afterward.

I also see pro wrestling on occasion when I want to be entertained, along with thoroughbred and greyhound racing.

Some habits never die but no money ever changes hands! That’s because there is no money here!

Anything is possible!

All that is required of you is buying into and doing things the Lord’s way!

When you think about it how hard is that? How, you ask? By not putting yourself ahead of Him!

Most of you folks don’t think about that when you’re wrapped up and suffocated in your earthly lives! Even though I lived the life of Riley on earth my vices totally consumed me!

Don’t believe me? You have to be blind or ignorant! Just wait until you meet your entrance counselor here!

I have my own three-bedroom ranch on a meticulously landscaped lot outside of Ravenswood, Wisconsin, USA, Heaven.

I couldn’t have designed or furnished a more perfect home if I had to do it myself! I have the option of doing my own housecleaning, which is minimal, and yard or somebody is assigned to do it for every home on the street.

Imagine the world you live in perfect down to the smallest detail! That’s heaven!

There are no motor vehicles of any kind unless you want to refurbish an antique. Everybody is given a transmitter allowing you to go anywhere in heaven or back to earth faster than it takes to microwave a cup of coffee.

Imagine a world devoid of terrorism, crime, wars, street gangs, law enforcement, court system, lawyers, pedophiles, abuse, bullies or politicians! No irresponsible social networking!

Nobody ever gets sick or injured so there is no need for paramedics, emergency rooms, medical centers, doctors, dentists, nurses or insurance companies! No need for security or militia of any kind! No debt or recessions!

Nobody is ever for want!

There are schools on every level including colleges, trade schools and universities which are optional like they are on earth. Attendance is mandatory for our children through twelfth grade. Don’t even think about cutting classes!.

And I didn’t yet mention the beautiful parks including statues of saints and martyrs.

No need for meteorologists. The temperature is always about 75 degrees, sunny with little or no breeze.

Every morning about 3 it rains for about 10 minutes to give the vegetation a drink and cool things down a little.

At sunrise everything smells — well heavenly!

Winter? Forget it, although you can find mountains to ski on or areas to snowmobile if you wish!

OK, who has the big mouth out there amongst you?

"Heeeeeeeey Greenwood! Don’t you miss winning money, the women, smoking, drinking and painkillers?

You had it made!"

Now what do you think?

You sound like somebody who needs a good bitch slapping! (Pardon me Lord!) Do I miss the vices you mentioned? No, no, no, no and no! I no longer have a body so I no longer crave them!

One of the major changes I had to make was the transition from having a body and all of its needs to that of a soul, whose only needs are what the Lord provides.

Some day you’ll MAYBE see for yourself, wiseass!

I give thanks for the great life I have every day but I’m to the point where I’m looking for a bigger challenge.

I want more responsibility, more commitment, more latitude. I guess the competitive nature in me wants the opportunity to make a bigger impact.

If I can step up I know the Lord will reward me in more ways.

Don’t get me wrong! My first five years here have been nothing short of awesome! I just think its time for Tully to spread his wings and show the Lord I can fly!

Chapter 3

Father Sam approaches Tully in the courtyard

For when the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name He writes, not that you won or lost but how you played the game." – Grantland Rice

I don’t pay much attention to what day it is on the calendar but it’s a perfect autumn morning. Even though we no longer have bodies in heaven the rays from the sun yield a soothing sort of massage. My suntan or heavenly glow if you will is always perfect. No such thing as sunburn or even a tanning salon.

A few wispy clouds float slowly across the always blue sky. The day time temperature is always in the mid 70’s with a slight refreshing breeze. The leaves on the trees