Jacob: When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn

By Theda Yager

Jane Ann Eckermann is a senior in college looking forward to graduate school when she finds herself pregnant and alone. Both the baby’s father and her parents have abandoned her. As she sits in her car with everything she owns inside, Jane Ann pours her heart out to God while fervently praying for answers. Moments later, her kindly pastor knocks on the car window and offers her a solution.

After the Taylors, parents of her friend who died in childhood, invite Jane Ann to stay in their garage apartment, she must attempt to move forward with her life. Helped by many kindly strangers that include a fellow student, a professor, and a college dean, Jane Ann lands a job, makes friends, and discovers a new kind of independence. But what will she do about the tiny baby growing inside her, the love that eventually finds her, and her long-held dream?

Jacob is the inspirational story of a determined Christian college student who refuses to give up on her dream in the face of life’s unexpected surprises and hardships.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973666042

Theda Yager

Theda Yager earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Chaminade University, Honolulu, Hawaii, and a master’s degree in education from Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas. Theda was an associate school psychologist/counselor who worked with special needs children. She and her husband, Don, were Mission Service Corps Missionaries with the North American Mission Board for approximately fifteen years. They also served in various organizations such as Disaster Relief, Victim Relief, and Austin Disaster Relief. Church, family, and service to others has been the core of Theda’s long life. She and Don have three married daughters, ten grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Book preview

Chapter 1

I n anger his breath came fast. His face was crimson. With veins bulging in his forehead, he shouted, "You are what ? You are not bringing any fatherless kid into this home! Did you hear me? What were you thinking? You are an embarrassment to our family. You are a disgrace! Out! Get out! I want you out of my house immediately! Don’t you come back into this house ever again—if you know what is good for you."

Jane Ann turned slowly to go to her bedroom so she could begin packing. She had known what would happen when she told her parents she was expecting a child. Her mother had tried to intervene, but her father had only yelled louder.

Jane Ann lifted suitcases from her closet shelves. Her mother stood in the doorway with a grief-stricken expression and tears flowing. She said, Jane Ann, what will you do? This is your last semester before graduating from college. Honey, you must get that degree. Please stay in college. Give me your bank account number. I will put what money I can into your account each month. Oh, sweetheart, where will you live?

Jane Ann listened to her mother’s soft, tender, grief-stricken voice as she lifted an armful of clothes from her closet.

Her mother folded and placed each piece of clothing into suitcases with loving care. Then she stopped and said, I just thought of something. I saved some shipping boxes years ago when we moved into this house. I will go get them, and we can use them to pack the rest of your things. She went hurrying out of the room.

As she left the room, there was a loud uproar when the man of the house shouted, "Amy, what are you doing? You are not helping her, are you? If you are, stop it now!"

A calm voice with tender emotion replied, Yes, George. I am helping her. She is our daughter. Of course, I will help her.

A door banging shut, and her dad yelled, "She is getting what she deserves! I want her out of this house now! What an embarrassment!"

With shaking hands and falling tears, Jane Ann continued to hurriedly pack her clothing. By now her mother was back with boxes and packing tape; she boxed up a lifetime of objects. She lovingly held a childhood teddy bear against her chest before she tenderly placed it in the box along with trophies, banners, and pictures. Another box was for shoes and accessories. The next box was for college books. Then she left the room, soon returning with blankets, sheets, pillows, and pillowcases from the linen closet. She took the bedspread off Jane Ann’s bed and folded it into a box along with bath towels.

Jane Ann was alarmed. Mother don’t do that! You will get in trouble. Let him be angry at me, not at you too.

The two women hugged and cried, and then they loaded Jane Ann’s car with boxes and suitcases. Last of all, her mother handed her a check and some wadded-up bills. She said, Here is some money I had hidden away, thinking I might need it for a rainy day. Also, here is a check written on my bank account. This is all I can spare right now. I will put money into your account when I can. Please let me know where you are. I love you very much. Don’t give up on men because of what happened with Clark and the actions of your daddy. Some people just need a good dose of Jesus. May God bless you, honey, and keep you safe.

Amy stood in the driveway, waving until Jane Ann’s car disappeared around a corner.

Chapter 2

A fter she drove around the corner from the street that had been hers most of her life, Jane Ann pulled over to the curb and burst into tears. Lord Jesus, help me, she prayed. I have no home. What will I do? Please help me, dear Lord. What am I to do?

She was praying with her head on the steering wheel when someone knocked on her window. She looked up at the concerned face of her pastor, Pastor McClain.

She rolled down the window, and he said, Jane Ann! What is wrong? Where are you going? Why are all of those boxes and things in your car?

Through her gut-wrenching sobs, she told him her painful story. Last semester, I was dating an older guy who was attending college on a military education program. We’d known each other since our freshman year in college. I fell for the guy. He was a smooth talker. He knew his way around the world, and I didn’t. I made a terrible choice and am now expecting a baby. When I told him about my situation, he responded, ‘So? Get an abortion. I am a married man with three kids. I don’t plan to leave my family, certainly not for you.’ I told my parents, and my father just threw me out of the house. Now I have no place to live. This is my last semester of college. I just have to graduate.

Another burst of tears flowed. She stopped crying and said, Why are you on this street? You live several blocks over.

This is my jogging route. I run this direction every day about this time, if my schedule will permit it. I’ll tell you what. Meet me at the church. I will make a phone call or two and see what I can learn.

Yes, sir. I will drive over to church and wait for you there.

She was waiting in the parking lot when the pastor jogged up to her car. He said, Do you remember Mr. and Mrs. Taylor? They have a garage apartment they have offered to you until you can find a place to live. From time to time, Mrs. Taylor may need help with light chores around the house or with cooking. The Taylors understand you are carrying not only an emotional load but a heavy schedule at the university. They won’t intrude on your study time. I think you will find them to be very compassionate and loving people. They are thrilled to have you for as long as you need a place to stay. Do you know where they live? Here, let me write down their address for you just in case you might need it. I look forward to seeing you in church on Sunday.

Pastor, you are living proof that God answers prayer. I was pouring my heart out to Him when you knocked on my window. Please, assure Mr. and Mrs. Taylor that I will do everything I can to bring honor to them. Thank them for their kindness and trust in me. She drove away from the parking lot.

Chapter 3

J ane Ann drove to her temporary home. Heart racing, she tentatively knocked on the door.

A kind and friendly couple was waiting for her. They invited her into their home and offered her something to eat or drink. She accepted a glass of ice-cold water.

She said, I have seen you both many times through the years at church but have never entered into a conversation with you. My name is Jane Ann Eckermann. I assume the pastor has given you a thumbnail sketch of my situation. Since I plan to be open and honest with you, let me tell my story. If you feel as my father feels, then I will be on my way.

She told her story, leaving nothing out.

At the end, she shared that her goal was to finish her last semester of college and then apply for an MBA. I make very good grades and am applying for a grant to go to graduate school. And to answer your unasked question, yes, I plan to keep my baby. I am aware he or she may not have everything in life, but I will give my baby all the love that is in my heart. I don’t want my baby to feel as abandoned as I now feel.

She paused and said, Do you have a family?

In shock the Taylors looked at each other. Then Mr. Taylor spoke. We had a daughter, Mary Elizabeth. You knew her as Missy. We lost her when she was just a little girl.

Immediately, Jane Ann sucked in her breath sharply and said, Oh, no! Of course. Please forgive me. Yes, I remember Missy. We were friends. But then she went away, and no one ever told me where she went. I asked, but no one would tell me.

Mrs. Taylor broke her silence. You two were inseparable during those years. Then she was diagnosed with childhood leukemia and didn’t last very long. We have watched you grow up. We were interested in each phase of your development and kept telling each other, ‘That is what our Missy would be doing about now.’ Honey, we have heard your story and gladly accept you into our home just the same as we would have if something similar had happened to our precious Missy. Welcome to our home. Our home will be your home for as long as you need a place to stay.

Hopping to his feet, Mr. Taylor said, We need to get your car unloaded and your apartment set up.

Thank you so much. May I give you two a hug? My mother, against my daddy’s wishes, packed sheets, pillows, blankets, a bedspread, and towels. I will need to go to the grocery store to pick up a few things. I make my lunch and carry it with me to class each day. Oh yes, please tell me what chores I can help you with. Mother and I always worked side by side doing household chores. I will be happy to help you anyway that I can. I can’t thank you enough for taking me in.

Chapter 4

T he next day Jane Ann entered the classroom, and a fellow student, Stephen Jernigan, sat beside her. They had known each other since their freshman year.

He took one look at her and said, Hey, what is going on? You are not the same jolly person I have known and admired all this time.

She shrugged and continued pulling a textbook out of her backpack.

He continued, What’s wrong? Did you and your boyfriend break up? By the way, who are you dating now? Didn’t you date Clark for a while? As he spoke, he waved in the direction where Clark usually sat. They both looked up in time to see Clark looking their direction. The three exchanged uncomfortable glances.

She replied, Yes, we broke up. I am pregnant, and too late I learned that he is married with three kids.

Louder than he intended, Stephen blurted out, What? He is married?

Immediately other students looked their direction. Clark was seated three rows in front of them. His ears, face, and the back of his neck began to turn bright red.

Jane Ann said, My father called me a disgrace to the family name and a lot of other things before kicking me out of the house. Someone from the church has taken me in until I can find a job and a place to live.

Stephen was livid. Jane Ann, I am so sorry! Right after class I will go with you to see the dean of the Business School. Maybe she can help you.

The professor had begun speaking, but the two hadn’t noticed. The professor stopped speaking and said, Stephen, is there something you would like to share with the rest of the class? Maybe we would like to know what is so important.

With feeling Stephen said, Sir, you and the class will know shortly, just not right now. Please excuse us for talking. It is something very important. May we meet with you right after class?

Just as Stephen stopped speaking, Clark fumbled around and noisily dropped a book. He appeared rather flustered when everyone turned and looked at him. He picked up the book, grabbed his other things, and hastily left the room.

The class proceeded with no more interruptions. Afterward, Jane Ann and Stephen waited until their fellow students had left the room for other classes. Fortunately, the professor, Jane Ann, and Stephen didn’t have back-to-back classes.

Dr. Barber walked to where the two students were seated. Want to tell me what is so important that two of my best students caused a mini ruckus in my class today?

Jane Ann said, I am sorry. It was my fault. I needed to tell someone some devastating information, and Stephen just happened to be nearby. She continued by telling her story, then broke into tears. Through sobs she said, I want to complete this semester and apply for an MBA program. I am just at a loss at this moment as to what my next move will be. I am thinking of visiting with the dean of this department and seeing if I can apply for a PA position or do tutoring. Maybe she will have some ideas. My thinking is all muddled right now. I intend to give this last semester everything I’ve got. I am hoping to apply for a grant to cover costs for my MBA. However, I will need a job to support myself and my baby until then.

Then you are not planning on giving the little baby up for adoption? Dr. Barber asked.

No, I have decided I will keep this little person. I cannot give him or her all the material things he or she may want, but this baby will know it is loved and won’t be thrown away as I have been. Wounded, hot tears started to stream down her face once more.

Go and make an appointment to speak with Dean Jacobson. She may have some ideas. You have a very high GPA and class standing. There should be no problem with you being accepted in an MBA program. After several seconds, deep in thought, Dr. Barber stood to his feet and started to leave. He turned back and asked, "Who did you say is the father of this baby?

She quickly replied, I didn’t say. But it is Clark. I found out too late that he is married and has three children.

Looking at Stephen, he said, So that is who you meant when you said, ‘He is married.’ That explains why Clark left the classroom in such a hurry and in disarray. Hmm. I will see you tomorrow. Don’t let up on your studies, young lady! I will be speaking with the dean as well. I’ll see you two in class tomorrow. I better hurry. I have appointments scheduled, and folks will be wondering what happened to me.

Stephen walked with Jane Ann to the dean’s office. She made an appointment to meet with the dean the next day.

Do you have time to grab a bite to eat before next class? Stephen asked.

She replied, Yes, and this treat is on me as a thank-you for you listening to the worst mistake of my life and for you not turning your back on me too.

I am not about to turn my back on you, he replied with feeling. Anyway, who would I call on to explain to me what Dr. Barber was just talking about in class today? He completely lost me.

Unbeknownst to Jane Ann, Dr. Barber contacted all her professors plus the dean of the Business Department and explained the situation involving one of his best students. He asked them whether they had friends who would hire Jane Ann or put out feelers for prospective jobs. He explained what a reliable and hardworking student she was.

Stephen suggested that Jane Ann contact several of the businesses in town and send them her résumé. He even wrote down names of several firms. Last of all, he suggested that she write a new résumé.