So Loved ...: The Evolution of Confusion

By Stephen Meiner

So Loved ...

 

This is an emotional play that is essentially about the force of love ---and also how devastatingly powerful its effects can be when it is absent in young lives. 

 

The lives of two families merge ---that of Stephen, a child of Rich & Sarah; and that of Ruth, the only child of Roy & Genny.  Stephen and Ruth have a childhood friendship which seems to fade as Ruth's family moves away. The move to the wonderful state of Michigan is not the cause of all the changes that take place ---it is often difficult to understand why things change. But, when they do change for Ruth, she is sent to a mental health facility ---then becomes a runaway. 

 

But, it is difficult to run from every problem.

 

This story may provide some healthier alternatives. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephen Meiner
• Release date: Dec 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215726723

Book preview

Dedication:

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As I was preparing to write this book, I kept thinking of my own Dad and Mom ...they are 'so loved'.

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I thank God for Dad & Mom, and the life they both dedicated to help build for me. Dad & Mom gave me everything they could in the way of emotional support, much of which came naturally by them supporting each other with their love.

There was never any lingering doubt over whether Dad & Mom would stay married. They were meant for each other.

And their love ...well, I cannot measure what it has done for me.

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The young characters in this book don't have the security and hope that I had, but some of them still manage to survive. I have no way of knowing if I would have.

Life is full of challenges, tests, and hardships ...many of which others place upon us, and some of which we place upon ourselves. Yet, God never expects more of me than I can handle. I'm thankful God leads me, and never leaves me.  

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This may not be the kind of book you want to read ...it's perhaps the kind of book you should.

Blurb:

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Vantage Press 1987

So Loved ... is an emotional play that is essentially about the force of love—-and particularly those affected by love or the absence of it.

The lives of two families—-the Tressels and the Razohns—-are revealed here in 'So Loved', beginning with Stephen’s parents, Rich & Sarah.

The girl who Stephen loves is Ruth, the child of an impulsive, domineering dad, and a mom who feels she's an absolute failure, unable to protect her only child.

The playwright brings his characters to life in a suspenseful play with the convincing detail that only real life provides. The ardent faith that suffices the play is the power beneath the poetry with which the play begins and rises to again and again—-at the right moments.

(Revised in 2023, with the intent to continue the story on with three additional books.)        

Prologue:   

Darkness confounds the subconscious.

A frightening silence, yet a sense of peacefulness.

Yes. Slight gusts of wind soothe the sense of mere existence, then disappear.

A momentary silence is interrupted this time by the faint sound of children singing.

Each child's song is slightly different, yet together blend into a harmony of innocence.

Too soon the song fades. Yet, another sound replaces it.

This sound builds in intensity.

It is the sound of children crying.

It penetrates the darkness.

Sadly though, it does not awaken our vision.

We are too thoroughly consumed by the darkness.

Faint flashes of light add perspective and hope.

For a moment, the crying ceases as another song is heard.

This time the song is not sung by a child, but for a child:

Believe not every spirit

But try the spirits

Whether they are of God.

...we are of God.

He that knoweth God heareth us.

Gaseous swirls and cloudy shadows dart across the emptiness.

God is love, for love is of God

And everyone that loveth is born of God

And knoweth God

...for God is love

We love Him because He first loved us.

. . . Stars begin to glimmer and our moving focus brings us to a distinguishable star mass.

The song continues:

God sent his only Son into the world That we might live through Him

Be ye therefore followers of God,

As dear children; and walk in love

As also Christ hath loved us.

Seemingly captured by a directive force, we begin to slowly spin toward the star mass.

And the light becomes more well-defined.

Listen to the words that Jesus taught us ...

Blessed are the poor in heart for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called ...the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake

...for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

We spin rapidly in what seems to be a tunnel of wind.

Absorbed within, the voice builds with intensity:

Love your enemies,

Bless them that curse you

Do good to them that hate you

And pray for them which despitefully use you ....and persecute you.

The spinning stops suddenly and our blurred vision is able to focus again ...

That you may be the children of your Father

Which is in Heaven ...

Rejoicing is followed by a return to silence, awaiting further testimony:

If God so loved us, we ought to love one another

If we love one another, God dwells in us

We dwell in Him and He in us

Because He hath given us of His Spirit

The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit

That we are children of God.

We are drawn closer to this immense region of Light.

Rejoice O young man in thy youth;

And let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth

And walk in the ways of thy heart.

O little children, let us not love in word,

Neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

And hereby we know that we are of the truth

And shall assure our hearts before Him.

Except ye be converted and become as little children,

Ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

And whoso shall receive one such little child

In Jesus' name shall receive Him.

Amongst blinding light, our every presence is about to be consumed ...

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones

Which believe in the Lord, it would be better for him that ...

Leaping blazes of fire attack with explosive fury.

Met with blindness, only the Words bring sight to the present darkness:

As thou knowest not what is the way of the Spirit

Nor how the bones do grow in the womb

Of her that is with child: even so thou knoweth not

The works of God who maketh all.

In the morning sow thy seed

And in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not

Whether shall prosper ...

* * * *

A good Mom usually knows what it takes to be a good wife also.

And when it comes to her own son, she is keenly interested in who that wife for her son may one day be.

* * * * * * * *

The first Book of the Bible describes much disbelief.  In the case of Sarah, Abraham's wife, there came a point in time where a heavy burden of doubt arose concerning whether she would ever have a child, and disappointment reigned.

Later comes an age where doubt becomes a well-established fact. Eventually for all women the realm of possibilities passes well on its way. Sarah waited much beyond what would be imagined as the upper range for an experience as blessed as this. But here she was, fulfilling what is beyond our furthest imagination.

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Like most moms, Sarah can be imagined to have experienced great joy in watching her son grow. There's also much intense emotion and anticipation, looking to the day a wife can be chosen for a son.

But Sarah did not live long enough to share in that moment. And when Sarah passed away, Abraham obviously grieved. Yet, his thoughts were also with the only son whom Sarah had given him. Isaac was not yet married, yet Abraham felt it was time.

Abraham wanted his son's wife to come from his people, from a land far away, from the land he had come from.

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Abraham was quite old. He did not wish to travel at this time, so he asked the favored servant whom he had put in charge of everything he had; to travel to the country of his birthplace to find a wife for Isaac.

The servant was a good servant. The servant prayed to God that he would know what to do. When he arrived in the country, he would ask for a drink and the woman who said she would draw water for his camels also, would be the woman he would return with, to be Isaac's wife.

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That appeared to be a rather clear and straight-forward plan, and that is precisely how it happened.

Rather easy, it seems.

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That was Rebekah. But nearly four thousand years later, in a much different culture, another Sarah is struggling. In her 'day and age' most girls are not dealing with frustration over time and again not being able to get pregnant, as she perceives that girls too easily do, then somehow conclude they don't want to be. That being said ...it is this Sarah whose story we are to begin.

Actually, this is a story about more than just one kind of mom. This is mostly for all those moms who don't feel the accolades of praise for that special Sunday once a year called 'Mother's Day'. When other women attend church on that day, and are recognized for all that motherhood stands for: you may feel a rising regret, a sadness, or perhaps a lingering depression.

But rest assured, those of you who feel you fit into this category aren’t alone in understanding the gravity of circumstances that have driven you to this point.

If you feel you are not comforted by those who fill the seats around you, just remember, it is not the foremost responsibility of others to fulfill your needs.

The role of others is an extremely important role, yet their role is still secondary. Primarily, you are to look to the One you are called to worship.

Perhaps some of you are about to become moms, and society sends its cruel sting of: Wait, you still have a choice!

If that choice already rests within you, then by all means don't attempt to cause unrest for the innocent, nor cause yourself any unnecessary pain or grief. Love your child with the love you should 'full well' know God has for you.

Let love heal any difficult circumstances.

In short:  By all means, be a Mom!!

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Whatever your circumstances may be or may have been, please continue to endure. 

To all Moms:  You are 'so loved'...

* * * * * * * *

There is a greater love ...but

among humankind,

there is no greater

than what can be

shared between a Mom

and her child.

To fail to realize this

could destroy it ...& perhaps

that entire nation with it.

Scene I ...Event One

Several of Sarah's friends grew up in single parent homes ...most of them the child of a single mom. Sarah is the child of a single dad, with no recollection of Mom.

Time with Mom was tragically brief. Mom died after suffering complications at Sarah's birth.  So, Sarah's time with Mom (or more accurately, within Mom) was only nine months and three days. Those were nine months of not only intense pain, but intense dedication also. 

Naturally, Sarah grew up being exposed to the things Dad showed interest in. As is common to man ...that interest often limits itself almost entirely to sports.

Are you ready for the big game, Sarah?

Dad ...you know I've never been comfortable dancing and jumping around.

I know, I know ...you never wanted to get into cheerleading in the first place.

After a deep sigh, I love you Sarah, but your old dad isn't going to be around for forever.

"I know, so you wanted me to become a cheerleader so I could meet people. I suppose it's only right not to expect you to support me my whole life. How does that cheer you taught me go? Give me an 'M', give me an 'A', give me an 'N'. What does it spell? ...Trouble?"

Sarah, be honest ...do you think I was trouble for your Mom?

No, I don't remember an occasion to think anything ...you never talk about Mom. Why is that?

Too painful.

Okay, I’ve always respected that ...so, if we don’t talk about her, how about you give me just one word you’d use to describe her. One word for today, and for a week ...each day a different word.

Beautiful—-the most beautiful girl in our entire high school—-almost as beautiful as you.

That was way more than a word ...that was actually a sentence, a compound sentence. Maybe by the end of the week, we will be able to talk about her ...and I'll be able to get a sense of who Mom actually was.

Dad turns away, to avoid revealing the tear in his eye. Maybe.

I'm sure she was beautiful in many ways. Sometimes when a person is valued for their looks ...other things are overlooked.

I didn't overlook all the other great things about her ...and she certainly could have overlooked me, but she didn't. You are a lot like your Mom, in many wonderful ways.

Sarah knows he is finding it difficult to talk. Thanks, Dad. And I can see how easily Mom saw how special you are.

Dad returns to the first topic of conversation, I really think we have a chance at the State Championship.

Sarah is so thankful for what Dad had shared. I think we do too. Our quarterback is good.

I wish you'd get over how good Brett is. There's not a single one in his whole family that ever amounted to much. You hook up with him and I'd have to support the both of ya.

Dad, you've always taught me not to judge people.

I'm not judging, I'm teaching. Brett's whole family is just like your ol' dad. And I want more for you than what I've been able to give you.

I'm proud of what you've given me. That's what our nation is built upon; people who believe in solid values and the dignity and pride that goes along with it.

Sounds like a political speech. I hope you don't marry one of them politicians. They make good money, but I don't like them much. On second thought, Sarah, much can be overlooked when you have money. Brett will never have money. He may get recruited by some college, but he will never make the pros. Now take the one he's going up against, that Tressel boy; he comes from one of the wealthiest families. He'll never have to worry about getting recruited, or anything else he chooses to do. He'll never have a worry in his life. I'd wish that kind of life for you.

So, we're not the future 'Fortune 500' class; we're still playing for dignity and pride.

That Tressel boy has a lot of pride too. His whole family does. No one can say he didn't earn that All-State honor.

Okay, Dad ...I get it. Just make sure you don't forget who you are rooting for.

Scene I ...Event Two

It is close, but no upset in the making. The game ends. And the favored team wins.

Richard Tressel, like a warrior just back from battle, looks about ...to see whatever else can be conquered.

At halftime, he had asked the coach's son to find out what her name was. He was told her name was Sarah ...clearly the prettiest cheerleader on either team. 

A rather shallow standard to judge by, but when men are out conquering, the standard often holds.

Rich enjoys the game of football, but his main motivation for winning is a game he enjoys even more. Winning the football game makes this even easier. As the signal caller for his team, he is used to assessing what he is about to face, and quickly choosing his best course of action.

Sarah is slowly walking past the field’s maintenance shed ...and the door is open. Rich steps forward at just the right moment, causing her to stop ...to avoid colliding with him.

Rich smiles, Sorry your team lost ...you were doing such a great job cheering them on.

Rich suddenly grabs her pom poms, and begins a cheer. He shakes them to the left ...then to the right ...then to the left again, Go ...Go ...Go Team!!

With that last shake, both of the pom poms slip from his hands ...traveling through the open door of the maintenance shed.

Sarah doesn't wait for any gentlemanly ways ...going to retrieve her own pom poms.

Sarah hears a creak behind her, and she looks back to see Rich standing there. She doesn't know if someone else shut the door, or if it was the wind ...or had Rich just shut the door to the shed?

Sarah isn’t focusing on her surroundings at this moment, or on who shut the door ...what presently fills the room is Rich's smile.

Part of her feels she should be disturbed by this, but strangely, her mind replays how polite and sincere his voice seemed when he'd said he was sorry for her team's loss.

She finds herself smiling back.

She doesn't really assess why she is smiling. Is it the good feeling of having someone of such prestige paying attention to her ...a shallow standard, and often with rather precarious potential outcomes?

She had never responded positively to any attention of this sort in the past. She had always assertively said something to turn away any unwelcome advances ...and in her mind, all the advances had been unwelcome.

She can't quite understand why this would be different. It isn't the words of her dad echoing in her head: He'll never have a worry in his life. I'd wish that kind of life for you.  She never really believed that faulty adage ...that money could buy happiness.

Sarah doesn't exactly know why ...he doesn't seem to represent anything she believes in, but at this moment, she somehow believes Rich likes her. And she somehow strangely feels she likes him.

What this all means, she doesn't really give it much thought. It seems he is calling the plays. Sarah had never read the playbook, and at this moment he is not coming across as the opposing team. She feels she is no longer cheering. She is now in the game ...at this moment, his game!

At this moment she convinces herself that she wants to be won—-well, not exactly, but often it's hard to turn back even wrong emotions. Sarah has lots of years ahead of her to realize all this. And though some things are better learned sooner than later, seldom is this taught. 

At this present moment, it's not that the concept of 'reason' is unwelcome ...it is merely forgotten, or neglectfully not invited.

When you believe you're in a dream, it's hard to reason whether it may turn into a nightmare.

The victorious warrior moves in closer.

This battle is best fought by putting the armor aside—-helmet, shoulder pads, spiked shoes ...

Scene I ...Event Three

Football season is over, but basketball season is in full swing ...though this teacher isn't interested in sports. She believes that literature is among the finer things. She waits as her class turns their pages loudly. "I see some of you forgot to bring your American Poetry and Prose book. You will just have to listen while