Haleub Place & Fingerprints of Grace

By Caryn Grice

Marcus sat by the open window in his room, listening to the birds sing and chirp in the nearby maple tree. He was packed, ready, and just waiting for the first arrival. His mind had drifted to thoughts of his father...and just how was he going to find his father anyway?

Marcus and his mother, Lizzy, have found a family and true ho

• Language: English
• Publisher: Go To Publish
• Release date: Feb 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781647497040

Book preview

Haleub Place & Fingerprints of Grace

Copyright © 2023 by Caryn Cole Grice

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher or author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for damages that may result from the use of information contained within.

ISBN-Epub: 978-1-64749-704-0

Printed in the United States of America

GoToPublish LLC

1-888-337-1724

www.gotopublish.com

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Whatever you may give out daily to others, I give you permission—for a time—to stop, take a breather, and receive Caryn’s wisdom and insight in Haleub Place. You may just find yourself, and you may just find your freedom in the pages that follow. Be inspired! Receive!

—Richard and Sue Clark

Potter’s Cross Ministries Torbay, Devon, UK

Haleub Place is a gentle story. The overall impression is one of acceptance and peace, attributes this world desperately needs.

—Shirley E Jeans, retired

Bairnsdale, Australia

Penned by a woman whose own travels, both literally and figuratively, have taken her to surprising places in discovering the Father’s love. Haleub Place narrates a series of journeys that point to a sensitive and compassionate understanding of how the cultivation of the human heart starts with the power of redemptive love.

—R. L. Streng, PhD, professor of language

Donelson Christian Academy Old Hickory, Tennessee

Caryn Cole’s heart for the lonely and hurting to find love and acceptance shines through brilliantly in Haleub Place.

—Enoch Lankford, Pastor Restoration

Church Dickson, Tennessee

Haleub Place provides restoration through forgiveness as we are given a second chance with that which we lost or gave up along our journey. Caryn Cole is a gentle guide navigating us from healing to hope on a path that many times has no markers or signs to follow. It’s a heart journey; take it with her.

—Dave Patterson, Primerica

Charlotte, Tennesse

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all those who are seeking, that they may come to know the love of their Father.

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to:

Becca and Robyn, my dearest friends and encouragers; My Restoration Church family; My Polish family (and the many fellow pilgrims that I met on this journey while living in Poland); All of whom showed me the Father’s love.

Chapter 1

Anna and Gil Thompson had arrived thirty minutes early just in case the train came ahead of schedule. Their eyes eagerly searched through the crowd of faces in the windows of the train, hoping to catch a glimpse of the long awaited one. The train came to a stop, and the passengers began to step off one by one. The station was full of loving embraces between men, women, and children reuniting with their loved ones. Soon after the last passenger stepped off the train, the porter began calling, All aboard, and new passengers began to fill the train .

Anna rushed up to the kindly old gentleman ushering the passengers aboard.

Excuse me, sir. I’m looking for a young child traveling alone. Have you seen a young boy with brown eyes and light brown hair?

No, ma’am, I don’t remember any child traveling alone on this train.

We were sure he was arriving today, she said as fear crept in her voice. I just don’t know what could have happened to him. Tears began to form in her eyes.

No use waiting around here, Anna, said Gil trying to console her. Let’s head back home.

The ride home gave Anna opportunity to relive the past several months in her mind. When they first heard of the boy’s coming, the entire household had been set into a flurry of activity. Great preparation had been made awaiting his arrival, and everyone had caught the excitement at Haleub Place and were eager to have the boy arrive.

There was no use in trying to comfort his sister with words. Gil knew from experience that Anna needed time to sort things out in her mind before she could talk about them. He had learned a long time ago that sometimes a large dose of patience is needed to be a good listener.

Mr. Jules had said, Fix a room in the house with books, games, and puzzles. Let there be an abundance of curiosities to satisfy a boy with an inquisitive mind. He may like to play outside and go exploring. See that there are gardens and trails, a pond for fishing, a place to enjoy the warmth of the sun in spring and fall, and a place to enjoy the cool shade of the trees in summer.

Gil took the back road home, across the pasture rather than down the main entrance to Haleub Place. What was supposed to be a grand entrance was sadly lacking the main ingredient. They had come home empty handed and discouraged. The ride home had been silent; both were lost in their own thoughts. Each bump in the road seemed to jar not only their physical bodies, but also remind them with a stabbing pain that the boy had not come.

Quietly, Gil parked the car and headed off to the garden shed, which had two rooms attached and served as his living quarters. A medium sized caramel and white collie lay on the porch guarding Gil’s front door. Wags looked up at him with expectant eyes, but could sense that Gil was not in the mood for a game of fetch.

The sooner he busied himself with work on the grounds, the better off he would be. Being outdoors always gave him a better perspective on things. The vastness of the sky, trees, and fields gave him comfort and reminded him that he was just one part of the bigger picture. Digging in the earth and tending to the gardens seemed to restore his soul. Gil found pleasure in what he did, and it pleased Mr. Jules both to see him happy and at rest, the grounds reflecting his contentment.

Anna went in by the back door leading to her living quarters just off to one side of the kitchen. Her modest sitting room held a comfortable overstuffed couch with matching easy chair. An open door in the back revealed a second room which served as her bedroom. Hanging her coat on an empty hook, she donned her apron to busy herself with lunch preparations.

Where’s the boy? asked Ellen, the young woman who helped Anna with the household chores.

Anna lifted her head to meet Ellen’s eyes. I don’t know. He wasn’t at the station, she said quietly.

Ellen sensed Anna’s disappointment. Not only was the sparkle gone from her eyes, but the cook’s usual bustling about had been reduced to quiet diligent motion. Maybe he was delayed for some reason and missed the train, Ellen offered, adding hopefully, Perhaps he will come tomorrow.

We’ll see what Mr. Jules has to say, Anna answered. Has he come out of his study yet?

I haven’t seen him today, ma’am, answered Ellen.

Well, said Anna, let’s get about lunch preparations. Somehow, just being able to talk about it gave Anna a glimmer of hope, and she began to hum softly as she moved about the kitchen.

Mr. Jules had been away on business for several weeks but had arranged to be home in time for the boy’s arrival. Knowing that he would be watching the front entrance, Gil and Anna had come home the back way to avoid facing him right away.

Chapter 2

Mr. Jules emerged from his study just as lunch was about to be served. He was tall and muscular with brown hair and brown eyes. He walked across the wide hall to the dining room where the table had been se t for two.

Earlier that morning, Ellen had set the table expecting the boy to come home with Gil and Anna from the station. No one had thought to clear away the extra place setting. As Anna brought in a steaming bowl of vegetable soup to Mr. Jules, her eyes rested on the extra place setting.

To avoid being questioned, she brought the subject up herself as she addressed Mr. Jules.

The boy wasn’t at the station this morning, sir. Perhaps he missed the train and will come tomorrow.

It is disappointing after expecting him for so long. All is well, Anna. We’ll just have to wait a bit longer, said Mr. Jules reassuringly.

Anna breathed a sigh of relief. She had worried all morning about what his reaction would be. Now he had set her at ease. Humming softly to herself, she began to clear away the extra set of dishes as Ellen placed the fresh baked rolls and thick slices of cheese on the table.

After lunch, Mr. Jules strolled outside to take in the freshness of the spring day. This was one of his favorite times of the year, when tender young shoots began to burst forth all over creation. It was as if the whole of nature was waking from its slumber. Birds twittered about and squirrels scampered up and down trees.

He noticed a hoe and shovel leaning against the garden shed. Dirt had been turned over in the flower garden to get ready for planting. Beyond the garden was the orchard. Row after row of cherry, apple, pear, and plum trees all beginning to show signs of new life. What a grand place this was when everything was at its peak in the summer.

As far as the eye could see, it was obvious to anyone that great care was taken to keep up the grounds at Haleub Place. There were pathways with wooden benches placed about strategically to give rest and opportunity for reflection. Haleub Place had been in Mr. Jules’ family as long as anyone could remember. Whenever anyone mentioned it, a smile would come across his or her face as if just to mention the name brought peace.

Mr. Jules tried to be away as little as possible and preferred to do much of his work from his study. He was well known abroad as well as on native soil and many came to visit and do business at Haleub Place, thereby giving him opportunity to remain at home.

Visitors were always welcome to stay as there were several guest rooms available. A young couple from Worthington was expected toward the end of the week. Lily and Ben were no strangers to Haleub Place as they had been there many times before. This time they had chosen to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary here in honor of Mr. Jules, who had been instrumental in bringing them together.

The Trembleys arrived Friday afternoon about three o’clock. They had left Worthington about nine that morning and had stopped for lunch along the way. It had rained intermittently most of their trip, and it was raining when they arrived.

It was here, at Haleub Place, that they had met one summer almost seven years ago. Lily had come with the Puckett family who were on vacation for two weeks. Tom and Emily had encouraged her to come with them for some rest and relaxation knowing that it would be good for her to have a change of scenery. Since she was a child, Lily had always dreamed of getting married and having a family. Just six months ago, the doctors had told her that she might not ever be able to become pregnant. This news had crushed her hopes and dreams, leaving her in a state of despondency. She hesitantly accepted the Pucketts’ invitation and spent the first week unwinding and the second week refocusing. It was during this time that she had met Ben. He was spending that summer at Haleub Place and their paths had crossed more than once during those two weeks.

Ben’s father had been a business associate of Mr. Jules and the Trembley family had come here on many occasions as he was growing up. Since his own father’s passing, Ben had come to think of Mr. Jules as a father figure and valued his advice very much.

Welcome, welcome! Come on in out of the rain, cried Anna as the front door opened wide.

Ben set the suitcases down on the front porch and gave Anna a warm hug. Lily and Anna embraced as they entered the house.

I’ll go park the car, said Ben, and then I’ll join you.

How are you? asked Anna eagerly as she and Lily walked to the living room.

There was a sparkle in her eye as she said, Ben and I have some news, but I’ll wait until he joins us before I say anything.

Just as Lily went to sit down, Mr. Jules came around the corner.

I thought I heard a familiar voice, he said with a smile as he gave Lily a big hug. Ben soon joined them and was also welcomed with an embrace from Marshall. Happy Anniversary to a very special couple! What’s the latest news from Worthington? he inquired.

Well as a matter of fact, Ben and I do have some news, said Lily beaming. We just found out that we’re going to have a baby!

Well, congratulations! Exclaimed Anna. I’m so happy for you. When are you due?

It all happened so fast, explained Ben. We should get a call in the next couple of weeks, so it could be any day now. You see, we’re adopting a child.

His name is Jonathan, and he’s three months old, Lily blurted out. We can’t wait to bring him home.

What wonderful news! exclaimed Mr. Jules. Double congratulations on your anniversary and your future parenthood!

I can’t wait to tell Gil, said Anna excitedly as she left the room to go to the kitchen.

I’m so happy for you both! exclaimed Marshall.

Weren’t you expecting a boy to come to Haleub Place?’ asked Ben.

Yes, we are. Plans didn’t go as we’d expected, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he’ll be with us.

Anna came back into the room carrying a tray laden with hot tea and raspberry tarts. She carefully set it on the coffee table in front of their guests. Anna and Ellen were such good cooks that there was no way to pass up anything served at Haleub Place.

Look, Lily. Your favorite, raspberry tarts! said Ben with a smile.

Anna, you’re wonderful! Exclaimed Lily as she helped herself to a steaming cup of hot tea and a luscious raspberry tart. How can I resist?

Ben and Mr. Jules helped themselves to tea and tarts.

How’s the business going, Ben? asked Marshall.

Ben had been with this architect firm for three years now. He and Lily loved where they were living. Worthington was nestled in the gentle hills just outside the city where Ben worked.

I love what I do. The ideas and the creativity just seem to flow naturally. I love a challenge, and they seem happy with my work, Ben explained.

What about the flower shop, Lily? asked Marshall.

I already gave my two weeks’ notice, and yesterday was my last day at work, replied Lily. Mrs. Finster was sorry to see me go but excited about our baby coming so soon. I have so much to do to get the baby’s room ready.

Lily had worked at Pretty Petals for three years. When she and Ben had moved to Worthington for his job, she had found employment at Mrs. Finster’s flower shop. The owner reminded Lily of her grandmother, always puttering around in the garden.

We knew that we were coming to Haleub Place for our anniversary and decided that this kind of news had to be delivered in person. That’s why we didn’t tell you sooner, explained Lily. I hope you don’t mind.

No, not at all, exclaimed Mr. Jules. "I am very happy for all three of you. You will be wonderful parents, and Jonathan will find lots of love in your home. You must bring him to visit after you get settled in together as a family."

You can count on that, Ben heartily agreed.

As Ben and Lily snuggled up together that night in the guestroom, Lily said to Ben almost in a whisper, I want Jonathan to know the same peace that we find in this place.

Home is where your heart is, and if you have peace in your heart, then you’ll have peace in your home, Ben assured her.

Lily sighed as a smile crept across her face.

I’m so excited about Jonathan coming, that I can hardly stand it, Ben.

I know the feeling, he whispered back. Thank you for marrying me, Lily. I know that you will be a wonderful mother.

And you will be a wonderful father.

They both sighed, and their thoughts soon gave way to sleep.

Chapter 3

The aisle began to fill as people started getting up from their seats and gathered their belongings together. Marcus was pushed to one side by the many passengers, and when the aisle began to clear, he gingerly made his way to the last exit and stepped off unnoticed by the crowd.

Marcus went to the window at the station and addressed the attendant. Excuse me sir. Could you point me in the direction of Haleub Place?

The tall, silver-haired man looked down at him with a twinkle in his eye and pointed to the street on his right.

Head down this way until you come to the fork in the road, he said. Follow the road on the right for a few miles. Before too long, you’ll see Haleub Place. You can’t miss it!

Thank you very much, sir, he replied.

The journey had been long, but he was almost there. Dreams of this place had kept him going for this long. Surely he could make it a few more miles. He started down the road not really knowing what to expect.

Marcus couldn’t remember the last time he had felt safe and secure. His earliest memories were of being passed from one to another, never really belonging anywhere or to anyone. The first time he ever heard mention of Haleub Place was in a passing conversation. That moment would remain etched in his mind forever. He was not even part of the conversation, but had merely overheard others talking as he walked by them. Something stirred deep within him, like remembering something familiar. Since that moment, Marcus had had a burning desire to go to Haleub Place. Nothing was going to keep him back. Silently, he pursued this dream that had sprung up within him.

Every penny that he earned went into his dream cloth. Others would see it as a worn piece of cloth, not really useful for anything. Marcus added each coin with care, counting the total before he tied up all four corners to keep the coins secure. Yesterday, when he added the last coin and counted, the sum had equalled the price of the train ticket. This was what he had been waiting for. As scared as he was of the unknown, he had to take this chance and follow his dream. He couldn’t stay where he was for much longer, as sooner or later someone would start asking questions and he’d have to move on. He was very weary of moving from one place to another, and he sure didn’t want to be put with another family that didn’t care about him. If he never went to Haleub Place, he would never know the mystery it contained. This stirring deep within the core of his being was greater than his fears.

The farther he travelled away from the train station, the more he noticed his surroundings. Green buds swelled on the branches of the trees along the road. Birds fluttered from tree to tree, twittering and chattering above him. The smell of freshly plowed earth filled the air. He breathed in deeply the sights, sounds, and smells of the countryside.

Here he was on the threshold of his dream, and Marcus realized that he knew nothing about the place where he was going. He had never spoken to anyone about going to Haleub Place, partly because the possibility of ridicule or discouragement would be too much to bear.

Fear crept in. Would they have room for him? Just how big a place was this? Would they even want him? What could he offer that would be of value to anyone?

"Caw, caw, caw, a big black crow flying overhead disturbed his thoughts, seemingly saying, Go back, go back, go back."

No, he said to himself. I’ve come this far already and have no means of going back anyway.

He kept walking determinedly. His pockets were empty. His dream cloth was empty. The only thing left was what lay before him. His shoes silently met the road with each step. He was not making an effort to be quiet. His slight frame simply carried such little weight that his footsteps made no noticeable sound on the open country road.

A gentle breeze rustled the blades of grass in the surrounding green pastures. The warmth of the sun gave Marcus courage as he continued on his journey. Cresting the next hill, Marcus looked at the land that lay before him. Something was different about the layout that caught his attention. Stately trees were planted at even intervals along the road as far as he could see.

This must be Haleub Place, Marcus said to himself. He noticed a dirt road turning off on the left side and decided to take it to check out the lay of the land. Perhaps this was a back entrance where he could arrive relatively unnoticed.

His heart started beating a bit faster, and his steps quickened at the anticipation of seeing Haleub Place. After he had gone some distance, Marcus saw the outline of several rooftops. He stopped to take it all in.

This is it, he said as fear, anticipation, and excitement all rushed in at once. As he got closer, he noticed there was one large house with several smaller structures set back away from the house. Marcus noticed an older gentleman of medium build with a shovel. He was breaking up the ground in what appeared to be a flower garden.

Wags was the first to notice Marcus and came up to give him a sniff or two.

Excuse me, sir. Could you tell me if this is Haleub Place?

Yes, son, it sure is. Gil answered with a smile. Can I help you with something?

I was wondering if you could use some help with the grounds, sir? Marcus asked hopefully.

Hmm, sighed Gil as he reached down to pet Wags on the head. I suppose I could use some help around here. I’m not as spry as I used to be. In his mind, Gil was sizing the boy up to be about eleven or twelve years old. This young boy would make a good companion, being about the same age as the boy they had been expecting.

Can you tell the difference between a plant and a weed? Gil asked hopefully.

Oh yes, sir! answered Marcus. Any I don’t know, I’ll be sure and ask you about.

Is that all you got? Gil questioned as he eyed the tattered suitcase the boy held in his hand.

Yes, sir, he answered.

I suppose you’ll be needing a place to stay, Gil surmised.

If you could, sir? I wouldn’t give you any trouble. I don’t need much, just a bite to eat and a roof over my head, Marcus asked expectantly.

You can set your suitcase inside of the door of that building over there, Gil said as he pointed to the garden shed. By the way, son, you can call me Mr. Thompson. What can I call you?

My name is Marcus, sir. Thank you for taking me in, he replied with relief as he headed toward the garden shed. As Marcus opened the door to set his suitcase inside, he quickly surveyed the humble but comfortable quarters. There was a small table and chair set against the wall, an easy chair, a sofa, and a door that led to another room. Marcus hurried back to Mr. Thompson, hoping he would set him right to work.

It was hard to believe that just yesterday, this place was only a dream. Now, he was really here, and it had all seemed so effortless. Marcus began to feel a peace he had never known before.

Chapter 4

Gil and Marcus worked hard together in the flower garden. It was almost ready for planting, and Gil welcomed the extra pair of hands to lighten his load a bit. They stopped for lunch and went up to the kitchen to join the others. Ellen, Anna, and Kate were already sitting at the table when the y arrived.

I’d like you all to meet Marcus, said Gil as he looked at the boy. He’ll be helping me with the work around the grounds. I’m not as spry as I used to be, and I could use an eager, young worker like him. I’ve got an extra bed at my place, and I think we’ll get along just fine together.

Nice to meet you, Marcus, said Ellen.

Anna noticed the excitement in her brother’s voice when he introduced Marcus. I’m so glad you came to be with us, Marcus, she said sincerely.

This is my daughter, Kate, Ellen said smiling. Kate just sat there grinning and giggling. She was ten years old with long black hair and sparkling blue eyes. She wore her hair in a long braid most of the time, and today was no exception. Kate greeted each new day