Here I Am: A Story of True Love and Faith

By Johnny Emler

Inspired by real events, Here I Am is a spirit-led story of true, unconditional love and faith.

In the late '50s, when his parents abruptly went to prison, young Joey goes to live with his loving grandparents in Middle Tennessee. Motivated to earn his keep, Joey is eager to get to work and not afraid to get his hands dirty, like his Papa.

Upon entering a new school, he meets the girl of his dreams and a circle of friends he bonds with over football, vowing to be friends forever. But as the Bible says, there is a season for everything.

Life's obstacles, war, hardship, and a turn of events lead to contention and hard feelings, but God works in unusual ways. What the devil tears down, God builds back up in miraculous ways. Through faith and love, beauty can come from pain.

This heartwarming journey through life will bring a roller coaster of laughter, tears, joy, and praise for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I truly hope this story is as much of a blessing for you to read as it was for me to write.

--Johnny

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798889608820

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Here I Am

A Story of True Love and Faith

Johnny Emler

Copyright © 2023 Johnny Emler

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88960-867-7 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88960-882-0 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

From being newborns all the way to our last days on this earth, we must stand together and love one another like family. No matter what color, no matter rich or poor, we all need to stick together. We are all children of God.

I hope this book can give you faith in God and your fellow man, your brothers and sisters.

I dedicate the message in this book to all the Americans. I encourage you all to love one another, to love God. If we don't stand together, a house divided will fall and our freedom will be gone. America will die as we know it.

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Afterword

About the Author

From being newborns all the way to our last days on this earth, we must stand together and love one another like family. No matter what color, no matter rich or poor, we all need to stick together. We are all children of God.

I hope this book can give you faith in God and your fellow man, your brothers and sisters.

I dedicate the message in this book to all the Americans. I encourage you all to love one another, to love God. If we don't stand together, a house divided will fall and our freedom will be gone. America will die as we know it.

Introduction

To tell you this story, I want you to know how it came to exist and what inspired me to write it.

It wasn't too long ago. On one regular day, I was driving by myself to go to work for my brother-in-law and his son.

On my way, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my chest, and for a few minutes, I was dead. My heart stopped beating. I passed out on the wheel while my vehicle, going fifty-seven miles an hour on a cruise control crossed the other lane and crashed into a tree.

The truck was totaled—the windows were busted, the engine and other parts lay around, the doors were flung open, and the truck frame bent.

When I started to come back to my senses, I tried to wipe the blood off my face to see. I saw my busted airbag; my seat belt was broken. Blood covered the steering wheel where I hit my head, and I saw red stains on my clothes.

Then I heard a voice of a woman. She told me not to move as the truck wasn't on fire. I turned my head to look at her, but I saw a young man standing there instead. It seemed like he was from the fifties, very different appearance.

The man looked me straight in the eye but did not speak a word. He leaned toward me and wiped the blood off my face. I remembered those stains on my jeans…

Then I heard the sirens. The ambulance pulled right to the open door to my truck, and the paramedics were rushing to my aid. I turned back to the man, but he was no longer there. It was just like he vanished.

They pulled me out of the truck and tried to sit me on a snow-white sheet. I protested. I didn't want to stain it with my blood, I told them. One of them assured me that there was no blood on me and that he couldn't see one scratch on my body. We only found the blood on the steering wheel; my clothes were stainless.

While they were making sure I was all right, patting me in the ambulance, a state trooper arrived. He asked what hospital I was going to be taken to, but the paramedics told him that they couldn't find anything wrong with me, so they didn't think there was a need for me to go to one.

The state trooper made sure I was okay and asked me to come over to his car. I knew he wanted to know if I was not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol and file the report on the accident. I always had a lot of respect for our law enforcement people; it's a hard job to do. I followed him to his car.

When my nephew picked me up and brought me home, my wife insisted on bringing me to the hospital. After all the X-rays and other procedures there, they confirmed that everything was well with me.

Only a few days later, when I was at work, everybody noticed I was as white as a sheet of paper. I felt the same weird feeling that I had on the day I crashed my truck.

I had to be convinced, but they finally took me to a nearby clinic, and I was put on a heart-monitoring machine. The ambulance rushed me to the hospital shortly after, leaving the streets open for me by the police.

They put a pacemaker in me to keep my heart ticking on time.

Later, I was told that hitting that big tree off the road might have saved my life as my heart started back up with a big crash. As Jesus died on a wooden cross, my life was given back to me by hitting a tree.

I don't know if the silent man that day was an angel, a spirit, or just a human, but I know my God, Jesus Christ, was there with me. One does not hit a tree at fifty-seven miles an hour and walks away without a scratch.

This book came to me after the accident. I couldn't sleep; I couldn't think of anything else. I had this story laid down in my head, and I could barely keep up with writing it down. I hope you will enjoy it!

With love,

Johnny Emler

Chapter 1

On a bright summer morning, Joey came to live with his grandparents. Louise, Joey's grandmother, stood with a heavy heart just behind the screen door, for she knew she might not be able to hide the tears and the heartbreak when the caseworker brought him to her door.

Joey! she cried out when he stepped on the porch. He gripped the woman's hand tightly, as though he needed something or someone for a touch of security. Louise saw a frightened boy. Her grandson would need a lot of love to bring him through this ordeal. She thought of how much pain and sorrow her son and daughter-in-law had caused poor Joey.

The caseworker stood just behind him and greeted Louise.

Good morning, Mrs. Wallace. My name is Loretta Bole. I am sure you are aware that today Joey has come to live with you indefinitely as the court has granted you and Mr. Wallace full custody of the child, she said.

The grandmother welcomed Joey with a hug, and he wrapped his little thin arms around her full waist.

Joey, we love you so very much. We are glad to have you living with us! She stroked her grandson's curly black hair and looked at his face. Do you remember when I told you that you were named after your grandpa Joe? He's on the back porch fixing my rocking chair. You go on and say hello to your Papa. Joey loved his grandparents and had stayed with them a year ago, when his parents had been put in jail for drunk driving. The boy hurried to say hello to his grandpa.

Good Lord, that sweet boy has seen things no child should ever see. Why do people get involved in drugs? Louise shook her head. I begged Joey's daddy not to fool with alcohol and drugs. He wasn't taught that way. He just wouldn't listen! Sweet Jesus, please let them learn their lesson before they get out of jail. Oh, I pray they do!

It's very unfortunate… They had Joey with them and endangered his life, bringing him to a shoot-out where people got killed. It's a miracle Joey is still alive. Loretta repositioned her glasses and looked at her watch. I've got to run now. I have to be somewhere in half an hour. I will stop by from time to time to see if you might need anything and if you're doing all right. May God bless you and your family.

Do you believe in God? Louise stopped her with a question.

Yes, I do believe in God, and I couldn't do this job if I didn't have my faith. He sustains me daily. I will be praying for your family. She smiled and said, I know Joey is loved and will be cared for by you and your husband.

Please pray for us. A tear rolled down Louise's cheek.

Don't cry. Let God work this out. I will be seeing you. Tell Joey I said goodbye. She went back to Louise and gave her a hug.

The grandmother smiled and wiped her tears on her apron. I will trust in God. Thank you for your concerns and prayers.

As she walked through the house, she saw Joey helping his grandpa work on the chair.

You two hurry with the chair and wash your hands. I'm going to finish preparing our lunch. Joey, after you wash your hands, can you help me set the table? asked Louise.

Yes, Nanny.

* * * * *

When Joey walked into the kitchen, he found his grandmother by the stove.

That food smells good to a workingman! Where are the dishes?

In my pie safe, right here by the stove. You can use the Blue Willow plates and the blue glasses. She pointed to a cabinet. Did you say the food smells good to a workingman?

Yes, I'm going to be a hardworking man like Papa. He can do anything, can't he? Joey looked up to his grandmother while taking the dishes out of the pie safe.

Your grandpa is a good husband, and he does work hard, but I worry about him. He had an incident with his heart several months ago, so I try to make him slow down. It's hard to keep a good man down. That's another problem I've given over to my Savior. Now what did you and Papa talk about?

I asked him about my parents and what made them get into so much trouble. I asked if they loved me. Papa said he has prayed about it, and it's in God's hands. Papa says that's all he can do. Joey seemed disappointed.

Like I said, your grandpa is a good man. He prays, reads his Bible, and loves God. You just pray and put your parents in God's hands. You are with us now, and you are loved. Your grandfather and I will make sure you will go to church and attend school. You will have good food and warm clothes, and you will have fun, just like a boy should. You know, Joey, the Bible says there is a season for everything. Now listen, son, and you listen well! It is your season to get an education, love God, and play hard. Do not worry about your parents. Remember, just pray and put them in God's hands, preached Louise and handed Joey the blue glasses.

When Joe walked into the kitchen, he stopped by his seat and looked around the table.

Louise, did you know Saturday is Joey's birthday? What do you want for your birthday, son? he wondered.

Right now, I'll take a big piece of that. It sure smells good! said Joey as he stared at the plate full of fried chicken.

Let's sit down, pray, and eat. Then we can talk about the birthday while we eat, his grandmother suggested, and the three sat down at the round oak table.

Let's bow our heads in thanks. Kind Father, we thank you for your blessings. We thank you for bringing Joey to us. Dear Father, please help us guide him in the truth. And for this food, we give you thanks. Amen, prayed Joe, holding Louise's and Joey's hands.

During lunch, they discussed Joey's birthday and what he would like.

Papa, when you were a little boy, didn't you shine shoes? remembered Joey.

Yes, son, I did.

Then that's what I want for my birthday, a shoeshine kit.

Joey, you are only twelve years old! pointed out Louise. You can't shine shoes on the street!

You said Papa started young, so that is what I want to do, her grandson insisted.

She didn't give up. You are just too young! You need to have fun.

Well, well, Louise, if that is what Joey wants, then that's what Joey will get! A shoeshine kit! You know our friend Sam? I will ask him about it. Maybe he will let Joey set up his kit by his door. I'll see what he says and go by his barbershop after church tomorrow, decided Joe.

* * * * *

The next day at the service, Joe was surprised to spot Sam in the crowd as he had never seen him at the church before.

At the end of the service, Preacher Taylor came to greet Joey and Sam as he, too, had noticed the new members.

We are so glad to have you with us this morning. I hope you felt welcomed by our community, he said.

Sam, we sure are surprised to see you here this Sunday morning, said Joe, and glad too!

Well, I am getting older and need the peace of the Lord in my life, explained Sam. He was in his best suit and held a hat in his hand. The man looked sharp. His wife was talking to the preacher right behind him.

So true, I need him every day. Joe looked at Joey. By the way, this is my grandson, Joey. He's staying with us now, and he wants to shine shoes to make a little spending money, just like we did when we were kids.

Well, that's a dying profession, I'm afraid. I haven't seen a shoe-shining boy in a decade, noted Sam.

I am good! exclaimed Joey. I shined Papa's old shoes, and they look like brand-new again! You think I could set up my shining kit in front of your barbershop? he begged.

Joe, said Sam, laughing, I can tell he's a chip off the old block. I remember when we were young! You were ‘a gun hole' when it came to making a dollar. As for you, Joey, I'd be proud to have you all set up inside my barbershop. I can't guarantee how much money you will make, but I'm sure you'll do just fine, seeing you're so much like your grandpa.

Thank you, Mr. Sam, thank you! Joey responded excitedly and clapped his hands.

You can get started whenever you want to, boy, added Sam.

Joe was happy to see his grandson in good spirits.

Thanks. I owe you one, he told Sam.

Being your friend is all I need.

Thanks again, friend. We will see you soon, hopefully here next Sunday.

I'll be here, Sam promised him.

* * * * *

Nanny, what are you fixing for dinner? Joey was starting to feel hungry, walking around the kitchen and peeping on what his grandmother was doing.

I think I'll fix some mashed potatoes and greens with the fried chicken we ate earlier. There's so much left of it. If you want to be a worker like Papa, you must eat good, Louise told him and started to mash the potatoes.

I want to work and make big money and be a man of my own! Joey said with a serious face.

Sweet boy, put Jesus first, and all these things will be added to you. Now please go and tell your Papa dinner is almost ready, Louise asked him.

Nanny, I am going to get to bed early tonight, Joey informed her as he saw his grandfather entering the kitchen.

What did I hear? asked Joe. Get to bed early?

Papa, I've got a job now! A worker has to get his rest, Joey proudly told him.

Joe came closer to the table where Joey was sitting and revealed a box behind his back.

Happy early birthday, Joey. He handed the box and watched him open it. It was a brand-new kit for shining shoes.

Chapter 2

As the morning light was about to break upon Hillsboro, the first day of the week arrived. Joey got up with a great anticipation for his first workday.

He could hear Nanny already working in the kitchen, and the delicious smells reached his nose, calling for breakfast. With his shoeshine kit in hand, he headed to the kitchen.

Good morning, our big worker! Louise cheered.

You're up early as I expected!

I know. I am so excited about starting to make my own money, said Joey as he filled his mouth with pancakes covered in maple syrup.

Would you like Papa to walk you to work after you eat? she asked.

No, I want to be a man of my own! Joey took a piece of bacon, and it melted in his mouth.

He left the house and headed to his new work. As Joey was walking down the street, he started feeling a little nervous about his first day at work and how he was going to do. He hadn't had much experience except wiping his grandpa's old shoes.

He decided he needed to keep his head held high and suddenly felt a great feeling inside; one could call it pride. The feeling quickly overshadowed his nerves.

Sam had just opened his shop. While dusting off his clippers and glancing out the window, he saw Joey walking down the street. As he watched the boy walk with his shoeshine kit, he remembered his first day going to work and how nervous he was. Sam wondered if Joey was as nervous as he had been. He felt that he must help this boy as much as he could, to make things go as easily and smoothly as possible on his first day of work.

As Joey got closer, he saw a sign on the front of the building that read Sam's Barbershop. Impressed with the sign, Joey thought how great Sam's name looked in those lights and instantly wondered if his name would ever be on one of those boards, saying, Joey, the best shoeshine boy in town.

Good morning. I see you're here early, Sam greeted the boy after he opened the shop's door.

Yes, Mr. Sam, I want to set everything up so I can make money and be the best shoeshine boy around. Joey smiled.

As Sam was showing him how and where to set up, the first customer walked in.

Roy! You're out early this morning.

Yes, got a lot to do today, he replied. Who is this young man?

This is Joe and Louise's grandson. He's staying with them now, said Sam.

Sir, my name is Joey. I am the new shoeshine boy. Would you like your shoes to shine today, sir? Joey didn't waste any time.

Well, they are my work shoes. How much do you charge, shoeshine boy?

One dollar a shoe, sir. For a pair, it's two dollars. Joey showed him two fingers.

Sam, I think this boy is going to be an excellent businessman! I loved the way he named his prices! Roy smiled.

Sir, for just an extra dollar, I also will rub some linseed oil on your work shoes. It will make them last much longer. They will stay soft too, the boy informed his customer.

Well, I'm in quite a hurry. Can you do it while Mr. Sam cuts my hair?

Sure thing! I might be done before Mr. Sam! assured Joey, all excited.

You know, if you do a good job, I'll ask my wife to bring my Sunday shoes to you today so you can make them shine and rub them with the oil, said the man.

Yes, Mr. Roy, I sure can do it, and they will shine so good that you will be able to see yourself in them! he promised.

Thanks. I will pick them up later today after the football practice.

Are you a football coach? asked Joey.

Yes, I am an assistant coach! Mr. Adams is the head coach of the Nashville Stars. You know, we are having a big game this Sunday. The Colts are a great team, but I think we can handle them. Roy was hoping.

One day, said Joey, I want to play pro football. If I can't make it, no problem. I'll make it by working hard.

Get a good education and keep that frame of mind, and you will make it, Roy assured him.

After Joey was done shining his first customer's shoes and as Sam finished up with his hair, he stood up and thanked them both.

My shoes feel soft and look great! You have my business, and I will make sure to send customers your way. Sam, my hair looks sharp too! You both have a good day.

Yes, sir, thank you! said Joey. And he added, I really want to do good.

I believe you will. You are like your grandpa, a hard worker. Goodbye now. He put his hat on and headed through the door.

As the day was coming to an end, Joey helped Sam to clean and close the shop. He was feeling so good inside. Sam noticed Joey's mood.

Working and making money makes you feel this good every day. Yes, when you work, with the money you make, you help others and not just yourself. People don't understand that. If they did, they would love and appreciate one another more. Sam was hoping Joey would understand.

The boy didn't say anything, so he continued, I have to stop by the bank and deposit something. If you want, you can go there with me, and we can walk home together afterward. I live just past your Papa's house.

Sure, said Joey. Do you think I should deposit my money?

Yes, if you want. You can start a savings account. Margaret at the bank does that, and she can help you.

After they reached the bank, Sam introduced Joey to Margaret.

Louise and Joe are customers of ours. They are wonderful people. Nice to meet you, Joey. How can I help you today? she asked.

I have ten dollars I want to deposit, ma'am. I want to put them in my savings account, Joey proudly announced.

"Unfortunately, you are not old enough to open your own