Finding Nancy

It was late afternoon and the sun in Norfolk county Oregon spread out in a long flat line.  Mathew adjusted his glasses and thought there was not a better site in these parts. He prolonged the moment and then turned his mind to the coming days.

He was slated to be in Wash town for the opening of the First National Bank.  Being asked was a step up in the business community.  He had worked tirelessly to get ahead. His business was successful and his crown of enjoying the rise was about to bear fruit. He had built many a home for others.  Commercial sites were high on his accomplishment with industrial buildings a new adventure.  He gained his experience in building from his Father with a gift for figures and had become known for his ability to produce, deliver on time and under budget.  He let his thoughts drift as he had a good fortune and a promise of more to come. He somehow felt uneasy as something was missing.  He was not yet married.   Mathew had dated enough, enjoying the company of many ladies, but always there was something lacking. Not with them, for they were fine, just that he could not put his finger on it but he was sure it was out there somewhere.

His mother often understood more than others and asked the same questions. “Do you want to talk about it? What’s bothering you? You can’t go on this way!”  He explained to his mother there was something missing in his life and let it go at that. He never could bring himself to say much but it welled up in him so he gritted his teeth and went on. Several years went by and he was still growing and producing but with less enjoyment - still searching but for what. One day while he was away from town he came across a group of people who were having a picnic. They seemed happy and asked him to join with them.  Mathew wasn’t the least bit interested, yet he hesitated and then agreed.  He had to admit the rest of the evening was pleasant as the Baptist group awakened something within him.

He said goodbye and thanked them for a great evening and heard a lot of “God bless you and keep you safe.” He left with a peculiar feeling as something stirred in him.  Mathew had never been interested in church or religion but had to admit with this encounter there was a keen sense of feeling.  He hung on to the moment and found some satisfaction with people of such willingness to share what they had.

He never attended their church but after that experience he was more willing to appreciate people of faith. So often he found himself donating to different churches and usually to something specific they were doing. He became friends with Father Mabry from the Catholic Church and spent time with him and once attended mass, finding an appreciation for his keen intellect and kindness.

It seems after that he was exposed to several different faiths.  He was careful not to get tied to any group but was leaning toward the Seven Day Adventists. He liked their willingness  to  watch out for each other but the Saturday service wasn’t high on his list. He thought one must admit to looking over the women members and found them to be rather special.  Although they were keen on their religion, he felt no pressure to join but did have an appreciation for their faith.

While he was mulling things over he was at the local Diner one morning when he suddenly remembered he had an appointment at his office at 11:00 AM.  He quickly paid his bill and rushed around the corner, only to run into a lady. She went flying and he was pretty embarrassed.  Before he could say anything, she started to get up and said: “The least you could do is to help me up.”  He started to apologize when she laughed and said,  “Did someone steal your watch or do you run everywhere you go.”

He was red-faced by then but managed to say, “Are you hurt?”  She said:  “Just my dignity and a spot I don’t care to mention.”  She then started to laugh and said, sticking out her hand: “I’m Nancy battered but my real name is Nancy Weatherly.”  He couldn’t help it and started to laugh and so did she. They began to talk.  Mathew found out she was visiting her friend who lived a short distance away and had stopped for a bite to eat before she drove the last thirty miles.  He took a chance and asked her if she would mind if he could see her again. She hesitated, and he said, “By the way, I’m Mathew Young.   “I could introduce you to several people who know me here and take you to my office and introduce you to my secretary. What do you think?”  She replied, “You have already knocked me down and I got up.  Perhaps I can take another chance.” They both laughed and headed for his office. He introduced her to his secretary, Mary.   Mary said his client was waiting in his office. Jack was an old friend of Mathew who explained to him that he had just met Nancy and would he mind concluding our business. His friend replied, “Nancy is it?  I suppose I’m going to be brushed aside for a girl.”  He laughed and said we could catch up later.  Mathew introduced Jack to Nancy and they had a few pleasantries with Jack concluding:  “Glad to have met you, Nancy. Mathew is a little clumsy so I imagine he tripped over your foot or something like that.”  He then winked at Mathew and started to laugh on his way out.

Nancy said:  “Do you meet many girls with that routine?”  Mathew said:   “Honest to God, Nancy, you’re the first one.”  Nancy decided to hang around with Mathew for a while and used his phone to call her friend to say she would be a little late.

He watched her as she made the call and for the first time got a measure of her.  She was about five foot eight with a smile that drew you in plus a pleasant voice, big blue eyes, and naturally curly hair. Nancy had an attractive figure and a way of talking straight at you. She had an accent that suggested she wasn’t from the United States. Mathew asked her if she would care to see some of the buildings and houses he had built and she readily agreed. Being curious, Mathew commented to Nancy that she had an English accent.  In the course of their conversation she had mentioned she was born in Washington State and was visiting Oregon to see a close friend. She went on to explain she had just completed an 18 month mission to England and had picked up a bit of an accent. Mathew was surprised and said: “Mission?  What kind of a mission?”

She explained she was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons.  She had been home three months, and then spoke at length about her mission.  Nancy explained she went on her mission when she was 21 years old and now, having completed her mission, was 23 years old.  She went on to explain she was about to head to Brigham Young University to complete her education.  Mathew looked at her and just off of the top of his head said: “I’m impressed that you have such faith in your religion. I would like to learn more.” She then quietly said:  “I would like to help in any way I can, Mathew, but there are two and a half hours travel time between us. Will you be able to find the time it takes to learn more?” He assured her he would make time and then the conversation turned to him. She was amazed that at age 29 he had accomplished so much also. His contracting company was started after he completed a degree in business and now he told her about his relationship with religion and said almost with a whisper he was anxious to learn about this religion of hers.

So it began, and their visits came more frequent as their relationship eased into something more than friendship. Mathew was a quick learner and spent a lot of his time researching the religion.  In a quick fashion, he had a handle on the truth as he worked with Nancy and the missionaries and set a date for baptism. Nancy was elated.   Finally a month after Mathews baptism, he called her and said he was coming up for the week end and wanted to meet Nancy’s parents.  He asked Nancy if he could meet with her ahead of time, to which she agreed. He picked her up at her parents’ home and then, after a brief hello, they left to a nearby park. Sitting there, Mathew looked at Nancy and asked her if she was comfortable with him. She seemed surprised and even more surprised when he said:  “I now have a religion and it completes part of me and the other part is you.  I never knew I would grow to love someone the way I love you. Your being has engulfed mine and I scarcely can breathe at times for the sure love I have for you.”   He then took a ring and asked her to marry him. Their glistening eyes met at that moment as she put her arms around him and said, “You are the dearest thing to me also. I am filled up with love for you and yes, I will marry you.”  After a moment Nancy said:  “I am so happy Mathew. Now, let’s go tell Mom and dad, then let’s phone your parents and tell them we will be up to see them in the next day or two.  One other thing, Mathew, is this.  This is the second time you have knocked me over and what a punch, but this time I knew it was coming!”

Joyously

Joyously, that was her name. She exclaimed that her father said she was such a happy child and although others called her Joy, not her dad.  He said emphatically: “Joyously” and with a sense of pride. She was Joyously to him as she filled up his life since his wife died giving birth. He explained as if talking to someone that he had been father, mother and friend to Joyously and now she was suddenly grown up with a list of friends a yard long.  The hope of life was welling up in her.

I met her quite by accident when I went to a fourth of July celebration in a small city. She was responsible for the fair they were holding and she was as a busy as a bee on a bonnet of flowers. I came into the picture quite by accident.  I had been sent by my company to deliver a new collapsible stage and help with the installation and tear down. Since Joyously was the fair director we worked closely to see that all was in readiness. From the start she was full of sunshine. Her education was impressive for she knew a lot about everything and spoke as if she had been born to lead.

The fair was soon over and through our association I found out she was 25 years old with a degree in Business administration and was CEO of a small company called “Bend in the River Manufacturing.”  I came to find out she was a movie buff and took the name from a movie called Bend in the River with Jimmie Stewart. I found enough about her that I knew I wanted to see her again. I lived in Seattle so that meant I had a couple of hours of travel. I brushed that aside if I wanted to see her again. She was so popular that I wondered why she wasn’t married. I had a business degree but didn’t have nearly the list of accomplishments as Joyously.

 As you can guess, I was intimidated by her accomplishments but her warm personality kept me at ease. I reached for the phone, called her office, and reached her secretary. It took a few minutes as the secretary asked my name to which I replied: “Sam Corker.” The secretary said, “One moment, Sir, I will tell her who is on the line. Sir, Miss Russel will be right with you.” A minute later Joyously said, “Hello Sam, so nice to hear from you. How can I help you?”

 I broke out in a cold sweat, realizing what I was about to say. I took a deep breath and   began talking about having enjoyed her company over the weekend and told her I would like to see her again. There was a pause and then she said, “That would be alright.” We worked out a time; I would pick her up at her  home.  Then I asked if she liked Roger Whitaker, to which she replied, “Very much so.” I had purchased two tickets sometime back for a live performance in Seattle. Well, I got off the phone, visibly shaken, but in a very happy way. It was summer and we would have a two hour drive since the performance was at 7 PM, we needed to leave by 5PM that Saturday.

I picked her up and we had a conversation which can be best said to be pleasing. It began with a few words: “Hi Sam, I’m looking forward to being with you.”

We traded stories about our youth and just got to know each other. On the way home I commented that Roger Whitaker sure has a pleasant voice and his concert left me wanting more. She replied she felt the same way and said, “I can’t remember enjoying a concert more than tonight.”

So that is how it all it all started and it wasn’t long before we were getting as thick as thieves. I had a happy personality and I played the piano by ear.  Often I would play for her and we would both sing a song called “I’ll be seeing you.” One time while we visited I looked over at her as I played a medley of songs and, before I knew it I just blurted out: “I know you as good as if we were best pals since birth. I know you with your deep blue eyes and funny nose. I know you with your entire five foot eight beautiful figure and your velvet voice and a laugh that makes me laugh at myself and seal your lips with a kiss and  saying I love you doesn’t seem to be enough but the only other way I can say it is: “Do you love me enough to marry me?” Joyously looked up at me with her happy face and said, “I have waited a long time for you and your wonderful smile and patient way of approaching things. Yes, I’ll marry you any day of the week and twice on Sunday.” That’s all I needed and kept talking until she told me: “Be still and kiss me.”

We were married six months later.  By then I had met her dad, Martin, who was filled with happy thoughts for his daughter and welcomed me like a long lost friend, making me feel so special. He had never remarried, saying he was a one woman man. My family was also as happy for me and welcomed Joyously with such enthusiasm. I had two sisters and my parents. I could not have been happier.

 Time passed and we had two children, Todd and Helen, who was, and you guessed it, another little Joyously. They were seven and five now, clapping and shouting when their mom said, “Let’s give dad a birthday present. What shall we get him? Several presents were picked out but the one that melted my heart was this: the two of them each drew a picture with this wording on the drawing. “Dad, mom loves you and we love you but we love you best and mom loves you most.”  By then, I was working with Joyously full time and liking the arrangement, completely at ease with my wife being the CEO and I one of her assistants.

I could stop right here and cry out about our complete love and family but then things changed.

A drunk driver in a late model pickup hit my wife’s car head on when he was driving 70 miles an hour in a thirty mile Zone.  I was told it was over quickly for the kids but Joyously whispered to a passenger going by who saw the whole thing: “Tell Sam we love him” and then died.

I got there an hour later when it was all over. My brain exploded with pain and my grief knew no bounds. I couldn’t move for the weight of it all. I sank to my knees, buried my head in my hands, and cried out in anguish. There was not enough room in the universe to squelch my loss nor was there any relief from the pain of separation. Later I was told that I had cried out: “There is no place to hide my grief, the quick sand has taken over, and I am sinking rapidly.”

The funeral was held and I was numb with it all. Joyously’s dad, Martin, was in no better shape. Mom and dad sat quietly weeping. The chapel was filled and hundreds waited outside. I can’t remember what was said; only that it was a large gathering.

 Time passed and I had kept my wife’s company together. I had thrown myself into my work but God had taken a distant path in my life. Martin had become my closest friend and we were there for each other. Believe me, there were times when we both just sat staring into the blue. We had both lost a wife and family.  Martin one time looked me in the eye and said: “A man can only stand so much punishment.” During one of those times there was a knock on the door when my wife’s dad was visiting with me. Two missionaries from the Mormon Church had dropped by.  I told them I was not interested in a God who left such misery in his wake. They looked puzzled and one of them asked what had happened. I said I did not want to talk about it. Then I changed my mind and told them I had lost my family in a car accident.  One of the Elders had tears in his eyes when he said:  “What if you could see them again in the next life? Would that make a difference?”

I looked at them skeptically and said, “How could it be true?” I stopped them there and they quickly introduced themselves as Elder Borden and Elder White. They explained their mission and ask if I would allow them to explain more. Martin looked at me and said, “Let them in.”

 The Elders explained that they would first talk about where we came from, why we are here, and where we go after we leave this probation. The pre-existence was explained and how we have earthly bodies when we come to this earth. We all die and our earthly bodies are buried and become the way of the earth. But what of the spirit which returns unto God who gave it? Martin sat back in his chair and remarked, “That explains it.” “Explains what?” I asked.

“Why I have not lost my child; I have found her.” Martin went on to say, “I know enough about the New Testament that when Jesus returned, the Apostles were frightened and supposed they had seen a spirit but Christ corrected them saying: “Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”  Not being familiar with the Bible, I asked the Elders: “Does that mean that He looks like he did on earth?”  “Yes,” they said, “but he has a spirit body.”

 Much was talked about and explained. Elder White explained an unembodied spirit is one that has not yet taken itself a body. An embodied spirit is one dwelling in the flesh. A disembodied spirit is one that has passed through this this stage of existence and has laid its body down in the grave to be finally taken up and again, uniting spirit and body. Those of the righteous never to be separated again. “Whoa” I said. “Do I understand correctly we lived with God before we came here?” “Yes,” Elder White said. “The word of the Lord to Jeremiah; “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Jeremiah had proven himself in the pre-existence. Yet he still had freedom of choice. What followed led to many discussions while the Elders explained to us how our faith would insure in us the knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God and man can return to the Father.

The Elders visited us each Saturday for a month. Martin could hardly wait. In time, Salvation for the dead was explained to us.  Martin and I sat there, stunned by what we had heard and now believed. I looked at the Elders and said: “You have told me that I will see my beloved family again.” Martin joined in and said: “I can scarce believe my ears!” He grabbed the Elders and shook their hands, then turned and hugged me. Elder Borden suggested we have a prayer and asked me to give it. I hesitated, then, with the Elders’ assurance they would help if it was needed, I began:

“Heavenly Father, we have come to ask Thee for Thy blessing as Martin and I set a date for baptism. We are overjoyed that we will see our loved ones again. We are so pleased that Thou sent the Elders to us. Their special spirit has kindled our faith and brought us to tears, knowing we will soon be members of Thy church.  Please let Joyously, Helen, and Todd know we miss them and we will now begin to really heal knowing they’re with you. We love Thee and ask Thy blessings to be with us. Father, somehow this cock-eyed world has righted itself. Martin has his daughter back and I will see Joyously, Helen, and Todd once more. All Heaven has landed on us and we are able to lift the load and see so clearly that eternity is not just a slogan but a measure of Thy love.  Amen.”