Joseph's Visitor

* * * * * *

Joseph stood and stared blankly out the front window.  He couldn't
decide who he was more angry at, himself or Catherine. 
Catherine was the only one who could have helped Shane, and
she wasn't even there to do it. She was his mother for God's sake.
Joseph found himself screaming at her in his thoughts. 
How could things turn out so wrong for them? How could
she turn out so wrong for him?  She was supposed to take care
of their children, and she had failed.  Now Shane was gone,
gone forever. Of course, I'm mad.  He would still be here!
Joseph pushed the angry thoughts from his mind and started
back upstairs to return to bed.

As he turned the corner on the landing, he thought he heard a
knock on the door.  He wasn't sure, but that had to be what he
heard, no one else was home. He peeked through the side
window and saw an old lady dressed in the
typical "bum" fashions.

Good God he thought.  Why can't these people go somewhere else?

When he opened the door, he heard something that sounded like
Shane calling. An eerie feeling ran over him.  "What do you want?
I don't have any money to give you."

"Well, sir, I don't want your money.  I was wondering if you might
have a few table scraps you were going to throw away, sir?"

"You've got to be kidding, lady? Can't you go to the shelter
down the road? They feed you, don't they?"

"They don't have any room today.  Are you sure you
can't spare something?

"No can do.  Good day, lady."

Joseph stepped backward to close the door, and again he heard a
voice that sounded just like Shane.  He was getting
nervous now and wished  he lady would just leave
and let him go back to sleep.

"Sir, if you please?"

"Yes, what is it?" He opened the door again.

"Could I take just a minute to get warm?  Only a minute?"

"Listen, lady, no you can't.  Good luck and good day."

Joseph slammed the door and headed toward his bedroom; annoyed
at the interruption.  Can't take a hint, even when you say no!
What's wrong with these people?.

"Please help me!?!" He heard the lady scream from outside.  
A chill came over him when he heard the lady crying.  He ran down
the stairs and looked through the front window. The lady and her
funny bag were lying face down in the snow.

"Good Lord!" Joseph ran out into the snow in his bare feet toward her.

"Are you all right?  Are you hurt?  Say something!   Are you okay?"

"Yes, I think so." She groaned as Joseph helped her to her feet.

All this nonsense was really getting on his nerves. "Can you make
it back home?" knowing quite well she didn't have one.

"Yes, sir, I think I can.  Thank you for helping me.  You are very
kind to come out in the cold and offer your assistance.
Your son IS very proud of you."

The words made him cringe.
"What did you say?"

"I said your son is proud of you for helping me."

Joseph's heart ached with pain and embarrassment..  Suddenly
he realized his arrogance, his lack of compassion - not only for
this lady, but for the world, and more importantly, for his own family.
  No, Shane would not be  proud of his Dad.
He would be quite ashamed.

"Listen, do you think you might have time to come in for a minute?
I could find something for you to eat. I know my wife
keeps leftovers in the refrigerator."

"I'm sure Catherine is a wonderful cook." She spoke slowly with what
seemed like much effort.

Joseph was in amazement.  He could feel his stomach quivering.
(Abby always said it was like frogs jumping rope in your tummy.) 
What am I so excited about?
Or am I afraid, or is it both?  What is wrong with me?

"Do we know you?  Do you know my wife?  Maybe from church
or something?" Joseph filled her plate with more leftover
chicken and biscuits.

"No, I came here just yesterday.  My husband died and I
had to leave home."

"Why did you come here?  Why this house? 
There are twenty, why this one?"

"Well, I met a young man in town yesterday. I believe his name
was Shon.  No, actually it was Shane. Well, he told me if I came here
that you and your wife would not turn me away.  He said that he knew
you would help me and feed me."

Joseph stared in disbelief.  How could this be possible?  Had
she really talked to their son? No, it was impossible! 
Things like this just didn't happen.....
Or did they?

"And he said to tell he was very proud of you."

Joseph's heart leapt with joy!

"Thank you, oh thank you!  You don't know what you've given me. 
What a wonderful Christmas gift you've brought to me and this
home!"  Joseph showed the woman to the front door and
helped her with her coat.  As she left, he gave her a
kiss on her round, weathered cheek.

"No, sir, you've helped me.  Thank you, sir.  And I know that if your
son were still alive, he would be very proud. I just know it."
And she shut the door.

"Wait a minute!  How did you know............?"

Joseph jerked the door open to find an empty
stoop. He ran out the door and couldn't find the bag lady anywhere.
WHERE DID SHE GO?!!!

He couldn't explain any of it. Maybe it was a dream, maybe it wasn't.
No, it wasn't a dream, was it? He was so confused, but it felt great!

Joseph Turner was filled with so much excitement that he could hardly
contain himself. He knew he had much to do to redeem himself. 
How could Catherine or Abby ever forgive him for the way
he had treated them for so long? He had to do  something special. 
He had to say he was sorry.

Joseph's eyes began to sparkle and the "frogs began to jump rope"
again in his tummy as his mind started working on the needed
apology.  He would make this a Christmas to remember.