HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER EIGHTIt was a coo...

HOPE: HOPE
By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER EIGHT


It was a coo...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER EIGHT It was a cool but bright spring day when Ayleen and her twin children officially, by their agreement also...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER EIGHT

It was a cool but bright spring day when Ayleen and her twin children officially, by their agreement also, legally became the Carter family. A great crowd witnessed the ceremony, the Reillys in pride of place, Bridie dressed in her best of cream green top and matching trousers. Declan kept fiddling with his collar and tie and, mirroring him was Tom. They looked uncomfortable.

Tom had gradually come to be at peace about Hope. At Steve's funeral, which few attended, except family and none of his "mates," the boy has seen Hope's stricken face and had been moved to pity. He remembered also the reflection in the mirror, and knew God had reminded him that, deep in his heart and mind, Tom knew his twin. 

Hope was overjoyed to find the brother of whom she still had memories. Less certain was being reconciled with a mother who had abandoned her.

But she needed a mother and grew over the months to gradually accept her. 

The ceremony to unite the three as family also included (as well as the Reillys), Jean Lewis, Neville and Leaf and their children. Maya was very happy, as the Carters were coming to live not far away!

Ayleen had said a warm goodbye to her kind neighbours, Jason and his mother, Sonja. When her former residence sold, Ayleen should have enough money to be at home with the twins for a couple of weeks. Neville had offered her a job with his firm.

Tom had already found some friends his own age, and little Wes was delighted to have a big brother even though they were not related.

The Bible verse chosen for the ceremony was Jeremiah chapter 29 and verse 11. The minister explained the meaning clearly and Tom liked the message, though God was still as yet unclear to him.

This verse is as relevant today as it was when written and applies to all who long for Jesus to be part of their lives. It is "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

"That man said He is giving us Hope," whispered Wes in a clear voice, "but we've already got her!!" 

There were murmured chuckles and the minister smiled, "Yes," he stated, " Hope has been given back to her family and now she really has a hope and a future.

But, young man, those words are for you too. Soon you will be seven and God means for you to grow up with Jesus as well as with your family." 

Seeing the little boy open his mouth to say something else, the minister hastened to add that the message was also for Tom, his mother, the dear Reillys who had always been "grandparents" to Hope, and all those present.

And, thought Ayleen, because Steve called to Jesus at the end of his life, they probably applied to him too.

THE END

Coming Soon: THE SHOUT OF A KING

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER SEVEN(Continued)...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER SEVEN(Continued)


...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER SEVEN (Continued) Steve opened his eyes. Looking down, he saw something sticking in his arm. Confused, he gazed...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER SEVEN

(Continued)

Steve opened his eyes. Looking down, he saw something sticking in his arm. Confused, he gazed up and around as best he could.

His head would not turn very well. As he tried to move, he began to be very afraid - his arm and leg on one side would not move and his face felt funny. Help me, he thought, but the sound did not go from his mouth. Panic engulfed him, then a nurse moved into his field of vision.

Quietly she called him by name and explained where he was and why. His eyes closed, shutting in the fear. Oh God, he felt he said, but again could hear no sound of his voice, only machines beeping. "Toilet," he tried to gasp, and heard a groan.

Next time he opened his eyes he saw his daughter crying with those people with her. What were the names? Hope was one. His mind cleared a little.

Then sorrow engulfed him and finally reality. Making a huge effort, he managed a word that had not passed his lips very often at all. "So-so-Sorry!" His eyes pleaded for forgiveness and understanding. Hope smiled a little. The others looked worried. Again Steve slept.

Days and nights blurred into dimness . They faded and fled. Steve drifted and slept. Vaguely he was aware of moving forms and voices. He felt his daughter once pick up his good hand, and he squeezed as hard as he could so he could reassure her, and half-smiled to feel an answering squeeze.

Tears oozed between his eyelids. Then he opened his eyes and blinked. Steve knew he was dreaming.

It was his wife, Ayleen, with a boy the image of Hope. He tried to say their names: "Ay....Tommm."

Rallying, he tried his very best and managed to say "Forgive." He fell back with the effort and as everything faded, he saw an awesome Presence, literally awe-some. The last word Steve said in this life was a clear "Jesus."

As he drifted away, smiling, he heard his wife call "Forgive me, Steve," and he did.

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER SEVEN(Continued)...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER SEVEN(Continued)


...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER SEVEN (Continued) Hope imagined it was her own fault about her dad. She had not got his tea ready in time so he...

HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER SEVEN

(Continued)

Hope imagined it was her own fault about her dad. She had not got his tea ready in time so he had drunk too much, she reasoned. How bad was he? Could she visit?

Bridie came bustling in to help her, towing Declan in her wake. Hope noticed her lovely new shoes. They had saved up for a long time. She was realising how much they also did for her, to help her life be more bearable.

Without them, the loneliness would have overwhelmed her. Yes, Hope had Maya and her family now, but the Reillys were like grandparents to her. Grand, she thought and smiled, despite her sadness.

"Will dad be alright? No-one has been to tell me and I want to go and see him. Can you come with me? Please, can you?"

Bridie thought the girl looked quite poorly and her heart went out to her, as it so often did. "My dear, we will take you to see your father. Smokey is locked in the house with food and a litter tray and she will be happy and safe. Get your coat and let's be away."

"Come on, wife. Sure, Hope does not need to know about the cat. We'll miss the bus." And they hurried as fast as Bridie was able.

At the hospital, Declan explained exactly who they were. Eyebrows were raised, voices decided it was not proper to visit. Declan waved all that aside as politely as a tidal wave, found out where Steve was and went. He was never unpleasant or rude. He just had every confidence and event would happen and it did.

They admired him as a foreman at the factory very much, though his pay did not reflect this. Perhaps, one day!

HOPE: HOPEBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER SIX(Continued)...

HOPE: HOPE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER SIX(Continued)



...: HOPE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER SIX (Continued) Ayleen agreed. Her wrist was too sore for her to escape to her job. She had to stop running. He...