Page 3 of Sean
“Won’t be a problem.”Sean would cross the bridge of telling his parents that he’d given up his youth ministry six months ago if and when necessity dictated.For now, getting away from the memories was what mattered.“I’ll get a plan together over the next couple of days and call you.I love you.”
***
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1st, Garfield, OK
Monica Jenson leaned over the diagram on her computer and highlighted two more spaces.Ten down, twenty to go.Planning an event this size in less than a month was a stretch, but she could make it work.Shewouldmake it work.When her phone rang, she reached for it absently.
“Hello.”
“Monica, this is Sherry Hascal.I got your reminder text about nursery this Sunday.I hate to do this to you, but Richy has the flu.”
Monica closed her eyes and tried to hide the frustration that whispered through her lips.She wasn’t sure she did a very good job.She minimized the diagram and opened the spreadsheet containing the church nursery/toddler schedule.“Not a problem.I can get the spot covered.”
“Thanks.You’re the best.”
“You take care of Richy.I’ll say a prayer for both of you.”Monica swiped the call closed and studied her list of volunteers.Who could she juggle into Sunday’s spot?
Ten minutes later, she threw up her hands in surrender.Who was she kidding?If she juggled one she’d end up juggling twelve.She’d do it herself.That way, no one would be inconvenienced—except her.
Others first, right?That was what her dad always said, and she did her best to live by it.
Decision made, she closed the nursery schedule and opened the grocery/volunteer list for the women’s lunch at church.She planned to shop for the monthly event tomorrow.
Monica gave the list a thorough review.This was her third time to oversee the project, and she was determined that it would go better than last month when she’d forgotten to buy the French bread for the garlic toast.She rubbed her temples.What a mess.
Seeing the list reminded her that she still needed five people to sign up to bring desserts for Sunday’s meal.She retrieved her phone and typed up a quick group text, thankful that she only had to organize the event, not cook for it.
Organizing was what she did best.Daddy had always appreciated that about her.He’d never loved her more than when she was putting the needs of others ahead of herself.He’d been gone for five years, and she was still trying to make him proud.It wasn’t only her work and church responsibilities that kept her attention occupied.The holidays were always full of volunteer events that drew her in.When it came to serving others, she couldn’t help herself.This year she was involved with two toy drives along with being on the planning committee for Garfield’s Christmas parade.Well, she’d been on the planning committee until she’d forgotten to find a Santa.The committee had politely assigned that job to someone with fewer irons in the fire.
Her ringtone sounded again.Monica glanced at the screen, then gasped.
Hailey Osborn, events coordinator for Matthew Wright.Excitement revved her insides like an OU Sooners fan at the fifty-yard line.Hailey was a friend of Monica’s, and they spoke often, but this might be the call she’d been waiting on for a couple of weeks.
She connected the call.“Hey, Hailey.Please tell me he said yes.”
“Well, hello to you too.”There was barely concealed laughter in Hailey’s voice.
Monica’s groan was wholly internal.She’d met Hailey a few years ago when the older woman had spoken to one of Monica’s college classes.Something had clicked between the two women, and they’d been friends ever since.
“Sorry.”Monica sat back in her chair, ready for a cozy chat.“I’m peachy.How are things in the great state of Arizona?”
“Dry and hot,” Hailey responded.“The weatherman, bless his vile heart, is calling for more of the same.I’m leaving for a week’s vacation bright and early in the morning.By this time tomorrow, I’ll be dipping my toes in the warm, turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean.”
“That sounds amazing.Please don’t take this the wrong way but I think I hate you.”
“Come with me!I’ll bet you could do with a few days by the water.”
“Don’t tempt me.I was just thinking about all I have to do in the next few weeks.But I hope you have a good time.Did you call to torment me?”
“As a matter of fact, no.I didn’t want to leave you hanging while I was gone.I’ve got good news and maybe better news.”
Monica’s breath caught.Not just a social call then, but the answer she’d been waiting for.“Don’t keep me in suspense.”
“We have an offer for you.Matthew would love to speak to the Veterans at your January event.He’s agreed to work with you for half the fee he normally gets for a one-day event.Five thousand dollars.”
Five thousand dollars?
As Operations and Activities Director for the Chad Wheeler Veterans Center, this was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up, but the fee was still steep.Kate and Nicolas Black, the center’s owners, had already signed off on her plans.They’d given her a sizable personal check to apply to the speaker’s fee.Even with their check and the center’s activity fund, she was still three thousand dollars short.
