Back
in the living room Brad is mentally recalling the events of the day. Today, Mr.
Brown in the Department store had put out a set of 14k gold handbells - the most
expensive item in the store. A customer remarked to his wife, "The cost of
Christmas is way too high; Christmas is suppose to be for children, but here,
look - $3,500.00 and what use are bells?" Brad "kind of" agreed without showing
his feelings. The bells had been put out on the shelf for the past 20 Christmas
seasons. Rosa too once expressed the thought: "What a waste sitting in a store
when they could be used in a church," but no one ever bought them. Would they
sell this year? There would be a $350.00 commission if Brad or Rosa sold the
set.
"In the name of Jesus, Amen." At the supper table holiday music from the
radio provided a pleasant background. "Disney Time" is going to be good
tonight," said Chris cheerfully. "Wild Jungle" will have 'gators Sunday," said
Brad. "The Mary Morgan Special is on tonight at 9 after Disney," added Rosa.
Soon everyone was gathered in front of the tv - it was a family activity that
drew the Jackson's close together. They also had their own interests. Brad spent
hours at his radio equipment; he was in radio communications in the Navy. Tom
spent alot of time drawing blueprints; he loved carpentry and architecture.
Barbara Ann loves reading History books; her ambition is to teach school. And
Chris loves playing sports. Rosa would withdraw quietly when she could to the
attic and paint pictures that would sell for about $30.00 at a local art store.
But even with all their separate interest - the tv would bring the Jacksons
together.
However, an incident flared up at 9 P.M. Tom asked if he could
take the family station wagon and go over to George's house for an hour. "You
know you you're restricted for another day, Tom," Brad answered. Tom was
grounded for falling down on his report card this time. Perhaps everyone was
tired, or whatever, but a breaking point was reached. "Only one hour, Dad." --
"No." -- "Christian love?!" -- "Now quiet, calm down son!" But soon Tom was
jumping up and down...""I'm tired of Barbara; I'm tired of Chris; I'm tired of
school; I'm tired of everyone; I'm tired of this stinking town!" -- "Sit down
son!" -- "I don't have to obey a dictator!" Rosa quickly stepped in, "My word,
what a horrid thing to say; you need to apologize right now; not one of us knows
if we will be alive tomorrow; you need to be careful what you say; you will
regret being rebellious." Tom cooled off some, "Alright, just forget what all I
said; I'll stay here tonight." Rosa continued, "You are our responsibility and
you need to obey us. We can't let you do everything you want." Barbara Ann made
a face as Tom walked pass her out of the room. "Mother, What's wrong with Tom?
He ransacked my room Tuesday and now tonight with you - maybe Daddy should talk
with John Turner and see if he can find Tom some work to do in his shop. I think
Tom needs to feel more useful and needed."
Although Santa Claus came and
Christmas cheer rang throughout the Jackson's household, it didn't last, for two
days before the new year Tom left home and disappeared. The tree was still up
and many friends were still making holiday visits. A note was found in Tom's
room that read, "Dear Mother, Daddy, Barbara Ann, and Chris, I'm old enough to
know what I have to do. I hope you will understand. Please don't worry about me.
Love, Tom." Brad and Rosa were heartbroken, and finally they sought the comfort
of their minister. Dr. William Underwood very wisely involved the whole Jackson
family in church activities to get their spirits renewed.
A real bright time
after the darkness of winter came in May. Barbara Ann was married by Dr.
Underwood in Trinity Luthern Church. It was a Spring wedding with violets and
yellow roses. Barbara Ann had met Charles at a Sunday School party back in June,
and fell head over heels in love with him at first sight. Everything was
beautiful, the flower girls, the reception, the showers, the diamond ring, and
the honeymoon.
**center**
