Chapter 3

“We are not home yet….keep on lookin’ ahead, let your heart not forget we are not home yet, not home yet….” Still singing at the top of my lungs after all these years. Well, at least I know that the customers won’t hear me. It is good to be in this place and like Ian was saying earlier to have somewhere to rest my head at the end of the day.

Boy do I appreciate these ceiling to almost the floor windows with so much natural light, however, cleaning them is not the easiest task. Murdoch has spoiled me. He does a much better job than I do, hopefully I can do it well enough that he will have this week off from the task, plus this is a good way to think about my current assignment. Dagney will be here through May, Greg is going after another job that may change his status, so that leaves Jonathan and David. I can commit to driving through the end of May and then reevaluate or perhaps something else will come up.

It gives me great pleasure to be in this New England city. To see the new architecture blend in with the old is a delight to the eyes. Some people here complain about the planning committee but they do a great job at maintaining the integrity of an old mill town like Lowell. This old warehouse of ours converted into living space up here and 3 stores downstairs is just what I dreamed it would be and more. Thank you Lord.

The kitchen is made for me to have plenty of space for at least 3 cooks, so that when we have a gang to feed those who offer to help are handed an apron and we start working together. It usually means that I will put on a set list if I crank the music we sing and if I keep it low we chat. It was such a treat to work with the architect and let him know everything that I wanted that was within our budget. So many little details that were a personal touch, like the built in stereo system which actually is throughout our apartments here with the main controls in the kitchen and then speaker control in each room.

It is getting close to lunchtime. I think I will make a chef’s salad and put out water to drink and turn on Kenny G for background music. I am so glad that Greg will be joining us, he is such a deep soul who wants the abundant life. Hopefully, he and Ian will be able to spend some more time together this winter. Perhaps Ian and Murdoch will take him ice fishing. (Nothing like fresh fish to cook over an open gas flame, another special in my kitchen)

The phone rings and announces, “Reality Café”

“Hello,” I love this voice activated system that enable to be hands free.

“Fiona,”

“Hi Honey”

“May we come up?”

“yes everything’s ready for lunch.”

“We’ll be right there.”

“OK”

“Mrs. B I didn’t know you liked Kenny G.”

“Yes, and Ian here is kind enough to tolerate him.”

“I actually like some of his songs.”

“I played sax in high school. I still love the instrument. In fact, I still have my tenor sax with me. I haven’t played in years but I have kept it.”

“Warm up your whistle and we would love to hear you play sometime soon.”

“I don’t know Mrs. B, I’m not sure about that.”

“Think about it.”

“OK, I will.”

“Honey, everything looks great as usual. Shall we have a seat.”

The three friends sit down at the table in the natural lighting provided by these gorgeous windows. Ian prays and they dig in.

“Fiona, how would you feel about hiring Greg to work in the shop?”

“Greg, are you sure you are interested? You have a great job and it would be a significant pay cut.”

“Greg’s 2 o’clock appointment is with you.”

“Wow….I had no idea.”

“Well, when Greg inquired last week, I knew you would be concerned about his being able to afford to work here and those external and motherly type things. So I thought that I would have a chat with Greg first. Since, you do all of the interviewing, I wanted Greg to be sure that he could swing it and that he was ready for relaxing.” Ian said to Fiona with that twinkle in his eye. “When I saw that you probably did not have to go into town today, I called Greg and told him today would be good since he was waiting to hear back from me. Oh, and by the way, I called Zuri and she said she would catch the train this morning.”

“Thank God you called her. When Joy came in and I was able to have coffee with her, I was truly living in the moment and enjoying our brief time together. Thank you my love.” (after all these years he is still watching out for my best interests I thought to myself, not needing to say it out loud since Greg already has Ian pegged on that one)

“I know that you like to interview after lunch so that’s why I set the time for 2 o’clock and I was glad to help out in this way, so that you would be able to just do the interview and not have these concerns. And by the way Fiona you didn’t answer my question, How do you feel about Greg coming to work with us?”

“Oh, Greg, I would love for you to be working with us. Do you know who you are coming to work for?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Oh Greg, I am so glad and this old man has been keeping this from me. Greg, you have been keeping this from me.”

“Well, I didn’t want to make Dagney, Jonathan and David feel uncomfortable. You have always been very discerning and have weeded the garden that my mother planted in my heart the first 12 years of my life and has watered with her tears and prayers for the last 16. She so much wants to meet you. I told her all about you and Mr. Blair, Ian. (by this time the tears rolled down my cheeks) My work is not satisfying to my soul and leaves me wanting everyday. I would just work here for 6 months or so, until I discover what it is that God wants me to do.”

“Even though, I have no doubt about hiring you, I would still love to meet with you for the interview. I think you will enjoy it as much as I do. I promise that it will be unlike any interview that you have ever had.”

“I would be delighted. Mrs. B (I gave him the look), Fiona, how can I ever thank you for everything you have done for me?”

“First, it is not me that you ought to be thanking but the One who sent you to me. And secondly, anything I have done for you, I have done for our Father.”

“Amen,” said Ian.

Finishing their lunch together, Greg asked if it would be ok to end their meal together in prayer. Of course, Ian and I would be pleased for him to do so.

“Father, thank you so much for Fiona and Ian and answering my mother’s many prayers. Help me to be all that you have intended for me to be and giving me an opportunity to work for you and along side these gracious people. In Your Name Amen.”

I cleared the table while Greg and Ian went downstairs to relieve Murdoch and Phoebe. Singing (I imagined with the angels) that one of the wondering lambs has been brought back into the fold. Oh, I too look forward to meeting Greg’s mum. Here I am crying again, I better stop or BB will know and then she’ll say, “Happy tears Mum?” then I’ll start all over again. A mother’s heart, once you have it, it’s for life. The grace of God has been so abundant in our life that I can’t imagine having it broken the way Greg’s mum’s must have. Then again, it is the very same grace of God that carries broken hearts so people can still keep on the pilgrim path.

“Mum is there anything I can do before I wash up for lunch?”

“Not a thing, my love. Wash up and come sit down.”

Murdoch comes up behind me and kisses me on the top of my head. “Thanks Mum.”

“For what?”

“Washing the windows, they look great.”

“No thank you. It is a tough job. Perhaps because of my being vertically challenged. The top is hard for me. I have to use the ladder and I don’t like having a ladder that close to the window.”

“From now on leave it to me. I don’t want you calling me from your cell phone, ‘Doc, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up’ The three of us laugh and laugh.

“OK you two have your lunch. Phoebe, I can’t believe you will be leaving in 3 weeks.”

“Mom, it has been so good to be back here with all of you, I just wish that I could have seen Bess a little bit more. I did however get what I came for, spiritual nourishment, serving along side my family and being refreshed before going on location. You do have Neo on the calendar after the shoot, right?”

“Yes we will be ready for him, right, Doc?”

“It will be good to have him around, how long will he be staying?”

“I think he said he wants to come for 6 weeks, is that still good for you Mum.”

“Absolutely, we love having him. Make sure he knows that.”

“You and Neo are a part of the mutual admiration society. He wants to know the next film that you will be working in and he wants to make sure that he gets to work with you.”

“Honey, I can not tell you how much I miss it, although I prefer the stage to the studio. For now I have the shop as my setting on the stage of life. I am so grateful that you are still storytelling in an unbelievable manner and keeping your feet on the ground at the same time.”

“B, will you be able to come to rehearsal Sat?”

“I am scheduled to work.”

“Will this be the only rehearsal you can make?” I asked.

“Yes, Mum.”

“You take the day off and go with your brother.”

“Thanks.” Murdoch and Phoebe in stereo.

“Phoebe, can I take you out to breakfast before we go?”

“That would be great. Can we leave early enough to go for a walk before rehearsal?”

“Definitely, let’s plan on leaving here at 630 and we can eat at the diner near the theatre. So many people are going to be so happy to see you and I really do want your critique. Don’t be surprised if any number of people ask for your imput.”

“I don’t want to step on Tristian’s toes. He is the director and I respect his work so much. If he wants to ask for my input that is one thing. The actors,. including you, are answerable to him.” Of course, I know what you want from me.” B looks at her brother with those knowing eyes.

“What?” Doc playing stupid.

I make an O with my left hand and stand it up on my right. Our laughter echoes through the whole place and again tears of joy, that I pass off as tears of laughter are running down my weathered cheeks..

“Close enough Mum, he wants my applause. Doc, you know how much I wanted you on this new project and I know your commitment to Tristian and Mum and Dad. The use of your craft for the kingdom is a glorious thing. You are my hero and I am glad that we will have time together on Saturday.”

“Perhaps when the Lord sends him a wife, he will work more often for you.” I smile lovingly at Doc.

“Don’t get started on that girls.”

“You amaze me Murdoch Blair!” BB exclaims. “How have you managed to stay single this long?”

“Mum’s fault, she’s a great cook,” grinning, “and keeps me employed.”

“That’s it! You’re fired. Finish your lunch. That is your last meal in this house young man.” I say with the loving authority they both grew up with, ever trying to conceal my smile. I love to play with my son, and I will miss him once he does find a wife and make a home somewhere else. It is your timing Lord.

[1] Catherine Mullaney 2005 ©