Telling Tales: A Collection of Short Stories

By Jeff Jones

Everyone wants to fall in love, even the loners, and this collection of short stories by author Jeff Jones finds loners at their loneliest and introduces them to the idea of romance. Taken more from imagination than personal experience, each story in the collection presents a man or woman in need of connection and sometimes salvation.

There are tales of budding romance and young love. There are stories about long-term romances in need of rejuvenation. Love isnt just romantic, though; sometimes its familial, and sometimes, we need to feel closest to those who share our name. But it is all love, in its many, many incarnations.

The characters of Telling Tales have no dark shadows waiting; these are stories with happy endings, intended to inspire and uplift. Loners leave their state of reclusion and join the human race. Romantic heroes win the day. We dream of moments like these, and if were lucky, well live a real life love story of our very own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Jun 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781452529219

Jeff Jones

Jeff Jones is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, senior pastor of Fellowship Bible Church North in Plano, Texas, and executive director of the Center for Church-Based Training.

Book preview

Stranger things in heaven and earth

Sister Margaret stood, waiting for her brother, Simon, who was also her twin. They, and the rest of the choral group. They had come to these abbey ruins to record their latest repertoire of Elizabethan songs. The reason for using the ruined abbey, were the acoustics, which suited their music, giving it a richness, not available in local venues. She was waiting for her brother, because she was blind. Result of car accident, some five years ago. The wind had become cold since they had arrived for the rehearsal. She began to shiver from the cold wind; she was hoping her brother would not be too long. She felt a presence beside her, she turned her head, and as she did, a voice spoke, in a tone she found reassuring.

Sister, allow me to escort you back to the bus to await your brother, he has been delayed. You will find it warmer in the bus. In saying so, the person took her arm and guided her to the bus, she got into the bus and turned to thank the man, but felt he was no longer there, but strangely enough she felt a warmth she had not felt before.

Eventually, her brother arrived, a bit flustered and concerned. I looked for you everywhere, I’m sorry Sarah (her family name.) I knew you would be getting cold but when I came back to you, you had gone. Then I saw you making your way back to the bus, talking to yourself, he said.

I wasn’t talking to myself, a kind gentleman offered to help me back to the bus, she retorted.

Rubbish, Sarah, there was no one with you! Simon said, shortly.

Sarah was taken aback, she hadn’t imagined it. But Simon, I didn’t imagine it, I felt his hand on my arm, she answered confusedly. Anyway how could I have found my way back to the bus by myself?

Don’t let’s argue about it, you here safe and sound. I must admit I was rather worried, but I’m positive no one was with you, he replied. Anyway, I have some news, I’ve not had the chance to tell you. I’ve been offered a post in a medical practice on the Yorkshire dales. I’ll tell you more when we get home.

Sarah was quite confused, she had felt the gentleman’s hand on her arm, and heard his voice. She still felt the inner warmth she had experienced earlier. She had become accustomed to being blind, but was feeling quite unsettled by what Simon had said.

They duly arrived home, a cottage they had inherited from their parents, Sarah, freshened up, and made her way to the kitchen to prepare the evening meal. Having lived all her life in the cottage, she was able to find her way around it.

What’s this news you have to tell me, Simon? Sarah asked.

Yes, well Sarah, you may remember, I wrote away for this position a month or two back, for a junior G.P. in this practice up in Yorkshire. Well, I’ll almost forgotten about it, not having received a reply, I got a reply in the morning post, and I’d not had the opportunity to tell you. It seems I have the position if I want it. Simon answered enthusiastically.

That’s wonderful, Simon, when do you take up you position? I shall obviously return to the convent.

No Sarah, that’s the best part, you are coming with me. Will you be able to get permission from the Mother Superior? I can take up the position in a month, or sooner. The G.P. there is getting on in years, and I think he wants to shed some of the load. A wonderful opportunity for me, general practice, not boring hospital work.

I think I can get permission, from Mother Superior, if I can convince her that I can do some good in the community. But how will I fit in with your work? And how about accommodation? she asked.

Apparently a small house goes with the job, what’s it like I don’t know. I’ll go up first to see the lie of the land. I mentioned you and your situation in my application; I think he was glad to get an answer to his advert. Do you think you could cope for a few days? I’ll ask Mrs. Collins to keep an eye on you. What do you think, Sis?

It’s a marvelous opportunity for you, don’t worry about me, I shall cope. Are you sure about me, does the G.P. know I’m blind? I don’t want to handicap you. I can go back to the convent.

Sarah, I don’t take the position without you, we have been together all our lives, I want you with me. Please say you’ll come with me?

Go for it Simon, if you think I shan’t be a tie. I’ll do my best for you, rest assured. she answered, but, Simon, back at the abbey, someone did assist me, I didn’t imagine it. she replied, looking earnestly at him. How did I know my way back to the bus from the abbey?

I can only relate what I saw, Sis, anyway, let’s forget it, and make some plans. I shall go north and see the lie of the land, next week. And then we can make some serious plans, this appointment is very important for both of us, he said excitedly. While I’m up north, perhaps we could get Auntie Jane to come and stay with you.

Look Simon, don’t bother Auntie Jane, see if we can get Mrs. Collins, from next door to pop in occasionally, I know my way around the house, hopefully you will only be gone a couple of days. I shall be alright.

The next few days were spent making arrangements for Simon’s journey north. Sarah had obtained permission to partner her brother in his enterprise. But all this time she was still puzzled by the ‘abbey incident’. She knew she hadn’t dreamt it, but with Simon’s explanation, she just couldn’t understand it. Still puzzled she mentioned the incident to her Mother Superior at the convent, although she couldn’t see, a strange look came over the Mother Superior’s face.

Are you sure your brother saw no one with you? she asked.

Absolutely, Mother Superior. I only mentioned it because I felt so safe being assisted by this person, but felt strange, at the same time, at peace and warm, replied Sister Margaret. Still bewildered. Mother Superior, still with a strange expression on her face, dismissed the Sister, wishing her ‘God speed’. She watched the Sister from her window, as she left in the company of her brother, saying to herself I wonder if it’s possible.

A week went by, and Simon had made arrangements to travel to Yorkshire, to seek out the lay of the land with his new employer. To whom he had spoken several times. He was keen to see what kind of accommodation was available, for him and his sister. He had to be sure that Sarah would be comfortable, and the accommodation not too cluttered for her sake. Sarah, in the meantime was making every effort to pack her and Simon’s clothes, with Mrs. Collins’s help. Her clothing didn’t take very long, just two spare habits plus underclothing. She also packed bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom linen. Although blind, she amazed Mrs. Collins, the way she made her way through the house.

Sister Margaret, or Sarah, whatever the situation called for, was an attractive young woman of twenty five. She had been blind since the car accident, five years ago, she had sustained a fractured skull, also leaving her blind. Specialists thought that pressure on the optic nerve was the fault, but not apparent from X-rays. Prior to that, she had been a competent typist, even blind she had been able to retain her typing skills. She had also obtained from the Blind Foundation a Braille typewriter, and was able to do educational typing for them. She had taken religious orders at the start of her blindness, she had been given a transitory opportunity within the church, offering hope and comfort to the sick and elderly. It was found she had the aptitude beyond her years, for this office. She now felt that she would be of some use to Simon in his new career, and not a tie, especially in a small community.

After week, Simon was home again, very excited.

I think you’ll like it in Markam, a real country town, very pretty, with lovely rolling hills surrounding it. I think the cottage, is okay, furnished, we can some items of our own, of course, not much different as here at home. Thatched roof, real ‘olde worlde’ I hope you like it Sis.

Of course I will Simon, how did you find Dr. Fraser? Do you think you can work with him? They carried on talking excitedly until tea-time. Simon said they could move up there in a week.

How do feel about that? Will that be too soon for you? he asked.

Mrs. Collins and I were able to do quite a bit of packing, haven’t you noticed? It only remains for you to pack your own personal clothes and toiletries, we couldn’t pack those, they’re personal. Sarah said.

Simon and Sarah, made plans to move in five days time. They decided not rent their home, in the meantime, but get Mrs. Collins to pop in occasionally, in case Sister Margaret found she needed to come home. Their car was an estate car, so they were able to pack quite a lot of their luggage in it, the larger bits and pieces were to sent up by lorry. Sarah still felt uneasy in a car, ever since her accident. She had been very lucky, only sustaining a fractured skull, but the blindness had been very hard to come to terms with. Specialists could not make any promises concerning the return of her sight. Sarah had found help and understanding from a friend, who was herself a nun, an Anglican nun. Sarah had found that after talking with her friend, that she felt she would like to join the Order. After a certain time she was accepted. She found there was a lot of comfort and peace of mind in her decision. It helped come to terms with her blindness. At the same time she had a rapport with the sick, and elderly, and she was encouraged to continue. Hence she was able to be of some help to her brother, a doctor.

So the day came when they left their home for the next chapter in their lives. Simon told Sarah that the trip would take three hours, they had packed some sandwiches and a flask of tea, so that they could break their journey. Simon chatted away, telling Sarah as much as he could about the cottage, the village and the people he had met. To tell the truth, he was a little nervous, that Sarah would not like it. She sensed his anxiety.

Simon, don’t worry, I’m sure it will alright. If you’re happy, so am I.

I hope so Sarah, I would still like you come with me on some of my home calls. You seem to have an ability to help people and allay any anxiety, which in itself is as good as any medicine I may prescribe.

I’m glad you feel like that, I gain a lot of satisfaction from comforting people, and helping with prayer, and spreading the Lord’s Word, said Sarah reverently. I feel I have something to offer.

You certainly have a way with people, he said, concentrating now he was getting into heavy traffic. Soon passing through the large town, they were out in the country again. Simon told Sarah that they were only another three-quarters of an hour from their destination, Markam.

Before long they drew up outside the cottage, Simon came round to the passenger’s side and opened the door for Sarah, and assisted her out of the car.

Here we are then, give me your hand then. and then reaching into his pocket produced a key, but the door was open. Going in, they was met by a middle-aged lady.

Ah, there you are, my name is Mrs. James, Doctor, Dr. Fraser thought it would be nice to have a fire lit and a hot meal ready. After your journey, especially on your first day, I hope you didn’t mind? she asked.

Of course not, it was very kind of Dr. Fraser to think of it, this is my sister, Sister Margaret although, I know her as Sarah, said Simon, introducing Sister Margaret.

Hello Sister, I do hope you’ll be very happy here, she said, and then, a look of pity passed over her face as she realized Sister Margaret was blind, went to put a hand out to Sister Margaret to guide her, Simon lightly touched her arm and shook his head. Sister Margaret made her way slowly around the room, literately feeling her way.

Don’t mind me, Mrs. James, I’ve got to know my way around the cottage. I must say it has a very nice feel about it, this has been a happy home. Sister Margaret stated.

Well, bless me, you are very perceptive Sister, this has been a very happy home. I knew the previous tenants before they emigrated to New Zealand. They were very happy, plenty of laughter, I must say. I hope the both of you will very happy. Now, Doctor, if you would like it, I could come in two or three times a week, for a start, until you are both settled.

That might be a good idea, Mrs. James, we shall pay the going rate of course, and thank you for what you have done today. Simon said.

Mrs. James, can you tell me where the nearest Anglican church is? As you can see I’m not a Catholic, but an Anglican Sister, by my dress. Perhaps you would take me there when you are free, please? I will probably need to charge the batteries, sometime, asked Sister Margaret, laughing as she spoke.

Certainly Sister, the church is St. John’s only three to four hundred yards from here. On this side of the road, and so you won’t have to cross any roads, actually it’s my church, I would be happy to introduce you to Mr. Dawson, our vicar. smiled Mrs. James, well, I’ll leave you to settle in, should you want anything, leave me a note, and here is my phone number, glad to see you here Doctor, and you too Sister. she collected her bits and pieces, and left.

Simon, there’s a nice feeling about this cottage, I’m sure we can do good things here, you, medically, me spiritually. It feels good, Mrs. James seems a nice lady, stated Sister Margaret.

The next couple of days were spent settling in, Simon was able secure a room, in the cottage, for his office. And Sarah put clothes away, and generally became accustomed to the cottage. By this time, the lorry had arrived from the south with their larger belongings. Which they managed to fit in, without making it a clutter, and more obstacles for Sarah. During that time Dr, Fraser called on them, was intrigued by Sister Margaret, and her ability to cope. He asked Simon if Monday would be too early to begin work. Simon replied that was fine by him, so they settled on that. Sarah asked if he would mind if she was able to accompany Simon on his house calls, as sometimes she could bring comfort to the sick and elderly. Dr. Fraser said that was fine by him. The days passed into weeks, Simon and Sarah began to settle into their new life. They were very happy with their lot; and they liked the village folk who made them very welcome. One evening, the phone rang, Sister Margaret answered, and called Simon to the phone.

Good evening, Doctor, Dr. Fraser here, I’m at Mrs. Davidson’s in Fairfield Avenue. I’ve been attending her all the afternoon, she’s in labour, and there are problems. I’m very tired, could you give me a hand, perhaps spell me for a while, the baby is the wrong way round. I’m getting concerned for both the baby and the mother. I would be much obliged if you could.

Of course, give me instructions of how to get there. At which Dr. Fraser did. Right, got that, be about ten minutes, Simon said, hearing the anxiety in his colleague’s voice.

He explained the situation to Sarah, she asked if she could come also, feeling that she may be of help, Simon agreed.

They arrived at the house of Mrs. Davidson, and was conveyed to the bedroom. Mrs. Davidson was obviously in some distress, and very tired. The two doctors discussed the situation together, Sister Margaret was able to make her way to the bedside.

Mrs. Davidson, my name is Sister Margaret, I’m an Anglican Sister, As you can see I’m blind but that doesn’t make any difference, please give me your hand, thank you. Now see if you can, draw some reserve strength from me, as you must be very tired by now. That’s fine, now, I’m going to rest my other hand on your tummy, if I may. Let’s see if we can give your baby some strength too. Now concentrate on your baby.

Oh Sister, your hands are so warm, I can feel their warmth, Mrs. Davidson declared. And both she and Sister Margaret remained like that for some ten minutes or so, while the two doctors conferred.

Doctor, the baby is really starting to kick again, quite a lot!! cried Mrs. Davidson.

Both doctors came over to the bedside, Dr. Fraser placed his hands on her tummy, then placed his stethoscope onto her abdomen.

You’re right, Jane, and baby appears to be stronger, amazing, he answered somewhat bewildered. I think your baby will be born very soon, would you mind if Dr. Hardy assists me?

Sister Margaret moved away from the bed, to give both doctors plenty of room, exhausted. She was able to find a seat, and sank down on it, strangely feeling drained, she put her head in her hands. For how long she didn’t know, the next thing she was conscious of was a baby crying. Sister Margaret made her way to the bedside.

Well done Mrs. Davidson, what do you have? A boy or a girl? And how are you now?

A beautiful wee girl. Lots of black hair, thank you for your support, I felt such an uplift from you. May I call her ‘Margaret? Mrs. Davidson said happily.

Oh, Mrs. Davidson thank you, you must be so proud of yourself, I was so glad to be here, thank you, I have never been at a birth. The support you got was from a Higher Power than me, good luck to you and your baby. Sister Margaret said tremorsly, nearly to tears. She withdrew from the bed to allow the doctors to finish off.

After half an hour or so, Simon came over and took Sister Margaret’s hand, and led her out of the bedroom.

Mrs. Davidson called out from her bed. Please call again, Sister, you’ll be most welcome.

Mr. Davidson escorted them to the door and echoed his wife’s words. Both Sarah and Simon got into the car very tired, Simon turned to Sarah.

I don’t know what you did, but I think you could have saved that baby’s life, she was in an impossible position, no wonder Dr. Fraser called me in. I think he was thinking in terms of a cesarean section, but Mrs. Davidson was getting very weak. She may not of survived it. Simon said relieved.

It wasn’t me, Simon, she was saved by a greater Power than I. Simon. That time at the abbey, when I was escorted to the bus, I think, in fact sure, that was Our Lord, since then I’ve felt a surge of something within me, don’t scoff, I’m sure of it, but why me?

Look Sis, I don’t know what took place, but that baby was lying crosswise in it’s mother’s womb. Dr. Fraser had been most of the afternoon trying to turn her, and you do it in half an hour!! Thank the Lord you did. Simon said in an awed tone.

Well Simon, you better come to terms with that thought, because, it was our Lord. I did nothing, I was just His instrument, and it was He who gave Mrs. Davidson the strength to carry on, Simon could you drop me off at the church, I need to go there? she asked.

Are you sure Sarah? You look very tired he asked anxiously.

I really need to go there, Simon, to give Him my thanks, because, if what you say was right, it was a miracle.

Simon dropped Sarah off at the church near their home, she said she wouldn’t be long, and she could find her own way home. When she came home, she was deadbeat, saying goodnight to Simon she went straight to bed. The next day, when Mrs. James arrived, she was all smiles.

I understand both of you did good work, yesterday. Especially you, Sister, how did I know? Mrs. Davidson is my niece, a lovely little girl, Baby Margaret, thank you Sister.

Don’t thank me, Mrs. James, a greater Power than I helped Mrs. Davidson Sister Margaret said emphatically.

But you were there, and you have made a lot of people happy. Julie, Mrs. Davidson, has tried for so long for this child, she had almost given up hope, Let me make you a nice cup of tea. Mrs. James said smiling broadly, and went off singing.

There you are Sis, I bet that it’s all round the village by now, Simon stated laughing, still amazed at the previous evening.

In the next few weeks, Sister Margaret made herself known to the vicar at the Anglican All Saints Church, and was persuaded to take part in the Sunday School, relating Biblical stories to the children. In fact she was becoming quite involved within the community.

One day Simon came to Sister Margaret and said, Sarah, I have a patient, who I think you may be able to help. She’s a young woman of twenty, she is the victim of rape, she’s not responding to counseling or any of my treatment. She’s a worry to her family. Do you think you could help her? She’s descending into deep depression.

Poor girl, well Simon, I’m no expert in these cases, I’d like to help, of course, what does her family say? replied Sarah.

I think they’d do anything to have their daughter back, will you try? he asked.

Certainly Simon, set it up and I will fit in, but no promises. I have no experience of this situation, but I’ll do my best. promised Sarah.

A day later Simon asked Sarah if she would come with him to the victim’s house.

Right Simon, now remember no promises, but with help from God I will do my very best, she said. What’s her name?

I can’t ask for any more than that, her name is Kate Bailey. Okay let’s go, do you need any thing? Simon replied.

So they took of and duly arrived at Kate’s house. Sister Margaret was introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey, they were taken aback by the fact of Sister Margaret being blind. Sister Margaret suggested that she should go into Kate’s bedroom by herself. Mrs. Bailey said that the room was dark because the blinds were drawn. Sister Margaret said with her affliction, it didn’t matter did it? So Sister Margaret was led into Kate’s bedroom. She knocked and went in.

Kate, my name is Sister Margaret, I am Anglican nun, I heard of your unfortunate attack. I wondered if I could help. I have never sustained an attack such as yours, so I don’t know what its like. But I’m also a woman, I can only imagine your trauma. Will you allow me to talk to you, not as a nun but woman to woman. I do so want to help. I shan’t bore you with religious talk but just talk, you needn’t say a word, what do you say. Sister Margaret said softly. She didn’t get a reply, just a rustle of bedclothes, as though Kate was turning over to shut her out. Kate, may I sit by your bed? If it’s okay, you may have to give me instructions, as I’m blind, but no less a woman, wanting to help. feeling uncomfortable playing the sympathy card. Sister Margaret heard a sharp intake of breath, and another rustle of bed clothes.

Walk straight ahead a couple of yards, a chair will be on your right. A dead voice answered.

Sister Margaret walked forward slowly, into the chair. Thank you, Kate. She sat down, with her right hand felt the bed.

Kate, are you able to give me your hand? If you are able to, maybe I may be able to take some of the pain away, do you think you could? She left her hand on the bed. It rested there for maybe ten minutes or so. Then Sister Margaret felt a hand clasp hers.

Thank you Kate, try to understand, as hard as it maybe, what happened to you, was not your fault, you feel humiliated, and degraded. Although I cannot speak from personal experience, I can well imagine your hurt. Now let’s just stay like this for moment, But I can promise you time, is a great healer. With my hand holding yours, perhaps I can take some of the pain away. Sister Margaret sat quite still, mentally saying a prayer for Kate.

After about five minutes, Sister Margaret heard Kate crying, and said,Cry Kate, release all the hurt, you may feel better.

The next thing Sister Margaret knew, Kate was sobbing pitifully. Kate’s face was on Sister Margaret’s hand, the one that held Kate’s, she could feel her copious tears.

After a while, Kate’s crying stopped. Kate, if I go now, I shall leave my phone number with your parents, should you like to see me again, either you ring or get Mother to ring me, anytime, anywhere. I mean that, because maybe you and I can get through this bad period. I shall leave you now, if that’s okay? But think on what we’ve spoken about, alright ? If you want me to stay, I shall. If not, could you show me to the door, and thank you.

Thank you Sister, give me your hand, Kate said in a slightly more animated voice.

Sister Margaret reached the door, and turned Don’t forget Kate, I’m there for you anytime. and left the room.

She was met on the other side of the door by Simon. Kate’s parents were also there, Sister Margaret related what had transpired, Kate’s mother said that that was the first time Kate had shed any tears since the rape. Sister Margaret said she thought that was a good sign. She gave Mrs. Bailey her phone number, saying to ring her anytime day or night. They were offered a cup of tea, but kindly declined, but said to Mrs. Bailey that she might like to talk to her daughter, and be positive, don’t talk about the attack, but the future. Mrs. Bailey, who was a shortish but attractive woman, and her husband, were very effusive in their thanks for Sister Margaret’s help.

Sister Margaret said I don’t know if I’ve done any good. But we should know within the next few days.

The next day, Sister Margaret received a phone call by Mrs. Bailey, asking if Sister Margaret would call at their home. Mrs. Bailey said she would gladly pick her up. Sister Margaret said she would,. Would this afternoon do? And so it was arranged for Sister Margaret to visit. So that afternoon Sister Margaret was picked up by Mrs. Bailey, saying how grateful they were. Kate had improved slightly in her demeanor. They duly arrived at the Bailey home, and Sister Margaret was led into it, and subsequently into Kate’s bedroom.

Hello Kate, I see you have opened the blinds she said.

How did you know if your blind, as you say? Kate queried.

No trick Kate, laughed Sister Margaret, I can feel the sun on my face, but I’m glad that you have opened the blinds.

Sister Margaret, I took a lot of heart from what you said yesterday, and I do feel better about myself. I wondered if you could spare me some more of your time? Kate asked, her voice being more animated than the day before.

Kate, I’m so glad, yes I meant all I said yesterday, I have all the time in the world should you feel that you need me. Why don’t you tell me about yourself, your hobbies, your interests, maybe we have the same, you never know.

Kate told Sister Margaret about her job, which was a librarian, how she would like to travel, and her music. Sister Margaret asked about her music, and found out that she played the piano.

That’s interesting Kate, my brother, Dr. Hardy, and I were in a choral group in Devon, our previous home, before we came here. I have no one to accompany me. I do enjoy singing, when you feel up to it, do you think you could. I would be really grateful, I do miss my singing.

I don’t know, I don’t know whether I am any good as an accompanist.

Look Kate, I don’t want to push, if you don’t want to, I’ll understand. Perhaps, if you feel up to it, I could drop some of my music around to you. But I’ll leave it up to you, Sister Margaret offered. She then related her life to let Kate see that she was a person other than a nun, and how her life had changed for her, since becoming blind, but no less enjoyable. How she found she was able to help some people, which gave her great satisfaction, although sometimes she was unable to.

Look Kate, unless you want chat some more, I won’t take up anymore of your time, but think about what I said about accompanying me, do you have a piano? Kate said she did. Whether you accompany me or not, keep up with you piano playing, it can be very therapeutic. Anyway, goodbye, for now, don’t forget, I’m here when you want me.

Several days passed, before Kate rang Sister Margaret, saying she had taken up playing the piano again, and was Sister Margaret still interested in showing Kate, her music which she sang to, and wanted to be accompanied. Sister Margaret was very pleased to hear from Kate, which meant she was perhaps on the mend, and was carrying on with her life. The next day Sister Margaret was able to get Simon to drop her off at Kate’s.

Kate greeted her at the door, seeming a different woman than when Sister Margaret first met her, and led her into the drawing room. Mrs. Bailey popped her head in and asked if they would like some tea. Sister Margaret exchanged a few words with her, before turning her attention to Kate.

Good to see you playing the piano, Kate, here’s some of my music, but how about playing some of your music for me, if you don’t mind. asked Sister Margaret, handing her several sheets of music Although the music is in Braille I think you can read it.

Oh yes, Sister, no problem. and saying she led Sister Margaret to an armchair. And then went over to the piano, and sorting some sheet music out she started to play. Sister Margaret sat absorbed with Kate’s playing. Kate played for about fifteen minutes, her style of music was light classical.

Kate, you play beautifully, you’re very gifted. If you would accompany me I would be very privileged, Sister Margaret said, enthralled.

For the next hour, Sister Margaret and Kate played and sang, unbeknown to them Mrs. Bailey had arrived with the tea, she stood just inside the door, she had tears running down her face, happy at the recovery of her daughter. So happy to see her back to normal again. Wiping her tears away she drew their attention to the tea.

Oh, you sound so good together, you’re quite overwhelming. Anyway, have some tea, you’ve both earned it, she emotionally.

Sipping her tea, Sister Margaret said to Kate, Kate, what I had in mind was to do something for the entertainment of older people, at the two rest homes in the village, would you be prepared to help me?

Kate looked uneasy at that suggestion I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet, Sister, not yet anyway.

Okay, Kate, no rush, when you’re ready let me know. When do you think you’ll be ready for work again? asked Sister Margaret.

I really don’t know, I seemed to have lost my confidence. I’m not ready to face people at the moment. I feel so ashamed. Kate replied, and burst into tears.

Sister Margaret stood up and made her way tentatively to her, Kate, what happened to you was not your fault, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and no one blames you for what happened.

Kate burst out, It didn’t happen to you, you don’t know how I feel. You don’t feel dirty, degraded, and humiliated. burst into tears, and left the room.

I’m sorry Mrs. Bailey, I rushed her, I’ll wait until she’s ready. Sister Margaret quite crestfallen, she blamed herself for upsetting Kate.

I’ll walk you home Sister, I think it will take time. We’d best leave things as they are, Kate will let’s know, Mrs. Bailey offered.

When she got home, the phone rang, Mrs. James answered, saying, For you Sister. Sarah answered.

Sister Margaret? Julie Davidson here. On Sunday we’re having our baby christened, my husband and I would very much like you to be her godmother, we would be so pleased if you could come, only we feel, thanks to you, our baby is here with us today, Please say you’ll come?

Oh Mrs. Davidson, how kind of you, of course I’ll come, what an honour, thank you so much. At what time is the christening? said Sarah, quite choked with emotion.

The christening is at three. Looking forward at seeing you, Sister, and thank you. Bye, till Sunday. and Mrs. Davidson rang off. Sarah was over the moon, and made her way to the kitchen to tell Mrs. James, and found out that she would be the other godmother also to her niece. Sarah was quite excited, and could barely wait until Simon came home. She also found out that Simon would be attending too.

Sunday duly arrived, and both Sister Margaret and Simon were able to walk to the church, it being St. John’s, their local church. Simon took his sister by the arm and led her up to a pew close to the Font. There seemed to a large gathering and before long the service began, and was followed by the christening. Sister Margaret was assisted to the Font, where she was given baby Margaret to hold, prior to passing her to the minister, Reverend Dawson, for the anointing. The Baptism was carried out without incident; Baby was on her best behavior. With the Baptismal service over, all the guests made their way out of the church. Simon was leading his sister out of the church, and had reached the top of the steps at the entrance, when someone called Sister Margaret’s name, she automatically turned her head, but in doing so, missed her footing on the stone steps and slipped from Simon’s grasp, and fell, as she fell, she struck her head, knocking her unconscious. Simon was straight away at her side. Seeing her knocked out, immediately called for an ambulance on his cell phone. Within ten minutes it arrived, Sister Margaret still unconscious. She duly arrived at the cottage hospital and taken into A & E department. The doctor on duty, on checking her out, sent her to X-Ray, as a precaution. Following her assessment in was decided she should be admitted for a few days for observation. Once she was made comfortable, still unconscious, Simon was advised to go home, he would be advised of any change.

Sister Margaret remained unconscious for three days, before she gave signs of regaining consciousness. Simon was advised, he arrived at her bedside almost at the time she awoke, he took her hand, and as he did so, his sister opened her eyes, blinked and started to cry.

Don’t cry Sarah you are alright now, don’t be upset, everything is going to be okay. Simon said squeezing her hand.

Simon, I can see you!! Oh Simon, I can see you!!! A bit fuzzy but I can see you!!!! Sarah cried.

See me, but how? How can this be? Simon asked completely mystified.

Simon, what happened, how did I get here? Sarah asked.

You fell at the top of the steps at the church on Sunday at Mrs. Davidson’s baby’s christening. Today is Wednesday; you’ve been unconscious since Sunday. The blow on your head must have been the cause of your sight being returned, stated Simon.

Simon, there’s more to it than that, Simon you don’t believe as I do, but this is the work of Our Lord. This is His miracle. she once again began to cry, this time happily, and placed her hands together, and silently gave thanks to Him.

Sarah, Simon said softly, The logical explanation is that there must have been pressure on your optic nerves, and your fall must have eased that pressure.

Simon, think what you like, those specialists didn’t know what was causing my blindness, so how can you make that diagnosis? No, Simon, I’m certain of how I regained my sight, for how long I don’t know, but it is Him I shall thank, she said dogmatically. But don’t let’s argue about it, let’s rejoice in my good fortune. Do you know how much longer I must stay here?

Okay Sarah, as you say, let’s thankful. I should imagine for another day at least, to be sure of your recovery. This is certainly going to change our lives, and I bet you will become a greater miracle Sister than you are!

Fiddlesticks Simon, now please let me get some more rest, and I must pray that I can still see when I awake.

Simon left his sister to get her rest. He rang through to the eye specialist who had treated Sarah in the initial injury that blinded his sister. Fortunately he was able to speak straight away to him, and related the change in Sarah’s sight. The specialist said that he had heard of this happening elsewhere. He suggested that Sarah should come down to see him, and made an appointment for the following week.

The next day, Sister Margaret was discharged from hospital, and was told that should she feel unwell, to report back to A&E, she was also told to wear dark glasses until she had seen the specialist back in Devon.

Apparently her sight was still a little blurred. She was taken home, where Mrs. James made a real fuss of her, and was overjoyed at Sister’s good fortune. Not long after getting home, Mrs. Davidson arrived, really concerned for Sister Margaret. What a surprise she got when she was told about her sight returning.

Well Sister, you have been re-paid for the kindness, and the good things you’ve done for others, I’m so pleased for you. We were so worried about you, she said.

Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Davidson, no one is more overjoyed than me. I think it was meant to happen, where it did, at the church. This is The Lord’s Work, I am positive. I now have the opportunity to do more of His Work now, especially should I regain my full sight. I have to see a specialist next week. Sister Margaret stated with certainty.

Mrs. Davidson stayed only a short time, so as not to tire the Sister out. An hour or so later, Mrs. James asked if she was up to another visitor, she said she was, and Mrs. James led Kate in.

Oh Kate, so nice of you to come, I’m so glad to really see you. Please come closer, my vision is not perfect. Kate moved closer, What a very pretty woman you are Kate, and a brave one too, to come out to see me, thank you. They chatted for a while, Kate telling Sister Margaret, that she was back at work now, and had been so for a week. Mrs. James suggested that Kate should, perhaps go and let Sister rest.

The following week, Simon ran his sister down to Devon to see the eye specialist. While Sarah was with the specialist, Simon took the opportunity to see some friends. He came back to the surgery, and after some minutes, the specialist came out with Sarah,

There you are Dr. Hardy, well Sister Margaret has had an amazing recovery of her sight. Her sight is, at the moment, not ideal, but I think we can correct that with spectacles. No promises, mind, but we can make it better than it is. She has told me how she came by her recovery, she may be right, who can say. It’s an amazing occurrence, I have no explanation, other than the fall may have eased the pressure on the optic nerve. She is steadfast in her explanation, but I must be more pragmatic. Anyway, I’m so pleased for her. I have made an appointment with a practitioner to have her fitted with spectacles, tomorrow. Now, Sister, for the time being, continue wearing the dark glasses, and let’s see what the optician says, I’m so pleased for you, I can see you are. Well good-bye, and keep in touch.

The next day Sister Margaret kept her appointment with the optician, after giving her an extensive test, said he thought she would benefit from corrective spectacles. She chose a pair of frames. He said he would have them ready in a week. She suggested to Simon that he could return to Yorkshire, if he liked, she would return to the convent, where she would report to her Mother Superior. She then thought she go into a retreat, and she would return to Yorkshire herself, where felt her work with The Lord lay, among the community, with more energy now that He had given her sight back.

Emma

A stroke had laid Tom Carr low, fortunately he still had all his faculties. He had been taken to hospital, and would remain there for a week or so. Tom owned a station of 2000 acres, he instructed Sam Carter, his leading stockman, to take over the running of it. He also asked Sam to ring his daughter, Emma, in the city, asking her to come home to do the paper work, which she was capable of, leaving Sam to dedicate himself to the station. There was also a further stockman, Jim Foster, who had been with Tom for some fifteen years, but was not capable of running the farm. Sam had been with Tom some five years or more, his parents had owned the adjacent property, But with the downturn in farming, had got into financial difficulties, and had sold up before they got into too much debt. Tom had bought part of the property, the part next his. Sam had been overseas unaware of the difficulties his parents were having. When he did, Tom offered a position to Sam, with some sadness, at his parents plight, who had since died, accepted. Sam felt his parents should have told him of their problems, before things went too far, not a little upset at their independence.

Sam was able to get Emma’s phone number, from Tom, and rang. Emma was upset, and asked if Tom was in any danger, Sam told her not according to the hospital, he gave her the hospital phone number, saying she might like to ring for herself. Some two hours later, Emma rang to say she would be catching the train the day after tomorrow, would he pick her up? The train would arrive at two thirty in the afternoon.

Sam informed, JimFoster, the older stock man, of the new situation, who was quite upset, having been with Tom for some time. Sam suggested that he obtain sufficient supplies, to provision the accommodation hut on the northern side of the property, then return and do the same to the other hut on the other side of the station, and stay there for a few days, bringing the stock off the high tops as he expected the weather to have a change for the worst. He also told him of the return of Emma, who had known Jim as a child. He told Jim he intended to muster the northern block, which was not so high, in about a fortnight and the provisions would be handy. Sam moved his gear to the larger accommodation near the house and would eat at the main house. He also visited Tom, telling him of Emma’s return, and would drop her in from the station, to visit, as he was sure she would want to.

Arriving at the station about ten minutes after the city train pulled in, Sam made his way onto the platform, and arriving there, to see a woman, of about twenty- five, pacing up and down the platform.

Miss Carr? addressing the woman, I’m Sam Carter,

Where the Devil have you been? she exploded Didn’t I say what time I would arrive?

Yes you did, what’s the hurry? I’ve been busy, and what difference does it make? You can hardly be tired, it’s only a two hour train ride. he retorted. He decided he shouldn’t argue with her, after all she was Tom’s daughter. Where’s your luggage?

Over in the station, waiting for you to collect it. she ordered.

Look, Miss Carr, let’s get one or two things straight. I’m not a flunky, and common courtesy wouldn’t hurt, and the truck is outside, bring your gear out to it, yourself,

Emma was flabbergasted at Sam’s retort, as he walked off the platform. She approached a porter to collect her luggage. She saw Sam standing beside a Landrover, and indicated to the porter to it. Sam hefted the cases into the back of the truck. He started the truck and made his way to the hospital, and on arriving, escorted her into the hospital. When they arrived at Tom’s room, she said,

I’d like to see my father alone, if you don’t mind. Quite coldly.

Sam said Sure thing, see yer outside, at the truck.

After half an hour, Emma came out of the hospital, looking as though she had been crying, Sam