Thom Jons

By Bruce Jackson

What is universal reality? Is this world interested in a realistic vision of what life is like beyond death?

Is our world curious about how an understanding of a realistic presentation of heaven might impact our lives in this age of alternative truth, unreality, entrenched self-interest, and systemic racism?

Would individuals be interested in a narrative about our universe that is neither a Star Wars fantasy nor a fiction perpetrated by religionists with a social/religious agenda? Would anyone have an interest in discovering what universal teachers or resurrected beings might say to us beyond the veil of death?

Is racism, evil, hate, cheating, greed, lying, murder, rape, selfishness, and etcetera something that is okay with our universe? If it is, then the very concept of eternal life has no meaning and is utterly inviable. We humans of the Planet of the Cross have known this for well over two thousand years. So why are these issues such a problem on our planet today? Are our universal leaders pleased with our progress?

We live in an age where our greatest human handicap is our lack of understanding of our ascendant future and the reality of our universal lives. On earth, we are embryonic souls locked within the limits of the womb. From earth, we pass into universal infancy. What happens when our eyes open?

Premise: "There are as many paths to the Portals of Paradise as there are Ascending Pilgrims going there. Each ascenders path is utterly unique. Any religious practice that believes that it has the 'one and only truth' speaks more in arrogance than in the knowledge of universal truth." This fictional work reflects on our mortal lives from the perspective of unseen universal beings and from the experiences of ascenders who have passed through the veil of human death. As all beings are the children of our Mother/Father God, all are truly equal siblings; "there is no racial supremacy because there are no racists in heaven." This novel calls for the cultivation of genuine human equality through the end of systemic racism. It suggests a new perspective on ascendant living for mortal beings.

Plot : The narrative covers the progression of life in a Southern American town during the first three decades of the twentieth century. The characters experience social divisions, poverty, World War I, pandemic, prohibition, suffrage, clerical rape, lynching, gay marriage, economic collapse, and systemic racism. The story is presented from the perspective of a diverse cast of characters ranging from judges, politicians, hoodlums, teachers, businessmen, soldiers, wealthy whites, lower-class whites, and folks from a colored community. Their lives are reflected upon by their guardian angels and unseen universal teachers. Part 1 covers the lives of folks around Thom Jons, a war hero and entrepreneur who gradually descends into rejecting life by demanding death. Part 2 begins after the dispensational resurrection of the souls onto Mansion One. All the resurrected characters protest that Thom Jons had failed to be resurrected. They demand and win a tribunal before Melchizedek to convince Thom to be born into the reality of ascendant eternal life. After introductions by Melchizedek, the tribunal consists of the reflections of each ascender on their earthly lives, Thom's positive mortal legacy, and their experiences, lessons, and new perspectives learned after their resurrection. They invite Thom to join them in the adventure of universal progress, spiritual development, and an ever-evolving living faith. For they have understood the experience of the Ascendant Will of God in the fulfillment of their personal spiritual assignments by God the Father and their communal service experience with the Eternal Mother.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781637107553

Bruce Jackson

Bruce Jackson is an associate general counsel at Microsoft and managing director for strategic partnerships out of the office of the president at Microsoft. Born in Brooklyn, he studied law at Georgetown University and spent a decade working in entertainment law with some of the top music talent in the country. Since then, he has received Microsoft’s diversity award, participated in Microsoft’s law and corporate affairs’ diversity efforts, helped launch Microsoft’s Elevate American Veterans Initiative, and worked to develop its diverse recruitment pipeline. Never Far from Home is his first book. 

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cover.jpg

Thom Jons

Bruce Jackson

Copyright © 2022 Bruce Jackson

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2022

ISBN 978-1-63710-754-6 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88505-807-0 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-63710-755-3 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

The World of the Cross

Prelude

Summer, 1904

Chapter 1

Summer, 1907

Chapter 2

Spring, 1911

Chapter 3

Fall, 1914

Chapter 4

Winter, 1915

Chapter 5

Spring, 1915

Chapter 6

Summer, 1915

Chapter 7

Fall, 1915

Chapter 8

The Wedding

Chapter 9

Winter and Spring, 1916

Chapter 10

Summer and Fall, 1916

Chapter 11

Preparation for War

Chapter 12

Summer, 1917

Chapter 13

The War

Chapter 14

1918

Chapter 15

1919

Chapter 16

1920

Chapter 17

The Early 1920's

Chapter 18

The Lynching

Chapter 19

The Late 1920's

Chapter 20

Madness

Chapter 21

The Depression

The First of the Mansion Worlds

Chapter 22

The Resurrection Halls

Chapter 23

Opening Comments by Machiventa Melchizedek at the Hall of Wisdom

Chapter 24

First Testimony

Chapter 25

The Brandts

Chapter 26

The Colored Community

Chapter 27

The Middlemans

Chapter 28

The White Community

Chapter 29

The Johnsons

Chapter 30

The Hardins

Chapter 31

The Judges

Chapter 32

Laura Jons

Chapter 33

Stan Jons

Postlude

Final Disposition

About the Author

Part I

The World of the Cross

Prelude

Summer, 1904

Past the Portals of Paradise is a sphere where the Father's Fragments dwell,

are trained, rest, worship, and do all the things that Fragments do as they

prepare to volunteer for their indwellment of an embryonic mortal being.

The human beings that inhabit the many worlds of the universes are

indwelt by a Fragment about mid-way through their fifth year.

Returning from an indwellment that failed to be resurrected,

FragTEJ consulted with the Administrator.

FragTEJ's indwelling experiences had

been particularly insightful on

planets in several universes.

All had disappointingly failed to be resurrected.

FragTEJ was prepared to volunteer again.

Administrator: There is a bestowal world available.

FragTEJ: What could you share about this world?

Administrator: This planet is rather rare.

It is quite far out on the edge of one of

the younger universes of the 7th.

FragTEJ: How long since the Sovereign left the planet?

Administrator: Under 2000 years,

but there is a major problem.

The system of this world is in quarantine

because the planetary prince's mission failed

after the system leader led a devastating rebellion.

There were huge losses on that dark world as the human races

reverted to extremely low levels of spiritual discernment and growth.

After the start of that rebellion all universal communications were severed.

The later Adamic mission also failed defaulted and the spiritual upliftment of the races failed.

When the Creator Son announced this planet was to be the location of his final bestowal mission,

the new system leadership noted that the human races on the world had become so animalistic

that even the most basic concept of the One and Only God had been almost completely lost.

Machiventa Melchizedek volunteered for an unusual teaching effort that lasted a little over ninety years.

Even so, by the time the Son arrived on earth for his mortal life experience, human understanding of

God the Father was fearful, angry, vengeful, rigid, tribalized, racial, and vague for most humans.

The races did not embrace human equality, nor did they have

any understanding of the nature of the Family of God.

What was most astounding about the Creator Son's bestowal effort was his

magnificent ministerial demonstration of God the Father to his entire young

universe so that in a mere 36 years his entire creation was significantly uplifted.

In this fulfillment of his bestowal revelation to his universe he became Sovereign.

Yet his incredible ministry was cut short by human rejection as the Sovereign was most

shockingly and brutally murdered. His entire universe watched this event in utter horror.

To this day his universe refers to that difficult and troubled planet as the World of the Cross.

FragTEJ: Sounds intriguing and more difficult than anything than I have experienced so far.

Administrator: That is why you are being given first voluntary status on this assignment.

Your experience puts you into a unique category of attainment that you might

be able to see this indwellment on thru the ascender's first resurrection.

However, you should know that in the past several

hundred years, this planet has experienced

an alarming number who have

failed resurrection.

Are you ready

for this?

FragTEJ: I AM.

Bone tired after a long day of cleaning crappers, sinks, floors, windows, walls, and tossing out rich boy's garbage, Laura Jons was in no mood for the daily run-in with Crabby. That woman just about drove her to distraction with her unending advice on child rearing. Typical, she thought, for one so barren could be so full of bad advice.

The boys are over at Paula's. You'd better get over there right now and git them 'cause Mrs. Dingle's in a real bad temper. Thom's up to his usual tricks with that slingshot of his. He shot the Barnies' cat in the butt. What a howl! I swear, Laura, if you don't put a leash on that boy, the whole neighborhood's gonna call the Constabulary on him. A boy like that gettin' into trouble all the time needs his mother at home, not gone all hours of the day. Why you oughta…

Thank you, Ms. Kratchner. she interrupted in exasperation slamming the old front door.

You'd better listen to me Laura, that delinquent is headin' for trouble if you don't…

Scrambling up the rickety stairs of the duplex, she did her best to turn off the continual tirade that filtered through paper-thin walls. She thought to herself, Old woman just won't leave me be. Living with Crabby ain't much of a blessing. But my boys are safe. Better hit the potty and get some medication for that migraine comin' on.

Two sighs of relief later, she felt warmth settle comfortably in the belly and a fog gradually ascended into her aching head. Breathlessly she muttered, No time to linger. Paula is waiting. She scrambled back down the stairs and across the street.

…and in my day, boys were good boys. They knew how to shoot good too. I remember JohnnyQ could knock those blue jays right outta the trees. Did the neighborhood a real favor. He was a real catch, you know, and he would… Crabby's tirade never stopped.

Laura mused to herself: The boys are in that disgusting wading pool and Paula's nowhere in sight. Really don't know what I'm payin' her for. She's got that drop-out on her mind. That loser has got nothin' better to do but hang around and slobber all over her. She ain't even fifteen yet. Bettcha we're gonna see a thickenin' waistline any day now, and that's gonna be trouble.

Coming out of the house, Paula's mother Clara Dingle interrupted her thoughts by wagging Thom's slingshot at her, Laura, Thom keeps torturing the Barnie's cats with this. I'm not inclined to give it back to you.

Hello, Mrs. Dingle. Oh well, Thom'll just make another one from a forked stick and rubber bands he gets from who knows where. she responded as she took the homemade weapon.

Paula needs her money. It's the beginning of the month. Do you have it on you? queried Mrs. Dingle.

I need to get my check cashed at the bank. Is Paula around?

She's at the pool with the boys, Mrs. Dingle said as she slammed the screen door and returned to her parlor.

Clara thought, That young woman is looking worse all the time. Don't think she ever married that no 'count who's been gone for years. Now she's got some real trouble with that Thom boy. Stan's the sweet one. He's gonna do a lot better in life than that older brat who ain't goin' to wind up no good.

Laura called out: Hi boys, how's it been? Where's Paula?

Hi Mom. piped five-year-old Thom and Stan, four, without looking up from the two small planks of wood that, for right now, were warships. Thom's boat was bigger and always won the battle. After he had found them, he'd not wanted share because both had pointy tips that made for fine ships. Besides, two's always better than one.

Though Stan desperately wanted it, he was determined not to whine or cry. When Thom saw Stan's effort to resist tearing up, something welled up in his heart. On an impulse, he decided to share the smaller stake with Stan. He hoped Stan might get bored, not want it, leave it somewhere, or give it back. But that boy even slept with it. And why not? These insignificant planks could be knives, guns, and magic wands. There's just no end to their usefulness.

I said—where's Paula? Laura almost yelled.

Over behind the woodpile. Thom snorted casually pointing over his shoulder.

Is she alone? Laura asked loudly.

Nope, the idiot's with her. Thom replied without looking up.

And just what are they doing? Laura shouted over her shoulder. Sure enough, as she rounded the woodpile, the two teenagers were scrambling apart while Paula turned her back, fumbling with the buttons on her dress.

A real pretty girl too. Laura observed to herself as she slowed her pace to give Paula some time to recover her dignity. She thought, Well, at least she's got her good looks going for her if she don't get pregnant. Fat chance of that. That boy's pure trouble. Look at those squinty eyes. Not likely to find him in Carla's Sunday school class.

Afternoon, Mrs. Jons. said the latest loser who had nothing better to do than sniff around neighborhood girls. He shoved his hands into his britches and sauntered off like a bantam rooster scouring a henhouse. Another proud accomplishment checked off his wish list for the day. He figured there would be better pickings on down the road a bit.

Once she had gotten her blush under control, Paula said, It's the beginning of the month. You got my babysittin' money?

Not today, honey. I'll go to the bank tomorrow. Gotta get the boys home for supper. Come on guys, let's git going. Both were out of the dirty old wading pool in a flash. With their warships in hand, they scrambled for home before Mom could catch them with a towel. No problem—no towel.

As they crossed the street, old Mr. Barnie shouted at the boys from his fence next to the Dingle's, You natterin' nefarious neebows better stop shootin' rocks at my cats with those damn slingshots.

Yes sir, Mr. Barnie. they enjoined as they shifted into high gear, slammed the door, pounded up the steps, banged through the apartment door, and slid onto their battered old couch. There they slouched while waiting for Mom to catch up and get their dinner ready.

Puffing after her exertions, Laura peered into the cabinet to see what might appeal to her vultures. Ah, she mused, slim pickins. Looks like mac and peanut butter on bread. For dessert: stewed canned tomatoes with a pinch of sugar.

Stan enthused, Look at what Thom borrowed me. It's my sticker, or boat, or whatever… Thom loaned it to me, didn't you, Thom?

Laura sighed and thought, They've been carrying around those old wood scraps from the worksite down the street for a while. I've been surprised Johnny Quickman ain't made them give his planks back. Figure he has a bit of a soft spot for me (ugh!).

That's lovely, dear. Now you two go and get your hands washed up now. Supper's goin' to be ready shortly. Now git! With a sigh she put on the water to boil the mac and started spreading the peanut butter. With the headaches coming back, she took a quick look-see making sure the boys were out of sight. She then had another long pull on her special medicine bought in the alley behind the Juke Joint.

She thought, Looks like I'm goin' to have to hustle up a little more babysittin' money; and the rent is due to Crabby too. One second late on that and she won't stop badgerin' me for a month. I wish I could get the boys out of here, but that ain't in the cards. Maybe that's just my lot in life. Laura took another nip of medicine just to make sure the migraine wouldn't get the best of her.

That night, as Thom and Stan were waiting on sleep in their small room, Thom could see that Stan had his ship clutched tightly against his chest. Pushing aside any hope of ever getting it back, Thom decided just to give it to him.

He said, Stan, I guess you can keep your boat, sticker, or whatever. It's yours now. You can keep it if you don't lose it.

And from next to him in the small bed, he heard Stan sigh in deep contentment as they drifted off to sleep.

After falling asleep, FragTEJ indwelt Thom Jons on this

young and troubled mortal planet at the far edge of the universes.

Even the first outer circle of space could be seen from this lonely, isolated place.

But this was of little concern as FragTEJ whispered these first words to Thomley Erikson Jons:

You are a divine and beloved son of God,

the Father of All, and the First Source of all Creation.

May you endeavor to become perfect even as your Father in Heaven is Perfect.

My beloved young one of my indwelling, we two have much work to do together here

in this time and space. For it takes a long, long, long, long, long, long, I say very long time

for an ascender to traverse through the universes before you will reach the Portals of Paradise.

For there are as many pathways to the Portals of Paradise

as there are Ascendant Pilgrims going there.

For each ascender is utterly unique

and a one-of-a-kind creation.

We are just beginning our eternal pilgrimage.

Thomley Erikson Jons, I, FragTEJ, truly love you.

You are my dearly beloved. May you come to know me

as I become a loving eternal part of you, that we may one day

fuse into One and then proceed on our eternal pilgrimage to the feet

of Our Father in Paradise. I will faithfully lead you there if you allow me.

Chapter 1

Summer, 1907

All the available guardian angels gathered for their next assignment.

For some time, A&G had been serving in the most difficult,

sin-ridden, and rebellious system of the universe.

Even so, the challenge of laboring in the system where

the Sovereign had lived as a mortal was eagerly sought because,

even though quarantine challenges are severe, the rewards are great

as their mortal charges will eventually engage in unique universal service.

A&G's experience in the rebellious system had resulted in their

invitation to instruct with the system's seraphic training school,

preparing guardians to serve throughout the quarantined system

where the Sovereign's mission had tragically ended in crucifixion.

So as A&G prepared to view the volunteer boards,

they found themselves to be a tad disorganized.

A: You have the volunteer chip? G: No, forget it.

A&G: Let us see what is on the boards first.

And when they arrived at the volunteer boards there was a major hubbub at one location.

They had passed by planets where resurrection and continued service is a sure thing.

They passed by boards that would be strong resume builders,

for this time they wanted to work with a potential resurrectionist.

Though there are easier assignments, this board promised real opportunity:

a chance to serve on the location of the Sovereigns seventh bestowal: The World of the Cross.

Massive activity surrounded the volunteer board as many guardians submitted their chips.

A: Go and fetch that chip—quickly.

G: It has been in my pocket all along. A: Get it in.

G: Look who has already submitted. A: I see them and we…

G: may not have… A: much of a chance… G: at this assignment.

After all chips had been submitted (and there were many),

the Coordinator called A&G in for a consultation.

Coordinator: Do you know what you are getting into here?

A&G: We do indeed, and we are ready for it.

Coordinator: You will have to have a conversation with Machiventa Melchizedek.

He oversees the planet and will have important things to share with you.

Set up an appointment because you will have to transport to where he is.

A&G: We are fully ready and willing. We are honored by this opportunity.

Coordinator: This will be a tough assignment with absolutely no guarantee

that you will succeed. I hope you do understand what you are getting into.

Meeting with one of the top universal administrators is always challenging.

Since the resurrection of our Sovereign who is the actual Planetary Prince of earth,

Machiventa Melchizedek has served as Viceregent of the unique planet: the World of the Cross.

A&G finally managed to squeeze onto the Melchizedek's tight schedule.

A&G waited patiently outside the conference room after being

informed that the emergency meeting is running long.

Machiventa: Come in my friends, come in. I am sorry for the delay. Earth is in another kerfuffle.

Sometimes it gets nearly impossible for the universal administration to keep a directional hold on

this incredibly troubled world that is so filled with sin, even iniquity, as so many reject our Father God.

True, the teachings of the Sovereign have been here for some 1,900 years, but many ignore His instruction.

It is not as if they know nothing about our Father God, but most know nothing about our Eternal Mother.

It is because of the limitations of their religious perspective as they truly do not understand the

universal principle of the Divine Parenthood of God and the resultant siblinghood of all humanity.

They have little concept of the Will of God, the nature of faith, and the universal reality of eternal life.

The governments of this world have historically refused to embrace the inviolate concept of human equality.

Their women have been given a sad lot since the beginning, and women are just

now openly demonstrating their demands to challenge their male dominated world.

The devastating ramifications of slavery and racial bigotry are a legacy of Lucifer's rebellion.

Evil social programs across the entire planet are based on a racism that has disenfranchised many.

And the corporate and materialistic greed—I hardly know where to start on that sad conversation.

From creeping deserts to melting glaciers and lost forests, this planet will very soon be in deep trouble.

But even the coming environmental disaster will go unnoticed by their best scientists

because the world is going to be besieged by increasingly brutal wars, political upheavals,

economic collapse, troubled cities, broken families, human hate, inequality, and the loss of love.

These are such devastating calamities that the universal government

is increasingly concerned that the world might not survive all this trouble.

Yet none of this compares to the loss of a single soul from this world: the loss

of the one connection with the special Indwellers who resides within them all.

This has become the deepest concern of all the administrators

as increasingly fewer are resurrected into their lives of eternal service.

Many from this planet do not even understand the concept of universal service.

With the survival numbers sinking and worldwide problems rising, we universal administrators

have requested the development of an emergency revelation that will be in an entirely new form.

But that work will not be finished until after the souls that you are volunteering to serve die as this

effort involves the contributions of many servants of the Father scattered throughout ours and the 7th.

You see, A&G, this world is deeply troubled. As you well know, the earth remains quarantined.

You have served on several planets of this system, and you know what this means for you.

No universal broadcasts to enjoy and lighten your hearts. Cut off from your fellows,

this isolation has proven problematic for some of your loving and spiritual kind.

You will once again be alone on assignment, and you have already done that level of service well.

This assignment does not involve the rich and the privileged. These folks are of modest means who live in

a middle-sized town of under 40,000 in the American South. It is made up of three separated communities.

They may not look like much at first, but give them some time and they may come around with your help.

For this assignment we are going to give you fewer responsibilities as the challenges are great.

Though all have been indwelt by powerful fragments, you will be unable to communicate

with the Spirit of God indwelling them because of the nature of the quarantine.

In your assignment there are two brothers of eight and seven years of age.

There is their troubled mother who is slowly killing herself with her addiction to alcohol.

There is her cousin who is a gangster. We shall find out if he can pull his irons out of the fire.

Additionally, there is the mother's brother who is making some success for himself in the field of law.

Finally, there is a young girl who has an interest in the oldest boy, but she suffers from a complicated birth.

That is only six for charges for you right now, but eventually you will assume responsibility for other folks.

A&G, this is an unusual volunteer assignment.

Our Sovereign informs us that the fields

are ripe for the harvest but the laborers few.

Are you now ready to respond to our Sovereign's call?

A&G: We are. Please send us.

Machiventa: Then deliver this message to your charges:

"Do you know who you are?

Do you know what you may accomplish if you accept eternal life?

Do you know what it is that you may become in this and many universes ahead?

How will you seek to find out what life is all about beyond the veil of mortal death?

Life is yours to live in this world, so is mortal life all you are ever going to have, or is there more?

Do you understand where it is you may go after mortal death if you embrace the Father as your God?

"Having lived in the embryonic flesh of the mortal being you have only taken your very first step.

For you have been created an ascendant child of our Mother/Father God who loves you.

You have within you the potential to become an immortal spiritual soul if only

you would make that decision and live your life founded on that decision.

You have the potential to ascend from the lowest of all creation

into an eternal life that, after a very long time, may eventually

pass through the Portals of Paradise into the Presence of God.

For each one of you has been indwelt by the perfect Spirit of God: a truly blessed

Indwelling Divine Fragment of the Father that will forever faithfully connect you to your God.

Our Eternal Mother will care for you each step of the way. For as Father God Indwells within you,

the Eternal Mother leads you together with your siblings on your eternal path that stretches long before you.

Our Sovereign, through the guidance of the Universal Mother Spirit, will truly instruct your pilgrimage path.

You will also have many seen and unseen brothers and sisters to serve and work with you along this path.

As you are Indwelt by God the Father, you will be able to discern the Ascendant Will of God in life.

Your Indwelling Fragments will perfectly and unfailingly help you come to know and experience the

everlasting truth, universal love, sublime beauty, abiding goodness, living faith, and eternal life."

A&G, take this message of hope to your charges.

Share it and bring this universe some newly resurrected souls.

We need them and what they offer in service to our Sovereigns creation.

For those resurrected off the World of the Cross will be called into special service.

A&G: We are ready to go. We are fully prepared. Send us, and we will gratefully serve.

Machiventa: May our Mother/Father God bless and keep you well as you serve His Children. Amen?

A&G: Amen!

It had been a long day, and the birthday party had not even started. Thom was now eight and expected more than a song and some cake. Laura had worked hard to make this day meaningful. She regretted that there was so little that was special in their lives. Every month was a struggle to make rent, buy food, and get them to school before she had to face the salt mine filled with disgusting crappers, dirty sinks, and rich boys' garbage. How she hated her job and this apartment. But she could see no way out. She did not blame whatever God was supposed to be watching over her family. The life-choices she had made gave her very few chances for improvement. How could Charlie be blamed for our poverty? she repeatedly asked herself.

Laura knew how ignorant she had been in those years. But even today the very thought of Charlie Jons made her insides quiver at the memory of her winsome husband. She had succumbed despite warnings of the impending disaster from the Wasselman family. Laura still loved him with all his faults even after he disappeared while she was pregnant with Stan over seven years ago.

A: She is most certainly… G: in some trouble, but she…

A: has a good heart and… G: respects God the Father.

Laura thought, Today's Thom's birthday, so it's time to shut off that pity-party and join the folks in the front yard. Picking up the cake, she carefully eased down the stairs, and nudged the front door open with her hip. She carried the cake to the table on a bare patch someone might laughingly call a lawn.

Crabby called out, It's 'bout time you showed up. Me and the boys have been partying for a while now, and the Dingles are here with Paula and toddler Ralphie. They all want a piece of…

All right, all right. The best things in life are worth waitin' for. Let's get this party started. And together they sang in the birthday celebration for Thom.

Now when it came to be the center of attention, Thom was a real actor. He threatened to fall face first into the cake and managed to scatter the forks onto the ground. He suggested that he might not share it with anyone else and was able to consume a significant portion of it. But as everyone shared in the celebration, it was a rare moment of peace for the neighborhood.

After cake and some warm milk, they were ready for Thom to open his presents. Paula and her toddler Ralphie presented Thom with an old shoebox tied with a string. Without ceremony, Thom pulled off the string to find a few wooden blocks of different sizes and shapes. It was a nice collection of wood blocks that could be shared with Stan, if he were of a mind to do that.

Mrs. Dingle figured that supplying a few nublets for the table was present enough. Mr. Dingle was at work at the Juke Joint and was rarely seen.

Ms. Kratchner gave Thom an old, framed picture of herself. Thom was kind to her in his muttered expression of thanks, but he cared little about a pic of the old biddy. He figured that he would throw away the picture and pawn the frame for a few pennies.

Stan gave Thom an old pocketknife he had found. Secretly, he had carefully cleaned, polished, and sharpened it for this special occasion. Thom treasured this knife for years.

But of all the gifts, Mom's pair of roller skates that could attach to his shoes was the best. These wonderful wheels represented liberty, freedom, and the wind blowing in his hair as he expertly managed to avoid cracks and potholes. Even when they broke, he spent hours restoring them to their full function. Skating on the streets of town became his special time to find his muse.

A: What an opportunity to… G: communicate and instruct.

A: This will give us a chance to… G: share real life lessons with him.

A: We will have to survey… G: the territory and… A&G: set things up.

From different directions came two individuals were forced to call a truce as they approached the party. Coming from the Juke Joint was Snaker (not his real name, but Joseph Hardin was neither cool nor commanded respect). From downtown arrived Eric Wasselman, a well-respected lawyer. Whisperers suggested that he may go far. The contrast between two relates could not be greater. Eric was Laura's elder brother who purposefully strolled in with an air of pride and superiority. Cousin Joe slouched into the party.

A: A prideful lawyer and… G: a problematic hoodlum.

A&G: Well, we were told this will not be easy.

A: But there is one… G: who is not here.

A&G: We will check on her later.

The arrival of Snaker and Wasselman created an uneasy lull in the party. Though the cake had already been consumed, there was time for some oohs and ahs over the presents, along with playful jockeying with the boys while each cousin kept a careful eye on the other. It was rumored that when they were children, Snaker regularly beat the crap out of Eric. On that tenuous foundation their relationship was forged. Each claimed his own turf, and the other stayed out of it.

But this birthday celebration was to be a happy day, so Uncle Eric told the group the only joke he knew:

There were once four brothers who had to share the household chores. Now one brother was selected to do the cooking until there was a complaint. After a while he grew tired of this culinary grind, so he prepared a meal of dirty socks, stinky old shoe leather, muddy river water, and a few slices of rotten vegetables to give the nasty brew a touch of color. Carefully watching their sour expressions, he awaited their complaint. As they swallowed the last disgusting bite, they allowed that it may not have been his best meal as they exclaimed, ‘But it's good!'

Snaker had never been the joking type, so he recited a story:

There were a bunch of killers that were hired by the local cattlemen to kill a sheep farmer. The shepherd was able to fight them off, but they killed his wife in the fight. Later, the shepherd found some sympathetic folks, and they put together a posse. They went into the local saloon and gunned down the killers. The bodies had been pictured in their open coffins on the local newspaper's front page.

Everyone applauded and allowed how this is an excellent example of frontier justice. Together they mused, Would that our own local Constabulary be so swift and just.

Paula sang her favorite song of lost love, and everyone wept. Old Crabbie just would not shut up, so most folks ignored her except Mrs. Dingle who had her own gossip to share. Eventually, the two were relegated to their own corner where they repeatedly interrupted each other in increasingly louder voices. Mr. and Mrs. Barnie just sat on their front porch and pretended that the proceedings were of no matter to them. They had refused the invitation because it was more fun for them to stay home and complain.

All in all, it was a pleasant day with Thom falling and scraping his knee as he learned to roller skate. All agreed that Stan is still too young for skates, but your birthday will be soon. Show a little patience and let Thom have his special day.

And as the sun set, Snaker and Wasselman ignored each other as they bid their goodbyes. The Dingles needed to get the toddler into the bath, so they retired to their home. Old Crabby continued to talk on her porch as if she were filibustering Congress. The Jons family finally went up to the apartment to prepare for bed. The Barnies simply disappeared.

A&G: Let us check out our other charge.

Then the angelic guardians sought out

Cyndi Middleman, who lived on the next street.

Cyndi Middleman was at home watching the household as she darned the socks of her brother. She was sad to refuse the invitation to join the party because she had to watch over her younger brother, his twin sister, and two younger sisters while her father worked at the Juke Joint. Just what she was thinking about was indecipherable. The seraphic pair were unsure if she was thinking at all, just focusing on her task. Because of her difficult birth, many folks referred to her as slow.

Cyndi was a plain girl of unremarkable habits. The local gossips figured that she may wind up like so many of her kind with a baby in tow and no husband to take responsibility. For this was the common story of the poor and underprivileged girls who lived in this forgotten real estate called the bottoms. No one cares about kids from the bottoms who keep making the same mistakes. Many folks believed that it's the girl's fault because boys will be boys.

That night as A&G looked into the nearby expanse of the unoccupied heavens,

they mused how long it would take to inhabit that immense space

after the local universe is completed and the 7th would

send out its many servants into that immensity.

While that seemed to be a long way off,

the perspective of this unique

planet so far on the

edge of the 7th is,

for them, proof of the incredible

opportunities on this isolated world.

As they planned for the next day, they counted themselves part of

the truly blessed to be called to this singular place: this World of the Cross.

Good night, Thom. Hope you had a great birthday. Do you like my knife?

Stan, your knife is the absolute best. Thank you. Good night. Now go to sleep.

The next day, Thom let Stan play with his box of blocks in the bedroom while he hiked over to a small spot of pavement to begin practicing his skating. He demonstrated remarkable concentration in his determination to master the difficult surfaces and the clogging of the wheels from the dust and grit of the road. He was fascinated by the wheels and quickly learned how to keep them clean. When he managed to balance, he found developing skills at riding over various challenging surfaces held his focus. For the first time in his young life, he discovered that focusing on something was a rewarding experience. School for him was a bore, and the authoritarian teachers were more than his independent nature could stomach.

While Thom explored on his skates, Stan discovered that the blocks would supply hours of entertaining stories. His cherished sticker joined in his story making as sea battles ensued, forts were constructed, and a few toy soldiers from an earlier birthday joined in the action. As it turned out, Stan really felt no jealousy toward Thom's skates if Thom would allow him to play with the blocks.

Thom did not have much interest in the blocks. On his excursions, he found a few more small blocks to add to the collection. When Stan was not playing with blocks, he would read books that Laura procured from the library.

Even though they were only a year apart in age, the two brothers began to develop a comfortable independence between them. At school, they were separated into different classes where recess and lunch were at different times. When they returned home, Thom would be eager to head out into his ever-expanding territory. Stan would enjoy his imaginative spaces. Thom slowly began to develop his contacts with the clientele of the Juke Joint who would occasionally pay him a pittance to run small errands. Stan's unique imagination increasingly held his attention for a long time.

These developments afforded these astute guardians opportunities

to prepare small life lessons for the brothers over the next few years.

They proved to be quite effective in their guiding efforts. However, Thom

began to demonstrate a difficult inner restlessness that concerned them.

A: We are going to need to expand our horizons to accommodate Thom.

G: I have noticed that there are several unsavory characters that…

A: Thom is listening to and spending time with.

G: Whom might we find as an alternative?

A&G: That remains the mystery.

Chapter 2

Spring, 1911

For several years, Snaker and his friends at the Juke Joint had given Thom occasional gofer jobs. With that money, Thom purchased an old bicycle that he refurbished after his roller skates gave out. Stan became a voracious reader and an active participant in school.

Even though Mom's health appeared to be declining, life muddled along as best as could be expected. If Uncle Eric had not stepped in with some financial help and occasional food packages, they would have been unable to eat. Even so, not once did he set foot into the apartment. The boys doubted that he ever talked to their mother.

This morning, Thom and Stan were reluctant to leave for school. Mom looked bad and she could not get out of bed. Her eyes had become sunken and dead. Her body had been reduced to skin and bones, and she had no energy to stand or walk.

Thom observed, Not sure we should leave her today. She really needs a doctor, but there's no money.

How about fetching Mrs. Dingle? Stan asked. You think she might know what to do? Should I go and get her?

Might as well. worried Thom.

Stan ran across the street and banged on the Dingle's door. Mrs. Dingle, Mom's awfully sick, and we wondered if you might come and look. Could you please come?

Well, I'm busy right now. I'll be there in a minute. Mrs. Dingle answered as she dried her hands from the dishes.

She thought to herself, Haven't seen Laura for some time. I've been wonderin' if there ain't somethin' wrong with her. She looks worse every day. When was the last time I'd seen her? Can't remember.

As she reached the top of the rickety stairs, the smell of death assailed her nose. The apartment was in chaos, the kitchenette was filthy, dirty dishes were piled in the sink, clothes and flotsam was scattered hither and yon, and a sense of gloom pervaded everywhere. Even before finding Laura's bedroom, she knew that Laura was in deep trouble.

She commanded, Thom and Stan, you two go to school. You are already late. I'll take care of things here. Everything's goin' to be all right, so now git.

The lads wasted no time in racing off through the door, down the stairs, and on towards their public school. Though they hardly believed Mrs. Dingle's assurance that things would work out, it was far preferable to let her take over.

Clara went back home and kicked Douglas Dingle out of his usual stuporous hangover. She thought to her herself, That worthless man spends far too much time petrifying at the Juke Joint. That den of iniquity and human horror has, for some unfathomable reason, remained untouched by the law. Figure there's a lot of money greasin' the palms down at City Hall. But all that ain't no-never-mind right now.

Git up you bum. Go and fetch Pastor Richter and Lisa. Laura Jons needs their help. Now git! Clara kept hitting him, pulling off the blankets, and finally managed to shove him onto the floor to get his attention.

Mumbling incoherently, Douglas Dingle stumbled into the bathroom, slapped a little water on his fat face, pulled on a shirt, hiked up his britches, and tramped out of the house to the church.

There he found the ministerial couple deeply engaged in their morning Bible study. They simply could not be disturbed until all prayers had been delivered. As they were a deeply religious couple, their morning meditations took some considerable time to complete. Therefore, Douglas sat on the front porch and snoozed until the Pastor and his wife came out of