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Forecast: Foggy with a Chance of Goodbye

By Dyanne Gordon Green

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Chapter One

Frank slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Maggie after she’d had another rough night. Her migraines were coming more frequently despite the change in medication, and they seemed to be getting worse. Frank was thankful she had an appointment scheduled for the following Monday. The doctor had assured them both there were several more options available, and not to worry. So why am I still worried? He watched her sleep for a few more moments before heading downstairs.

Once the coffee finished brewing, he poured a cup and sat at the kitchen table, his unopened Bible before him. “Lord,” he prayed aloud. “Help my Maggie and take these headaches away. She’s endured so much already, and I can’t stand to see her go through more pain. Please, please heal her, all according to your good and perfect will, God.” He opened his Bible and thumbed to Philippians. This particular book usually brought him comfort, and that’s what he needed most right then … God’s comfort. Father God, there’s so much going on right now, and I’m not sure what to worry about first. That sounds dumb, Lord, I know, and I should be trusting you and not worrying at all. I need to turn it all over to you. The challenges I’m facing with Porter Construction and the issue of not enough space at House of Hope. We can’t keep turning people away when they need us, Lord. Help me to help them. Point me in the right direction. Lord, please take control. And please, please heal my Maggie. Amen. Frank sighed.

“Hi honey,” Maggie’s sweet voice greeted him from the doorway, and just the sight of her still took his breath away, even with her rumpled bathrobe and messy hair.

“Morning, sweetheart,” he scooted his chair back and started to get up, but she held up a hand.

“Stay there, honey, I’ll get a cup of coffee and join you. My headache is gone for now,” she told him before he could even ask.

“Glad to hear that. I hope the next medicine they prescribe will be the one that takes them away for good.”

“Me, too.” She sat across from him, a steaming mug cradled in her hands. “What are you reading today?”

“I turned to the book of Philippians, but I haven’t started reading yet. Want to read with me?”

“Yes, I love doing that, and I think we both need the strength and comfort of Paul’s words right now.”

Together they chose Philippians chapter four, and Frank started them off at verse four.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” His voice rang strong and clear in the kitchen.

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Maggie read back to him.

They alternated reading the verses aloud until the last three verses. Those three they read in unison, and he pictured their voices rising to the very ears of God.

Maggie smiled at her husband, more in love with him every day. “Thank you for being such a godly man and a good spiritual leader in our home.”

Frank reached across the table and took her hand. “We always promised we would put God first and I intend to do everything I can to keep that promise.”

“Amen, honey,” she spoke her agreement. “Now, how about some breakfast? Eggs or oatmeal? I still have some of the homemade wheat bread for toast with either choice.”

Frank thought for a moment. “You know what? I’d like a veggie omelet this morning if it’s not too much trouble. I’ll even help chop the veggies.”

“Sounds good to me, too, and I’ll take you up on your offer to help.” Maggie smiled, pleased to think her husband may have been paying attention to her healthy eating lectures after all.

****

Even after reading Scripture and spending sweet time with his wife, Frank left for work with a creased brow and a troubled mind. When his father gave him Porter Construction after Frank graduated from college, Frank figured he’d pass it on to his own son or daughter one day. Since he’d never had children, he now toyed with the idea of selling it.

The office was quiet when he arrived. Lisa, his office manager, filled his mug with coffee and he automatically reached for it and nodded his thanks.

“Here’s your mail and there are at least five new messages that I transferred to your voicemail,” she told him. “Oh, and we’re having trouble with the lumber order for the Perkin’s job. Seems American Supply has some sort of shortage on two-by-fours and they won’t be able to fill it for at least a few days. What do you want me to tell them?”

“Good morning to you, too, Lisa,” Frank said with a smile. “I guess we’ll have to wait on the order. Let them know if they can’t fill it by Monday, we’re going to have to find another source. Man, this is getting harder all the time, and I’m almost half tempted to sell the whole shebang.” Frank shook his head. “But I won’t, at least not yet.”

“Please don’t sell! Not right now, anyway. I’ll let them know we need the order asap. And Frank? I need to talk with you about something. Privately.”

Frank raised his eyebrows. “Something serious?”

She nodded and looked down.

“Let’s go into my office,” he said.

Once inside, he closed the door and pulled a chair over for Lisa. “Sit down and tell me what this is all about.”

“I’d rather stand,” she said. “You know me, Frank.”

He nodded as he thought back to the first time he’d called her into his office after Ms. Betty, the previous office manager, died. Lisa refused to sit then, sure he was going to fire her when instead, he’d offered her a promotion.

“Okay,” she began. “I’ve not said anything until now because, well, we weren’t sure about it and there have been complications in the past.” She paced in front of his desk. “But it’s been long enough, so it looks like everything will be fine, and I figured I better say something. We were going to tell you together, but Lennie had to be on site first thing this morning …” She paused to take a breath.

“Please, just tell me,” Frank said, his heart rate rose a little more with every passing moment.

Lisa looked at him. “Frank, I’m pregnant.” She didn’t have to wait long for his reaction.
“Lisa, that’s magnificent news! Congratulations! Why in the world were you so hesitant to tell me? Did I ever tell you my favorite and only niece is named Lisa, too? Well, she is.” He beamed at her.

The tension left her body, and she suddenly felt weak, and gladly took a seat. “Oh, thank you, Frank! Lennie and I are really excited about this baby, a true gift from God. I’ve had three miscarriages in the past, so that’s one reason we waited to tell you. The other reason is I’ll be out for at least six weeks when the baby arrives. Is that okay?” Her shoulders drew up a bit.

“Of course that’s okay! There’s plenty of time for you to bring Allie up to speed. I’m sure she can keep things going while you’re out.”

“I’ll start training her today!”

Lisa nearly floated out of the office while Frank added her pregnancy and upcoming maternity leave to his list of concerns. He thought about Ms. Betty, the only office manager he’d ever employed until she passed away two years ago. Betty always knew when he needed prayer and would call the forces together. He sighed, feeling a little sorry for himself, something he rarely did anymore. At least, not since he’d met and married Maggie. He heard the crews arriving in the outer office.

“Okay, big man, get yourself out there and call prayer time.” He pushed away from the desk and flung open his door.

“Prayer time,” he bellowed. “Right here, right now!”

Joey, one of his best employees, was at his side in an instant, quickly followed by the others. Lisa joined them as they all held hands and Frank began to pray.

“Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, I thank you for each one of us gathered here in your name. Bless this family of believers and thank you for your daily blessings. Teach us to trust you for everything. Father, may we all turn our worries and fears over to you and leave them with you. I also want to lift up the new life within Lisa and ask that you bless her pregnancy and give her a safe delivery. May we bring honor and glory to you, dear God. And Lord, I lift all our unspoken requests to you and ask for your mercy, grace, and blessings. Amen.”

Frank looked up into startled faces, especially Lisa’s face. “What?” He asked.

“We haven’t told anyone yet, Frank,” Lisa explained. “Lennie and I were waiting to tell you first, but that’s okay. What better way to announce it than in a prayer!” She blushed and smiled while the others gathered around to congratulate her.

Frank was much too busy to think about anything other than work for the rest of the morning. It wasn’t until his stomach growled that he realized he’d missed lunch and his usual late morning call to Maggie. He picked up his cell phone and clicked on her name. While he waited for her to answer, he rummaged in his desk drawer looking for a protein bar or even a bag of nuts—anything to tide him over until dinner. Maggie didn’t answer, and the call went to voicemail. He left a short message and thought about calling Christina just to make sure everything was okay but didn’t want to alarm her. I need to stop worrying about everything.

****

Maggie made quick work of the few chores around the house and headed for House of Hope.
“Hi Annie,” she said as she breezed through the side door at the shelter. “How’re you doing today?”

“Great, no complaints here. Wait until you meet our newest arrivals. They have a baby who’s super cute. Sad story, though.” Annie had been at House of Hope since day one and was responsible for the reception area.

“I can’t wait to meet them and their cute baby. How’s your mom doing?”

“She’s okay. She recognized me this past weekend. Did I tell you that? I know she did because I saw a flicker in her eyes. She knew me.” Annie nodded as if that would validate the statement.
Annie’s mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease almost a year ago and had gone rapidly downhill ever since. At first, Annie still talked about different medications that might help her mom, but those conversations were few and far between now.

Maggie touched her arm. “I’m sure she knew you, Annie.”

Annie smiled.

After a brief look at the financial records and supply lists, Maggie wandered into the living area to spend some time with the residents. She always asked the same two questions of each new guest: ‘Do you know Jesus, and do you feel the hope He has put in this place for you?’ She desperately wanted the shelter to be a safe haven where everyone could get back on their feet, yet retain their dignity. A place where they could find hope and acceptance. One of their many mottos at House of Hope was ‘never a handout, always a hand up.’

Several residents were in the television room watching a film on handling the job interview process. Others hung out by the meager, but growing library. Not wanting to disturb them, Maggie gave a quick wave and headed toward the kitchen. Annie was chatting with one of the cooks, and Maggie saw several loaves of homemade bread cooling on the wooden worktable. They smelled delicious.

She dug in her bag for her phone but couldn’t find it, so she dumped everything out onto one of the counters.

“I must have left it at home again,” she muttered when she still didn’t find it, and put everything back into her purse. “I’m getting so forgetful!” Maggie used the house phone to call Frank and let him know she may be a little late getting home if the board meeting ran over.

“No problem,” he said. “We can go grab a bite for dinner if you want.”

“Actually, we have leftovers that need to be eaten so let’s stay home. Oh, and I left my phone at home again, can you believe it?” Maggie said with quick, tinny laugh.

“You did? Well, now you’ve got me worried you might forget about me sometime and leave me at home.” He gently teased her.

“Oh, don’t be silly, honey,” she said, glad he hadn’t seemed to notice the forgetfulness and wasn’t concerned.

“How’s your day going?” she asked.

“It’s okay. I’ve got some exciting news for you, though.”

“What? Tell me, tell me.”

“Lisa’s pregnant!”

“That’s fantastic news! I’m so happy for her. I can’t wait to go shopping. Oh, did I just say that? Me, wanting to go shopping? Don’t tell Christina! Does Lisa know if it’s a boy or a girl?” Maggie asked.

Frank laughed. “She didn’t say.”

“Well, please tell her congratulations for me, and I better let you go, honey. It’s almost time for the meeting. See you when I get home. Love you,” she told him, still smiling at the good news.
“Love you, too, sweetheart. Give me a call right before you leave so I’ll know to be watching for you.”

“I will.”

Maggie walked toward the meeting room, stopped, turned around, and retrieved her purse before she headed back down the hall. I can’t believe myself sometimes!

****

Frank sat at his desk contemplating the strange call he'd just received. He didn’t know the man, Adam Jackson, didn’t even recognize his name as one of his competitors, but Mr. Jackson seemed to know a lot about Frank, and Porter Construction. Frank tapped his pen against the half empty coffee mug.

“Did this man just offer me a fortune for my company?” Frank stood and walked over to the window. “How did he even know I was considering selling it? I mean, it was only a mere thought that I hadn’t even voiced aloud yet.” He heard Lisa’s familiar knock at his door but didn’t move to answer it or tell her to come in. He wasn’t ready to talk to anyone at the moment and only wanted to think about this offer that came out of nowhere. And to pray.

Lisa shrugged when he didn’t answer, and gently rubbed her tummy as she walked back to her desk. A baby. She sat at her desk and stared out of the window. Lennie and I waited for so long. She smiled. This pregnancy is a true gift from God, and I know in my heart everything will be okay this time. Right, God?

****

Frank stood at the window for nearly an hour before picking up the piece of paper with Mr. Jackson’s number on it and stuffing it into his pocket. Enough of this. He headed for the break room. After choosing a snack and a soda from the vending machines, he walked over to Lisa’s desk.

“Any messages?” he asked.

“Just this one. I knocked on your door, but you must’ve been busy. I offered to transfer the call to your voicemail, but they asked me to give you a message instead. Old school, I guess.” She handed him the paper, and he glanced at it, then stuck into his pocket with the other note.
“Yeah, old school. Oh, Maggie said to tell you and Lennie congratulations and wanted to know if the baby’s a boy or a girl?”

“Tell her thanks, but it’s too soon to tell. In fact, we don’t even have an official due date yet. I was going to ask you if it’s alright if I take next Wednesday off. I have a couple of appointments, and I’m hoping Lennie can come with me,” she told him.

“Sure, no problem,” Frank said. “Allie will be here, right?”

“Yes, and I’ve already started training her for when I’m out with the baby.” Lisa grinned. “She’s a quick learner and … Frank? Are you okay? You seem distracted.”

“I’m all right, and I’m glad you’re bringing Allie up to speed. Hey, I’m heading out for the day. See you tomorrow.” Frank pushed open the door.

He got into his truck and started the engine. It was almost four, so Maggie was probably in the Hope House board meeting by now. He should be there, too, since they were both on the board of directors. He thought for a moment, then gunned the engine, backed out of his parking space, and headed to Harry's house for a good, old-fashioned man-to-man talk.

“Well, hello there my favorite brother-in-law!” Christina greeted him at the door. “Come on in. I’ll bet you’re looking for Harry.”

Frank gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “You’d bet right then,” he said.

“Harry?” she called out, wondering why he hadn’t already come to see who was there.

“In the kitchen,” he called back. “I thought we could use some more coffee.”

“Hey, man,” Frank said as he sat at the kitchen table.

“Get off work early?” Harry asked.

“Yeah, I got a lot on my mind, and I was hoping I could talk with you. I see you missed the board meeting, too.”

“Doggone it, I forgot all about it!” Harry shook his head and glanced at the clock. “I guess by the time we got there, they’d be about done now.”

Christina joined the men in the kitchen. “What’s going on? Is Maggie okay?”

“Your sister is fine. I’ve got some work stuff I want to bounce off Harry, that’s all.”

“Sounds terribly interesting but I think I’ll leave you guys to talk.” She grinned at them before escaping to the backyard.

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