Once In A Lifetime

Chapter 12: Finding Peace

"You have a Divine purpose that no one else can fulfill."
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The evening had been a surprise to Denis. After his remarkable testimonies, the President of Desmond United Conference of Christian Believers conferred him with an honorary degree in Pastoral Chaplaincy, for six years of faithful, committed and excellent ministerial services in prison.

"May we call on Pastor Denis Romano to come up here on stage and accept this recognition," the President's voice echoed in the room, followed by a massive round of applause.

Denis could not believe hearing the President addressing him "pastor" as he paved his way along the red carpeted dining hall, passing greeters, extending their congratulatory gestures and smiles for the man who deserved more than what he would receive on stage.

"God is truly amazing. What have I done to deserve this honor? But if this is necessary to serve Him better, then God, let it be for your glory. Thank you for this celebration of God's goodness. Hallelujah!"

He was an industrial engineer by profession. Becoming a pastor was something he never dreamed in his entire life, although his ministerial calling started many years ago when he created Freedom Ministry inside the penitentiary reaching thousands of prisoners there. Now that he was already a free man, the Ministry lived on. He was even planning to bring this Ministry when he comes back in his country believing that it's God's plan for him. But he had to stay for few months in the Conference and attend in a series of theological discourse for a richer and fuller educational and spiritual experience that would qualify him for an ordination.

At first he was hesitant contented of serving as a chaplain in whatever capacity. The necessity of coming home the soonest made the Conference considered his flight and allowed him to study theology in one of the affiliated seminaries in his own country.

But for the meantime, his greatest challenge was never the pastoral aspect of his ministry. His greatest challenge would be facing his daughter and becoming a father to her again.

What will be her reaction when we meet face to face. Should I hug her? Should I introduce myself to her? Will she recognize me? What if she will ask me, "Why you did not come back for me as you promised?" What answer will I give her?

Denis was in solitude now. He tried to sleep but sleep was nowhere. Somehow, something was disturbing him aside from her daughter. Then, a thought came to him. He arose from his bed and grabbed the phone directory. When he saw the name with her phone number, he glanced at the alarm clock on the study table across the bed. It's 10:07 in the evening and wondered if she's still awake. Nevertheless, he dialed the number. A woman answered,

"Yes, speaking. Who's this please?" For a moment he was thankful that she did not recognized his voice.

He summoned his courage and said, "Sorry to disturb you at this hour. It's Pastor Romano, David's friend." There was calculating silence at the other end. He immediately broke the silence and did not wait for her to say a word.

"You may not remember me, but there are some important things that I need to talk with you in person. Can I come to your place at your convenient time?" Denis was crossing his fingers for a positive reply.

"What's your name again, please?" Evidently, there was surprise in her voice.

"It's Pastor Romano of Desmond United Conference of Christian Believers." Confidently he said to the woman at the receiving end.

"I don't remember David having a pastor for a friend. Are you sure you got the right number, Pastor?"

"Yes. Unless you are not Sarah McCullough, David's widow."

Sarah sensed, he was up to something real important, so she agreed for a late afternoon meeting in her house. Then, the line went dead.

Sarah was a casual friend. Back in college, they went in the same school. They knew each other because they were school mates. They were not the type who went out together, since they had different set of friends.

When they graduated, Sarah came to know David McCullough through his first cousin, Pamela Romano, who was married to an American Filipino national, visiting the country at that time. David was with the couple. At first, it was David and Denis who went out together with some friends. Both of them loved horses. It was during a race that Sarah met David when Pamela introduced them to each other. Until the two, became very intimate and decided to settle down. After a year, David and Sarah got married. Two years after their marriage, Sarah left Philippines to live forever with his husband in his country. Until the promise of forever was broken because of him. David died saving his life that one fateful afternoon when he himself committed suicide.

Sarah's heart was broken when David did not make it. The next thing, he knew, Sarah hated him for taking her husband away from her and their son.

He could not forget those piercing eyes when the jurors finally handed the judgment. She was disappointed to hear the verdict.

"You killed my husband! 20 years are not enough. It should be a lifetime sentence," she repeatedly shouted those words, as Denis was being ushered by the guards to his final destiny for twenty years.

He wondered what would be Sarah's reaction now that he was a freeman. It did not matter to him anymore. All he wanted would be her forgiveness, and he's going to beg for it no matter what the cost.

Denis went back to bed, reached out for his Bible, read a few verses and knelt in prayer. Few minutes after praying, he was already sleeping peacefully.

When he woke up, it was still dark. 4:30 in the morning, as he read the clock sitting on a table illuminating against the dark. He could hear clanging sounds, water dripping, and few movements from the Conference kitchen. He searched for his Bible, read few chapters then afterwards, meditated and prayed.

He was reminded that breakfast would be set at 6:00 in the morning. After his devotional, he went outside for an early jog and saw an elderly couple doing their brisk walk. They reminded him of his parents. Somewhere in the park, he saw mother and daughter tandem doing the lead as they coached some young girls for their dance exercise. Linda and Denise would be perfect for the scenario. Just thinking of them caused so much regrets in his heart.

And there was David... His friendship was priceless, his life was sacrificial.

How can I ever repay him, Lord? Then, he heard a small voice saying,

I have already paid the price. Just live worthy of your calling.

The sun was now breaking the dark remnants of the night, pushing the darkness away, scattering it's golden rays amidst the clear sky. The sun had risen, bringing the promise of a new day. There was so much hope...he had so much faith. Then, from the corner of his memory, he saw Sarah with those piercing sad eyes begging for justice, denying forgiveness as he once asked. Now he would beg again. No matter what would be the outcome, she could surely make a difference in his life this day....

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Sorry for the late update. I just arrived from a 3 day retreat. Connecting with God through nature was a refreshing and rewarding experience. Hopefully I can give a meaningful experience also as you continue reading this story. Suggestions and comments are welcome.
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