Influence of a King

CHAPTER 4

California, America

1930

As 1930 rolled in, so also were the Eichenwald grandchildren ready for their relocation to America. They visited the mansion to receive their grandfather's blessings as he bid them farewell. He opened his arms to each of them and clutched them to his chest.

"Go well, my child," he whispered in Chad's ears. "Let the dew of heaven pour upon you, and I pray God to enrich you with His presence."

"Amen," Chad responded. Obed was next.

They all went to their grandfather in the order of their ages.

After he had blessed Jessica, they left the mansion to return to their

respective homes.

When Chad returned home, he felt unease in the house. The maids

moved with a briskness he was not used to.

"Hello, my darling!" his mother said, bustling out of the kitchen,

the pitch of her voice quite strained. "I am personally preparing our

meal, and in another five minutes, all will be ready. Go tell your dad

that he may come down for dinner."

Chad mounted the stairs and knocked on the door to his parents'

room.

"Come in," he heard his father say.

Chad peeked through the slightly opened door and hesitated as

he noticed his father's bloodshot eyes and fingers placed between the pages of an open book. Chad looked closer at the book. It was a Bible. Once in a while, Chad had seen his father reading the Christian book. From experience, he noticed his dad seemed to read it when he was most troubled.

"Dad, Mom says dinner is ready," Chad began with a hint of uncertainty.

"Come in," his father said again, this time beckoning him into the room with a wave of his fingers. Chad walked into the room and stood in front of him.

"By tomorrow, you will be on your way to America and will remain there for a long time. I had my reservations, which was no secret to you, but ultimately, I have released my will to God's."

Chad only nodded, with no clue as to what his response should be.

His father continued in a pensive voice. "When I married your mother I converted to Judaism, but as a child, I was a Christian and studied the Bible daily under the watch of my father. This Bible is the link to my past. I have nothing to give to you as you embark on this journey except for this Bible. It is old and weathered, but very precious to me. Keep it well. Study it if you will. I place no demands on your faith. But keep it in memory of me and in honor of God."

Chad reached out to collect the Bible from his father's hand. Bound in black leather, the edges were tattered and fragile.

"Dad, you need not fear that I will abandon you and never return, just the same way you've treated your own family."

Goodness gracious! It was out of his mouth before he could restrain himself and he regretted it immediately. His father looked ashen.

"Thank you for this gift," Chad said, attempting to correct the wrong, his mien quite solemn.

His father nodded in acceptance, gaining his balance. "Let's go down for dinner."

"Okay, just give me a second." Chad swiftly walked to his room, dropped the Bible on his bed, and joined his father who waited on the landing.