Another Pair Of Eyes: Love is Not Blind

Chapter 14

Chapter 14- October 25, 2018

"He is a tough one. I think most of the scarring is minimal. He will need to continue on oxygen treatments for a few more weeks but he should be up and running at full speed in no time. Your husband is a very lucky guy." The surgeon went to shake Jackie's hand but he got a big hug instead.

"He is a blessed guy Doctor. Thanks so much. What a relief." She came around the chair and hugged me. Tears came easy as we rejoiced in Dean's well being. It had been a scary week with no real promise that he didn't have severe damage from the heat and smoke.

"Jackie you keep him down and make sure he rests. You know him. He will want to go right back into everything immediately."

"Don't worry about that Hank. He won't be doing much of anything until me and the doc says he can." Dean was a massive guy but Jackie put him in his place with the subtlest of looks.

"Give him my best when he wakes up. I am heading to the church. Ed called me and Deacons want to meet with me."

"Without Dean there? I don't like it Hank. You have been through a lot. I hope they don't blindside you." I hadn't been told what the meeting was for but it wasn't hard to guess. Jackie had my same thoughts it seemed.

"It will be fine Jackie. These guys have always had my back. Lets be honest here; you could hear the wind whistling through my ears the way I have been making decisions lately."

"And who can blame you. You have been through a few things lately! Remind them of that if they forget."

A few hours later I was sitting in the conference room by the youth area. My office was destroyed, along with our conference room in the main office area, by the fire. The deacons had all arrived. There was a somber tone among them. That was very abnormal.

Ed started the meeting. "With Dean recovering I will lead us tonight. Hank, it is good to see you. How you holding up?"

"Dean is ok. Our church is still standing. I can't say I am personally doing great. Nothing really could prepare me for these last few months. I haven't been fully myself."

"That is understandable Hank. Who could blame you? We wanted to meet because we are worried about you. Been a few things that have come to our attention." Eye contact was at a premium in this room. These guys had some tough things to say to me tonight. I took a deep breath and tried to prepare myself. I was white knuckled holding the arms of my chair as Ed continued.

"There are a few things we need to wrap our minds around so that we can support you. Hank, I mean that too. We want to support you even though it is going to sound critical." Ed was the superintendent of the county schools. He was a non-anxious presence always and I was super grateful for it tonight.
"I understand. I have made some mistakes, no doubt. I just want to make sure we separate fact form rumors tonight."

"Hard to do that if you don't tell us anything Hank!" Daryl looked like he was pouting, like I had stole his favorite toy and wouldn't give it back. If Eric was a non-anxious presence, Daryl was Chicken Little screaming the sky was falling.

"Now Daryl, that is not fair. We cant tell him to take the time he needs and then be upset when he does. Yes, we need to be in the loop about some things. That is why we are here, right Ed?" Scott and I had a rocky start. When I first came to Quest he was not supportive. He wanted a more season pastor. Things had changed over the years though and we were now good friends. Being there for the death of his mom and doing his daughters wedding had earned his respect and showed that I cared. Care had won him over.