Walking out of This World

Twenty Five

"You ain't heard the last of this!" Not exactly a sleep enhancing donation. My body has other ideas. A warm bed topped off by a cool pillow and I'm in la la land before the clock strikes twelve.

My body is shaking, shoulders clutched in a vice grip. "I brought you a little present, Johnny!" Sounds like the whisperer is back! Can't be!

The phantom hands release their grip on my shoulders. My body springs to a sitting position. A wicked toothy grin, lit by the glow of yellow light, is dangling inches in front of my nose.

"Remember, Johnny?" Big Brother's face appears, cheek to cheek, with the pumpkin.

"Wait just one minute!" I'm yelling.

Big Brother lowers his body onto the side of my bed. Yellow has taken over his eyes and white spittle oozes from the corners of his mouth.

"Are you planning a take over here, Johnny?"

"Take over what?" I blurt.

"The farm. Is that what you and Dad are planning?"

"O come on, Jack! I have a job back at the homeless shelter!"

"So! What's the big party all about?"

The bedroom door bangs open again. "What's all the noise in here!" Dad demands, his body filling the open space.

Jack stands and backs up to the end of the bed. "What are you celebrating, Dad?"

"John was lost and dying...He found the way out. Isn't that something to celebrate?" Dad asks, almost pleading.

"I've been slaving in the fields...making you money! Isn't that something to celebrate!"

"That's right...and everything I have is your's!"

"So, where does Johnny boy, here, figure into your plan?"

"There's no plan! John has a road to walk that doesn't include this farm. But...you...This farm is your life. You're the one who's going to keep it going after I'm gone!"

Big Brother's mouth closes. He seems to loose his way in the company of Dad's words.

Here's our chance to reach out.

"What are you afraid of, Big Brother?"

Big Brother's face mirrors a brain working to sort out all of this information and emotion. "You, John. You've always been the smart one, the popular one at school...graduates first in your class...big time scholarship at State. You're just like Dad...a star. And, me...just a farm boy...a nobody out in the fields!"

Dad walks over and puts a strong arm around Jack's shoulders. "I'm sorry, Jack, if I've taken you for granted. I love you, Jack. You are just as important to me as John."

Something is breaking in Jack's head. His cheeks slump, tears trickle down and drop off his chin. Jack turns and reaches inside the pumpkin, snuffing out the yellow light. The wicked grin goes silent. "Done."

I stand and join the huddle. "Let's get good and done, Jack," I whisper. Big Brother's emotion is coming across the bridge. The light from I AM is moving, reaching, including. He's the light that expands into all the world and reaches into each one's inner person.

"Do you want this love...where we are all together?" I whisper.

"Yes," Big Brother's words smush out into the tension that's filling the moment.

"Only the Spirit will make this good," Dad whispers.

"Give us your life, I AM," I claim the promise of His presence.

"Yes," Big Brother says.

"We expel the evil that has kept us separated with I AM's power," I continue.

"I'm ready to meet I AM!" Tears continue to take possession of Big Brother's face.

"Okay. Let's ask!" I say.

The tension breaks. "Repeat after me. I AM heal our fears and bring your love into our souls."

The words roll out of each mouth and gather, like hands holding one glowing globe.

The emotion of the moment has rung me out. I flop onto the bed and watch Dad and Big Brother drag tired bodies toward the open door. "And, take that ugly pumpkin with you!" I exclaim.

"Sure. I know a good place to burry it," Big Brother grabs the pumpkin and turns his face in my direction, his glowing smile needs no more explanation.

The last three days have accumulated memories of Mom's blueberry hot cakes, Big Brother's farm tours. But, the best part was the party celebrating Big Brother's assignment—Manager.

"I want to drive you back to the shelter and take a tour with the new assistant manager!" Dad's face is beaming with a new light.

"Me to," Mom yells, her body spilling out the front door.

"Don't forget me," Big Brother chimes in.

There's a new flicker of light in their eyes.

"Okay, let's get going. I have people to see and stuff to do," I exclaim. Yeah! I breath out a rush of air. Just a needy bunch of homeless people and some offshore guys. That's all.