A Tale of Two Families: A Parable

Once there were two families frantically hoping to board the same flight.  Both were groups of four.  One family was advised of the impending death of the wife’s mother.  The other family hoped to board this flight in order to finally take the vacation of their dreams.  

The family on holiday was delayed due to the husband forgetting his wallet and money on the table. The husband, hoping to amend for the error, drove home as fast as he could.  After grabbing the wallet full of cash, he sped back to the airport.  He cleared security, then sprinted to the gate but was too late.  Drenched in sweat, he apologized profusely to his family as his wife glared at him in anger. The gate agent politely apologized that the next flight was sold out but offered to place them on standby.  They reluctantly agree and silently prayed they could get on the flight.

Meanwhile, the other family was stuck in traffic.  Desperate anxiety filled the wife as she worried she would not reach her mother’s side before she slipped from this world to the next.  Her stomach churned in the knowledge it was the last flight of the day.  

When they finally arrived at the ticket counter to check in, they were informed they were too late.  His wife in tears, the man pleaded to be allowed to check in and explained the reason for their travel.  With compassion, they agent speedily checked them in for the flight and said she would help them get through security.  Looking at her watch, she said, “We have to hurry.”

They ran to security but were disheartened to see such a long line.  The agent asked them to wait while she found someone to usher them through. Minutes ticked by before the agent returned with a security agent in tow.  

Meanwhile, at the gate the man stood close to the counter hoping to hear good news.  His spouse fumed they would miss the first day of their vacation.  They had saved money for more than a year.  They had so many hopes.  Now it all seemed lost.  The children were bored and agitated causing great annoyance to their parents and those still in the gate area waiting to board.  

Having cleared security, the other family ran as fast as they could to their gate.  It was the furthest gate from the security check point.  As they got closer, the husband saw a family of four huddled in front of the desk.  

Choose your preferred ending:  

Option A

As the husband, since he ran fastest, neared the desk, he heard the gate agent say, “Yes sir, I understand but if this group of four isn’t here in the next minute, I’ll release their seats and you all can board.”  Everyone heard the steps and heavy breathing of the man and turned toward him.  The family of four standing at the gate were downcast.  This must be the family they hoped wouldn’t show.  Their dream vacation, the trip they planned and saved for so long wouldn’t take place that day.  They children started crying as the man walked to the gate announcing his name and that his family was right behind him.  The agent, glancing quickly at the family in front of him and back to the man, nodded and said, “Your family needs to hurry.  I have to close the door so the flight can leave.”  

The man stepped back to the hallway calling, “Hurry, hurry, they want to close the doors!”

One by one, the remaining members of his family arrived and handed the boarding passes to the agent and walked into the jetway, breathless, sweating but immensely relieved.  The other family was filled with anguish and wordlessly pleaded with heaven at the injustice of it all.  

Option B

Finally, they heard the magical words, “Here are your boarding passes.  Hurry on board so we can get the plane out on time.”  

Immense relief filled the hearts of the family around the gate desk.  They got to their seats and after everyone was settled, the husband exhaled and squeezed his wife’s hand.  She relaxed and all was forgotten about her husband’s forgetfulness.  They made it.

The other family arrived at the gate only to see the plane backing away from the gate.  Inwardly, they pleaded with heaven at the injustice of it all.  

What is this all about? 

In life, sometimes blessing and calamity are two sides of the same coin.  A blessing for one person may be a curse for another.  As I get older, I’m learning I must be thankful for everything in life, even things I don’t like.  

Hierarchy: 1

Thoroughly vexed, Alan looked at his boss, eyes pleading. “But he is supposed to be the managing these people.  That’s why we hired him.  He was to give it all believability.” 

Max said nothing as he returned the Alan’s stare.  Alan continued, “Max, you know how important all this research is.  You know how much is on the line.  Why are you throwing a monkey wrench in the works at the eleventh hour?”

His brow knitted and lips pursed, Max stared at the board room table.  With finality he announced, “No, I won’t let him become a lab rat.  Russell, make a position for him and an offer he can’t refuse.  He needs to move up the ladder.  I can see him around this table someday.  He has done well, and he’ll be surprised, but….”

Obviously unhappy with the pronouncement, Liz demanded, “But what?”

Max stopped and glared at Liz.  Like a teapot about to erupt, Max felt the pressure building.  All who observed him saw his face aglow with rage.  They knew the tempest about the crash upon them.  Eyes blazing, Max screamed with emphasis on each word, “He won’t be a lab rat!”

The silence that followed echoed off the walls.  Several attendees shifted nervously in their seats.  Liz knew Max won again. 

Max continued with strong even tones, “Paul has done everything we’ve demanded and more.  He’s worked extra hours and taken on other responsibilities.  He’s been loyal and should be rewarded.   To subject him to this just isn’t right.”  Max added with a wry grin, “Besides, he reminds me a little bit of myself when I was his age.” 

Murmuring rolled throughout the meeting room.  Liz rolled her eyes but said nothing.  When Max made up his mind there was no changing it.  At least now they knew the truth.  It was Max being Max.  All he ever really cared about was Max.  They would simply need to find another way to make it work.  It was what they did best.  In spite of all the planning, they were professionals at improvisation.  They had to be with Max at the helm. 

All those seated around the table were anxious for the trials to start and there had been many delays.  The facility was ready and subjects chosen.  Those who supplied the funding were eager to see the first fruits.  It was time to get the train moving. 

Max returned to his office and fell into his chair.  He hated to be demanding.  Actually, he didn’t care what they thought.  He was in charge of the operation and it was his decision.  No one’s neck was on the line but his. 

It was true Paul was an outstanding employee.  Everyone was surprised how quickly he learned the ropes.  He was eager and asked intelligent questions.  In no time he worked independently.  It was Liz who first noted Paul’s ability to grasp the vital points of the job.  This prompted Max to follow up with Greg, Paul’s immediate superior, to get his opinion.  Max posed the inquiry as mere curiosity but Max wanted someone who could see the big picture. 

Ultimately, Max needed an ally.  He saw the envious eyes that surrounded him in the board room.  It was a matter of time until someone tried to derail his successful run at the firm.  Nevertheless, if Max could get a fruitful harvest from the new project, he would retire in luxury.  Meanwhile, he would groom Paul to be his successor.  The rest of them could go to hell. 

Gloria recognized the look on Liz’s face as she returned from the board room.  Still she waited for Liz to speak first.  Liz marched passed Gloria and into her office.  Meanwhile, Gloria looked at Liz’s upcoming schedule.  It was clear for the rest of the day.  Gloria calmly waited for the inevitable instant message.  She was rewarded when a tone on her computer pinged.  Liz wrote, “You ready for a smoke?”

“Always”

Neither Liz nor Gloria smoked.  It was code for the two of them to go to a place where they could speak freely.  There were no cameras or microphones outside in the smoking area.  Even if there were, they spoke in hushed tones and used code words for everyone.  When alone, they discussed events in the board room and strategies to use.  When a smoker or another employee was present, they chatted about work, home, relationships or whatever suited for the moment.  No one questioned their presence in the smoking area.  They weren’t the only nonsmokers who utilized the space.  The setting, with the trees, flowers, and man-made waterfall, was soothing.  It was the only real thing about the office.  Everything else was fake.  Especially, the people. 

Nearing the smoking area, Gloria asked, “So what happened this time?”

“You know The Boy Wonder?”

“Of course, the next captain of the troops.”

“Well, El Capitan is pulling him from the study.”

“What?  Why?”

“His Highness wants him to be a pet, a yes man.  Probably to be his replacement in a few years.”

“What a crock!”

“That bastard!  If you ever want to do a case study for glass ceilings, just spend five minutes here.”

Gloria thought for a moment.  “Whadaya going to do?”

“I don’t know.  There’s not much I can do.  The Blob is supposed to give him some other special job that he can’t refuse.  He’ll probably get a big raise too.  I guess, until that happens, there is nothing to do. I’ll need to find some other way to make whoopee.”

“Make whoopee” was another code Liz and Gloria used.  It stood for actions Liz did to undermine Max. 

After some idle chit chat, Liz said, “We may as well get back to work.  I’ll kiss up to Max like always.”  As they walked side by side, Liz looked at Gloria.  In a serious tone, she added, “I appreciate you being here.  There just aren’t enough ladies here to put those coggers in their place.” 

“Yes, we need to stick together.”

“We definitely have 12 solid candidates?  Unless one of them dies or is in the hospital, I can’t afford to come up short on this in any way, shape, or form.”

“Would you relax?!  All 12 have been contacted and they each confirmed their desire to work here.  They know they will have a special work place that has all the modern amenities.  All of them sounded excited when they were offered the jobs.”

Liz exhaled in relief.  “Sorry, I can’t wait for this to start.  It’s been hanging over all of us for so long.”

Gloria laughed, “Let the fun begin.”

Liz added, “Bring on the victims.”

Shorties: 68

Cousin Bill sat on bales of cotton on a riverboat gliding down the Mississippi River.  This was the third time he’d been sold.  The first time he was 5 years old.  His new master took him stealthily while all were asleep.  In a dream, he was floating.  He knew he was gliding across the lands of the earth and was a magical being.  When reality seeped into his consciousness, his whimper awoke his mother.  For the rest of his life, his mother’s heart rending screams pounded his ears. 

This master was kind and he even learned to read.  While he never forgot his mother, Cousin Bill accepted his lot in life.  He got religion on his 20^th birthday and steadfastly read the bible daily, trying to live the life taught in the scriptures.  Then he was sold again.

Master Peterson was a kind man and cried when telling Cousin Bill he would have a new owner.  “But massa Peedason,” Cousin Bill gasped in despair, “wat’d I do wrong?  Ayz sorry massa.  Ayz won’t duagin, ayz promis.”

Master Peterson slowly exhaled, “Now Cousin Bill, you’ve done nothing wrong.  I have debts to this man and….”  His voice trailed off.  Cousin Bill felt his heart sink further as he searched his owner’s eyes.  Finally, Master Peterson added, “I don’t have a choice.  I’m sorry but I don’t.”

Cousin Bill’s faith was sorely tested under his austere new owner.  Master Van Dyke also believed in God.  Cousin Bill’s God was one that gave to those in need, and loved his neighbor as himself.  Master Van Dyke read the same bible as Cousin Bill.  However, his religion was more about personal piety.  He quoted verses Cousin Bill had read but, somehow missed.

The first time Cousin Bill was bound to the whipping post, Master Van Dyke quoted, “And that servant that knoweth his lord’s will, and prepared himself not, nor having done according to his will, shalt be beaten with many stripes.” 

Even after his back healed, the scars on his soul remained.  Like the scar that time may heal, but not remove, the flogged man remembers his degradation.  The whip not only wounds the flesh, it wounds the spirit.  Thereafter, Cousin Bill’s gaiety was empty.  Sometimes his countenance became suddenly blank in the midst of the day. It was the whip entering the soul anew.

Now he was going down river.  It was a place all Negros knew was worse than death.  How he wished he could unhook the shackles from the boat and cast himself into the river.  The weight of the irons would ensure he would never resurface.  He preferred to be eaten by creatures of the deep than live another day.  In his misery, Cousin Bill never noticed the fair skinned little girl board the boat with her family.  He didn’t hear her exclaim to her parents upon spying Cousin Bill upon the cotton bales, “Mommy, daddy, I just saw a chocolate person!”

Alone in his thoughts, Cousin Bill wanted to lash out at the world with all the anger and desperation forced down for the last 7 years but he feared more beatings.  After the boat cast off, he saw her, vibrant and with a face of joy.  Hopeless and brimming with despair, Cousin Bill was drawn to watch her move about the boat.  He saw she was watching him. 

Ever so slowly, she closed the space between them.  Finally, she started talking to him, about the boat and it being her first boat ride.  Cousin Bill was reminded of Master Peterson’s oldest daughter, Miss Cora.  She’d always been kinds to him.  This little girl asked, “Why do you have chains on your legs?”

Embarrassed, Cousin Bill said, “Well, uh, I been sol to a new massa.”

“I’m Emily.  What’s your name?”

“Bill but dey call me Cousin Bill, Miss Emily.”

The girl beamed in a sweet smile.  “Are you my cousin?”

Warmed by her smile, Cousin Bill replied, “Ayz don buhleev so, miss.  Yourn folk not like mines.”

“Can you play with me?”

Cousin Bill lifted a shackled leg and said, “Be kina hawd ta play like dis, Miss Emily.”

Emily frowned as the gears of her mind turned.  Her mother started calling and admonishing her to “stay away from the niger.”  She faced Cousin Bill and said, “You’re nice Cousin Bill.  We will play when you get those things off your legs.”  She turned and ran for her mother.

A singular hope filled him.  Cousin Bill whispered, “Ayz hopes weez do, Miss Emily.  Ay sho hopes weez do.”

A crack appeared in the callous of Cousin Bill’s soul.  In such a brief moment, the pure heart of Emily touched him indelibly.  Her genuine compassion was a sweet aroma in the sulfurous hell that was Cousin Bill’s life.  With love, it was possible not to see the color of a man’s skin.  Love makes no requirements or demands.  It simply does what it knows.  Love loves.

Shorties: 67

George, a boy she liked in high school, had returned home from Afghanistan.  Amanda was thrilled to finally have a moment alone, as alone as you can be in a room full of people, with him.  It had been three years since she last saw George.  How her heart jumped seeing him again.  Small talk was finished and awkwardness arrived.  Amanda’s eyes darted from side to side and she saw the antics of some party revelers while she steeled herself to finally ask the question.  

Impulsively, she blurted, “What’s it like?  Combat, I mean.”

Startled, George looked at Amanda.  He always thought her pretty and sweet but never felt for a moment he had a chance at dating her in high school.  Now, this question struck him like the bullets and shrapnel that missed during his tour of duty.  Simply hearing the word plunged George into the sights and smells seared to memory.  

It was nearly 48 hours ago he was in a firefight. The juxtaposition of being plucked from combat to home, without a moment to process anything, stirred great turmoil in his psyche.  Nevertheless, Amanda’s inquiry carried the popping sounds of automatic weapons to his ears.  It was the sights and smells that tormented him the most.  Like felines toying with a mouse, they took turns in their attacks. Sometimes they alternated but at others, they both pounced.  

The first body he saw was ripped apart and the horrific odor of decaying flesh and exposed bowels overwhelmed George.  The scene haunted him anew.  All those sleepless nights when his mind was powerless to stop as it all repeated again and again and again.  Inwardly, he flinched in defense of the violent outbreak in his mind.  

George’s breathing deepened but he said nothing.  Amanda saw the conflict in his face and realized her terrible error.  How she wanted to retrieve the words and reverse history.  Finally, she stammered, “George, I’m so sorry.”  

For the first time, George looked her in the eye. Amanda recognized tremendous anguish deep in the soul of his eyes.  It was like a child calling out to be rescued from a miry pit.  How he wished to escape the beasts clawing at him but he was trapped. George broke the gaze, shifted his feet, and looked at the floor.  He knew she would never understand.  There is no explanation for combat.  Calling it hell only scratches the surface.  Finally, and without a word, George turned and walked out.  He didn’t know where to go.  Even home was no longer sanctuary.  His whole world had changed.  

Amanda rigidly stood in place fully knowing the terrible thing she did.  She only prayed she would have a chance to atone for her sin.  

Shorties: 66

A terrible dread enfolded Zeke like a suffocating cloak of decay.  He felt the icy tendrils consuming deeper and deeper into his soul.  Though his spirit defiantly stood against the obvious, the onslaught had begun.  He would bow to the inevitable.  After hearing a vertebra in her neck collapsed, Zeke knew his wife would soon die. 

Though sometimes stormy, Zeke loved his Adrian.  He knew he wanted no other.  Now his mind swirled.  No clear thought would still itself long enough for Zeke to notice.  It was all a jumbled mass of discordant bedlam.  One thing only was clear.  He could only see the frail lady next to him. 

Still holding her hand, Zeke heard Adrian ask, “What next?”

The doctor was speaking.  Zeke watched his lips move and heard garbled speech that must have been cohesive since Adrian responded with another question.  Zeke understood nothing.  The acidic ice continued excavating his heart.  He looked at Adrian again.  The neck brace bulged against her tiny frame.  After two years in a bitter contest with cancer, Adrian bore the scars.  Her skin pale and thin, she was weary. 

For the first time the end to his marriage was in sight.  “Till death do us part” was about to arrive.  Like oxygen fleeing his lungs, Zeke felt muscles, hearing, and vision weaken.  An ever darkening cloud faded his vision.  How does one take ownership of emotions too painful to recognize?  How do you stand still on the tracks when you see the freight train about to obliterate you?  Then Zeke realized he wasn’t standing.  He was kneeling, pleading. 

He believed in God.  He wanted to believe healing was possible for Adrian.  Even now as her brittle bones were breaking one by one, Zeke wanted to believe this wasn’t too much for an omnipotent God.  If Jesus brought the dead back to life, Adrian wasn’t too far gone, was she?

The only thing that made sense was to love Adrian.  To fill their remaining hours with nothing but love, to let her know she was the best thing in his life.  Let the cold winds blow.  She would be his focus. 

Shorties: 65

A great hope filled Jim’s soul.  For the whole of his life, Jim wanted to be someone. He wanted to do works of great importance.  How he yearned to make an impact in the world.  Nevertheless, from the pit of his being, he always believed himself a failure and would never be enough.  

Though he wouldn’t yet recognize this fact, Jim shrouded his heart in obscurity to avoid the pain of each disappointment, however real or perceived they might be.  Yet, on this day, following a chance meeting, Jim allowed the sight of an eternal vision to catch the hope of truth:  he would one day fulfill the possibilities that were planted by an eternal, benevolent Creator.  

The stranger, who ordered his meal at the fast food restaurant Jim frequented, eyed Jim with great intention after leaving the counter with his meal.  Jim identified a mixture of surprise and recognition in the stranger’s face.  The wheels of memory churned while placing his standard order.  Who was that guy?  Do I know him?  

What the stranger later declared continued to rock the foundations of Jim’s understanding.  The seeds of hope buried deep in his heart were dead but now seemed to quicken.  Again, Jim looked at the letters and numbers scrawled onto the back of the stranger’s lunch receipt.  Again, Jim read the words of Jeremiah 29:11.  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Hope!  Hope, that beacon of light in a dark and weary land.  The stranger’s voice echoed and Jim read again.  Like lyrics of honey poured out to heal his barren soul, Jim soaked up each and every drop.  A tinge of embarrassment worked to squeeze in between the light and darkness and reaffirm dominance.  Jim shook his head.  No, not this time.

Jim saw it all again.  Mortification permeated after the stranger approached and began speaking.  Burnt into the synapses, Jim recalled his demeanor and tone.  They spoke acceptance.  They called to him as one seeking a lost child, desiring to hold it to his chest in an eternal embrace.  He spoke, “Hey, um, I don’t know you but I feel I have to tell you something.”  

From the corner of his eye, Jim noted the person seated next to him turn his attention to the stranger.  Jim felt his cheeks flush.  The stranger’s reddened as well.  Finally, after shifting in his seat, Jim pursed his lips and replied, “Ok.”  After a lifetime of rejection, mostly from himself, Jim steadied himself for an onslaught of words his mind repeated all too often. “You are stupid.  You are not worth anything.  You are an idiot.”  

“After I took my order and saw you, I clearly felt I had to tell you something.  I believe in God and I believe He wants you to know this.  I wrote down the chapter and verse so you can look at it later.”  He handed Jim the receipt.  

With tears flowing, Jim read again the promise from God hearing the stranger’s voice.  How he wished he’d asked for his name but at the moment Jim was awash with hope and embarrassment.  Tears were brimming his eyes and about to spill down his cheeks.  He just had to leave before someone mocked the weakness he displayed.  

Now, in the quiet of his room, Jim let grace rain upon him.  He hadn’t darkened the door of a church in more than a decade.  Yet, it was apparent God was calling.  Though unworthy, Jim wanted to let the hope he felt lead him to the next step.

London Trip

My wife, daughter, and parents traveled to London.  For all but my wife, it was our first time there.  While there is much to see and do, for the moment I will share a few of the different moments. 

My plan was to fly to Detroit and go with my parents from there to London.  My wife and daughter had work and school and couldn’t leave early enough to take the same flight with us and would travel on a nonstop.  I awoke very early since my parents needed to take a very early flight from South Bend to Detroit.  In all, we would be in Detroit about 9 hours.

Why would we stay there so long?  Since I work for an airline, when I use my travel privileges we fly when there are open seats.  In this case, I preferred to be in Detroit early since the flights were open. 

I arrived at the airport parking lot very early.  Due to the government shutdown, people who work security at the airport weren’t being paid and some were not showing up to work.  Consequently, security queues were reported as being quite long.  In my case, the lines were short and I had a lot of time to get to my departure gate.  When I walked up to the gate about 30 minutes prior to departure, I saw a different destination on the sign.  I was horrified to learn the gate changed from D31 to A3.  For those who know the Atlanta Airport, you know that meant I had to travel about a mile to get to the new gate.

I started walking quickly to my new gate.  When I reached the train that moved between concourses, I was aghast to see it wasn’t operating.  That meant I had to go the rest of the way on foot.  At that point I wish I had checked my suitcase.  It would have been much easier to run with just my backpack. 

While traversing the airport, I pictured not getting to Detroit to meet my parents.  Then I imagined not getting to London at all.  I began to despair how the tide had turned.  I went from having an abundance of time to MAYBE getting to the gate in time.  I imagined arriving at the gate, covered in sweat and panting heavily, only to see the plane backing away from the gate.  Perhaps worse, having the gate agents tell me I was too late. 

Ultimately, I happily boarded the flight and took my seat.  Then the sweat started pouring out.  I recalled people I’d seen before in such circumstances.  I pledged to wish speed to each of them in the future.  Also, I hope for compassionate gate agents if they are late. 

The saddest part of this whole episode is the coffee I bought prior to going to the gate.  I had taken only a few sips but knew I couldn’t run with it in my hand.  Sadly, it went in the first trash can I saw. 

While I enjoyed the sights and history of London, and the family we visited, the highlight of the trip was looking at the itinerary of my family traveling to Rome the day we returned home.  While they were starting to log into the website to check in for their flight, I looked over the trip.  Flying on Vueling, I saw three names booked.  They were as follows:

          Doe/Jane

          Gentleman, White

          Doe/Jessica

You need to know these family members are from Colombia and speak Spanish and English.  I chided them for calling one a white gentleman.  I couldn’t imagine why they were give that name.  For international air travel, reservations must be made in the name as it appears on the passport.  My mind continued to boggle at how this mistake could have happened.  The laptop being used belonged to Jane’s daughter.  She came to assist with the online check-in and she was advised to the issue of the White Gentleman traveling to Rome.  After several more minutes Jane’s daughter commented it must be due to settings on the computer.  Since it is her work computer, it is set to automatically translate web pages. 

Slowly this bit of information seeped into our minds and we all realized what happened.  I began laughing boisterously.  Of course, now it made sense.  For those who don’t speak Spanish, here is a short lesson for you:

Jane’s mom is named Blanca Caballero.  In English, that translates to white gentleman. 

It was a short trip to London and we filled it to the brim.  As with many places I’ve visited, I hope to return someday.