by Todie West
Chapter 14
Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God. (Benjamin Franklin)
Now it was the waiting game. The next day dragged and Michael tried everything to occupy his time, all the while worrying about his fate as well as that of his students. He tried to map out a Plan B for his life should he lose his job as a sixth grade teacher in public school. If he went back to school and earned his Master’s, this incident would always be on his record and may limit his chances for landing a job at a community college. The option of further education seemed futile.
One bright spot, and possibly the only one in his week, Michael received the very large check from his mother’s life insurance policy. He immediately made an appointment with an investment counselor. After their meeting, he put a small portion of the money into his checking account to pay some bills, including all the credit card debt that had been hanging like a millstone around his neck, the property taxes and insurance, and he really needed to make a trip to the grocery store. The rest he put into a mutual fund.
Michael had only made two quick trips to the market for little things over the past couple of weeks, so his cupboards were empty and there was only one casserole left in the freezer. He was getting a little tired of casseroles and decided to splurge on a New York steak and a cart full of everything else. On the way home he stopped at the pet store for another bag of Tabby’s special cat food.
* * *
Finally the waiting was over. When Ms. Grant showed up at his door on Friday morning, Michael knew by the look on her face the verdict was not in his favor.
“Come on in. Have a seat.”
“Mr. Webster, I don’t know how to tell you, so I’ll get right to it.”
“We lost?”
“Yes, we lost.”
Michael was speechless. After a long silence he asked, “What did they say? Did they have any comments?”
“Basically they said, … oh I’ll just read it.” Ms. Grant pulled out the document from her briefcase. Mr. Webster has been given a position of authority over his students, but his position as a public school teacher does not give him responsibility for their religious education. He was not made responsible for ensuring that they had orthodox beliefs, that they had a proper relationship with God, or that they correctly adhered to religious laws. All of this was outside his area of authority. Mr. Webster was hired as a public school teacher, not a priest. He is, therefore, removed permanently from his position as teacher in the Drake Valley Unified School District.”
“Was it unanimous?”
“No, the vote was 3 to 2.”
“That’s comforting, but it doesn’t change the outcome, does it?”
“No, it doesn’t. And it doesn’t change the fact that I totally disagree with this verdict.”
“I do appreciate that, Ms. Grant.”
“I’ve seen a lot of cases, and many times they got it right, but this is not one of those times.”
“So I guess that’s it.”
“Well, we could appeal to arbitration.”
“Really?”
“It could prove to be a costly proposition, legal fees, and what have you. And it would be months before you would even get a hearing.”
“I’ll have to think about that. I’m not sure it’s worth it.”
“Well, you can let me know. I can get the ball rolling if that’s what you decide to do. In the meantime, I’d like to escort you to your classroom to clean out your desk.”
“Yeah, I need representation in case I get mad and say something. I might get fired,” Michael mused. He had reached the point where he knew if he didn’t laugh, he’d cry.
“Let me check my calendar. Hmmm, how about Monday at 3:30.”
“Sounds good. It’s not like I have anything else to do. Wait, can we make it 4:00? I really don’t want to run into any of my students. School gets out at 3:00, but one or two of them might be getting out of detention about that time.”
“That’s fine. I’ll pick you up about 3:45?”
“Great. I’ll see you then. Thanks for trying.”
“Well, if you decide to pursue it further, let me know.”
“I’ll give you my decision on Monday when we meet again.”
“Okay. Thanks. Bye now.”
“Bye.”
* * *
Michael tried to wrap his mind around the verdict. Oh boy, would Mom be proud of me now. Here I am less than a month after her untimely death and I’ve been fired. Not too many people can say they got fired from teaching in public school. But I’m in good company, right up there with the pedophiles.
* * *
When Ms. Grant rang Michael’s doorbell at 3:45 on Monday, there was no response. She checked her calendar to make sure she had the right time. A second knock yielded no answer. As she turned around to retreat to her car, Michael opened the door. His three days growth of beard made him look at least 15 years older and the bags under his eyes and disheveled hair matched his attire. He was wearing the same sweats he had slept in for three days.
“Hey there, Ms. Grant.”
“Did you still want to go clear out your classroom?”
“Nah. There’s nothing down there I need. You just go tell them they can have it all. It’s my little going away gift to them.” Michael’s cynicism scared Ms. Grant and she didn’t know whether to call someone who could counsel Michael or what. She would feel very guilty if she did nothing and then found out later she could have stopped him from harming himself.
“Are you going to be okay?”
“Oh, yeah. I’m fine. You run along now.”
Ms. Grant decided to go to the school. She felt she should at least relay the message to the principal that Michael was not coming to pick up his things.
When she arrived, she found herself in Ruby’s office, giving her a piece of her mind.
“I hope you are happy. You singlehandedly destroyed the life of one of the best teachers this school has seen or ever will see again.”
“Poppycock. If he was the best, then we’re in trouble.”
Ms. Grant shook her head and held her tongue. She turned to walk away, and then stopped and delivered Michael’s message. “Mr. Webster will not be coming to clean out his desk. He said you can have whatever is in there. He won’t be needed it. And furthermore, if anything happens to that young man, I hold you personally responsible.”
Ruby was speechless, but not for long. She proceeded to call the union supervisor and was blown off by him, as well. Ruby was furious. She didn’t know how to handle not being able to control everything and everybody, so she slammed down the phone and yelled a few expletives.
* * *
Michael’s demeanor over the next couple of weeks became more cynical and he took on the life of a recluse. He settled into a deep depression, something he had never experienced before. He did not answer his phone, or his doorbell. He just stayed in bed all day, never got dressed, let alone showered or shaved. The house smelled of kitty litter and sour milk and his body odor could kill a house plant. He ignored persistent visits from Brad, Jason, Trish, Mrs. Davis, and Pastor Dan. They were all worried about him, but didn’t know what to do.
Once word got around about Michael’s firing, Ruby was finding it difficult to show her face around campus or around the community. There were only three people who agreed with her and they were the ones who had the power to play God with Michael’s life. And that they did. Ruby was not used to being rejected by so many. Even the older teachers who didn’t have much to do with Michael heard enough of the story to know that he had done nothing wrong. They had seen this woman in action and knew her game. She always seemed to have a chip on her shoulder. Everyone knew that someday the woman would have to look in the mirror, because the only friend left would be herself, if she kept on treating people the way she did.
Michael had no idea how much support he had, sin
ce he spent his days in his bedroom. The only one he talked to was his mother’s cat. When his supply of groceries and cat food had disappeared, Michael finally had to go out. He didn’t bother to change his clothes or get cleaned up. It was just supposed to be a quick trip to the store. He waited until mid-morning, when most of the people he knew would be at work.
“Michael? Is that you?” a familiar voice asked.
Michael turned around, embarrassed to see Pastor Dan standing behind him in the checkout line. “Hey, Rev.”
“How have you been?” Pastor Dan could tell Michael wasn’t doing well and there was sincere concern in his voice.
“Just great,” Michael answered.
“Sorry to hear about your job. If there’s anything we can do, let us know.”
“I need a job.”
“I heard there was an opening at the Christian school.”
“Nah. Not going there. You know about me and God. We aren’t exactly on real good terms.”
“I realize that, Michael. But you know He still loves you.”
“You sound just like my mother.” Michael spoke as if he had been drinking, but he hadn’t. He was just intoxicated with despair, wallowing at the bottom of a deep, dark pit.
Pastor Dan was as kind as he could be without preaching. He knew that would turn Michael farther away than he already was. “Well, Michael, you have my number, if you ever need to talk. I’m a good listener.”
“I think you’re probably a better talker.”
“Maybe, but I’m working on that.”
Michael was flabbergasted by this response. Pastor Dan’s humility was refreshing.
“Call me.”
“Yeah, maybe.”
Chapter 15
I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day. (Abraham Lincoln)
Michael made it home from the store, exhausted from his encounter with Pastor Dan, and the fact that packing groceries was the most exercise he had had in over two weeks. Add that to the stress and the depression, Michael was a mess. Tabby was not doing much better. Michael had been neglecting him, and his condition was worsening, just as the vet said it would.
Tabby quit eating again, and Michael made the dreaded call to the vet. “You better bring him in.”
Michael wrapped Tabby up in one of his mother’s colorful, crocheted Afghans and drove to the veterinarian’s office.
The prognosis had not improved from the last visit, and it was recommended that Michael allow Tabby to be put to sleep. “He’s not going to get any better.”
“I know.”
“He’s had a long, happy life and now it’s time to let him go.”
“I know.” Michael tried to hold back the tears.
“Do you want to be with him?”
“You mean watch him die?”
“Well, watch him go to sleep. It might make him feel more at ease having you there, although he won’t feel anything. It’s just a little pin prick and he will fall asleep. It will all be over in minutes.”
“Okay. I’ll stay.”
The doctor administered the shot, pet Tabby on the forehead and gave Michael a pat on the shoulder and quietly left the room. When she returned a few minutes later, she found Michael crying uncontrollably. He could not stop. It was like everything he had been through over the past month had culminated in this final blow and it was all too much for him to bear. Given the loss of his mother and his job and now his cat, Michael’s outpouring of emotion was understandable.
Dr. Tally did not know what to do. She brought Michael a glass of water and asked, “Do you want me to call someone?”
Michael shook his head affirmatively.
“Who would you like me to call?”
Michael could not believe the name that crossed his lips. “Pastor Dan.”
“Who is Pastor Dan?”
“Orchard Christian Church.”
“Okay. Not a problem. Would you like to wait in my office where it’s more comfortable?”
“Sure.”
Michael sat in the private office as Dr. Tally called the church from the reception area.
“Hello, may I speak to Pastor Dan?”
“May I say who is calling?”
“This is Dr. Tally at Drake Valley Veterinary Hospital.”
“One moment, please.” The secretary’s voice conveyed confusion, as she knew Pastor Dan didn’t have any pets.
“Dr. Tally is on line one.”
“Who?”
“Drake Valley Veterinary Hospital.”
Pastor Dan was equally confused as he picked up the phone.“Hello, this is Dan Robledo. How may I help you?”
“Yes, this is Dr. Tally at Drake Valley Veterinary Hospital.”
“Yes, Ma’am, what can I do for you?”
“I have a young man in my office who is very distraught. We just put his cat down and he asked if I would give you a call to come talk to him.”
“Who is it?” Pastor Dan was baffled.
“His name is Michael Webster.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Dr. Tally returned to her office where Michael was still sobbing.
“He’ll be right over.”
“Thanks.”
* * *
“Michael?”
“Oh, hi, Rev. I’m so sorry I bothered you. I don’t know what happened. But I’m okay now, really.”
“Michael, you are obviously not okay. Can we go somewhere and talk?”
As much as Michael didn’t really want to talk to Pastor Dan, something was telling him he should. It was all very confusing, but what did he have to lose. His father was dead, his mother was dead, his marriage had failed, he was fired from his job, and now his cat was dead. How much deeper into the pit could he go? Too embarrassed to call Brad or Jason, where else did he have to turn?
“We can go to my house. It’s kind of a mess, though.”
“If that would make you more comfortable, that’s fine with me,” Pastor Dan replied. “Are you okay to drive?”
“I’m fine. I’ll meet you there.”
* * *
The stench was nauseating as they entered the dark, dirty living room. Unread newspapers and piles of mail were thrown on the floor. It was evident the kitty litter box had not been emptied in days. Michael cleared a spot on the sofa for Pastor Dan and they both sat down.
“Do you want to talk about what happened back there?”
“I guess I lost it, huh.”
“Do you want to tell me what you’re feeling now?”
“Stupid. I feel really stupid.”
“Michael, there’s nothing to feel stupid about.”
“Come on, Rev. I had a mental breakdown over a cat.”
“It was just the last straw. You’ve been through a lot over the past month. You just need to talk about it. I know you think all I do is preach, but I’m really a good listener. Really. And like I said, I’m working on it. Why don’t you try me.”
“I just feel like I’ve let people down.”
“How so?”
“My mother, for one.”
“Oh, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Your mother was very proud of you.”
“Oh, she’d be real proud of me now, an unemployed, recluse with no future.”
“What happened to you was not your fault. I was at that meeting and I for one was very proud of how you handled yourself.”
“You were there?”
“I was a little late, but I witnessed most of it. And, to tell you the truth, I doubt I could have handled it any better than you did.”
“I bet you could; you’re a preacher. I really don’t know what I was thinking. I probably put the nail in my own coffin.”
“You know, Michael, I think those three Board members had their minds made up before they even heard you s
peak.”
“That may be true. But why do I feel so rotten? It’s not that I’m out of a job. I worked all kinds of jobs when I was in college. I’ll get another job. But I spent five years of my life preparing to make a difference in the lives of some kids and I let them down. I didn’t do a very good job.”
“From what I’ve heard, you did an excellent job. And that’s coming from the ones who count, like the kids and their parents.”
“What do you mean?”
“Because of what happened to you, I know of several parents who are contemplating pulling their kids out and putting them over at the Christian school or home schooling. Times are hard economically, but they are praying about where they can cut expenses to manage. The members of Orchard have agreed to help out, too, subsidize the tuition of some of the ones who really can’t afford it.”
“Wow. Wonder what Ruby thinks about that?”
“On that note, she is being reviewed by the District Board about other issues. I’m not going to go into detail about that, because at this point it would be hearsay.”
“Wait a minute, we’re talking about the same people who canned my ass… oops, I mean my butt? Sorry, Rev.”
“Not a problem. Believe me, I’ve heard worse. Anyway, let’s get back to you. What do you think you should do?”
Michael was surprised the rev wasn’t preaching to him about God and trying to persuade him to go to his church. He seemed truly concerned about Michael’s well being. “I really don’t know. Do you think I’m going crazy? Maybe I need to be on medication?”
“Suppressing your emotions is not healthy, Michael. After what you’ve been through, your reaction is totally normal.”
“Normal? A 28 year old man crying like a baby over a cat?”
“I told you, it was the culmination of everything that’s happened. You have been holding it in for so long, it had to come out sometime. And that was your mother’s cat, and you probably felt that was your only connection you had left in the world to her. I totally understand.”
