Mr Cooper and his wife have done everything humanly possible to avoid losing their home but are now resigned to what they both see as inevitable. Most galling of all, the loan manager Scott Palmer, who's been assigned to see the foreclosure process completed, is the man who's been calling the Cooper home repeatedly for the last several months demanding payment. He has let it be known he intends to show the house whenever any prospective buyer wants to see it, whether the Coopers are home or not. Rather than stay and prolong their exit Thomas Cooper believes it's better to begin the next chapter of their lives as soon as possible. As they sit having lunch before he leaves for work, Regina tries to be optimistic about the coming days.
“We'll be okay, Tom.”
“I hope so ... How's Angela doing?”
“She's okay.”
“I know she's confused about all this.”
“She doesn't wanna leave,” Regina says.
“She'll get over it. I talked to my uncle last night. He said we could live on his farm in Ohio if we wanted.”
“In Ohio? That means Angela would have to start over in a new school. If we found a place in this area, she could stay where she is.”
“That might not be possible,” Tom cautions.
“Your uncle lives pretty far out in the country. What would you do for work?”
“What am I doing now? I'm working second shift in a retail outlet. I think I could do at least that good.”
“If we stayed with my mother, we'd still be on familiar ground. I could take Angela to school every day until summer vacation starts. That's only two months away. I think moving all the way to Ohio's a little drastic.”
“How can we stay at your mother's house? The place is so small.”
“We'll adapt. Let's think about every option before we choose one so drastic.”
After finishing his sandwich, Thomas pauses and looks around at the remodeled kitchen he spent so much time on years ago when they were both enthusiastic young home owners.
“I wish we could stay here,” he sighs. Then, without hearing a response from his wife, Thomas Cooper stands up and readies himself to leave for work. After a terse goodbye from her husband, Regina sits alone and wonders what the coming days will bring. The thought of living on a farm in rural Ohio is distinctly unappealing, and she has serious doubts if she could ever make such a change. Moving to another state, moving away from everything familiar, and starting over is not something Regina Cooper is willing to consider, at least not yet. That however doesn't change the fact that a decision has to be made soon and agreed on by both of them.
Regina Cooper is deeply conflicted about what she's facing. A visceral intuition tells her she'd be unhappy living on a farm hundreds of miles away. At the same time, she's aware of the basic obligation marriage partners have to make sacrifices. Another consideration silently weighs on her thoughts; because of the expense of her prolonged illness, Regina Cooper can't quite escape the feeling she's at least partly responsible for what her family's going through. As she sits, her thoughts are a mixture of jumbled and conflicting emotions that seem to have no apparent resolution. She looks over at the shelf next to the window and sees a picture of her daughter when she was five years old, dressed up as a miniature Santa Claus. She remembers when it was taken four years ago in her own home, a home she and her family will soon leave forever. Quietly sitting, alone with her thoughts, an air of sadness comes over Regina Cooper, and is only partly dispelled by the sound of the doorbell. She hesitates before getting up to respond. When she opens the front door, the sight of a deputy sheriff standing in front of her is an unexpected and slightly unnerving surprise.
“Mrs Regina Cooper?”
“Yes,”
“I'm sorry ma'am but I have to give you this.”
After handing her an envelope, he wastes no time in leaving.
“Good luck, ma'am.”
Returning inside Regina Cooper opens the letter addressed to Thomas and Regina Cooper. After seeing the county's letter-head and three words in large red type, the purpose of its content is instantly clear. It reads in capital letters; “Notice of Eviction”.
Regina Cooper feels her heart sink as she absorbs its impact. Reading on, she learns her family has ninety days to vacate the house located at 1262 Parkman Court, an address she recognizes as her own. This is what they feared most and now it's happened. It now falls on her to tell her husband that they have three months to find another place to live. Angela will be home from school in a few hours, and Thomas will be back from work about 10:30 tonight. Regina has a long afternoon to think about what she'll say to her family.
While Regina Cooper ponders her dilemma, seventeen miles to the north in an opulent, lakefront home on Diamond Point Drive, a man is finishing lunch with his wife. His name is Charles Beckler, manager and CEO of Beckler Enterprises, a chain of retail furniture outlets throughout the mid-west. Unassuming, with an air of plain dealing bluntness about him, he's a man who achieved his wealth gradually through many years of hard work. Opening his first furniture store with borrowed money when he was twenty-two, Charles Beckler practiced an austere work ethic, and for years stoically put in fourteen hour days, doing everything he could to build a successful business. Now, over five decades later with thirty-seven stores across fourteen states he delegates most of the responsibilities to his daughter and two sons who now manage the enterprise.
Though he no longer runs the day-to-day operations of the company, all major decisions affecting Beckler Enterprises are made by Charles Beckler and only Charles Beckler. His formidable personality and direct personal commitment to socially responsible business practices have been a driving force behind his personal and economic success. Mr Beckler has for decades made it company policy to hire twenty percent of his workforce from impoverished backgrounds, including a successful program setting aside half that number for applicants with a criminal record. When asked about the policy, he just shrugged and said, “we all need a second chance sometime in our life.”
Charles Beckler has enjoyed as much success as any reasonable man could ever hope to achieve, and developed a reputation for personal integrity both as a corporate and private citizen. His dedicated wife Connie has been with him from the beginning, standing by him when he was an indebted young businessman, and still with him now fifty-one years later, remaining a faithful and steadfast companion. Their three children are honest, competent, and as professionally committed to the continued success of Beckler Enterprises as their father. Charles Beckler knows he's leaving the company in good hands. He also knows he's now facing a new challenge in his life. Mr Beckler has recently stopped working and is not accustomed to being home every day. At seventy-four, he's in excellent health. The disciplined regimen of a healthy diet and years of moderate living are now paying back their dividends. Charles Beckler still feels relevant and vital. He must now channel his personal energy in new directions. To ease his transition into retirement he returns to his office in Indianapolis once or twice a week to keep his finger on the pulse of his company's business life. Today he's home. As he sits with his wife Connie enjoying the spacious lakefront view from their breakfast room, their maid Anna, serves coffee.
“Thank you Anna, lunch was delicious,” Mr Beckler says.
“Oh, you're welcome. More coffee ma'am?”
“No, I'm fine Anna thank you. Oh Anna, that reminds me. Thank you for helping out with the party last week.”
“I'm glad to do it ma'am,” Anna says as she exits.
“So tell me Charley. What do you think about going overseas for a month or two? You might enjoy yourself.”
“You mean Australia?”
“Yes, and New Zealand.”
“We've been there once.”
“Yeah, but only for a few days. You said you wanted to go back sometime.”
“Did I say that?”
“Yes y
ou did. Remember that restaurant where we ate, with the guitar player who came to our table?”
“I remember. He played classical guitar. It was wonderful.”
“Remember the view of the Pacific Ocean from our hotel balcony? It was incredible. I think of all the places we've visited, that was my favorite.”
“It was beautiful.”
“We oughta go back there and spend a couple of weeks Charley. I'd like to hear that guitar player again. Wouldn't you?”
“It's been four years since we were there. He's probably gone.”
“I'll bet I can find out.”
“How would you do that?”
“I'll call the hotel where we stayed and ask someone to check.”
“And if he's still there, what then, dearest?”
“Just something to think about.”
“I guess we could get away for a while,” Mr Beckler concedes and after pausing for a moment he tells his wife, “You know, I really feel good about the kids taking over the company.”
“I know it's been hard for you to let go,” says Connie.
He shrugs. “Can't hold on forever I guess. You're right about that.”
“It's time to relax Charley.”
“... Maybe you're right ... You know what I'm gonna do?”
“What's that?”
“Grow a beard.”
“A beard, why?”
“I always wanted to, but felt I couldn't because I'm the face of the company.”
“Well, I think you oughta grow a beard then.”
“I could get my hair spiked and dyed purple.”
“Mm, I think the beard's enough for now.”
Connie Beckler has known her husband for over fifty years. The courtesy and mutual affection they show each other is based on the love, trust, and respect that's been tempered through decades of their marriage. She knows better than anyone that her husband will need time and patience to accept fully the idea of relinquishing control of a business enterprise that represents the sum total of his life's work. Charles Beckler is fortunate to have such a wife as Connie, and he would be the first to say it. Since he's now retired, she would prefer more time with her husband, but knows for now she must be supportive and patient.
She feels a mixture of gratitude, and contentment and also a renewed sense of responsibility in seeing him through his transition to full retirement. Connie is optimistic about their future. She knows time is on her side. Looking out on another wonderful day from her opulent lakefront home, Connie Beckler finishes her coffee and thinks about the guitar player who played for them at dinner when they vacationed in New Zealand, and her curiosity stirs.
Meanwhile close to downtown Indianapolis, Louise Robinson is finishing her day of volunteering at the free soup kitchen and food bank. As she's cleaning off a serving table, she recognizes an elderly man who's a regular at the soup kitchen approaching her.
“Hi Anthony,” she says.
“Hello Miss Louise, how are you?”
“I'm doing great. My sister's coming to visit me today.”
“Well that's nice. Are you close to your sister?”
“Yes, we've always stayed in touch with each other.”
“That's the way it should be,” he says.
“How are you doing Anthony?”
“Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I'd like your opinion on something.”
“Sure, what's on your mind?”
“My brother called me last weekend from Toledo. His wife died, and he wants me to move in with him.”
“Is that something you wanna do Anthony?”
“I'm not really sure.”
“Does your brother have a home?”
“Yes, he does, a nice one. It's just that I haven't spoken to my brother in years. I don't know if we'd get along.”
“Well, you don't know that you wouldn't get along. Why don't you go there for a few days and then come back and think about it?”
“I suppose I could do that.”
“Who knows? Living with your brother could be what both of you need. If it doesn't work out, at least you gave it a try.”
“I knew you'd give good advice Louise. You always do.”
After a pause, Louise looks at her watch and says, “are you gonna be alright Anthony?”
“Oh yeah, I'm alright. I'll be seein’ ya Louise.”
“Bye Anthony.”
As Louise Robinson finishes work and prepares to return home, she's thinking about her sister who's already called her from the car rental desk at the airport, and is now en route to Louise's home. Barbara flies from New York usually two or three times a year and her last visit was only five weeks ago. This visit was unexpected, and it seems a little curious to Louise that she would call only two days before arriving, but this will in no way diminish the enjoyment of spending time with her sister whose welcome company she always finds pleasant. As she begins the short drive home, the eager anticipation of seeing her sister preoccupies her thoughts.
Meanwhile Louise's husband Joe is occupying his time with a crossword puzzle when he sees an unfamiliar car pull into the driveway. He instantly recognizes the driver as his sister-in-law Barbara, and moments later opens the front door to greet her.
“Hello Barbara,”
“Hi Joe, good to see you.”
“Good to see you Barb, How was the flight?”
“Nice, and smooth, and on time.”
“Well that's good. Louise should be home soon. She's probably in traffic. Can I get you something?”
“No thanks Joe, I'll just sit for a while. I've been running all day.”
“Yeah, sure have a seat. So you're in town for just a few days.”
“Actually I go back tomorrow night. So it's just a quick visit.”
“Well that's nice. Louise'll be glad to see you.”
“How's she doing?”
“Still down at the soup kitchen, I think she's wasting her time.”
“Why do you say that?”
“She's there three days a week, five hours each day. That's a lot o’ time. It's easy to take advantage of Louise. It's her weakness.”
“Do you think that's what's happening?”
“I think so. They know they'd have to pay someone to replace her.”
“How about you Joe? How do you like retirement?”
“To be honest, it's a little different from what I thought it would be, but I'll manage. How about you Barb? What's it like being a corporate attorney?”
“Most of it's pretty mundane actually, a lot of talking on the phone, working out contracts, that kinda thing. None of it's very dramatic.”
“I'm sure it's important stuff.”
“It is for the client. He's paying for it.”
“You probably have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders.”
“That's true for anybody who works, at least to some degree.”
“I don't know how true that is for your sister. She doesn't even get paid.”
“Well, she's a volunteer. More people should do that.”
“I wish they would. Maybe then she could spend more time at home.”
“I'm sure she finds it personally rewarding.”
“I guess so, whatever.”
The sound of a car pulling into the driveway signals Louise's arrival, and when Louise sees Barbara's rental car already parked, the two sisters happily anticipate seeing each other again.
Suppressing a smile, Barbara says, “that's Louise.”
Moments later the front door opens.
“Hi Barb.”
“Hi Louise, how are you?”
“I'm fine, I had to stay a little longer at the kitchen. So how've you been?”
“I'm doing okay, busy as usual.”
The two women embrace in unfeigned mutual affection.
“Good to see you Sis.”
“Good to see you, a little unexpected,” says Louise.
“Yeah, I hope you don't mind the short notice.”
“It's always good to see my sister, short notice, long notice, or no notice at all.”
“You're sweet. I don't know, I just felt an impulse to come see you, so here I am.”
“I'm so glad you came. Have you been telling Joe about how much trouble we used to get into as kids?”
“Oh, I think that would bore him.”
“Not at all, I'd love to hear all about it,” Joe says.
“You look good Louise. You're staying healthy.”
“I feel good.”
“You were always careful with your diet,” says Barbara.
“She's trying to get me to eat healthy too,” Joe says.
“Speaking of food, are you hungry?” Louise asks.
“I'm okay. I'll have something later. What about you? You just got home from work.”
“I know a good restaurant you'd like,” Louise says.
“Which one is that?” asks Joe.
“Antonio's,”
“Oh yeah, excellent.”
Barbara hesitates. “Actually, I'd rather just stay here and visit with you.”
“Sure we can go out tomorrow if you want. I'll get something started on the stove.”
“Why don't we do this,” Joe says. “I'll drive down and get some Chinese takeout while you two catch up on things. How's that sound?”
“Chinese okay Barb?” asks Louise.
“Sure, that sounds great.”
“Thanks Joe.”
Minutes later Joe exits and Barbara looks at her sister intently without speaking. The moment is instantly perceived by Louise and she asks, “what is it, Barbara?”
“I don't know. I just had a strange thought that you were going somewhere.”
“Where would I go?”
“I don't know ... It's nothing. I'm really glad to see you,” says Barbara.
“Well, I'm more than happy to see you. So, how's work?”
“Oh, it never changes, tedious and repetitive. Let's not talk about that. Seeing you standing there reminded me of something.”
A Journey of Souls Page 12
