THE ONE (part 2)

                                                          CHAPTER 1

Things had started on a happy note, and it still seemed to be progressing so. Helen has stayed happy. Jacob made sure he spent a lot of time with her at home, and if he were sent on any journey that was required he remain for a long time he would go with his wife, to a layperson it might seem foolish, but then Jacob was undoubtedly not going to allow what has happened the first time repeat itself

 He loved his wife too much for that. He also treasured her sanity. He wasn't ready to hurt her again in any manner at all. 

"Babe... When we have this baby. What do you think we name him?"

"I love Joseph...you know ...just like the Jacob in the Bible had a baby and named him Joseph, you know. and I'm Jacob" he concluded smiling

"That was his favorite son Jacob" she responded, grinning as well.

"Are you been serious right now? Who else is my favorite child if not Joseph?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow

"He could even be a girl, and you are calling him Joseph already. You are unbelievable" she said with mock surprise

"Whichever way, Helen. Whether a boy or a girl, I'm sure God who gives babies would give us the best kid ever, and we are going to take care of him together and adore him, and he or she would make us proud. You need not worry okay."

She smiled and looked truly happy. 

Giving birth to the baby had been the best and most scary moment of the Stevensons. During his wife's labor, Jacob had received a call that he had been promoted and had a big interview scheduled for the next Monday. The message had been received with mixed signals as being supported meant less time with his wife, but it also meant more payment and popularity. He said he was going to explain it to his wife as soon as she was out of labor. By then, they would be able to sit down and discuss if he should pick up the job or not. He was going to put the promotion thing behind him till they were home with their son. 

The scan had now confirmed that they were having a boy. The argument about the name had been four months ago.

They had a baby boy at the end of the day, and he had gladly named him Joseph just like he presumed. He knew that son would be the best that's ever happened to him and his wife. A bouncing baby boy? When he and his wife were already closing in on menopause? It was a significant testimony, and then, of course, they did share it in Church. Nobody had expected it and certainly not them. The statement had come to them at their lowest moments, and they were very grateful to God for it. 

Explaining it to his wife hadn't been as easy as he thought it would be. She had looked like she was going to break down again when he told her that he would not be available for more extended periods if he took up the offer. After a while of critical thinking, she concluded that since it looked like it was for the best, she would cope on her own. 

Moreover, he suggested that his mother would be coming over to assist her in nursing the baby, and so she would also keep her company.

After a few months, something spectacular happens. Jacob was about to one of his routine trips. He was supposed to be back in two weeks. Helen wasn't worried this time. Claudia, her mother-in-law, was going to be with her for an extended period. Until that time was over, she was going to be okay. "Do have a great trip darling," said Helen as she saw Jacob to the car.

 Thank you, dear said, Jacob. I will be back immediately. I'm done. I love you, sweetheart. I love you too. Jacob zoomed off. Helen could tell there was some uncertainty she couldn't explain. She saw it in his eyes. She just wondered what it was about. She thought to herself, "this is one of the first trips he is taking since we had Jacob. Maybe he was still getting used to the new system of leaving his family-his wife and son behind to do God's work. 

But it is an excellent thought, Helen, out loud. What is fine came the voice of Claudia from behind her. She turned to look into the eyes of Claudia. She loved doing that. There was this natural look that Claudia had. It made you feel safe and loved. It made you free to open up, even if what you had to tell was a secret. Having Claudia around had been a bundle of blessings for her. Apart from the fact that Claudia was helping her with the baby, she learned a lot about what it entailed to be a Christian woman, wife, and Mother. Her many stories about how she was able to bring up her son, avoid the many temptations of life, and wade through the same trials were ever encouraging and uplifting. The essential aspect of it all was that Claudia didn't just tell these stories. She would always tell them from the view and perspective of the Bible. 

She never painted herself to be a plaster saint but as someone living every day in a deliberate attempt to follow her Lord. With her, it was a delight all the way. 

 "I was just thinking about Jacob," said Helen . "oh come on, you surely can't be missing him already. Or are you? "asked Claudia making a funny face. Helen giggled a little. "no, it is just that, there was this look of uncertainty in his eyes." Claudia smiled and said, "I saw it too." oh wow, thought Helen, nothing ever evades this old eyes. "he is fine Helen," Claudia said and placed a hand on Helen's shoulders. "All you have to do is pray for him and be worry-free.

 That's what the Bible asked us to do, right? Right said Helen with a smile. Okay, said Claudia. Now, if you don't mind, I am about to take my early morning stroll. Joseph is in his crib dreaming, so you can take out some of that time to say a prayer for Jacob and also prepare so we could eat breakfast when I return. Thank you, Claudia. Said Helen as she turned to go inside. As she gets inside, she does precisely what Claudia had supposed. She sometimes spent speaking about the worry in Jacob's eyes, which was now taking root in her mind to God. 

She prayed that God would come through, no matter what the situation was. As she prayed, she felt the peace of the Lord garrison her heart. As she stood up, she could smile without a doubt in heart. God's word was accurate, and she could see it.

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It was five days after Jacob had left. The two ladies were returning from Church. The pastor had spoken about living in God's will. Claudia and Helen were most blessed by the message . as they walked home, they discussed the news and how relevant it was to every believer to live in God's will. As they got closer to the house., Helen caught the shade of a car parked just outside the home. She looked closer and discovered it was no strange car. 

That is Jacob's car said, Helen. Claudia looked, saw, and was startled too. Did he call you? Claudia asked. Helen shook her head. Well, let's get home and find out, shall we? The two women hastened their steps to the house. Helen inserted the key into the door in a hurry, but before she could turn it, the door open from the inside to reveal the face of a smiling Jacob. Both Mother and wife hugged him. He was overwhelmed by this final show of affection. Okay, to what do I owe this bundle of love? Asked Jacob. To family said Claudia with a smile. It's so good to see you all said Jacob as he took his little son in his hands. So why did you come back so early asked Helen? Could we all talk about this in the morning, please? It's beautiful, I guess, said Claudia winking at Helen, who obviously would not want to wait till tomorrow. The wink from Claudia passed the message across. Alright, J, let's wait till tomorrow, but you have to eat today, or should we wait till tomorrow on that? Hell, no said Jacob, and everyone laughed out loud. Tomorrow wasn't far, but it was pregnant, each heart waiting earnestly for the breaking forth of the morning sun. Tomorrow would come with its care.

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It wasn't long until the sun-filled the morning sky, announcing the dawning of another day. After the time of Devotion, Helen and Claudia sat down in the sitting room, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of today. Jacob sat across them. There was silence for a moment. Jacob heaved a sigh and then broke the silence. Well, I have been thinking and praying also. Even before I traveled, my mind was full and heavy thoughts. 

Having a son has changed my perspective on a lot of things. Now I am not saying anything dramatic has changed or is about to happen. It's just that I looked into my heart and discovered that I seemed to be serving for the fame and not for his name. The urge to be promoted and rise in the ranking was surely my desire and not God's.I have searched my heart, and I am clear and sure what the Lord would have me do and how he would have me go. Having prayed and weighed the options, I have decided that it is time to settle back here in town, do the work of God here domestically, maybe take a short trip twice or thrice a year, stay around to watch my son grow, help him grow, and of course watch my family flourish.  

Jacob had been speaking with his head down. At that moment, he lifted his eyes only to discover Helen already crying, and Claudia holding Helen and tearing up herself. He never expected what he just said to have the impact it just did. Of course, it was a lot of news, probably excellent news for Helen. What he didn't expect was the tears and all of the emotions that accompanied it. He walked over to the other side of the room to meet his wife and mother. At this moment nobody could speak. Helen was already on her knees, crying and muttering something. Claudia held her close and looked up as if staring at the tremendous unseen hand involved in all of these affairs. Jacob knelt with them, and together in one accord, their voices were raised to those who were doing more than they had asked or thought about. God was at work with them and in them. It was more than evident and evident. And their hearts were so thankful for it. As they prayed, tears streamed down their faces. It was a moment of dedication and devotion.  

For Claudia, she was happy to see her son walking in the light and making the right decisions to follow God and live in his will. She prayed that, more and more, his life would continue to be a testimony for God. For Jacob himself, he prayed for the strength to see through this phase of life. He also prayed for his family to grow more reliable and more durable. For Helen, she was thankful for all that had happened in the last few months. She was grateful for Claudia, for Jacob, for little Joseph, and this day. She prayed it would be a day that would hold steady this ship called her family and anchor it in God, and in all that he had in store for them. As she opened her eyes and looked at her family, she could tell they were exactly where God wanted them to be.

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Time passed as months turned to years, and years went on and on. The family was still holding on in faith and love, serving God and doing his work in the community. Helen was now working towards going into pastoring along with her husband. Jacob was happy and content serving in the city and being exactly where he needed to be. Claudia was still around, helping and staying strong despite her age. Little Joseph was not so little anymore.

 He was way older, five years to be precise. It had been a long while, and Claudia had tried time and time again to go back home, but the couple argued time and time, and still, that was now her home. It wasn't easy for the family, most especially Helen, to let Claudia go. She had seen in her the Mother she never had. Having Claudia around to play the mother figure for her was for her an opportunity to heal, let go of the hurt, and also forgive her biological Mother. It was going to be indeed difficult to make the old lady go, taking along with her, that pair of pristine eyes that have dug up every single worry in her soul these few years. 

Even Joseph was used to having Grandma around to take his side or not take his team depending on the situation. After a lot of talks and arguments, everyone was satisfied it was settled. Claudia had come to stay.

But one faithful morning, Claudia called everyone together, which was not unusual. She had done that a lot of times already- when she wanted to do a lemonade sale, start-up her flowering business, and host other things. But this morning, it was different. It didn't take Helen and Jacob any time to find that out. I have to leave for the home said, Claudia. My job here has been long done. Helen tried to open her mouth and counter the old lady like she had done in the past whenever this issue came up. But this time, nothing came out. It just stayed open.

 There seemed to be nothing that she could do or say. Helen looked at Jacob to say something, but he was quiet too. He always did speak up because she did. Now there was nothing that could be said. The old lady had to go. Even Joseph heard Claudia say leave. He didn't like it. He could tell no one would be there to take his side anymore. Joseph started crying. Helen joined in, and soon the family was crying again. This time it was Claudia trying to hold everyone together. But her job was done. It was time to leave.