Anna's Story -- Part 6

Part 6 -- Anna's Story

(Anna Smithson's mother died and her live-in boyfriend dumped her after a long relationship.  She has decided to move to her mother's house, but not until a major renovation is completed.)

With Peters Construction at the old house, there was a constant hum of saws, drills and other devices to bring her mother’s house into 2013.  The old kitchen was gone save a few mementoes that John Peters saved for her, like a chunk of drywall with the old wallpaper on it.  The bathroom was gutted and a new tub was already in place.

It was exciting for Anna to have somewhere to go after work.  She went to the house every day to see the progress, and also to get out the shop vac and clean up some of the builders’ dirt.  She knew it would just accumulate again, but it was satisfying to get things spiffed up.  When the work was done, the painter was going to come in and do all of the rooms in the house.  It had been at least 20 years since anything had been done. 

Her mother’s things had been put into storage, that is, what Anna was keeping.  The rest of it was either donated or trashed.  She figured that way, there would be no chance of accidental damage and the painters would have free rein in the house.  In the long run, she figured it would save money and if not, it would certainly make things easier.  At the house at night, when darkness had started to fall, she had a few good cries remembering her mother and hoping that she wouldn’t be upset for Anna with what she was doing. 

Meanwhile Anna kept her promise to attend Mass on Sundays.  The experience was becoming more routine and she felt much more at east there.  People at morning Mass started to recognize her and either nod or wave in recognition.  And she did something that took all of her courage.  She went to Reconciliation, but rather than holding up the regulars with a long session such as hers would likely take, she made an appointment with the priest for her first return.  It went okay, a full starts and stops, but he was kind to her and especially expressed how joyful he was that she had returned.  He knew her mother, of course.

 One Sunday, as Anna was listening to the announcements, one of them really stood out.

 “Due to an unexpected illness, we still need one more adult to join us on our trip to Kentucky.  If anyone can help us, we would be very appreciative.  The kids are counting on us!  The trip will be held August 15^th to 22^nd and we will be helping one family.  If you can assist us, please call the Rectory as soon as possible.”

Being the workaholic that she was, Anna had accumulated a couple of months of vacation.  The trip was in two weeks.  Her mother’s house was all torn up.  She still had to get her apartment packed up at some point, but still, she felt a strong calling.  Was she supposed to go?  At work the next day, she picked up the phone and called the Rectory.  Mrs. Parker answered the phone and Anna told her that she would volunteer.  Mrs. Parker was ecstatic.

 “Oh, my goodness.  Father will be so happy and so will Mrs. Lucci, who is organizing the trip.  I’ll give you her number but I’ll let her know right away that you are coming.  We can move forward now.  Anna, thank you so much.  You are an answer to our prayers.”

 Anna wasn't so sure about that.  She heard an announcement; she had vacation coming; that was it.

Wow.  What had she done?  Her head was spinning.  She felt giddy and suddenly very energetic.  She started making a list of what she would need to take.  Anna was going to Kentucky.