Chapter Eighty

It was December 23, the day the Pederson clan was to arrive. The flight came in just before noon and they would be at Greystone Manor by three that afternoon, depending on traffic. James was hoping to have Marjorie with him at the hospital during that time and be in for the surprise when she usually left around four o’clock. James wished he could be there to see her face when she arrived home to see Henry and his family at the estate.

When Jenny came to visit James just before eleven, James’ two doctors were just leaving his room. Dr. Reiner, who knew Jenny, nodded, but didn’t stop to talk. The first thing Jenny noticed when she entered James’ room was the absence of the IV tube going to his arm.

“Hi Marjorie,” said James, his face brightening. “I swear, Marjorie, just seeing your presence does more good for me than all the medication and treatments.”

Jenny smiled tenderly and sat down next to James’ bed. She reached out and took hold of his hand. “I see the IV tube is gone, are they getting another for you? Don’t you need the medication and nutrients?”

“I told them that I can live on love…” James smiled. “So how was the driving? The day nurse said it had snowed quite a bit.”

“It was slower than usual but still okay. The city crews were out with their equipment. I’m sure it will be better when I go home… So how are you doing?”

“Oh, about the same. I’m hoping to be home for Christmas Day. I have asked that the chemo and radiation treatments stop until after Christmas. Hopefully it will give me more energy.”

Jenny studied James carefully. She had the feeling that things weren’t just right with him.

“J.J. was here first thing this morning. He sure has made a turn around. It is nice of him to call me Dad. I never knew how a word can make one feel so good.”

“Words carry love, express kindness, affection, respect, belonging, the list is endless, James.”

James nodded, “For some of us it takes an entire lifetime to recognize that. Every day I see it all, plainer and more clearly, that the real essence about life is love. I don’t understand it and yet I know it. We want peace, to let others know that we care for them and love them. The closer we approach death, that becomes our main focus… all else is non-existent and meaningless.”

James paused and gazed tenderly into Jenny’s eyes, “You have lived a life filled with love, Marjorie, it was well lived. Your forgiving heart has kept you free to live a life of love… unbelievable, that I should begin to see and understand that now. Keep no record of wrongs… that was you, Marj; kind, patient, never dwelling on hurts… forgiveness always on the edge of your heart… you held the key to inner peace.”

Jenny squeezed James’ hand; tears surfaced in her eyes. She didn’t know what to say. It sounded like he had read St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians on love…

“You know, Marjorie, I see such a difference in the way you and I love. I love you for the sake of being loved in return. You love just for the sake of loving. That has been your life focus.”

Jenny gently changed the subject, “Did J.J. tell you that he went back home?”

James nodded, “Yes, he’s becoming a man, Marj.”

“Nora called this morning and said they would be over for Christmas Eve. It’s all so wonderful how things are coming together. It’s something I have prayed and wished for, for so long. I so hope you will be able to come home for Christmas Eve as well as Christmas Day.”

“I do, too, Marj.”

Jenny noticed Thomas’s soiled Bible lying next to James. It seemed so out of character for James to be reading the Bible. It amazed her that he was handling such a soiled book after being so concerned with cleanliness all of his life. It’s all so miraculous…everything was turning out for the good.

“I see you have been reading the Bible.”

“I read the part where Jesus was crucified and I could relate to one of the criminals that was hanging beside Him that day. The one who acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God was saved while the other didn’t…”

Jenny looked at James with compassion. “At the end of the day, James, that is the decision we have to make. You may doubt that there is a God as one of the thieves did or you can choose to believe, as the other did.” Jenny paused for but a moment and went on, “Even if there is no God, James, which of the two thieves was the wisest and made the best choice?”

A smile crossed James’ lips. “And I always considered myself smarter than you…” James shook his head and whispered, “For you to come back to me and stay with me and love me, Marjorie, that is what makes me believe there is a God. Only someone from heaven could have created someone as wonderful as you. You could never have come from this earth.”

Once more James’ words touched her heart, “James, we are all children of God. I have always seen Him in you.”

James closed his eyes. Jenny knew he was in pain; she could feel it through his hand. She squeezed his hand ever so slightly and it seemed to draw James’ attention.

He raised his head and looked down at Jenny’s hand that was wrapped around his. He raised his hand bringing hers along with it and gasped. He threw his head back in disbelief, “Marjorie, you’re wearing your wedding ring!” James shook his head and lifted his shoulders, “How did you get it?”

Jenny smiled. “I had Camilla send it to me.”

James gazed into Jenny’s eyes, “Does that mean you are coming back to me?”

Jenny shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t think I ever left… looks like I’m stuck with you for better or for worse…” Her words trailed off and tears came to her eyes once more.

James couldn’t speak as tears surfaced in his eyes, as well. He brought Jenny’s hand in his to his lips and kissed her fingers. “I love you, Marjorie.”

“I love you, too, James.”