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Jana sits on her bed trying to concentrate on her homework, but finds it almost impossible. Her head is swimming with all the various things going on in her life. She is delirious with joy beyond belief. Joy because Peggy and Frankie have just revealed to her their plans to be married. Her happiness is multiplied for two other reasons, the first is their plan to marry very soon, in fact before Christmas which is only a few months away, and the second is, because her Mom has asked her to be her maid of honor. She is going to be maid of honor for her mother and she couldn't be happier—-actually she could be—-because there is one other thing bothering her, one tiny little thing... Anyway, it's a tiny thing to her, but maybe not so tiny to her mother. The fact is she hasn't told Peggy yet of her calling from God and her plans to enter a convent—-to become a nun. She must remember to tell Frankie not to let her mother know that she told him first. That would really make her mad, but she isn't really worried about that because she knows Frankie would never do that.
***
“She's going to do what?” exclaims Peggy.
Frankie realizes he has just put his foot in his mouth, again.
“Oh shit,” he says, “She didn't tell you yet, did she?” he asks.
“No she didn't tell me—-when did she tell you?”
“Just recently, the other day.”
“Well, I'm going to get that idea right out of her head. A Nun? Really?”
“Slow down, Peggy, think about what you're saying. Do you really wanna do that? Jana is a pretty intelligent kid, do you think she just pulled this idea out of the blue? You know her, she probably gave this a lot of thought. Do you wanna destroy the kid's dream and have her resent you for the rest of her life?”
“This is not the future I had in mind for her, Frankie. Think about it, she'll never have a family and children. What kind of life is that?”
“I'm sure she's thought about those things and is okay with it. Be honest, Peggy, are you afraid for her or is it because of what you want for her?”
“It's both, but mainly I want her to be happy and I don't think that cloistered life will make her happy,”
“I don't know a lot about Nuns and convents, but I think you're wrong and also, I'm pretty sure you can opt out at anytime you decide it's not for you, even after graduation, or whatever it is they call it. As far as family goes, we're both still young and we're getting married soon, there's plenty of time to make our own family—-Peggy, promise me you wont rag on her and that you'll hear her out,” says Frankie.
Peggy inhales a big sigh, “I promise,” she says.
***
It was several days after her talk with Frankie, when Peggy arrived home just as Jana finished making dinner and setting the dinner table. This was Jana's usual routine on the days her mother worked late at the diner. Peggy had put off speaking to Jana about the Nun thing to allow herself the time to calmly think about what she was going to say. She decided she would resist the temptation to be the authoritative mother and instead try be a big sister.
“Jana honey, I'd like to discuss something with you,” she begins.
Jana tosses down the dish towel she's holding.
“He told you, didn't he? I can't believe it. I told him I wanted to tell you myself,” Jana is livid.
“I don't believe you, how did you know? I only spoke one sentence.”
“I could tell. It was just the sweet way you began, it isn't like you. Oh, I'm so mad.” says Jana.
“And I'm disappointed you didn't talk to me first,” says Peggy.
“I know and I'm sorry, Mom, I wanted Frankie's advice on how to tell you, that's all. Unfortunately it didn't turn out exactly as I planned.”
“I've cried the last three days; since Frankie slipped and told me,” says Peggy, trying to hold back tears, but losing her composure.
“Jana, don't do this, you're giving up the things every girl your age looks forward to, meeting and marrying a good man—-a family—-a normal happy life.”
“Please don't cry, Mom, I don't want you to be sad. What I'd like you to understand is, that the life I'm seeking is a normal happy life, it's a life with Jesus.—-Ever since I can remember, I knew in my heart that Jesus was calling me to him. At first the voice was little and soft, but as the years passed the voice has became stronger. Right now, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind or in my heart that this is the path I wish to take.” says Jana as she embraces her mother. “Anyway, it isn't like it's something that's going to happen immediately, I would have to finish college first. Who knows, I might even change my mind by then, but I doubt it. Whatever happens, Mom I love you and I want you to be happy for me,” she says.
“I'll try, Baby, I'll try.”