The Secret Life of Earl Johnson V (The End)
Posted by Eric Nielson on November 16th, 2008The fifth of a five part series. See I, II, III, IV
Earl sat alone in the hospital waiting room. All he could do now is worry and wait. He had been a total wreck since his dear wife had passed out. The men in the ambulance were not sure what had happened to her. Was it a heart attack? A stroke? Earl had not been given any instructions other than to stand back, and wait here.
What would he do without her? For so many years she had taken care of nearly everything. He would have been more help, but she always insisted on doing things her way. He wasn’t sure what he would do without her. He did love her, and need her. Please, Heavenly Father….please.
[Earl is dressed all in white, in the midst of a city in the clouds. There are countless others dressed just like he is, busy doing all sorts of things]
Earl stood in wide-eyed amazement, looking at the glorious, gleaming white city. The people all looked so busy, and so good. They were beautiful, all of them. And so peaceful, in spite of the many things going on. Earl looked at himself. He had never felt so good before. He felt perfect. He had no cares, no worries. All was right.
Then he saw her - his dear wife. She was looking right at him. It had been a long time since she had looked at him like this - with admiration. This must be heaven - or paradise anyway. He ran to her, and they embraced. “You look so good!”, the both exclaim. And they laughed, like young kids they laughed.
Earl becomes aware of others pressing in around him. His parents, his brothers, friends and relatives long gone but not forgotten. They are all here - what a joyous reunion!
And then the crowd parts, and standing not far off is the most beautiful, powerful, loving being Earl had ever encountered. He knew exactly who it was. He took his wife by the hand and ran towards Him…
Mr. Johnson….Mr. Johnson.
“Yes. I’m awake. How is she?”, Earl responded to the nurse gently shaking him by the shoulder.
“She is going to be fine in a couple of weeks. You can see her now if you like.”
Earl grabbed his coat and followed the nurse. She filled him in on some details.
His wife looked so weak. She had never seemed so frail. Earl sat beside her. He held her hand in his and smiled at her. “You are going to have to stay in bed for a while Mother. I guess I am going to take care of you for a change.”
“You can’t even take care of yourself, Earl. How will you manage?”
“I am more capable than you think, Mother. Everything will be fine dear. You’ll see. I’ll take care of everything.” He was still smiling. They looked into each others eyes for several seconds. Priceless, unspoken communication flowed between them.
Earl stroked her gray hair with his free hand. “I’ll take care of everything, you’ll see.”
This is Earl Johnson.
The real Earl Johnson — more heroic than any of his fantasies.
Eric, I’ve loved every entry in this series. I’d like to see you publish it on paper somewhere, where more people will see it. It’s good, really, really good.
Comment # 1 left by Ardis Parshall on November 16th, 2008
I agree with Ardis. This has been a delightful series, and more people ought to see it!
Comment # 2 left by Ben Pratt on November 16th, 2008
Wow that was excellent. Loved the ending.
Comment # 3 left by Jon W. on November 16th, 2008
Thanks all.
I have no idea how to go about publishing such things. I am glad some have enjoyed this.
Comment # 4 left by Eric Nielson on November 17th, 2008
Eric, I’m so glad that you have stuck it out in the blogging world. You make the bloggernacle a better place, and it has been awesome to watch your writing get– well I want to say even better, but I don’t want to imply that it hasn’t always been great! And this story is delightful.
Comment # 5 left by C Jones on November 18th, 2008
CJONES!!!!
Always good to hear from you. Thanks for the objective, fair, unbiased praise.
Comment # 6 left by Eric Nielson on November 19th, 2008
I just found the Earl stories and read them all.
I think what makes them especially poignant, is that Earl’s fantasies are “adventures” not that far off from what many men in the church have experienced and done.
Comment # 7 left by Johnna on November 21st, 2008
Thanks for reading Johnna.
You are right about Earl’s fantasies. Part of my modivation in writing this is to express something for those who feel willing and capable, yet feel underutilized.
I think there are many of us in the church who would love to do more (especially if it is something ’special’).
Comment # 8 left by Eric Nielson on November 21st, 2008
Lift where you stand.
Comment # 9 left by Just a thought on November 21st, 2008
Eric,
I’m going to add my voice that you ought to get something published. This is good stuff.
Thanks.
And I’m happy that Ardis featured this on her blog. Thanks, Ardis!
Comment # 10 left by Michelle on November 24th, 2008
I’ll add my voice in admiration and praise again as well. I’ve read every one of these and enjoyed each, moved to tears by the depth and insight, especially by the conclusion of this one. You’ve got a real talent. Thanks so much for sharing.
Comment # 11 left by Tim Malone on November 24th, 2008
great story
Comment # 12 left by tjk on November 24th, 2008
Thanks again everyone. I have been gone for a few days with work. Thanks to Ardis for providing links to this!
Comment # 13 left by Eric Nielson on November 26th, 2008
Yes you should publish. I read all of them to Bill and we are in agreement. Really remarkable.
Comment # 14 left by annegb on June 20th, 2009
Thanks AnneGB.
Comment # 15 left by Eric Nielson on June 22nd, 2009