Matt

The sun shone brightly in their eyes as they reminisced about the day. Without warning, a tanker truck pulled onto the highway. The car directly in front skidded under the tanker as their car violently began shaking with the sound of metal pounding from the anti-lock brakes. Avi watched in horror as the top of the vehicle in front disappeared under the tanker; Matt grabbed her neck and pulled her toward him. He held the wheel while shielding her with his body.

Avi felt the weight of Matt’s body and heard metal grinding as their vehicle slid under the tanker. When the scraping stopped, all she could hear was the hissing sound and she screamed, Matt, are you all right? We need to get out of here before it explodes!

Avi, this is a salt water truck. It won’t explode. We didn’t go under too far. The door doesn’t look like it’s damaged. Stay here while I check on the passengers in the other car.

All of a sudden a blood-curdling child’s scream came from the vehicle. Matt, that’s a baby!

I know – just stay here. Let me check on them. I’ll bring the child to you.

Matt carefully opened the door and squeezed out between their vehicles. He opened the back passenger door of the other vehicle and unbuckled the infant seat and placed him in their back seat. Avi, please don’t pick him up. You don’t know if he has any medical problems from the wreck which could be aggravated by moving him – talk to him and sing to him – don’t take him out of the seat. I need to go back and check on his parents. Call 911 and tell them what happened – to send an ambulance, police, and they’ll probably need a helicopter. It looks bad, Avi. Give them my name and tell them I’m a policeman.

Avi called 911; and when she concluded the call, began singing a lullaby. The baby’s cries slowed as he heard her soothing voice, or maybe from sheer exhaustion. After a short time, Matt returned and shook his head. They’re both gone.

What’s going to happen to him?

The police will call child protection and they will take charge of the baby. There are volunteers who can take care of him tonight. Monday, they’ll try to find his relatives and place him in one of their homes.

What happens if he doesn’t have relatives?

He’ll be placed in a foster home and probably put up for adoption. Don’t worry, Avi. They will find someone who will take care of him.

Matt, are you sure they’re gone?

Avi, there’s no question. Neither has a heartbeat, and you don’t want to know their condition. Stay with the baby and let him keep you busy. Please don’t look over there and don’t walk over out of concern or curiosity. It’s not worth it. I have to live with things I see. I don’t want you to have those pictures burned into your mind.

The dazed truck driver walked up and asked, Did someone call the police?

Avi replied, I did.

What were you people doing driving so fast? Didn’t you see the sign warning about truck traffic?

Avi looked at Matt and he said, Sir, maybe you should go sit down in your truck until they arrive.

Well, did anyone check on the other car?

Yes, I did. They are both dead.

That’s a shame; but if people aren’t careful, they really do take their lives in their own hands, don’t they. You two are lucky you aren’t in their situation.

Avi looked at Matt and saw his temples contort and pulse from the stress. His fists were closed, and she could tell he was trying to control himself. The sounds of sirens became louder as emergency vehicles approached. Matt turned and walked a few feet from the truck driver as the sheriff’s department car arrived.

The officer jumped out and shouted, Did anyone check on the vehicle?

Matt said, Yes, sir. They’re both gone.

Sir, I’m Tom Patton, the truck driver. These people just ignored the sign warning of truck traffic, and they were traveling too fast. By the time I saw them, I had already pulled onto the highway.

Mr. Patton, you can go sit in your truck. I’ll talk to one person at a time – in the order I choose.

Patton walked back to his truck as the officer walked toward Matt. May I have your name?

Matt Gatti.

I need your driver’s license. Could you tell me what happened?

Matt handed his license as requested and his county police identification card. The sheriff’s deputy looked at both and began his report on the clipboard. After describing the accident, Matt said, "Neither car was driving too fast. You can check my skid marks and gage the speed by the length of the marks, but the driver of the other car was too close when the truck pulled out to be able to apply his brakes.

He will tell you he stopped at the stop sign; but he ran the stop sign because he entered the turn too fast. I was following the other car, and I know it was driving 55 mph. I honestly think I saw the truck driver’s hand up and holding a cell phone when he turned and saw us approaching. Please check cell phone records.

Thank you for the information, Officer Gatti. I certainly will check.

Matt went towards Avi as the Officer walked over to the truck driver. Another car pulled up and approached Avi, I’m Patricia Warrens from child protection. Where is the infant?

Avi replied, He’s in our back seat. He really needs to be checked out at the hospital to make sure he is okay.

Don’t worry, Miss. We always take children to the ER when we take possession of them from an accident scene. We want to make sure they have no problems.

Could you please give me your number so I can call to check on him?

You can call the office listed in the phone book and they will handle your requests. Thank you for taking care of him.

She picked up the infant seat and the diaper bag Matt found and began to walk toward her vehicle. Avi stared after the little boy and her heart began to ache as she remembered her own son. Matt said, Avi, are you sure you are all right?

I’m just shaken and concerned about him.

Both could hear the truck driver’s voice as he shouted, Officer, I’m telling you. There is a sign on the side of the road warning about trucks entering the highway. I stopped. I couldn’t see them. They were driving fast because I only saw them after I entered the highway and it was too late to stop.

The officer asked, Do you have a cell phone?

Yes, what does that have to do with this?

I will check to see if your cell number was in use at the time of the accident.

It was right after the accident because I called my wife. How do you know what time the accident was anyway?

The second car – one of the two survivors – is a police officer. The first thing he did was look at his watch so we definitely have a reference point. You need to call your office and have a tow truck sent out to clear this highway.

Avi stood near Matt’s car and watched as the paramedics removed two covered bodies after the Jaws of Life peeled off the door and part of the car frame. Matt slipped his arm around her waist and said, Avi, the officer has more to do and will be quite busy. Let’s go sit in the back of his unit.

Matt, we came very close to leaving this earth tonight. Four seconds sooner and we could’ve been the couple in the car in front of us.

Yes, you never know when your journey is up. Where’s your purse?

In your car.

Stay here. I’ll get it.

Lord, thank you for watching over us. Please take care of the little boy and his parents, too. Why, Lord? None of this makes sense. Neither did the tornado.

Matt returned with her purse and said, Maybe you better call Alice and let her know we might be late because of the accident while I call Martha. I’ll ask her to come get us. I don’t think my car is drivable. I’ll help the officer with the tape measure. We’ll have to take Martha back to the farm tonight, but at least we’ll have a way home.

As Avi called Alice, Matt called Martha. Matt walked toward the officer just as the truck driver said, You take up for your buddies and don’t want to listen to the truth.

As Matt reached the officer he said, I don’t know you and didn’t give you my name. I’m Officer Tom Burnet and here is my card.

Turning toward the truck driver, he said, Mr. Patton, here is my card. Have you called your office?

No, I want to get this straight before I call the office so I know what to answer when they ask who’s at fault.

"You can tell them the accident is still under investigation, and I will call your company when the report is ready. Now make the call. Your truck is blocking the highway.

Mr. Gatti, maybe you’d better stay with your companion until someone arrives for you. She appears to be rather shaken.

Okay Officer, I will. I just wanted to offer my assistance.

The truck driver said, I thought you said he was a policeman. Why are you calling him Mister?

If you must know, he isn’t an officer from this county, and I don’t know him. You will have all the information you need in my report. I need to measure skid marks to verify he was traveling within the posted speed, and I will call your cell phone company and request call times and duration for one hour before the accident and one hour after. Now, go back to your truck and let me do my job.

Both Officer Burnet and Matt walked away from the driver. Matt returned to Avi to find her in tears. Avi, did you reach Alice?

Yes, Alice said they would have dinner waiting no matter what time we arrive.

Why are you crying?

Matt, I finally found you, and I could have lost you tonight.

I could have lost you, too. Life is fragile, but God is in control. You have to believe him, Avi. He took care of countless people in the Bible; don’t you believe he will take care of you, too?

I can see his hand in my life when I look backwards, except when I lost Jerry and my son, Jerry Todd. I don’t understand. I still hurt. I’m sorry; I guess I shouldn’t talk to you about it.

Avi, you can tell me anything. I understand you loved him – and you still do. I have no problem with that. If you are going to heal, you need to talk about the wounds inside you. Talk to Jesus about your hurts, too. He, ultimately, is the only one who can soothe the pain. Avi, things happen in life, and we have no control over other people’s actions – like the truck driver or nature. We need to pray daily for His protection and then walk knowing He’s watching over us. If our final day is scheduled for today, then we can rest assured we are safe in His arms and we’ll see each other again.

I’ve never been in an accident; and seeing the truck in the middle of the road made something inside me freeze and go numb. I have to admit; I was scared. Now all I can think about is the little boy.

You have a good heart, Avi. Hold my hand and close your eyes as we wait for Martha. Breathe slowly and think about Jesus.

Chapter 2

After several minutes, Avi opened her eyes and smiled at Matt. What are you doing? Watching me?

Yes. You’re the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

Avi laughed and replied, Matt, have you been drinking?

Come on Avi, you know I don’t drink. I like my brain cells, and I take very good care of them.

Avi smiled and closed her eyes.

***

Vehicle headlights approached the police cruiser and Matt said, That must be Martha.

They exited the car and Martha walked hurriedly toward them. Are you both okay? What happened?

As the tow truck left with the tanker, Matt said, He didn’t stop at the stop sign and was on the cell phone. The car in front of us went completely under the truck. He didn’t even have time to apply the brakes.

Oh, Matt! Thank God you weren’t in the car. It looks so bad.

Yes, they are both gone, but their infant son was safely tucked in his car seat. Martha, let’s get you home so we can get to town tonight. We both have to work tomorrow and we need to be at our maid-of-honor’s home for dinner tonight. As soon as I can get a rental car, we’ll get your car back to the farm. In the meantime, you can use the foreman’s truck if you need to leave for any reason.

Matt, I went shopping yesterday so I’ll be fine. I have no reason to leave. If I need anything, I’ll just ask Jack. We will make do. Don’t worry about it.

As they returned to the farm, Matt turned on the radio on a Christian station loud enough for hearing, but not too loud to hinder conversation.

Martha asked, Have you set a date for the wedding?

Avi replied, Not yet. We both need to check and compare calendars before we do.

Where will the ceremony be? Would you like to have it at the farm?

We haven’t had a chance to talk, but I think Matt and I would like to have it in a church. We haven’t decided which church or synagogue yet?

Synagogue? So you are Jewish?

Yes, I was very observant when I was a young child. My mom died when I was twelve, then things fell apart. But something deep inside me yearns to return to the God of my childhood.

Is your Dad still alive?

We lost contact when I was eighteen. He disinherited me, told me he had no daughter because I married a Gentile. Many Jews do that if their children leave the faith marrying outside the Jewish family.

Maybe he has had a change of heart. Maybe you could contact your relatives and find out where he is now.

There are no relatives. My parents moved here from England before I was born. It was always their desire to return to our homeland, Israel. Then my mom died, and well, nothing was ever the same. He will never talk to me again. He told me I was ‘dead’ to him.

Oh Avi, I’m so sorry. That’s so sad.

It’s okay, Martha. It was a long time ago. I’ve accepted the fact he called me ‘dead’ and I’ve adapted by thinking of him the same way.

Matt said, Avi, would you like me to try to find him? At least check to see if he is alive?

No, Matt. It would only open up old wounds. Let’s leave things the way they are.

Martha said, I’m sorry, Avi. I didn’t know of the situation. I hope I didn’t hurt you by asking about your father.

Martha, don’t worry. I survived by thinking of him as dead. I did my grieving a long time ago. It’s just a dull ache now – not an open wound. He probably is dead by now. It’s the way I think about him.

Well, let’s talk about happier things. Have you picked your wedding colors?

Matt smiled, Avi, it’s totally up to you. I’ll even wear a pink tie if you want me to.

I can’t exactly wear white since I’ve been married before. I guess my dress will be beige and I love the color mauve. What do you think, Matt?

Mauve sounds great. But I want to see you in a long, white wedding gown.

Martha said, Matt that sounds perfect."

Avi said, But Matt, I have been married before, and…

Matt interrupted. You picked your color, mauve. That means I get to pick the gown color, white. This is a 50-50 marriage. You pick one color. I pick the other. We need to divide everything equally, don’t you think?

Oh Matt, I give up.

Martha said, When you plan your reception, please consider the farm. There is a large barn. We could rent tables and chairs, depending on the time of year.

Matt said, I think it will be a fall wedding, maybe September. It will give us time to plan. Don’t you think so, Avi?

That’s only three months away. I don’t know if we will have enough time to plan everything.

Avi, we can decide on bridesmaids and groomsmen in a week or so. You have your Maid of Honor. I just need to pick my best man. How many attendants do you want?

Oh, Matt, I don’t need a big wedding. The only person I could possibly ask besides Alice would be Miriam Bult. We’ve had lunch several times. How many groomsmen do you want?

Why don’t we have a small wedding? I was thinking of asking Bill Alexander to be my best man. I’ll have to think about the groomsmen. I’ll let you know later. Avi, if you want to add another bridesmaid or two, that’s totally up to you. If you want a big wedding, we can certainly go that route.

Avi replied, I think a small wedding is so much more meaningful than a large one. Let’s stay as small as possible.

As the car entered the drive, Avi noticed Zeus standing near the house wagging his tail. Matt shook his head and said, There’s old Zeus, guardian of the property. He takes his job seriously; and if the intruder isn’t known, you should hear his warning bark. It’s enough to wake up everyone at night. He’s old but his eyes are still sharp. He knows Martha’s car. Look at his tail. He knows we belong here.

When they stepped down out of the car, Zeus made a bee line for Matt. After a few pats, he walked over to Avi and rubbed against her leg. Matt said, Hey, looks like he has accepted you as part of the family. You better pet him or he will keep rubbing your leg until you trip!

Avi said, Okay Zeus, come get some attention. As she rubbed the side of his face and ear, he flipped his head so the other side received the same attention.

Zeus, that’s enough. We have to get back to town tonight. As soon as Zeus heard Matt’s instructions, he stepped away from Avi and sat a few feet away.

Matt, I think he really understands you. How were you able to get him to understand verbal commands?

"Say the same thing over and over with physical gestures and he will eventually understand. He’s had lots of practice. We need to get back to town.

Martha, thanks for allowing us to use your car.

Matt, you don’t have to get it back tomorrow. I have nowhere to go and don’t have an appointment until next week.

***

As they returned to Brisco, both noticed a sunset with beams of light radiating through the clouds. The sight was as beautiful as an artist’s canvas. Avi turned toward Matt, Have you ever noticed how often God paints the sky?

Avi, I have awesome pictures of sunrises and sunsets. It was one of my passions when I grew up on the farm. Make sure you have a camera or your phone available when you sit out back. You will get fantastic pictures, too. Maybe you could even frame some for the house.

Matt, could you stop so I can get a picture of this one?

Matt pulled the car off the highway onto a driveway and Avi stepped out with her cell camera and snapped a picture framed by two trees. Matt stepped over and said, How did it come out?

Matt, look at the beams. They seem brighter than the ones in the sky.

I’ve noticed that whenever I take pictures. It seems as if our eyes get distracted and take in everything around the beams. Pictures freeze the beams, and in pictures they always seem brighter. That picture is really awesome. Why don’t you consider framing it for the farm? I like those golden streams of light. The clouds aren’t too dark so the color shouldn’t get distorted when it is enlarged.

Chapter 3

As they entered Alice’s driveway, the sun tipped below the horizon. Alice saw the car approach and went out on the porch to greet them. She didn’t wait for them to reach the porch, but walked toward the car. Oh, Avi, Matt, are you both okay? Are you sure you didn’t hit your heads?

Alice, we’re fine. The car is totaled and scrunched up to the windshield, but we’re untouched. I pulled Avi’s head toward me and shielded her as it started going under the tanker.

Well, dinner is still on the stove and warm. Harry came in, ate, and left again to go to the library. Randy and I were waiting to eat until you arrived.

As they entered the dining area, Avi noticed the table was set, but plates were missing. Alice ushered them into the kitchen and all four plates were stacked near the stove. Randy was sitting at the breakfast nook enjoying the daily newspaper. Matt, Avi, so good to see you.

Matt replied, You have no idea how good it is to see you.

As Matt answered Randy’s questions about the accident, Alice said, Avi, if you get the pitcher of tea, I’ll put our salads on a tray.

Both entered the dining area as the details about the accident were given to Randy. Alice shook her head as Matt told Randy about the baby. Avi, I hope they find a good home for him.

I’m going to call up the social service office tomorrow morning and check up on him. Alice, would you be my maid of honor?

Oh, Avi, I’d be honored. I can’t wait to assist you as you plan your wedding. I even have ideas for church decorations.

Alice, I don’t want a big wedding, and I don’t think Matt does either.

Matt said, Alice, small is what she wants and it’s fine with me. As for the church, we still have time to decide where we will get married. There is a Messianic Jewish Synagogue in Sandler near the farm. I think I want to go to a couple of services and think about where would be most appropriate.

Shocked, Alice replied, Matt, you’ve been in our church for years.

Matt continued, I know, but the particular church isn’t as important as standing before God in a place where we can both feel very comfortable. Jesus came to fulfill the law – not change it. I want to explore the Jewish services before I voice my preference. Of course, we need to come to some agreement. I just believe in exploring options before making decisions.

Avi’s heart skipped a beat as she thought about a traditional Jewish wedding. She had been to one when she was a young child. Secretly, she had hoped to be married under the canopy at night in the presence of God, but had not even mentioned it. She simply smiled at Matt.

Alice said, Okay, let’s go grab a plate and serve dinner. We can talk as we eat. I’m starved.

Avi replied, So am I.

***

As they placed their plates on the table, Randy said, I’m glad you fixed my favorite, roast beef and your marvelous gravy.

Matt said, Alice, it’s my favorite, too.

As Alice sat, Randy said, Let’s ask God to bless this meal before we eat.

Everyone bowed as Randy said, Lord, thank you for this meal and for bringing Matt and Avi safely here. Please provide a good home for the young child and bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies. Amen.

After taking a bite Avi said, Alice this is delicious. Could I have the recipe?

It’s so easy. Just season it well, put it in a pot with a small amount of oil, and let it brown. Add water and turn down the heat. Let it simmer for about two hours or until tender. After it cools, slice the roast, place a meal serving in zip bags and freeze. You are eating left-overs. I always cook large meals and freeze what remains so I don’t have to cook on Sundays. I freeze enough for both of us in each bag. If Harry shows up, I take out an extra bag because he eats enough for two.

I can’t believe this is left-over. It’s delicious.

Alice said, Matt, you are going to still keep the apartment here, right?

For the time being. We really haven’t had time to discuss much. Hopefully, we will at some time in the future move back to the farm, but it would be such a long trip into work daily. I’ve been praying – asking God to open doors for both of us. I guess we will have to wait on God and look for those open doors.

Maybe you can run for County Sheriff and move to the farm.

Avi said, Then I would have to drive daily. I wouldn’t look forward to an hour and a half twice a day.

Maybe you wouldn’t have to work, Avi. Have you ever considered being a housewife?

"Alice, I have worked all of my life. I enjoy working and having a career. I have never considered