Race of a Life
by Daniel J. Erspamer
Chapter One
Paul Francis Rumble entered St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, dipped his hand into the baptismal font, and made the Sign of the Cross, dabbing his forehead with Holy Water. He walked to the front of the church, genuflected, and entered the third pew from the front on the left side. As he kneeled, he could hear the choir practicing for the evening’s Saturday vigil Mass. They were singing his favorite hymn, “On Eagle’s Wings.” As the familiar tune flowed through his mind, he hummed along and began to pray.
The coming year would be trying on him and his family of five--he knew that much. To what extent, however, he was not aware. He had been in the spotlight before, Paul reasoned to his God, but he wasn’t quite sure what to expect this time. For a time, Paul’s thoughts drifted from his prayer to some of the events of the past. The nasty letters. The threats. The good, clean debates he’d had. All that would serve as a good basis for the decision he’d made, but he figured that the past would be just that--a base. What he would face in the future would almost certainly be worse. But, it would be worth it. At least, he hoped so.
Back to his prayers, Paul asked the Lord for the strength he would need to face the struggles that lay before him. He plead for the safety of his family--his two sons John and James, his daughter Maria, and his wife Rose--and friends. He asked for wisdom, patience, compassion, understanding. A little success wouldn’t hurt either, he thought, as he finished his conversation with God, and began a litany of prayers he had memorized years before.
Paul figured he would rely on those prayers heavily in the coming year. Quiet time would probably be hard to come by.
+ + + +
Fr. John O’Connor, the ruddy-haired priest from the north, asked the congregation to be seated before the end of Mass. He approached the lectern, and read off the usual announcements. The youth group was holding a bake sale outside the church to raise money for its upcoming retreat. The ladies’ sewing circle was holding a raffle for their latest masterpiece. The money would be used to fund the annual dinner for persons with disabilities. The Men’s Club would be holding it’s monthly pancake breakfast in a couple of weeks, so parishioners should keep an eye out for that, as well.
“And, oh, yes, we do have one final announcement. I think most of you know Paul Rumble. For those who might be newcomers or visitors, Paul has been an active member of our parish for quite some time--since even before I arrived--although we did lose them to Washington for a couple of years. Paul and Rose, his wife, have three children, who have all joined us this morning. Paul has an announcement he’d like to make on behalf of him and his family. Paul,” Fr. O’Connor nodded.
Paul got up from his seat--in the third row from the front--smiled at his wife, and approached the altar. He bowed when he got there, and then went to the lectern. He removed from his jacket pocket the note cards he had made the night before. But, in a decisive moment, decided to speak without them. Clearing his throat, he looked across the congregation to see many friends, family, colleagues, and fellow churchgoers.
“Good morning. Thank you Fr. John. I wanted to speak to you this morning about a decision my family and I have made.” He looked at his four family members in attendance: John, 21, was in his first year of law school, James, 18, was just beginning his college journey, Maria, 17, was ready to get out of high school, and Rose, his wife of 24 years. Rose looked at him with a nervous, yet very loving and supporting look. She smiled at him, and nodded, as if to prod him to continue. It would be ok. She knew this was an important moment for her husband, but she always got so nervous when he spoke. She would have to get over that quickly, she knew.
“Before I begin, however, I would just like to thank you for the kindness you have shown to me and my family the past few years. When Rose and I decided to move back here to Duran, we weren’t sure if it would work out. But, it truly has been good to be home. And, we deeply thank you for all you have done for us.” Paul cleared his throat. “After many hours of discussion, personal reflection, and prayer, I have decided to announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America.” A few quiet gasps arose from the congregation, but most smiled at him, knowingly, as Paul glanced around for a reaction. “This was a decision which was not reached lightly. There are many risks involved, not only for me, but also for the people I love. But, I have decided, that I will run, not only for my family and loved ones, but for this country. We are in sore need of a leader who will rebuild the character and integrity of this country, and I hope to provide that leadership. Well, I won’t go into a campaign speech here.” Paul flashed his trademark smile, his white teeth glimmering, and his eyes beginning to shine from the tears of excitement he withheld. A few grateful chuckles arose from the congregation at his statement.
“However, I wanted to make this announcement to you, the people to whom I am closest, before I told the rest of the world. I know that my decision will affect this community, and I ask you now, not only for your support physically, but also for your prayers. I ask for your prayers not only for me, but for our country, my family, and your families, as well. I hope and pray that no harm comes to this community, but it is certainly possible. Please, have no fear, but rather caution. People may come here asking questions. I implore you to either tell them the truth, or do not answer them at all. I trust you to make that call. My love and care for this community is everlasting. Please remember that. No matter what happens--this is our home, our church, and we are united under God. I thank you for your support, and may God bless you.” Paul paused for a moment, slightly choked up. “And may God Bless America.” The congregation burst into a grateful round of applause--one hope, daring, love, and compassion. Paul, still fighting back tears, made his way down from the altar, back to his family.
His sons watched him with pride. Maria eyed her father with deep love--that only a daughter can have for her ‘daddy.’ Rose simply smiled, and fought back tears herself. When he got back to the pew, she grabbed his hand, and gave it a quick squeeze. He looked at her, and she winked back at him, mouthing, “I love you.”
“May I be the first person to endorse Paul Francis Rumble for President,” said Fr. O’ Connor, to another resounding applause. The Rumbles could only smile appreciatively. “Let us pray,” continued the priest.
Let us pray. Certainly there wasn’t a more fitting closing to what Paul had just done. He would need those prayers as he embarked on his journey. And, this morning, he had just commenced with the first step.
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