Nora Ray (Ray Trilogy) - By Kelley Brown Page 0,4

say anything, I want you to know that the pastor and us ladies have prayed about these presents, so you should accept them knowing they are straight from the hand of God.” She stopped with a smile splitting from ear to ear.

All three of them, Nora and her parents stood there with their mouths hanging open.

The three Auxiliary Ladies began taking groceries out of their car until the whole kitchen table was full of food. Nora didn’t think she had ever seen that much food in her whole life at once.

After all the food was on the table, her parents finally remembered how to talk.

“Thank you so much, and we will accept this blessing since you say it was ordained from God. We will never forget this. Thank you so much.” Laura said as she hugged Mrs. Jenkins. Then in turn she hugged the other two ladies.

John stood there nodding his thanks then shook hands all around.

Mrs. Jenkins gave Nora a hug and said, “I want to talk to you on Monday. Can you meet me during noon break before class?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Nora answered meekly.

“Well, we want you to enjoy all of this food. Now we have another errand to do. We are on our way to Sarah Timberline’s house. You remember she just lost her mother, poor dear. We have as much food for them as we brought for you. God has blessed.” Mrs. Jenkins announced and the ladies were out the door.

After the food was put away, Nora wanted to go to her thinking rock. Too much had happened too quickly and she wanted to ponder all that her dad had said and Mrs. Jenkins whirlwind visit. So many changes and so quickly!

Wow! What a day! So sad and then so happy. Almost more than a mind can comprehend all at once. My dad said that he would die soon. How can anyone bear that? Her mom, little Danny, and herself live all alone without Dad? Fresh tears sprang to her eyes again. She held her arms around her stomach that ached and swayed back and forth.

What if he doesn’t live to see my husband? If I have one, of course. Of course, I intend to have one. What if I have children? I can never bring them to see him. He will never see my babies. She shuddered. Then Danny may grow up without a father, how will he cope with that?

Nora shook herself; she had made a promise to take care of her mom and Danny. She would make that promise good. At this point she didn’t know what or how she would do it, but she felt the determination that she would meet that need.

Oh, yes, of course, she couldn’t forget the wonderful blessing of food brought to them from Mrs. Jenkins. How kind Mrs. Jenkins was! She wondered if ever she could repay her. Then she thought she would save that for another day. Right now she felt all thought out.

She lay on her thinking rock. She rested until her heart felt at peace.

She sat up and took several deep breaths. Now she felt fortified. She was used to trouble and she would meet trouble head on.

Chapter Three

Monday Nora went to Mrs. Jenkins office during her lunch break a few minutes before the bell to see what she wanted.

When Nora stopped at the door, Mrs. Jenkins said, “Come in, Nora. Have a seat.”

Nora sat down and clasped her hands together. She looked at Mrs. Jenkins expectantly.

“Nora, you have been an excellent student. If I can help you, I would be happy to do so.”

“You have done so much already for my family; I don’t know how I will ever repay you.”

“The groceries given to your family on Saturday were a gift. There is no repayment for that. When God blesses, that is just what it is.”

“What I am concerned about is what direction do you want for your life? Have you considered going to college?”

“No, Ma’am. I will never have the money to go to college.”

Mrs. Jenkins studied her closely, “You are a smart girl and you have the ability to be very successful, if you want to study.”

“Well, Ma’am,” Nora wrung her hands. “I don’t mind the studying, and I know that I make good grades, but I have to take care of my family.”

Curious now, Mrs. Jenkins asked as she turned her head to the side, “Doesn’t your father take care of your family?”

Nora burst into tears much to her embarrassment, “My