Ethos

ETHOS

By

Dan Dilbert

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

Dan Dilbert on Smashwords

Ethos

Copyright © 2012 by Dan Dilbert

Thank you for downloading this eBook. This is my first novel and I hope you enjoy reading it. Your support and respect for the property of this author is appreciated. I hope you enjoy reading the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

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ETHOS

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This novel is a work of fiction with a heavy dose of reality. The names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents I have mentioned therein are either the product of my imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events, is purely coincidental.

This novel is not a research project. I have pulled this story from my own life, which includes a public school education, graduate school, 20 years in the U.S. Navy, work experience gained from diverse employment, plus reading a lot of books, seeing a lot of movies, and watching a number of TV news channels throughout my adult life.

As you read Ethos, you’ll see many real-life names and places you may recognize (e.g., Piggly Wiggly, Chuck Swindoll, Vernon McGee, Tony Evans, and Paul Sheppard), but my book is still a piece of fiction. I am not out to mislead anyone. I’m sure that, once you get into the story, you will recognize it as fiction, designed for your entertainment.

I trust you will enjoy reading Ethos as much as I enjoyed writing it. When you get to the last page, I would greatly appreciate some feedback!

The Author

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Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Chapter Twenty-nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-one

Chapter Thirty-two

Chapter Thirty-three

Chapter Thirty-four

Chapter Thirty-five

Chapter Thirty-six

Chapter Thirty-seven

Chapter Thirty-eight

Chapter Thirty-nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-one

Chapter Forty-two

Chapter Forty-three

Chapter Forty-four

Chapter Forty-five

Chapter Forty-six

Chapter Forty-seven

Chapter Forty-eight

Chapter Forty-nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty-one

Chapter Fifty-two

Chapter Fifty-three

Chapter Fifty-four

Chapter Fifty-five

Chapter Fifty-six

Chapter Fifty-seven

Chapter Fifty-eight

Chapter Fifty-nine

Chapter Sixty

Chapter Sixty-one

Chapter Sixty-two

Chapter Sixty-three

Chapter Sixty-four

Chapter Sixty-five

Chapter Sixty-six

Chapter Sixty-seven

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Chapter One

"WHERE is your dedication, Joseph? Coach Earl yells in total exasperation. The middle-aged white man stares angrily across his desk at the young black athlete, and continues his tirade. Where is your commitment, Joseph? What about the promise you made to me, to the other coaches, and to your teammates? Do you have any honor, loyalty, obligation or devotion to yourself? Do you believe in the things you say? Why are you being so selfish?"

Coach Earl is head coach of Rock University’s football team. All the players address him as Coach E – both on and off the field, he’s been head football coach for the past ten years. This is the fourth consecutive year that Rock U has gone undefeated during its regular season, and also the fourth year in a row the team will get to play in the national championship game.

The team has lost the big one every time. But this time – just two months after America elected its first African-American president – Coach E is determined to get his key player to the game and bring the trophy home. He has a huge reputation as a persuasive, charismatic man, and he’s highly respected by the players, coaches, parents, and the media. Everyone who comes into contact with him is motivated and inspired by him. Some people say Coach E is so smooth in his ability to influence those around him that he could sell ice to Eskimos during an Alaskan winter.

Coach E is a local hero in Rock City, North Carolina, where he grew up. In high school, he set many new school records in football, track, and baseball that still stand today. But when he attended Duke University on a football scholarship, he suffered injuries in his first game against the University of Chicago that ended his football career. Coach E joined the U.S. Marine Corps after college, served 15 years, and was honorably discharged with a medical condition related to his injuries at Duke. Today, at age 47, he still has an imposing presence. Standing six feet, five inches tall, with a muscular body, he maintains a clean-shaven look with a high and tight Marine haircut.

He knows if he loses another championship game he will be a laughingstock among his peers and all college coaches, will quite possibly lose his job as head coach of Rock University, and won’t have a chance of coaching at any college on the East Coast. This is the last year of Coach E’s contract as head coach of Rock University. Over the past seven years, the school has given the team everything possible to succeed. While the team’s overall record has improved, they still can’t seem to win a championship game. Yes, tomorrow’s football game is very important to his career, to the other coaches, and to his players who hope to play pro ball.

Coach E had a chance to renew his contract but he turned it down for reasons known only to him. Before Rock U, he’d had other opportunities with bigger colleges for better pay and greater resources. But he chose Rock U, because its football team had lost every game for eight consecutive seasons. Now he may not get the option to renew his contract at Rock U, and if his team loses tomorrow, he knows he will have limited chances to coach at other colleges. But his heart is set on winning a championship game for the fans, players, coaches, the school, the community, and – last but hardly least – for himself. He knows that if he leaves Rock U without a championship win, his career and reputation will blow in the wind, like a leaf in a storm.

NFL scouts have been talking to several Rock U team members about playing professional football, but the team’s losing streak at championship games isn’t helping matters. Rock University is the only team in college football with a perfect record for four consecutive years in regular seasons, but no championship wins. No one understands why the team can’t clinch a championship title.

The number-one college football player in the nation, Joseph Benjamin Dillward, is the shining star of the Rock University football team. Joseph won his first team trophy during his freshman year as a linebacker he set the record for the most sacks and tackles in one season. During his sophomore year, he played cornerback and tight end, and set the college record for the most interceptions, passes received, and yards gained. In his junior year, he set the record for most yards rushed per game for the season, and he was awarded the Heisman Trophy.

As the university’s number one player, Joseph has played in every game during the regular season for the last four years but has never showed up for a championship game. No one, not even Joseph’s family members, can explain why. But, because Joseph is such a great football player, Coach E has kept him on the team.

As Coach E had been in his youth, Joseph is now the local hero – more popular than any local government official, volunteer worker, university staffer, or churchgoer. He is loved and respected by his teammates, coaches, classmates, and professors. Even the media and members of other teams who played and lost to Rock U hold Joseph in high regard, because he’s the most feared football player in the history of college football. Legend has it that he can stare down a snake and make it retreat, yet Joseph maintains a very humble demeanor at all times.

Joseph is a natural athlete who excels in every sport he plays, but it is far from his first love. No one knows his true love. Not even Joseph fully understands his purpose in life, but he knows it is not sports. But this humble man is a natural pick. He leads the team and all colleges in tackles, sacks, rushing, receiving, and all the other stats that count.

He appears to be a true diehard for the game, and the only person on the football team who’s guaranteed a contract in the NFL – win, lose, or draw. Most NFL teams want him – some to play defense, others to play offense. The NFL scout, Martin Long, has been trying to recruit him since his sophomore year in college. There are rumors he will be offered a sign-on bonus as high as $100 million. Even if Joseph decides not to play in the game tomorrow, he will still get an opportunity to play in the NFL.

But Rock University is about to face the doomsday machine for the fourth time: the only team that’s beaten Rock U in the past three years. This game will make or break the career of the coaching staff, the players on the team, and the reputation of the school, itself. Yet Rock U’s star player is now telling the head coach he’s got to go to a funeral on the day of the game, and he’s added unconvincingly that he will still make it to play in part of the game and help his team win.

Coach E and most of Joseph’s teammates are upset – no, outraged – with his decision!

When Joseph gets an earful about it, he is in Coach E’s office, which is located between the assistant coach’s office and the locker room. So, all the assistant coaches and team members can hear the one-sided conversation taking place between the head coach and the team’s most valuable player. For over 45 minutes, the angry voice of coach E reverberates throughout the building, and the team knows when Coach E is this angry, it’s on!

Coach E is more annoyed with himself than he is with Joseph. He is angry that he has to convince Joseph not to go to the funeral but instead go with the team tonight to prepare for tomorrow’s championship game. He knows the hearts of these boys, who are like sons to him. But this is about the game!

Right now, Coach E is losing the battle. He steps back, looks at the clock on the wall, and takes a deep breath. He’s spent valuable time barraging Joseph with a mixture of sweet talk and screams, but his key player hasn’t opened his mouth to say one word. Joseph just sits in the chair and politely listens, keeping eye contact all the while.

Coach E knows now he’s fighting a lost cause, but he gives it one more try and continues to talk to Joseph about dedication, devotion, and loyalty for another 15 minutes. He patiently explains to Joseph one last time that it’s impossible to attend a funeral more than 90 miles away, then make it back to the field and prepare to play for the national football game.

The Rock U team has the skill to play and win without Joseph, but he is very important to the coach’s overall strategy. Opposing players fear Joseph on the football field, and Coach E knows that Joseph’s presence alone will give his team an edge. His intimidation of competing players also motivates and encourages his teammates. Joseph is a senior, and this is his last game in college football. Rumors have it that Joseph will not play professional sports.

The crux of Coach E’s dilemma: Joseph’s best high-school friend, DJ, has died, Joseph wants to attend the funeral, and no matter what Coach E says, Joseph is determined to go. Coach E can understand the young man’s dedication to an old friend, but for God’s sake, this is the big game! The funeral is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. tomorrow, and the game starts at 4:00 pm. How can he attend the funeral and make it to the game – the one game Coach E needs to win?

Coach E says his final words to Joseph: Tell me something to tell your teammates, the guys you’re running out on!

Joseph replies calmly, It will be okay, Coach E. I will be there to play, and we’ll win.

There is always another side to every person, and Coach E is no exception. One side of his actions is to prove to everyone in the college community, including himself, that he can win a national championship game as head coach. The other side is to secure his coaching career the coaching staff’s careers, and opportunities for players on the team to play professional football.

Rock U is known for its academic standards. Students who apply for admission to the university must be within the top five percent of their high-school graduating class, have a 3.5 grade point average each year while in high school, a combined total of 1,950 points on the Scholastic Aptitude Test, and several letters of recommendation. Some people say it’s easier to get into Harvard than into Rock U.

Coach E is the second head coach of Rock U. During his career, he has moved the team from Division II football to Division IAA, and he’s been offered many contracts by Division 1A universities, offers that hinge on Rock U winning the Division 1AA National Championship game tomorrow evening. Coach E knows if he loses tomorrow’s game, it will be his last game ever, and none of his players will have much chance of going professional.

Coach E angrily leaves his office and goes into the assistant coach’s office. Joseph stands up and walks toward the door that leads into the locker room. He knows his teammates are in the locker room and have heard all of the angry words that Coach E said to him. Joseph places his hand on the doorknob, takes a deep breath, exhales, and holds his head high as he opens the door to enter the locker room. Within seconds, he is eye to eye with various members of the team.

Joseph starts his journey through the locker room. Normally, it takes only about 30 steps to leave Coach E’s office, walk through the locker room and get outside. But today it seems like a lifetime. Joseph’s teammates are all standing around, watching him move past them.

Joseph can hear various teammates venting their anger.

So, a crack head is more important, a drug dealer means more to you than we do?

There’s nothing you can do for the dead. So don’t come back.

And, most hurtful: We don’t need you! But no one looks him in the eye. They’re afraid to say such things to his face, and Joseph humbly walks towards the door.

As Joseph approaches the exit, he is stopped by his good friend, Raymond, the team captain and middle linebacker – rated the best linebacker in college football. Word has it that Raymond chokes up in major games. But it’s also rumored that if the team wins the big game, Raymond and a few others will be first-round picks in the NFL draft.

Joseph, I’ve never heard you mention this friend, DJ … Raymond says quietly.

We grew up next door to each other and went to the same schools, Joseph replies as he turns his head and looks around the locker room.

Well, you know the media are out there, and it’s like a war zone. Maybe you should stay here for a while, until they leave, Raymond suggests, showing genuine concern.

‘No, I have a bus to catch in about an hour."

Raymond places his hand on Joseph’s shoulder. Want me to walk with you?

No, thanks, Raymond. I’ll be fine.

Joseph, I hope DJ knows what a friend you are. Go do what you’ve got to do, and the team will do likewise.

DJ is short for Delbert Junior. Joseph and DJ grew up next door to each other and were best friends. When Joseph went off to college, DJ stayed local, got married to a girl named Carolyn, had two children, and ended up selling drugs in the neighborhood to make ends meet.

I’ll see you at the game, brother! Joseph says to Raymond and exits the locker room. Although forewarned, he is surprised to see a massive crowd of media people taking pictures, shouting out questions, and following him like a pack of wolves. The media want to know what is so important about a deceased friend whom he hadn’t talked to in years, versus his teammates who want and need to win a national championship football game. The media are currently reporting on the chances of the team’s winning without Joseph, and it is causing dissension within the team. Joseph, not responding to the media’s questions and statements, proceeds forward through the throng with his head up, and walks away as if no one were around.

Joseph understands the importance of the win, but knows attending the funeral of his childhood friend, DJ, is bigger and far more critical than the team’s win. To Joseph, it’s all about love, dedication, integrity and respect – and he loved DJ long before college football

Chapter Two

JOSEPH and DJ grew up in Maza City, a town of 350,000 in North Carolina about 60 miles south of the Virginia state line. The two boys lived next door to each other for about 15 years, and attended the same elementary, middle, and high schools. Joseph and DJ were very close friends, and also well-known and respected in the neighborhood.

They had much in common. They lived with both parents, and both parents had full-time jobs. Each boy was also the youngest child in his family, having two older brothers and two older sisters. Both Joseph and DJ played baseball, football, basketball and chess. They also shared a love for steak sandwiches with seasoned French fries and a cold glass of water. Joseph and DJ even attended the same church, played on the same teams, and chased the same girls.

But they had their differences. Joseph’s grandfather, Benjamin Dillward, was his sage and mentor as Joseph grew to manhood – and Grandpa Ben made a huge difference for him. In contrast, DJ had no living grandparents, hence no positive male role model in his life who had significant time to spend with him. Everyone in his family was busy working or doing other things. While Joseph was spending quality time with Ben, DJ was all by himself, with no one to talk to and no one to play with, wandering around alone like a sheep looking for his shepherd.

Perceiving the hole in DJ’s life, Ben always invited him to join Joseph and himself for their special talks and activities, but DJ didn’t like the things they did or the places they went to. It was a big disappointment for them that DJ always had an excuse for not coming.

In high school, Joseph set statewide records in football and baseball and became a major hometown celebrity. He was always on television and in the newspapers, which alerted college scouts throughout the land to the phenomenal athlete in Maza City, North Carolina. With commercial motives all their own, they started coming to his games to see him play. The professional sporting world definitely had its eye on him.

Through it all, DJ loved and missed Joseph, and Joseph felt the same way toward DJ. But, out of respect for Joseph, DJ kept his distance. Now that DJ is gone, Joseph is about to let the world know who his best friend was.

Although Joseph is now a college football hero at Rock U, 90 miles from Maza City, his whole town follows his performance there, both in the academic community and on the football field. Whenever he comes home to visit, every fan in Maza City also wants a piece of him.

Chapter Three

ANGIE walks out of her modest home and into the middle of the street. She stands there nervously; feeling certain that what she is about to do is something she must do. She had tried to get her husband to do it, but he refused. So, she takes a deep breath and continues her short walk to the house across the street.

Angie Fallon goes up her neighbors’ walkway, then up the steps of their front porch to their front door. She presses the doorbell hard. It’s old and loud. Patiently, she waits for someone to come to the door. She presses the doorbell again. And again. And she waits. Still no response. Apprehensively, Angie turns around, thinking that her husband might be right. These people may never answer their door to her. Discouraged, Angie decides to leave, but as she steps off the bottom step of the front porch and onto the walkway, she hears her name called.

Angie! a deep, clear voice yells out.

She stops nervously, turns around and finds herself making eye contact with an elderly man. He’s wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt, an old straw hat, and has a colorful towel hanging around his neck. He has a garden tool in one hand. Angie’s tears flow when she sees him.

The man exits the house and walks toward Angie, who has become quite emotional upon seeing him. He wraps his arms around her and holds her tight for a long moment. Then he takes her by the hand and leads her around the house to the patio out back.

Angie, please sit down, and I’ll get us both something cold to drink. He enters the house through a back door that leads right into the kitchen. In a moment, he’s back with a pitcher in one hand and two glasses in the other. He pours lemonade into the two glasses, hands one to Angie, grins, and says, Here’s a glass of my world-famous lemonade. The recipe has been passed down from my grandmother’s grandmother.

Angie smiles back, then breaks into a little laughter. Ben, how is your garden this year?

My garden is fine, he replies, but it’s more for exercise than anything else. This time of year I’m mostly just keeping up with the plants, but when I grow some vegetables this year, I’ll make sure you get some.

Benjamin (Ben) Dillward is Joseph’s grandfather. He lives with his daughter, Ruby, her husband, Thomas, and their children and grandchildren. Angie is DJ’s mother. Ruby and Angie grew up in the neighborhood where they both currently live.

Angie has lived across the street from Ben all her life. Ben remembers the day Angie was born. She’s like a daughter to him. However, Angie has not visited Ben or his family for more than 20 years. Before Joseph and DJ were born, people in the neighborhood started a rumor that Angie was sleeping with Ruby’s husband, Thomas Dillward. Ruby and Thomas are Joseph’s parents. When that rumor started, most relationships between the two families soured, but Joseph and DJ’s friendship absolutely blossomed. Some people claim that Joseph and DJ were fathered by the same man. There is a lot of bad blood today between once-good friends. Thomas and Ruby rarely speak to Angie, except from a distance, and when they do, it’s just small talk.

With all this history behind them, Ben knows that Angie has not come over to get a glass of lemonade or talk about plants and gardening. So, what can I do for you today? he asks, like a concerned father talking to his daughter.

Ben, do you know if Joseph will be attending DJ’s funeral tomorrow morning?

I’m not sure, Angie. We haven’t talked about that. But according to the media, Joseph does plan on attending.

Do you think he will have enough time to attend the funeral and make it to the game?

I don’t know, baby. It is his call.

If he attends, do you think he can say a little something at DJ’s funeral?

I feel safe to say yes, but I don’t know. Ben takes a long sip of his lemonade. Would you like to ask him? Ben reaches for the cordless telephone to call his grandson.

No! Angie says hastily. Her tears are back, and she is having a hard time talking. Ben, I know the two boys did not see much of each other for years, but they were the best of friends growing up. I know it would mean a lot to Carolyn and the kids if Joseph would say a few words at the funeral. And I know DJ would have wanted Joseph to say something, too.

Ben understands. Joseph is a local celebrity. His loving comments at DJ’s funeral would enrich memories of DJ in the neighborhood – and give Carolyn and her children a fresh start after DJ is laid to rest. Ben looks tenderly at Angie, who is looking down, ashamed.

Angie, I can call him now and ask for you. How’s that?

That would be wonderful … Thank you.

Ben picks up the cordless phone off the table on the patio and dials Joseph’s cell phone as Angie enjoys her glass of lemonade. Suddenly, a big smile comes across Ben’s face. In a loud, happy voice, he says, Son, how are you today?

I’m great, grandpa. Joseph replies. It’s nice to hear from you.

Son, I have someone here who wants to speak with you. Can you talk?

Yes! Joseph does not know who wants to talk to him, but he knows his grandfather loves him and would not put him into an uncomfortable position. Ben hands Angie the phone. As Joseph is waiting, all he hears is the sound of a lady crying on the phone. He knows she is trying to talk but too emotional to do so. He can’t understand a thing she’s saying.

Joseph … Joseph … Joseph … she finally manages to say, in a very low voice.

Mrs. Angie, I’m so glad to hear from you! Joseph responds excitedly. His happiness and joy are transferred through the phone to Angie.

Realizing that Joseph knows who she is, Angie is more excited than if she had just won the lottery. Son, are you coming into town this weekend? she asks joyfully.

Mrs. Angie, I’ll be arriving in town in about four hours. I know how busy you and the family must be, but I want you to know that I’ll be there to help the family as much as possible once I get there. Also, I know this is short notice, but I was hoping you and the family wouldn’t mind if I said a few words at DJ’s funeral tomorrow.

Angie is so glad Joseph asked to speak at DJ’s funeral! She realizes Joseph has matured to be a man of character and strong moral values. Yes, you can, son! Yes, you can! Angie enthuses with a big smile on her face. Angie’s tears have changed from tears of sadness to tears of joy as she hands the phone back to Ben.

Son, I will call you back soon. I love you, and I thank you,

I love you, too, grandpa.

Angie stands up, still smiling, finishes her glass of lemonade with one big swig, and gives Ben a big hug and a kiss. Thank you, Ben. I can’t tell you how much this means to me. She turns, slowly walks off the patio, and continues her short walk home

Chapter Four

JOSEPH has a big smile on his face as he opens the front door of his parents’ home, the house he grew up in. He walks into the house, through the living room and kitchen, and out onto the octagonal patio deck. He’s very happy to see Ben – his role model, mentor and grandfather.

Grandpa! Joseph exclaims as he walks forward with arms open wide to give his grandfather a warm embrace.

Hey, what’s going on, young man? How was your trip?

Ben has a big smile on his face, too and his arms are also spread to embrace his grandson – his best friend in the whole, wide world. The two men collide in a spectacular hug.

Grandpa, I am well. It is nice to see you! Where is everyone else?

Oh, they’re around. And I’m doing just fine, son. It’s nice to see you as well. How was your bus ride home?

Slow and long, with lots of time for relaxing and thinking. Joseph sits down on a patio chair on the wooden deck. Grandpa, can I have a glass of your world-famous lemonade?

You mean the lemonade made from the recipe that was handed down from my great- grandmother and grandmother? Ben says with a grin.

Yes, that one, please. I’m sure my great-great-grandmother would like for me to have at least one glass per year.

Ben steps into the kitchen and soon returns to the patio with a tall glass of the fabled beverage in his hand, which he gives to Joseph.

Son, how are you handling things … the game … and the funeral?

Grandpa, I have faith that somehow everything is going to work out!

Do you know what you’re going to say tomorrow about your friend? All eyes will be on you, and all ears will be listening…

I know, Grandpa, and I’m not sure exactly what I’ll be saying tomorrow. Do you think you can help me out?

Son, I advise you to utilize some of what they’re teaching you at college!

Thanks, I will. But can you also talk to me about ‘the days of bondage’ – the slavery years – and the kinds of things a friend or family member might say about the dead at a funeral?

Son, they would talk from their hearts and keep everything in practical terms. Nothing fancy, of course, or too elaborate.

Grandpa, I can use some tutoring. I have never spoken at or attended a funeral … If you can give me a word of encouragement, I would greatly appreciate it.

Son, it’s not rocket science. Speak as DJ’s best friend. Talk about when you two first met, the fun you two shared. Talk about the things that made you love and respect each other.

Thank you, grandpa. That’s a great start. I’ll be thinking about what to say all night.

Son, while I was listening to the news the other day, everyone was asking why you are attending this funeral; knowing the reputation of your friend. This is not good. The media is hyping the question of why you are attending.

Joseph looks toward Ben, slowly turns his head to the right to take a sip of lemonade, then turns his face back toward his grandfather and smiles.

"Grandpa, DJ was a big part of my growing-up years. Attending his funeral is very important to me. DJ and I were the best of friends, and I would not feel right if I didn’t attend the funeral. I will not disrespect my friend, his wife, or his children by not attending. In all truth, given my strong friendship with DJ, I really don’t understand why no one from here called me!"

We knew that the decision to attend or not would be a very hard one for you!

No, grandpa! The decision was very easy for me!

Really? Ben says as he leans toward Joseph. How do you figure that?

Like you always said, there are friends and there are associates. DJ was a friend!

Well you and DJ had not talked with each other for several years, more than three years since your last football … I mean baseball … game, in your senior year at high school.

Joseph takes a deep breath and a quick sip from his lemonade before responding.

Grandpa, we talked since then. Just before I went to college, I visited DJ and tried to get him to come along with me, but he refused. DJ wanted to stay home and work to provide for Carolyn and their baby. His last words to me were about two big dreams he had. One dream was that he wanted to keep the neighborhood safe. The other dream was that I’d return home to help protect and provide for the neighborhood after his death. The last things DJ asked of me were to say a few words at his funeral, and to help protect our neighborhood, our friends and his family.

Ben looks at Joseph and smiles.

Son, you make me proud. The boy has become a man.

Grandpa, let’s go for a walk. I need to go visit DJ’s family.

Normally, when Joseph comes home to visit he spends lots of quality time with Ben. He enjoys listening to his grandfather’s stories as they walk through the park, and he often involves the older man in bike-riding; bowling, movies, church, Bible study, and other things they both enjoy. But today is anything but normal. It will be a long, difficult day. But, fortified by Ben’s wisdom, Joseph feels prepared for it.

Grandfather and grandson stop at the local Piggly Wiggly on Fifty-First Avenue to purchase some drinks, salad, and fruits for DJ’s family. While inside the store, Joseph sees Detective Brown, his father’s best friend. Detective Brown has been on the local police force for about 25 years.

Detective Brown spots the pair. Good afternoon, Ben. Hey, Joseph! The boys and I will be cheering for you tomorrow, Joseph. Now, listen: you got to bring home a win for all of us.

Detective Brown, it’s always nice to see you. Please know that I will be at my very best, and I hope I do not disappoint you or anyone else.

Well, do what you do best when you are on the field, hear? Our careers are on the line.

"Your careers?"

Yes, our careers! Detective Brown says again as he walks away from Ben and Joseph.

Tell your father I said hi, Detective Brown says over his shoulder. And tell him I’ll be over to watch the game with him after the funeral.

Will do, sir, Joseph replies, looking confused.

Joseph and Ben leave the Piggly Wiggly with their bags of groceries and walk two more blocks to DJ’s parents’ house, where many local friends and DJ’s family members are gathering.

There are a lot of people here, Joseph observes.

Well, son, that’s the way it is at funeral time. It’s kinda like a family reunion.

As Ben and Joseph walk up to the home of DJ’s parents, they start making their way through a crowd of people.

The home is pretty much as Joseph remembers it: a four-bedroom, red-brick, one-story house with 1,800 square feet of floor space, and a steel fence around the lot. The two-car garage has been converted into an enclosed patio room. Also new since Joseph last saw the place are black security bars on windows and outside doors. The lawn, as ever, is patchy, with roughly equal amounts of dirt and grass. The mailbox out front is still mounted on an old wooden post.

The guests standing around outside the house get very quiet when they see Joseph and his grandfather walking in their midst. Soon the words Joseph is here! are echoed throughout the house. Many people there did not think Joseph would even be in town this weekend, let alone at DJ’s house. Joseph’s visit is catching a whole lot of people in Maza City completely by surprise!

Since the media got hold of the story and started contrasting the championship football game with the funeral of Joseph’s drug-dealing friend, most of DJ’s family and acquaintances had assumed Joseph would skip the funeral and attend the game. (Few knew he will attempt to do both!) The community gossips have started a rumor, enthusiastically reinforced by the media. If Joseph plays in the championship football game, he will secure his future in professional football. But if he goes to DJ’s funeral, he will tarnish his name and reputation for all time.

Doesn’t it kill you how everyone has an opinion about your private life? Ben asks Joseph as the two men work through the crowd in the front yard to get up to the front porch.

Well, Grandpa, that’s human nature, I guess. Let’s go inside and see how things go.

Chapter Five

CAROLYN sees Ben and Joseph approaching the front porch, and she excitedly jumps up from her chair in the living room and runs to the front door to greet them. Joseph comes through the door first. She throws her arms around him, tears in her eyes, and squeezes him tight. He struggles to hug her back while awkwardly shifting the Piggly Wiggly shopping bags in his arms.

Carolyn greets Ben loudly over Joseph’s shoulder. Grandpa Ben! Welcome to my house! She then whispers into Joseph’s ear. "I’m so glad to see you! Everyone was saying you wouldn’t be at the funeral, that the game was more important to you, or that there wouldn’t be enough time for you to attend both the funeral and the game. I didn’t know what to think!"

Joseph looks at Ben, then slowly returns his gaze to DJ’s widow. Not to worry, Carolyn. The game starts at 4 p.m. I plan to be on the 1 p.m. bus leaving town tomorrow, in time for the game. The bus ride is only one and half hours long, and the football field is less than one mile from the Greyhound bus station. I should be on the field by 3 p.m. I’ll be fine.

While Joseph is talking to Carolyn, someone takes the grocery bags from Joseph and Ben and delivers them to the kitchen.

Carolyn steps back from Joseph with an expression of deep sadness on her tearful face. Taking his hands in hers, she says, DJ always said you have the right answer for everything.

Joseph smiles broadly and shakes his head in embarrassment. Did he?

"You know he did, Joseph. But now there’s a problem with his funeral time. It was supposed to start at 11 a.m. tomorrow, but the funeral director called three hours ago to say they made a scheduling mistake. Now they won’t actually start the service until 2 p.m.! Joseph, if you need to leave early, everyone fully understands. We know the team can’t win without you, and everyone in Maza City knows this is your last time to win a national championship game, maybe another Heisman award, and a chance to go professional."

Joseph is aware that everyone within earshot in Carolyn’s living room is listening closely to his every utterance. So, he picks his words carefully but speaks from his heart.

Carolyn, DJ was my best friend! He was like a brother to me, Joseph says clearly and loudly, so everyone in room can hear him.

We know that, Joseph. You have nothing to prove to us.

Carolyn, I want you to know that whatever you need or want, please call me, I’m here for you and the children.

Last I heard you owned only the clothes on your back. Glad to see your status has changed, replies Carolyn with a smile and a chuckle.

No, it hasn’t, Joseph replies with a grin of his own, but I’m glad to see you have your sense of humor at a time like this!

Why not?

Well it’s good to see that some things haven’t changed. I’m here for you, Carolyn.

Carolyn introduces Joseph to DJ’s children, 6-year-old Mike and 1-year-old Stephanie. He gives them both a hug and a kiss, then proceeds to mingle with all of DJ’s family and friends who are gathered at the house. He knows his first duty is to express his feelings to DJ’s parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Fallon, my love and condolences go out to you and your family during this time of great loss to us all. I loved your son like a brother. DJ meant more to me than I can put into words. Please know I am here to help you through this in any way possible.

Angie Fallon embraces Joseph and speaks for herself and her husband, Peter, who is temporarily overwhelmed with emotion. Joseph, please know that Peter and I are overjoyed you came. Your presence here means the world to us! Thanks for coming. We really mean that.

Peter had been afraid to ask Joseph to speak at DJ’s funeral, thinking that Joseph’s status would not allow him to even attend the event. Peter had even told Angie not to ask. But now Peter is gratified that Angie saw Ben about it, and that everything has worked out so well.

Recognizing that DJ’s dad has composed himself a bit, Joseph addresses Peter directly. Is there anything I can do for you and your family right now?

No! Peter says emphatically. Joseph, we know you had a long ride home on the bus. Please get yourself some dinner – we have lots of food! And get your rest. I know you have a full day ahead of you tomorrow.

Joseph is pleased to feel so at home with DJ’s folks once again, and he gives Angie her second hug and Peter his first. Then he turns around to see Carolyn waiting for him with a plate full of food. Joseph, can I get you something to drink with your dinner?

No, No thank you, Carolyn. This is just fine. Thank you for fixing me a plate.

Carolyn kisses Joseph on the cheek and returns to the kitchen. Joseph walks to the dinner table with his full plate and sits down with his grandfather and a lot of other people. There are no enemies here tonight – just the friends and family who had loved DJ. The group enjoys a good dinner, followed by pleasant conversation into the night, reminiscing about the good old days.

Chapter Six

"BABY do you realize the only time I can always get a nice breakfast is when Joseph is home?" Thomas says mischievously to Ruby.

Ruby, his wife, is a great cook. Everyone loves her cooking style. Twice a month Ruby and Thomas cook a big country breakfast for everyone in the house. It’s marvelous, but when Joseph is home, she really throws down! The house is full of soft gospel music, and the aromas of wonderful food being prepared saturate the air. Ruby’s menu for Joseph always includes fresh-cooked eggs, pancakes from scratch, hash browns, country biscuits, turkey sausage, bacon and orange juice. Ruby is cooking her heart out today, because she’s aware of the long, busy day ahead for the family – and more so for Joseph, because of DJ’s funeral and the big football game.

Everyone in the house loves it when Joseph comes home, because they all get to enjoy a magnificent breakfast. Normally, when Joseph is not home, Ruby encourages everyone to eat salads, fruits and vegetables – no meats or fried food.

Good morning, mother, Joseph says as he enters the kitchen and gives Ruby a big hug and a peck on the cheek.

Morning, son. How did you sleep last night, and how was your ride home?

Another bus ride, mom, but it was fine, Joseph answers as he fetches a glass.

How you handling things? Ruby asks as she gets food off the stove and out of the oven.

I’m okay, mom. I am fine. Like you say, ‘Death is only one step closer to Jesus!’

Let’s all pray that’s the case for DJ, Thomas adds.

Joseph smiles at his father. Dad, only the Man in Heaven knows. What’s that old saying? ‘Man proposes, and God disposes.’

Joseph turns to look at his mother again. Mom, I always look forward to your cooking.

Sit down, son, and relax. It’s not often I get a chance to see, talk to, and eat with my baby. So, tell me. How are things going?

Yes, Joseph, Thomas adds. please fill us in a bit, at our breakfast table, before the hordes descend upon us. You know it’s always smart to get to the kitchen early when your mother is cooking, before everyone else shows up. Say, do you plan on getting in a workout this morning before the funeral?

I already did, dad. I did a three-mile run, some pushups and sit-ups, took a nice, hot shower, and listened to my daily inspirational message over the internet.

Wow. Thomas is visibly impressed. You’re up early, son, just like life in the army. Well, I’ve always said we Dillwards do more by 8 a.m. than most people do all day! So, what was the Sunday message for today?

Dad, it was ‘The Problem with Presumptuous Living’ – from James, chapter 4, verses 13 through 17. The message was that it’s a grave mistake to take life for granted; and why and how we should avoid living presumptuously.

Sounds great, Ruby says. But – change of subject – how’s school?

School is great, mom!

Before Joseph can elaborate on that, his father asks, Have you found a young lady friend at that school who can cook like your mother?

"Well, dad, right now I’m focusing