Donan Berg - A Body to Bones

Their spirits will find comfort in that their lives have not been drawn upon or combined to bring life to any character in this novel.

Their legacy is a happiness and great pleasure that grows with each morning sunrise in my life.

We all have special people, be they parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, spouses, cousins, nieces, nephews, or a friend.

In meaningful little ways, remember to say thank you to each of them, and if you find my fictional story triggers a recollection of happiness, I dedicate the found joy to you and yours.

Chapter One

S arah Hamilton, in judgment without mercy, berates herself for not living up to be her mothers 1950s ideal homemaker. Seldom does the twenty-seven-old leave her home, five rooms dedicated as the living quarters attached to the Pioneer Ledge r weekly newspaper office.

Wife of Pioneer Ledger Publisher Thomas Hamilton, she expects all 842 Clinton, Iowa, residents to at least know of her. She ventures out most often into the next block to attend Mass and women circle activities at St. Marys Catholic Church where the pastor is Father Cornelius Murphy, a handsome thirty-two year-old man dedicated to serving God and his parishioners, especially their kids.

Sarahs heart in 1951 aches with her mothers death. Ever since she prays she hasnt unknowingly betrayed her mother by a failure to achieve her mothers good-home goals. The first is an unquestioning trust in God. Sarah recalls her mothers prime example: a Catholic woman who marries a caring, wonderful Catholic man who earns a good income and does not stray. Mother bears three obedient, healthy children and thereafter provides a clean, healthy home with home-cooking and baked goods at every meal.

Traveling as a salesman, Sarahs father is home only weekends, and then she remembers hed spend his time with her brothers. They never spent time with mother, except to learn clean-up chores. They never cook or bake. Sarah learns her destiny is alongside mother.

The big crisis erupts when Sarah informs mother shes accepted Thomass marriage proposal. When she adds Thomas is Lutheran, her mother cries for a week.

Mother pesters Sarah to know why she couldnt find a proper Catholic boy. The wars end means nice Catholic boys in need of wives are heading home. Thomas only partially mollifies Mother when Thomas agrees to have our wedding at St. Marys Catholic Church. Mother predicts to family Sarahs marriage will not last.

Two years after her mothers death, mothers prediction looms. Sarah faces societal forces that challenges American women plus an American workforce decision never forced upon her mother.

Embarrassment lingers from her mothers teachings and Sarah speaks aloud to an empty room. Excuse me, Lord, these recent years radio shows tell women sex is no longer limited to procreation. Between Thomas and I conflict begins, not with sex, but his asking me to perform newspaper work. I know mother would have me say no. So I tell Thomas no. Disobedience conflicts me since mother preaches a wife owes complete obeisance to her husband.

Sarahs rejection of Thomas becomes the catalyst for future arguments, e.g., who answers the phone, or, who spends excess money on personal items.

As long as she refuses to leave the kitchen, the arguments continue. Watching TV becomes the way to avoid conversation. Not going to bed at the same time, as had always occurred, reduces, but does not eliminate intimacy.

Melissas birth intensifies their marital tension. Thomas spends his time with Melissa, not Sarah.

She cries herself to sleep; loses twenty pounds; avoids others.

After weeks of never-ending argument and tension, Sarah leaves the kitchen to immerse myself in activities at St. Marys. Church bake sales rise to be an enjoyable emotional outlet and baking honors her mother. Thomas argues church tasks are like working outside the home, but Sarah refuses to listen and accuses him of blasphemy.

Sarah basks in Father Murphys kind and inspiring support. She toils to encourage donations to fulfill his dream of a church hall for the kids. Bake sales, raffles and church dinners raise thousands of dollars. After one event, she sees Father Murphy write numbers onto a paper slip he inserts into a Clinton Fifth State Bank bank book. A later time he places bake sale proceeds into a special-account envelope he addresses to Mr. Godfrey Klempler, bank president.

She enjoys Father Murphys spirituality and nonjudgmental aura. She comes to realize he hangs around with her after other women departed to fulfill family obligations. Sarah cherishes he listens to her. He praises daughters honoring mothers. He said he prays Thomas will understand Gods law exists for a husband and wife to keep the home sacrosanct.

Then one night, Sarah gives him an innocent hug. It lasts longer than normal, but shes not ready to chastise herself. Thereafter she stays a respectful distance when others are present.

Sarah begins to long for Father Murphys event appearance. Sunday afternoon proves to be a special time as the rectory housekeeper departs at noon. Thomas visits the baseball park on Sunday afternoons to watch the amateur baseball team play, youths practice softball or to observe people. He continues his routine with Melissa.

With the rectory next door to the church, Sarah finds it easy to stroll past and, if the street empty, to knock.

Cornelius Murphys soothing words and confident demeanor put her at ease. In the rectory that first March Sunday afternoon, she sips the red wine he offers. Her gesture mimics weekly communion.

Her head whirls. She feels the aggressive touch of his hand under my overblouse. He caresses her clothed breasts, then her naked breasts so tenderly.

Sarah tries to squirm free. He pushes her onto on a divan, his weight allows him to pin her torso, lift her skirt and separate her legs.

Conflict whipsaws her thoughts. She longed for tenderness; not force. Sarahs protest lost. Soft kisses caress her lips as his fingers constrict her neck.

When she relaxes her chest, his unclosed hands fondle her breasts until his elbows part her knees and their thighs engage.

Tears stream her cheeks as her lower body, joined with his, enters the promised land of rolling thunder and joint climax..

His seed pulses inside her.

She whispers, Thomas. Then summons every ounce of her strength to kick and jerk free.

Sarah rushes frantically to dress. Father Murphy extends his arms. Sarah shakes her head and promises herself to declare the rectory and Father Murphy off limits.