Linda Evans Shepherd - The Secrets in the Sauce

The Secrets
in the Sauce

Sunday lunchtime at my house was becoming a habit with my family, a habit with responsibility that rested solely on me. I mean, I counted my blessings, glad that Fred and I could have each other, my son David, and my mom and dad at our table. But to tell the truth, I was about Sundayed out.

With moms care demands, then the disappointing news she had a fresh ankle fracture, I was stressed to the max. How could I survive another six weeks as her personal caregiver? And how could I do that while I played cook and housemaid to both her and our men?

All I knew was I needed help. In fact, help! was the theme of my morning prayers as I somehow managed to peel potatoes, chop carrots, and slice an onion before dumping them, along with my roast, into my trusty Crock-Pot. Of course, all the while I ran in and out of the kitchen in an effort to get both myself and my cantankerous mother ready for church.

By the time I sat down in the pew with Mother, Dad, and Fred on one side and David and Donna on the other, I was ready for a mid-morning nap. And I would have taken one too, if the sermons topic hadnt been based on the text of Psalm 37. As the pastor read it in his NIV, Id underlined bits of text from verses eight through eleven in my Living Bible: Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Dont fret and worryit only leads to harm.... But all who humble themselves before the Lord shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace.

Peace? What would that be like? And as for anger, Id been more than a little familiar with the feeling of late.

I stole a look at my mother sitting so straight in her pale pink knit suit. Judging by her elegant appearance, no one would suspect how difficult shed been.

My mind began to wander from the sermon.... It wasnt that Mother had mistreated me as a child. Shed been decent enough, but shed hurt me over my first husband. Then, shed betrayed me over my baby, tricking me into signing Davids adoption papers after she told me he died at childbirth, a birth Id slept through due to the strong medications Id been given. Yes, I was angry. Yes, Id love to turn off that feeling, but how? How does one get to that wonderful peace?

The only solution I could think of was for God to heal my mother so she could go back home. Lord, please?

But it was my home she would return to this afternoon. Mother and a band of hungry men would soon be expecting Sunday lunch, compliments of Vonnie, cook and self-sacrificing slave to all.

So help me, I sighed as I thought about getting everything on the table, taking care of Mother, then cleaning up the mountain of dirty dinner plates that would be left behind.

How I missed having Donna around. Shed been like a daughter to me and was such good company, as she always stayed until the last dish was clean and resting in the cabinet. But lately, shed pretty much disappeared from my life. I mean, I was glad to have found my son David, but how I missed my time with Donna.

I was comforted by the fact she still sat with us at church. And this morning, though she sported a new red turtleneck that made her look like the fabulous young woman she was, her eyes told me her very soul was weary. I raised my brows. Tough night?

She settled beside me and sighed. Yeah, we had a rough child abuse case.

I put an arm around her and patted her shoulder. Oh, Donna, Im so sorry.

Yeah, me too.

When David joined us, dressed in black slacks and matching turtleneck a few moments later, he looked at her. Surprised youre not home sleeping.

Too much adrenaline.

Yeah, me too.

I felt guilty then and silently prayed, Oh Lord, here I am complaining when there are others out there with real problems.

After the message, Donna turned to leave and gave me a quick hug. Gonna head for bed.

I grabbed her by the arm. Donna, wait.

When she turned to look at me I blurted, Donna, I know I ask every Sunday, but wont you join us for lunch, please?

She shifted uneasily. No, I couldnt.

I squeezed her arm tighter and pulled her closer, to whisper in her ear. Donna, I know youre uncomfortable with David and all, since your breakup, but you have to understand something.

Whats that? She seemed startled by my unusual boldness.

I need you to come.

Need me?

Donna, Im overwhelmed. Could you, as a friend, please come and help me this afternoon?

She stood straight, as she suddenly understood my plight. Oh! Vonnie, I hadnt realized.

I patted her arm. Then, you will come?

Of course.

David, who overheard her last comment, looked overjoyed. Thats great news.

Something like irritation flicked across her eyes, but before she could answer, Wade, who had been loitering just behind us, piped up. Uh, I hate to be a bother, Vonnie, but are you still having problems with that leaky faucet?

I looked at him then to see the cowboy he was, dressed in his jeans, boots, and a dark blue flannel shirt, with a big silver buckle at his waist. Are you still planning to come over to take a look? He smiled, first staring at me, then at Donna. How about right now?

I realized Id have to set yet another plate at the table. Sure. That would be fine. Youll join us for lunch?

I wasnt terribly surprised when Wade grinned. Why, Id love to come.

What a full house we had. But what a help Donna was, setting the table, filling the glasses with iced tea while I helped Mother change out of her Sunday clothes. Soon Donna and I were in the kitchen, pulling the dinner rolls and green bean casserole out of the oven while the men, minus Wade, who was fixing the leaky faucet in the master bedroom, hovered over ESPN in the living room.

Donna turned to me just before we called them to the table. Why didnt you tell me you needed my help before now?

I knew things were tense between you and David and I didnt want to put you in an uncomfortable situation. But now that Mothers going to be here another six weeks, I... well, Ive missed you.

Dont worry about David. I can handle him. Besides, hes still dating Velvet.

I must have looked stricken because Donna patted my shoulder. He says its not serious. For his sake, lets hope not.

I nodded as I put the steaming platter of sliced roast on the table, surrounded by my onions, carrots, and potatoes. I wiped my hands on the dishcloth and called to the crowd, Lunch is ready.

David and my dad helped get Mother to the table, while Wade hovered near Donna, determined to sit next to her. He landed in the chair to her right, while David, undeterred, sat on her left. Oh my.

It was comical, really; every time Wade got her attention, David tried to steal it, and so it went for the entire meal.

Donna, didnt you like the pastors sermon? Wade asked.

Of course she did, David would answer. Say, Donna, maybe we could try the singles group next week.

Wade would respond, Well, if you two are going, you can count me in.

I finally interrupted the seesaw. Uh, Donna, I need your help to scoop the ice cream.

She hopped up. Sure. We slipped into the kitchen, and I lowered my voice. My heavens, Donna, youve got those two men coming and going.

She rolled her eyes. Wade hasnt spoken to me in weeks, but as soon as he thinks Davids interested, hes all about protecting his turf. She crossed her arms and leaned back on the kitchen counter. Then theres David. She shook her head. If hes so interested in me, why is he dating my sister?

She turned to pull my blue glass bowls out of the cabinet while I got the tub of ice cream from the freezer side of the refrigerator.

Still, Donna, are you interested in either of the guys? I opened the top to the ice cream, and Donna pulled my scoop out of the drawer and dug it through the creamy vanilla.

I dont know, Vonnie. I think Id be better off to live my life alone, you know?