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Chapter Fifty Two

Tim, Lisa and Bernice were the first to arrive at the church. There were the matters of Lisa singing during the service and Tim delivering a eulogy, to be discussed and arranged with the pastor. Fresh snow blanketed the church yard. Lisa held Tim's hand and Bernice's arm was around Lisa's waist as they approached the two huge oak doors that emptied into the old church.
'And I thought that the next time I walked through these doors, it would be to get married,' Lisa sadly mused to herself. 'Life's like a poker game, the Doc often said, you never know what kind of a hand you're going to be dealt. In spite of our carefully laid plans, the only thing you can be sure of is that each day will offer you a taste of the unexpected. Events occur in their own time and we never seem to be ready.'
The church quickly filled to capacity. And outside, throngs of mourners gathered to pay final tribute to the man to whom many owed their very lives.
Pastor Bacon was visibly upset. He acknowledged it at the beginning of his talk by saying that he was assured that his good friend was safely in heaven. However, he admitted his humanness by stating that he grieved for his personal loss. He expressed the highest of praise and admiration for Doc Summers, bringing tears to this crowd of hundreds.

Due to the inclement weather many chose not to participate in the gathering afterwards at the Summers ranch. Leroy needed to talk to Lisa and Tim. He saw Tim engaged in conversation with Ellie and Arnold across the room. After a few moments of trying, he caught Tim's eye and beckoned him to come over.
"Tim, when you and Lisa are up to it I need to talk to you about Doctor Summers' estate."
"Now would be fine, I'll get Lisa and we will join you in the study."

Leroy sat in the doctor's chair, his briefcase spread open before him on the desk. He brushed the gray stubble of beard on his chin with his forefingers, while studying a document that lay in front of him. He lifted his head and peered though the top half of his bifocal glasses. "Like I have mentioned before, Tim, Doctor Summers designated me as executor to his trust. I don't know if you're aware of it or not, but the Doctor had no living relatives. And he had definite ideas regarding the disposition of his estate.
"It primarily involves you two, as principals. Originally, he wanted to talk to you personally, but put it off due to Lisa's accident. He knew time was running out so I suggested he make a video tape in case he didn't make it. He left Ellie, Leona, and Anna a sum of money, but that's not on the tape. He amassed a pretty large fortune over his career but felt he was too old to start anything new with the money."
Leroy got up, walked over to the VCR and inserted the tape.

Doc Summers' pale face appeared on the screen. His first words were, "Please do not be alarmed at my ghostly appearance. I feel pretty good and I am in no pain.
"Hello, my dear friends, Lisa and Tim. The time for me to make my transition is near. And I don't mind, because this old body has about had it. But before leaving this dimension there is a matter of unfinished business. I put before you an awesome challenge for consideration. I offer the resources I have left behind in order to further the cause. My goal, in my individual pursuits, has always been to strive toward the healing and uplifting of mankind.
"You see, as a species, contrary to common but erroneous belief, we are not very intelligent. Consider, how could we be, when we have come so dangerously close to rendering our planet uninhabitable? "We certainly haven't been operating in alignment with truth. Unfortunately, the foundation of our social structure is contaminated with the residue of greed, hunger for power and individual gain and their subordinate by-products. It is the insanity of our irrational thinking that has brought our pain and suffering; not God. Society is sick and decaying from within.
"However, there is good news. Human bondage created from fear-based ideals is finally coming to an end. As I have told you before, Lisa, there is a spiritual revolution taking place. Through divine intervention, we are proceeding into a new millennium. And you two, if you choose to get on the bandwagon, can be among those that will stand in the light and carry the torch into this new and glorious time.
"Living in a dimension of light and love, free of the illusion of fear, is on the horizon. It is the next step in human evolution. You can be among the thousands of light bearers, who are of all religions, cultures, and countries that are finding within their innate soul center a personal union with God. In one form or another, these human lights through their prayers, thoughts, actions and deeds are directing a plea to all, to wake up and recognize the fragility of the planet and our social structural. And that the human species if it continues on its present course could be nearing extinction. In my view, this is all in accordance with Biblical prophecy and is not to be feared.
"In the new millennium, however, the planet will be populated by the surviving souls who embrace compassion and unconditional love.
"Your mission, Lisa and Tim, should you accept it..." The Doctor stopped for a moment to laugh at his own wit. "I want to help put you in a position to reach out to the sick and downtrodden through the clinic. Tim, I would like you to consider taking over the clinic. I have left enough money to start a new wing. Maybe that will lead to a new community hospital here in Pattersville."
"Tim!" exclaimed Lisa, squeezing his hand. Tim was all smiles. This was more than he expected.
"And Lisa, my dear little friend," the Doc continued with a mischievous snicker. "I am fully aware of your responsibilities at the Chandler House in California. But I want you to consider my offer anyway. I propose to leave to you, in trust, this ranch and everything on it. There are two conditions. One is that Anna may live here as long as she chooses. The other is that you establish a house for wayward girls here like you did with Bernice in California.
"Nothing sickens and appalls me more than the atrocious manner in which society treats children. At least by setting something up here, you will be able to help some of them.
"An important part of elevating the consciousness of society is to reach and teach the children. By example, you will teach those young girls the essence of love and compassion. This can only be accomplished through your benevolent actions and deeds." He emphasized the word 'only' "You will be assisting in bringing in a new generation of young people that will inherit this continuing process.
"As disciples of truth, you will guide and teach many who will in turn do likewise. With your knowledge and pureness of intent, you can't go wrong.
"I love you both and respect whatever decision you make. I can see no other way.
"Bless you and I'll be in touch," he said, in closing, with a humorous snicker. His face disappeared from the screen. Leroy switched off the VCR. Lisa continued to stare at the blank TV screen as though hypnotized. Seeing Doc Summers alive on video and listening to his proposals left her stunned, yet she knew what he meant by his last remark. Tim, too, was speechless.

Leroy broke the silence. "You have plenty of time to make up your minds. If you want to think about it for a couple of days, I can come back."
Tim and Lisa looked at one another. "I don't think that will be necessary, Leroy. Can you give us a few minutes?"
"Sure, I'll be right outside."
"Honey," Tim said, looking intently into her eyes. "From where I stand I see only one issue."
"You mean Bernice?" Lisa was entangled in mixed emotions.
"Let's go talk to her." Tim reached for her hand and led her out the door into the reception room.
Bernice had already sensed what was coming and walked over to them.
"Bernie," Lisa said in a restrained, hesitant voice.
"Yes."
"Doctor Summers wants Tim to take over the clinic."
"Why I think that's wonderful, dear."
"That's not all! He wants me to turn his ranch into a place for girls like we did your house in California."
"I see." With introspective tuition, Bernice studied her young friend's face. "I think you should seriously consider that."
"But what about..."
"About us, you mean?" Lisa nodded.
"Lisa dear, I have finally figured out that this is not about us. It's about something bigger and much more important. And, I think you realize that. I also believe that Doctor Summers planned it out like this months ago. And he's right, so that's that."
It was a matter-of-fact true statement, but inside, Bernice felt a sadness. Leroy, somewhat surprised at Bernice's insight, responded by confirming her suspicion.
"That rascal!" Lisa's voice carried an undertone of affectionate admiration. Nestling closer to Tim, she held her emotions in check. "I'll go back with you, Bernie, and stay until someone else is trained and we've made a smooth transition."
"That would me be nice, dear." Bernice smiled with warmth and understanding, happy for herself, too, that she would have a little longer with Lisa.

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That night, while sitting up in Mama's bed, Tim and Lisa talked extensively about ideas and plans for the clinic and "The Summers Ranch For Girls." She had decided to name it that.
"Tim?" she said, leading to a question.
"Yeah."
"After we get married, in the spring, Bernice wants to have a reception for us in California. All the girls can't come out here for the wedding, you know."
"Sounds OK to me. So it's spring is it?"
"Yep! That OK?"
"Yep. OK with me."
"Then, if we can squeeze in the time, I wanna go on a cruise. And I know just the ship."
"Would that be the Sunbeam?"
"Yeah-how did you know? Never mind. I love ya, big guy."
"Me too," he said, putting his arm around her and pulling her close.
"Night, big guy."
"Good night, my love." They kissed with infinite tenderness.
With her head snuggled against his chest, she closed her eyes. "Thank you GOD. Thank you again for the SECOND CHANCE," she prayed to herself.
And peaceful slumber came.