Chapter 44

“Jerry Short!” Bob and Trevor jumped to their feet clapping and cheering. Coach said, “Come on up, Jerry.”

The rest of the team and then John and Allen stood to make it a standing ovation. Bob pulled me up and I slowly walked to the main table and the podium. Even the Bears’ coach was applauding.

Coach Marshall was grinning and began to speak a second time. “Jerry’s trip to this point has been unconventional and even awkward. He joined the team late this summer as a walk-on linebacker and declined a scholarship. He came to my notice when it was discovered that he had read and memorized the entire playbook when we went out the first day to perform light scrimmage. He became a leader of our defense. When our quarterback was killed in a tragic accident, he stepped in to quarterback our offense. He has performed very well again in that capacity. This is an opportunity to give his efforts some notice that he completely deserves. I give you our most valuable player, Jerry Short!”

Everyone stood and applauded again. No one asked for a speech so I said, “Thank you,” as I retreated back to my seat. Allen and John were in awe. Bob and Trevor were both proud.

I set the trophy under my chair until Trevor reached under the chair and placed it on the table. He grinned. I shrugged.

We were awarded the winning trophy and the meal was over. I stood to head for my room. John asked, “What time do we meet to go to church?”

“I was told the bus would be out front at ten thirty.”

“Okay, Jerry. I’ll meet you guys then.”

Bob carried my trophy after giving me a fancy wave to lead out. Coach Edwards came up. “Congratulations, Jerry. You’re doing pretty well for a temp.” He chuckled. “See you in the morning for the bus ride.”

Many others congratulated me but Bob and I finally made it to the elevator and our room. He set the trophy on the desk. He said, “You should call Alice. She would not be happy hearing about this on the news.” He smirked.

I lay back on the bed with my phone and called Alice. “My love, it’s me again.”

“Jerry, is everything okay?”

“Sort of. I was awarded most valuable player for the game. Bob told me that I should tell you before you saw it on the news.”

“He was right. I would have been mad if I had found out that way.”

“Oh, Jerry. I had forgotten. The lady sportscaster, Miz Jones, called me. They want to do another story.”

I said, “And when she finds out about this MVP award, that will be even more true.”

I heard Bob chuckling. “It’s a story for the ages.”

Alice asked, “What?”

“We’re in the room. Bob’s my roommate and he was chuckling that, ‘It’s a story for the ages.’ I’m afraid he’s right.”

“Jerry, you can handle it. After all you’re a big time football player. You’re tough.” She laughed. I laughed with her.

We talked a little more and then said our good byes. Bob and I turned off our lights and went to sleep. I was tired and the topical ointment was having it affect also.

In the morning, we woke and cleaned up. We packed, leaving our cases in our room, and went down for breakfast. They were just readying a buffet. We grabbed coffee and plates. After loading our plates, we sat down. I prayed a blessing as we were joined by John and Allen. I saw other members of our team and theirs spread out and eating.

The four of us ate and talked. John asked, “What’s church like?”

Bob asked, “John, have you ever been to a church?”

“No. You two made it sound enticing.” He grinned. “We saw your interview on the late news. Both of you have gorgeous girl friends. Do they really come to your practices?”

Bob grinned. “Yes, though Jerry’s girl, Alice started it. She introduced me to her roommate, Marilyn, who is my girl. A number of us go with them to a local church.”

Allen asked, “What should we expect?”

“Most denominations are similar. We go to a United Methodist church at school. We’re going to a Baptist church here. It’s close to the hotel. It will be a large church. The service will begin with organ music. Usually, there is a greeting after that with announcements. Then, we will sing a hymn or two. The words will be in a book or posted on the wall. There will be prayer. An offering will be taken. The sermon will then occur. That’s when the principal speaker will give a talk about God and living a Christian life. Most churches will give an opportunity to come forward and pray. There will be a benediction sending us out into the world.” I smiled “Others might describe the service differently but I’m trying to use generic terms.”

Bob added. “You will find people are friendly, will greet you, and even thank you for coming.”

Allen said, “All that sounds good to me.” John nodded.

The bus came and Coach Marshall led us out to it. We boarded for the comparatively short ride to a local church. We arrived and went inside to be greeted including some hard stares from younger women. Obviously, this many young, fit men didn’t usually show up at their door. I figured that most churches would be that way even forewarned. We were directed to the sanctuary and found seats. I wound up sitting between Allen and John. I guessed that was good since I could answer questions by those two.

I had learned from my slight experience visiting Baptist churches that some, usually smaller, practiced a closed communion limited to members while others didn’t ask. We would have communion this morning. The program we were handed didn’t say anything so I would have to listen to the invitation and act accordingly. I whispered to each of my companions about communion and what to expect and how the invitation worked. I hoped that they understood. It wasn’t a concept that a quick, whispered conversation could really cover.

We went through the service with Allen and John following the program and participating. We were in a large metropolitan Baptist church which was open to people. The pastor recognized the members of the two teams in attendance asking us to stand. We were applauded politely. We sang and listened. I prayed for both these two guys. At communion, we all went down. I prayed again for John and Allen. I also prayed for safe trips back to our schools. The sermon was good. At the benediction, we stood and made our way out. Many people greeted us and thanked us for coming to their church. I knew Coach Marshall was Baptist. I admitted to being United Methodist and that my girl and I went together wherever we were on a Sunday.

We boarded the bus and returned. After a quick lunch, we went for our cases and left for the airport. The flight was uneventful which suited me fine. We were bused back to the college. I walked my case back to my dorm. I met Alice at the entrance.