A FULLER LIFE

“...that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10

 

                       

Jerry Hawn

copyright 1993

Casting notes:
13 parts - 6 male, 6 female, 1 either

Key:
G=Grandad: wise, godly man			
D=John (Dad): head of family, sense of humor	
M=Lucy (Mom): sensitive, typical mom		
O=Jenny (oldest daughter): college student	
S=Morgan (son): high school senior, prankster	
Y=Beth (youngest): early teens, fun-loving		
F=Moira (Beth’s friend): crush on Morgan
T=Tim (neighborhood boy): poor, discouraged
J=Mrs Jenkins (next-door neighbor): complainer
P=Mrs Paddington (Ladies Club pres): snooty, very chubby
R=Coach Bill Smith: college recruiter
K=Bill Hamilton: dog buyer from Championship Kennels
B=Detective Brucker (male or female): pleasant

Set notes:
All three acts take place in a comfortable living room of a typical family. Contemporary times and costumes.

Stage directions:
 B = bedroom door
 F = front door
 K = kitchen door

Royalty:
This script is copyrighted.
Keep your conscience happy - pay the royalty fee when the play is performed.
2000-2001 fees for non-profit groups: $50 first performance, $25 each performance thereafter.

InSight Productions		309-928-2109
1018 E Richardson St		jhawn@farmwagon.com
Farmer City, IL 61842		coming soon: www.farmercity.org/insight

ACT I
 Friday evening
 No one on stage at opening

Doorbell ‑ Mom from K answers F ‑ Mrs P enters

M: Why, Good evening, Mrs Paddington. What an unexpected surprise.

P: (somewhat stuffy) How do you do, my dear? So nice to see you.

M: Won't you come in and sit down?

P: Yes, thank you.

M: I'm sorry, the house is a bit of a mess.  Jenny and Grandad have both come for the weekend and things are a little out of place.(Picks up clothing from chair so P can sit down.)

P: It's quite all right. (She sits)

M: Can I get you anything? Tea perhaps?

P: No, do sit down and I'll get right to the point. I shan't stay long.
(M sits)
P: As you may know, I am president of the community Ladies' Club. We have a rather select membership. Each year we allow five new members to join. I am pleased to inform you that at our last meeting you were chosen to be one of those five.

M: I'm very flattered that you have asked me. This is quite a surprise. I know you do many worthwhile things for the community.

P: Yes, we sponsor several charities for the needy and homeless.  The club takes an active part in planting flowers in the city parks and other community improvement programs. And of  course, there's the special contributions we make for the children's hospital.

M: That's a very impressive list.

P: Now, membership is not automatic. You must fill out this application (holds it up) and then be approved by our membership committee. (Hands app. to her)

S: (from offstage) I'll get you for that.
(Y comes running on stage from B chased by S who is wearing a towel.  They make several circuits of the living room without noticing P. P is shocked. Her hand on chest, mouth open, and eyebrows arched.)

S: Put hot pepper sauce in my shaving cream will you?

Y: I still owe you from yesterday.

M: Children! Children! Stop running around like a couple of lunatics. 

S: She started it!

Y: He started it!

M: Morgan! Beth! Settle down this instant! Can't you see we have company?

(S is suddenly aware of P's presence, and feels embarrassed in  his towel.)
S: Ex‑ex‑excuse me, ma'am. (Runs off B with Y close behind.)

M: I'm very sorry, Mrs Paddington. Those two are constantly pulling practical jokes on each other. It's enough to drive the rest of us to distraction.

P:(still unsettled ‑ fanning self) Perhaps, I'd better be going.   I`ll stop by to pick up that application later.(She goes to F)

M: (Follows her to door) Well, thanks for coming by. Have a good evening.

P: Good evening.(Exits)

D: (Enters from K) Well, dear, who was that?

M: Don't you "dear" me.

D: Oh, oh. Now what have I done?

M: It's those children of yours!

D: (scratching head) All I remember is taking a fat woman to the hospital three times and she bringing home three crying babies.

M: See! That's just what I mean. Can't be serious for a moment.  Always a joke.

D: Well what's wrong with a little laughter? "A merry heart does good like a medicine."

M: Morgan and Beth with one of their pranks just embarrassed me to no end in front of Mrs Paddington.

D: Mrs Paddington was here? 

M: (Somewhat proudly) Yes, she came to invite me to join the Ladies' Club. 

D: Wow. I'm married to a woman of great distinction.

M: Not that I have much chance of being accepted, after Morgan chases around the living room half naked.

D: (laughing) In front of Mrs Paddington?!

M: (sternly) It's not funny. I finally get a chance to do something big in this community, and it's snatched away from me because of some foolishness.

D: (Goes to her and puts arm around her.) There, there, dear. I'm sure the club won't hold this against you. You have so many other admirable qualities.

‑‑(Doorbell)‑‑ 

D: I'll get it. (Goes to F)

M: And I'm going to get a couple of teenage kids. (Exits B)

D: Hi, Tim. Come on in. 

T: Hi, Mr Fuller. My Grandma sent over this plate of cookies for you.

D: What's this for?

T: She wanted to thank you for your interest in me and the other guys in the Sunday school class. She would have brought them over herself, but she's not been feeling too well lately.

D: Well, thanks very much. Can you stay for a while?

T: No, I've got to get back. Bye. (exits)

D: Bye. See you Sunday.
(sets plate down in living room and reads card.)

D: Now, that was a nice card. I guess maybe I am doing some good there in that class.

‑‑(doorbell‑‑

D: Now, who can that be? (goes to F)

D: Come in, Mrs Jenkins.

J: Hello, neighbor. 

D: And how are you this evening?

J: Oh, my feet hurt, my throat is sore, my eyes are a little fuzzy, and I'm down in the back.(Holds back)

D: Gee, that's too bad.

J: Oh, this is one of my better days. (beat) I brought you your ladder back that I borrowed last week. It's laying on the porch. The garage door was closed.

D: Wasn't it hard on your back to carry that ladder over here from your house?

J: Yep. (beat) But I had to get that living room painted. The previous owners sure had poor taste, it looked about as bad as your room here. (looks around) 

D: (looking around) I suppose the walls could use a fresh coat of paint.

J: Course, I wouldn't have to do all this heavy  work myself,  if that no‑good ex‑husband of mine hadn't run off with his secretary. And then there's the taxes! Are yours as high as mine?(D shrugs) Course not, your house isn't as nice as mine. And mine is a dump. I could have hired somebody to do the work, if  I wasn't always paying taxes every time I turn around. Or if they paid me what I'm worth down at the job. I started out in public relations, but they moved me to the mail room. Something about attitude. But it's probably just because I'm a woman. You men are all alike. The company is in the process of being bought out by the employees. That'll be great, then I can give myself a raise.

‑‑(Doorbell)‑‑ J turns to door

D: (looking heavenward and whispers) Thank you.
(D opens door and O enters)
O: Sorry, Dad. I forgot my key.

D: That's ok. (to J) Mrs Jenkins, this is my daughter Jenny. She has been away at college since you moved in. (to O) Jenny, this is our new neighbor. Mrs Jenkins bought the Jefferson house.

O and J: Nice to meet you.

D: Well, I'll go out and put that ladder in the garage. 

J: Yeah, you better get it put away. It could get stolen with the tough looking kids hanging around this neighborhood. It's time for me to be going. I'll walk out with you.

(As they exit F): I'll bet you've never had back problems like I got. Let me tell you about it.

(O sits and thumbs through Bible restlessly)
(G enters from K and watches her for a moment)

G: Hi, Jenny. How are you doing?

O: Oh, hi, Grandad. Things are going ok, I guess. I've been thinking about my future. You know, like what to do after college. I've already received offers from several hospitals to work for them after I graduate next year. And at a very nice salary.

G: So what is it that is bothering you, Jenny?

O: (pause) Grandad, how come God isn't fair?

G: (chuckling) He is always fair. It just seems to us that He's not being fair because we have such a limited view of things.

O: Well, I've been going to college all these years, finally about have my nursing degree ‑ everything in place.  Then the last few weeks, I've been getting the feeling that God wants me to do something different. How can He do this to me?

G: He's God. (beat) Besides if He made you for the mission field, you won't be happy doing anything else.

O: (surprised) How did you know? I haven't told anyone.

G: I've known for a long time. I was waiting for you to find out.

O: I know you`re supposed to do what God wants, but I don't think I'm cut out for missionary work. I don't know if I can do this.

G: You can, if you'll let Him help you.

O: But what about college? Should I change majors or drop out?

G: He`ll tell you that. But I know that foreign countries need nurses, teachers, doctors, and technical people as well as pastors. I think your plans will fit in real nice with His plans.  Stay with nursing unless He tells you different.

O: Thanks, Grandad. It's nice to finally talk with someone about this. It's just such a big decision.

(Y and F enter from F. Y is carrying mail)
Y: Hi, Grandad. You remember my friend Moira?

G: Hi, Moira. Nice to see you again.

F: Hi.

Y: Jenny, have you seen Morgan? There's a letter for him in today's mail.

O: No, I haven't seen him lately. But I would like a word with the person who put the Jell-O cubes in my shoes.

Y: Uhhhh. Why don't you ask Morgan about that? (beat) Well, what else do we have here. Aw, nothing for me. Two letters for Dad and some junk mail. 

F: Shouldn't we take that letter to Morgan right away. It looks important.

Y: You've still got a crush on him. Don't you?

F: No! It just looks important.

Y: (looking at envelope) It's from the athletic department of some university down south. They probably want the dumb jock to go to school there. But Mom and Dad won't let him go there.

F: Why not? 

Y: Mom doesn't want him to go that far away, and Dad demands that we go to Christian schools.

(D enters from K) 
D: Did I hear my name being used?

Y: Just saying what a wonderful father you are.

D: What did you do now?

Y: Nothing. Here's your mail.(hands it to him except for one letter) (to F) Let's find Morgan and give his letter to him.

D: Not so fast. Isn't it your turn to do the dishes that are mounded in the kitchen sink.

Y: Well ordinarily it would be. But since Jenny is home... Her turn comes before mine.

O: But I just got home. I haven't been here for months. Isn't there some sort of grace period?

D: Well that's a good question. It doesn't seem quite right.  Jenny, let's see if this college education is paying off. What do you think is fair?

O: Fair? (looks at G) I'm trying to figure out what fair is. (to D) Well the dishes do need to be done, and it's probably the right thing to do, if not the fair one.

D: Couldn't have said it better myself.

(O exits to K. Y and F exit to B.)
(D looks through mail. Picks out two and throws rest on couch.  Opens first one.)

D: This is a letter from the kennel owner I told you about, Bill Hamilton. He expressed some interest in our dog since he won "the best of breed" at the exhibition last summer. 

G: So you're planning on selling him?

D: Well we'll at least listen to his offer. It's really Morgan's dog. He has agreed that since he is going off to college next fall, it would be better for the dog to have a nice home in the country. The man is supposed to come by this weekend.

(Hands letter to G, who looks it over while D opens and reads other letter)
D: Funny. This letter doesn't have any postage. Must have just been stuck in the mailbox. (reads it to himself) My! What do you make of this? (hands it to G)

G: (reads it) "Back off, man. We`re not interested in your religion. Leave the boys alone or else." John, who would want to threaten you?

D: (Thinking) I don't know. Sounds like someone is not happy about the boys' Sunday school class. (beat) Let's keep this between us for now.  No use in alarming the rest of the family.

(O enters from K holding dish towel)
O: Someone just drove into our driveway. 

D: What does he look like?

O: I didn't get too good a look at him, but his car has a picture of a dog on the side.

D: (relieved) Oh, that must be the man from the kennel. Would you let him in, please?  I`ll go get your mother so she can sit in on this too.

O: Sure. (Goes to door)

G: I think I'll go do some reading.
(G and D exit to B)

O: Come on in, Dad and Mom are expecting you. They will be with you in a minute.
(He comes in.)

R: Hello. How did you know who I am? 

O: Your letter came today, and the picture of the dog on your car gave you away.(gestures to chair) Please have a seat.
(She exits to K)

R: (to self) Well, Coach Bill Smith, if you can sign this Morgan kid for good old Barkley Southern University, this will have been a pretty good recruiting trip.

(D and M enter from B. R and D shake)
D: Bill, isn't it? 

R: Yes, I see you got my letter.

D: Yes, I'm John and this is my wife Lucy.

R: Nice to meet you. Is Morgan here?

D: Yes, but we'd like to talk to you alone. He's a little sensitive about the dog.

R: I know people get upset about Indian mascots, but this is the first time for a dog.

D: Well, we just want to know that he'll be well taken care of.

R: We watch over them like they were our own children. We know how important he is to you. 

M: You'd have to be careful of his diet, ever since he ate that spoiled possum last summer, his stomach has been pretty sensitive.

R: Well, I didn't know there was too many in these parts that liked possum. But we have a full training table, he will eat well. I guarantee you.

D: The main reason we're considering that he go with you, is that he likes to get out and run. He likes to stretch his legs. He can really move.

R: Yes, he'll fit in with our style real well. We like to go up tempo, and turn them loose to run.

D: Now, the financial arrangements?

R: Well, we take care of room and board and all his schooling and training needs.

D: Well, we had hoped for something more. We have quite a bit invested in him. And he is a rare breed.

R: Yes, there's no doubt of that. (hesitates. looks around) Well, we do have a little fund that some of "our sponsors" contribute to. Possibly a $1000 down and $100 a month for four years? Naturally if there is a championship that he helps bring our way, the benefits may increase.

D: Well, this sounds very reasonable to me, but we'll have to talk this over. I'd take you out in the garage to see him, but he's usually sleeping at this time of day.

R: You keep him in the garage?

M: Yes, he's got a nice little house out there. 

R: Well, perhaps I'd better be going.

M: Do be quiet when you pass the garage. He tends to growl at strangers.

R: (looking very confused) Yes, I'll do that. Good evening.
® exits F)

M and D: Good night
(They walk him to door and then return and sit down)

D: It seems like a nice place for Bowser to go to.

M: Yes, but that man seemed a bit confused to me.
(M starts to drink from a cup on the table.)

D: That cup of water has been setting there for a couple of days, why are you drinking it?

M: It's ok, I just need something for my throat. It gets so dry.

D: You sure you wouldn`t like me to freshen the dust in that water for you?

M: No, Its fine. (drinks) Have you decided what you're going to do about that promotion that has been offered to you?

D: Everyone just assumes that I will take it. Becoming a vice president with the company means big bucks and lots of frills. The money would come in handy. Morgan will be going to college next fall along with Jenny, and that extra $15,000 will have to come from somewhere.

M: It also means moving to Chicago, and living the big city corporate life style.

D: I've always told the kids that money and prestige were no factors to base a decision on. Still, maybe its time for us to move on.

M: Do you think so?

D: I'm not sure. I sense there's more to do with the job I have here in this community. And then there's the good friends at the church and our involvement there. That Sunday School class of young boys would be tough to walk away from. There's Jesse, Deon, Bobby, and little Roger. And then there's Tim. He's had such a rough start in life, but seems to be responding very well. Even got a nice note from his Grandma today. To many of these kids, I'm the Father they never had. Can they take another rejection, if I walk away? (pause) It's a tough decision. But I believe God will show us what to do.

M: Yes. I believe He will.
(D starts looking around at walls)
M: What are you looking at?
D: Maybe these walls do need to be painted after all.

‑‑(lights)‑‑End Act I

Act II
 Living Room ‑ no one on stage

(S enters carrying monster mask. Hides and puts mask on. Y enters from K carrying laundry. Stops.)
Y: It's so quiet in here it's almost spooky.  I thought I heard someone come in here ahead of me. I wish I hadn't watched that suspense movie yesterday.
(She starts to cross room. S quietly slips up behind her. Hands raised. She stops. S stops.)
Y: Who's there?
(Slowly she turns. S leans forward menacingly.)
Y: Hey, Morgan, you're looking better today.

S: That's more than I can say for you.
(O enters from K)
O: Look out clean laundry coming through.
(S turns at end of her line. She screams and throws laundry in air. S raises mask. M runs on stage.)

O: Morgan! Look at what you've done.

M: What happened? Is everyone all right?

S: Just a little redecorating, Mom.

M: There's work to be done around here, young man. Your father told me to tell you to go bring the ladder in from the garage, set it up in here, and start scraping the loose paint.

S: Aw, Mom.

M: (points to K) Get going.
(He exits K)
(Girls are picking up laundry. When they finish, they exit B)
‑‑(doorbell)‑‑
(M answers it)
M: Mrs Jenkins, do come in.

J: Thank you. (enters)

M: How are you today?

J: Just terrible. I feel so bad even my hair hurts. (beat) Why am I here? Oh, yes. I need to borrow some posterboard to make a sign, so I can go downtown and picket my company.

M: Didn't I see in this morning's paper that the employee buyout plan went through?

J: Yes, and that's just the problem. The morons gave a bunch of wage and benefit concessions, and now even someone as sick as I am can't afford to miss work. 

M: But since you are now the company, won't you be picketing yourself? What can you put on the sign? "I'm unfair"?

J: Hmmm (thinking) How about "They're unfair"? "They" always gets blamed for everything.

M: No, too vague.

J: It's not fair. I wouldn't be unfair to myself. There's got to be somebody to take responsibility for this. 

M: That's the price of ownership and management. 

J: Next thing you know I'll be in charge of solving some snarled up company problem. It'll be the worst job, too. I better go home and get some rest. I don't know if I can take all this pressure. I may even have to fire myself. What a terrible day. 
(Walks out door shaking head)

D:(enters from K carrying paint bucket and a sack) Was that Mrs Jenkins?

M: Yes. I think I know why her husband ran off.

D: But she's such a fun person to talk to. Just like the women I know ‑ sweet and charming.

M: Well, I think I'll just go out to the kitchen and start burning your supper.

D: Wait. How about a peace offering? (opens sack) A drinking cup with a cover. To minimize the larger dust particles. I'll even pour in your old water, so it isn't too fresh.

M: You're too good to me. I'll only blacken your food, and then let you guess what it is.

(M exits and S enters from F)

D: Set that ladder up over here. (They set it up and spread drop cloth.)

S: Dad, I got this letter from Southern University, yesterday. It is signed by a coach Bill Smith. He says he will be stopping here sometime this weekend to talk to me about college.

D: Well, it's nice of him to show interest in you, but that's not where you're going to school.

S: Don't you think we should at least consider it?

D: No, it's too far away; we want to see you more than 3 or 4 times a year. Besides, you know how important it is today to go to a school where God is honored.

S: I like Whitestone University. It's a nice school. Jenny has done really well there. But I also know it's expensive. Whitestone doesn't give athletic scholarships, perhaps if I went somewhere else on a full scholarship it wouldn't be as hard on you and Mom.

D: Get this straight. The most important things in the world to your mother and I are you three kids. When it comes to your welfare, money is the last consideration. God will provide.

S: But sometimes I wonder...

D: You wonder if you could make it big‑time in athletics.

S: (nodding) Yeah.

D: Morgan, you know the standard lecture for this sort of thing. What would I say now?

S: That fame and fortune are fleeting, and true success and happiness are built on things eternal. That I need to base decisions on what God created me to do, not on money.

D: Well said. Do you agree?

S: Well, my heart does, but my emotions wouldn't mind a little fame and fortune.

D: (placing hand on his shoulder) That's a battle we all face. I predict your heart will win.

S: You're probably right. I'm like you ‑ I've got too much Grandad in me.

D: There was a time when I was young and foolish that I wouldn't have appreciated being compared to Grandad, but now I's say that was a real compliment. (beat) Well now that we have got that straight, I'll go get the paint bucket opener. You get started with the scraping.
(S climbs the ladder and starts scraping. Y quietly enters with portable phone. Hides ‑ visible to audience. Dials number. Phone in living room rings. S comes down from ladder, searches under drop cloth  and answers it. No one there ‑ he hangs up. He replaces drop cloth and just gets to top of ladder when Y repeats cycle again. This happens a third time, but she is trying to hold in laughter and drops phone. He discovers her. A chase around the living room ensues. He stubs his toe and she escapes out F. He sits and massages foot, making moans and promises of revenge.)
‑‑(doorbell)‑‑(S looks out window)
S: This must be Bill Smith, the coach who sent me the letter. Look at his car. He's got some dogs in a cage in the back. Must be the school mascots.(Goes and opens door.)

K: Hi, I'm Bill....

S: (cutting him off) Yes, we got your letter. Won't you come in? Please have a seat while I get my parents. 

K: Thank you.

(Y peeks in F and then enters)
Y: Are those your dogs in the car?

K: Yes, they are. My name is Bill Hamilton. I own a kennel and raise dogs.

Y: My name is Beth, and your dogs are very pretty. You didn't happen to see a teenage boy in here, did you?

K: Yes, he went that way.(points to K)

Y: Thanks, I'll go this way. (Exits B)

(S, M, and D enter from K)

K: (Standing and shaking hands with D) You must be Morgan's parents. It's nice to meet you. Just call me Bill.

D: Well, Bill it's nice to meet you, too. (They all sit.)
I think it only fair to tell you we have pretty much decided against sending him to your place.

M: It's so far from home.

K: You'd be welcome to come and visit him as often as you like.
There are few places that can offer him the opportunity to develop like we can. He has the potential to be a real champion. I've seen him move and run. He has all the ingredients to make it big.
(S thinks he is talking about him, and swells up with pride during this speech.)

D: Well, fame isn't everything. We want him to be happy in his new environment.

K: Anything particular you think he'd be missing?

M: Well, we always go to church together. 

K: Well, I can't match that, but I could put him in with a St. Bernard.(They look quizzically at him.) Sorry, just a bad joke.
(Looks at watch) I've got to be going pretty soon, my dogs will be barking.

M: My feet hurt, too, at the end of the day.

K: Yes, well let's get to the bottom line. Before we can make a final offer, we would have to have him take a physical, do a health history, and get all his inoculations up to date. oh, and a final question: he hasn't been neutered yet has he? 

S: (running off to K) Awww!!!

K: Did I say something wrong?

D: Well, let's just say we'll contact you if we have any questions, Coach Smith.

K: Smith? I'm Bill Hamilton from Championship Kennels. 

D: (Slowly, figuring it out) You've come to see us about our dog. But then who was...?
I think we had better go find Morgan and start over again. 
(They exit K)

‑‑(doorbell)‑‑(Y answers it. F enters carrying a book.)
F: Hi. I thought maybe we could study for that big test we have on Monday.

Y: That will be fine. But I promised Mom I'd bake a pan of brownies for supper tonight. Let's get that in the oven and then we can study.
(They exit to K)

(D, M and S enter F)
M: I sure like that man a lot better as Mr Hamilton than as Coach Smith.

S: You can say that again. (looking at watch) Well, I've got a few errands to take care of  before supper. (exits B)

M: I better work on that application, in case Mrs Paddington drops by this evening.

D: I thought maybe you'd given up on that.

M: Do you think I should? I thought a vice president would want an important wife.

D: In the first place I'm not a vice president yet. Secondly, if I become a vice president, we`ll be moving away from here anyway. And thirdly, you're important to this family with or without any club membership.

(O enters from B humming happily)
D: Something tells me the storm clouds have lifted.

O: Yes, I was in my room praying and thinking about what Grandad said. Now, everything is beginning to make sense again.

D: Perhaps, you'd like to tell an older man, who has a decision himself to make, all about it. (Offers arm) Shall we take a stroll on the veranda.

O: (taking his arm) I'd love to. (They exit F)

M: (Sitting and reading application questions out loud) "Why do you want to join the Ladies' Club?" To be a big shot, to be in with the upper crust, and of course to do all that wonderful charity work. How's that for an answer?

(Y and F enter from K)
Y: Mom, the brownies are in the oven. Moira and I are going to study in my room. We have a humongous test on Monday. 

M: Did you set the timer this time? We had to throw the pan away last time you baked.

F: Yes, we made sure everything was set right.(F has been brushing hair and is now cleaning hair from brush, so that she has a handful of hair)

Y: Mom, did my beige slip get washed today? I'm loaning it to Moira for church tomorrow.

M: Yes, it is hanging up in the bathroom.

(S enters from B carrying sack)
(Y hides behind F who upon seeing S dumps the hair in the cup so that only audience notices. F preens hair as S walks up.)

S: Hi, Moira. 

F: Hi, Morgan.

S: Hi, Beth.

Y: You better not hit me in front of Moira and Mom.

S: Hit you? Why would I want to do that? I'm just going for a little walk. Get some nice fresh air.
(He exits F)

Y: He's up to something.

F: Maybe you're being a little too suspicious. He was very nice.

Y: Nice like a snake. Come on, let's go study.
(They exit to B)

M: (reading another question) "What special qualities do you have to offer that will help the Club" (stands patriotically) my fellow club women ‑ I have nothing to offer you but blood, sweat, and tears.

(G enters from F)
G: Am I interrupting something?

M: Yes, and I'm glad you did. Did you have a nice walk?

G: Yes, I got the answers I needed.

M: I thought you knew everything.

G: (shakes head) I'm nearly done here on earth, and I feel that I've but scratched the surface of knowledge. (smiles) Though it's nice to know I may have fooled a few people. What are you working on?

M: I've been looking at this Ladies' Club application and I don't feel I even know where the surface is. What should I do?

G: What have you been doing with all your spare time up to now? 

M: Spare time? With family and church I don't have any spare time.

G: Then what will you sacrifice for this? (pause) Lucy, what you feed grows. You must always choose wisely where time is concerned, or you will just end up being busy ‑ not effective.

M: But, it's just that this is my chance. Maybe my only chance to"be" somebody.

G: I know. I've been there myself. Check your heart ‑ you'll make the right decision.

‑‑(doorbell)‑‑(M answers it) (G exits B)

M: Come in, Mrs Paddington. How are you this evening.

P: Just fine. Do you mind if I ask you a question?

M: No, go ahead.

P: What is that beige colored thing flapping from the top of the flag pole in front of your house? It almost looks like a slip.

M: (Goes to window) Perhaps its a science experiment.

P: Well, our Club has been in existence nearly 100 years. Some of the finest women in this area have been members at one time. This is a very exclusive piece of history you may become a part of.

(Timer is heard to ding from K)
M: Would you join me in the kitchen. I must remove some brownies from the oven.

P: Home made brownies?

M: Would you like some?

P: I'm on a very rigid diet, but perhaps three or four wouldn't hurt.
(They exit to K)
(S enters F)
S: I smell brownies. Beth must be in the kitchen. Here's the portable phone. I'll call her this time. And when she comes to answer it...(Opens sack and pulls out pie) She'll run into Mr Creme Pie.
(He dials. Phone rings. P gets pied and screams.)

S: Whoops!

M: Oh, Mrs Paddington I'm so sorry. Here's a towel. Let me help you.

P: Leave me alone. You people have done quite enough damage as it is.( She storms out F)

(O and D enter from F. Others enter from B)

O: Was that Mrs Paddington with pie all over her face?

(They gather around M who face is buried in her hands. S expecting to die at any moment tries to comfort her. Her shoulders begin to tremble, then shake more violently. She bursts out laughing.)
M: That was one of the funniest things I ever saw.

S: You mean you're not mad at me.

M: Yes, I'm mad at you. But it was funny seeing pompous old Mrs Paddington wearing a humble pie. As for you, these practical jokes have got to stop. I am declaring a truce. No more pranks...(softening) for at least a week.

S: Mom, I'm sorry if this keeps you from getting into that club.

M: Well, I've got enough to do taking care of all of you.  I really don't have time to do anything else.

(Sudden crash)

F: What was that? 

O: It came from the front yard.

(They run to the window.)

O: Its our car. The windows are broken out. The sides are spray painted.....and there's somebody staggering across the lawn!
He's hurt! He needs help!

D: It could be a trap.

G: John, you and I should be able to help him in. The rest of you stay here.

(They exit F while others watch from window.)
(They help him in and lay him on floor.)
G: Whew, he's heavier than I thought. I'm going to sit and rest. Someone should call the police and ambulance.(G sits on couch and slumps over slightly - into relaxed position)

M: I will. (Goes to phone)

(O attends to victim. Removes his hat.)
D: Tim! It's Tim. He's all beat up.

O: You know him?

D: Yes, he's from my Sunday School class. 

O: He seems to be breathing ok. Let's just let him lie until the ambulance arrives.

(D walks over to G)
D: Dad, are you all right? Dad? (Touches his cheek. Then checks for pulse. Slumps to his knees.) 

O: What is it? What`s wrong with Grandad?

D: (anguished) He's gone!

‑‑Lights‑‑ End Act II

ACT III
 Living Room ‑ Stage empty (ladder and drop cloth removed)

(D,M,O,S,Y all file on stage from F and sit down)

O: That was such a nice memorial service for Grandad.

M: (to D) John, your eulogy was wonderful. It really captured the man that Grandad was.

D: It was tough emotionally. I didn't know if I was going to make it through it. (beat) I thought the pastor's words were very good. He made the issue of life and death very clear.

Y: There sure were a lot of people there to hear it.

M: Your Grandad was a highly respected and well‑loved man.

S: I could hardly believe it, but even Mrs Paddington was there.

Y: (to S) I notice she didn't bother to shake your hand.

‑‑(doorbell)‑‑ (Y goes to door)

M: I wonder who that can be?

D: Detective Brucker said that she would be coming by this afternoon with Tim to finish her investigation from the episode on Saturday night.

Y:(Opens door) Hi, Mrs Jenkins. Please come in.

(J enters ‑ hugs Y, dabs eyes, obviously distraught)
J: That was such a beautiful service.(She goes and hugs rest of family one by one)
J: I don't know how you are holding up so well. I'm a wreck and I'm not even related. Death scares me. What was that little poem you gave in your eulogy today?

D: We've had our tears, and I know there'll be more in the days to come. But our sorrow is in missing him, not in where he's gone.

M: Perhaps, you would like to get yourself off your hands and put yourself in the hands of God.

J: What the pastor said today made a lot of sense. I've been giving it serious consideration. Could I come back tomorrow and talk with you some more? I know there's got to be more to life than I've seen. You have such a wonderful, happy family.
(She starts crying again)

M: (Arm around her) We do have a good family life, a bit crazy and pressured, but a good one. Yes, Mrs Jenkins you can come back and we'll talk tomorrow.

J: Thank you. I'll be back in the morning. (pause) Oh, no!

O: What is it?

J: (Hiccups) Sometimes when I get a little emotional, I get the hiccups.(hiccups) (looks around and picks up cup) A little something to drink usually takes care of it.

D: Not the dusty water.
(She drinks. Then gets funny look on face with big eyes. Spits.)
J: What's in here? (Takes off lid) (Makes worse face)
J: Eeeewwwww! Gross! (More face anguish)

M: Are you all right?

J: Yes, I'll be fine, in fact, my hiccups are gone. But I'd recommend you change brands of tea bags. (beat) Well, I must be going, see you tomorrow.

All: Bye. (She exits F. S lets her out.)

S: Hey, there's a couple of people walking around on our lawn!

D: (Goes to window) It's Tim and Detective Brucker. They're coming this way.

S: Come on in.
(T and B enter from F)

D: Hello, Detective Brucker. (Shakes) Hello, Tim. This is my family.

B: Hello, John.

T: Hello.

B: Tim has been showing me what happened.

S: How did he know what was going to happen? Is he part of the gang?

T: No, I was thinking of joining. It seemed like a way to get friends and keep from being picked on. But your Dad came over one day. He was inviting neighborhood kids to his Sunday School class. I went. I knew I needed something better in my life than a gang. One day I overheard a bunch of them talking about getting that Christian guy. They said they sent a note to scare him, and were going to trash his car Saturday night. I came over to try and talk them out of it.

B: Can you give me their names and descriptions?

(T:  silence, looks down)

B: You know what they did is wrong. They need to be stopped.

T: But I've run around with some of those guys for a long time. They're the only friends I've got.
D: Remember, in class we talked about a Friend who will never leave you ‑ He'll stick with you forever.

T: (to B) Instead of giving you their names, I'll tell you what else I overheard. They're planning on vandalizing the people's cars in the church parking lot Wednesday night.

B: (shakes with T) Thanks, young man. You've been very helpful. 
(To D) I'll file my report and send you a copy. We may need to talk with you some more later. 
(To T) Can I drop you off at your home? 

T: (shrugs) There isn't anyone there.

D: (To T) Could you stay here, we'd like to talk with you.

T: Am I in trouble?

M: (laughs) No, no.

B: Well, I'll be running along. Good day.

All: Bye. (B exits F)

D: (to T) Your grandma, who you've been staying with these last several years, called me yesterday. She said she was going into the hospital and faced major surgery and a long recovery period. She said she might even end up in a nursing home. She knew me as your Sunday School teacher and wondered if I knew of anyone who could take care of you for a while.

T: Why'd she do that? No one cares about me! (Turns back to family)

M: (approaches T) Tim, what happened to your parents?

T: (Slowly, with emotion) My Mom died in a car wreck just after I was born. My Dad never got over it. He became an alcoholic. I went to live with Grandma.  I got word three months ago that he died.

D: That was when you started coming to Sunday school class.

(T nods and hugs him)

M: (Slow) Last night, John sat the family down and told us of your situation. We all talked about it and came to a decision. Tim, we would like you to come and live with us.

T: For how long?
D: For as long as you want to. We're not moving anywhere, there's too much unfinished business here.

T: You'll let me be part of your family?

M: Yes, welcome home. (Hugs him.)

(They all gather round. Patting him on back. Etc.)
All: Welcome, Tim. (etc)

S: You'll be bunking with me. Let me warn you about Beth.

Y: Remember, Mom said no tricks all week.

O: Dad, what was that envelope that pastor gave you?

D: It's a mystery to me. He just said to open it when we got home and read it to all of you.
(He opens it. Looks at page.)
D: It's from Grandad!
(As family listens, they put arms around each other and dab at eyes.)

G: (Voice over) By the time you read this, I will be reunited with your Grandma. My work on earth has been completed. I have prayed for each of you from the womb. It has been exciting to see you grow up , mature, and walk with God. Life is not easy. There are a lot of difficult choices to make. A good life is a series of well‑made decisions. And well‑made decisions are always based in God. 
  John, I know you and Lucy and my wonderful grandkids have been struggling with important decisions regarding your future and God's plan for your lives. My heart rests easy, knowing you made the decisions, not through the eyes of man, but with the heart of God. Thanks for making an old man proud.
 P.S. About those college bills you were concerned about paying if you didn't accept the promotion ‑ the money from my estate should more than cover it. You see the Lord provides. Always trust Him.
 I love you. See you in heaven ‑ I'll give you a tour.
 Grandad.

‑‑lights‑‑ 

The End