Chapter 3 (Lets Get Serious About Our Creator God and Jesus!)

By the time Tuesday comes around and Teri is driving to the church it seems like heaven after the day she had at work.  The more time passes before the layoffs, the crazier people seem to be acting.  All the work she is doing feels so pointless.  No one appears to appreciate any of her reports.  When she passes it out, she can tell that her reports are just piling up on some desks.  Most work related things seem so unimportant now or any work at all, just impressing everyone or talking about how valuable they are, in hopes that someone who matters or at least making the decisions will hear about it and they will keep their job.  As soon as she steps into the church Teri can feel her troubles lift off of her.  She is so excited about what she will learn today.  She needs these meetings now more than ever.

Now that Teri has been going for a couple of weeks now, as soon as she enters into the door, she is immediately greeted and welcomed with smiling warm faces.  Teri has never been one regarding popularity, but the feeling that she feels when everyone greets her, obviously excited over her presence she can not be deny how much she loves it.  Teri is really beginning to love the hugs and the quick catching up.  Normally Teri always arrives right on time or will arrive with lots to do appearing very busy so that she does not have to mingle, but this group is different.  She feels so at home and comfortable.  No one can acts like they are better because everyone there needs help, so there are no higher groups or a caste system.  Everyone is equally in need of help or desires to grow spiritually.

Like always, Ginny grabs Little Christopher and takes him away to play with the other children in the back of the room.  This gave Teri the opportunity to talk with a couple of people she has never really talked to outside of greeting them when they first come in.  She is amazed to find out one of them works at the same company she does, but in another department that she rarely interacts with.  It amazes Teri to find so many kindred spirits.  Although there are many women there from different stages and classes of life, there is a common thread in all of them that keeps the group tightly bonded.  Everyone is thirsting for knowledge!  Everyone has been through enough in their life to know and want more for themselves, than what they have.  Instead of being disappointed over life and getting depressed thinking ‘what’s the point,’ they are all actively seeking it out and finding a new life in the process.

When LaQueia enters the room, everyone greets her in excitement welcoming her back.  Even Ginny comes over with Christopher on her hip, exclaiming her happiness and hugging her profusely.  In a few short sentences, LaQueia tells everyone her tales of woe, and everyone agrees that she will be a high priority in their prayers.  Surrounded she talks to others with similar stories until Sister Kelly walks in, holding two boxes.  Sitting it on a table and said, “One of my little sisters are back, so I made some treats to celebrate.”  Sister Kelly smiled at LaQueia, “but before we eat, I have a guest speaker.  I must warn you that she is here campaigning and when she is finished, I am sure you will need the sugar rush.”  Sister Kelly walks out of the room to gather her guest; everyone goes to their seats puzzled.  The election season has just passed a couple of months ago, so why is this woman campaigning?

A minute later, Sister Kelly comes back into the room with a very good looking and well dressed woman.  Everything about her is perfect, from her very fashionable attire and shoes to the trendy cut of her hair.  “Before, Rose speaks, I would like to remind everyone that we here are not judges, only God condemns and to remind you that whenever we have a guest speaker, we always wait until the end to ask questions and never interrupt.  Rose has been given a set time to speak, in which she will stay within, and you will have time to ask your must needed questions in the end.”  With that, Sister Kelly gestures to Rose and leaves the room. 

Rose begins speaking immediately.  “I am not here to ask for your votes on paper.  I don’t even expect you to outright agree with me.  I am here to expand your mind and your thoughts.  When I am finished I want my words to linger and for you to contemplate everything that is said.”  Rose pauses and looks around the room then grins boldly.  “I am here to open you up to a new possibility and eventually an expanded law.  Your group, unlike so many others that I speak to, might not be able to relate to this situation, but your sympathy will be greatly appreciated.”

“Please, if this does not apply to you, try to understand my concerns through the eyes of a friend, loving mother or close daughter.  Please understand this through the eyes of a very close friend.  If a good friend has finds out that she is pregnant, and it is an unwanted pregnancy.  For whatever reason, she does not want to have it.  Either, she can not afford a child, or the timing is not right, or her relationship with the father is not good—he is horribly abusing her or does not want to have anything to do with either of them.  Now this is the situation that I would like you to remember, as I speak with you. 

I have worked and even volunteered for over 15 years at several abortion clinics.  I can tell you stories that you will not honestly believe.  Like a woman who came in three different times debating over the same child.  She was being raped by her boyfriend, and she recently found tapes of him raping his biological son and daughter.  I’ll spare you the details but she is sickened by the whole thing so she comes in to get rid of the baby.  This decision is never easy, so she comes in and leaves and then schedules a new appointment, three times over the course of two weeks, until she finally did it.  I was her counselor the last time and when I found out, I called the police and they arrested him.  He got out and killed her.  They are not able to prove that he killed her so he got off.  So who knows what he is doing now, and what is happening to those poor children who were put into foster care, but then was given back to him.”  Rose pauses as she studies everyone’s faces.

The last five years, I have been working and counseling with the department of human services for the state.  I work closely with child protective services and foster care.  The lives that I have been involved in have been so dramatically unbelievable, even now, I can not put words to the things that I have seen and been involved in.  Sometimes when I have to write up a case, I can not look into my thesaurus to find words horrible, dangerous, or laced enough to get my points across about the situation that these young children are being subjected to.  They are being brutally tortured, raped, murdered, viciously abused, consciously ignored, wickedly silenced, ” pausing, Rose shakes her head. 

“Basically, you will not be able to sleep at night if you heard or knew the real stories that a mere child has gone through either through their parents and even under foster care.  It is unimaginable the things that I have had to deal with all the time trying to stay within the laws guidelines.  Especially when I work on a bad foster house, because they know what they can and can not do, I have to work magic, just to get these places shut down, because the law is not conducive enough to the evil that is in their hearts.”  Rose takes in a deep breath.

“Keeping all of this in mind, I want you to look at how the world works today.  Many people are put into situations that are not their faults or they are unaware of what the future holds.  That is why stores have return policies.  If you buy something and it is not doing what it is suppose to, people are able to exchange it or return it or get their money back.  Everyone has been in this situation, where what is being promised is not what is received.  Think about how cheated you feel. 

How you feel such a huge lack, considering you spent time and money to fix a problem or situation that is not remedied because of this defective product.  This is the exact reason why so many people live together before they get married.  It is helpful to know, before you buy or at least be able to get out of something that can turn into something gravely bad.”  Rose, looks over everyone’s sympathetic and distraught faces, and then looks down at her watch.

“Intelligence has taught us, try before you buy, or settle into something that is not really conducive of your lifestyle.  Everyone knows and understands that concept, including people who say they believe in God.  If you think things are going to be a certain way and they are not, everyone has permission to get out of it.  Even well known pastors are getting a divorce.  Therefore, I am coming to you asking for you to think of things in this fashion.  The ability to try before you commit yourself to something that can ruin countless lives.  Think of things that can be prevented if this concept is put into other more useful practices instead of just material things.”  Rose stiffens up her pose as she continues.

“Before you get married you can live with your partner to see if it is going to work sexually, emotionally, naturally, financially to understand your compatibility.  Well what if that is the case with children.  So many people having children think: the child will provide the love they never had, or will fix their broken relationship, or because babies are just so cute.  Well, after reality hits so much abuse goes on.  What if there is a possibility for a child to be removed permanently.” Rose stops as she studies everyone’s confused faces again.

  “What if there is a new law that allows parents, especially mothers, where the bulk of the children spend most of their time, that will allow the possibility to try before you commit.  Instead of throwing these abused children to any government to provide and care for.  Knowing that the government was built to help govern people not parent people.  We the people are suppose to be taking proper care of these things.  But what if the children are just removed of permanently?  Just like having an abortion, a woman has a God given choice to give life to the child.  Well, what about those that choice to give life and find out things are horribly wrong.  What happens to them?  I’ll tell you!”  Roses voice lifts.

“I’ll tell you what happens.  Abuse!  Abuse! Abuse! Abuse! Grotesque, sick and horrible abuse!  Abuse sexually, Abuse emotionally, Abuse physically, Abuse mentally, Abuse socially and Abuse Consistently!  Abuse occurs, with the parents, with foster parents, with other kids and other family members.  These poor kids get so distorted that they are lowering society’s standards.  Why do you think parents abandon their children?  That is why it is now a law that parents that leave their children at a fire station is allowed indemnity? 

I know this sounds shocking and some children are not abused by parents or in foster care.  I am not saying abuse is always what happens but the truth is that it does happen and when it does it can be life altering!  People realize after the fact that what they have is not good for them or the child.  Therefore, it would be better if a parent has the opportunity to kill a child humanly rather than having so many children getting abused all of their lives.”  Stunned several mouths drops when they finally understand her cause.

“It is similar to an abortion.  A woman is given the opportunity to remove a child before they are born.  Why can she not remove them after they are born?  Of course there will need to be a humane method, but ultimately allowing a child to suffer their entire life is a greater injustice than to allow them to live.  Too many children are being abused, and if they are removed early in a very compassionate way, then as you Christian people believe, that child can go straight into heaven instead of living a life full of hell and horrible injustices.”  Rose looks at her watch again. Knowing that her time is about to expire soon, she quickly begins giving out statistics.

Teri is mortified!  She quickly gets up and goes over to the back to grab Christopher.  She is not the only one who feels she needs her child close.  By the time Teri grabs Christopher there is only one child left, so Teri takes them both by the hand with her, fearing that they should not be left alone.  The mothers grab and hold onto their children as if they expect a group of Roses friends to come in and steal the children away. 

Rose, continues to speak on statistics of abortions and their success stories, child abuse, foster care, and what happens to children when they are finally released.  The statistics are staggering.  Teri wants to cover her eyes, when Rose starts showing pictures of abused children, but she is using her hands to keep Christopher from seeing anything.  Teri, like everyone else is sick to her stomach.  The first picture is of a pretty little girl that looks like she is two or three.  The girl is in a dress and is smiling.  Rose quickly tells her story of gang rape.  Then shows a picture of the little girls back that is distorted from cigarette burns.  With each picture Rose shows the whole group became extremely restless.  Several ladies leave the room, especially after one runs out obviously nauseous. 

Sister Kelly finally comes back into the room, with a stern face and sits in the front row.  Rose looks at her watch.  She quickly looks through her pack of pictures and shows one last one of a teenage boy.  His face is terrible distorted.  She ends by saying, “this little boy fought his mothers boyfriend when he was seven years old, trying to protect his mother.  The boyfriend, who the mother is still with, became enraged and brutally beat this boy.  This picture is actually touched up.  This is his school picture.  The people, who took it, felt so much compassion for him that they chose to touch it up to make him look better.  So I end with this, it is better to permanently remove a child humanely than to have them live inhumanely.  I am open to questions.” 

All Teri can do is hold onto Christopher despite his cries to get down.  Rose continues to look around.  “I have ten minutes for questions so if you have anything, please ask them now.”  Finally a woman stands up.  “I have a question.”  Sheryl says as she holds onto her eight year old daughter.  “I do not believe that killing a child will solve the abuse that is going on.  If a person decides that they do not want their child and is abusing them, why will they want to kill them?  People like that enjoy hurting others, so how will this help?”  Rose smiles at the question.

“What you do not understand is that, some people do not want to abuse their children, and in many cases are or have been abused in the past themselves.  Therefore, they want better, but either do not know how or do not have the resources.  The child is taken away from them and in many cases the abuse does not stop, it just becomes legal.  This is the reason why the child loses hope and starts to believe their self worth is deserving of their treatment.  If the child, like you Christians believe, is up in heaven, they can learn to play little harps.” 

Another woman stands up.  “Right now, if a person changes their mind or gets their life better, they are able to get their child, if we go with your solution, the child is dead and there is no turning back.  How is that right?” 

Rose smiles tenderly.  “It always amazes me that every group asks this question.  Did you not hear the stats that I provided?  The likelihood that a parent will go out of their way to get a child back is very rare.  And if a parent finally does get their life back on track and they seek and get the child back, did you not hear the statistics on what has happened to the child?  The child was already abused and could have been abused within the foster care system as well.  So even if they come back together, things will never be the same. 

Okay, let’s just say that the perfect situation happens.  The parent gets her life back on track and has a good future and will love the child this time.  And the child is not abused and they come back together.  The things that the child has witnessed or been exposed to will make it so that the child can never be the same in regards to innocence.  If the child is not inappropriately treated or touched then they have become friends or witnessed poor behavior with the other children.”

Sheryl stands back up angrily.  “Personally I had an abortion and I am so ashamed of myself.  It was a completely selfish act.  I was so scared and all I could think about was society, the church we attended, my family and friends but most of all, I thought about the father and myself.  I was raised in a, church going home, and I was pregnant at 17 from my boyfriend of 3 years.  We both were freaked out and decided to get rid of it.  That was over 16 years ago and I regret it to this day!  How can you act like killing a child whether it is in the womb or living and walking is okay.  It’s not okay!” 

Tears are strolling down her eyes her voice cracked as she continues.  “I do not believe a person should have the right to decide for another person.  Children are adults in the making, and for any person to feel they have the right to play God, is disgusting and wrong!  We are keepers of another growing future adult until that young person is in a position to take care of themselves. 

We are wrong to believe that we have the right to choice for another person who is not in a position to speak for themselves.  If the child can speak as an adult and say they do not want life, then that is the child’s affair and a mental institution is always an option.  But for another person, who can not see the future or will walk in the child’s shoes to be given the right to decide such an important decision is just as horrifying as the pictures you are showing to us.”  Sheryl is in tears and starts to leave the room.

Rose stands there straight face as she replies with confidence.  “I understand what you are saying, however, the child does not know what future they have ahead of them.  By the time they realize that they do not want their life, they are already into things too deep.  Now they are trying to cope through drugs, sex, and most of the time more unwanted pregnancies.  I am offering a solution, before it gets to the cycle we are experiencing today.”  Sheryl still leaves the room upset and several other ladies follow. 

LaQueia finally stands up.  “Rose, the solution that you are offering us is not dealing with the real problem.  I understand that it can appear that ‘try before you buy’ is a logical solution, however, people who live together are not guaranteed a better life.  Usually it just gets more complicated.  One person might still want to get married and the other person does not.  The same is with giving birth to a child.  As a pregnant woman, I can not help but to remember how my baby is conceived.  If we want to stop the problem the solution should be at conception, or rather before conception.  People should not be able to have sex, if they are not ready for a child.”  LaQueia sits back down, and Sister Kelly immediately stands up and goes over to Rose who has a confidently wicked grin and is about to reply back, but Sister Kelly stops her by thanking her for coming. 

Sister Kelly walks Rose out of the room.  There are only a few people still left in the room.  Teri is still stunned and holding onto Christopher.  It isn’t until Sister Kelly enters back into the room that Teri lets up her grip on the poor child who has drifted off to sleep.  Ginny comes over and reaches for his limp little body as she showers him with soft kisses as she snuggles up against his body.  Immediately a woman stands up and asks why Sister Kelly would allow such a woman to come.  She ended by questioning Sister Kelly’s friendship with such an obnoxious woman.  Sister Kelly calmly goes over to the table where she has placed the two desert boxes and opens them up. 

“I apologize, but I did not bring anything to drink, so I went to the kitchen while Rose was speaking and filled up a couple of pitchers with ice and cold water.  If someone can bring in the diverse jugs and cups I would appreciate it.”  Sister Kelly starts to set up the table and place the various desserts out for everyone.  She is acting as if she did not even hear the comment.  When she is finished, she tells everyone to grab something. 

The atmosphere of the room instantly becomes lighter as everyone starts eating and coming back into the room.  After a couple of minutes the room is filled with chatter regarding the various desserts and food.  Someone even goes to the soda machine and buys various sodas and juices for everyone.  When Sister Kelly finishes her treat, she tells everyone to take a couple more treats and to take a seat.

“I don’t want to spend too much time on Rose’s message.”  Sister Kelly starts to say as she stands up and goes to the front of the room.  “When you first start to hear her, you will think that she is in the process of discussing abortions.  You tend to be drawn into what she is saying and begin to wonder if she is for or against it.  Then she gets to her point and it is always so shocking, but you are on her side and don’t know how to take it, when she takes things that far.”  Sister Kelly lifts up her eyes to the ceiling and shakes her head in disappointment.

“The reason why I let her come in, is because, she is a reminder of where the world can and will go, when everyone is doing what is right in their own eyes.  Rose is really trying to fix a problem.  The thing that she is missing is that she is coming up with a solution without God.  This is what the world does, and sadly this is what we do as well.  We see a problem—especially something that is hurting us and we go about trying to fix it.  We have to be careful not to do this, our solutions are always wrong if God is not in it.  Rose on the other hand takes her solution to the extreme.  

Now that you have heard her message and sympathized with her pains and diverse scenarios, you will be amazed just how many times you will think about what she was saying.  I caution you now, not to let her words linger, because they will.  He grabbed hold of your emotions and in essence she has already taken you captive.  Do not allow this to happen.  Decide how you feel about what she has said, say a prayer and then let it go.  It would be wise for you to exercise this often.  Whenever you see, hear, recognize, realize, touch, feel or anything that your spirit immediately takes offense to.  Stop them from taking root in you and leading you astray.

Stay focused and remember to not lean on your own understanding, because it is so easy to become distorted or decide on a twisted solution or complicated answer.  For example the woman who got prayer out of school.  If the men who wrote the Constitution heard her, they would have said, ‘Oh my God she is crazy!’ but left unchecked we see how a crazy idea, in a determined mind can become a national law.”  Sister Kelly’s face is stern.

“Now I will answer the question that I was asked earlier.  A time will come in Rose’s life when she will not be able to deny her need for God, and I will be there to point her down the right path.  Just imagine, if she did not have a friend like me, what will she come up with then or next?  Rose is hurt by what she has experienced, and it has distorted her views.  She feels compelled in her heart to fix this problem. 

Remember this is the reason why you need to have all sorts of people that you associate with.  But listen to me carefully--very carefully Beloved!  Only do this when you are in a position to minister and are strong in the lord.  If you are not careful, they will minister to you and you will find yourself campaigning strange ideas and thoughts with them. 

And Queia, you are right she is not tackling the root of the problem, but it can not stop just at adultery or fornication, it is much deeper than that.  God’s solution is commanded a long time ago.  The first commandment that needs to be obeyed is located in the 12 chapter of Mark.  Funny, how if the world will follow God’s simple command, Rose, will not be put in such a predicament that compels her to try to fix in her own strange way.” Sister Kelly concludes, putting her hand on LaQueia’s shoulders and smiles.  “However, if the world did obey God, Rose would also not have a job.”

Sister Kelly goes back to the center front of the room.  “I know that the last few weeks we have been tackling various women problems, however, this is what we really need to be discussing.  If you want to be a true believers we need to be ready to tackle issues like this, and the only way to be prepared is to be living with the Holy Spirit

guiding you.  We are the laborers of the Lord.  We can not be so caught up in our own lives, that all we do is try to get God involved with our lives too.  Meaning all of your prayers are regarding our own will, needs, wants and desires instead of what God desires.” 

Her next words are stressed to make sure that everyone recognizes their importance.  Sister Kelly looks serious as she speaks.  “Don’t be so selfish that you miss out on what is important.  Remember we are in a serious battle/war, souls are the casualties, eternity is the goal and heaven and hell can be the destination.” 

Everyone ponders over what Sister Kelly has just said.  After a few minutes, Sheryl slowly raises her hand and then speaks when Sister Kelly turns toward her.  “I understand what you are saying, but that is so hard.  Honestly, even if I am strong, I still think I will be embarrassed to have a person think Rose and I are friends when she thinks that way.  Lord only knows what else she believes.”  Several women nod their heads in agreement.  Another woman stands up and gave her personal experience that did not turn out well for her, when she befriended a person who was not only a nonbeliever but also a bit out there.

“I understand what your fears are.  Nonetheless, I must reiterate that you are always suppose to be a witness for Jesus.  You need to be a witness to everyone, but only spend time with those in need when you are not in need.  The story that was just told exemplifies the outcome of this problem.   Listen very carefully to me Beloved.  Jesus said that he came to minister not to be ministered to.  We need to be the same way.  You interact with others in order to, and ready to give and receive.  When representing Jesus you really need to perfect the giving to others and not receiving from them, but from God.

That being said, I must remind you that when I say you should only do this when you are strong, I am saying be very careful the positions you put yourself into.  If you are willing and do befriend strong people who do not believe you must make sure that they too are befriending a strong person who does believe in God.  Does everyone understand what I am saying?”  Sister Kelly looks around, trying to make sure that everyone is understanding the points she is conveying.  “You need to have a firm foundation before you mingle. 

If they are grounded in a foundation and you are not, they will be able to stand up against you and anything else that comes their way, while you will be shaky, will fail and crack under pressure.  Ultimately you will come to them for answers when you do fall.  Therefore, make sure you are wise who you partner up with and who you befriend until you are able to whether diversity.  When you are strong enough also remember to be a constant witness for Jesus--prepared and ready to really give and not give in order to receive.  Often times we give, and get offended if we never receive anything.”  Sister Kelly drags a chair to the front and sits down. 

“Just like your marriage, children or with your various friendships, you give, but do not be fooled.  You are expecting to receive things back.  Even if what you expect back is acceptable like love, respect, time or gifts; you are still expecting something in return.  Many times women get into trouble over this, we feel—just like men do, that we gave or better yet we gave up this or that and therefore we should get or not get this or that. 

In regards to God, when you give and expect something in return, you have not truly given yourself up to the ministry.  If someone gives you something it might be nice but you have to be careful since this is when things get muddy.  Like the experience you just told us about.  Ultimately you are disappointed in her because she destroyed you witness.  You treated her kindly and she abused and used you and in the end told others things that you told her that you only said to make her feel better.”  The young lady shakes her head in agreement with Sister Kelly’s statement.

“When you are ministering to people, you can not afford to sympathize or say nice or kind things to make them feel better or even mask the truth to protect their feelings.  People’s feelings change depending on the circumstances, which as also done in your case.  Jesus spoke truth, and the truth really will make you and others free.  Sometimes it might take longer for you or them to get it, but when you need it, the circumstance will bump up to that truth and the circumstance will have to bow to the truth. 

A perfect example of this is what was said to Rose.  The problem of adultery and fornication is a very good insight to the problem she is trying to fix.  However, the real root is that people have turned away from God and are doing what is right in their own site.  The truth that needs to be bowed down to is the first and great commandment that Jesus spoke of in Matthew and Mark: 

`And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.'

If what Rose said and all other alarming situations are bumped up against this truth and those things bowed downed to this truth and then this truth is followed, then all things will follow suit correctly.  Even if the second commandment is being followed, the world would be a better place.”  Sister Kelly smiles tenderly at LaQueia.

“I know that we have been discussing men, marriage and children these last couple of weeks, but I just want to remind everyone that I want us to get back on track regarding becoming true believers. 

Since I do understand the need for these meetings, I am going to set up another meeting starting next month, which will also meet weekly to discuss and strengthen everyone on what we are just discussing now.  The world is in need of help and those who can help are too busy being in need with things we can really set aside.  The pastor has not yet approved the day yet, but it will probably be on Saturdays or Fridays. 

I do not want anyone to feel like your problems are not really problems, but I must say that there is someone greater that needs to be focused on.  Now let’s enjoy the rest of the night, eat these various treats and fellowship.”  Sister Kelly gets up and goes over and grabs another treat and pours herself some more water. 

Everyone begins to socialize and enjoying themselves.  While speaking to Ginny, Teri finds out that Ginny and LaQueia are really good friends and that is how LaQueia got her number.  The atmosphere is very light and social.  When Teri drives home she smiles to herself, feeling like she has just gone to a causal tea party.  It isn’t until midday at work, that the feeling starts to leave, after reading an email regarding another company meeting.  The meeting isn’t for two months, but all sorts of possibilities flew through her head.  Daydreaming she just stares at her computer for the rest of the day, barely getting any work done.

The next couple of weeks Teri just coasts at work.  Coming in and leaving exactly on time and doing the basics of her work.  She continues to provide the extra reports that she always does, but now she does not take all of the time that she used to on them.  Even when she passes them out, she can see how they are really piling up on several peoples desks.  Now that Teri is taking hourly lunches, by the time that she comes back she feels able to finish up the day.

When Teri finds out that the pastor has approved Saturdays, the day before the meeting she takes her bible to work in order to study during her lunch break.  When she sits down at a picnic table in a park, she pulls out the lunch she has brought from home.  While she eats she watches the people that are also using the park.  Her heart goes out to a mother who is trying to get her 5 young kids back into the mini van.  She has finally gotten 2 in, but as soon as she is able to get another one into the car, one will pop out from the other side.  The woman looks so sad, while the kids begin to take the whole thing as a game, and begins cheering each other on.

Teri puts her sandwich down and goes over to help.  The woman, who is grateful, smiles in appreciation.  When all of the kids are into the van and strapped in, the mother thanks Teri and half jokingly and seriously states, “I always wanted a big family, but now that I know what it is like, I change my mind.”  She puts on her seatbelt and drives off.  Teri’s mind immediately resurrects Roses words.  Teri contemplates the various possibilities of Roses theory as she walks back to the table.  It has become a little game as she watched mothers trying to get things done while their kids sabotaged their efforts.   It isn’t until Teri has finished her food and is just taking in the day, that she realizes just how much she is thinking about Rose and all the things she has said.  Feeling bad, that she spent most of her lunch on that instead of studying, Teri quickly opens her bible.