was trying to avoid the limelight.
"We have some wonderful news to share with you all. Can I have your attention please? Just when we were heading for closure God stepped in with an alternative plan. He has provided us with sufficient funds to refurbish the church building. Put your hands together and give the Lord a praise offering."
Members of the congregation rose to their feet and shouted at the top of their voices. The money will be going towards covering the cost of adapting the building for wheel chair users to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 2005.
"Let us now depart from one another with the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who is with us forevermore."
Mantel raced towards the entrance of the church to greet each parishioner with a handshake. His eyes were especially focused on Naomi. She immersed eventually out of the pew having been questioned and interrogated by Sister Edna's daughters. She walked joyfully towards Mantel as if he was the only person in the building while Mantel extended his right hand to her. They hugged each other under the surveillance of Fred who was not too impressed.
"Watch it, mate," and "She's still my daughter," said Pastor Fred.
Mantel and Naomi shared a friendly and opened smile together under the watchful gaze of Jan.
"You preached a good sermon, son. But don't you get any ideas about Naomi?"
"I am not," laughed Mantel.
"Don't they make a lovely couple, Pastor Fred?" enthused Sister Edna.
"You said that before."
"Well, why don't you admit it?"
"Okay. So they do."
"Naomi is no longer a child. She is a grown woman. Just look at her."
Mantel waited for a few minutes until almost everyone had left the church building. He was nervous and trembling inside before he opened up his heart to Jan who was standing next to Naomi.
"I want to marry you, Jan."
"Congratulation to you both," said Naomi.
"Thank you, Naomi."
Naomi turned around to her dad with tears filled eyes. He was receptive to her. She was his little girl once again. He was unhappy with Mantels marriage proposal to Jan.
Mantel felt a little bit of unease with himself as he stared at Fred and Naomi holding each other.
Jill returned to the church sobbing on Jeff's shoulder. Everyone was crying.
"What is it, Jill?" asked Mantel.
"Jayne's missing."
Dedicated to loving memory of my father Harry Douglas and in-laws Ned and Ethlyn Edwards we miss you all.
Acknowledgements
I acknowledge the dedication of the first generation of West Indian migrants who worked diligently in Britain's hospitals, transportation and industries. They conducted themselves with extreme dignity, resilience, determination and sacrifice to make our burdens a little lighter. Like Abraham, our elders were God fearing and brave to leave the comfort and familiarity of their birthplace and families to journey into the unknown.
My parents like most of the other elderly migrants who came and settled into English society, wanted to improve their living standards. They are great life mentors for us all - a big thank you to mum, dad, Audrey and Maud.
And finally but not forgotten my wife who has been an inspiration in encouraging me to complete this project. The poem below is for you, my sweetie.
Awake my love out of despair and strife,
God has a good plan for your life.
Don't you ever give up the fight!
Sometimes you may feel ostracized,
but remember, you have a host of angels recruited to act on your side,
they will destroy your enemy's pride.
My sweetie, don't you ever forget the scriptures,
His love for you is steadfast and sure and you will always be his treasure.
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