Kelly's Journey (Revised) Chapter 2: Revelations By Stanman63 Edited By Nora Adrienne with Special Thanks To Terry Naut and to Heather Rose Brown for the Illustration! After the funeral, Kelly and her momma start dealing with their loss as they mourn the death of Kelly's daddy. On the way to visit relatives, Kelly discovers a few things about herself. While at her Grandparents farm, she discovers an uncle she never knew she had, and her aunt holds a secret in her heart.

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* * *

When we got home from the funeral, we stopped outside of the Wood’s Guest House. We had returned with the Woods to their home. When we were sitting on the patio, they made Momma an offer that she was happy to accept.

"Terri, I know that your old place is a bit much for you two ever since Stu died. Please move into the Guest House and sell Stu's," offered Mister Woods. ['Stu, you died way too soon, my friend.']

Then Momma began to tear up at the kind offer, "You're right, but according to Stu's will, I am to keep it for Kelly. We decided that when we bought it, and now it's paid for along with his log cabin. Living there will remind me of Stu, but I must do as he asked. Even if it hurts me." ['Stu, what can I do?']

"Then at least accept the Guest House as yours, Terri. Please, do it for us. There's no need to sell Stu's place," pleaded Mrs. Woods. ['Will she accept?']

"Very well, you two, but it'll be a chore to move the furniture," Momma surrendered in grace. ['That, I can do.']

Then Johnny spoke up, "Uh uh! The Guest House is fully furnished, Mrs. Moore.

Then Julie spoke up too, "Yeah, Mrs. Moore, we kids play there, all the time, right Kelly?"

"Right, Julie," I sighed. ['We've had so much fun there, lot'sa fun, too.']

"Then I guess that you three urchins will be needing a new playhouse," added Mister Woods.

"Yay!" we chorused.

"OK, you scoundrels, I accept, but we will need to get our things, unless you have already got them, that is." ['Did Stu arrange for this, and forgot to tell me?']

"Yep, while we were gone, I had your stuff brought over, and Stu's place cleaned from top to bottom."

"Stu arrange this with you, and forget to tell me? I'd hate to take the Guest House from you."

"No, but you can live here, and let your place be the new Guest House."

"Then, I offer Stu's as OUR Guest House," Momma declared.

"OK. Let's go out and celebrate at one of my restaurants."

Then we headed off to dine out and when we got home, I slept with Momma again to keep nightmares away.

* * *

Momma took me up to see her parents and her sister Debbie because she needed their support and comfort now that she was a widow. We were in her black Pinto wagon heading to Grandpa's farm when we stopped at a rest stop for a toilet stop.

['I don't know how my son will react when I tell him the news, *sigh*, Please, LORD. Give me the Wisdom that I need to break the news.'] "Kelly, they are worried about us, they want us to move in with them."

"But, Momma, I don't wanna move. I love the Woods." ['Johnny, I'll miss you most of all if we move.']

I know, but now that I'm a widow, they think that I shouldn't stay in that old house." ['They mean well, but I must not let them take Kelly away from his friends.']

"Don't they know that the Woods gave us the Guest House?" ['Is that why? Sheesh!! We have a nice place to live.']

"No, they don't. They think that since I sold our old home that I needed the money and those we live in an apartment. They don't know that I still have the house, and that we live in the Guest House." ['Living there would be way too much; we both needed a fresh start that the Woods gave us.']

"Well, if they saw the Woods Estate and our new home there, they'd be surprised. ['Especially at our new home. The balcony outside my bedroom makes a great place to camp out under the stars.']

"True, Bozo, true." ['Kelly always loved that clown.']

"If I'm Bozo The Clown, does that make you Ronald MacDonald?" ['Well, my favorite 'jimmies look like his costume.']

"Kelly, I'm a girl, not a guy," she replied haughtily.

"Then you could be Ronnie MacDonald, his daughter," I giggled.

* * *

When my grandparents, and Aunt Debbie learned about Daddy's death, they were astounded, to find that Daddy had died. They were away, on a vacation to Florida when they found out. That's why they didn't come to the funeral.

"Hello, I am Debbie Moore, Who's calling please?"

"Miss Moore, I am Pastor Patrick, Stu's Pastor."

"Well, if you're looking for my brother, he didn't come with us."

"Ma'am, I know, I have news about Stu," he sighed.

Aunt Debbie gasped, "Oh no! What's wrong with my big brother?" [He should've come with us on this vacation, but said that he was needed. Has his selfless ways finally hurt him?']

"He died while on duty, saving a baby from a burning building," he choked out. ['Oh Stu. Why did you have to be the one?']

"NOOO!!!"

Granny held her while Grandpa took the receiver, "WHO IN THE HELL HAS HURT MY DAUGHTER!!"

"Joe Moore, I am Pastor Patrick."

"Patty, what did you tell Debbie?"

"It's your son-in-law, Stu," he sighed. ['Why, Lord, oh why must I tell them? I hate this part of my job!']

"Stu Moore died while saving a baby from a burning building, earlier tonight. He died a hero," he wept. ['I hope that justice is served Lord. Terri and Kelly deserve no less. Please help them, my Lord. I can't.']

Grandpa let out a howl of rage, "I'm sorry, Patty. But Stu was like a son to me. I adopted him when his parents died when he was a toddler," he sighed.

"I know, Joe. He was a big help in the Church, he was loved by all."

"When is the funeral?"

"This Friday at 4:P.M."

"There's no way that we can be there. We're out to sea. Good thing that I brought this satellite phone."

"OK. I'll do what I can here. Should I tell Terri?"

"No, she knows where we are, and that we'll be back next Saturday."

"OK, I've got to get ready for the funeral, Joe. Take care of Lizzie Jane, and Debbie, please."

"Bye, Patty."

Then, Grandpa went to check on Aunt Debbie, who was crying as Granny held her, "Momma, [sob] what'll we do without Stu? [sob] I owe him so much!"

Granny wiped her eyes, "I know, Princess. But you need to be thinking about your sister Terri, and Kelly."

She looked up, "Sorry, Momma, for being so selfish. But Stu was the first one to accept me for who I am. How do I honor him, now?"

Grandpa hugged her, "Pumpkin, we can honor him by helping other girls like you. You are a beautician, why not give discounts to other girls like you?"

"I do that already, Poppa, I also want to be a counselor, and sell the special appliances that girls like me need. But I am not ready, yet," she sighed.

"None of us are, but we can get you ready. What all do you need?" ['My second daughter needs to start flying now, but I still fear for her.']

"A building, supplies, and a chance to take the tests, as well as getting the permits."

"When we get back home, we'll get you set up. It's high time for you to be ready."

"Are you kicking me out?"

Grandpa kissed her on the forehead, "Never, Debbie. I made a vow to your brother to care for you. If I hadn't of stayed home that Halloween, you would still be Brian. I failed you then, NEVER again!" he declared.

"Debbie, can you do this? Are the nightmares over?"

"Yes, Momma. That cad, linden may have hurt me, but I will NOT let him take away my life!" [' Sad that he also split his Church.']

"Then after we are home, we will get you set up, and I want for you to learn self defense, Debbie."

She smirked, "OK, Daddy, but I'm already taking Karate, and Judo," ['He'll be pleased to know that.']

"Good, and then you are ready to start living."

* * *

Let me tell you about the Guest House; it's built over a four door car garage with each of the four doors housing two cars. The Woods have a camper and camping trailer in the first one, Mister Woods' Thunderbird and Mrs. Woods' Aerostar in the next one. The third one is for car maintenance and repair. The last one is for Momma's Pinto wagon and everybody's bikes.

The Guest House itself is accessed by stairways on both sides of the garage and a rear stairway in back. The right hand stairway leads into the living room and the left hand into the kitchen. Our bedrooms and bathroom are in the rear where the bodacious balcony is. Momma and I have spent many a summer night there stargazing and sleeping in our sleeping bags.

* * *

Then while we were laughing, a Catholic Priest and Nun came up to us, "Hello, my name is Father Peter Downing and this is my assistant, Sister Mary Angello." ['It is good to see a family laughing in these sad times.'] Then he held out his hand.

Then Momma took his hand, squeezed it and let go, "I am Mrs. Terri Lynn Moore, and this little rascal is my son, Kelly Lee." [He could be Santa Claus and she an elf, her being so tiny like me.']

"We have a Chapel here for weary travelers, would you like to come?" asked Sister Mary. ['I can see sorrow in their eyes, yet they are full of laughter. Only True Love can do that.']

I tugged on Momma's arm, "Please, Momma, I'd like to see the Chapel." ['Pastor Patrick would love to come here. I wanna see it and give a good report.']

Then Momma smiled at me, "Well, I don't see why not." Then she looked at Sister Mary, "We are grateful for your kindness, I was recently widowed and we are going to visit relatives," she sighed.

Then Father Downing placed a gentle hand upon my Momma's shoulder, "Dear child, to be widowed at such a young age with a child to raise is a tragedy. We will help you as much as we can." ['So much like my sister who died last year. Oh, how I miss her.']

"Thank you, Father, my son Kelly and I miss my husband, Stuart." ['There'll never be another man like him.']

"How did your husband die?" ['Dear God, please not a drunkard, that's how my sister died, run over by a drunkard.']

Then I spoke up, "Daddy died saving a baby from a fire. He died a hero." ['Daddy, YOU are MY hero.']

"Yes, Kelly, a hero, if only he had lived," turning to the Priest, "Father, why did Stu have to die? Why didn't God save him?" ['Lord, I need some reassurance in this, my Faith is weak.']

"My child, I don't have the answer, and I will not try to give any pat answers. But do you blame God?" ['I have seen so many turn bitter towards God from such pain that at times I dread my calling.']

"No, [sigh] not really. I just need an answer." ['At least he is honest, very much like Pastor Patrick.']

"Ask Him for the answer," he replied pointing up to Heaven.

"Momma, maybe God took Daddy up so that he can watch over us." ['Hope I can help Momma.']

Kneeling down before me, she placed both of her hands upon my shoulders, "You believe that?" ['Dear God, are you using my son to comfort me? Thank you.']

I smiled at momma with tears in my eyes, "Uh huh, ever since the funeral, I've felt that Daddy was watching over us, in my heart." ['Daddy, I miss you something awful you know.']

Then tears started flowing freely down my momma's now worry free face," Oh, Kelly. I've needed to hear that ever since your daddy passed on! I can never thank you enough for freeing my heart of its pain." ['Thank you, Lord, for Kelly.']

I too started crying, "Your welcome, Momma," we hugged each other as our hearts were refreshed.

Then I heard the others crying, "My child, never have I seen such a pure and simple display of Love! I have needed to see that ever since my sister died. You have helped to restore my Faith. Thank you." ['Oh Lord, you have chosen a child to lead me back to you.']

"Yes, Kelly. Father Downing was about to retire, now I daresay that he will continue to serve."

"Indeed I shall."

Then Momma carried me over to the Priest and he gently took me in his arms, "My sister, Veronica, Daphne, was run over by a drunk driver as she was escorting children to the playground at the nursery where she worked. Her husband, Alexander Murray Scott, was in the seminary studying to be a Methodist Pastor."

"Yes, poor Al was left without Hope, so he quit and went back to his father's business as a carpenter."

"Is there a way that I can help him?"

Then from the nearby Visitors Building came a most happy voice, "Don't worry about me, young man, what you just said spoke to my heart. Now I am ready to go back." ['It took a child's simple Faith to renew mine, Thank you, God.']

Then I saw a man about Daddy's size with black hair, blue eyes, wearing a red sweat suit, "Thanks, Kelly, for opening my heart again." ['Such a sweet boy and his mother are pretty too.']

"You're welcome, but I did nothing," I blushed.

By that time, we were on the front steps of the Chapel; the outside was made to look like a log cabin with a wooden shingle roof. Whoever built it was a craftsman because I could see attention to detail that only the best could create.

"Nonsense, Kelly! By your words, you have helped me to Hope again. Without your coming here, I'd never have wanted to go back." ['This child is so selfless and giving, God, please, protect him.']

Then the Priest looked at him with renewed Hope in his eyes, "You mean?" [Has the Lord used Kelly to bring us both back?']

"Yes, my brother. I'm returning to the fold," then they hugged deeply.

"This is a truly Blessed day!!"

Then we went into the tiny Chapel. The wooden paneling and stained glass windows gave it an air of peace and quiet. We were led to Father Downing's office behind the pulpit where there was a buffet set out for us.

Momma was looking at the marvelous china with awe, "Father Downing, your Chapel is beautiful. I can see why you are here. And Sister Mary must be a wonderful help." [I'm glad that Kelly wanted to come.']

"Thank you, we love it here ourselves. Would anyone wish to pray?" ['I can see that Kelly is a loving child, to lose his father and still love shows a truly strong spirit.']

['I wanna thank God for today.'] "May I pray, please?"

"Go ahead and pray, Kelly," said Sister Mary for a weeping Father Downing.

"Jesus, thank you for Father Downing, Sister Mary, Mister Scott, and for lunch. Momma and I miss Daddy; please help us to cope, I Love You! Amen."

"Kelly, [sniff, sniff] the Lord will most definitely say 'yes' to your prayer, [sniff, sniff], Father Downing wept. ['The prayers of a child's pure heart thank you for Kelly.']

"Why are you crying, Father? Was it something that I said?" ['I seem to be making a lot of people cry.']

"Kelly, you and your Mother remind me of my sister. She died a year ago." ['I still miss you, sis.']
Then Momma spoke up, "How sad for you, we know your grief. As you know, my husband was a policeman; he died saving a baby boy from a building." ['Funny how talking about it now I am more at peace.']

"Were there any harsh words spoken that you regret?" ['Such a fiery spirit, Scotty needs her and she needs him.']

"The only thing that Momma and I regret is that Daddy was called in to replace a sick policeman."

"You're lucky, my sister Angela and I had a bitter fight before she was run over. Now I can't ask her for forgiveness.

Then, Scotty and Sister Mary both placed a comforting hand upon his shoulders, "Brother, my sister forgave you before she left to safeguard the children. You weren't ready to accept her forgiveness, are you now?"

Yes, Scotty, I am," then turning to Sister Mary, "I guess that I've been a bit pigheaded, haven't I?"

"A bit, Peter, but now you're back on track, and even during your grief, you served admirably."

"Thanks, Mary, but I'd still like to say Goodbye to her," he sighed.

"Then why not let me be her stand-in?" ['I know that Stu won't mind, besides, this way I can say Goodbye to him.']

"Thank you. Sissy, can you forgive me for not trusting you?"

"I forgive you, Big Brother. Can you forgive me for being so stubborn?"

"Always, Sissy, Always," they hugged and wept as healing tears freely flowed.

After that, we ate lunch and cleaned up, Father Downing led us back to Momma's Pinto, "Thank you, Mrs. Moore, for letting me get closure with my sister."

"Glad to be of service, Father, and thanks for letting me say Goodbye to Stu."

"But what about, Kelly?"

"Don't worry, Father, I said goodbye at the funeral."

* * *

Then we headed on to Grandpa's. On the road, I saw lots of different types of farms, but none were like Grandpa's. His was a combination of different types. It was always fun to visit because there were always baby farm animals to play with, and I even had me a Shetland Pony to ride when I was little named Midnight due to her all black coat.

"That Priest is a nice man, almost like Daddy, Momma."

"I know, sweetheart, it was like being with your Daddy again for me."

"Is that why you agreed to pretend to be his sister?"

"I'm not really sure, all that I know is that I'm glad that I did it."

Then I saw the farm, "Look, Momma. Grandpa's farm! Looks like he's been busy building a new barn."

"Knowing him, more than one," she smiled as she remembered her dad's busy ways.

As we turned into the driveway, I could see a new barn and a greenhouse next to it. Grandpa Joe was always busy and Granny was too. They may have been retired, but they still worked on their farm.

As we parked, Granny ran up to the Pinto and hugged us both as we got out. "Welcome home, Lynn . It's been too long, follow me to the house," exclaimed Granny. Then she turned and led us to the farmhouse.

"Thanks, Momma. It feels good to be home."

"And this must be Kelly. My, you are a wee thing."

Momma saw me about to tear up, "Now, Momma, please don't make fun of him. I don't want him to be hurt by name calling."

Then Granny knelt before me and gave me a hug, "Kelly, I didn't mean to hurt you, it's just that you look like your Momma when she was your age."

"That's O.K., Grandma, I like looking like Momma, but please don't get a dress out for me, I smirked. ['I'll teach her *wee thing*, chuckle.']

"Why not, Kelly, I've got your Mom's stuff put away." ['I can tell that he's setting me up, might as well go with it, giggle.']

"Because I am a boy, want to see?" ['Gotcha!!']

"KELLY!! You scamp!! I guess that I deserve that!!" she laughed. Then she gathered me up in her arms and hugged me, "You are so much like your mom, it's like seeing her grow up again." ['Just like my daughter, Kelly has that silly side that loves to spread happiness.']

Then Grandpa arrived, carrying a pail filled with ears of corn for our lunch, "I agree, Lizzie. Kelly is Lynn as a boy." ['Stu and Linn did a very good job of raising Kelly so far, but will she accept our help? Stubborn girl.']

Then I noticed that I had no uncles. Daddy was an only child, and his parents had died when he was a baby, so Granny and Grandpa adopted him, "Grandpa, why didn't you have a boy? I wish that I had an uncle to play with," I sighed

Then I hear them cry as Grandpa handed the corn to Granny as he picked me up, "We had a son, Kelly, [sniff, sniff] but he isn't here now", Grandma sighed. ['Lord, the pain is still fresh, but it's time for him to know.']

Then I looked all around, "Where is he then?" ['I wonder if he's he a Park Ranger like Daddy wanted to be.']

Then Grandpa let me down as Aunt Debbie paled in fright, "Oh, he's here now, want to see him?" ['Debbie, be strong my child, he doesn't know.']

I saw Granny and Momma try to comfort Aunt Debbie as she wept, "Sure Grandpa, what's wrong with Auntie?" ['If he's here why is she so afraid? Maybe they had a fight.']

Then he led us to a small fenced in garden with a stone cross embedded in the ground. On the cross was written an inscription:

* * *
Jonathan Murray Moore
Born March 1, 1966 Died October 31, 1980
Beloved Son And Brother
* * *
"What happened?"

Everybody was crying when Aunt Debbie came up, "It was a terrible accident that took my brother's life. [sniff, sniff] We still mourn his loss," she wept. ['How can I help him with his loss? Will he become Kelly girl? I see the signs.']

Then I started to tear up as I thought about Daddy, "Like my daddy?" ['Jesus, why was he killed? Was he a Police Officer like Daddy?']

Then Grandpa responded with a whisper because he was hoarse from crying, "Yes, but unlike your daddy, my son Jon was attacked by other boys, he died from the attack." ['There's no need to tell Kelly why, he's too young to understand.']

Then I balled up my tiny hands into fists and made like I was punching someone, "Were they punished?" ['Daddy had instilled in me the concept of 'Right and Wrong'.']

Then his voice grew firm and hard, "Your Grandpa made sure they were." ['Debbie, you were born when Jon died, if I'd been there, you would still be Jon.']

Then Grandpa picked me up and hugged me, "I did it only after they got out without being punished. I couldn't let them get away with it," he sighed. ['Only Debbie's voice kept me from killing them, as it is, they died soon after in prison.']

"You mean like that policeman that caused Daddy to die?"

"Exactly, but that cop is not in prison, or is he?" ['If I'd been there, I'd have thrashed him, but good. As it is, I've made sure that no farmer up here will hire him.']

Then while looking at the marker, an idea came to me, "May I say something to my Uncle Jon?" ['I know that Daddy will like what I'm about to do.']

"Sure, sweetheart," replied Grandma as Aunt Debbie smiled at me as momma opened the gate for me.

Then Grandpa let me down, and I came up to the cross, "Uncle Jon, I guess that you're up in Heaven with my Daddy, looking down on us. I wish that I could've met you; I think that you, I and Daddy would've had fun playing. Bye now."

When I turned around, I saw everybody crying again, then Aunt Debbie picked me up and we all headed to the farmhouse, "Thanks Kelly, Jon was my twin brother." ['Now I will look after you, because I can tell that in time you will become Kelly girl.']

['I wonder if he was like Daddy.']

Was he like you?"

"Yes, very much like me."

Then we headed back to the house for dinner, as we entered, Grandpa asked, "Should I boil or nuke the corn?"

"Just put them in the pot after you shuck 'em. And put shucks in the can for the hogs," ordered granny. ['He knows what to do, the scoundrel.']

Then Grandpa saluted Granny, "Should I do any push ups, Sarge?" he asked in a mocking tone. ['She's still my sweetheart after all this time, I was lucky to find her in Basic Training. One of the few good things to come out of the Vietnam War for me.']

"No, but you are to report to my quarters tonight, Soldier." ['After all this time, the old goat can still excite me, too bad I couldn't have more children after Terri, but cancer ended that for me.']

Then momma exclaimed, "MOMMA!! Please remember that Kelly is a baby!!" ['Those two are still active after all this time, no wonder they are so young at heart.']

Then Granny giggled, "I doubt that he knows what I mean, Terri."

But Grandpa chuckled back, "Don't be too sure you two, he was smiling after you ordered me to bed." ['Guess she forgot about how smart our kids were, the rascals.']

Then Momma looked at me with a smirk, "Well, Sport?" ['I learned not to take him for granted when he learned to talk.']

Then I smiled sheepishly, "Momma, Grandpa is to report to Granny for some cuddling," then I looked at Granny, "Sorry, Granny, but I may be a kid, but I know because Momma and Daddy used to play 'Cop and Convict' in their room."

"KELLY! THAT'S NOT TO BE SAID AGAIN!!" Momma giggled.

"Yes Momma," I smirked as my grandparents laughed at us.

After dinner, Momma and I went home with loads of Grandma's and Aunt Debbie's cooking. After we put everything up, we went to bed, grateful for the visit.

* * *

Momma hated having to work as much as she did, she wanted to be there for me, but since Daddy died, she was responsible for paying the bills. Even though she could have stayed home and let the Woods support us, she couldn't do that and live with herself.

But the first night that Momma came in late was when I started to finally deal with my grief. I was with Julie and Johnny When it happened. We were playing outside when my clothes got muddy after I fell as we played catch. I can still remember Mrs. Woods face when she saw me.

"KELLY, WHAT HAPPENED??" [As if I can't see, she laughed to herself.]

"I fell in the mud, Mrs. Woods." I laughed. [I don't think that she's mad at me.]

"Well, child, get your muddy self to the shower and clean up."

"But, I don't have anything to wear except for spare undies."

"Don't worry, you can borrow from Julie or Johnny, Now get to the shower." she giggled.

I learned that Mrs. Woods was thinking about my small size compared to Johnny; [Kelly is so small that Johnny's clothes are way too big, but Julie and Kelly are the same size. Looks like it's Julie's clothes. Good thing that she has some that she tore up. Won't take long to mend.]

Then she began sewing on Julie's torn clothes when Julie came to her, "Whatcha doing Mom?"

I'm fixing a few of your torn tops and shorts for Kelly."

"Cool, can I help?"

"If you don't mind, please sort out the plain tops and shorts, no lace or ribbons."

"Sure, Mom. Only my dresses and skirts have lace or ribbons on them."

When I got out of the shower, Mrs. Woods helped me to dry off, and then led me to her bedroom where I donned my briefs Then I went to the bathroom where she was waiting for me," Here you go, Kelly, we have a nice outfit for you and It’s not the least bit girly."

"Cool Mrs. Woods. I don't mind Julie or you wearing lace, but not me," I laughed.

Then I donned the white top and shorts. Even though they were girl’s clothes, they looked like boys to me.

"We have another shirt for you to sleep in of Johnny's, for you."

"Why a shirt?"

"You have no pajamas here, that's why."

"Oh."

That night, I slept peacefully with my friends. The Woods were ready for me to have a nightmare that night, but wearing Julie's clothes helped me.

* * *

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To Be Continued...