Boswell, LaVenia (24 page)

            A priest teaching the Catholic perspective on sexuality, using the deceased Pope John Paul II letter on the topic, Theology of the Body, as a teaching tool, gave the next topic.    

            Throughout the day, which was broken into many breaks and short discussions they heard talks on domestic violence, interfaith marriage, stewardship, natural family planning, Christian family values, long term commitment, and communication.    

            There was a large table filled with multiple snacks, sandwiches, fruit, raw veggies and cookies, which Jennifer noted with a smile that had Jason and the other men hovered around whenever a break came up.  Males tended to be constantly hungry creatures she realized with a laugh.   

            “What do you find so humorous?” Jason asked, after walking over to her, before popping another mini chicken salad sandwich into his mouth.   

            “Oh, nothing much really, big guy.  Just noting how much food it takes to keep those large muscles of yours in such great shape.”  She giggled as he tried to finish chewing so he could respond, with something witty, she was sure.   

            Wiping his mouth with a napkin she offered him, his right brow raised and his eyes twinkled.  “So, my love, been noticing the big muscles, huh?”   

            Her own eyes sparkling she retorted, “You best believe it, big guy!  Noticing a lot of big, uh, things.”  With that her face flared red and she sashayed off to a small group of the ladies.    

            Jason stood grinning as she walked away.  He had a real pleased look on his face.  With a shake of his head he muttered, “Thank you God, she still notices!  Thank you Lord, I was afraid she might, you know, be too holy for things of the flesh to bother her much any more.  I appreciate You helping her get better control, when she used to drive me so crazy all the time.  But, a little interest is still enjoyed, Lord.  I guess you know a lot better than I do what we both need.”   

            Jennifer felt suddenly ashamed of what she’d said.  Excusing herself and walking to the ladies room, she prayed as she walked slowly, “Lord Jesus, I’m sorry I was off color like that with Jason.  I know the man struggles, oh he really struggles, but Lord, I do too.  Sure will be glad when we can get married.  I don’t think he can take much more, Lord.  He don’t hardly even flirt with me anymore, he’s so fearful of losing his control.  Then here I come along poking at him, teasing.  That was not charitable or kind of me, so I ask your forgiveness.  I’ll try to behave better, but Lord, it keeps getting harder and harder.  Not just the sex Lord, that part’s just a vehicle so my heart can make him part of my soul that I crave so badly.  Our bonding is what I seek now Lord.  Help me be a good woman till then.”

            Jason and Jennifer registered with a licensed instructor, as required, who taught various methods of natural Family Planning that the Church approved.  There were three sessions to complete.  They both learned a great deal and Jennifer discovered previously unknown facts about her body.    

            They were taught several different methods of natural birth control.  There was the Marquette Method, The Creighton’s F.C. System, the Couple to Couple program, the Billings Method and the Sympto-Thermal Method. 

            Jason purchased computer charting software that would color code the fertile and infertile times of Jennifer’s cycles by using the input she would provide about her basal temperature, estrogen levels, cervical mucus and cervical changes into the software.  They also obtained the electronic tester that is used in the Fertility Care System along with a year’s supply of test strips for testing estrogen levels in female urine.   

            Jason was at first fearful Jenny would be aggravated with all the new information and methods to use for their family planning, but she surprised him when she took the software and electronic tester and said, “Guess I better get started, so we’ll know what part of my cycle I’ll be in for our honeymoon.”    

            Jason added, “We can put the info in our phones too so no matter where we are your chart will be available.”  The reality of what their lives would be like together was sinking in.  Jenny and Jason both blushed as they walked hand in hand back to the car. 

            The RCIA classes were nearing the end and Jenny admitted they had opened Heaven’s doors in her mind and heart.   

            Jennifer and Jason had been fasting one day a week, seeking God’s help in the situation.  When Jason had first suggested they fast Jennifer asked him for scripture to aid her study about fasting.  That was when Jason admitted to her he’d been fasting one day and sometimes more per week, for her, every week for the past few years.  His parents knew, Father Jose knew and his siblings knew.  He’d been storming Heaven asking God to intervene in her lack of belief in Him.     

            “Look what a glorious job He did, Jen!” he stated with joy.   

            That settled it for her, if her Jason felt fasting might help their situation then she would fast, as much and as long as he suggested.  Knowing Jason’s love of food, it had been a tremendous sacrifice – all for her.  He loved her more than she knew. 

            The Bishop ended up finally approving Father Jose’s recommendation regarding Jennifer’s RCIA classes, baptism and their upcoming marriage.  Father Jose was quite happy when he was able to inform the ecstatic couple that their wedding could now take place within the Church, after her baptism and confirmation.    

            Now, the couple’s fast was over.  Again, God has intervened on their behalf and all is set for their Sacramental Marriage to be performed by Father Jose, just as Jason prayed would happen.

Preparing For A New Life . . .

16 – MANY, MANY DETAILS

A week before graduation, Jennifer was hurrying to get ready for Mass before Jason came to pick her up.  She had been talking with her mother for weeks and weeks trying to get her to attend church somewhere again.  If not her and Jason’s St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on the Northside of town, then any church she felt she might enjoy.  They had discussed the churches around their neighborhood such as Baptist,
Church
of
God
, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Assembly of God and many other denominations but none were decided upon by her mom.           

            This morning her mother surprised her by asking, “Jen, do I look okay?”  She stood in the kitchen with a pretty green suit on and a small hat on her head.    

            With her eyes wide Jennifer responded, “You look beautiful, Mom!  Where did you decide to go?”   

            “Thought I’d attend that little Baptist church over in Oceanway.  I actually enjoy smaller churches, Jen, let’s you get to know the people.”  Her mom looked a little nervous.     

            Jennifer hugged her and said, “Mom, I am so proud of you and I just know you’ll make some new friends too.  The main thing is you are going to God’s House to worship Him.  He likes that.”   

            Julian gazed at her daughter with so much love in her eyes she had to fight tears.  “I’m forever glad you met Jason.  He’s been a blessing in so many ways.  I know you two will be very happy, you’re both so religious, pray so much, and stuff.  Wish I had been braver myself, raising you.  But, God has made up for my lack.”   

            Jason rang the doorbell and Jennifer breezed into the den to kiss her dad bye and swept toward the door.  Her dad, put down his newspaper and asked before Jennifer could clear the room, “Your mom going with you kids this morning?”   

            “Huh, no, Dad.  But she is going to a Baptist church in Oceanway,” Jennifer answered and waited in case he wondered anything else. 

            Instead, she heard him snort, pick up the paper, shake it a little and mutter, “Not with the kids.  A Baptist church, huh!”              

            “Love you Dad,” she called out as she meet Jason at the door.      

            “Good bye, sir,” Jason called.   

            “Bye, son, you two
have a good day,” her dad responded, but Jenny noted a sadness in his voice and wondered what was bothering him.   

            On the way to Mass she mentioned her worry to Jason.    

            “Well, Jen, I’d be a little sad too if I was him.  After all, he loves you and in less than two weeks his only daughter will no longer live under his roof.  She’ll be a married woman with her own household.  He’s missing you already, I expect,” Jason stated.   

            Jennifer decided he was probably right.     

            Her and her mother’s dresses were ready and her dad got his tux the week before.  Her dad chose a less expensive tux but Jason purchased the kind him and his dad were wearing, a newer style, that would be used a few more times in the next year alone Jason assured them.     

            Jason told her dad his family had a tradition of giving the bride’s father a gift, in place of the old fashioned dowry.  The tux was going to be a part of that gift.  If he refused his dad would feel insulted.  After all, Jason explained in all seriousness with a stone face look, the father of the bride was the one giving his treasured pearl for another to cherish.    

            Martin didn’t seem to believe him at first, then shrugged his shoulders and said, “What the heck?  You are getting a fantastic wife, you know.  Not enough money in the world for a dowry for our Jenny.”  Her dad cast his daughter a wide, proud smile.    

            Father Jose announced to the congregation on Sunday that the next Saturday at the
five thirty
Mass Jennifer was going to be Baptized, confirmed and receive first Holy Communion.     

            She was extremely excited and a little nervous.  Her dad actually agreed to attend her Baptism along with her mom, and that part made Jenny happy, finally getting them in a church, her mom and dad together for the first time in their lives.   

            Jason’s parents were about as jubilant as Jenny about her Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion, all three in one day.  Then the following Friday would be their wedding.  Jenny hated to admit it, but she was as thrilled about one as she was the other.   

            Jason’s mother, Martha, had a very special dress designed for Jennifer’s Baptism and another dress for her to change into for her Confirmation and First Holy Communion.     

            That whole week was filled with many decisions.  Jennifer felt she was on a rollercoaster at times.  Jason was determined when they returned from their honeymoon in
Italy
that they would not come home to a house empty of furnishings.  Knowing a lot of furniture takes a few weeks for delivery they had begun weeks ago shopping and ordering.     

            Jennifer had to beg his mom, to go with them several times when searching for various pieces of furniture.  Jason was surprised Jenny seemed to like his mom’s sense of style so much.  His mother was talented, everyone knew that, but most women want their mother’s-in-law to butt out, Jenny was the opposite.  

            Jason’s dad and he had stared at each other more than once at Jennifer’s adoration of his mother’s ideas and suggestions.  They’d assumed that Jennifer would detest interference in decorating her home.  They didn’t know Jenny felt far inferior to make such long lasting and expensive choices without an eye from a professional – Martha.    

            Martha had been an art major and had interior design experience before she’d met and married Edward.  She decorated her own home beautifully and had been hired by several well established or famous families over the years to design their interior houses too.