Epilogue

EJ’s Journal

May 1st

Today John was different than usual. He decided we’d take a drive, something we don’t do very often. Without a plan or a map, we drove to some where deep in the heart of France. It was a lovely drive, the top down on our convertible something-or-other, and our hair blowing in the breeze. The smell of life in the air, and the feeling of romance only France can evoke. We arrived in a small town and found a restaurant.

Beautiful is the perfect word for the place, with its beauty-laced curtains and dishes. It had dark wooden trim, with a light butter-colored paint covering the walls. The decor was practically nonexistent because it blended so well with the setting. Woven baskets held the napkins, and the waitresses had cute, white, old-fashioned dresses on, with black aprons.

Perfect was another descriptive word that came to mind.

John asked the waitress to order for him, and I stared at him. His usual practice is to interrogate the waitress about what, exactly, goes into nearly every dish. Only after this interrogation does he decide that he’ll, “just have a salad or something.”

It was not so today.

I ordered something, I don’t remember what, and looked at John. “Why’d you do that?” I asked. “Do what?” “Let her surprise you…” He shrugged. “I trust her.”

I looked at him, smirking, trying to make him admit his joke. He said nothing, and sipped his water.

Then, I decided to break the news.

“What’s your favorite thing in the world?” I asked. “Besides you?” he says with a smile. “Yes,” I sigh, “besides me.” He pauses. Thinking, I assume. “Freedom,” he decides.

“Freedom,” I breathe. “That’ll work both ways…” He looks at me inquisitively.

“Oh, nothing,” I say. “I was just trying to figure out a name for our next kid.”

I hint with my eyes, and his eyes light up. Then I see something go out in his eyes. I didn’t notice until it was gone but there was a light in his eyes. The light went out, and I could see him panicking. Then calm flooded his eyes and he flashed a huge smile.

“Double the order!” he shouted to the cook. “We’re eating for three!”

He gave me a kiss, and I realized my old John was here to stay.

June 14th

I haven’t been able to write because of the amazing transformation my life has taken! John has decided to be a “People Investor,” as he calls it. He’s going to use his money to invest in people that are looking for a big break. People that can’t go to college can’t get the necessary degrees to do what they love (or just the opportunity), so John is going to help them.

He struck a deal with his boss that will give him a management job. The best part is that he gets to stay home! He spends more time with me and the kids, and with his new passion, than he does at work!

I’m so excited because John is now attacking work more than ever, and he’s winning. He finishes his daily work by seven in the morning, and he usually will work on some kid’s future until noon, then the rest of the day is fun! I’m so happy for him! He’s finally excited about things, and he’s so much nicer! He’s always helping people, and you can tell that he’s loving it. Freedom is on the way, and John’s already looking for a bigger house. He says down south, because he thinks there’s a lot of unrecognized athletic talent.

He’s back, John the adventurous man I married. I realize now, that it’s because he trusts. He trusts in people. That’s why the People Investing business is so good for him. He has faith.

Faith is being sure of what you hope for, and certain of what you do not see.

I think trust is a little like the first step towards faith. It helps you be sure, and certain, of what lies ahead. That’s one thing my John has now.

Trust.