Mod-Blog.Creative Writing

A Call from the Road
by Will Sarris and Mark Chesner

That's when the car broke down. Yeah, just our luck__ Joseph said the mechanic was saying something about the "timing belt", which is apparently a big deal. I don't see why it should cost so much, there was only a small explosion.

Joseph? He's so sweet. Right now he is building a cradle for the baby__ He's even making it in the shape of a manger, isn't that just the cutest? You wouldn't believe how nice he was mamma. I mean, after we got the car towed and we got to the motel, the innkeeper said they didn't have any rooms available. Well, at least none that would be private. I think there was one room that had a bed, but there were 4 other people staying in that room. Yes, very crowded__and noisy__and the next morning there were arguments over whose donkey slept where and__.

Oh, we ended up in the stable. The stay-bull, mother. Yes, the place they put all the animals. Now, mamma, don't say that! I know it is not as sanitary as the hospital, but it was the best we could do. I told you, there were no rooms. It was late, and the baby was coming, we needed someplace warm and private right away. It got a roof over our head, and four walls to keep out the wind. The animals weren't a problem at all. They were actually very quite and respectful. Until Joseph stepped on the roosterm, anyway__

He was so calm, Mamma, I mean it must have been so scary__ how must he feel? First, he finds out I'm pregnant, then I tell him it is the Son of God.. Mother, don't start that again, we've been over this__ And that dream he had must have meant something__ I mean, I had an angel appear to me, too, and I can tell you, it was no googly eyed cute cherub with fluffy wings! The angel was huge! __ No, not fat! More like a giant or maybe Arnold Schwartzenegger__ Joseph must have been so scared__ I mean, when I saw him the next day he was still in shock. No. Yes, I am SURE it was not just a bad hair day for him, Mother!

Then, just before the baby is ready to be born, he gets official notice that we have to travel down to Bethlehem for a census and some stupid tax. Doesn't the emperor already have enough money? The whole way down there, we were freaking out wondering when the baby would come. We just get there and the car breaks down and, right on cue, I go into labor__ And by the way, you never told me how much that hurts! It was awful! Why didn't you at least... Yes, mom, I was just getting back to the stable.

He was great when the time came - he was so calm. Well, calm while he was talking to me anyway. I think I heard him yelling at God between the Lamaze coaching. Then the baby came, and he was so beautiful. Joseph wrapped him up in some clean clothes we had packed for the trip, and he laid him in the manger. Yes, mother, he made sure the hay was clean. Yes, mother, we made sure the cows weren't offended.

Oh, and then there were the visitors! They said angels came and told them to come see the baby, that he was the Son of God. Yes, mother, it was a little weird. But we just had to let them come in, when they told us about the heavenly choir. I had one angel, but they said there were__well, a lot of them anyway__I mean, those shepherds were so gentle and reverent__ I had to let them hold Him. Oh no, mamma, there was nothing to worry about. They were so tender. So filled with awe, actually, I think they were kind of scared. It is really strange to see these macho men just tear up and melt when they saw the baby. And on the way out they were singing! Most were off key, but they were so excited, I mean__ it was... painful actually. Shepherds can't carry a tune in a bucket.

They chatted with Joseph for a while before they left. I think they gave him advice. I mean, they know what happens after birth right? Apparently, it's right around lambing time now. "Lambing," mom. Little lambs. You know__

Don't worry mamma, we're not going to be on the road while I'm recovering. Well, we can't leave right now. The car's still in the shop. Besides, I think Joseph is worried about money. I think he ended up using all his savings just to get here and pay the tax. He is a good carpenter, and I am sure he can find work down here. With so many people passing thru, they're talking about building some more hotels and maybe a Wal-Mart or two. Yes, mother, I know it is hard to find work back home. No, he hasn't tried the lottery, and I'm not going to suggest it. I don't care that Uncle Morty won $3 last week.

Oops! Do you hear that beep, Mom? That means my time is up. I have got to go, I don't have another quarter. No, really, I have got to go! They're going to cut us off. Yes, I promise next time I'll call collect. Yes, I promise to send some pictures of little Jesus as soon as we have them. Mom, I really have to go. They're... Yes... No... I love you, Mom. Give Elizabeth and little Johnny my love.

I'll call you again next week. No, don't worry about the baby, Mom. I think he's had enough excitement for one lifetime. Chances are the rest of his days will be boring and uneventful.

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