Martin lay his head on his desk and said a silent prayer. 'God help me stay strong for my family.' He kept his head down, hoping for some piece of mind.
The doorbell jerked him back to reality. He stood and cursed, but headed for the door.
"Sign here, sir." Said the UPS man. Martin signed and then the large box was lowered to the floor from a dolly.
It was addressed to him, so he decided to dig right in. The return address was unknown to him; somewhere in CA.
On the very top of the inside was a manila envelope. He dumped it out onto the packing peanuts. It was one piece of paper and a cashier's check.
The check was made out to him and was for $52,269. The memo said, 'Thanks for the loan! Sorry it took so long to repay. I included interest. Call me if you need anything.'
The check was signed 'Stuart H Christian'.
Martin didn't remember the name, but did remember that loan. He had been single and was very comfortable and his best friend had needed a loan to start a business. He gave him the money, the business tanked and his friend disappeared without a word.
"Wow!" He jumped up, did a dance and kissed the check. He then folded in and slid it into his wallet, needing to see what else was in the box.
Back on the floor, he began to separate peanuts. There were gift boxes of all sizes and to each family member, but he was going to open them first. He didn't need anymore disappointed faces.
His wife had received a diamond tennis bracelet and a gift certificate for $5000 to her favorite mall and a gift card to their local grocery. A sticker said it was for $5000 as well. He re-wrapped his wife's gift.
His son, Bobby, had received an iPad and a gift certificate for clothes and other needs. He re-wrapped his son's gift.
His daughter had received an iPad, as well, and the same gift certificate.
At the bottom was a flat box with his name. He opened it and saw the college photo of him and Jerry Stevens. He had changed his name to Christian!
The doorbell rang again and it was a limo driver with their family dog they had relinquished on the weekend. It was the worst day of his life so far, watching his kids in agony at the loss of their pet. He dropped to his knees and cried hugging the dog to him. They were soon rolling on the floor.
The limo driver cleared his throat. "Mr Christian would like to say hello, sir."
"Yes! Should i come out?"
"No, sir. He will come to you."
It was the face of his college chum, but the demeanor of a very powerful man.
They embraced and the pounded each others backs and laughed.
"I timed it well, I see. May I come in?"
"Yes, yes!" He stood back and let him enter, followed by a small entourage. They sat in the living room and he hugged his dog again.
"Thank you for getting Hank back for us. We couldn't afford to feed him any more."
Christian nodded. "That won't be a problem anymore . A man handed him a gift card for Petsmart and then offered to feed the dog now from the bag he was carrying.
Martin nodded and thanked him as he walked with the Great Dane.
"Who are you now?"
His old friend laughed. "Ever heard of 'Engine Feed'?"
Martin nodded.
"I am 'Engine Feed'."
"Holy crap, man! Congratulations and thanks for the repayment ."
"Sorry it took so long, but glad it can help now."
The door slammed open and the kids and his wife came in excitedly. Martin hugged them all and then they all cried when Hank woofed and ran into the room. They became a ball of fun and fur, laughs and tears.
Then they opened gifts, oblivious to the strangers, it seemed. All sat there gaping and then all eyes turned to Christian.
"From you?" His wife asked the stranger.
"Yes, but it is thanks to your husband that I could do it. He loaned me money many years ago for a biz. It failed and I never paid him back. My next biz succeeded and I paid him back today but I am not through yet"
"If you don't mind, I would like to spend a few hours here and share some things." They all nodded.
"Okay! Better wash up then! Time for snacks first!" All left to clean up and get out of school and work clothes.
They hurried back to a table set with a spread of delights. They all ate while he talked, picking brains as he chatted. He would nod or point to a staff member when something was said.
Hours passed. "Before i leave. Lets tie up a few loose ends."
A man handed them ownership papers for the house and the car. Then he handed car keys to Martin.
"A car?" Christian nodded.
"Hope you still like the make !" He laughed. Martin looked out at a new Volvo.
"Thank you and yes I do!"
The lawyer continued to hand papers to the wife: health insurance, Vet care, everything they would need to get through a year, while Martin got back on his feet in the job market.
"One last thing, Martin. Hear you might be interested in a job."
Martin sat down. " Yes, anything"
"We will be opening a location here in six months and I need a front man and a CEO. You up for it?"
" Absolutely!" They talked for awhile and then Christian and his staff bid them good night and good luck. They all stood at the door way and waved good bye.
He and his wife made a fire after the kids went to bed and just looked at each other.
Martin said, "I prayed to day." He looked at his wife again.
"Wow! What did you ask for?"
"Strength to help me hold up for you guys."
"So, none of this stuff?"
"No, no... God doesn't do 'things'." They both laughed and fell asleep in front of the fire, Hank as their pillow.
He and his wife made a fire after the kids went to bed and just looked at each other.
Martin said, "I prayed to day." He looked at his wife again.
"Wow! What did you ask for?"
"Strength to help me hold up for you guys."
"So, none of this stuff?"
"No, no... God doesn't do 'things'." They both laughed and fell asleep in front of the fire, Hank as their pillow.
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