Daytime Prayer from the Office of the Dead by Brother Bernard Seif, SMC, EdD, DNM - HTML preview

CHAPTER 29

Chantal opened the community room door and asked Anthony to joint them.  He had obviously been crying and looked confused and upset.

“Anthony is his old self right now,” Chantal explained, “but one of his other personalities likes to lie.  What he has to tell you could be therapeutic for him.”

Anthony sat down on one of the small refectory benches near the table around which the community was gathered.

“That’s right everyone.  I learned that much when I was being treated by Doctor Fleur and I have a vague recollection of one of my alters telling you that I lived next door to Lucille Ball.  Not true.  I think my alter also mentioned that I was related to Charles Worthington, after whom Worthington State Forest at the Delaware Water Gap is named.  Also not true.

His voice wavered.  “Please forgive me for any trouble I have caused you.  I could certainly feel the tension mounting in the community and perhaps that is what triggered my shift to Dymphna and the eventual exposure of my difficulties to you.”

The community assured Anthony that there was nothing to forgive and that the main thing at this point was for him to get better.

David Gold walked through the front door, confident and strong.  “Hello everyone.  Looks like the situation is well in hand.”

“Yes Detective,” Sister Jane said.  We are grateful to you and to your lovely wife.”

“I take it that you are Anthony Vincent,” David said with a warm smile that also communicated being in charge.

“Yes sir I am.  Thank you so much for all  that you and Doctor Fleur have done.  It is truly above and beyond the call of duty.”

“Happy to do it.  Your aunt is waiting with open arms to help also.  She says you disappeared about a year ago and she has been worried sick since then.  Calls you ‘Vinnie’ by the way.”

“Yes, that’s me.  At least it’s the person I want to get back to being.  I suppose that my disappearance was around the time my alternate personalities really took over.  I have so many unaccounted for gaps in my memory, but I do remember my dear Aunt Sarah and can’t wait to see her again.”

“Then the three of us are off to Philly.”

After hugs all around, and with a blessing from the Prioress Sister Jane, David, Chantal, and Anthony drove away into the night.  Red tail lights faded as the community watched the car drive away.  A sense of relief quickly settled upon the small community and comforted each member.

Minutes later the door opened and Brother Francis walked in, looking a little frayed around the edges. 

“Hello everyone.  Anything exciting happen while I was gone?”

Sat Chit Ananda