Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: REDEEM (03/03/22)
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TITLE: All Things Made New | Previous Challenge Entry
By Philippa Geaney
03/10/22 -
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The looks, the wins on the board, impeccable family connections, and the money.
And James, of course, agreed. Although he doubted family connections played a significant role in his success.
As heir-apparent in their highly successful law firm, his parents wondered if they had failed to exemplify their Christian values sufficiently.
Andrew Johnson had fought for survival since birth. His unmarried, drug-dependent mother had little interest in him as a child, making his educational record sketchy and his home-cooked meals non-existent.
He’d stayed out of jail and managed a passing grade into adulthood with help from a local youth group, his uncanny intelligence, and a few days of school attendance.
The only thing these young men had in common was that their worlds were about to collide
A year ago, James Wendel-Clarke didn’t believe in coincidence. He still didn’t, but many associates did on that fateful day twelve months ago.
While Andrew Johnson, coming from the school of hard knocks and Pastor Mike’s teachings, believed all things worked together for the good of them that loved the Lord.
Therefore on that watershed day, James suspected nothing when Ava, his assistant, leaned around the door saying, ‘James, your father asked to see you immediately.’
‘It’s about that pro bono case for sure.’ James grimaced. ‘I’ve told him to stop. There’s no money in them.’
Ava raised her brows in neutrality as James marched down the hall, passing a waiting client on the way.
‘Father, you’re still wasting your time ….’
He stopped abruptly at the sight of two plain-clothed detectives sitting in the lounge area
‘Son,’ His father indicated towards the seated men. ‘Detectives Ryan and Gleeson here have delivered some disturbing personal news. Join us, please.’
James frowned but sat as both Detectives eyed him thoughtfully.
‘I’ve spoken to your parents, James, about a case involving the Oakville Maternity Hospital and a recently deceased midwife.’
Detective Ryan had taken the lead.
‘It turns out that upon the Midwife’s passing,’ he flipped his notebook pages, ‘from lung cancer.'
'The deceased instructed her solicitor to forward a letter to the police, in which she named the parents of two infant boys born within moments of each other, on September One, 1990, and on whom she’d deliberately switched armbands, ID tapes on their backs, and bassinette identifications.
‘Her reasoning was retaliation against the hospital over her forced resignation due to illness.’
The detective looked up. ‘She named your parents and one other single mother.’
He waited before continuing.
‘Taking advisement, the hospital has requested DNA sampling from all parties. The other mother has recently passed, although that shouldn’t be a problem as the son hasn’t discarded her possessions yet.
‘I believe you are telling us that we may have another son somewhere, Officer.’
‘Yes, Mrs. Wendel-Clarke, it’s very likely.’
James’ father shook his head. ‘It can’t be. This sad woman’s dying wish could only have been an effort to create a great deal of falsehood and anguish.’
‘Do you know anything about him, Officer?’ Mrs. Wendel-Clarke’s voice was barely audible.
‘Coincidentally,’ Ryan said, ‘the gentleman is in your waiting room right now. He chose this firm with no prior knowledge other than your pro bono policy for his legal advice. He’s still unaware of your involvement.
‘Perhaps, you might all speak and decide on a way forward,’ the detective nodded to his offsider, who left the room.
Detective Gleeson stood back on returning, allowing the young man to enter. James’s mother gasped in shock.
She was staring at a mirror image of her husband.
James Wendel-Clarke Senior and his wife shed many tears over the lost years when the DNA results matched theirs with Andrew Johnson. They couldn’t redeem the lost time, but they trusted their Heavenly Father to redeem the future.
James Wendel-Clarke suffered severe shock. It became clear that he would not be the man he was without his parents.
His pride raged, but eventually, he acknowledged his escape from a lost life and asked their forgiveness. Love and grace towards him remained unchanged.
Andrew Johnson kept his name, but he knew he’d been reborn. From an orphan soul into a functional family who extended love, respect, and care. As time passed, their relationship grew deep.
Eventually, Andrew’s street smarts became invaluable, particularly to James, in the many investigative cases, pro bono included, that came their way.
Scripture Romans 8:28 Ps 103:4
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Excellent writing. Your story flowed smoothly. It was clearly written and communicated.
The main characters were introduced quickly and enough background for me to know them.
Great beginning and ending.