Waiting to Believe Read Online Free PDF

Kenneth exploded with joy, his hands slapping the table.
    â€œWhoa!” Maureen exclaimed. At fourteen, that thought was inconceivable.
    Bridget’s mouth opened wide in astonishment but no words came out. Instead, tears sprang to her eyes. Rose paled instantly, her hands flying to her throat. Only Kenneth displayed pleasure, grinning widely.
    â€œWhy would you do that?” Gerald asked. Even he was sobered by his sister’s announcement.
    â€œIt’s hard to say. I’ve known for a long time that I want to do something meaningful with my life. I want to do good.”
    Rose slammed the cupboard door. “Be a social worker then!”
    Kenneth’s hand came up in a silencing motion. He took off his glasses, his eyes never leaving Kacey’s small face. “Kacey. A nun.” For all their devotion to the church, no Doyle had ever entered religious life. His daughter. The ultimate gift.
    Kacey felt relief to have spoken the words. She breathed more easily. “I know it’s late to be telling you and it’s late to be applying. It just took me a long time to make up my mind.”
    Kenneth leaned back in his chair, pleasure spread across his face. “Don’t you worry about getting in! I know the monsignor. I’ll get you in!”
    Rose was not to be denied. “Wait a minute! We need to talk about this!”
    â€œWhat’s there to talk about?” Kenneth challenged. “She knows what she wants!”
    â€œShe doesn’t!” Rose shouted back. “She’s too young! She’s too young to make such a decision!”
    The younger children sat in stunned silence. Finally Joseph spoke in a soft, uncertain voice. “Who’ll coach my soccer team this fall, Kace? You promised.” Gerald kicked him under the table.
    â€œI’m telling you, this is too fast!” Rose was frantic. She stood at the counter, hands clenched at her throat. “She’s making a mistake!”
    â€œMistake? It’s not a mistake to serve the church!” Kenneth roared.
    Kacey slumped back into her chair. Oh , she thought, it’ll be so good to get away from this .
    One by one, the children left their places at the table and wandered from the room, each trying to comprehend Kacey’s decision. The platter of chicken sat in front of Kacey, fat congealing around the edges. She carried it and the bowl of mashed potatoes to the counter, pushed the kitchen door open, and walked onto the porch and down into the yard.
    Now began the long good-bye.
    8
    Kenneth knew he’d find Kacey in the barn. He had waited, giving her time to collect herself and giving himself time to calm down after the confrontation with Rose. He had no idea what response Kacey had expected from her family, but this had to have shaken her.
    She stood by Two Spot, brushing and nuzzling the little horse, tears still visible on her pale cheeks. She didn’t look up as he approached.
    â€œThought I’d find you here,” he began, reaching out to give the mare a stroke.
    â€œWell, that was a real show stopper, huh?” Her fragility revealed itself in her husky voice.
    Kenneth chuckled. “Can’t recall one to top it.”
    Kacey turned from Two Spot to face her father. “You don’t think I’m making a mistake, do you?”
    â€œThere’s no finer calling, Kace.”
    â€œOh, Dad, I know that. But what do you think about me ? This isn’t about some ‘calling.’ This is about me! My life!”
    The urgency in her tone drove the clichés from his mind. She was right. He was chagrined. “You’ve been talking to others about it. The nuns, Father O’Hearn. Praying about it.”
    â€œI’ve talked to Sister Evangeline. A few times. That’s it.”
    â€œWell, and praying,” he repeated.
    â€œPraying? I dunno. I’ve tried. Praying doesn’t come easy for me. It’s more like an armlock on my mind