Chief Samson and Reverend Delilah

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Afterthoughts

In memory of my parents, Edward and Hazel Davis

To The World School, a charitable program founded by a group of young people from diverse backgrounds, working to help build or improve schools throughout the world

To the young people who recently founded another charitable organization, ECSO (Environmental and Charitable Student Organization), working to provide help for those in need

Acknowledgments

I want to express my appreciation to those who have given me guidance and assistance and without whom I would not have enjoyed the journey through the completion of this book. In my mind, the success of any writing cannot be measured in monetary gain alone. The more important rewards come from an exchange of ideas and thoughts from those who offer assistance during the time authors are creating, editing and publishing. During the time the writing process is in progress, hopefully we learn and grow.

To that end, I offer my thanks to the following people:

Bethany Hookway and Zachary Patron, two of my grandchildren. As I wrote, they read, offering opinions and comments.

Jenna Frank, my granddaughter and artistic advisor.

The staff at Xlibris who have once again guided me with patience and professionalism throughout the production stages of my book.

Introduction

This is the fictional story of residents in the town of Ridgefield, Connecticut. I didn’t choose Ridgefield as the central scene of action because I had lived there or spent much time there, nor do I know any of its current residents. After some research, I chose it as a lovely place in New England where its residents are trying to live their lives in peace, raising their families with the best of intentions.

Most communities within our country, and many of those outside our country, rich or poor, have a similar goal: to provide their families with a good life—safe, happy and productive. That members of their family or community choose to take different paths has more to do with the individuals and their personal and financial circumstances. Beneath it all, there are many similarities and fewer differences than we sometimes imagine.

I have read that we are not born with prejudice; it is something we learn. I hope and pray that this story you are about to read will provide some insight into that very idea. Sometimes we learn more when a serious subject is presented with humor. We are each capable of laughing at ourselves and with others. Laughter can be healthy and healing.

As I outlined thoughts to be translated into story form, I wanted the main characters to have reasonable representation among those who are at the center of prejudicial treatment or stereotyping. Instead of color differences being my only area of concentration, I have ventured outward. Along with color, I have included ethnicity, religion, politics, gender and sexual preference. I am aware I have omitted a few other forms while recognizing they exist. I have only scratched the surface of prejudice regarding obesity and mentally and physically challenged people.

We each have the right to choose our friends and companions. Too often our choices are made from a selection of people who look, think, and act like we do. Some of us fail to understand how much is lost by limiting ourselves in this way, perhaps forfeiting a great gift at our fingertips. My hope is that by reading this story, some readers will gain a new insight into taking a chance on spending time with someone whom they consider different.

By using the thoughts and conscience of one of the main characters in this story, Reverend Delilah, questions are asked, which I believe are relevant in today’s world. At sixty-five, Delilah is questioning some of her long-held beliefs, trying to understand the thinking of others and find answers for herself. She is not attempting to tear down the beliefs of others, only to understand them. She wants to start a dialogue, as does the author.

As much as I love and am a cheerleader for life, I try to imagine a world devoid of prejudice and hate, one in which we see each other as integral parts of the human race and, above all else, children of God. What a wonderful day it will be when we can live together in harmony, recognizing the differences among us while rejoicing in them. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. This is the legacy I would like to leave to my grandchildren and yours. Perhaps by introducing the differences among us at an earlier age, while children are very young, we can help them to continue to grow in the knowledge that differences, especially in appearance, are not the true measure of a person’s worth.

As is true in other novels, this book is written as fiction and not meant to imply any truth to actual names, characters, or places as presented in my writing; and any similarities are coincidental. Nothing I have written about Ridgefield or Danbury, Connecticut—the main places of action—was intended to imply any likeness to any of the three communities or any others mentioned. Like most other communities, each has its own charm and its own blend of residents.

If there is righteousness in the heart,

There will be beauty in the character.

If there is beauty in the character,

There will be harmony in the home.

If there is harmony in the home,

There will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation,

There will be peace in the world.

So let it be.

—An old Scottish blessing

Chapter 1

There was a storm brewing as Reverend Delilah headed toward her interview. She was a determined woman and would not allow a little rain, thunder, and lightning to deter her from her goal. She felt strongly about keeping her promises, and she had promised both the woman from the agency and herself that nothing short of personal injury or death would keep her away from this interview, which might lead her to a prospective client.

Although Reverend Delilah’s full proper name was Delilah Sarah Jones, in the early days of her ministry, members of her congregation had begun to call her Reverend Delilah, and that name remained with her. When Delilah was born, her mom had not wanted to use any of the more traditional names; thus Delilah Sara was her mom’s attempt at breaking away from the norm.

Lord, let the skies not open up before my arrival, Reverend Delilah prayed. I do believe this might be my next calling. After completing her prayer, Reverend Delilah felt more comfortable, moving along as quickly as a woman of two-hundred-plus pounds could move. She often told friends that her extra pounds gave God more to love. Some of her friends replied that, It also made a bigger target for God to aim at when he had a few extra thunderbolts to throw. As the good reverend remembered one of those conversations, she raised her hands in supplication to the one she considered to be a loving god and said, Please, God, send no bolts of lightning my way today. I’m headed for an interview, which I think might lead to another one of your purposes for my life. I just don’t think it’s my day to join you. I do hope you think the same. Amen.

Reverend Delilah was on her way to an interview with Mrs. Browning, a woman who owned an employment agency. She was hoping the interview would result in her obtaining a suitable position, one in which she would once again be doing God’s work. In spite of the rain, Reverend Delilah was in a happy mood, and she arrived at her destination a bit damp but in good spirits.

After filling out an application, the reverend sat for thirty minutes, discussing her job requirements and the parameters for salary and benefits. Mrs. Browning listened to her patiently, and as she did, a job presentation was forming in her head, and she thought, Would this woman be a good fit as companion to Chief Samson?

Mrs. Browning decided to discuss it with the reverend, hoping it might appeal to her. She could tell Reverend Delilah was looking for another cause. She was used to being involved with acts of charity. Chief Samson would be a challenge for anyone, but this woman could probably handle him. On second thought, would two people who were obviously strong willed end up killing each other? I wouldn’t want that on my conscience, she thought. Perhaps I’ll plant the idea by using Chief Samson as one of the many positions we have available, without mentioning his name. I’ll describe him as a wonderful elderly gentleman who is legally blind, and the poor man needs someone as his companion. I’ll explain that there isn’t much to do because he has a housekeeper. She leaves main meals, already prepared, in the freezer section of his refrigerator, and they just need to be heated. Let’s see how good I am at my job.

Keeping that thought in mind, Ms. Browning began to speak, Let me give you an example of the kind of position we currently have available. Of course, there are new positions opening up every day. Once you’ve heard this, perhaps you could tell me if a position like this might interest you. It will at least give us a starting point. Does that sound like a reasonable approach to you?

The reverend thought that sounded good, and she sat back and listened as Mrs. Browning gave her presentation.

This gentleman is elderly and has lost most of his sight. Losing one’s sight is very difficult for anyone, but especially so for a man who has been independent during his many years on earth and has not been used to having to ask for help. He has worked hard his whole life and has been very successful. He’s willing to pay a fair hourly rate to the right person. This position requires that his companion live in, and she would have her own suite. It’s truly a position for a kind and caring person who appreciates that things like blindness can happen to anyone of us, at any time in our lives. If you have any questions, Reverend Delilah, please ask me. Is this anything like the position you seek?

Because the reverend wanted to be in a position to do some bargaining for benefits, she replied, Although I’m a woman who likes to do God’s service, and I do see this as a possibility to do just that, I would like to know more about the conditions for such a position. I would also like to know more about the client and be assured that this would be a safe place for me to be employed. Although I hesitate to bring up a subject which appears to be materialistic in nature, because I’ll need benefits, I need to have an explanation of what would be included and what would be expected of me. Do you have a job description for any of the jobs you have available?

Before responding, Ms. Browning thought, This woman is no dummy. For a former minister, I can already tell she knows what she’s doing when it comes to working the best deal for herself. I’ll have to be more careful with her. If she’s got God’s ear, I hope he doesn’t squeal on me and somehow let her know my thoughts.

I’m sure we can offer you a proper job description, Ms. Browning responded. As for benefits, I think you’ll find Chief Samson will be very fair, if he believes you’re the right person to work as his companion.

The reverend thought about this for a minute and asked about a contract and whether it would include whatever she and the chief had agreed upon. She believed in the integrity of others yet thought it best, for all parties involved, if there was a written understanding regarding what they had all agreed to do. Then there should be no misunderstandings about what each understood.

As the interview ended, Ms. Browning promised she would call Chief Samson today, presenting Reverend Delilah’s credentials and discussing the issues as stated to her in today’s interview. If Ms. Browning and the chief could come to terms, and both parties agreed, she would prepare a contract for both the reverend and the chief to sign. Prior to preparing the contract, Ms. Browning would set up an appointment for the chief and the reverend to meet and talk about their concerns. She asked if that sounded like a good plan. The reverend thought for a minute and then voiced her approval of Ms. Browning’s plan. She would expect a call from Ms. Browning soon.

As the reverend left to return home, she once more lifted her face upward, thanking God for today’s activities on her behalf. It was certainly a wonderful possibility, and she hoped Chief Samson would agree to an interview with her.

I do hope he’s a civilized man, she thought. I wonder if he’s prejudiced towards African Americans, and I hope he doesn’t treat me like a slave. That would never do and I would have to let him know immediately. Of course, I’d do it tactfully. Do I still remember how to be tactful? I guess I had to be tactful in many instances while I served as a minister. There were a few times I had to speak a little sternly with some of the male members of my congregation when they forgot, after God’s top spot, I was next in line in order of rank as far as that church was concerned. The men got their comeuppance, but they eventually got beyond it all and learned to behave. I guess I can handle this chief, even if he will be my employer. I only hope he at least allows me the opportunity to interview with him. We’ll soon find out.

As she completed those last thoughts, Reverend Delilah arrived at her front door. She could already hear her two best friends, Simon and Gartinkle, preparing to greet her, probably with a warm and sloppy hello. Her pets could always tell when she was approaching, and their excitement would rise to a crescendo of healthy barks and yelps. They were very faithful and she loved them.

Delilah put her key into the lock and opened her front door slowly.

She was always prepared for her two animal companions to use a bit too much force to reach her. Thus she moved carefully while talking kindly and calmly to them. Once she thought they had calmed enough, Delilah would enter and greet them with much love and affection. She knew Simon was ready for a walk, and once she and Simon returned, Delilah would sit holding Gartinkle in her lap, avowing her love to this strange-looking cat. Others found it difficult to look at Gartinkle’s distorted face, yet Delilah could look beyond the surface features and see her cat as one of God’s wonderful creations.

After her pets had received their required care and affection, Delilah walked into her office where she noticed the light was blinking on her telephone answering machine. As she played the message, she heard Ms. Browning, the woman from the agency, telling her that Chief Samson wanted to meet her. He would like her to come to his home at two the next afternoon. His housekeeper would be there to greet her and answer any questions she might have regarding the house, and she would also guide her through the suite. Ms. Browning ended her message by asking Delilah to call her as soon as possible. Delilah offered up a prayer of thanksgiving to God, once again acknowledging she knew he was in charge.

While her call was going through to Ms. Browning, Delilah wondered if the chief had been told her requirements. She also wondered if she should mention her pets to Ms. Browning. She decided it best to wait until the position was offered, if that happened. Once on the phone, Ms. Browning spoke to her in a confident tone, quietly letting Delilah know that she had performed her job well and now it was up to Delilah to do the rest during her scheduled interview. Delilah asked Ms. Browning some questions, confirming that the chief had been told all the points to which she and Ms. Browning had agreed during the interview they had held earlier that day. Ms. Browning assured Delilah that all points had been discussed, and an agreement reached. She wished Delilah a successful interview and told her she would call her, once Ms. Browning and the chief had their discussion after tomorrow’s interview. Delilah thanked Ms. Browning for her efforts and hung up the phone to do some thinking and begin her preparations for tomorrow’s interview.

That night, after talking with her children and then saying her nightly prayers, Delilah climbed into bed, rather tired from her long day. She hoped she wouldn’t have a restless sleep that night and, as a result, would feel rested and refreshed at tomorrow’s interview. If all went well, this could be a new beginning. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Delilah woke to a bright, sunny day. The previous day’s rain had provided a lovely fresh look to her flower beds and trees, and they all looked happy and shining clean. It was a beautiful day for her interview, which helped her feel greater confidence, with a complete understanding that overconfidence could create its own problems. As usual, she tempered her feelings with recognition of the one who stands above all. I may have to say a few extra prayers today. With that thought in mind, once again she prayed, My wonderful Lord, my friend and my guide, please stay beside me, within earshot. You know me better than anyone else and know my strengths and my weaknesses. Without you at my side, I sometimes create problems for myself so, please, don’t be far away on this one. Watch over me as I head towards what may be my next calling. If it be thy will for me to do this, keep my mind alert and my tongue in check. Amen.

Delilah spent the remainder of the morning doing her necessary chores, caring for her two pets and catching up on e-mails and other correspondence.

All in all, it was a productive time period, and what seemed like a brief moment became a morning ended. After working her way through lunchtime, Delilah arrived at the required time to leave for the chief’s home. It should be a quiet time for travel, but Delilah decided to take no chances, allowing herself some extra time. As she approached her destination, if it appeared she would arrive too early, she could slow down or even read for a while on one of the nearby benches.

Because Delilah usually traveled by bus or train transit, a few slowdowns placed her at the chief’s front door five minutes early. Delilah rang the bell, and the door was pulled open by a rather fierce-looking woman, Mrs. Fancy. They quickly exchanged names as Mrs. Fancy led Delilah into the sitting room. Delilah couldn’t help but notice the look on Mrs. Fancy’s face as she had opened the front door, gaining her first glimpse of Reverend Delilah. It was clear that she wasn’t prepared to greet a five-foot-two-inch African American woman of ample proportions. The reverend was somewhat used to these looks and would often chuckle to herself at the response. It’s strange that a woman like Mrs. Fancy, obviously disfigured by some accident at birth or later, would appear horrified at the sight of a short plus-size African American woman. She almost always wanted to say, We come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and appearances, but God loves us anyway.

Mrs. Fancy led Reverend Delilah into the sitting room where the chief was waiting. As they entered the room, Mrs. Fancy cleared her throat, a signal for the chief to rise and greet them. He stood with a combination of caution and purpose. After all, the loss of his sight was fairly recent. Delilah thought he was doing well until he temporarily lost his balance but quickly righted himself. Both she and Mrs. Fancy had moved toward him, intending to help, then held back once they realized he was safe. Delilah made a cursory appraisal of the chief and thought his six foot four inches in height made him appear formidable. He stood erect, creating the appearance of an even taller man. Her mind told her Chief Samson was not going to be a pushover, and she had better watch her step. She still had to stand her ground in some areas, and she would choose her battles carefully.

Mrs. Fancy introduced the chief to Delilah. In spite of her prim nature, the humor in her introduction didn’t escape her. Although she wanted to say, Samson, meet Delilah, instead she said, Chief Samson, this is Reverend Delilah.

Since both the chief and the reverend were in that room with a purpose, the humor escaped them. Needless to say, it would eventually resurface, and each would enjoy a moment of humor from it. First, it was the business at hand.

With the introduction behind them and Samson and Delilah seated, the chief spoke first, thinking it best to explain who he is and his expectations. Thus he began, "I am a proud Native North American Indian and a sub chief of my Mohegan tribe, a tribe well-known in the Connecticut area. As an American, I served my country during World War II and saw much action. By nature, I am a quiet man and enjoy communing with nature. Although I follow many of the traditions of my tribe, I was raised to believe in and live by the Golden Rule.

"I’m eighty-five years young and have never married, nor do I have any children. Both of my remaining siblings live in the western part of our country, and I usually see them once each year when they travel east for a family gathering.

"After my return from service duty, I attended college and graduated with a degree in agriculture, which I used to begin my farm, here in Ridgefield, Connecticut. I was fortunate that the timing was right, and it became successful. I finally sold it, retiring twenty years ago at the age of sixty-five. That’s when I bought this home on Main Street. I had saved enough money to live the rest of my life in comfort. Until recently, I could still work around my yard, enjoying my gardening. My sight has put a temporary hold on that until I get accustomed to my current situation.

"I would prefer to live alone. Since the loss of my sight, my doctor and siblings have convinced me to hire a companion. I’m strong willed, having been used to being in charge of my own life and decisions, and intend to continue doing so.

Ms. Browning from the agency has probably already talked with you about the person I seek. Before we get into all of that, please tell me a little about your background. By now, you’re probably tired of only hearing my voice.

Delilah had been quietly listening to the chief speak. She was fascinated by the presentation of his background and immediately recognized that he is an intelligent man who has had his share of success. He’s obviously worked hard and been amply rewarded for his efforts. She thinks it’s sad that this man didn’t have more years with sight to enjoy his love of nature, yet she realizes he wants no sympathy and would probably become upset if one expressed that to him. He appears to be healthy in every way, other than his sight. It’s likely he wouldn’t be easy to work for, but he would be interesting. With those thoughts in mind, the reverend began to speak,

"In describing myself, if I were a woman accustomed to lying, I would describe myself as a tall, svelte, beautiful young woman. In all honesty, I am a sixty-five-year-old five-feet-two-inch African American woman of ample proportions. I would guess that only God sees my beauty. I enjoy good food and am considered an accomplished cook.

"I graduated from Chicago State University and then went on to graduate from seminary and become ordained. I have been a Baptist minister for many years, most of which were spent at inner city churches or those so far out in the countryside you’d never recognize the names of the towns or villages. During my years of service, it was rare for a woman to be considered for the Baptist ministry. I was one of those women fortunate to be accepted. Although there are more today, it is still a struggle for women in this field. Some areas consider it going against the teachings in the Bible while some are more progressive.

"My husband died just over one year ago at the age of sixty-five. We had been married for forty years. He was also a Baptist minister. I am the mother of five grown children and the proud grandmother of ten.

For my size, I move pretty quickly. My speed in movement is probably due to having grown up on the south side of Chicago, dodging bullets as I moved about. While living there, you learn at an early age to move quickly and dodge often. I guess that may be where the expression ‘dodging the bullet’ originated.

Delilah hesitated for a moment, catching her breath and giving the chief an opportunity to digest what she’d already told him. It was at this time the chief suggested that his housekeeper leave the room and return to her housekeeping duties, if the reverend felt comfortable with that. She nodded her head in assent. At this age, and all other relevant things being considered, she doubted she had anything to fear being alone in the room with Chief Samson.

On the part of Mrs. Fancy, she was just beginning to enjoy herself, listening to these exchanges. Although she had remained standing, she knew there had to be some interesting things to come, and now she had to leave the room. Oh well, she’d grill the chief later. Once Mrs. Fancy