Gordon Laws

A Clear Vision

He stands at the podium for his first address as bishop. There are about 150 people present who occupy about two-thirds of the chapel. “Brothers and sisters, the Lord has given me a clear vision. I can see this chapel full. No, not just this section of the chapel. Not just the first or secondContinue reading “A Clear Vision”

Brian Mendoza, 2

I saw Sherry Anderson my first Sunday at church, and I thought, “She would be perfect.” But not perfect how you think I mean it. She was an eye-catcher, though, and that’s part of what made her perfect for what I wanted. But again, not for what you’re thinking. She was early twenties, the daughterContinue reading “Brian Mendoza, 2”

Can You Give Him a Blessing?

The man has been the bishop of the West Bridgewater ward for three years. He is standing in the Good Samaritan emergency room over the body of PD. P’s wife K stands next to their home teacher, Keith. She is in a wheelchair, weeping, and holding Keith’s hand. “Can you give him a blessing?” KeithContinue reading “Can You Give Him a Blessing?”

I Hope He Doesn’t Die

The boy lies in bed with his hands behind his head, while his father sits at the foot of the bed near his feet. The disappointment of pitching and losing the first of two possible clinching games has mostly passed. They will just have to clinch the championship Friday night instead, and while he can’tContinue reading “I Hope He Doesn’t Die”

I Will Erase You, Brian Mendoza

Brian Mendoza I moved from Tempe as soon as I could. After Adam’s death, I’m sure you can understand. I headed to Texas to be a roughnecker. When I got started in the business, I lived in Houston and mostly worked on drills out in the Gulf of Mexico. Two weeks on, two weeks off.Continue reading “I Will Erase You, Brian Mendoza”

Bound for the City Championship

The winner of this game goes to the city championship. They are playing on a brown, weed and dirt field at Driscoll Middle School. The score is 16-14 for Tom Browne, the young man’s school. He is playing free safety and there is maybe a minute left in this game. Driscoll comes out in twins.Continue reading “Bound for the City Championship”

Take Me to the Place I Love

They are walking back to their car from dropping a video at a home. A girl approaches, waif-skinny, stringy brown hair, an army green coat over a stained white shirt. “Excuse me,” she says. “Do you all have any change?” The young man stops. “We don’t carry cash.” “Even, like a buck or two wouldContinue reading “Take Me to the Place I Love”

Ezekiel Wallace, 3

They were soon aboard, with the pilot tied up against the Braziliera. “Let’s go,” said a gruff navy man, and he led them to the commanding officer’s quarters. “Lieutenant Behm, sir, the men on the pilot boat who sought permission to come aboard.” The other sailors had already brought the maps and plans to him.Continue reading “Ezekiel Wallace, 3”

A Mind That’s Weak, A Back That’s Strong

He has finished the ham and funeral potatoes, and he wanders over to Uncle Ned standing next to Uncle Max. “Dad wasn’t such a bad guy. If he got angry and you were near him, he might kick you down the stairs. But if you survived that explosion, it was over quick and he wasContinue reading “A Mind That’s Weak, A Back That’s Strong”

A Poor Man’s Made Out of Muscle and Blood

The boy is ten and on his first All Star baseball team. They have completed their first practice in the simmering Corpus Christi heat, and it was nothing like regular Little League practice. Drills were far more intense, they conditioned, and they worked the entire two hours with no time wasted shagging balls or foolingContinue reading “A Poor Man’s Made Out of Muscle and Blood”