This is the story of one man's search for true love. However, there will be some sex but the real focal point will be on the relationships developed along the way. If you are not of legal age, this is unlawful in your area, or man sex bothers you, then I would suggest you leave now. Drop me line, I would love to hear from you. joecollins7420@yahoo.com
Chapter 8 The week went by very quickly. Tom continued to work with Nick but still no feeling or movement in the lower body.
Saturday, rolled around and the entire ranch went to the football game. After all, they had 5 players on the team. Toward the end of the game, Nick somehow managed to bang his knee against the side of the wheelchair.
"Tom, something is wrong. I hit my knee and it is hurting like crazy." complained Nick.
Tom started jumping up and down shouting. Everyone in the stands thought something was happening concerning the football game and started doing the same thing. James caught the winning touchdown pass and the crowd went wild.
"Nick, this is the moment we have been waiting and hoping for. You have feeling back in your legs. You will be walking before long." Again the ranch went crazy with their celebration and the word started going though out the crowd.
The entire football team came running into the stands, hugging their families and friends. None were happier than the boys from the ranch when they heard the news about Nick.
James went to the announcer booth. "May I have your attention Please! I would like to invite everyone to a victory celebration at the city park at 1:00 tomorrow. Bring a potluck dish and your own table services. Nick and I will provide all the soft drinks, hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and dips. If you have any portable grills and chairs bring them . Not only is this a victory celebration, but Nick got some feeling back in his legs during the game." James announced. Again the crowd broke lose in a thunderous roar.
Jake took James and the boys to the store and purchased all the needed supplies for the shindig in the afternoon. They noticed that the people had already started to gather in the park. By the time they returned to the ranch, the people started leaving for town. The boys grabbed their musical instruments and sound equipment and left.
Tom , Jake and Lee put Nick in the van and decided to take it and another rig to carry all the goodies. The ranch was now a ghost ranch. Not a soul was left on the ranch.
Nick's dad had reserved a spot for the van so that Nick could be unloaded with ease. Sam and Alicia were helping the boys get organized and others started to fire up the grills.
It looked like everyone had skipped church but a couple of the ministers held an open air church service in the park.
James and the Haymakers started their concert with gospel songs. Everyone in attendance joined them. It was like a old fashion tent revival meeting.
After about 30 minutes, one of the ministers came to the mike. "Everyone put your hands together and let these young men know how much you enjoyed the concert. Thanks guys, your efforts were greatly appreciated. I have just been given the sign that it is time for lunch. I would like for all of you join me in the blessing of the food."
"I was going to have James and the Haymakers go first but since this is a victory celebration , Let's have the football team and coaches lead the way. Nick, you and your family next. After that, It is everyone for themselves! On you marks, get set GO!"
When everyone had finished eating, the minister again went to the microphone. "I don't know how I got appointed master of ceremonies. I guess I opened my big mouth first and the job was given to me. Actually, I am only too glad to do it. I was going to have the coach say a few words, but we saw him in action yesterday at the game. I am just afraid that he would take the rest of the afternoon. Anyway, I would like to again congratulate the team and the coaching staff for a job well done. Let's hear it again for them!" The crowd became very noisy and high fives were given everywhere.
"I understand that this is also a victory celebration for one of the newest members of the community. We all know the circumstances behind his injuries. From what I hear, he had received some of the feeling back in his legs. Praise the Lord!" His speech was interrupted by a loud applause. "At this time I would like to turn the mike over to Nick Phillips. I am sure that he has a few words for all of us. Don't try to come up here, Nick. I will bring the mike to you."
"First of all, I would like to thank each and every one of you for the prayers and support you have extend to me and my family. I could not have done it with out your help. There are two people whom I would like to especially thank. They have been at my side throughout the whole ordeal. At this time, I would like to introduce my special care giver and very good friend, Tom Cummings. Stand-up Tom and take a bow. The other person you already know, James, my son. Give them a wave, son. I am sure that he will reward you with more of his singing."
"Tom and James would not let me die. They kept telling me to fight, fight, fight. I heard them and fought a uphill battle and here I am. I can't walk but I know I will because they are not going to just let me sit in my wheelchair and do nothing. I ask that you keep me in your prayers. Through prayer everything is possible. I would like to have you remember Tom and James. They need all the support they can get to help me over the hurdles that I still have to face. I.........." Nick became so emotional that he was unable to continue.
Tom came and put his arms around Nick and James took the mike from him. "I would like to personally thank all of you for the support that you showed Dad and all of us. My mother and father were killed in an automobile accident and Nick took me in. Then this terrible thing happened to him. I was sure that I would lose him also. Your love save the both of us. Thanks!" James at this time broke and started crying.
"The minister took the mike. "Let's bow our heads in a word of silent prayer. After a pause, the minister prayed. " Lord, we ask that you stand by this man and his family. Give them the strength and courage to continue their fight and to win. Amen!"
Sam directed the band to start playing "Blessed Assurance". James took the mike and sang. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels, descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love (Written by Fanny Crosby 1873) By the time that he had finished there was not a dry eye in the whole crowd.
James and the Haymakers gave another hour concert and the crowd was on their feet until the last note ended.