Like a Parent

Like a Parent

What characterizes parents? Someone you always feel comfortable turning to when you have a problem? For Joseph it is that quality that he finds in his long time friend and close neighbors, Thomas and Rebecca Croschuk.

Thomas’ relationship with Joseph’s Uncle Mike begins with Thomas being his hired farm hand. After Mike has heart troubles, Thomas is his caregiver. Thomas’ devotion to Mike earns him one third of Mike’s estate, the remaining part going to twenty-one year old Joseph. In his will Mike asks Thomas to help Joseph learn how to farm. Thomas’ help goes well beyond what Mike hoped for as is shown in the following excerpt.

Thomas invites Joseph to go to Bakery Plus for tea and a pie.

Joseph accepts the invitation. A bowl of hot soup is more to his liking.

“So,” begins Thomas after they place their orders. “You and Jill seem to have had a great time in Hawaii.”

The previous Sunday Rebecca and Thomas came to Joseph’s to celebrate Amber’s third birthday. They also saw a power point that Jill created about their Hawaii holiday.

“We did. Better than I hoped for.” A smile lights Joseph’s face as memories surface.

Thomas notes no hesitation in Joseph’s answer. “Good. Then I take it that your plans to separate from Jill have disappeared.”

Joseph nods.

Thomas is relieved. For the last two months, he and Rebecca had prayed for them. “You know we’ll do anything we can to help you.”

“I know. You’re like parents to me. I couldn’t ask for better friends.”

How did that close relationship develop?

Not only did Thomas mentor Joseph as a farmer, but also as a carpenter and salesman at the Farmer’s Market. Through Thomas’ encouragement Joseph dared to try to win Jill’s heart. When Jill and Joseph married, Thomas and Rebecca were the first to invite them for dinner. Jill and Joseph had children. Thomas and Rebecca became godparents, not to mention handy babysitters. When Jill’s daughter, Christine, was still born, Rebecca comforted Jill for several weeks.

Jill’s low spirits frequently sent Joseph to them for advice. When Joseph was convinced that he should leave his wife, they persuaded him to seek counseling.

Friends as good as family! Do you know of such a close relationship? How did it come to be?

Amber is a glowing ember in Jill’s mind. Amber changed from a flat character to a dynamic one in Baggage burdens. See how this plays out in my next blog.