These sessions involve a group of people. There will be a priest, a doctor, a married couple and someone else, all of the Catholic faith. The group will present helpful information on finances and other issues we will face as a newly married couple. They will talk about birth control. This is where we could have a problem. The church only recognizes one method. We’ll try and make it work. With you I’ll be practical. We’ll be careful to space out our children—two to three kids. I wish I was there so we could go together. It’s important to me for you to go.

Jorden twisted around and sat up on the side of the bed. Her thoughts went back to their previous times together. Alex had never suggested they attend a Catholic Church service. At the time she found it strange, since she had agreed to convert to his faith. She had a sinking numbness. Why didn’t they go to those sessions last January, when they talked about marriage? She would have gladly gone. Still, she planned on going, but not down here—back in New Jersey at St. Joseph’s.

Jorden decided to write Alex to try and clear up the misunderstanding. She didn’t see how he could have a problem with her decision—she hoped not.

Chapter 12: November 1969

Chapter 12

November 1969

Nora had never seen her mother so excited about Thanksgiving. Monday evening, several days before the holiday, she and her mother zipped over to the Piggly Wiggly supermarket, buying much more food than Nora thought they needed.

“Mama, a twenty-five pound turkey. It’s huge! Will it fit in our oven?”

“Of course it will.” Eloise opened the freezer door wide enough for Nora to lift it out.

“Whew, this is heavy. Grab the other end, Mama,” Nora pleaded, trying to hold up her end. “I’m dropping it. Help me get it into the shopping cart.” Finally, they set it down. Nora laughed, “We look like we’re feeding an army, not five for Thanksgiving dinner.”

Over the next two evenings, Nora helped prepare side dishes. By Wednesday night, her mother had crossed off most of the items on her list, but still she seemed anxious. Eloise’s voice rose as she patted the excess flour off her hands onto her apron. “Check the turkey, Nora, and see if it’s thawed.”

“I can hear you, Mama. You’re only a couple of feet away. It’s pretty much thawed; it should be fine by morning. You need to stop worrying so much.”

“You’re right, I just can’t help it. Go on to bed, Nora, it’s after ten and we need to get an early start,” Eloise replied in a softer tone. She sunk down at the kitchen table, wiped her brow and looked up at her daughter. “Thank you, you’ve been an angel this week.”