Taken from Mel & Corliss Erickson's new book "Living the Call"

“Who could be here at this hour?” I asked Corliss groggily, sliding out of bed. A loud knocking at the front door of our trailer had awakened me from a deep sleep. Glancing at the clock, I saw it was nearly 2 in the morning. What could be going on?

“You never know around here,” Corliss mumbled, pulling the pillow over her head.

A police officer stood at the door, accompanied by seven young children. “I know it’s late, but these children have nowhere to go tonight. Their parents are drunk and were taken to jail this evening. They just need a place to stay for the next week.”

The Story of Ed and Jean Jacoby

JEAN:

 “I swear I’ll do it this time!” Daddy held the gun to his head. His threats poisoned the air.

My sister slept while I stood at the doorway, shaking. I squeezed my eyes shut; I wished the fighting would stop.

“I was just dancing!” Mama laughed, her words slurred from the alcohol.

“With every man in the bar,” Daddy shot back. I knew the baby would start crying if he didn’t calm down.

“So shoot me for having fun,” she sneered. “You’re gone all the time, and I’m stuck with the kids.”

“Someone’s gotta pay the bills.”

“So you can have fun, but I can’t?” Mama yelled.

“I’m working. I can’t help the hours.”

“I’m not stupid.” Bitterness laced Mama’s words. “What’s her name?”

“There’s no one!” Daddy thundered. “How many times do I have to tell you that?”

Mama snorted.

“You don’t believe me?” Daddy cocked the gun. “Then I’ll prove it.”