Library-All ages Stuff

Howard


Jimmy stood on his tippy toes to reach the shiny brass doorknob that opened the heavy doors. He had been to this building many times before, but usually on Sunday, and usually with his mother. His mom was having lunch with a group of ladies in an adjoining building and she had sent her young son out to play. Jimmy was glad for the dismissal, but there were no other children around to play with Jimmy had quickly grown bored. He decided to seek out Father Hanrahan and ask him about something that had been bothering him. The door opened soundlessly and the child walked inside.

Like a good boy, Jimmy genuflected quickly before the alter. His eyes adjusted to the darkened room in a few moments and he thought the Father might be in one of the confessionals. A couple of people waiting in a pew outside of one of the closet sized confessionals looked at him as he sat down. He recognized Mrs. Singleton and whispered a hello to her. She was always nice to him. When his Dad had been killed in the factory accident she had brought over chocolate cake and sat with him so his Mom could rest. Jimmy barely remembered the funeral. He had only been four when it happened and that was two years ago.

Jimmy was deep in thought when the sound of someone clearing his throat brought him out of his reverie. Father Hanrahan stood next to him, smiling at his young visitor.

"And a good day to you, young sir. Are you taking confession today, lad?"

The robust Priest patted the boy on the shoulder reassuringly. Jimmy grinned up at the Father.

"I really just wanted to ask you something."

The Priest nodded to encourage him to speak and Jimmy knotted up his small brow, as if deep in concentration.

"Father, where does Howard live?"

Father Hanrahan looked confused and inquired as to which Howard he was interested in.

"Howard Smally, the baker?"

Jimmy shook his head.

The Priest asked again.

"Howard Kovalt, the plumber?"

Again, Jimmy shook his head no.
"Son, I don't know any other Howards in this parish.

Jimmy grew agitated.

"But we talk every week! And since my Dad died, Mom says he’s my Father now!"

Father Hanrahan was flabbergasted. He had been to the boy's home and wasn't aware that his Mother was seeing anyone.

"And why does he draw in Heaven?"Jimmy added.

Looking down at the earnest young face in front of him, Father Hanrahan felt a glimmer of understanding.

"Jimmy, tell me how you talk to Howard."

Jimmy nodded and clasped his hands in prayer, closing his eyes tightly and recited.

"Our Father, who arts in Heaven, Howard be thy name. . .

Father Hanrahan let his arm drop around the boy'ss shoulders and hugged him tightly.

"I think I am beginning to understand your confusion, lad. First of all, it's Who art in Heaven, which is a way of saying he lives in Heaven. Second, it's hallowed ,not Howard. Hallowed means revered, or worshipped.

Jimmy was flabbergasted! He didn't know whether to cry or to be embarrassed. The Father tousled Jimmy's hair and led him by the hand out of the pew and to the back of the church. They walked through the small door into the Father's office. A box of cookies was produced and the Father did his best to answer the questions that Jimmy had about his Father who lived in Heaven.

After a nice long chat and almost the whole box of cookies, Jimmy's Mother came looking for him, She was relieved to find her son and thanked the Priest for keeping her son out of mischief. Father Hanrahan smiled at the little family and escorted them out of his office, back into the church.

"Anytime, and the pleasure was mine. He's a good boy."

The Father leaned down and placed a hand over the boy's heart.

Don't ever forget, young man, that Howard lives right here.

Jimmy winked and grinned at the Priest, and followed his Mom outside.