The Weary Travelers faith-sharing men's small group started a book study on Catholic author Jim Sano's novel "Stolen Blessing". After reading the novel over the summer, I prepared this reading plan for our book study and discerned the following themes:
- Introduction - Chapters 1 - 7
- Mystery - Chapters 8 - 13
- Search - Chapters 14 - 19
- Wrong Person - Chapters 20 - 25
- Confession I - Chapters 26 - 31
- Elizabeth - Chapters 32 - 37
- Jacob - Chapters 38 - 43
- Confession II - Chapters 44 - 49
- Forgiveness & Hope - Chapters 50 - 53
Below are my thoughts on chapters 50 to 53 of "Stolen Blessing" [and *SPOILER ALERT*]:
Chapter 50: Fr. Tom arrives at Erick's apartment to tell Addie that Jack is innocent. Addie tells Fr. Tom that we loved Jack once but she is in love with Erick (and still does) and loves Jack only as a brother. Addie wonders why Erick has to be convinced that she loves him because, since childhood, he has had the need for affirmation and validation in his relationships. Addie is shocked that Erick thinks that she and Jack had an affair. Fr. Tom tells Addie that Erick planned everything. Fr. Tom also tells Addie the condition of Erick's confession (p. 230).
Chapter 51: Fr. Tom, Addie, and Elizabeth go to the police station together. On the way, Mavis, from Rosie's Place, tells Fr. Tom the good news about Mariana - that a rich person is going to pay for her treatments and for Marie's treatment as well. In response to Addie's hesitation, Fr. Tom helps her remember the vows that they made to remain committed to each other "in good times and in bad times," to will the good of another.
Addie wants Elizabeth and Fr. Tom to be with her when she meets with Erick. Erick hugs Addie and Elizabeth. Addie lets Erick hold Elizabeth and tells him that she IS his daughter. She tells Erick that she loves him only. Jack is family. She met with Jack for three reasons; (1) Jack's her brother, (2) he was helping her connect with important clients for her job, and (3) to talk about Erick, particularly how to mend the rift between Erick, Jack, and their parents. Losing Erick was the largest regret of his life. She shares with Erick that she went to see his parents after the baptism. She tells him that he is still his parents' "baby".
Fr. Tom drives to Norfolk to pick up Jack from prison. They have an in-depth discussion about Erick, their relationship with each and their parents, as well as jealousy, loss of trust, envy.
Chapter 52: Fr. Tom goes with Jack to see his parents and explain to them everything that has transpired. Jack then goes to see Erick in jail. Jack tells Erick that he loves him, always have and nothing has changed. Jack gives Erick the conditions of his forgiveness: (1) Erick promises to be the best husband to Addie and the best father to Elizabeth as he can be, (2) to go to as many sessions with Fr. Tom and Jack as needed for him to get better, and (3) Erick has to work on forgiving his parents.
At the moment, Zak & Becca (their parents) walk into the room. Zak asks Erick for his forgiveness. They wanted to challenge Erick to be the best person he could be and did not think that he needed affirmation. "Where shame and disgrace had filled him. . . now there was hope" (p. 244).
Chapter 53: Erick agrees not to go to trial. He gets a 1-year sentence, including 6 months suspended with community service. Brooks helps him get placed in a minimum-security prison and allowed his family to visit him. Fr. Tom counsels him weekly with each member of his family. They all gather at the family farm to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of Elizabeth's baptism. Erick & Jack play basketball; Jack win. Rachel and Jack are together. Erick gives the toast to his parents, Fr. Tom, Angelo, Jack, and Addie & Elizabeth. He has learned that "trust is essential to any loving relationship" (p. 247). Erick hugs and kisses Addie. He then holds and kisses Elizabeth and holds her close.
Previous blog(s):
- Stolen Blessing" Book Study (Chapters 1 - 7) with the Weary Travelers https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/10/stolen-blessing-book-study-chapters-1-7.html
- "Stolen Blessing" Book Study (Chapters 8 - 13) with the Weary Travelers https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/10/stolen-blessing-book-study-chapters-8.html
- "Stolen Blessing" Book Study (Chapters 14 - 19) with the Weary Travelers https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/11/stolen-blessing-book-study-chapters-14.html
- "Stolen Blessing" Book Study (Chapters 20 - 25) with the Weary Travelers https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/11/stolen-blessing-book-study-chapters-20.html
- "Stolen Blessing" Book Study (Chapters 26 - 37) with the Weary Travelers https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/11/stolen-blessing-book-study-chapters-26.html
- "Stolen Blessing" Book Study (Chapters 38 - 49) with the Weary Travelers https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/12/stolen-blessing-book-study-chapters-38.html
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