It was shortly after three o’clock the next afternoon when the Davidson’s reached the park. Dad drove the family station wagon down the narrow road that led to the picnic area. He parked near the shelter they had rented for the day. Then everyone piled out. Mom gave each child something to carry.
In the shelter each family group was arranging their picnic things on a table. Mom chose one for them, and everyone set what he or she carried on the table. Dad took a large bag of charcoal over to the area outside where the grills were.
When everything was done to Mom’s satisfaction, she said, “I believe we are going to start supper about five o’clock. You children have almost two hours if you want to go swimming.”
It was yet another hot, sunny day so no one needed a second invitation. They raced to the car to collect their swim things.
“Steve, Candy,” Mom called after them, “you two must wait for Dad and me.”
“Aw, Mom, I can swim,” Steve cried.
“Not too well yet, Son. You wait here. It won’t be very long before we’re ready.”
The twins with Fred and Susan headed toward the swimming pools.
“Last one in the water is a rotten egg,” yelled Jan when they reached the dressing rooms.
They scrambled into their suits. One by one they came out of the dressing rooms and jumped into the larger of the two swimming pools. The smaller pool was actually deeper. It was mostly for those who wished to use the high-diving board.
Julie came out last. She was still tying the string to her swimsuit at the back of her neck.
“What a slow poke,” shouted Jan, “and a rotten egg too!”
At this Fred grabbed Jan’s leg and dunked her. This caused a wild water fight which only ended when the life-guard blew his whistle.
Afterward they swam and dived off the board. Soon a group of children from the twin’s Sunday School class joined them. Someone had brought a ball.
“Let’s play ‘Keep-away’,” one of the newcomers suggested, “boys against the girls.”
With shouts of approval, the game began.
In the middle of a loud splashing match to get the ball, Mr. Davidson was suddenly there. He reached a long arm out and grabbed the ball himself. Jan cheered when he stayed to help the girls’ side.
Everyone was enjoying the water, so much that the time sped by. It was with surprise that Jan saw her Dad motioning to her from the side of the pool.
When she swam over to where he was, he said, “It’s almost five o’clock, time to head to the shelter for supper. Help me round up the others, please.”
Mrs. Davidson had seen him signal and brought Candy and Steve from the shallow end where they had been swimming. But Jan had to go to each of the others and tell them it was time to be leaving.
“Food,” gasped Fred. He staggered around holding his stomach. “I’m starving.”
Jan laughed. “Come on, I’ll beat everyone dressed!” she shouted as she tore off in the direction of the dressing rooms.
In no time everyone was in dry clothing and walking toward the picnic area.
And what a feast met their eyes! Each family had brought their own meat.
But salads and desserts were spread out on two long tables. These were to be shared by all.
Someone prayed. Then everyone took his plate and helped himself.
Jan piled her plate with jello, potato salad, pretzels, hot dogs and all sorts of good things. She could see the others doing the same. Yummy, she thought, picnic food always seems to taste better than regular food.
When no one could eat another bite, Mr. Murphy stood up. As soon as it grew quiet, he said, “What a land of plenty we live in! We have so much to thank God for on this birthday of our country, don’t we?”
Around the group, several thankful “Amens,” could be heard.
“But most of all, we are thankful for Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. He died on the cross for us. His blood was shed there to wash away sin, your sin and my sin.
“God says in His Word, the Bible, that sin is like darkness. Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23) says, ‘For all have sinned ... ’ That means that everyone has disobeyed God and lives in the dark. But we can praise the Lord Jesus that He is the Light. When we believe in Jesus and receive Him as our Savior, He sends the darkness of sin away. He washes us from our sins in His own blood. His Light comes into us instead.
“Jesus gives us power, power not to sin. Oh, we may still do things that are wrong, but we have power from God to do right. Before Jesus comes in, there is no power; we cannot please God. With Jesus as our Lord, with Him to light our way, we can be different. We can do things that please God.”
He went on talking for several more minutes, but Jan was busy thinking. The talk about darkness bothered her. Was she in darkness? She didn’t like to think so, but somewhere inside of her the answer was yes.
She wiggled on the picnic bench and was glad when Mr. Murphy stopped talking.
Then it was time to clean up. Mom said if everyone helped just a little, no one would have to work very long. And she was right. Soon their table was all cleaned up.
As they were finishing, Mr. and Mrs.Murphy came over. They had another family with them.
“Hello, Chuck, Lucy,” said Mr. Murphy. “I want you to meet the Huas.” This is Dr. and Mrs. Hua and their son Quang. This is the Davidson family: Mr. and Mrs. Davidson and their children, Jan, Julie, Steve, and Candy.”
Everyone exchanged greetings. Mr. Davidson introduced Fred and Susan.
Jan, meanwhile, tried not to stare at Quang. He was the boy who had caused her to fall off her bike just a few days ago. He gave no sign that he knew her.
Mr. Murphy was saying, “Dr. and Mrs. Hua and Quang come to us from Vietnam. Their government just recently permitted them to leave. A work of God, there is no doubt. Not many leave these days, especially not doctors.”
“That is correct, Mr. Murphy. We have much to thank God for. It is good to be here.”
Dr. Hua spoke good English, but it sounded a little strange to Jan. He was a slender man with very dark hair. Quang looked like his father only not as tall. Mrs. Hua was a tiny person. She only smiled and nodded. She seemed very shy.
While the adults talked, the children tried to talk to Quang. “Tried” because he wouldn’t answer any of their questions or say anything at all. He just looked down at the ground frowning a bit.
Jan was the only one who made no effort to talk to Quang. She felt badly about the way she had treated him after her bike accident. But she didn’t know how to say she was sorry.
Then she heard Dr. Hua telling how they had lost a child while coming to America. The child, a little girl, had been ill at home. But the Huas had been afraid to turn down the chance to leave when it was offered. So they came anyhow. The trip was too difficult for the sick little girl. She had died before they arrived.
Mrs. Hua looked so sad. Jan could not help feeling sorry for her. Yet they were so glad to be in America. They were sad to lose their little daughter, but they trusted in God. They had nothing but praise for Him.
Dr. Hua noticed Quang. “Quang, can you not speak?” He said it ‘kwon’. Quang answered something in Vietnamese.
“I must apologize for my son. It is difficult for him, you understand. He does not yet speak English so plainly. So he does not make friends at school, and he is not happy.”
Jan could believe it. But she thought how rude she herself had been to him. She frowned.
Someone had asked Dr. Hua when they had come. He answered, “April.”
“They live near you people,” said Mrs. Murphy. “On Greentown Drive, isn’t it?”
Dr. Hua nodded. “Yes, I have large home where I hope to have office, some day. First I must pass Ohio Medical Examinations. Then I can again practice medicine.”
Jan saw Quang scowl. Why is he upset about that? she wondered.
She was so interested in the talk of the grown-ups that she did not at first notice the other children leaving the group one by one. Then she heard Fred call to her, “Jan, come on. Some of us are going to play softball.”
Thinking this might be a safe way to make friends with Quang she asked, “Quang, would you like to play?”
She thought he would say ‘yes’, but then he shook his head. Without answering, he turned and walked away.
Jan shrugged and felt better. She had tried. Then she ran over to the others. She liked to play softball. She was pretty good at it too.
Sides were being chosen.
“Julie, aren’t you and Susan going to play?” asked Jan.
Julie shook her head and Susan answered, “Nope, I can’t hit a ball if someone throws it right to me. Julie and I will cheer.”
Although Julie was not the best softball player, she usually joined the game when one was being played. Jan supposed she was not playing so that Susan wouldn’t be alone. The game began, and Jan forgot everything else. She played hard because she liked to win. And their side did win.
Fred pounded her on the back and shouted, “Great game, Jan! Say, you can really run.”
It was high praise, and Jan was pleased.
The twins with Fred and Susan walked slowly over to where Mr. and Mrs. Davidson were sitting on lawn chairs. Steve and Candy were already there sitting on a blanket spread out on the ground.
“Come, sit down,” Dad called to them. “The fireworks will be starting soon.”
The four children hurried over and sat down. Jan was glad to rest after the game. Fred, too, seemed tired.
It was almost dark. Then a boom was heard. A beautiful shower of reds and blues was seen in the evening sky. There were “oohs” and “ahs” from those watching.
Jan gave a contented little sigh and made herself more comfortable on the blanket. Another boom and a rocket of brilliant white flashed in the sky. ‘A perfect end to a perfect day,’ she thought. ‘Well, almost perfect day.’ She was remembering Quang.