Sheltering Hearts Part 1

Sheltering Hearts.

by Robyn Carr.

RHONDA CLEMONS.

ZOE INSt.i.tUTE.

Until April 1997 Rhonda Clemons enjoyed the perfect life in Warner, Oklahoma. She had a master's degree, a good job, three children and a happy marriage. She had a strong support network of friends and a rich spiritual life. Then one day Rhonda's husband, Michael, came home with tragic news. During a regular exam his dentist had discovered a small sore on the side of his tongue, and it had turned out to be cancer.

Nothing was ever the same again.

Yet amid the chaos and pain of the diagnosis, and the chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Rhonda and Michael received incredible-some would say miraculous-news. Rhonda was pregnant again with the couple's fourth child. As Michael's strength waned, Rhonda's pregnancy blossomed. But despite aggressive treatments and Michael's own strength, he died a mere eleven months after learning he had the disease. Less than three weeks later, Rhonda delivered their youngest son, Noah Benjamin.

Suddenly Rhonda was a single mother with four children to care for, nurture and feed. And although Rhonda is blessed with a natural can-do att.i.tude and energy to burn, she was not prepared for life as a solo parent.

"I had a master's degree and a career. I was in church and I had a good family. I was treated well, and we had life insurance. I had this pile of advantages and it was still so difficult for me," she says today.

Through the haze of sleepless nights caring for a newborn and grief over her loss, Rhonda turned to her friends, family and faith for support. Still, she was exhausted and overwhelmed. So in a flash of inspiration fueled by desperation, Rhonda found babysitting for her children and booked a weekend alone at a cabin in the woods. She needed time to heal, write in her journal and think about what she would do with the rest of her life.

It was in that cabin that an idea came to her that would change not only her own life, but also the lives of countless other single mothers facing hardship. The idea manifested itself as Zoe Inst.i.tute, a faith-based, long-term support agency for single women and their kids.

"Half of our families are trying to raise children as single moms with none of the advantages I had. They've never been treated well in a relationship, they have no education and no career, and I'm thinking, 'How in the world do they do it?'" she says.

The Greek word zoe zoe means "life," and it's that concept that steers everything Rhonda does. means "life," and it's that concept that steers everything Rhonda does.

"It's what I want to be," says Rhonda. "I don't want to be a Band-Aid. I want a place where these women can come long-term and find out they are valuable, where they can be educated, mentored, encouraged and supported as they become the best family possible."

Inspiration and dedication for single moms

Rhonda first expected Zoe, established in 2004, to run as a part-time side project to accompany her paying work as a professional grant writer. The original goal was to help 100 single-mom families that first year. But after the organization's big, splashy launch-a well-attended conference on Valentine's Day weekend for single moms and their kids-word spread. Soon 200 to 300 women per month were contacting Zoe for help and guidance. Today that number has increased to between 300 and 400 families per month.

Although the main concept has remained the same-offering single mothers a place to visit and connect with other single mothers, while receiving professional and personal guidance-the number of services has grown.

Today Zoe Inst.i.tute offers educational programs through support groups to help women kick negative relationship patterns with abusive spouses and boyfriends and choose healthy relationships down the road. Trained volunteers give cla.s.ses in parenting, boundary setting and life skills. Zoe also gives women one-on-one mentoring opportunities with positive role models. Finally, Zoe Inst.i.tute operates the in parenting, boundary setting and life skills. Zoe also gives women one-on-one mentoring opportunities with positive role models. Finally, Zoe Inst.i.tute operates the "Hands of Grace" warehouse, which distributes diapers, clothing, shoes, toys, furniture, appliances and hygiene products to struggling families in the area.

Under Rhonda's leadership, Zoe's success stories abound. For example, Zoe Inst.i.tute once reached out to a local homeless family living under a bridge. They now have a house to call their own.

In another case a couple of years ago, a woman came to Rhonda clutching a two-year-old toddler and a five-week-old baby, desperate for any help she could receive. She had just left her abusive husband, who had belittled and abused her physically for years. Rhonda's voice softens as she describes the meeting.

"She came into my office and couldn't even look at me. She was so beaten down, all she could do was cry," says Rhonda. "This lady told me horrible stories of abuse. Her ex-husband even regulated the number of toilet paper squares she could use every day."

Rhonda hooked the woman up with emergency supplies and support groups to help guide her through feelings of despair and inadequacy. The charity also steered her into the Habitat for Humanity network.

Today the woman is a new person. She divorced her husband, terminated his parental rights and now lives in a new home with her children.

"She's graduating college in a few weeks," says Rhonda, sounding enthusiastic. "Women get into this victim mentality, but with good education, good information and a support system, they can make it."

Working together with a mission

Ask Rhonda what most surprises her about these past few years since Zoe got off the ground and she's quick to point to her sixty volunteers. Rhonda herself takes a very small salary for her work at Zoe Inst.i.tute, but her volunteers are involved in everything, including running workshops, teaching Celebrate Recovery addiction groups in local detention centers and picking up, sorting and cleaning community drop-off items. She says she continues to be amazed by their dedication.

"I didn't know people would just work for you day after day and not get paid. I didn't know people actually did that kind of stuff," she says.

But they do, particularly when funds are tight, as they are for Zoe Inst.i.tute. Still, Rhonda is a true motivator. Often out of the house by 6:30 a.m. and back again after 9:00 p.m., she's a whirlwind of activity and nerve.

"I have a lot of energy. I'm just one of those people who hits the ground running at 5:00 a.m. and go, go, go," she says, laughing and mentioning that she might like to hit the motivational-speaker circuit someday. "I'm like a tornado. People are either sucked in and they get as excited about life as I do-or they're scared away!"

In reality, Rhonda remains humble, relying on her staff, volunteers, children and her faith to keep herself grounded. She says all these elements come together to give her community a place like Zoe Inst.i.tute.

"It's not me-I'm just a vessel that G.o.d uses," she says. "I was simply brave enough to step out in faith on this idea-and all of this exploded!"

For more information, visit www.zoeinst.i.tute.com or write to Zoe Inst.i.tute, 1009 S. Muskogee Avenue, Tahlequah, OK, 74464. or write to Zoe Inst.i.tute, 1009 S. Muskogee Avenue, Tahlequah, OK, 74464.

ROBYN C CARR.

Robyn Carr is a RITA Award-winning, Award-winning, New York Times New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series. Robyn and her husband live in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's Web site at bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series. Robyn and her husband live in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's Web site at www.RobynCarr.com.

CHAPTER ONE.

As Dory Finn pulled her twelve-year-old Pathfinder up the drive to her little house in the country, she noticed the engine was skipping, and something was making a very ugly noise. She tried to ignore that. She had thought it was the battery because of the way the car wanted to die at stoplights, but this was something new and sounded much more serious.

The battery problem she could handle. She'd spent the past couple of days shifting into Park at stop signs and lights, and revving the engine to keep it going until she could replace the battery. Now it was apparent her problem could be bigger than a battery. "Come on, old girl..." she said to the car. "Come on..." She just didn't have the money for a major car repair. And even a new used car was out of the question.

The little house that her uncle Joe had left her wasn't in a regular neighborhood, but on the outskirts of Fortuna, California, in a group of fairly isolated houses. She had very few neighbors, but there was a new guy just moving in next door. Clay Kennedy. A big moving box balanced on one shoulder, Clay turned toward her noisy car. And he frowned-undoubtedly at the expensive sound the Pathfinder had just made.

She frowned as well, but her attention moved from the noise of a sick car to the shoulders on that man. The Realtor had introduced them a couple of weeks ago when Clay was due to close escrow on his house, which was almost identical to her own little abode. Actually, all the houses on the wide bend in the river were alike, having been vacation homes at one point.

Apparently Clay had lived in the area his entire life. He was a firefighter-thus the wide strong shoulders, flat belly and narrow hips. Seemed like a nice enough guy, but a flirtatious bachelor was exactly what Dory didn't didn't need. need.

The minute she put the car in Park, the engine quit. She bit back a curse.

"It died again, Mama," eight-year-old Sophie said.

"Dead as a doork.n.o.b," said six-year-old Austin.

Dory had corrected him once-it was doornail. But when she couldn't explain what a doornail was or why it would be dead, she had given up. But when she couldn't explain what a doornail was or why it would be dead, she had given up.

Clay put the box down on his porch and turned toward her. He mopped his brow and neck with a rag, then stuck it in his back pocket. There were big perspiration stains under his arms and around his neck, and Dory asked herself how it was possible that sweat could look so good on a man. And then he came toward her, taking long strides across their wide front yards. She got out of the truck.

"Hey," he said. "Dory, right?"

"Right," she said. "And you're...?"

"Clay Kennedy," he said, smiling.

Surely he couldn't have guessed that she'd known his name all along, that she'd remembered it. Nah.

"Um, got a car problem?"

"Not as bad as it sounds, I'm sure. I'll take care of it," she said.

"Is there a... Well, is there a husband or boyfriend who can give you a hand with that?" he asked.

"I've got it handled," she said.

He put his hands in his pockets and smiled lazily. "Single?"

"As it happens," she said.

"Well, what a coincidence," he said, shoving his hands deeper in his pockets, rocking back on his heels. "So am I."

"Yes," she said, "that's what you told me when we met. Remember?"

"Ah. So you remember that part, huh? Good." He peered into the car. "They're awful quiet in there." He winked at her kids before he straightened. "They always that well behaved?"

"Yes, they're very good," she said, but what she thought was-sometimes she wished they weren't. Kids who came from abusive or dysfunctional homes were often a little too good, walking on eggsh.e.l.ls, without realizing they were being overly cautious so as not to set anything off. Although she'd been the sole parent since Austin was two and Sophie four, she worried sometimes that they were still reacting to the craziness of their very early childhood. She opened the back door. "Let's go, you two. Come on."

But then they got out of the car like normal kids, grabbing backpacks, racing each other to the house, Austin tripping to go splat and Sophie laughing and making fun, beating him to the front door. That comforted Dory.

She started to follow when Clay said, "Dory?"

She turned. "Hmm?"

"I don't suppose you'd like to go out sometime?"

"I don't suppose," she said, but at least she smiled when she said it. Then she turned again and moved on.

"Why not?" She turned back and saw him pull the neck of his T-shirt away from his body and sniff. "I'll shower and everything."

She almost laughed, but in the end she decided it would be better to be firm. "Nothing personal. Just too much on my plate, Clay. Thanks for asking." She turned back again. "But that shower thing-good idea, before a date."

She heard his laughter at her back as she went into the house.

It was true-she was too busy to date. With her full-time job at a large grocery store in Fortuna, plus as much overtime as she could wrangle, two kids and involvement in an organization working to support single mothers, there wasn't much time left over. Certainly none for dating. Why would she date anyway? Not only didn't she trust her instincts with men, but she had no intention of being the female half of a couple. Her only experience with that had gone very, very badly.

Tonight, after a quick dinner, she had to go to a support group for single moms held in the bas.e.m.e.nt of a local church. All the women took their kids along-they were single moms, often without any backup support. Everyone pitched in to pay one of the mothers' teenage daughters to keep an eye on the kids in a Sunday school room right down the hall.

Three years ago Dory had gone to one of those support group meetings because she she needed support. It didn't take long before she'd been recruited by a couple of women to help them grow the organization into a bona fide nonprofit agency dedicated to helping single moms and their kids. They'd come a long way-churches, businesses and individuals supported their efforts and they were writing grants all the time. Though the women were always striving to do more, they'd already managed a couple of two-day educational conferences for single mothers, something they planned to do at least every summer. They also now had a house that served as a shelter for victims of abuse, and there was a waiting list to get in! A bank account had recently been set up from which they withdrew money for things like gas chits, utilities deposits, emergencies. Some of the women who hooked up with their group were in desperate need of absolutely everything. Volunteers also carried donated supplies in the backs of their cars-powdered milk and formula, diapers, some canned goods, soap and shampoo, cereal and baby food. One day they planned to have an actual center with an emergency food bank. needed support. It didn't take long before she'd been recruited by a couple of women to help them grow the organization into a bona fide nonprofit agency dedicated to helping single moms and their kids. They'd come a long way-churches, businesses and individuals supported their efforts and they were writing grants all the time. Though the women were always striving to do more, they'd already managed a couple of two-day educational conferences for single mothers, something they planned to do at least every summer. They also now had a house that served as a shelter for victims of abuse, and there was a waiting list to get in! A bank account had recently been set up from which they withdrew money for things like gas chits, utilities deposits, emergencies. Some of the women who hooked up with their group were in desperate need of absolutely everything. Volunteers also carried donated supplies in the backs of their cars-powdered milk and formula, diapers, some canned goods, soap and shampoo, cereal and baby food. One day they planned to have an actual center with an emergency food bank.

When she and the kids got back into the Pathfinder after dinner, Clay was on his front porch, feet up on the rail, drinking a soda. She gave a wave; he gave a wave. And Austin gave an enthusiastic wave. She sometimes felt bad for Austin-he could use a positive male role model in his life. But Dory doubted she'd ever be willing to take that kind of chance.

She started the car, and voila! No terrible sound! Started right up! Jeez, these old cars with a million miles on 'em could be quite temperamental. She was so happy that she found herself grinning victoriously at Clay from behind the wheel. And he, smiling slightly, raised his can of cola in a toast.

A couple of hours later, returning from the support group, she was almost home when she heard the sound again. But just a little and not for long. She pumped the brakes-at least they worked well. Whatever it was, she'd ask around at her next single moms' support group to see if anyone had a friend or brother who'd be willing to just diagnose it for her. That would make her feel better.

When Dory got home from work the next day, her gra.s.s was cut. Her gra.s.s had been cut? Well, she might've let it get a little tall, but it was only April! She always caught up eventually and it wasn't as if there was a neighborhood a.s.sociation monitoring upkeep out here by the river.

Her new neighbor was at the side of his house, hosing off a shiny new riding lawn mower. Something in her gut clenched and an unwelcome memory surfaced. Her ex-husband, Todd, nicknamed Trip, used to do those kinds of neighborly things. In fact, he was so dang helpful in their little Oklahoma neighborhood, everyone thought he was just the nicest guy....

The kids got out of the car, dragging backpacks. "I'll be right in," Dory said to them. And then she walked over to her neighbor's yard.

He turned off the hose, smiled at her and said, "Hey, Dory. How's it going?"

"You don't have to cut my gra.s.s," she said. "I have a lawn mower. I can get it done."

"It's no trouble," he said. "Glad to help."

"I wish you wouldn't."

He frowned at her. "I said I didn't mind. Why don't you want my help, anyway?"

She thought for a second. She didn't want to get reeled in, that's why. But she said, "Listen, I'm just too busy to be repaying gra.s.s-cutting favors."

"Yeah, I got that-busy. Look, that's perfectly fine. I didn't have any kind of repayment in mind."

"But it's a pretty big yard!"

"Dory, it's a riding lawn mower," he said, throwing an arm wide toward it. "It's kinda fun, to tell the truth." Then, for no reason she could immediately figure out, he crouched. "Hey, what's your name?"

Austin had followed Dory and now stood right behind her. He just stared at Clay for a second until Dory said, "It's okay."

"Austin," he said shyly.

"Well, Austin-want a ride on my new lawn mower?"