Mother of Blue Stars

Episode 8

MARY: I meant could you talk with someone, you know . . .  [MARY motions to the ceiling]

FATHER PENIK: Yes, of course, I can pray for Raymond’s safety and the safety of all your boys.

MARY: No, Father, I’m asking you to ask God to stop Raymond from going.

FATHER PENIK: Oh.  I see. [Beat]  Raymond, do you want me to do that?

RAYMOND: [Shaking his head] No, Father, I don’t.

FATHER PENIK: Then I’m in an awkward spot.  How can I pray to keep Raymond out of the service when he wants to be in the service?  God will not answer a prayer spoken with a conflicted heart, Mrs. Banas.  I can only pray that you accept Raymond’s decision and give him your blessing.  In fact, without your blessing, Raymond will be in greater danger.  Did you know that?  He’ll always know you opposed his enlistment.  Now I’ve known Raymond since his baptism and seen him grow up.  As an altar boy he served many a mass with me and I know him fairly well.  What I’m trying to say is, Raymond will always be troubled by your lack of support, for not standing behind him, and he might question his capabilities.  A battlefield is no place for self-doubt, Mrs. Banas!  I know this.  I served as Chaplain in the Great War.  A soldier must be brave, fierce, and above all, self-confident.  Anything less will make him an easy target.

MARY: He was an easy target for the Sergeant-man!

FATHER PENIK: [Tenderly] Did he grab Raymond by the collar and pull him inside?

ANDY: Mama, can I have a few more pirogues?

RAYMOND: Me too!

MARY: They’re right in front of you, help yourself!  [Beat]  Father, how can you know my feelings?  You’re not a parent.

FATHER PENIK: That’s true.  Andy, what do you think about it?

ANDY: It doesn’t matter what I think.  What I think will not change anything.  I’ll take Raymond to the station and wish him well.  That’s all I can do. And I heard the meals on the train were good.

[Beat]

MARY: Father, more pirogues?  There’s plenty.

FATHER PENIK: Thank you, Mrs. Banas.  Maybe a few more.

ANDY: [To Father Penik] Hearty Slovak food, huh?  Hits the spot every time.

ELEANOR: And there’s birthday cake for dessert!

FATHER PENIK: Birthday cake?  Is it someone’s birthday?

ELEANOR: Raymond turned eighteen yesterday.

FATHER PENIK: Oh.  I didn’t know that. Happy birthday, Raymond.  I mean happy belated birthday.

RAYMOND: Thank you, Father.

FATHER PENIK: If I had known, I would have brought a present.

RAYMOND: That’s okay, Father.  I got socks.

Continues tomorrow.