Chet Beck

TO MAKE THE DAY or TO REND THE DAY Chet Beck

This is a story about a post-adolescent (Larry) as he struggles with his defiance and his anger. To this point, Larry's life has been about celebrating hedonism. His guiding lights have been his anger and his defiance. They have been guiding his decisions and choices. His dad (Vernon) guides him on an insightful journey to find his true nature. You get to experience the front porch discussions between father and son as Larry begins to explore his own maturation. Larry's girlfriend (Bev) is pregnant with his child. They are not married. Larry wants her to have an abortion. He doesn't want to lose his freedom by making a commitment to raising a family. Bev has decided to have their baby. This sets off a series of events (in one day) that lands Larry in jail with only his anger and his defiance as his allies. He must deal with the consequences of 'rending' the day, making, mayhap, ten times ten the days to undo the rending. His dad guides him on a step by step journey to understand some basic life concepts. They discuss at length an Emersonian concept about one's true nature. Emerson's essay taught Vernon to find his true nature: "In as much as I lie, cheat, or steal, I shrink from my true nature," became Vernon's mantra when he was Larry's age. Also, Vernon shows Larry that for everything he gives up, he gains something; (Emerson's Immutable Law of Compensation)). This story has religious overtones without being preachy. Pastor Jim and Vernon discuss ways to reach Larry. Larry has an epiphany and begins to understand their wisdom. This is not a "happily ever after" story. It is a story about the struggles of a boy becoming a man. It is a good read about a loving father who mentors his son into manhood.