The Stranger

 

By Lester Ann Hyde Jensen

July 21, 2016

 

Last week at lunch at the temple while visiting with some of my table mates, I was introduced to a Brother Keith Bevans.  I mentioned there was a Bishop Bevans who was my parents’ Bishop when they answered the call to serve a mission in Nauvoo.  He asked their name and when I told him it was Clarence and Floy Hyde, he smiled and said,

“Yes, I sent them on their mission.”

Several others at the table said they also knew my parents as they had worked in the temple with them.  They all spoke very highly of Mom and Dad and one Sister, Alice Sheen, said: “I must tell you story about your parents.”

She said: “We were going home one cold and rainy evening after our shift at the temple.  Your Mom and Dad lived near us and we were travelling close to one another.  There was a young and unkept looking hitch hiker on the road and we were concerned when your Mom and Dad stopped and picked him up, but we continued on our way home as did your parents. “

I am sure Dad’s main concern was this poor guy who was wet and cold, probably very tired and hungry. 

Everyone went home.  End of story, right?  Wrong: 

The next time Sister Sheen saw my mom, she asked how their evening with the hitchhiker went and Mom had a very interesting story to tell.

After commenting on how cold it was, Dad asked if the young man would like to stay in their home for the night.  He accepted their invitation.  Mom questioned him: “Have you had your supper?  Are you hungry?” to which he answered, “I haven’t eaten for two days.”

When they got him home, they noticed how very dirty he was.  Dad asked if he would like to have a shower before dinner.  He said that would be wonderful but he didn’t have any other clothes to change into.  That was a perfect introduction to Mom’s next question.  “Would you like me to wash your clothes?”  He seemed quite happy to have her do that. 

So Dad found him a robe to wear while mother washed his clothes.  I can just see Mom very gingerly handling his dirty clothes as she loaded them into the washing machine, but knowing my mother she was probably quite happy to wash them and let him shower as she wouldn’t want all that grime in one of her clean beds.

Mom did his laundry and proceeded to prepare the meal.  He was definitely hungry as he cleaned up his plate and gratefully accepted second and third helpings. 

Finally they all went to bed but, when they retired to their bedroom Mom and Dad looked at one another and asked: “What have we allowed into our house??  What could he do to us? Is he a drug addict, or worse, a murderer?  They didn’t sleep terribly soundly that night.  Worry kept them awake and they were up bright and early the next morning.  Mom fixed breakfast, but their house guest didn’t appear. 

They discussed the possibilities.  Had he risen earlier than them and left? What did he take with him when he left?  Was he even alive down there??  So many unanswered questions!

They waited for a long time and finally, Dad went downstairs to check.  He tapped on the door.  No answer.  He tried the door.  It wouldn’t open.  Then he knocked a little more loudly and persistently.  Finally a very groggy and sleepy young man came to the door. It took a few minutes to open the door as he had lodged a chair against the door knob to keep Mom and Dad out.

Dad laughed as he suddenly realized HE WAS AFRAID OF THEM!

Their guest apologized for sleeping so late.  He said he hadn’t slept in any bed, let alone a nice clean and comfortable bed such as this, for over a month.  He said he just slept so soundly and enjoyed the comfort and warmth of their home so much that even if he had been awake, he would have wanted to stay just a bit longer.  He apologized for sleeping so late and after eating a hearty breakfast he thanked them sincerely and continued on his way. 

After he left, Mom’s motherly instincts were in high gear.  She wondered where this young man’s parents were.  She would have loved to be able to contact them and tell them where he was and so far he was safe and well.  What more could they have done to make his journey a bit easier?  Her concerns for and about him had been so different just a few hours ago.  Dad just smiled his crocked little smile when she voiced her new concerns for their new friend, this young traveler. 

My heart swelled with pride and love for my parents as Sister Sheen told me and our other table mates about what good and generous people my parents were.  

The only comment that came to my mind is found in Matthew 25:40:  “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”