Then Came Heaven

When Eddie's wife suddenly dies in a tragic accident he is bereft and turns to the teacher of his two daughters, Sister Regina, for comfort. Eddie tries hard to be a good parent to Lucy and Anne, but finds his sister-in-law's attempts to make things just as they were - cooking like his wife did, braiding the girls' hair, etc, a bit unsettling. Irene also has always had feelings for Eddie, but stepped aside when he chose her sister to marry.

Sister Regina story is the one that most fascinated me. She pours out her heart to her priest and spiritual advisor about doubts she is having about her vocation. I had a friend who was once a nun and left the order. Both had similar stories. They were pushed to join the convent when they were very young. Sister Regina (Jean) was only eleven. Her parents, and especially her grandmother were really proud of her when she joined the convent and she does not want to disappoint them. Yet, she balks at the rules, especially obedience. She wants to comfort the family that lost their mother and wife, yet is forbidden to hug or even share a meal with them.

This is a nice, family drama that will appeal to many, especially those like me, who grew up in the 1950s and attended parochial school.