Nora Ray (Ray Trilogy)

chapter Twenty Three

In May of 1961, Jeremy presented his completed project to the science board at the Oklahoma State University’s Horticulture department. He explained that he understood that much more work could be accomplished by further study; however, he felt that with his studies and diagrams others could use his process to further their own studies. Hopefully, with the interest of other scientist’s input, the process of increasing the nutrition in food could be greatly increased. Someday he hoped the world would be well fed and hunger stamped out.

After Professor Dave Bradley studied Jeremy’s portfolio and evaluated his results, he called a meeting of the Horticulture department of the University. Together they made the decision to call an assembly of specialists in the field for Jeremy to make a presentation of his study.

By the time Jeremy had presented his findings, the professional biologists and horticultural scientists, and other specialists which Professor Dave Bradley had called in to hear Jeremy’s presentation clapped and gave Jeremy a standing ovation. Jeremy had accomplished something that many scientists and attempted and failed.

At the end of the presentation, Dave Bradley stood by Jeremy’s side smiling like a proud father. He shook Jeremy’s hand before them all. He knew Jeremy had a bright future.

Jeremy had already enrolled in the Master’s program at the University. Professor Bradley very much looked forward to working further with Jeremy and having him in his classes.

Jeremy returned home that evening to Nora and little Lauren so excited about the reaction of the professionals at his presentation.

After telling Nora his news, they went out to celebrate with dinner. Lauren, seven months old now, picked up the excitement of her parents. She sat in her highchair and entertained them with her chatter and obvious delight in having both her parents as her captive audience.

Nora reached over and held Jeremy’s hand, she admiringly said, “I’m so proud of you. I’m so glad all that hard work has been appreciated by the people who understand the significance of your study.”

“Thank you, my lovely Nora.” Jeremy replied proudly but gratefully. He lifted her hand and kissed it.

“I believe you have a bright future, my wonderful husband.”

“I believe both of us have a bright future. Are you getting tired of studying?” he asked her.

“No, I think I will be learning for the rest of my life,” she said with a laugh.

“That’s the way I feel, Nora, no matter what we accomplish in life or what we learn, there is always more. It seems that we are always just scratching the surface of the big picture,” Jeremy confided.

“I agree.” Nora responded. “There is always one more problem to solve, or one more person who needs help. It’s up to us to find the answers.”

They sat there in companionable silence watching and playing with Lauren. Nora cocked her head to the side and asked, “Do you think you will ever return to Pryor and buy your mother’s flower shop?”

“You know, I haven’t thought about that in so long,” Jeremy nostalgically thought for a minute. “I feel so invested in my research and the work I do at the university. It seems like a childhood dream that I had once. I will always enjoy working with plants. I could have been a happy man building landscapes but my real talent and goal now is to further my knowledge in microbiology and horticulture. To be able to provide more nutritious food for the world and to help stamp out hunger is very important work, in my estimation.”

“You are right,” Nora smiled at him proudly.