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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Endless (01/09/14)
OCEAN WATERS

As I stood on the balcony watching the endless ocean waters, my mind wandered to all the happy times of the past eighteen years. I saw my family of five sitting around our kitchen table laughing as we ate one of the many meals we shared together. “Thanks Mom. Supper was delicious.” I have been thanked a million times. Never before did I cherish those simple words. I saw my family of five walking in the mountain near our home. Sticks snapping as we tramped along, children giggling as they searched for treasures. Never before did I value the time spent emptying pockets of crushed leaves and dirty stones. I saw my family of five at our favorite vacation spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Sunshine pouring onto my children as they splashed into the pool, as they hit golf balls as far as they could, and as they celebrated the latest victory at the go carts. Never before did I realize the value of planning and organizing a family vacation.

As I remembered, tears formed and fell. In a few short weeks it would all change. We were taking our oldest daughter three hours away to start her college experience. I was excited for her, but that didn’t change the truth that my world was about to be turned upside down.

My husband and I made the choice very early in our marriage that I would stay at home with our children, and a little later, we decided that I would homeschool them. The time spent with my children is time that I love. Is it always perfect? No…yet it is all a part of who I am. How would I tell this precious daughter good-bye? Could I really give her wings and allow her to fly? My role as a mother was never more important. She needed me to be strong so that she could be strong and confident and brave, facing her hopes and her fears.

The ocean water slapped and splashed against the ship, never stopping its movement. The warm rays of the sun fell upon my face and the ocean breeze blew at my hair. A powerful whisper was the truth I received, as I stood there longing to hold onto everything I valued the most in this life. “The ocean never stops moving, and neither can life. Change is important. Without it, life wouldn’t be worth living.”

So, I took in a deep breath and wiped the tears from my cheek. Life is worth living, so I will face the changes coming my way, holding onto God’s hand, as the waters of life never quit moving.
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This article has been read 564 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sheldon Bass 
01/18/14
Seems our natural response to change is always uncertainty and sometimes fear. Yet by our faith in the Lord we can look with eager anticipation for all the good things He has in store for us in our futures.
Keep on writing.
Toni Babcock 
01/18/14
Lovely piece and picture of life. Thanks for sharing. Letting go of our kids as they move forward in life is not an easy thing, and you described the inner struggle well.
Amelia Brown 
01/20/14
Very nicely done, and wonderfully dressed with description. I didn't see the topic shining through very strongly but still a very nice piece. Keep writing.
karen loudermilk
01/20/14
It was a good story with a good lesson, and right on target to the title. I didn't feel it was on target with the challenge. I had a hard time at first really getting into it, I felt to many references to my family of 5 were used, and to many never before in the beginning. The second part really took off though, and it was a good reference to life moving on.
Michele Fleming 
01/22/14
I can, totally, relate to this piece. I have a 21 yr. old son and an 18 yr. old daughter, and it is hard to think of them going out on their own. With God's strength, we will all survive this inevitable path in life.

While the story itself was enjoyable and well written, I feel the topic got lost in there somewhere.

God bless and keep writing!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
01/25/14
Congratulations for ranking first in your level and 25 overall! (The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.)
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
01/25/14
Oops I made a mistake you ranked 24 overall! Congratulations!