Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Grandparent(s) (04/03/08)
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TITLE: Family Truths | Previous Challenge Entry
By Denise Hammond
04/10/08 -
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“I’ll get some air and then take another stab at it.” Georgia mumbled and headed for the mailbox.
At least with her mother’s parents it was simple. They had both died before Georgia was born. Her Grandfather Clayton had died when he was only forty-eight. Then her Grandmother Charlotte had died suddenly in an accident. Georgia often wondered what they were like. Was her grandmother the kind who would bake and cook all sorts of wonderful things for you? Would her grandfather have taken her fishing? Would he have made her feel like the most special, beautiful, and loved little girl in the world?
Her father’s parents were the complicated ones. They were still living, but she hadn’t seen them since she was five. Her grandparents had disapproved of her mother from the start. The tension had always been there, but one day it just came to a head. Georgia never knew why, just one day she had grandparents, and the next day she didn’t. She lost her aunts and uncles as well. Her grandparents had quite a bit of money, and the rest of the family didn’t want to risk their inheritance by fraternizing with the enemy.
So, Georgia’s family consisted of her parents and her mom’s sister Emma. Georgia felt so isolated, disposable, confused and ashamed sometimes. She didn’t know how to explain it, but she felt as if there was a curse on her family.
She opened the mailbox and pulled out the mass of papers and envelopes.
“If we are so worried about the environment and saving trees why can’t we outlaw junk mail?” As she sorted through the stack a return address caught her eye.
Clayton Grant
West Tennessee State Penitentiary
P.O. Box 1150
Henning, TN 38041-1150
Why was her dead grandfather’s name on the top of a return address from a prison? While it was a warm spring day in Arkansas, Georgia realized she was suddenly cold and trembling. The family tree was the last thing on her mind as she walked towards the house.
“Mom,” she called, then louder and more panicked, “Mom!”
“Georgia, what’s wrong? You’re so pale.” Dixie walked over and took Georgia’s hand. “Sit down and talk to me.”
“What does this letter mean?”
“What letter? What are you talking about?” Georgia handed Dixie the letter and watched as the blood drained from her mom’s face as well.
“He’s not dead is he? Mom, please tell me the truth.”
“I wanted to spare you the shame and ugliness of my family.” A tear fell from Dixie’s face onto the letter.
“I’ve felt the shame. I’ve known something was wrong with our family. There’s always been something in the air. Like a smell you can’t quite place. I think knowing why might make it better.”
“Your grandfather molested your Aunt Emma and me for many years.” Dixie’s voice was barely a whisper and her eyes were downcast. “I never told anyone except your father about the abuse. Then one day I got a call from my mother. My father had been arrested. He was charged with ten counts of sexual abuse of a minor, and sentenced to forty years in prison. A few months later your grandmother’s car was found in a lake. I guess she couldn’t live with the shame. I’m sorry I lied to you, but I thought it would be easier if you never knew."
Georgia sat looking at her mother. She could see herself reflected in her mother’s tears and feel her own as they trickled down her face. She had no idea what any of this was going to mean, or how she was going to deal with it. She didn’t know why he had sent a letter. Yet, deep inside she felt this was a new beginning. One in which she and her family could finally begin to live without any chains binding them to a hidden past.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 NLT
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I hope that this entry places high this week, because I really enjoyed it.
Most grandparents do not do the bad things that this grandfather did, but this story is a reality for some, and I think it's good to show this side of things.
Well written, you made me feel your MC's emotions. Well done.