Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: MARRIAGE (08/25/16)
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TITLE: Bond for Life | Previous Challenge Entry
By Melissa Doerksen
09/01/16 -
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With each cautious step, she shuffled a little closer to the edge of her grand veranda. The cedar planks beneath her feet were faded and worn, yet sturdy as the day her sweetheart had built the deck for her, years earlier.
Clutching her cane with a tight grip in one hand, she lifted her other weathered hand to shade her eyes as she viewed her spacious yard covered in lush green Kentucky grass. One last hour before bidding farewell to this beautiful home where she and her dearly departed soulmate had raised their family and built their dreams together!
She looked across the lawn, even now seeing her husband mowing that great expanse, sweat beading his brow; however, always had time to give her that playful wink and smile, as he came by to snag the icy lemonade she extended as he passed by. She glanced toward the pasture, watching the horses gallop by, and was instantly reminded of how often they had walked hand in hand, in the nearby forest glade.
She sank down in her most comfy deck chair, remembering the day her man had surprised her with this patio furniture set for Mother’s Day; oh, the tears of joy that had followed tears of sorrow just prior. She leaned back, breathing in the fresh country air. Was that a hint of rain she smelled? She smiled as she looked up to the blue sky above, and then lowered her gaze to the treetops slightly stirring as the breeze picked up. She recalled the many snuggling sessions during rainstorms, both on the porch swing, as well as in the comfort of their own marital bed! She chuckled now at the useless quarrels and fights throughout the years, but oh, how great the sessions of making up afterward! She would never forget those passionate moments!
They had had a good marriage overall; she knew it in her heart! Marriage was a commitment; certainly there had been times when they had not felt deeply in love, but it had been a decision to choose love and work it out! They had endured great financial woes and burdens, job loss, struggles with teenagers, family and relational issues, church politics and transitions, the death of loved ones, and the list went on; however, together they just kept on…never giving up even when it seemed like the easiest and best thing to do! Marriage was hard work, but so worth it, and this was what life was all about. The good and the bad, bundled together and intertwined by matrimonial cords, intended to create a holy and intimate bond forever! She knew it was God’s plan and design, and they had often discussed over the years how marriage was clearly the ultimate and closest experience here on Earth, to correlate with and prepare for the Heavenly Marriage Feast one day!
The rocking chair across the deck rocked slowly as the winds gently swept over the veranda. She looked over to the chair where her beloved had spent much time in his last couple years! She could see him even now, watching her…she looked into his deep brown beautiful eyes as he smiled and nodded approval. She wanted to ask him if it was really okay to leave; however, the friendly creases carving his weathered face confirmed so. Tears of joy and sorrow mingled, rolling down her cheeks, as her beloved faded from her view!
She looked up to see her oldest son trying to locate her. She guessed it was time to go. She glanced around one last time, hoping and praying her memories would remain intact and close to her heart until being reunited with her beloved once again, as they both joined the lover of their souls, at the great Marriage Feast of the Lamb!
She sighed, allowing that lingering hope to penetrate her very soul. She grasped her son’s now extended hand, and smiled knowingly at him, as he helped her up to her feet. What a glorious day that will be! She smiled again.
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It was poignant and tender and beautifully written.
Marriage is a beautiful thing here on earth...and so sad when the first spouse goes leaving the other behind. But, your ending summed it up with an inspirational and true message.
Thanks for this powerful entry.
God bless you~
I liked the last chapter. When will the rest of the book come out?
I felt I knew the characters in your story by the descriptive passages you wrote.
Such heartfelt thoughts.