The Merry-Go-Round | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: The Merry-Go-Round | Previous Challenge Entry
By Nancy Higginson
04/07/09
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The Merry-Go-Round

Up and down went the painted horses of the merry-go-round. As newlyweds we rode the merry-go-round at the amusement park on our honeymoon. The stars and happily ever after still in our eyes. Young and in love, starting on our life together, forever and then some.
Our first year together the ups and downs cemented our relationship. Who knew that for better or for worse, in sickness and in health would be put to the test so soon. As Bible school students money was tight, many times God provided through money found, an anonymous gift in the mailbox, a late wedding check from a friend or a jar full of pennies. A late night drive to the emergency room, six weeks and two surgeries later he was released from the hospital. Our first Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s together had been shared in a hospital room. With enduring faith and love we survived that first year.
Our second year together began a new rounds of ups and downs. Time was needed to rebuild strength. Adjustments to plans and dreams, no longer going to school to be a pastor and a pastor’s wife. We lived in my parents home for a short time. He found a job, he hated it there and said it would be a miracle if he lasted six months. We lived with his grandparents while looking for a home to rent. A little home of our own. The miracle of new life, we were expecting tour first child. God’s timing, not unplanned, just a little sooner than planned.
Life together progressed through the usual ups and downs. Another move to a house more suited to a family instead of a couple. A beautiful baby girl. Car problems, money problems, little spats. Another child on the way. Buying our first home. Nine years driving up and down Cajon Pass for work every day. Childhood illnesses battled. Love grew, multiplied now by four.
Life together took on new meaning after thirteen years of marriage. His job transferred him to another state. Nine months of driving up and down Chiriaco Summit so we could be together on weekends. Repairing the water heater with instructions over the phone. Long hugs and kisses when he would arrive on Friday. Long hugs, kisses and tears when he left on Sunday. Five hundred miles apart all week. Finally a place to rent that would take children and lots of pets. Together again as a family.
Life together moved on. Another move into a large fixer upper we bought. Once again we were separated by miles as his company sends him on travel for nine months, flying him home every other weekend. Our daughter and son-in-law standing under the chupa, were we really that young twenty years ago? Watching our little boy grow into a man. The joy of a grandchild on the way. Too soon the painful news that our grandson had a terminal birth defect. The prayers for strength, for a miracle. Holding onto our daughter as she gave birth. Holding our grandson for the first and last time. Faith bent, but not broken. The cement that held us together all these years cracked a little but didn’t break. A year of healing, strengthening both faith and love.
Up and down the painted horses still move in their endless circle. I’ll continue this merry-go-round ride with him for as long as the Lord allows. No longer young, still in love and continuing our life together, forever and then some.

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