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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Home for Christmas (11/20/08)
Looking out over the veranda Monique sighed; she turned and said “Jake I have to do it. I can’t miss seeing my family again.” Head in hands he looked at the floor gently rocking back and forth. As if frozen to the floor Monique watched him. With what felt like great effort she slowly walked towards the front door. Opening it, she grabbed her suitcase and walked out.

Forgiveness for everything I’ve done would be a miracle. I hope they meant what they said in their cards and are happy to see me. What will I do first, hug them both or one at time? I think I’ve missed daddy more because he was closer to me. Oh Lord, I give this to you right now. I have to trust and believe in the best she thought.
Clammy hands and a sweaty brow, Monique arrived and rang the doorbell.

“It’s been seven years, since I’ve seen you.” Alice stood on her toes and embraced Monique. Tears ran down her face as emotion flooded her heart. “I know momma I don’t know where the time went. Forgive me for not coming home sooner.” ‘Lord I missed my mother and her familiar lavender scent.’ thought Monique.

“It that you?” came a voice from behind the living room wall. Her father came walking out with a cane. His hair grayed in the years past and his eyes had softened. Standing side by side with her mother she turned and looked at her father. “Oh daddy, what happened?” asked Monique Joe spoke with a strained voice, “Having you home for the holidays is the best gift in too long. Many nights came and went where I wondered if I would live to see you again.”

Quickly Monique ran and wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you daddy for having me home this year. I want to hear about everything I’ve missed.” Ever so gently he embraced his baby girl, ‘I can’t remember what kept her gone for so long’ he thought. Grateful for this moment he didn’t hide the tears rolling down his cheeks in seeing his daughter home.

Walking ahead Alice went into the kitchen. She called out “Monique come into the kitchen and sit down. Tell us all about your life in the big city!” Monique faced Joe as he stood by the kitchen door. She patted the chair next to her and said “Sit down daddy; I want to know about you first.” He pulled out a chair, lowered himself to a sitting position and smiled at his daughter.


Life experiences became stories as their lives were complete once again. A family torn was reunited as if they hadn’t missed a beat. Brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and finally grandparents filtered in.

Tears were shed for time passed and forever lost. Then as if a renewing and cleansing took place a joyful celebration in peace and love filled this once empty home. Hours passed in laughter, each person dedicated to one another to include the one who had slipped away seven years before.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Marlene Austin
11/29/08
First paragraph seemed isolated from the rest of the story. It wasn't clear if she would be returning or if she was leaving not to return. IMHO, the dialogue seemed a little stilted. I can't imagine a mother who had been waiting seven years to see her daughter simply saying, "It's been seven years since I've seen you," when she opens the door. Nice story line of "the prodigal" returning. :)
Dee Yoder
12/01/08
It's good to read of reunions like this. How painful to be separated for so many years from family. Truly a great thing to happen at Christmas--the past forgiven and a new start made.