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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "Don't Cut off Your Nose to Spite Your Face" (without using the actual phrase or litera (02/14/08)
03/02/08
Dearest Frank,

At last I’m using this beautiful journal you once bought me - the one with my name embroidered on the front. It’s just so ironic, now that you’re gone. Well, this must be the first chapter - an outpouring of my love to you, only a little too late.

Pastor Evenly is going to take your service next Tuesday. I know how much you appreciated going to his church, and when I met him for the first earlier, he spoke so highly of you.

I was just about managing to hold it together, when the phone rang. I knew the choked up voice as soon as I answered.

I wasn‘t prepared to hear the “Hello, Mum?” and didn’t know what to do. So unfortunately I just set the phone down. I know it’s awful, but I just couldn’t face Mandy right then. Come to think about it, I’m surprised that stubborn girl bothered to ring at all. She’ll probably be coming up here for your funeral. I don’t know how I’ll face that.

So many things I’d rather not face. Oh, Frank, how am I going to do it without you?


04/02/08

I wish you’d been here today to see all of your friends gathered in our front room. Sammy and Jean arrived with John and Myrtle. For a while it was awkward, but then Jake Simons arrived. He started reminiscing about the time your old van broke down in Enerille, and both of you ended up walking aimlessly through the wilderness! For once I didn’t mind hearing the story for the fiftieth time.

You can guess who arrived next. Well, I had to face her sometime. As usual, she was with Jamie, whose greasy hair is now longer than hers! She had been crying, and she reached out to give me a hug. But I just went rigid. I mean, wounds can’t mend that easily, and when I saw that idiot beside her, all the disappointment flooded back.

After that, she was pretty quiet. She spent most of the afternoon just looking through that old children’s Bible you used to read to her.

They’re staying at the Highway Hotel. When Jamie told Sammy, I could see him shake his head and stare at me. Well, what did he expect me to do? Open my home like a guest house for them, with matching towels and bed linen? The girl has to learn her lesson. She has to know where I stand.

I just feel so angry right now - at everything. Why’d you have to go, Frank? Why?




05/02/08

I don’t recall many details about the service. It was like I was in a daze the whole way through, thinking of you in that box. And yet Pastor Evenly reminded us that you weren’t there - that you’re up in Heaven looking at your Saviour’s face. I didn’t know what to think.

When I got home, I picked up your Bible. How’d you know I’d do that? Your note tumbled out as soon as I opened the cover. I’m sticking it here:

Dearest Jean,

I want you to know that I love you with all my heart, and rejoice as you pick up God’s word today. May you meditate upon it, and come to know the same grace and peace I have found many times.

Very soon, I will not be here to hold you, talk to you or pray for you. Though you will miss me, you must know that I’m going to a better place. I enclose my favourite picture of you, at the birth of our only daughter, Mandy. You were so radiant and happy. She was the little miracle we’d always dreamed of.

Soon, you will be alone. It doesn’t have to be that way. The Lord is calling to you. Mandy too can be of help at this time. I know you don’t see eye to eye, but please try to forget this. You’re both going to need each other.

With all my love,

Frank.

My tears have finally dried. I’ve been staring at your letter for two hours now. Yes, time is passing, along with my bitterness towards Mandy, and indeed towards God.

Mandy has left their room number on the table. I’m holding it in one hand, and my car keys in the other.



I guess this journal so far has merely been a preface. The first chapter begins today.
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This article has been read 1071 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
LauraLee Shaw
02/21/08
What a beautiful--and sad--picture of restoration. Sometimes the life-changing decisions are made after we feel like it's too late. But then it's never too late, is it? Very well-written and pulled on my heartstrings.
Sara Harricharan
02/22/08
Wow, what a first chapter! I'm glad for the hope at the end, that she'll try and make an effort now. It was sad to see her alone and asking the questions that sometimes, we honestly don't want the answers to. You did well with this piece, I liked the journal format. ^_^
Jan Ackerson
02/24/08
Very nicely done--I love the theme of reconciliation.
LaNaye Perkins
02/26/08
You kept my attention all the way through. Well done.
Beth LaBuff 
02/26/08
I loved reading this. The journal entries are a great way to tell this. My heart ached for your MC and so your ending was welcome. I really like how you related their story to a book (The First Chapter)--great title. Good work on this!
Debbie Wistrom
02/26/08
I want to read the rest!!! Keep writing, your characters are so real.
Holly Westefeld
02/27/08
Ditto on the format being effective. You really capture the stubbornness of unforgiveness, and the flicker of hope for reconciliation. I like how the daughter kept exhibiting openness.
Beckie Stewart
02/27/08
This is good, but sad that often times we wait too long to restore what has been lost.
william price
02/28/08
Very good job! I did the letter thing this week too. Great minds:)
Other than some minor punctuation issues I think you ministered your point of reconciliation extremely well. The story had a hint of suspense, a well developed conflict and a satisfying resolution. Over-all, an extremely well presented story. Sad, but sprinkled with hope. Thanks for the "extra" clue. I was looking for, "Once upon a time", I never even get to the first chapter:)
Great title as well. God bless.