Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: BEAT AROUND THE BUSH (05/25/17)
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TITLE: The Wait | Previous Challenge Entry
By Katy Foster
06/01/17 -
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I always knew he’d be there, as he was every morning. He occupied the same park bench right as dawn goldened the air, and he would stay there, savoring each moment as long as the morning would last.
He called me every morning, “Would you and Lily like to come join me this morning?”
I tried my hardest to keep mornings open so that I could say, “Yes, Grandad. We will be there.”
On hectic mornings, my heart saddened when I had to say, “I’m sorry. We’re too busy.”
My daughter Lily and I, hand-in-hand, walked down the meandering sidewalk through the woodsy park. The tall trees on each side of us provided a cool shade and breeze. The singing birds and scurrying squirrels entertained us. A gentle stream trickling over pebbles accompanied the peaceful journey to find Grandad. And there he sat, comfortably slouched on the bench.
“Good morning,” I greeted him as we neared.
As always, Grandad stood up, diligently, with a smile to greet Lily and me. However, Lily, at age 3, found no interest in my grandfather. It was understandable, yet still a bit embarrassing, and I hoped he wasn’t offended, considering he continued to be here for us to see every morning.
I knew she was acting like a typical three-year-old; however, I also wanted her to know my grandfather. I felt like if she could know him, she could know more of something special in my life that gives me joy. I knew she could have that same joy. Consequently, we began each morning with my grandad.
He smiled lovingly at Lily, the outer half of his eyebrows bowing down a little over his eyes, conveying a sadness. Yet, his sunken eyes were dear and hopeful. No return smile was given from Lily. Instead, Lily explored this part of the forest.
“Lily,” I tried, “Come sit with Grandad.”
“Oh, it’s alright. We don’t need to force her. I would rather she want to. She wants to play,” Grandad gently advised.
“She plays plenty,” I retorted, too quickly.
“Well, I think I may have an idea,” Grandad uttered, and he pulled a small white box out of his accompanying tote bag.
He opened the box to reveal a piece of pie, piled high with whipped cream and chocolate stripes.
“A bribe?” I asked Grandad, half-jokingly.
He chuckled. “Not really; I just want her to know that I can and will…, well…, bless her.”
I thought he was going to offer the whole piece to Lily. Instead, with a plastic fork, he began to eat the pie.
“Did you want some?” he asked me.
Consumed with amazement, I answered, “No, you already have my heart. Enjoy your pie, Grandad.”
In no time, Lily stopped her play to gaze at the pie and at Grandad. Then, she slowly walked on keeping a small interest. Grandad continued to enjoy the pie, giving a “Mmmm,” ever so often. Lily tried to continue playing but seemed to have forgotten how – her thoughts were focused on that pie. Then, she hesitantly stepped toward Grandad. Then a little closer, then a little closer, now as if it just unintentionally happened. Finally, Lily placed a chubby hand on her grandad’s knee. She looked him square in the face. He glanced up from his pie, but as soon as they made eye contact, Lily looked away and ambled on as if she couldn’t care less.
Grandad and I laughed together.
“Stubborn, isn’t she?” I commented.
“It’s okay. I’ll wait for her,” Grandad’s words pierced my heart.
Lily noticed our loving engagement, and a realization washed over her face. She slightly tilted her head, regarding Grandad with happy eyes.
“Would you like to sit here by Grandad?” he finally asked.
Lily slowly nodded her head. She fearlessly walked to him, and climbed up beside her grandfather. They exchanged smiles, and Grandad pulled another small white box out of his bag and gave it to Lily. Lily’s face lit up in surprise and joy.
Lily dangled her feet as she indulged her own pie, sitting beside her great-grandfather.
“Do you like strawberries?” Lily asked him.
“Yes, ma’am! I love strawberries. Don’t you?” Grandad answered her.
Conversation between the two began, and I watched my own precious child falling in love with someone who was so significant in my own life.
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV
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