Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: BEGIN (01/06/22)
-
TITLE: Beginning Again | Previous Challenge Entry
By Vicki J. Cypcar
01/13/22 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Living in California as a child was paradise. We spent countless hours playing in our yard, and teaching our dog Rex new tricks. Rex was the star of Amesti Elementary School, when my mother brought him to “sing” as Robin played her harmonica. Rex left quite an impression on the kids – and every pole he passed.
Robin was selected to be a Safety Patrol Monitor. Even in her younger years her caring demeanor was apparent. When the principal handed her the stop sign used to usher the small children across the road, she knitted her brows and asked, “How did the stop sign get dented?” Hey - it was a valid question.
One day Robin ran to my aid after I fell off the monkey bars. I was sobbing with a mouthful of sawdust. That is what happens when you try to show off by doing a fancy flip in front of a new boy at school named Darin. Robin dried my tears and hugged me until the tears stopped flowing.
Robin was an artist by nature. She drew such beautiful animal illustrations on the chalkboard in 5th grade the teacher forbid anyone to erase them.
Yes, Robin had the caring soul of an angel, but it was not always like that. We had our scuffles, and at times scratched each other like feral barn cats. One time our rage elevated to such a level she leaned down and pulled the rug right out from under me. I went flying backward and landed on the hardwood floor. I don’t know if it was the crash landing, or the state of awe of her genius move that kept me down for the count.
So now I knew beneath Robin’s meek demeanor was the heart of a lion. The best example of this took place in 1974. It was the first day at a new school and created quite a stir since we looked like twins. Unfortunately we were targeted by some mean girls – long story. Verbal threats escalated into kicking and hair pulling. It was an ugly mess of bodies slamming into lockers until teachers grabbed us by our collars and escorted us to the front office where we silently awaited our impending doom. Robin sat with her arm around me as random strands of our dark hair fell to the floor. Jagged little scratches took our sisterhood to a whole new level. The principal apologized to us for such a bad first day of school. The mean girls got detention – and it wasn’t the first time. They never bothered us again.
Robin was so many things to so many people, especially her husband and her 2 daughters. After I married and had a daughter of my own, we shared a multitude of wonderful moments together.
She was my number one confidant for sharing secrets. Over the years I would share all of the times I would find a penny. We believed they were a sign from heaven. She always reminded me that I am a writer, and to write it all down. But my writing gears had grown rusty after sitting idle, along with my laptop.
Sadly, Robin was critically ill for years, and yet still lovingly cared for her family to the best of her ability. I prayed every day that she would be healed. In the past months she could barely speak on the phone. My heart was breaking.
The night she passed into eternity, my husband drove me to the hospital for my final farewell. I got out of the car and saw a penny shining brilliantly on the sidewalk. Tears fell – I knew Robin was now rejoicing in Heaven.
The day of Robin’s funeral my daughter and I each found a penny in the parking lot, as sunshine burst through the clouds.
It’s been 8 weeks, and I’m still wondering how I am still breathing - without her.
She always encouraged me to write, so today I opened my laptop for the first time in years - to begin again.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
