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Topic: Whispers (01/26/04)
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TITLE: The Last Whisper By Mamie Zook 01/31/04 |
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The road through the mountains was very winding and narrow. The leaves on the trees were yellow, orange and mingled with red. It had been years since I had been back home. I remembered the day that I left, like it was yesterday. The day was a beautiful spring day and the leaves were just beginning to bud out. New life was being born after the harsh winter. I was leaving to reach out for my dreams. I had to find out what was beyond the mountains that I had lived my whole life.
Now as I was driving, I thought back over my life and realized that what I was seeking had never really materialized. I never accomplished my goals of wealth and fame. I was living a simple life in a one bed room apartment in the big city and now I was coming home.
The phone call had come during the night telling me that granny had passed. It had been ages since I had actually talked to her. My life was just too busy to "take the time" to call. I was still reaching for the stars.
Up ahead the little white church sat on the knoll nestled in the trees. Cars were already parked around the church. Most of the people were walking in but some were conversing in small groups.
I drove to the back and parked. All I wanted was to just slip inside and not call any attention to myself. The air was crisp as I opened the car door. The wind was stirring the leaves on the trees.
Once inside, I tried to find a seat close to the back but the church was crowded with people from the small community. Granny had lived there her whole life.
I slowly walked up the aisle. It was then that I heard the whispers.
"Well, what do you know, I can't believe he's here!"
"You know, she told me just last week that he had not called in ages."
"And to think that she raised him when she barely had enough money to live on herself."
"This is the way he repays her, by coming now when it is too late."
I could feel my face getting warm and flushed from embarrassment. I found a seat on the pew with the pastor's wife, Mary. She looked up and smiled. When I sat down, she reached over and squeezed my hand and leaned close and whispered to me.
"Your granny was so proud of you. She told me often that she was glad you had reached out to spread your wings. I hear the murmuring but don't pay any attention. You and I both know that your granny wanted you to leave here. She knew in her heart that you would never amount to anything if you stayed."
My throat was so dry. I could not say a word. So I just shook my head slowly. She squeezed my hand a little harder.
When the service was over, the church was filing by for their last view. Mary and I was the last to go. As I looked at granny, I felt the tears stinging my eyes.
I leaned down to granny and whispered, "I know what Mary said is true. You did want me to leave here. I am so sorry for neglecting you but in your heart, you knew that I loved you more than anyone. Thank you for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams."