If Lindy closed her eyes she could hear her mother or grandmother whispering those words in her ear. Of course they’d be trying to sooth the longing in her heart—they’d walked in her shoes. As a child Lindy hadn't realized or even cared how wise these beautiful women were, but since they'd both gone to heaven, she'd give anything to hear them say it again.
How was it possible to be so miserable and so happy at the same time?
Lindy linked her arm with her husband's. The flesh to flesh connection wouldn't last long in the sweltering room. Sweat beaded his tan forehead. He fanned himself, clenching his jaw in silent agony every time someone else just had to squeeze through. Did it matter that the seats were cramped? The arena crowded and noisy. The air thick with anticipation and relief. He gave Lindy that familiar smile she'd fallen in love with the first time she'd met him. The smile that stole her heart and closed the deal on their future.
Only she knew him well enough to know his heart was as conflicted as hers.
Sure he was ready to get out of his stiff dress pants and button shirt and back into his jeans and favorite tee. To share a beer and relax in his recliner after a day spent hard at work. But this was one of those moments in time they were bound to share. Bound to endure together.
Today of all days, she'd promised her son she wouldn't cry. As a mother, she'd shed her share of tears from the moment he’d emerged from her womb to the minute he decided what to do with his life. She couldn’t even begin to count all the times she’d gladly wiped his tears, his nose and bandaged his bloody knees and told him that life wasn’t supposed to be easy. Had he listened any better than she had? Had he learned the lesson?
It didn't seem possible that their existence as a family had been woven together by schedules and practices. Vacations spent on basketball courts, baseball diamonds and soccer fields while maintaining an ancient, gas-sucking minivan instead of a more sensible gas conscience sedan. When did this become her life? She'd had such high hopes. Big dreams. Somewhere in time their hopes and dreams transferred to his growing shoulders. Their only child. His dreams had become theirs. His goals their driving forces.
Sitting next to her husband she couldn't believe this day was finally here. Where had the time gone? Memories cleverly contained on scrapbook pages marked their lives. Important events celebrated with trophies, certificates and long ago healed bruises and black eyes they could laugh about now.
Their son would be leaving them soon. On to bigger and better things. Their lives were about to become their own again. Scattered thoughts flitted through her mind like pieces to a puzzle. Would they go back to eating dinner in front of the television every night—like they’d done before he was born? Who would drink the cases of Gatorade stacked in the garage or eat the boxes of Lucky Charms in the cabinet? No longer would she have to buy three gallons of milk every week or plan her shopping trips with her son’s appetite in mind.
Sitting at her only child's high school graduation, Lindy watched her son walk across the stage to get his diploma. Her husband took her hand in his. He held it tight and she felt a spark of hope for their future for their own long forgotten dreams.
No, life wasn't supposed to be easy, but it was worth it.
How was it possible to be so miserable and so happy at the same time?
Lindy linked her arm with her husband's. The flesh to flesh connection wouldn't last long in the sweltering room. Sweat beaded his tan forehead. He fanned himself, clenching his jaw in silent agony every time someone else just had to squeeze through. Did it matter that the seats were cramped? The arena crowded and noisy. The air thick with anticipation and relief. He gave Lindy that familiar smile she'd fallen in love with the first time she'd met him. The smile that stole her heart and closed the deal on their future.
Only she knew him well enough to know his heart was as conflicted as hers.
Sure he was ready to get out of his stiff dress pants and button shirt and back into his jeans and favorite tee. To share a beer and relax in his recliner after a day spent hard at work. But this was one of those moments in time they were bound to share. Bound to endure together.
Today of all days, she'd promised her son she wouldn't cry. As a mother, she'd shed her share of tears from the moment he’d emerged from her womb to the minute he decided what to do with his life. She couldn’t even begin to count all the times she’d gladly wiped his tears, his nose and bandaged his bloody knees and told him that life wasn’t supposed to be easy. Had he listened any better than she had? Had he learned the lesson?
It didn't seem possible that their existence as a family had been woven together by schedules and practices. Vacations spent on basketball courts, baseball diamonds and soccer fields while maintaining an ancient, gas-sucking minivan instead of a more sensible gas conscience sedan. When did this become her life? She'd had such high hopes. Big dreams. Somewhere in time their hopes and dreams transferred to his growing shoulders. Their only child. His dreams had become theirs. His goals their driving forces.
Sitting next to her husband she couldn't believe this day was finally here. Where had the time gone? Memories cleverly contained on scrapbook pages marked their lives. Important events celebrated with trophies, certificates and long ago healed bruises and black eyes they could laugh about now.
Their son would be leaving them soon. On to bigger and better things. Their lives were about to become their own again. Scattered thoughts flitted through her mind like pieces to a puzzle. Would they go back to eating dinner in front of the television every night—like they’d done before he was born? Who would drink the cases of Gatorade stacked in the garage or eat the boxes of Lucky Charms in the cabinet? No longer would she have to buy three gallons of milk every week or plan her shopping trips with her son’s appetite in mind.
Sitting at her only child's high school graduation, Lindy watched her son walk across the stage to get his diploma. Her husband took her hand in his. He held it tight and she felt a spark of hope for their future for their own long forgotten dreams.
No, life wasn't supposed to be easy, but it was worth it.
Hugs,
Reese
14 comments:
Wow, Reese. Great story--you really hooked me and had me guessing what event was about to take place until close to the end. Then it brought back so many memories! I felt like I was there. Precious photo too. With your writing style it's only a matter of time until your published.
That story sounds familiar mother...anyone I know? LOL. Great writing as usual. SUPER cute picture, by the way! ;-) Love ya Momma!
Joan, from your lips to and editors ears. Thank you for the compliment and continued support. I learned from all the published authors I know who have been so generous with their time. You included!
Jessie, remember when I tell you that you close your eyes one day and when you open them again your baby is grown. Cherish every moment because you'll never get them back.
Thank Jackson for letting grandma use his photo. Make sure you show him. XOXOXOXO
Sweet story, Reese. You put a bushel basket of emotions in a few paragraphs. Well done.
Pat
Thanks, Pat. Not only are you my mentor but you are also my dearest friend. XOXO
Thanks for ruining my mascara! Again! Wonderful, as always.
Debo, thanks for stopping by and for being my support system. We've come a long way, baby. XOXO
I was wondering if that was your grandbaby in the pic. Too cute! Graduations and big life events can really get you. Thanks for sharing, Reese. I love you passed on how quickly they grow. I recently said the same thing to my own daughters.
Absolutely beautifully written! I could say much more, but those three words really cover it all.
Penny, thanks for the comment. Consider yourself lucky to have your grandkids so close. I miss mine so much.
You are too kind, Starla. A compliment like that coming from a multi-published author means the world to me!
Reese, I loved your story. It is amazing how quickly they grow and are gone. You painted such a beautiful picture of family life. I especially loved the sentence, "Bound to endure together." What a true reflection of what marriage is all about. Big sigh! Thanks
Thank you, Becky. Sometimes I really miss those days. Can't wait to read your story!
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