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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: NOISE (05/03/18)
WRAPPED IN LOVE



Thunder claps, making ominous sounds throughout the house. Lightning forces ghostly fingers of white through the slats of wooden blinds.



“What’s that? Who’s here?” Lee frantically whispers. I try to reassure him with calming words. Lee dwells in his Alzheimer’s world, often a confusing place. Tonight the storm brings restless watchfulness. We have gone to bed, lights out, and he immediately becomes fearful and anxious.



Strong winds whip branches against the house, with staccato slaps. Pelting rain resonates as it strikes the window. Lightning brightens the room for a second and Lee is sure something is on fire. He lifts his head, looking left and right. “See, there’s a fire!” He points to the little red light on the black TV. Once more, my explanation of reality gives him a moment’s reprieve from his fears, but all too soon that understanding is forgotten. He continues raising his head, eyes darting back and forth, looking for answers to his fears.



I pray for wisdom as I scoot close and wrap my arms around him. In his distress, love and compassion overwhelms my heart. Snuggling my head near to his ear, I whisper, “The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.” His body begins to relax. “I will fear no evil for God is with me.”



Slowly, softly, my voice lifts in song, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so….”



He quietly sings along with me. “Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me.” Ah yes, Jesus does love us. I feel surrounded by His power and presence. I too am relaxing as I continue to sing songs of our Savior and His love for us.



Eventually Lee speaks, “I think I’m ready to go to sleep now. Stay close.” The noise of the storm has abated. Peace has settled on the land and in Lee’s head.



As I begin to doze, he raises his head one final time and asks, “Who are you?”



“I’m your wife, Bonnie.”



“Oh good.” He sighs, satisfied, and drifts off to sleep, wrapped in the love of Jesus and in the arms of his wife.







1 Kings 19:11, 12 …a mighty windstorm hit….but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. (NLT)



A TRUE STORY
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This article has been read 926 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Nancy Bucca
05/10/18
A touching story, and so on topic! I almost felt as if I was right there experiencing it and love the way you brought Psalm 23 into it. I like to speak that over my grandson, who is still learning to talk, knowing that the words are going in whether he knows it now or not
Jody Day
05/10/18
What a beautiful, heart-tugging piece. Excellent imagery. Thanks you for this. Great job!
C D Swanson 
05/11/18
Oh my heart felt this entire piece from beginning to end. Powerfully moving, tender and poignant...in content, delivery, and in truth.

You brought us into your world for a moment in time, and I thank you for sharing with us.

Having seen and been with this population during my career in Nursing homes, I am in awe of your dedication and strength, as this disorder can be daunting to the professionals, but on family it's twice as hard.

My heart goes out to you, and I know Jesus does love you both, as you go through this journey, He will never leave you.

You will be in my prayers,

I pray this does well on all levels.

Blessings~
Kate Amy
05/12/18
I really like the affection in this, just how a wife should love her husband through dementia.
Elaine Hemingway
05/12/18
A problem to be experienced to be understood. Well written and most deserving.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/14/18
This is absolutely brilliant. You grabbed my attention immediately. I seriously had goose bumps as I read the first few lines, then the bumps merged into a lump in my throat. You did an incredible job of pulling me into the story. I felt like I was right there. This is so powerful without being preachy and is one of my all-time favorites. You are a true artist.
C D Swanson 
05/17/18
Bonnie,

I knew that in my heart of hearts that this poignant piece would score high!

Congratulations on your well deserved win on this tender and compelling story that had my heart and my undivided attention throughout.

May God Bless you~
Janene Bever 
05/19/18
Such a poignant, touching story. I felt the impact of the thunderstorm as you described it. I felt the tender, loving care that you displayed for your husband.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/25/18
Congratulations on winning level 1 end of quarter. This is a great story and I can easily see how it was the best in level 1 in this past quarter. The message boards shows the other winners. Happy Dance!
Joy Bach 
10/15/18
You are a great writer. I can’t imagine what your life is like.