Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Family Reunion (06/05/08)
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TITLE: Forgiveness Conquers All | Previous Challenge Entry
By Wanda Draus
06/10/08 -
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It was getting close to noon when Laura’s phone rang, “hell-o, this is Laura Abrams”, it was quiet on the other end, getting ready to hang up, Laura heard a voice that simply said, “Hi Laura, I’m your Uncle Jimmy.”
“Sorry, I have no Uncle Jimmy.”
“I am your mother’s brother.” Stunned Laura sat, a million thoughts running through her mind. “You are my mother’s brother, the mother that left when I was two and I haven’t heard from for 33 years.”
“Yes, the voice on the other end replied. “ I just felt you should know that she passed away last week, the others did not want me to call you but I felt you should know.”
Laura’s head was spinning, mother, the others, Jimmy, gone, why now? Jimmy left his number and Laura sat at her desk with tears streaming down her face. She thought of her dad. He never remarried, gram said his heart broke the day she left and he put all his energy into raising a beautiful daughter and making sure she knew she was loved. Laura’s desire to be the best, to be successful ever since she was a little girl came from deep inside. She dreamed of the day she would see her mom and she wanted her to be proud. Like a movie Laura would play many happy reunions in her mind, always ending with hugs, tears of joy and I’m sorry. Now with a single phone call it would never happen.
Confused and shocked she left work for the day. She drove what seem like hours and finally pulled into the familiar driveway where she knew she would feel safe and loving arms would be there to hold her. As she walked up the stairs, she saw her dad standing at the screen door. He knew immediately something had happened, was it Tom? Laura told him of the phone call. As she told him that her mom passed away, tears filled his eyes even after all these years. He held Laura close and told her the Lord will let her know what to do. Laura shook her head, there is nothing to do, she is gone, no answers, no hugs, no I’m sorry, nothing.
That evening alone with her thoughts and prayers she picked the phone up and dialed the number Jimmy had given her. “Jimmy, this is Laura, did my mom ask you to call me?" "No,” the reply came back, “did she mention my name at all,” again he replied, “no.” She felt a stab in her heart that took her breath away. As Jimmy relayed the details of her illness, emptiness fell over Laura. She asked Jimmy one more important question, did her mom know Jesus? He told her of a minister who visited her mom every day and that she died knowing that she was loved and forgiven.
Months had passed and the leaves were beginning to fall. What is it about autumn that is so beautiful and sad at the same time? The once green leaves that thrived heartily on the tree giving life are now magnificent colors that fill the landscape to die knowing winter lies ahead, but for a season, then spring will return green leaves to the tree again.
Laura felt it was time to visit her mom. The directions that Jimmy gave took Tom and her right to the gravesite. Tom stood back while Laura placed the flowers on her mother’s grave. Laura gently whispered, “I know I did not get the ending I wanted on this side of heaven but I know one day as autumn turns to winter and winter turns to spring, I will reunite and rejoice with you.” As they walked back to the car, Tom took her hand, “it looks like love does conquer all.” Laura with a peaceful heart, replied, “forgiveness conquers all.”
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