How Is a Young Widow To Be Courted? | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: How Is a Young Widow To Be Courted? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mary Sue Moss
09/17/14
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Families that are crushed by the aftermath of cancer can be mended by the love of God and by grace manifested by someone with “skin”. One young man finds a way to put love and grace into action.

Melissa was a 25 year old widow with two preschool children. Married just four short years before her husband lost his battle to cancer, she was safely established in her little country home. Her lawn was mowed, her garden was productive, and her time was filled with fun things with her children.

There was no whining in this household, but there were lots of questions. Three- year- old Grant asked if God took his Dad up to heaven. When Melissa answered with a yes, Grant had a second question, “Well, when is He going to bring him back?”

Four-year old Cassie wanted to know if her dad had died in that bed that the nice nurse brought. She was not at home when her dad died and when she came back the bed was gone. Two months later she put the facts together and asked her question.

The local church family and dozens of relatives were the support the little family needed. There were no debts and the funds were sufficient. Melissa was not seeking a step-father for her children.

And then from 150 miles away came a young man who noticed the young woman so attentive to her two preschoolers. When his host told him that she was a widow lady, he thought she must have buried her husband at least a year ago because she seemed “to have it together”.

Jeff asked Melissa for a relationship and she said, “I am flattered.”

“It’s too early. It has only been three months.”

“I don’t expect you to wait.”

Jeff’s quick answer was, “I’ll wait.”

And he waited another eight months and then he gave Melissa the gift of closure. He asked if he could call her in the evenings after the children were down for the night. Bedtime stories and prayers completed, Melissa would call Jeff and let the phone ring once. It was the signal Jeff was waiting for. He could now on his dime talk with Melissa.

Really it was Melissa who talked and Jeff listened. His first question was, “What was the journey that you and Ethan were taking one year ago at this time?”

And for two hours Melissa talked about her first husband and marriage. Jeff was one of the few people who really did not know Melissa’s husband’s story of cancer and surgery and radiation and chemo and hopes dashed.

And he spoke the three words she needed to hear, “Tell me more.”

It was Jeff who released Melissa to love again. He did it with grace over the phone, two hours at a time.

Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. (KFV)

This is a true story and I am the mother of Melissa's first husband.

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