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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Memory (07/10/08)
Memory hugged her knees to her chest and looked thoughtfully at her mom. She looked tired, and yet, the happiness in her eyes was unmistakable.

“Mom, I really want to know why you called me Memory. I know it has to do with before I was born, but…”

“Honey, your dad is the reason I called you Memory. This is going to be difficult for you, but your dad isn’t your biological dad.”

Shock covered Memory’s face, “You didn’t get divorced or something did you, Mom?” Memory whispered.

“Oh my, no, we were happily married…We didn’t tell you because you were so little when I married Keith. You never knew your real dad.” Pausing, she smiled reassuringly.

“Brian, your dad, was a wonderful godly man. We were deeply in love, and had so many plans and felt very blessed. When I got pregnant with you, we were incredibly excited. And then, your dad got sick, and everything changed.” Tears filled her eyes and slowly trickled down her cheeks.

It was surreal, to hear these things, and Memory saw the pain it was causing. “Mom, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

“I’ve waited a long time to tell you, Honey. You’ve grown into such a mature young lady - your dad would be proud of you. It does bring back sad times, but there were such blessings too. I want to share them with you now.”

“Your dad had brain cancer, and he died within three months. I know God was in control, but our one regret was he would never see you, his beautiful baby girl. It was really difficult not being able to share you with him. When I looked at you after you were born, all I could see was his eyes. I look at you now and see his eyes and face and hair color, and when you laugh you have his smile. His sweet memory is in front of me, because our God given love was so right, and you were such a perfect end and new beginning of it. That’s why I named you Memory Brianne. You hold a special memory for me and always will.”

Tears flowed freely down their cheeks as Memory flew to her mom’s waiting arms. “Oh, Mom, I had no idea.”

“I know it’s a lot for you to take in, Sweetheart.” Memory nodded, unable to speak.

“When I met Keith, he loved us both right from the start. I knew your dad would have approved of him. Keith loved you so much that he adopted you when we were married.”

Giving Memory another hug, she said, “There’s something I have been waiting to give you.” She picked up a shoebox that had been sitting on the floor beside her chair. “This is for you, Memory, with love from both me and your dad.”

Gingerly taking the box, Memory tried to slow her racing heart as she slowly lifted the lid. There were pictures of her mom and her real dad. ‘My Baby’ was neatly printed on a plain white envelope. Picking it up, she pulled out a single page letter.

Carefully unfolding it, Memory lingered on every word.

Dear Baby,

Hi, I’m your dad. I was the happiest man around when I found out we were going to have a baby. I love you and your mom very much.

There’s so much I planned to say to you, and things I wanted to teach you. But God had other plans. I am going Home soon, and will miss knowing you, and you won’t know me. That’s ok. God knows us both.

I want to leave you a thought to hold on to. Things aren’t always the way we want them, but God is always in control of our lives. I hope you will believe that throughout your life. I know Mom will teach you about Jesus. I pray that you will believe and trust Him for everything.

God is taking care of you, Baby. I believe that. Someday, we will meet.

With All My Love
Dad

Tears dripped onto the ink writing making slightly wavy imperfections. Dabbing them dry and wiping tears from her eyes, Memory glanced at her mom. Words failed them, and then, “There’s so much more I want to tell you about your dad, and his family, but only when you’re ready.”

Memory nodded and silently reread the precious letter that held the memories which were now hers.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Susan Storm Smith
07/17/08
I had a problem with the over emphasis of "real dad". There is no credit to the man who loved them both and has cared for them through the years and helped to make a life for them.

It was an incredible gift to read the words of her first dad, whom she never got to know. Nonetheless, this was a tear-jerker.
Patty Wysong
07/18/08
This has a nice twist to it--it's not just a standard 'memories' story. And you pulled at my emotions, too.
Sara Harricharan
07/23/08
This gave me goosebumps! It's certainly a favorite of mine this week! There's so much detail and emotion woven through her, even the double meaning in the title, just wow! I loved it. Excellent writing! ^_^
Lauryn Abbott
07/23/08
Oh, I'm so glad I read this one - it is beautiful! This really is one of my favorites this week. Very tender and full of love. Thank you for sharing this delightful story!
Marlene Austin
07/24/08
Great title and explanation of the importance of the name. Strong emotions pulled from the reader throughout, and yet, the one thought which held my attention most was his warning to her that things may not always be the way we want, but is okay as long as God is in control - a lesson I think every Christian parent wants to get across to their child(ren). How insightful to have him write that in the letter. Well planned writing. :)