Ms. Catherine | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Ms. Catherine | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kathy Stevens
01/13/11
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Standing regally in the expansive turret of the big, old Victorian Manor, Catherine looks out over the rolling hills she has called home since she and Daniel moved here years ago when their family was young. Dressed in a soft blue, silk morning gown, it complements her deep blue eyes. Her silvery hair is pulled back off of her face in a neat bun with only little curls around her face. She has always been the image of sophistication.

As she gazes through the imperfect, wavy glass, she admires the way it is rounded to perfectly match the turn of the tower. It is early spring, and the Cherry Tree’s blossoms are about to peak out of their warm place. She knows it will be beautiful as she has stood in this very place year after year waiting for their arrival.

Reaching down, her wrinkled fingers touch her Bible, sitting on a table, which has been a long time companion and a comfort to her down through the years. Its contents are nearly all committed to memory, but the worn pages tell of her love for God’s Word. It has seen her through every turn and twist of life, as well as the happy times there have been for celebration. Drops of past tears also stain each page.

She sits and reclines in her favorite rocking chair, now holding her precious Bible with so many memories. “The children will be coming tomorrow for my ninety-fifth birthday. My, how time and the seasons pass so quickly. It reminds me of James 1:14 ‘For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.’ A vapor . . . a vapor is only for an instant and then it is gone. Ninety-five years . . . seems like a long time, but it really isn’t in the grand scheme of things.”

Looking around, she sees the grand staircase where each of her three boys slid from the top to the bottom. “The girls were too lady-like to try it, except for little Rose. 'Rosie' they called her. They had to keep a close eye on her in case she tried this new adventure without a cushion. She was the smallest of the bunch, but she was the toughest." She puts forth a chuckle remembering how the boys had to catch her at the end of the landing so she would not be hurt.

“Dan, do you remember how upset you would be when you saw Rosie speeding to what you thought would certainly be her demise? Now, knowing how well she grew up and has a family of her own, we can only laugh. Ah, yes, this house has had much life and laughter. At times I felt it would certainly bounce off of its foundation, but it was above all, a happy home. The scratches are long since repaired and the floors shine once again. It may seem silly, but what I would give to see those scratches and dull floors one more time.”

It has been fifteen years since Daniel went to be with her beloved Jesus. Sometimes she feels a twinge of jealousy knowing that he is sitting in the presence of God enjoying the splendors of heaven. “Oh, how I would love to be with him in that glorious place. Somehow, I feel it won’t be long now.” As she turns the pages of her Bible, she suddenly feels a little tired. Reclining her head on the soft pillow that has been such a comfort for so long, she sees . . . coming closer, a beautiful creature -- an angel! “Oh! What beauty I have never before seen. May I come with you?” Catherine gently closes her eyes for the last time, her Bible still open to James 1:14 and her season on earth has ended.

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