Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: CANDY (04/28/16)
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TITLE: Strawberry Candy | Previous Challenge Entry
By Wanda Draus
05/05/16 -
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Scrambling though my purse looking for an energy bar, I picked up the phone to call Aunt Verna to reschedule. Finding a Hershey bar instead, I slumped in my chair, totally exhausted, waiting for Aunt Verna to pick up.
Looking at the clock I realized it was late and Aunt Verna would be waiting on the patio. I knew how much she looked forward to these visits. Frustrated, I shoved all the papers in a folder and shoved them in my briefcase to bring home.
My parents had passed away years ago and I was all the family Aunt Verna had and for that matter she was all I had. She was still lively and her memory was sharp. She loved telling her stories and sharing memories of her and my mom and I loved hearing them.
Aunt Verna brought a calmness to my life. She was like that little malleable ball you squeeze to take away stress. Sharing her stories and her easy way, reminding me for that moment all the deadlines and projects didn’t seem that important.
Arriving at the center, I rushed past waving hi to the gals at the front desk, down the long shining hallway, through the Oak French doors that led to the patio. There she was sitting on a bench, waiting.
I have been told often what a blessing she is not only to the residents but to the staff and God knows what a blessing she has been to me. She never married and even though I was in my twenties when my parents passed away, she was always there for every celebration and every heartache.
Giving me that big smile as I approached, I put her shawl around her shoulders and for the first time that day, relaxed.
She really loves it at the center. They have painting classes and movie night. They try to ensure there is something of interest for everyone. They even let her good friend, Sam, plant a small victory garden on the premises. Even though Sam is 83, Aunt Verna always refers to him as a youngster.
She was particularly excited about the strawberry bushes Sam planted last year. It was early June and they should be ready for picking, she exclaimed. Sure enough, the bushes were absolutely covered with the most beautiful red strawberries.
Aunt Verna bent over touching one of the strawberries, and as she has done so many times, said, “Did I tell you about the time…” and tonight was no different.
I knew that my grandparents were farmers and their strawberry bushes were renowned. Aunt Verna told me most of the strawberries were sold at the market but her momma planted one or two bushes just for the family.
“Oh, my,” Aunt Verna, said, “they were the prettiest and sweetest berries you ever put in your mouth and on special occasions momma would take the strawberries and bake them and magic would happen. Strawberry candy.”
She continued to tell me how her momma would put their candy on a special dish but if a neighbor was feeling poorly or needed some cheering up, she would wrap some of the candy in white tissue, tie a red ribbon around and give as gifts.
Relishing in her memories, Aunt Verna, smiled and sighed, “Oh what I wouldn’t give to have a taste of that strawberry candy.”
It was getting late and I took Aunt Verna back to her room and helped her dress for bed. We prayed together then I tucked her in and kissed her forehead. I thanked her once again for bringing so much joy to my life. Closing her eyes, she murmured “God bless you, baby girl.”
On my way home, I made a detour. I pulled into the local supermarket and headed to the produce section. There they were right next to the melons—red, ripe, strawberries.
Tonight, the briefcase filled with work would have to wait. I had some special magic to make for a very special lady.
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. Philemon 1:7 NIV
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Well done
Blessings~
Well written story.