Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Cousin(s) (05/22/08)
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TITLE: Cassie's Request | Previous Challenge Entry
By Debbie Roome
05/29/08 -
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“Isn’t it a beautiful day?” she greets me. “My favourite time of year has always been autumn.”
I stand beside her wheelchair and together we look across the valley. Uncle Matt’s vines stretch in neat rows, hugging the land in wavy contours. Overhead, the sky is clear and the sun wraps us with tender warmth.
“Let’s move along a little.” I push her down the plank pathway to where we have a better view of our cousins harvesting grapes.
“Hiya, Cassie.” Seamus gives her a gentle hi-five as he rounds the end of a row. I’m shocked again to see how frail her hand looks; a paper glove with toothpick bones. Can cancer destroy a body so quickly? “This is such a great idea.” he continues. “I lived for harvest time when I was a kid. Remember all the fun we’d have picking and then pressing the juice out by foot?”
I nod as Cassie joins the conversation. “But this is the first time we’ve all been here together.”
My thoughts turn to the email from Aunt Liz.
Dear Genna,
As you know, Cassie’s treatment was unsuccessful and the doctors have given her four months at the most. She asked if I would arrange a get-together with all her cousins – a grape-picking party like we used to do each year. I don’t expect you to travel all the way from London, but maybe you could send a message instead.
After a few hours of deliberation, I booked myself on a flight home. Cassie has always held a special place in my heart. She has such strong faith in God and even when leukemia attacked her body, she still remained positive and encouraging; an example to us all.
There’s a hush as the three of us gaze across the vineyard. Our fathers are brothers, and there are twelve of us cousins. Our ages range from nine to thirty and the bonds between us are strong. We have always kept in touch and at times like this, we rally together.
Seamus turns his attention to me. “So you’re back from London, Genna. Is this going to be a long visit?”
I’m planning to be here for Cassie’s funeral but can’t say that. Instead I nod and remind them of the sing-a-longs as we picked. “Do you remember all the old gospel songs?”
Cassie’s eyes come to life. “Oh yes. Let’s do it again. Come on, Genna. You start us off.”
I lift my voice, fighting the quiver that threatens to take control.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,
My cousins pick up the melody and rich harmonies roll across the slopes as they pluck the ripe fruit; Swing Low Sweet Chariot merges into Kumbaya and Amazing Grace into Glory Hallelujah.
Eventually Cassie taps me on the arm. I can see she’s tired but her face reflects joy and hope instead of sorrow and bitterness. “I need to go and rest, Genna, but I have a song request.”
I wait for the singing to taper off before starting a beat by banging two sticks together.
Oh when the saints go marching in,
Oh when the saints go marching in,
As our cousins raise their voices, I start pushing Cassie towards the farmhouse, carefully following the plank pathway. It’s a slow process and it’s only as we turn the corner that I realise we’re being followed.
Oh lord I want to be in that number,
When the saints go marching in.
There are ten saints behind us; our cousins, but also our brothers and sisters in Christ. Bearing baskets, heavy with grapes, they are marching two by two down the slope.
Oh when the trumpet sounds the call,
Oh when the trumpet sounds the call,
My eyes fill with tears as I picture Cassie in days to come; as I imagine her with armloads of spiritual fruit, marching into heaven. Then I think of the part we can play. I for one will march with her as far as I possibly can … and it seems my cousins are of a like-mind. I squeeze her shoulder gently as we continue on our way.
Oh lord I want to be in that number,
When the saints go marching in.
**********
Lyrics of When the Saints go Marching in by Luther G Presley
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I like how you wrote the story in the present tense, a skill I've yet to master.
And I like your descriptions, I could see it all. Beautiful job, Cheri
I was humming along in my mind through all of them--that's a nice way to get your readers to invest in your story!
An absolutely beautiful story Debs, filled with love and hope. Well done!