Audra's Groom | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Audra's Groom | Previous Challenge Entry
By C D Swanson
02/17/23
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Audra had, for a lack of a better description, an ethereal beauty that transcended to another place and time. It radiated within her kind spirit/soul and was reflected in her attire. Each ensemble was feminine, and always included a piece of lace. Her personality wasn’t boastful. Instead, it was demure overlapping in wisdom and love of God.

When compliments came forth on a daily basis, Audra would break into a dazzling smile that displayed high cheekbones chiseled to perfection. Her response, “why thank you kindly. I’m nothing without this piece of lace to adorn my outfits.”

When asked about the lace, the story was touching and hauntingly beautiful in its entirety. The ornate heart-shaped lace had a pin behind it to secure it in its place.

“This is from my wedding gown, over 74 years ago. My groom loved my gown so much, he mentioned in casual passing, ‘too bad you can’t wear that every day of your life to reflect the happiest day of our lives.’ And that’s when the idea flashed in my head like a thunderbolt.”

When people would hear their sweet story, they’d be touched, not even the toughest cynic could deny the charm and love story of Audra and her groom.

She’d proudly wear it everywhere, and always on the upper left side of any outfit she wore. Along with white tear drop pearl earrings, which were an anniversary present from her beloved. The thin plain gold wedding band never left her hand. Audra would delight in saying, “This ring has never left my hand since my handsome groom placed it there on May 23, 1949, at Our Savior’s Church.”

Her cloudy green eyes would twinkle and sparkle when she spoke of their love. “Although we were childless. Whatever reason the good Lord had; we don’t know. But we were beyond blessed by love and a happy long marriage.”

She was a devout Christian and would find great solace and peace reading her red leather Bible. It was old, frayed, and highlighted with copious notes throughout. Audra’s light from within lit up a room to all who were in it.

“My faith and God’s word continues to be, the biggest joy in my life. My groom was second, although I adored him, he knew he was second fiddle to the good Lord almighty, and he was fine with that too. And this leather-bound Bible was a gift from him on our 10th wedding anniversary. He knew it’d bring me peace, especially all the nights I cried myself to sleep asking God, to bless us with a child.”

Audra had a lengthy life resume, beginning with her early roots in Boise, Idaho. It was there she met her soul-mate groom (Ronald) and promptly married. They soon moved to another State. His job as a pastor for many years, thrived in a little Church in Lakewood, Florida.

She would take my hand when we spoke over tea, this was indicative that some serious reflections and sage advice was about to spill forth. She placed the porcelain cup back on its saucer, her eyes glittered with happiness. “You know I believe that when I pass, my groom will bring me home. Also, it won’t be too much longer.”

I must have gasped aloud. She patted my hand.

“No, don’t be upset for me. I’ve lived a good long life. I’ve no regrets. I was given a gift of a kind loving man. And we never fought a day in our lives. I know that sounds crazy to some, but it’s the truth. We loved each other dearly, and never stopped thanking God for our love. But I’m growing tired now. Each day it’s getting more and more difficult to navigate tasks, and harder to wake up. So, I expect any time soon, my eternal groom, Jesus, will be coming for me. When you hear of my passing, don’t be sad. Celebrate, because I will be home with my one true love, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And my earth groom will be there too!”

I felt beyond honored to have been part of this incredible person’s life.

She was buried in a white dress, with her piece of lace, and the red leather Bible that brought her great peace.

Note:
*Based on a true story.
She bequeathed me her pearl drop earrings.
which I will treasure always.

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