COMING HOME

COMING HOME

Dusk was approaching fast, as I go out of the car and stood looking across the field at my old home. It was with mixed emotions that I came back. A failed marriage, depression, and little hope of a future.

I had thought about ending my life. Yet I believed that if I went home, I could perhaps recapture some of the goodness that still exists in the world.

The old wooden fence was still standing. I had helped my father and brother Mike build it fourteen years ago. I had just turned eighteen, and Mike joked that the fence would be named after me in honor of my birthday! So it is still called Molly's Fence, and a piece of my heart is there. Dad had just smiled at Mike's humor, and winked at me. I took the teasing in stride, and actually felt a bit pleased that Mike would think about dedicating ANYTHING to me.

My gaze shifted to the evergreens. They had grown tall and strong since I'd been gone. My Dad and Mike always used to go out in the woods and look for the "perfect" tree just before Christmas. When the tree was brought back, set up and the lights put on, Mom and I would finish the deocorating. It always made my Christmas special. I loved seeing the lights on at night, with our family close together and still felt the love we had.

I looked toward the house where I had been brought up, then got back in the car and drove down the road towards the gate. Up the driveway, and coming to a stop by the porch, I breathed in the beauty of the outside lights. I wondered where I had gone wrong, when simple delights were not enough.

The door opened, and my brother Mike stepped out.
With a whoop, he ran to me and gave me the old familiar bear hug. Dad and Mom were close behind him. I was back home, with the love of my family to get me through. I'd be okay.

Then I saw him. Standing with his arm around Mom, my husband Jim. He was smiling. My tears started as I disentangled myself from the bear hug, and ran to him. Soon he was in my arms, where he was meant always to be. This was my love, the one man I thought would never understand my country upbringing. He smiled as he spoke "I don't ever want to lose you!"

Later that night, Jim and I walked together out to the fields. We had never been closer. The beauty of the night worked its magic. Miracles happen, and true love never dies.