Back to Life

It was a magical evening. The very air around them seemed to hum and flow with life, just a hint of the scent of sweet, summer honeysuckle to top it all off. That was why Siena was still inhaling deeply when they wrenched the old barn doors open and she got a lungful of dust.

"Easy there, can't lose you yet. We've still got to actually fix this place up."

Still red in the face from her coughing fit she gasped," No worries Grandpa! I'm not going anywhere."

He looked at her skeptically through a couple more splutters and then they stepped inside. Hazy light filtered in through grimy windows and they took a moment to adjust to the dimness. The old barn had seen better days, but Grandpa had never been a messy man. Though old, unused equipment lay around them, it was neatly piled against the walls. The history and the potential of the place coming together as one.

"Let's start with clearing all this stuff out. We can put it right out front. I've got someone coming by to pick it up that can still make use of it. Then we can get some cleaning done tomorrow and see what needs to be patched up and painted."

And so, Siena passed the evening with her grandfather, and slept the sleep of those tired in the best of ways.

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The next day she was washing grime off the windows while he swept. "You are the spitting image of your grandmother. This reminds me so much of the summer she helped me build this barn," he said, looking up at her, his broom still for a moment.

"I can't imagine Grandma as much of a builder," Siena said with a chuckle.

"I don't think she could picture it much either. She was always afraid she would hammer a nail in wrong and the barn would come crashing down on me while I worked. But even so, she still wanted to help. She said that is what partners do. Still, I think she was always relieved when it came time for a meal. That is what always made sense to her, cooking. And I know the men on my team looked forward to it too. They said her cooking was the best they'd ever had."

"Her recipes are the best!"

"They really are. I think the men honestly did not want to finish the barn because they thought they'd never get a meal from her again. They picked up the pace once I told them she'd be taking over the diner in town." He chuckled at the memory, seeing not the old barn as it is now, but how it was all those years ago as the bones were still coming together.

"She'd be so happy to know you're helping me fix it up now. I hated to let it go so much, but I just can't keep up with everything like I used to. She would like to know we're bringing it back to life. Thank you, Siena."

"I'm happy to help Grandpa! And besides, I should be thanking you for letting us use it."

"You're very welcome. It is selfish really, me letting you use it. This way, a part of your grandmother and myself, a part of our love story lives on."

"You must miss her very much Grandpa. I know I do."

"I miss her every day."

____________________________________________________

At the end of the week, they stood and admired their handiwork. The barn was clean, the light no longer hazy. Old boards had been ripped out and replaced, and everything had a fresh coat of paint. The old, run down barn was no more. It once again matched the magic of the summer air around it.

"Looks like were all set!" Siena said gleefully, "This will be the perfect workshop for Leo! Thank you so much Grandpa! For the barn and the house. It means so much to us as we start out," Siena finished with tears in her eyes.

"You're very welcome! With Leo working out of the barn and you taking over the diner, following in your grandmother's footsteps... you both are such a blessing to this small town," he said gruffly.

"But do not go picturing it as a workshop yet!" he exclaimed, "I'm sure you of all people haven't forgotten there still has to be a wedding in there, and I don't think you want to get married in the middle of all his lathes."

"You're right about that! Gosh, I can't believe we're getting married next week, here at the family home!”

"I can't believe it either. You have sure grown up fast! And I'm so glad you've found a good man to share your life with."

"Me too Grandpa," she sighed as she looked around the land.

"While we're still here just the two of us, I did want to give you something," he said, suddenly shy. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small package, handing it to her while keeping his head down. Inside, Siena found a silver ribbon, slightly worn. She looked up, a question in her eyes.

"I know it's not very fancy, but it's the ribbon your grandmother had on her bouquet the day we got married. I was wondering if maybe you would like to wrap your bouquet in it too? So, she could be a part of your day?"

"I would love to," Siena whispered, the ribbon smooth against her fingers, and the old barn still standing strong.