Like Letters Written in the Sand

Anna-leis felt as if she were living a dream. They were now married, and something beautiful had resulted from something tragic. They had stopped running in opposite directions, and had run into each other’s arms. In Clarence’s arms, Anna-leis had found more than happiness. She had found joy, true joy. Despite losing her legs, her life was far from over. There were still moments of grief for Anna-leis, she missed her career, and although the phantom pains, burning, stinging pains were not as frequent as they had been, they still came at times.

Occasionally, Anna-leis let things get to her, she worried about what others thought of her, but Clarence helped her to view herself in a more positive light. Clarence was a positive influence on her in many ways. She had never imagined that he could love her so deeply.

Through small gestures, Clarence demonstrated his love for Anna-leis. There was a single red rose placed in a vase on the dining room table, a love poem read to her before they went to sleep, and on the occasions when she actually needed him, he was there for her. Their love was rare and real. Although they had disagreements, they had vowed not to go to bed angry with one another, so they were able to resolve things before going to sleep, they had seen too much to remain angry for too long.

Clarence had come very close to losing Anna-leis forever, his heart had dropped when he received the call. Anna-leis had left him as an emergency contact because her family situation appeared to be complicated. In nearly a decade, Anna-leis had only mentioned family a few times, and even then only in vague terms. Her expression of pain spoke to Clarence of a wound he did not wish to open.

Anna-leis had built walls between herself and her family as a result of what had occurred between them. After they were married, she had told Clarence that much in order to protect him from the pain. Gradually, she was peeling back the layers of who she truly was, and with each layer peeled back, Clarence was falling more and more in love with her.

“I know I am not an easy person to get along with, let alone love, yet you have done nothing but love me. I sometimes feel as if I do not deserve your love.”

“You are much too hard on yourself, Anna-leis. You deserve my love and so much more.”

Anna-leis’s heart melted when he kissed her on the hand. It was impossible for her to let go of the fairytale she was living. Although she had lost her legs, she gained something even greater, a deeper love, a stronger faith in God.

It’s so hard to believe you still love me despite the mess I am in. You do not look at me differently than you did in the past. I have always been the one with the issue, not you.”

“Sweetheart, you are not a mess, you are a beautiful person. Never undervalue yourself.” Clarence had said as he held her. You are not defined by what happened to you, but by how you dealt with it. That speaks volumes about your character and strength. As far as I am concerned, you are the strongest person I know.”

“I do not know about that, I am a broken mess.”

We are all a little broken, and you are far from a mess.”

There was something about Clarence that made Anna-leis feel better about herself. It was not uncommon for her to be self-deprecating at times. Clarence, however, showed her that the people who mattered would not view her differently, and that her true friends would not judge her for something that was completely beyond her control.

“You remain the beautiful and strong woman you have always been, and I am delighted to be able to call you my wife.”

“I am the one who is blessed; this is more than I ever dreamed, it is like a fairytale.”

Anna-leis felt secure in Clarence’s arms as he smiled and held her tightly.

“I can tell you one thing Clarence, I would not have been able to get through any of this without you.”

“I do not know what I would have done without you.” Clarence replied between passionate kisses. It was impossible for her not to allow herself to melt into his arms. Her favorite part of marriage was moments such as these.

The words were quite sweet. I love you.” Anna-leis whispered softly. In ways I never imagined possible, I love you.

As for me, I love you deeply, you are my breath, my heart, and my soul.”

As Anna-leis locked eyes with Clarence, she was reminded that fairytales were not only for storybooks, the best ones were real, the greatest fairytale in her mind was unfolding right before her eyes.

Clarence, I hope I never cause you to doubt my love for you.

“I love you as well.”

To Be Continued…

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