Like Letters Written in the Sand Part Fourteen

It had been magical for Anna-leis and Clarence to spend time at the beach where they met, because that had been the place where they had met. After meeting him for the first time, she’d been so short, not hiding her disdain for most reporters, but she soon realized Clarence was an exception. The compassion he showed her was genuine, not a ruse. In the past few months, he had proven that over and over again. It was without a doubt his compassion that made her fall in love with him.

Clarence always told her that she did not see herself as compassionate, she saw herself as defective, because her parents had convinced her that she was not good. Faith reminded her she was worthy, and Clarence always saw the best in her. While Anna-leis still struggled to see the good in herself, Clarence was helping her, and just a trip to the secluded beach could remind her how valuable she was.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve this.” Anna-leis sighed in gratitude. Clarence convinced her she didn’t need to hide from the world.

“You have done plenty, but it’s not about deserving, it’s about loving.”

I guess I’ll have to get used to it.” Anna-leis teased, resting her head on Clarence’s shoulder.

After a moment, Anna-leis became silent as she gazed at the water.

"Swimming used to be my favorite activity.” Anna-leis felt her shoulders slump.

“There is nothing stopping you.” He said gently, but he knew what she would say from the pain in her eyes.

“I don’t feel at ease.” The scars, the loss, the pain were still fresh in her mind. She wanted Clarence to take away all the pain, from her. He wished he could take her place, but he couldn’t.

Clarence kissed her forehead and said, “I’m sorry Anna-leis.”.

“Nothing is your fault, Clarence. You have not done anything wrong.” Anna-leis replied. My life would not be the same without you. “I’m aware of that.” In Clarence’s embrace, Anna-leis felt like a princess.

I don’t know what I have done to deserve your love, but I am grateful to have it.” Anna-leis gazed at Clarence and then at the beach. When she looked at the vast ocean and got lost in Clarence’s eyes, she couldn’t deny the awe and wonder of God.

“I am grateful for your love.” Clarence said, feeling like he was the luckiest man in the world, or so he would think if he believed in luck. Clarence believed in God’s grace, not luck. God’s grace was evident from the fact that he was sitting on a blanket on the beach, enjoying a picnic lunch with his family.

Not only he, but the world had almost lost Anna-leis, but God had decided it wasn’t her time, and he was grateful. As much as she struggled, he knew she was grateful to be alive, she had said so.

Clarence played an old Diamond Rio song as he watched seagulls fly over his head as they ate lunch on the beach. Neither Anna-leis nor Clarence could fully comprehend how the song spoke to them.

Clarence watched as Anna-leis’ eyes filled with tears, not of anger or frustration, not of sadness, but of love. He prayed that the well would never run dry out of love so deep.

“This is perfect Clarence, this day, the song, but more than anything, the fact that you and I are together. My apologies for all the grief I have caused you in the past.”

“Anna-leis, you were worth every second.” He smiled, a smile that melted her heart.

Clarence and Anna-leis watched the sunset at the beach. Sunsets on the water were always so beautiful. They both stood in awe of God’s masterpiece, a painting that could not be bought but was freely given.

The best gifts cannot be bought.” Anna-leis whispered softly.

“No, they cannot.” Clarence nodded, gently squeezing Anna-leis’ hand. A smile spread across her face as she gazed at him with love in her eyes.

As the sun set, Anna-leis and Clarence read from the Song of Songs, something she had only found the courage to do after they were married. In a soft, gentle voice, Anna-leis read.

Song of Songs 2

New International Version

1: I am a rose of Sharon,

a lily of the valleys.

As Clarence began to read, he saw love, passion, and compassion in Anna-leis’ eyes.

Like a lily among thorns

is my darling among the young women.

In the evening, as the weather grew colder and darker, Anna-leis reluctantly agreed that it was time to go home.

Thank you for making me feel like a queen, Clarence.” Anna-leis says as Clarence helps her navigate her chair through the sand and rocks.

It’s my pleasure to have you as my queen.” Clarence smiled. “You’re everything to me.”

To Be Continued…

Copyright ©️ Michelle R Kidwell

August, 2022, Revised May.06.2023