Like Letters Written in the Sand: Part Six

The time she spent with Clarence at the beach, the afternoon had been magical and a revelation to Anna-leis. The realization dawned on her that she did not have to hide from the world, that she had nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, that something terrible had happened, that life had changed, but that she was alive, and hiding from the world was not living. In his own gentle manner, Clarence reminded her of this.

Lord, I am truly blessed beyond measure to have a man like Clarence in my life, and I am deeply grateful. Without Clarence, I am not sure what I would have done.

In spite of Clarence’s sometimes impulsive behavior, and Anna-leis’s sometimes overly methodical behavior, both of them suited one another perfectly.

When I said I had second thoughts about waiting to get married, I still do. In the end, walking down the aisle is not important — what’s important is marrying you.”

In the interest of your well-being, I do not want you to make any decisions you may regret later on.”

I could never regret marrying you, Clarence. It is regrettable that it took what happened for me to admit my true feelings. It was my stubborn nature.”

“You were not the only one, I could have confessed my feelings before you were lying in a hospital bed, facing life-changing circumstances.”

When I was in the hospital, facing the fact that I had lost both legs, you told me that you loved me. If you had not told me that you loved me, I would not have had the strength to fight the way I did.

You do not give yourself enough credit, Anna-leis, you are a strong individual. It is amazing how far you have come in a short period of time.”

“I would not have been able to do it without you Clarence, you and of course the Lord. The Lord used you to help me through this difficult time.” Anna-leis said, resting her head on Clarence’s chest and feeling his heartbeat. It was almost as if their hearts were beating in unison.

Clarence liked the way Anna-leis felt in his arms, the way they connected. Anna-leis appreciated the way Clarence made her feel secure, whole, and beautiful. She enjoyed reading the Song of Songs with him. It was as if they were made for each other.

Song of Songs 1:1-4

New International Version

1 Solomon’s Song of Songs.

She…

2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth —

for your love is more delightful than wine.

3 Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;

your name is like perfume poured out.

No wonder the young women love you!

4 Take me away with you — let us hurry!

Let the king bring me into his chambers.

~~~

It was difficult for Anna-leis to understand why she had taken so long to fight her obvious feelings for Clarence. However, being in his arms, listening to his heartbeat, hearing his breath, made her grateful for the present moment. Because of Clarence, she was alive, she had fought, and the battle had been worth it.

“I would not have fought as hard if it hadn’t been for you Clarence. Your acceptance of me as I am has allowed me to see that I do not have any reason to hide from society.

“I wanted to show you how beautiful you are, Anna-leis.”

Clarence, you accomplished all of that and more. “I love you, and I hope I never do anything that would cause you to doubt that.”

© Michelle R Kidwell

July.25.2022, Revised, April.03.2023