Like Letters Written in the Sand Part Twenty

Clarence learned early on that Anna-lei’s safe place was the beach, and he would do anything to make her happy. After all she had gone through, she deserved to know joy.

It seemed impossible to Clarence that he would ever be blessed with such a wonderful wife, but he knew the good Lord had provided for him. As he learned more about her past, he understood why she had been so apprehensive at first, she was trying to protect herself from pain, but Clarence knew that her love was deeper than those scars.

Seeing the water, sitting on the sand with you by my side, reminded me of how big and wonderful God is.” Leaning against Clarence, Anna-leis saw the love in his eyes.

As I look at you, I am reminded of how blessed I am by the good Lord.” Clarence smiled, enjoying the moment. She was in a good mood, she was happy, and that made him feel good. He had learned how to tell when Anna-leis was hiding her pain behind smiles and when she was genuinely happy.

“For a long time, I didn’t think you could love me, but when you proposed in that hospital room, after I was told that my legs would have to be amputated, you turned something horrible into something beautiful. I know I am blessed every moment of my life because you love me.@

“The day we were married was the happiest day of my life, and I’m so grateful to be able to wake up each day with you by my side.”

It was the same for me.” Anna-leis smiled, grateful that she had someone to lean on, someone to love and someone who loved her too.

Having sat for so long, Anna-leis shifted her weight, becoming uncomfortable, but she didn’t want to ruin the magic.

Clarence could sense her discomfort, perhaps it was the prosthetics, after letting the sores heal, she had just started wearing them again.

Could you please assist me in standing Clarence?” Anna-leis asked softly. She still did not like asking for, or needing help, but she was getting better.

“Sure, sweetheart.” Clarence gently pulled her up. The little things like standing up were taken for granted by so many, but not by her.

“Are you ready to go yet?” gently asked Clarence.

No, I just needed to stand, I’d like to stay a little longer.”

“Sweetheart, the cooler, wet weather will arrive in a few weeks, so let’s enjoy it now while we can.”

She nodded, but she was looking forward to cuddling next to the fireplace with Clarence during the winter. It was an electric fireplace, but it still counted, right?

There are also good things about winter.” Anna-leis added. “While I cannot imagine navigating ice with a wheelchair or prosthetics.”

“I’m sure you will get it all figured out Anna-leis, and you know I will help you in anyway I can.”

Anna-leis nodded, her arms intertwined with Clarences’, holding on for more than one reason.

As they so often did, Anna-leis and Clarence went home after watching the sunset. The next morning, Clarence would have to go back to work, and Anna-leis understood how important Clarence’s career was to him, even though she was alone at home. But she was determined not to let negativity ruin her day. She would get through Clarence going back to work, she had survived a lot worse.

“I am thankful for days like this, Clarence, when I feel almost normal.”

“Normal is overrated, sweetheart, you are extraordinary.” As Clarence looked at Anna-leis, his wife, he smiled.

“I think you’ll have to carry me.” Anna-leis whispered softly. I do not think I am able to navigate sand or rocks, at least not yet.”

Sweetheart, of course.” He smiled at Anna-leis, her being in his arms felt right, and she was learning to ask for help when necessary, just as she was learning to remind others she could do things on her own. While Clarence respected that, not everyone did.

“I’m grateful to Clarence for always being there for me, and for letting me figure things out on my own when I need to.”

“Sweetheart, I know how much independence means to you. I don’t want to take that away from you.” Clarence said.

However, being in your arms feels right as well.” Anna-leis smiled.

It feels right to me as well.” Clarence replied. You know I love you, don’t you?”

“Every second of every day.” Anna-leis replied. As I am sure you know, I feel the same way about you.”

“Yes, I do.” Clarence replied as he helped Anna-leis settle into the front passenger seat. Though he hadn’t told her yet, he had been looking into a new car for her, as well as installing hand controls, but he wasn’t going to pressure her. Just getting in a car after the accident, after the crash, took courage for Anna-leis. It was not an accident that someone decided to drive with a blood alcohol level over three times the legal limit.

~~~

“I’m hungry.” Anna-leis told Clarence, changing the subject. Clarence felt relief when he heard she was hungry, her appetite had begun to return.

“We could order takeout and bring it home.”

“It would be nice to sit in a restaurant and eat a nice meal. If someone stares, let them stare.”

Clarence nodded in agreement. I am okay with sitting down to a nice meal if you are as well.”

It was my idea Clarence, of course I’m fine with it.” Anna-leis smiled. But I appreciate you always thinking about me.”

To Be Continued

Copyright ©️ Michelle R Kidwell

August.16.2023, Revised May.24.2023