Only A Hug Will Do
My flight was blinking at me from the scheduled flight board; It was delayed 1 hour because of the weather. I had to laugh at myself or exhausted tears would flow. Just a few hours ago I rushed to pull together all my stuff and get ready to catch this flight. Now sinking down into an empty chair and closing my eyes, I reflected on the reason why I was here this morning.
Last night, sinking into bed early because I had been running ragged the last few days, working double shifts for a few dollars more in my paycheck. I remember just drifting off into sleep when the familiar sound of my cell phone demanded that I pick it up.
From across the country, in Boston, my sister was calling me. I could tell from her muffled sobs, she was going to say what I did not want to hear. "Mommy" she whimpered, "Mommy's with Jesus." I was paralyzed. I don't even remember anything else being said. I stumbled over to my PC with a tearful prayer on my lips. "Jesus, please get me on a plane and help me to rest in your love for us." With a sigh of relief, I snagged this flight out of LA, that had one remaining seat available.
Drifting off into a light rest I was poked on the shoulder and brought out of my reverie. A small fragile looking woman asked if she could sit next to me. I reluctantly pulled my bag off the seat and mumbled back to her, "of course."
"I'm flying to Providence to see my family, have you ever been there?" she questioned—and continued before I could answer, "I grew up there".
This obviously lonely woman went on about various things in her personal life while I endured the monologues—smiling and nodding so as not to appear as disinterested as I was.
With my flight finally boarding, I found myself relieved at the thought of parting company with this little chatterbox. Spying a window seat, I stowed my bag and grabbed the blanket provided by the airline.
Snuggling down to catch some sleep was my aim—however, my hopes for a quiet few hours were dashed with a familiar poke on my shoulder and the movement of the small body lowering into the seat next to me. "O, isn't it nice that we can sit together on our flight?" she beamed.
With a sigh, I straightened up and nodded my head. Resigned to endure yet more words from this stranger, I absently rubbed my temples trying to avert a headache that was coming on. She noticed and immediately became concerned for any distress I was experiencing; for a brief moment, I sensed, my own dear mother's heart. She always put her children ahead of herself whenever she thought we needed some kind of comfort. This little woman put her hand on me and asked if something was wrong? I couldn't hold back the rising flood of grief and just let it roll over the both of us.
With tears in her eyes, she listened as I told her of losing my mom and not having the chance to say "I love you" one more time.
She was quiet for a few moments then told me of her loss. She had a daughter about my age who passed not more than a month ago. She whispered that she was going to Providence to be in an elder care home near her son. She was very close to her daughter and told me that she was feeling quite low till she saw me.
She said, "Jesus answered my prayer." "What prayer was that"? I asked. She answered, "well, I didn't know till I saw you. But Jesus knows the deep down things and answers them." "I know now, I needed to see someone like you and have a little talk together and maybe even a little hug for each other." She took a deep breath, "what do you think?" she asked timidly. "It could be kinda like from your mom for you and my daughter for me." There were no words that could express what was in my heart—only a hug would do.
©2017 carolann Renaud
The Racing Heart part 2
Some veins on Francis's neck stood taut as she tried to breathe evenly. The flash of the blade she had seen a moment ago, was gone now—but there was no mistaking it's presence. It took a moment for her to realize who this stranger was; the red polka dot tie was no illusion.
"Francis, is something wrong dear? I am wearing the prescribed tie so you could recognize me, aren't I" He queried stepping forward.
She stepped back. "No, I mean yes. I—I was deep in thought and well, you just frightened me a bit." Her voice quivered as she continued. "I thought we were going to meet at the restaurant.
"Well, I'm not one for crowds." He held up a paper bag as he continued to explain, 'I am an amateur chef and cooked a special dinner for you and me. Even brought some sweet wine to go with it."
She smiled, her heart racing along, "that's real nice, Frank." She answered trying to keep up some small talk while she strove to find a way out of that room. "I'm hungry—I haven't eaten all day."
Swallowing hard she asked, "what did you cook for me?" He smiled broadly, but somehow it didn't have the same warmth it had in the photo she so cherished.
"Why don't you come on over here and take a little peek; I took along a blanket so we can enjoy it picnic style." He chuckled, "you love picnics—remember?"
"Now Frank, It's not fair; you've caught me off guard," She took a deep breath. "I'm gonna have to go to the little girl's room and freshen up for this wonderful dinner with my handsome date," she stated as she stepped sideways towards the door to the hallway.
The Racing Heart part 1
Francis excitedly took out the broom and began sweeping mindlessly. She'd been waiting all day, counting the minutes to closing. Finally, they'd meet, face to face. Her heart did a little tumble as she gazed into the eyes of the smiling face in the well-worn picture. The same image of the one who had occupied her mind and heart these last six months. This was getting serious for her. Frank was finally able to arrange leave from his company. Gaining a 3-day pass from his CO was no ordinary trick. It would be the weekend to remember. His last message on facebook left her breathless. "I think I'm falling in love."
She planned the perfect first date and set her sister's mind at ease, explaining the plan that was completely public. They would meet at Chez Vous—he with a red polka dot tie and she, with a red polka dot skirt. Ending their meal they would saunter onto the Boardwalk, where they would casually bump into some friends of hers. So they would spend the rest of the evening in the safe company of friends. At the end of the evening, if signaled—the last girl would grimace about going all the way home begging to stay over. It was perfect. Just then, the door creaked letting someone in. "Surprise!" he chortled. "I just had to get a close up look at my girl—and give her some flowers" But all she could see was the glint of the knife.
.
Tick Tock
Thoughts distracted yet defined
A dripping faucet in my mind
Half past twelve, it's time to sleep
I now resort to counting sheep
Though that's never worked for me
I am the 'princess and the pea'
Turn left, then right-- now on my back
I think it's time for a wee snack
Really! Tell me, it cannot be
my clock now says quarter to three
Tic tock, tic tock drones my clock
"No sleep for you" it rings in mock
Just as I close my eyes
Ring! Ding! Ding! time to rise!
# Valentine
There cannot truly ever be
Another that means life to me
For in the whisper of you name
My breath is caught and set aflame
My movement and all my step
Walk the path I've always kept
Since first we met, all time did stop
And I was placed on mountain top
Here the air in thin indeed
I find it hard to even breath
But with you standing by my side
I ask you to become my bride
Risk with me this wondrous bond
Sure to take us way beyond
Commit to me as I do to you
Our very all- on what is true
For I am yours, be wholly mine,
Come face to face- not online
Dearest one, my Valentine!