“So why did you do it? Why did you drive even though you knew you weren’t supposed to?”
He took a deep breath and searched for the right words. “Because I was afraid. The honest truth is that I was afraid to lose my independence.”
His voice started to shake as he continued. “I’ve been my wife’s provider for fifty years. And I just couldn’t let that go.” He looked into her eyes, searching for a glimmer of understanding. “It was stupid of me to think I could do it forever. But I kept telling myself, ‘Just a little longer and then I’ll figure something out.’ But the truth is, I didn’t want to figure out a way I could become dependent on others. I wanted to keep being the same man I’d been all along.”
A tear slipped down his cheek, and he brushed it away quickly, aggravated with himself for being emotional.
“I get it,” the girl said, her expression softening.
He studied her face to see if she was serious or being sarcastic. All he could see was another vulnerable soul. “You do?” he asked tentatively.
“Yeah.” She looked him in the eye. “What you did was wrong. But I get why you did it. You need to know that Chad and I were planning to get married and have a family of our own, just like you and your wife.”
“I’m terribly sorry,” he replied. “If there’s anything I can do…”
“You can make sure you never get behind the wheel of a car ever again.”
“Fair enough.”
“And you can pray that God will show me how to keep going from here.”
“I will.”
“One more thing,” she added.
“Yes?” he replied, bracing himself for whatever she had to say.
“I just want you to know that I forgive you. That man we were here for today,” she said, tipping her head toward the group who had gathered to celebrate Phil’s life, “he told me I needed to find a way to do that.” She hesitated then added, “And he wasn’t the only one. So I guess it’s important. Anyway, I wanted you to know.”
She opened her arms, and he shuffled awkwardly into them. They stood hugging as both tried to let go of the regrets of the past. When she pulled back and smiled at him through tear-filled eyes, he felt a crushing weight lifted from his shoulders. “Thank you, young lady. You’ve helped this old man more than you’ll ever know.”
Later that evening, Michelle found Amber sitting on the back porch steps watching Caleb shoot baskets. “Mind if I join you?” she asked.
Amber looked up and smiled at her, scooting to the side of the step. “Not at all.”
“I think the memorial went really well,” Michelle said.
“Me, too. Your brother was pretty funny,” she added with a grin.
“Good ole Tim. He tells it like it is,” Michelle replied, watching Caleb sink a basket. “Nice job, little man,” she called out to him as she gave him a thumbs up. Then turning back to Amber, she said, “I was really impressed by what you said up there. Grandpa would have been so pleased.”
“Thanks. He was a special guy.”
They sat quietly for a few moments, watching their son shoot hoops, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Michelle asked, “So how did your conversation go with that man after the service.” She paused before adding, “Steve told me who he was.”
Amber turned to her. “I think it went as well as it could. He messed up bad, and I told him that. But your grandfather and Ben’s wife both said I’d need to figure out a way to forgive him if I didn’t want to be eaten up with bitterness.”
Michelle reached out and squeezed her hand. “Were you able to do that? Forgive him, I mean?”
She nodded. “Yeah. He felt really bad. I could tell. But when I said that I forgive him, he started to cry. All I could think to do was hug him.”
“I’m so proud of you, Amber. You’ve grown into an incredible adult.” Michelle draped her arm over Amber’s shoulder and pulled her close.
“You really think so?”
“I do,” she replied. “And I’m glad Caleb is getting to know you. It was his idea to invite you to the memorial, you know?”
“It was? I mean, I knew he was the one who called, but I didn’t know it was his idea.”
“Yep. He wanted you here.”
“Thanks for telling me that,” Amber replied. “You know something? I’m really glad I was in your class that year.”
Michelle smiled and looked out at Caleb then back at her. “Me, too.”
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
After I published the third book in the Sandy Cove Series (Into Magnolia) I really thought I was finished telling Michelle’s tale. However, a slew of emails from readers convinced me to return to the fictional seaside community and look in on everyone. When I realized Amber was thinking of going back, too, I knew there was more to tell. Clearly, Michelle and her family and friends have worked their way into many hearts, mine included. And so, the series continues.
Around the Bend has special meaning for me as I watch my mom and stepdad wrestle with the issues that often arise later in life. With advances in medical science and substantial increases in life expectancy, aging becomes a new challenge. At a time when the physical body requires more and more care, it’s easy to lose sight of the emotional and psychological issues that accompany this stage of life.
I dedicated this novel to my own grandparents, Fred and Mary Hughes. These sweet, humble folks lived a simple life of service to God, family, and friends. Fred survived into his late nineties, and Mary saw three calendar centuries in her 104 years. Born before the automobile was invented, they eventually saw man walk on the moon! Mary never possessed a driver’s license, and Fred surprised us all when he decided to surrender his in his late eighties after a he almost had an accident by the local market. He carefully crafted a letter to the Department of Motor Vehicles, thanking them for the privilege of driving in the state of California and expressing his recognition of the wisdom of surrendering his license. I’m sure that was one for the records! At the time, we remarked that his letter was probably framed and posted on the wall of the DMV.
For most, giving up a life of independence is difficult. Change is always hard, and especially so as we age. But issues like driving become critical when clarity of vision and depth perception, accuracy of reflexes, and memory issues impair performance and reduce levels of safety. One of the best gifts aging individuals can give their families is the willingness to surrender their drivers’ licenses and cars before irreversible damage is done. A recent article in Voice of America cites, “According to a Carnegie Mellon University study, the fatality rate for drivers 85 and over is four times higher than it is for teenagers, who are usually pegged as our most reckless drivers. Two examples include an 86-year-old man who drove his automobile into a crowded farmers’ market in California, killing 10 people. And in one recent year in Florida - the U.S. state with the largest per capita elderly population - drivers over 80 plowed into a Chinese restaurant, post office and state official’s office.In every case, the elderly driver told police that he or she confused the gas and brake pedals.” (http://www.voanews.com/content/elderly-drivers-cause-more-deadly-crashes-than-teens-129298768/162760.html)
Interestingly, while this manuscript was being edited, I encountered one such driver. She pulled slowly into a parking lot where I was on foot crossing the lane she was entering. Suddenly she hit the gas and nearly careened into me. I’m certain this elderly lady spotted me, tried to apply the brakes to stop, and pressed the wrong pedal. Thankfully I was almost across the lane and quickly leapt out of her way, avoiding impact and injury. However, the next pedestrian to cross her path may not be so lucky.
I tried to address this issue in Around the Bend with sensitivity and compassion, showing Grandpa Phil’s wisdom by opting out of driving by choice, whereas the man who was responsible for Amber’s boyfriend’s death clung to his driving in spite of having his license revoked. I hope this realistic glimpse into those two paths will inspire others to follow P
hil’s leading and bless their families by not making continuing to drive a battle of wills.
The overall message of this story was so simply yet powerfully conveyed by Phil as he lived his life to the fullest until the very end, finishing his race to eternity with peace and assurance of his eternal destiny. May you and your loved ones find that same path ~ aging gracefully with humble service, looking out for others, and trusting in God for whatever lies around the bend.
As always, I look forward to hearing from you. Letters from readers like you are the motivating factor that keep me returning to Sandy Cove, and I read each and every one of them myself. You can email me at [email protected]. To begin reading From the Heart, the Christmas novella that picks up where Around the Bend leaves off, please turn the page.
Blessings, friend,
Rosemary Hines
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CHAPTER ONE
She’d first noticed him at the high school baseball game while she watched her older brother in his position as first baseman.
The tall, lanky pitcher with the cockeyed smile and razor-sharp aim took no hostages as he struck out one player after another. His moves drew her focus like a magnet. Even when he pulled off his cap with his right hand and used the same forearm to wipe his brow, there was something manly and attractive that captivated her attention.
She was only sixteen and had never been in love. Shy and awkward around boys, she spent most of her time studying or daydreaming with her girl friends. When her big brother, Hal, brought his buddies home, she tried to stay out of their way; afraid she’d say or do something that would embarrass him, not to mention herself.
But this time, she got up the courage to ask Hal about his teammate. “So who is that pitcher?” she inquired after the game.
“Who, Phil? He’s new this year. Just moved here from Missouri.” Hal replied nonchalantly. Then looking at her with a glint in his eye, he added, “Why do you ask?”
“No reason,” she answered hastily. “I just don’t remember you having him over to the house.”
“Should I?” he teased.
“What?”
“Should I ‘have him over’ for you?” he replied with a wink.
Joan could feel the heat as her face blushed a bright red. Looking away, she mumbled, “Do whatever you want. It’s nothing to me.”
But when Phil Walker showed up that Sunday afternoon with several other guys from the team, she found herself quaking inside with nerves. Hal made a point of introducing them, and when Phil gave her his crooked smile, using his soft green eyes to lock on hers, her heart raced so fast she thought the whole room could hear.
“So nice to meet you,” she managed to say before disappearing into her room. Sitting on the edge of her bed and thinking about his smile, she tried to compose herself, as the sound of the boys’ talking and laughter drifted in under her door.
From that day on, she was equally excited and distressed whenever Hal invited Phil over to their house. She analyzed every move she made and any spoken words that passed between them, always trying to wear her cutest clothes and carefully style her hair when she knew he was coming.
Their encounters were brief. A ‘hello’ as they passed in the kitchen or hallway. Sometimes a quick ‘how are you?’ or ‘good game’ would be added to the exchange.
But Joan was in love. With a boy who could have any girl in their school. And she knew her chances were slim to none.
Then it all changed.
The following November, she spotted him across the gymnasium at the homecoming dance. And just as she looked his way, he spotted her, too. His smile got her heart pumping again, and it only got worse when he headed her direction.
“May I have this dance?” he asked after they said their hellos.
Her friend, Ellie, nudged her and tipped her head toward the dance floor. “Go on. I’m off to look for Viv.”
After Joan nodded to Phil, he reached out his hand to lead her into the crowd of dancing teens. His grip was warm and strong. And at that moment, Joan suddenly knew that her purpose in life was inextricably linked to his.
They ended up dancing most of the evening. She learned all about his family, his passion for baseball, and his even greater passion for God. He spoke of his grandfather, the pastor of their church in Missouri, and how he’d inspired Phil’s own desire to some day lead a congregation.
At the end of the dance, he asked if he could see her again. Her heart now singing in her chest, she tried not to seem too eager as she said yes.
And so began a lifelong journey of joys and heartaches with the only man she’d ever love. Married right out of high school, they struggled to make ends meet as she worked at the local diner to put him through seminary, shelving her own dream of becoming a teacher in order to allow him the opportunity to respond to God’s call.
Then came the indescribable joy of becoming parents to a beautiful baby girl. Sheila seemed to make their home complete in spite of its sparse provisions and their continuing financial challenges.
A pastorship that included a parsonage opened the door for this new family to have a home and a mission together as they ministered to a small flock of believers. Joan used her teaching interests and gifts to instruct the little ones during Sunday school and even stretched to lead the women’s Bible studies.
Over time, their flock grew. And it seemed their family would as well.
Then tragedy struck when their next child, a boy, was delivered stillborn. As Joan cradled his tiny lifeless body to her chest, she wondered if she’d ever really be able to breathe again herself.
But over time, God brought a healing balm to their brokenness and used this heartache to grow their compassion and ability to minister to others suffering loss. Yes, every step of the way, Joan could see her purpose intertwined with Phil’s. They lived and breathed as one, sharing life’s unexpected delights and sorrows, and trusting God through it all.
Glancing down at the album in her lap, the one that had taken her on this journey down memory lane, Joan found herself sitting on the bed in her daughter’s guest room. Inside still beat the heart of that sixteen-year-old girl who fell in love. But when she glanced up at the mirror over the dresser, she saw an eighty-six year old woman looking back at her.
And her heart that had knitted itself so completely to Phil’s was aching with emptiness. Just as she and her beloved husband had laid their tiny son’s body in the ground, she’d recently had to place the love of her life there as well. The cancer that devoured his body had claimed her joy and purpose, too.
From the Heart
A Sandy Cove Christmas Novella
As Joan returns to home to Mariposa without her beloved Phil, she must rediscover her purpose and seek God’s plans for her future. Sorting through Phil’s personal items, she stumbles across an unexpected treasure that magnifies her love for him. But will it help her regain her perspective?
Meanwhile, their daughter Sheila is urging her to move to Sandy Cove. However, Joan is hesitant to intrude on the blossoming relationship between Sheila and Rick. As the holidays approach, she decides to make one more trek to see her family in the little seaside community and then decide the course of her future.
From the Heart is a poignant Christmas novella about the importance of family and leaving behind a legacy of love.
Sandy Cove Series Book 5
From the Heart
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Heartfelt thanks to the many readers whose emails inspired me to continue with the Sandy Cove Series. Your interest in Michelle, Amber, and other characters in the series prompted the novel Around the Bend.
In addition, special thanks goes to my medical consultant, Dr. Linda Crawford, for assisting me with Chad’s accident and the subsequent hospital scenes. As a bonus, she received a cameo appearance in the E.R.
As always, big hugs and t
hanks to my faithful photographer (and son), Benjamin Hines, for another wonderful cover, and to my husband Randy for coaxing our rambunctious golden retriever to pose as Joan and Phil’s beloved dog, Thumper.
Finally, I’d like to express my appreciation to my steadfast editors and proofreaders, Nancy Tumbas, Julie Cowell, and Bonnie VanderPlate, and to my formatting pro, Daniel Mawhinney (from 40 Day Publishing). You have helped me transform a rough draft into another polished book.
BOOKS BY ROSEMARY HINES
Sandy Cove Series Book 1
Out of a Dream
Sandy Cove Series Book 2
Through the Tears
Sandy Cove Series Book 3
Into Magnolia
Sandy Cove Series Book 4
Around The Bend
Sandy Cove Series Book 5
From the Heart
Around the Bend (Sandy Cove Series Book 4) Page 28
