|
Hearts and Humor Archives Index
|
Subscribe
|
|
| << April30, 2006 - Hearts and Humor - Just One Sneeze |
May07, 2006 - Hearts and Humor - Chopper >> |
|
Happy Wednesday, everyone. On Sunday, I told you about my wonderful weekend with Ginny. Poor Ginny didn't know it, but the evening she planned for a night alone, away from the house and the grandkids, a night just for us, was also the date I married my Georgia. If Georgia were alive today, we would have been married 22 years. Don't be sad. I'm OK. I think about her a lot, but God brought Ginny into my life. She helps me when the pain of grief hits, because she lost a spouse as well. We support each other. I have a special story in mind for Ginny. I hope to have it written before Morther's Day. Enjoy today's story. Two Mothers I saw her future in-laws on rare occasions. The 760 miles between Montreal and Halifax prevented us from being together more than twice a year, Our meetings were few, but it was clear to see, I would have no use for mother-in-law jokes. She was pure gold. I loved her instantly. My father-in-law was more of a challenge. Behind his serious manner, he attempted to hide a soft heart. Few grew close enough to see his tenderness. I like to think I was one of those who did. They'd been through a lot in their lives. They immigrated to Canada during the Hungarian revolution. With two young girls in tow, they crossed the heavily guarded border into Austria and immigrated to a country they knew little about. They sought peace and found it in Canada. My mother-in-law suffered with cancer for many years, and although it was in remission, we knew her time was short. During one visit, as we left their hotel room on the night before their departure, I glanced back to see her standing in the hall, staring after us. Her look of sorrow brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. I knew what she thought, "Will this be the last time?" It wasn't the dying that scared her, it was the uncertainty of when. I stopped my wife and made her wait as I walked the distance to that small woman and hugged her tight. "Mom," I whispered, "You hang in there. Come back for the wedding. I want you here." The day of the wedding was hectic but joyous. Georgia and I stood face-to-face as we said our vows. There was a tremble in my voice as I said mine. After we were pronounced man and wife, I hugged my new bride, took her arm, and walked her down the aisle and into our future. My mother-in-law said later, "I could hear it in your voice. I know you meant every word you said." At the reception we sat at the center of the head table, as numerous calls we made for us to show signs of affection. A spoon would strike the side of a glass. Across the room, another would join in. The clattering of spoons to glasses grew, until Georgia and I rose to our feet and kissed tenderly. It was time for speeches. When it was my turn, I stood, turned, faced my new father-in-law, and raised my glass in the air. "Tibor, thank you! I thank you for your courage. Many years ago, you made a decision to flee your homeland, cross a guarded border, and make your home in Canada. This lady beside me was born in a far-away country but now sits beside me as my wife. It was your strength and courage that made this possible." With a trembling voice, I continued, "Tibor, thank you for giving me your daughter." The room was quiet, except for muffled sobs. I returned to my seat and wiped the tears from my eyes. The afternoon flew by. We danced, hugged, and excepted words of encouragement. At one point during the festivities, I managed to find my mother-in-law alone. I crouched beside her chair and said, "Mom, you made it. I'm so glad you're here." She hugged me, "Michael, I'm very happy. All I ever wanted, was to see Georgia settled. Today saw it happen. I can go in peace." "Mom, hang in there." I said. "I want you to see your grandchildren." She looked at me doubtfully. "I'm happy now. I don't expect to see my grandchildren." I reached out, pulled her to me, and whispered in her ear. "Mom, you will. I just know it." After the ceremonies, Georgia and I left for our hotel. I opened the door to our suite, turned, lifted my new wife in my arms, and turned to the door, as it closed softly in our faces. I put her down, reopened it, picked her up again, and turned in time to watch it close once more. I propped the door open with a trash can. I lifted her in my arms, turned and watched the heavy door push the trash can aside and close again. By now, a small crowd had gathered. They stood at their doors and watched in amusement as I failed time-after-time. "Michael! Never mind! Let's go in!" Georgia said. She was embarrassed by the attention. "Hun, it's my duty to carry you across the threshold. Darn it! I'm going to do it." Leaving her standing alone, I entered the room and slid a heavy chair to the entrance. With the chair bracing the door open, I returned once more, picked her up, and carried her into the room. Those gathered, cheered and clapped. The clamor in the hall dimmed, as I shut the door a final time and took my wife into my arms and into my life. My mother-in-law did live to see her granddaughter. Thirteen months later our daughter was born. She came and held her, as tears spilled down her cheeks. Within a year, she passed on and lives forever in our hearts and memories. My Georgia passed away October 10th, 2003. She is with her mom now. Two moms together for eternity. Happy Mother's Day to my mom, my mother-in-law, Georgia - the mother of my children, my new wife Ginny, and to all the moms reading this story. Mother's are the strength behind great families. I've been blessed with some great ones. Michael T. Smith To read more of my stories or sign up to receive my twice-weekly stories, go to Archived Issues: http://archives.zinester.com/86758 Send your comments to mtsmith@qwestonline.com I love to share them with the other readers. http://subs.zinester.com/86758 http://archives.zinester.com/86758 |
|
| << April30, 2006 - Hearts and Humor - Just One Sneeze |
May07, 2006 - Hearts and Humor - Chopper >> |
|
Hearts and Humor Archives Index
|
Subscribe
|
|
|
Archives powered by Zinester's Mailing List Service
Details on Hearts and Humor |
Browse for more newsletters at Zinester's Ezine Directory
Managed by Zinester's Mailing List Management |