Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat – Linda Ondrick

November 19, 2006

We welcome our newest writer for Storytime Tapestry, Linda Ondrick becomes writer #372 for us.  Unfortunately I goofed up yet again.  I have her listed as both Linda Ondrick and Angie Ondrick.  I am so sorry.  Please when you write her and welcome her to the fold, please ask which name she prefers to go by.  Thanks again,

Your very tired,

Underpayed

Publisher

THE SEARCH

Linda Ondrik

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and that may very well be but to me, the eyes are the key to my destiny.

I feel the familiar butterflies in my stomach as I get ready to face my demons I know they will be there. They always are.

I walk slowly toward the door that will take me to the den of judgment.

Others, in their excitement, hurry by me. I am inside the door now, all heads turn. The mixed reactions overwhelm me and I am frozen. My eyes first focus on the room in general Some, I recognize, others I do not.

There is heaviness in my heart and a lump in my throat, as I take a few first tentative steps, I catch someone’s eye and the game begins.

Someone approaches me. These are the polite eyes which say ‘How are you?’ with their hand outstretched, only to drop their hand quickly upon contact.  The eyes are also dropped and no longer meet mine.

Next are the prying eyes, the ones who look with questions and curiosity; I can hear them saying later on, “Did you see her, wonder what happened”.  As soon as my eyes meet theirs, they are dropped only to follow me as I pass by.

I pass through the field of the eyes who look with disgust, scorn, rejection of someone not perfect, someone not born with the golden spoon, someone beneath them.  I hurry along past them with my eyes downcast.

Then are the wide eyes of the children who ask out loud, “look at that women mom” only to be shushed by their parent and dragged away.

Last are the sorrowful pitying eyes, the ones who say, “I feel sorry for you” but you know they are also saying, “glad it is not me”.

I stand in the middle of this circle, searching, searching for the eyes that will welcome, that will invite; that will save me.

I feel a presence behind me and I turn.  There you are, your eyes are beckoning but still I hesitate.  I look again, the eyes have not looked away, they seem to say, come join me.  They are deep and piercing and seem to pull me in.  Yet I am afraid.  I look away and look back.  And the eyes are thoughtful now, caring, kind – I take a very deep breath and my first step.  My search is over…….. for tonight anyway.

Linda Ondrik

ang84@verizon.net