UncommonPromise

As children we sit on the carpeted floor engaged in one of our favorite pastimes. It is great fun as we carefully place card upon card, reinforcing each level as we inch our way higher to the very top to a simple pointed spire, that will be our victory, as we ward off heavy walkers and loud breathy talkers.



Many years later we sit in the woods on a fallen tree with tears in our eyes. We listen intently as our friend speaks. His voice breaks as he tells of his dear wife’s illness. The doctors tell him it is fatal, with no hope, and we fall into a mood of extreme sadness and despair. She is his love…his life…and he can’t imagine going on without her. After sitting in silence, we quietly get up and walk back to the house where she awaits our return.

Reflecting on those days, and the painful process that followed we realize how fragile our lives are, yet as adults, we continue to build. Only now, the consequences are much more serious. Despite the odds, we persist, and take our chances. We all ultimately live in houses made of cards, vulnerable in our own optimism and childlike naïveté. As we watched the shared life of our dear friends come to an end, we became serious and aware of our own. We think fondly of the times spent with her and the beauty of her presence. In those thoughts, we feel cautiously hopeful. For even though we appreciate life's fragility and brevity, we sense that we have the gifts of choice and chance to build again and again.

You may also want to visit our other websites:

Uncommon Promise Video Channel

under the tuscan thumb blog

The UP Side Lowdown by Cheryl

New Music - Virtual CD