From my point of view I was casually taking in the soothing sound of the water below. I leaned against the wrought iron railing overlooking the Charles River. It didn't take long before I was mesmerized by the flow of the river. I made a mental note that the water doesn't run seamlessly downstream; it flows in several directions. I know it eventually goes downstream but for some droplets there are detours, for others - obstacles, and a few more -- evaporation.

While I watched the water flow, a woman my age walked by and said, "I used to watch the river for hours." I couldn't help but ask why she had stopped. "My husband and I used to come here all the time but then one day he stopped." Seeing the puzzled look on my face she continued, "He stopped holding my hand, he stopped kissing me good night, and then he stopped coming here with me. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when he asked me for a divorce."

I kept silent for a moment to make sure she had completely unloaded her burden. Her eyes looked over to a couple walking along the path. "That was Steve and I a year ago...before...before she came into his life."

Hearing the anger in her voice, I asked, "Do you have children? A family?"

"Yes, we have two sons, Sean and Seth, but they're grown now and have lives of their own." I could see her eyes glistening from the tears forming as she looked toward two little boys playing in the dirt along the riverbank. "Oh if I could have those years back when my boys were that age. Things would be so different."

"How so? I asked.

"That's when we were a family. We did everything together, we played in this park, we picnicked here, and I remember watching my boys play hide and seek here. Danny and I watched from a blanket we spread out under that tree over there." She pointed to a beautiful oak tree in a secluded part of the park. I could picture the scene; after all I have two sons of my own. They would be doing the same thing under the circumstances.

There was silence for several minutes as my thoughts took a journey into my own past. Yes, there we were; Ron and I sitting on a blanket, his head lying in my lap, my fingers running through his dark shiny hair; as we watched our boys playing some cat and mouse game that no one understood but them. It was so many years ago and we were so happy until she came into his life. Wait! She's telling my story...that's my life...that's my past too!

I turned to tell her how comparable our lives were, but she was gone. Quickly I looked around to find her but she was already across the street and getting on a bus.

I turned back to the tree and then looked at the little boys playing by the riverbank. And after all these years I was able to ask God, "Lord, what happened to us? What happened to my marriage? What happened to happily ever after?" I felt the tears swell in my eyes as I realized for the first time -- I missed him.

I wondered what he would think of his sons today, his grandchildren. Would he have been a good grandpa? Would he still be a good friend?

It's rather strange that the woman came into my life that day. She had no idea how many emotions she had triggered in my mind and I'm certain she had no idea how much it meant to me to finally find freedom in an overdue goodbye.     

Peace and Love,
Brenda Bates -- September 2007
This is a continuation of the inspiration titled, "A Day At the Park".

My Personal thoughts:
Ron and I were high school sweethearts. We married in the early 70's -- the draft was in full force -- he left. He didn't go to Viet Nam but he was shipped overseas nonetheless. Our life was never the same, nor was our relationship. We grew up over the next four years but we didn't grow together -- we grew apart. It seems so strange to think that after two children and a lifetime that bonded us; it only took one night -- one strange unfaithful night to separate us. It's peculiar when I think about it now.

Ron went home to be with the Lord in November of 1996. God's greatest gift to me -- us, was to walk hand in hand along the shore of the Pacific Ocean while our matured boys played in the waves along the California seashore. We talked about our life together, apart, and how dreams can come true under the worst circumstances. We laughed, we cried, and we learned to forgive each other. What a blessing that day was -- what a blessing the memories still hold.

If there's someone you need to forgive -- do it! Don't wait until it's too late. Don't wait until someone comes along to remind you that Jesus will forgive your sins but you must first forgive others. Free yourself of the shackles that separate you from the One who designed you.  Let it go!

Prayer to the Father:
O Lord, it's so agonizing to look back at all the pain I have caused others. Too many times I should have forgiven but refused because of my stubborn pride. Forgive me for thinking I didn't need You during my darkest moments.

I lift the lady in the park to You. I pray for her broken heart. I ask that You comfort her Lord and help her to see that You are the love of her life. You are all she needs to bring a smile to her a face and bounce to her step.

Thank You Holy Spirit for the moments when You sneak into my mind and replay bits and pieces of my life. It's through those memories my life is revealed from a different perspective. Thank You Lord for not giving up on me. Thank You for bringing Don into my life. Thank You for his gentleness, kindness, and his desire to draw me closer to You. Thank You for my children, grandchildren, and extended family. Most of all, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Thank You for the Spirit that resides in me.

I praise You this day for each breath I take and every memory I hold. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Send Comments to Brenda@InHisPath.com
Subscribe to the www.InHisPath.com mailing list.