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Birthday Cards
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Birthday Cards |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States 
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Birthday Cards By Larry Chadwick It sounded so much like the voice of her mother speaking. “I’m sorry. But you have broken the rules of our relationship. Because if I was a priority in your life my birthday card and present would have gotten here on time. Since I’m not important to you we cannot continue our relationship.” It wasn’t that painful to explain that this wasn’t about relationships. After all, I had a well documented character flaw. I’ve always been a procrastinator. I’m not proud of it. And all of our children and numerous family members had certainly been victim of my flaws. But it absolutely beat being accused of not caring for or loving my own daughter. There was, however, the influence of the environment that she lived in. Her mother and the new husband weren’t exactly my biggest fans. Regardless of all those things I promised to be available when she was willing to renew our relationship. And so the wait began. The more time lapsed the more difficult the wait became. But always I was available. Weeks went by and then months passed. I had made a trip to visit my son. While hanging around in his home I became distracted and was only remotely aware that he had been on the phone for some time. Unexpectedly he handed me the receiver. And, as if the past year had not expired, I found myself in an animated conversation with my obviously forgiving daughter. The task of mediation is occasionally so simple. We never spoke of the lost year. We were both just grateful it was over. Besides it was the product of her youthfulness mixed with a little negative influence. Our relationship was renewed without effort or regret. Once again weeks passed and became months and even years. Finally it was time for yet another one of my birthdays. I had not yet retrieved the mail when I took a call from my daughter. The conversation began immediately with an apology and an explanation. It was one of the best birthday presents I had ever received. It seems that teaching high school classes had gotten the best of her. Time had slipped away. Though she had both a card and a present for her dad they would be late. Yes it was tempting. And it certainly was on my mind. But there was never a chance that it would slip from my lips. Ever. Though I have a weakness for “I told you so’s” this one would go unspent. Weeks again slipped into months but not that many years. Ginger died a premature death at twenty-eight. I found a “daughter” card the the other day. I’m going to keep it as a reminder. And now when my birthday goes by and I don’t get a card from her I know it isn’t because she doesn’t love me. August 31, 2003 If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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| © Copyright 2003 Larry Chadwick - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
 Oh, Larry, how beautiful this was to read. Sorry about the tears, but you just get to the core of my heart every single time.  love your heart, my friend |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Thank you dear Kacy. There is much satisfaction in the truth of this piece.  If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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1slick_lady Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088standing on a shadow's lace |
larry...i just don't know what to say here...touching...painful...heartfelt...loving...forgiveness is a favor given...hugs to you...helen |
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KristieSue
since 2003-01-31
Posts 1460PA, US |
too close to home and quite touching... awesome job Failure isn't failure if a lesson from it is learned ~ KS |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I understand this Larry...I had so many Fathers day cards and holiday and birthday cards for my dad that I would buy in advance because they were perfect for him and I never got to send them...so that first 2 years after, I left my Christmas (artificial) tree up and strung them on it for valentines day etc....until I was ready to put it away. *s M |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Larry, how we choose to remember our loved ones is as important now, as it was then. But this seemed to familiar to me. Did you write it a different way, or was it just on procrastination, at another time? I seem to remember this - and I swear, I didn't read this last night and forget!  I am glad you are doing better. Seems to me, you had many angels by your side when you weren't feeling well. I'm glad to see you are better now. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Helen, Thank you for your tenderness. It actually is a fond memory. The satisfaction is in the lesson she learned, of cours. KristieSue, Welcome to Passions I'm glad we finally have met. And thank you so much.  M, Unexpected are the ways that help us cope. Thanks for understanding. Karilea, Now I have to do some research. It appears that my old age is now copyrighted!  If you're right, I like this one better. And my energy level isn't great but I'm certainly better. Now I'm seeking a second opinion. Thank you so much for your friendship.If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
/pip/Forum15/HTML/001787.html try this link... i certainly enjoyed reading this tale again though...and you placed a different spin to it this time round hope your assignments are coming along fine...  |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
kaile, If it weren't for the younger ones in here us old farts would be totally lost! Now it seems I'm not only forgettful but neglectful. And thanks bunches for the link. You are much appreciated. There's more than one way to get a re-write done, eh?  If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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