Unexpected Reunion

The Same as I Remember

      We were right outside the town line, and I have to admit I was starting to get a little nervous.  I haven't been home since the day I put my mom's house up for sale. I know it was wrong of me, but I haven't even been to visit her grave since the funeral.

 I just can't handle pain very well and I am ashamed to say I chickened out on visiting her grave before we moved away.  I just didn't know what to expect.  But when we pulled in, it was exactly as I remembered it.  Nothing had changed, so I guess everyone was right and I had no reason to be nervous.

We first stopped at Katie's parent's house so they could see Sadie. We went past my mom's old house, and it looked exactly like I remembered. I found myself staring at it from Katie's parent's house window. I wonder who is living in it now. Do they have children that run around the backyard? Have pool parties with their friends and family? I hope they treat that house with the respect and fill it with lots of love.

Katie's mom came up to me and placed her hand on my shoulder. I looked up at her. "We don't know who lives there now.  We haven't seen anyone come or go except workers who do the yard work and clean the inside. I did see them move furniture in but it's like there is no one there.  It's a little strange actually." 

I turned and hugged her.  "Thank you for telling me. I hope whoever lives there loved it like my mom and I did."

We spent a few hours at her parent's house before we went to check me into my hotel. Once I was checked in and all my stuff was moved into my room Katie said she was going to go check on Sadie and would be right back.  After about an hour and a half Katie knocked on the door. 

 "Hey, did you get all your stuff unpacked?"  

"Yep, I did, and I was going to call Shane quickly to check in on how everything is going on down there."  

"Ok, Sadie just went down for a nap, so I'm going to run to the grocery store and stock up my parent's fridge while she's sleeping. Call me if you need me." 

 "Alright." 

 I watched her walk away and go to the elevator before I closed my door and grabbed my phone.

Shane picked up after the third ring. "Hey baby, did you make it down there alright?" 

"Yea I did, I'm all unpacked.  Katie and I are waiting for Sadie to wake up and then we are probably going to visit Linda.  How is your dad?"

"He is doing good now.  I don't know how to explain it.  He has these like spasms that can be painful.  It's just weird because he can't walk but can feel these spasms."

"Well, maybe it's his body's way of trying to get him walking again?"

"Hopefully, I mean that would be the greatest gift my parents could ask for.  They deserve for my dad to be up and walking again."

After we talked for over an hour before I got off the phone and took a quick shower. Then I called Katie to see if she was ready to do some wedding planning and she said she'd be right there. After they picked me up, Katie, Sadie, and I were on our way to help Linda plan her wedding.  I can't believe Linda is getting married!  Both of my best friends are going to be wives, and I couldn't be happier!

For the next two weeks, we were finalizing all the details and the last detail we had to worry about was the bridesmaid dress for Katie and me.

As I walked out of the changing room though, my excitement turned to horror.  "Are you serious Linda?  This is the dress you want me to wear?"

Linda had her hand on her chin like she was thinking.  She walked over to me and walked around me looking at the dress. I looked over at Katie who was trying not to laugh.