Love 101

Chapter 10

Story 3- Loving Beyond Rejection 

"Sarah," her father's voice echoed in the background as he placed his key on the table. "Where is daddy's little princess?" he declared delightfully. Sarah ran from her room wearing her favorite tutu and embraced her father with a warm hug. "Daddy," she screamed enthusiastically basking in the presence of the most important figure in her life. Just then her mom walked out of the kitchen almost glaring at them both and stated, "Who am I?" Mr. Adams walked over to his wife and kissed her gently on the lips. "My queen," he assured her with a wide grin. This seemed to calm Mrs. Adams down for now. Even at five years old Sarah saw the inconsistencies in her family. Her mom never seemed happy and was competing with her for her father's attention. When other girls her age would hear their mom say I love you or get their hair done and put on pretty dresses, Sarah felt ignored and rejected by her mother. Many times, I love you was only coming from her Dad. So even at a young age, Sarah learned to stay out of her mother's way. She got love from her Dad and that would have to be enough for now. So after mom left the room she and Dad had their alone time which Sarah loved. He would be her playmate for the rest of the evening and there was nothing she adored more than this.

Present day

"Mom..................," Sarah heard her son's voice echoing in the background. She came back from her memories to her future. "Yes, Jacob Elijah Richardson, "she proudly stated. Her marriage and her son were some of the things she got right. She promised herself she would never let her child feel the way her parents made her feel growing up. Little Jacob pranced up and down energetic like any other five-year-old. "You promised to take me to the park," he said. Sarah studied her son's face. How could she resist those hazel eyes and gorgeous dimples? He was such a cutie. He was the smitten image of his father. "Well, only if you promise to brush your teeth and clean your room," she bargained.

Jacob thought for a while as Sarah laughed to see him analyzing it all in his head. "Okay, pinky promise," he said. "Pinky promise it is," Sarah winked at him. "Let's go," she instructed as they headed out the door. It was a beautiful Saturday morning in Jacksonville, Florida. Sarah appreciated the warmth of the sun, the gentle caress of the breeze, and the chirping of birds. Yes, she too needed this walk. She inhaled the scent of trees and admired nature at its best. Sarah began thanking God for life, her husband, son, and mother. Life with her mother was a major challenge. Even at thirty-two her mother's words still cut deeply into her. She sat on a bench and watched her son closely as he played. He was so happy and full of life. She prayed for him daily because she wanted him to be so successful in life. Blessed and highly favored in all his endeavors. Once again, her thoughts began to unravel in a million different ways. They were abruptly interrupted by her cell phone. "Hello," she said. "Hey babe, how are you? I miss you guys so much," her husband David confessed on the other end. "We miss you too honey. Everything is fine," she repeated. There was a pause at the end. David knew his wife well. He loved her so much but knew her childhood left many scars. "Are you sure? I will come home early from this business trip if I have to," he announced out of concern. "Don't be silly. Jacob and I will be fine," she reassured him. He sighed. He wished he was there to grab them both in his arms. "How is your mom?" he asked carefully. He knew Sarah hated talking about her mother. Back in college, he remembered it was a challenge even to get her to date him. Her mom was always an issue. Sarah had to endure unfair things. "She's fine," Sarah said caring not to elaborate. Over the years David suggested putting her in a home so she could get some help. Of course, Sarah felt as if she was abandoning her mother just like her father did all those years ago. So, he let it go because he did not want her to hurt anymore. When she would be distant at times he knew exactly where she would go. She would constantly reminisce about her childhood. He prayed to God many times to remove that spirit of hurt, pain, and rejection his wife encountered her whole life. As a freelance architect for a major company, he would sometimes have to make these trips internationally. He needed this to change because he hated being away from his family. "Mr. David Benjamin Richardson, please stop worrying about us and get your job done so you can hurry back home to us," she encouraged him. "Okay," he said. He closed his eyes and imagined her in his arms.