Extraordinary Gifts Of John Kelsing By Warren Proctor

Four: Ruth's Paintings

Kate knocked on the door checking her watch. She was already late to pick up Ruth. She figured she would need to stay after late to finish some paperwork. Natalie answered the door, her look suggested she was disappointed but then again she had become use to Kate being late. It was her "thing " her normal routine.
"Hello Natalie .. I'm sorry I had to stay after today."
"Don't worry about it" Natalie said inviting her inside. Ruth lay on the sofa sound asleep, it was just after 10pm. Kate smiled glancing at her daughter.
"Why don't you sit down for a second, I'll get us a cup of tea" Natalie suggested.
"That would be nice thank you" Kate replied. Natalie had pictures hanging all over her walls, she was a painter. She loved to paint and even sold some of her projects. Kate had been in her living room a thousand times, but she never really looked at the paintings. She studied them as Natalie returned with the tea.
"Long day huh?"
"Yes very long" Kate said.
"Ruth wanted to do some painting today , she's quite the artist."That made Kate smile as her eyes widened in excitement.
"Is that right? I never knew she liked to paint".
" She loves animals especially giraffes" Natalie said. Kate looked at Ruth, she felt proud deep down. Her heart melted at the same time. Because she understood the moment, she understood how precious time was. Natalie tried to offer her a smile.
"Are you going to be alright ?"
"Yes .... just so proud of her" Kate said. Natalie was a older woman, just slightly younger than her older brother Cameron. She was very hardworking and took great pride in what she had accomplished. She was divorced with no children, but lived a modest life. She had to relocate from Tennessee when she split from her husband of nine years. A attractive woman, the typical brunette with hazel eyes and a warm smile. Cameron was the only family she had, but recently decided to move back to Tennessee. She would live on a farm for the rest of her life.
Ruth was awoke now, she embraced her mother as if she hadn't saw her in forever.
"How are you doing today baby" Kate asked.
"I'm good me and aunt Natalie painted pretty pictures today."
"I want to see them" Kate said. Ruth was a spitting image of her father. She had his brown eyes, his high cheekbones, and even his stubborn ways. She was born on the 4th of July, which made her birthday extra special. Ruth was special, she was very bright at age ten. She loved reading and writing, and going on adventures exploring. She spent most of her time with Natalie, while her parents worked. She had recently took up painting as her new hobby. She spread the pictures on the table, they were giraffes small and big.
"These are gorgeous baby" Kate said.
"I painted these today."
"I love them can we show daddy?"
"Yes I think he will like them to" Ruth replied. Natalie escorted them to the door as they said their goodbyes. Kate drove home wishing she could had watched Ruth paint those beautiful giraffes. These moments she couldn't get back no matter how hard she prayed. It was something that ate away at her heart. The guilt of not being there for her daughter.

Extraordinary Gifts Of John Kelsing