Through the Storm

Chapter 6

Shannon was surprised that her mom or her dad hadn’t called her to tell her how the doctor’s appointment went. Maybe something was wrong. As soon as the thought formed she banished it. Nothing was wrong. Nothing could be wrong. It couldn’t be. She needed her mom. She needed her mom now more than ever. Nothing could be wrong. Again she pushed the thought away.

                Right now she was spending time with Faith. Since it was a pretty day, she had decided to take her daughter to the park. So far so good, Faith’s mind was on something else – like having fun – other than on the death of her father, or at least she hoped it was. She had her Bible with her. She took it out and turned to Ecclesiastes. She began to read where she had left off from earlier today.

                To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and time to  heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

                She stopped reading and started to think. ‘A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance;’ Well, it was her time to mourn and her time to weep, but when will it be her time to laugh and to dance.

                “Mommy, look! Look at me, Mommy!” Shannon looked at her daughter. She was swinging on the swing by herself. By herself! She smiled at her daughter.

                “Wait ago, honey.”

                “I’m doing it all by myself, Mommy!” She could see the smile on her daughters face. It filled her heart with joy when she seen her daughter so happy, but it also broke it because Ryan should be here to see this. Tears filled her eyes. God, why’d you have to take him? Faith needs her daddy and so does this unborn baby.

                Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

                She was still watching her daughter swing by herself, when her phone rang. It was her Dad.

                “Hey, Dad.”

                “Hey, honey. So your mom and I were wondering if we could all get together at your house and have dinner. I’ll bring some steaks that I can grill, and you and your mom can choose whatever else that we should have.”

                “Sure. That’s fine with me.”

                “Ok, well, I guess we’ll be there around 5:30.” He sounded tired.

                “Ok, see you then. Bye. Love you.”

                “Love you too honey. Bye.” And with that they hung up. She looked at her watch. It was 5:00. Wow, she hadn’t realized it was that late.

                “All right Faith, it’s time to go. Grandma and Grandpa will be at our house soon.”

                “Really!?” she squealed.

                “Yep, come on.”

                “Kay.”

                They walked to the car, and she put  Faith into her car seat. She started the car, and then they were on their way home. The song You Raised Me Up was playing on the radio. They were almost home when she heard Faith’s deep breathing that signaled she was asleep. She sighed; she was hoping that she would stay up until after dinner at least. But what can she say; they were gone most of the day.