Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 39 - Memories in May

Although the last evening of Alan and Cindy's visit wasn't actually the end of Passover, it felt like it in many ways. After Olivia's naming on Wednesday, she and her parents went home the next day. Reuben and Ruth stayed through the weekend, leaving for home on Sunday, which was the last day of Passover, and also the first of May. That left Mr. Simms with the Abernathys on his own, and he spent the day settling in a bit more, once again becoming accustomed to the routine of being a long-term house guest in the Abernathy's home.

The house seemed uncommonly quiet by comparison that evening. Jessie and Zack spent the time in their rooms. Up in the living room, Susan helped Greg read for a part he was doing the following week while Melody played at their feet. And Mr. Simms, spent the time reading in the library until the hour came to turn in. Then, as was typical in the Abernathy household, they all went to bed, quite early according to other people's standards. But that was normal at their house, as they all started their days very early too.

"Are you happy to be here?" Susan asked Mr. Simms one evening, later in is visit during the first week in May.

The old man remained uncommonly quiet all week, and Greg and Susan began to notice. Each evening since Ruth and Reuben's departure, Mr. Simms chose to spend the time on his own, reading in the library or the living room ... where ever he could be in the main house while still being alone. Susan thought at first he was simply resting up following a relatively busy week. But when it continued on after two or three days, she began to wonder.

"Of course I am," Mr. Simms told her. "You know I always enjoy the time I spend with Grandfather and the family here."

"I know you do, but you've been very withdrawn since Olivia's naming," Susan said.

"Mmm," Mr. Simms said.

Susan arched a brow.

"She represents another generation, Susan. Another I have seen come into the world ... and I am still here. I have witnessed generations come and go. I have prayed for a message from the Almighty about why, after so long, I am still here. And yet I have never received one ... at least nothing so clear as the one the Lord brought to Alan," Mr. Simms said.

"Few people have, Bobby," Susan said. "Most of the time, the Lord's messages are subtle, and are rarely presented in the form of wildlife to anyone I have ever known, except my husband ... and now his son."

Mr. Simms arched a brow. "Have you seen this sort of thing before?"

"No, but Greg has, several times," Susan said.

"And he told you about it?" Mr. Simms asked.

"Yes," Susan said. "He committed us to building this house in the place it stands now based on one encounter he had."

"Oh? Did he tell you what happened?" Mr. Simms asked.

"Yes. It was a series of encounters actually, that had enough similarity to one he experienced in his past that Greg began to associate them with the voice of the Lord. The first time it happened was during his life as Harald. He was a tanner in those days, traveling to villages to collect animal skins from butchers as part of his trade. He would then process them, making them ready to trade to his family, who used them to make the leather goods they sold in London," Susan explained.

Mr. Simms looked at her in surprise. "You remember quite a lot about it," he remarked.

Susan nodded her head slowly. "Yes. There was a time when Greg and I worked together to remember as much as possible about that life ... the other time when we almost succeeded. We felt it was necessary to understand what we did wrong, so hopefully in this life it won't happen again."