Sparks Reignited (The Extended Hobson Family Trilogy: book 2)

Hanging With Mom

 Now that my mom is here for a visit, I'm going to take advantage of the time she is here by spending it with her. So far, I've given my mom a tour of the whole town, introduced her to all my friends, and caught her up on everything that she didn't know about. My mom will only be around for a few weeks before she has to go back, but she plans to come back for Andy's wedding and mine. Today we are going on a trail ride together, and since neither of us actually know how to ride a horse, Danny, who my dad gave a day off work, has offered to come along to teach us. I was going to ask Andy, who doesn't work at all, but Danny offered before I got the chance. I think he wants to spend some more time with me and get to know his future mother-in-law better. I don't think my mom minds much either, she has really taken a liking to Danny and all of his silly antics. Most of all, I think she's just happy to know that I've found someone that makes me happy.

Danny and I walk to my dad's house together. The kids are at school and Andy agreed to take care of them for us if need be after they get out. Before we enter my dad's property, Danny gives me my engagement ring. It's simple, but I know he doesn't have the funds to go out and buy anything expensive. He does have a family to take care of after all. I really don't mind either, it's the thought that counts more than what the ring looks like.

All three of us make our way to the barn and I talk to Jed while he helps get the three horses saddled up. Jed hadn't even heard about Danny and me being together until I told him just now. He's happy for the two of us, like everyone else in town. We take our horses out of the barn and mount up. Danny, who knows my dad's property like the back of his hand, leads us out on the trail that leads to the creek. I'm kind of nervous to go back to that place, and on horseback of all things, but I follow anyways.

"Mom, the past couple days that you've been here, I've told you all about what's gone on in my life. I want to know more about what's going on in yours." I say.

"Well, let's see. Where to begin? Ah, I know, I'll start with after I got out of the home I was in. I was doing really well in the home, I had learned to live on my own again and had gotten sober. I got a job working at a nursing home. I realized just how much I had depended on you to take care of me, Meli, and wanted to prove to myself that I could take care of others and myself. I was decent at my job and was really happy with having responsibilities again, but then the economy went downhill and the nursing home I worked at had to lay off a few people. Even though I was a hard worker and according to them one of their better workers, I was also the newest hire, so I was laid off. I have applied to many other jobs since then, but have yet to get one. For now, I just do odd jobs for people and sell some of the crafts I make. I make just enough money to get by, since I do live by myself in a small apartment now."

"You sold the house?" I ask. I'm a little shocked, but at the same time not. That house holds lots of memories, many good and many bad.

"I had to. I really didn't want to at first, but I had no choice. I needed the money to pay off some of my other debts I owed people and I really didn't need that big of a house for just me to live in. I did give some of the money I got from it to the church though."

"Wait!" I stop Bubbles and look at my mom, dumbfounded. My mom stops her horse and looks at me. Danny doesn't notice that we have stopped and continues on the trail by himself. "Does this mean you're going to church now?"

"Yes. I found my way back to God when in that home and I've been going to church ever since. I just thought you knew this."

"You never mentioned it to me that I know of. If you told Andy, he never mentioned it to me either. It's amazing though to know you've found your way back."

"I'm just glad to be done with my old life. I just always felt so empty and nothing, not even Matt filled that void. I can look back now and see how Jesus changed his life for the better, just like he has mine. Now I get the chance to enjoy life again, even though not everything in my life is perfect. My family and old friends all live on the other side of the country, too far to visit often at all. I'm out of a job. I no longer have a husband. I don't even know my own granddaughter. I want to make things right with you and Andy, Meli, your father too. I wronged all three of you and I am truly sorry. I don't know how you can ever forgive me for what I've done."