Always With Me

Part 30- Reagan Elliott

The sound of the constant rain and wind scraping down my windows in my living room was exhausting. The kids were all asleep, even though it was only twelve o'clock in the afternoon. It was a Saturday and the weather outside was horrible, so the stores on main street were all closed. Dahlia was also asleep in her room, so I was sitting on the couch, reading my mail. I didn't have a letter from Duke yesterday, but I wasn't too upset about it. I knew that the further into it he got, the less he could write back. At first we expected that he could call hime more, but it was very difficult to fit that into both of our busy schedules. We talked when we could on the phone, but it was rarely. I still yearned for the letters to come each week. I sighed and walked into the kitchen. The rain was pouring harder now, but I wanted to check my mailbox. I hadn't checked the mail today, and I had hope that there was a letter in there. I sat and waited a few more minutes for the rain to ease up, but it never did. I finally sulked over to my coat closet and grabbed my rain jacket. I didn't have shoes on, but I wasn't in the mood to go and grab a pair that would be ruined by the rain. I pulled my hood over my hair and ran out of the door. The mailbox was a few long strides away from the door, so I ran over to it. There were no cars visible on the road, but then again, nothing was visible. It was noon, but the sky was very dark. I yanked open the door of the mailbox and looked inside. It had a small stack of envelopes on the inside, so I slid them into my sleeve and ran back to the house.

When I walked back into the house, I hung my soaking wet jacket over the rack in the laundry room. I then took the few letters and walked over to the dining room table. It was quiet in my house, which was very rare. I took the time to flip the envelopes over with my shaking hands. The first two letters were bills, but the third was the exact letter that I had been waiting on. I ran my fingers over his handwriting on the front of the envelope and smiled to myself. He had very messy, long handwriting. I could pick it out over anyone's. I finally ripped the envelope and pulled the folded sheet out of it. It was damp, but it came unfolded easily. I began reading it as a loud burst of thunder shook the house. I ignored it as I read the words on the page.

Dear Reagan.

Today has been good. I have been very busy, so I haven't been able to write. I seriously hate that. I'm going to try to call within the next few days. I need to hear your voice. But, anyways, I want to know about how your weeks have been. So what have I missed? How are the kids? Send me more pictures. I love seeing them. How is the store? Did I ever mention that I am so proud of you for running a store on your own? You're pretty brave! I would love to be with you right now. I bet you look beautiful today. You always do. That is something that I miss a lot. But I think about it all the time. Are you still looking for a church? I can't wait until I am home to help you. But God is working, He really is. I will talk to you soon. Tell the kids that I love them and I miss them. Tell them that I will be home soon. I love you, Reagan. I'll see you soon. I am praying for you.

-Duke.

I reread the short letter about a thousand times before I ran to grab a sheet of paper and write back.

Dear Duke,

I love you. I miss you. The kids are doing great! I hired Dahlia's best friends to babysit them on the weekends, and the kids seriously love them. Their names are Ellie Harmon and Becca Lowrey. Abigail is missing her two front teeth now. I will include a picture of that with this letter. Jase also wanted me to send you a picture of him in his new Super Man costume. It looks great on him! Then again, you have always called him "Super Man".They are both characters, let me tell you. I am seriously so proud of them. They are more and more like you every single day. Abigail has begun reading her Bible at night, and she loves it. Of coarse, I can't get Jase to sit still long enough for that to happen. But, I know I will eventually. He's just a little stubborn, just like his Momma. HAHA. Katie is doing great, also. She is beautiful, and she looks a lot like you, also. I am glad that she looks like you. The store is doing great, also. I am busy all of the time, so Dahlia is a huge help! She is such a hard worker, and I am so blessed by her company. God is doing so much in her life. I can already tell. Please continue praying for her. I went to church with her a few days ago, and I really liked it. I met a woman named Annie Carson there. She and her husband and so sweet. They have a daughter that is Jase's age. We should do more with them when you get home! I love you, and I miss you. I am praying for you, also. Please write back with more that is going on with you! Oh, did I mention that I LOVE YOU?