Aurora Magazine 2019

that was my senior picture, so I had to look nice. Bandito is a big, clumsy grey thoroughbred whom I love to death but unfortunate - ly, I have to sell him soon because I’m going away to Art school next year and won’t have time to ride him anymore. I’m really sad about having to give him up but I’ll make sure he goes to a good home. ... Love, Ann : ) “I’m so happy for you, Deb” “Thanks, Joel, this is incredible…” We hang up. Time stops as I sit on the bench and soak in the image of my daughter in the photo. I was just her age when I gave her away to adoption. When I left her in the hospital, I left part of my heart, left the opportunity to share in the joy that was parenting her...another couple received that joy. When I left the hospital that April day, a late snow storm had coated the streets with inches of snow and ice. It felt like my heart was coated in ice also. My prayer, my hope was that we would meet again. Somehow, I knew that I would see her again in 18 years, in fact I whispered that to her as she slept in my arms that last evening in the hospital. It was a promise locked away in a secret place in my heart that holds my dearest hopes. The hope is fulfilled~ Gradually, I am aware of where I am- outside on this spring day. I smell the flowers, hear a cardinal chirping and lo - cate his cheery red form in the shrubs nearby. I feel a light breeze like a gentle caress on my cheek. I realize that my tears have dried and I am smiling in contentment. Ann has written to me. Thank you, God.

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