The Redemption of Anna

By Doris Bowman

When rebellious young Anna found herself pregnant age age 17, she was eager to marry handsome Clay.  Seven babies arrived in quick succession, leaving the fun-loving Anna feeling trapped and overwhelmed.  Seeking solace in the arms of another man led to the breakdown of her family and she soon found herself trapped in a life of poverty, neglect and abuse. As the years passed, Ana made choices that forever impacted the lives of her children. The consequences of her decisions were severe, but somewhere in the deep recesses of her sol, Anna still longed for the God she had learned of as a child.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Doris Bowman
• Release date: Oct 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984378927

Book preview

Let the wicked forsake his way,

And the unrighteous man his thoughts;          Let him return to the LORD,            And He will have mercy on him;

And to our God,

or He will abundantly pardon

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Isaiah 55:7 - NKJV

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prologue

Part I

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Part II

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Part III

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

A Note From The Author

PROLOGUE

August, 2005

The parking lot filled up slowly that warm August morning.  The wide wrap-around porch of the elegant Victorian –style house was dotted with people talking quietly and curiously eying everyone that exited the cars.   Soft music wafted through the open door.  Inside, solemn faced people clustered in the foyer and in the chapel.  It was almost time for the funeral to begin. 

An odd assortment of mourners came to pay their respects and say good-bye to Anna Landry that day.  Some of her many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren gathered in the doorway. They wiped tears and hugged each other.  A group of church friends wore sad expressions as they reflected on their fondness for the sweet little lady that had passed away.  A few of Anna’s numerous siblings were in attendance, also, although only one of them had even spoken to her over the past forty years.  They stood together, looking about at the various mourners and appearing unsure of why they had even come. 

Soon the music increased in volume, signaling the start of the service. The minister stepped to the podium and began to speak somberly.  We are here to celebrate the life of our dear sister in the Lord, he began. Anna has been a member of our church for the last ten years.  She was faithful to God and faithful to her church.  She participated enthusiastically in the activities of the church, especially the Ladies Department.  Sister Anna was a joyful woman, always smiling, and dearly loved by the congregation of Calvary Church. She will be sorely missed.

The reaction was varied as the pastor continued to talk about Anna’s sweetness and her love for others.  Church friends nodded their heads.  The younger grandchildren beamed proudly because Grandma had taken them to church with her. Some appeared to have no reaction to the kind words of the minister.  But audible gasps were heard as Anna’s brothers and sisters looked at each other in disbelief.  Don frowned. Wayne cleared his throat.  Betsy shook her head with an angry expression on her face.  What kind of garbage is this?  She thought, Our wild child sister... selfish, unconcerned Ann?  Puh-leez!

After the formal obituary was read, Jim walked to the front and stood in front of Anna’s casket.  He looked around for several seconds before he began to speak.  Thank you, Pastor, for your kind words.  I appreciate your care and concern for my mother.  He paused for a moment. 

Anna Landry had a lifespan of 72 years.  What a diverse group here today!  We each remember her in different ways. Some of you knew her in her early life - during her childhood, her teen and young adult years as part of a large family in south St. Louis.   My sisters and I have memories of our life with her as young children.  Absently rubbing his right arm, Jim continued.

Others may recall the years when she was raising her children on St. Louis’ north side.  Then there are those of you who came to know this woman after she moved out here to the Grenada area.  Still others have known Anna only within the last years of her life - since she came to know the Lord.

Jim paused and struggled for composure before going on.  The Bible teaches us that as a tree falls, so shall it lie (Ecclesiastes 11:3).  No matter when in her life you knew Anna or even what your perception of her might be, what really matters is that Anna Landry gave her life to God about ten years ago.  On the day that she surrendered to Him and was filled with His Spirit, she became a child of the King.  Old things passed away and all things became new, as the Bible teaches.  Her past was erased by the blood of the Lamb. Yes, it’s true...Mom’s life has ended, the tree has fallen.  But it has fallen into the arms of the Lord.  And there it shall lie.  And that’s because no man, no past event, absolutely nothing can take her out of His loving arms.  Because of God’s great love and tender mercy, Anna Boatman Landry has been redeemed.

PART I

1948-1959

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Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned every one to his own way;

Chapter 1

1948

Thirteen year old Anna lay quietly under the covers in the upstairs bedroom that she shared with three sisters.  Intently she listened to the sound of each of them settling into sleep.  When all was quiet and still, Anna slowly and carefully got out of bed.  She reached for the clothes she had hidden underneath the bed that she shared with eleven-year-old Marilou.  Silently she pulled on her clothes and, shoes in hand, crept over to the open window.

In a matter of seconds, Anna was out the window and on the low roof of the back porch.  From there it was just a step onto the sturdy limb of the nearby oak tree and a quick drop to the soft grass below where he was waiting in the shadow of the shrubbery.

It took you long enough!  hissed sixteen year old Mike,  I thought you weren’t coming!

You know I have to wait ‘til everyone is good and asleep, Anna replied in a whisper. Let’s get out of here!  You get the cigarettes?

He held them up proudly. Of course!  I got some wine, too.  My mom will never miss it.  Let’s go!

Hand in hand, Anna and Mike sneaked through the back yards of the sleeping neighbors and then into the darkness of the adjoining parochial school yard. Soon they arrived at a thick copse of trees that bordered the local park.  Hugging the tree line, they ran toward the wooded, grassy slope that led to the river.  They were breathless and excited when they reached a small clearing and plopped down to catch their breath.  Michael reached for his backpack.  Let the party begin! he cried.

After they had shared a few cigarettes and a half bottle of wine, Mike dug in his backpack and pulled out a small, light blanket.  He spread it on the ground, laid back on it and said, What do you say we get comfortable, Ann?  It’s such a nice night.

"I am getting a little sleepy, but I have to be back in my room before anybody gets up in the morning, you know," said Anna warily.

Oh, come on!  I doubt we fall that soundly asleep!  said Mike persuasively.  So Anna lay down next to Mike and he pulled her close. 

The wine was just beginning to have an effect on Anna’s senses when Mike’s hands began their explorations.  One small part of her being wanted to resist, but his eager young lips and caressing hands soon lulled young Anna into acquiescence. 

It was the long, loud whistle of a train that woke them hours later. Oh, no! What time is it?  Do you have a watch on, Mike?  Anna asked in a frightened voice.

Yeah, hold your horses, he answered in a grumpy voice. Looks like it’s 5:35.

If I am not in bed with Marilou when Mom calls us at 7:00, I will be dead!  Frantically Anna pulled at her clothes and reached for her shoes.  Heart pounding, she ran toward home.

Quickly she swung up into the tree and over to the roof of the porch.  She heaved a sigh of relief to see that the window was still wide open.  But her relief evaporated when she stepped through the open window and saw her sister Betsey standing at the top of the stairs.

What are you doing, you idiot?  Where have you been?  Shocked to see her disheveled young sister, Betsey raised her voice.  You’re a mess!  Your blouse is buttoned up crooked and there are leaves in your hair!

Thinking fast, Anna lied glibly.  Mom said I couldn’t go to Susie’s pajama party last night, but I wanted to go SO bad!  I just woke up a few minutes ago and ran all the way home.  I meant to come back before now!  Please, please, please don’t tell on me!  I will never sneak out again!  I promise!

Their mother’s voice drifted up from downstairs.  "Girls! What are