I'll Never Leave You

By Nancy A. Prieston

Imagine a love so powerful that it refuses to die - Anna travels between later years in search of her cherished book and the former years of youth, where her world as a baby drastically changes after the shock of her mothers early death. Anna suff ers from abuse, which adds to the eff ects of an erratic heart, and lives with a rare genetic oral disease. Her mother leaves her in prayer with a request that Anna will have a life of love. In 1938, Dan, an accomplished woodworker, sees Anna on a street corner in Greenwich, Connecticut, and he is powerfully drawn to her, despite the fact that she is many years his junior. He sees past Annas shy exterior and dirty face and tattered clothes and is captivated by her beauty, despite the discoloration of her teeth. Their bond grows in secret while Dan loves her unconditionally, protecting her with his patience, kindness,and gentle nature until she is old enough for him to be introduced to her father. Their unique connection and faith deepen as they are separated during World
War II, when Dan writes Anna the story of his love for her and the journey of their relationship. The mere eighteen-page story referred to as The Cherished Book, which the author, Nancy A. Prieston, presents in its original format, is
included within the novel. Faith, hope, and endurance encompass them as they journey through all the seasons of life. But will Anna find the book in time, before her final destiny?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 16, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477129098

Nancy A. Prieston

Nancy A. Prieston owns an educational program for toddlers in Stamford, Ct. So inspired by the reading of “The Cherished Book,” she has based this novel on the story of her parent’s exemplarily love. It is her hope that others will feel the intensity of Anna and Dan’s journey and with faith and hope find the same true love.

Book preview

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Nancy A. Prieston

Copyright © 2012 by Nancy A. Prieston.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2012910840

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4771-2908-1

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4771-2907-4

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4771-2909-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

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I’ll Never Leave You is dedicated with love

to the honor of my parents, Anna and Dan,

and to the glory of God, who never left their side

through all the seasons that life could hold.

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Contents

October 12, 2003

Chapter 1      THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

Chapter 2      AUNT JULIA’S SANCTUARY

Chapter 3      CORNY, CHRISTMAS, AND JOSIE

Chapter 4      GOOD-BYE GRANDMOTHER AND GRANDFATHER

Chapter 5      MARY, THE ITALIAN

Chapter 6      DAN’S EARLY YEARS

October 16, 2003

Chapter 7      SUMMER OF 1938

Chapter 8      FRITZIE AND SUMMER DAYS

Chapter 9      I LOVE YOU

Chapter 10      SCENARIOS, PLANS, AND PATIENCE

Chapter 11      THEIR WOUNDS

Chapter 12      MEETING THE PARENTS

Chapter 13      GRADUATION AND GROWING UP

Chapter 14      HIGH SCHOOL YEARS AND BEYOND

Chapter 15      ST. MARY’S RECTORY

Chapter 16      1942—WORLD WAR II

Chapter 17      THE ENGAGEMENT MONTHS

Chapter 18      THE WEDDING AND THE HONEYMOON

Chapter 19      LIFE BEFORE EUROPE

Chapter 20      DISTANT PLACES

Chapter 21      CANDY CORN TO PEARLY WHITES

Chapter 22      RETURN TO AMERICAN SOIL

October 19, 2003

October 23, 2003

October 24, 2003

October 25, 2003

Chapter 23      I LOVE YOU, I’LL NEVER LEAVE YOU

Chapter 24      FAMILY TIES

Chapter 25      THE CHERISHED BOOK

Chapter 26      APRIL 3—THE BEGINNING OF LIFE

On the night before my mother’s burial, as I sat and read the eighteen-page book my father wrote to my mother, a power filled me with such intensity that I was overwhelmed with a host of emotions. An inner voice firmly told me that this was a story that could not be buried. Its love and message were so powerful and strong that I knew, without doubt, that it needed to be shared with the world. Beyond its background story involving one of the rarest diseases of the mouth, inherited by Anna, and its profound effect on her, this story is of a love like no other. The reader will travel between Anna’s later years in search of her cherished book and the former years of youth as her relationship with her beloved Dan blossomed.

Although this is not a memoir, it is based on a true story and maybe a touch of magic. (Or is it?) I have purposely incorporated pictures, documents, postcards, and telegrams from WWII so you, the reader, can live along with Anna and Dan as their story of hope, faith, devotion, and true love unfolds. Some names have been changed to protect and respect people’s privacy. It is my hope that you will be so inspired by their journey through all of life’s seasons that you will be refreshed and believe that true love can exist—in a world that sometimes seems to have diminished its value and existence.

Visit Nancy A. Prieston’s Web site at www.illneverleaveyou.com.

To purchase a book, please visit the store at www.illneverleaveyou.com.

October 12, 2003

Anna desperately hunted for the missing book. She needed to find it as time was of the essence. Not only her heart called for it, but the book itself was calling to her, destined to be found. Her beloved wrote it, and there was no doubt in her mind that it was crucial to locate it before her final destiny came calling.

Imagine a love so powerful that it refuses to die.

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Top row (left to right): Mike, and Frank; bottom row (left to right): Mary (Weiss) Tillinghast, Mother Teckla (Hemindinger) Weiss, and Nonnie

Chapter 1

THE GOOD, THE BAD,

AND THE UGLY

A pril 3, 1924, Mary Weiss Tillinghast sat elated in her bed as she marveled at her newborn daughter. Anna was perfect to her, and any birth pains dissipated as she stroked Anna’s fine red hair. Mary looked deep into her eyes and spoke tenderly with such depth of love that the nurse walking by who heard the sweet, soft words asked with whom she was speaking. A little astounded, Mary glanced up quickly and answered, Anna. Eyes of mother and child met again, and they continued where they had left off. They were the joy of each other’s lives until death separated them.

A short eighteen months later, Anna lay curled up against her mother’s warm body, unaware of her mother’s failing kidney. Mary shifted her legs upward and cradled Anna between them, glancing into her eyes once more—this time with sadness and anguish. What would the future hold for this child of God once her mother leaves her? Mary thought. Mary, sitting now in her bed of pain and torment, could only direct her distraught, bleak thoughts to God in prayer. She would leave her baby and entrust her to the most capable being she knew—God. He alone knew her aching concerns and outpouring of pain over the love she felt for Anna. Her distress for her child far surpassed her own pain from her dying kidney and the realization of her nearing death. In order to make death more acceptable, Mary chose to believe that God would give Anna a life of love.

One night, Mary wept silently as she watched Anna sleeping deeply beside her. Though her faith in God ran deep, Mary begged Him to show her a sign that Anna would, in fact, have a happy life—despite the pain she would surely endure from losing her mother so young. Deep in prayer, Mary’s exhaustion almost overtook her, and she began to lie down on the pillow next to Anna. Mary heard a man’s voice echoing in her ear. It seems sad in a way, he said. We are two poor kids whose mothers both died—two tired and loving hearts that have grown into one. We are so happy that we have each other. There is nothing greater than true love, and we have it. Just then, Mary saw a flickering image of a man in uniform, with his arm around a beautiful young woman, appear at the foot of the bed. Was it Anna? Mary squinted as if she would be able to see the woman more clearly. But as quickly as it appeared, the cloudy image was gone. As it faded away, Mary could have sworn she saw the word April, followed by a number three.

Mary tried desperately to conjure up the fleeting faces in her mind’s eye. The woman’s red hair curled about her shoulders, and her eyes had smiled, though her lips stayed firmly together in a faint grin. It had to be my Anna, Mary thought as she realized her weary body couldn’t fight off sleep much longer. But who was that handsome soldier? And what was April 3? Of course, she thought, that was her Anna’s birthday, as she snuggled up against her little girl, who hadn’t stirred a bit.

Mary died while lying in her bed, hands clasped as tears ran down her serene smiling face. She closed her eyes and took her last breath with a final vision of her Anna surrounded by a radiating love. She left her dear, precious daughter in the hands of God.

Anna cried as she was picked up and held over her mother’s coffin and made to view her mama asleep. She wanted and needed her and screamed with anguish as her mama kept sleeping. Why didn’t her mama get up and hold her and comfort her? Her little heart broke. This was the last time she saw her mama.

Two-year-old Anna sat in her crib, cold and hungry for food and love. Tears stained her cheeks, and the neck of her befouled nightgown was soaked as her cries were not recognized. Her red hair was matted and snarled as she lay herself back down, exhausted from the futile crying. She now had a stepmother and aunt, whose contact was negligible and ugly, and a father, who showed no love or mercy. She only had the love of her brother (Georgie), Aunt Julia, Aunt Nonnie, and Grandmother and Grandfather. Anna could only hope for their presence. Then she felt safe.

Stepmother Rachel and her sister, Betty, walked in as Anna peered, squinting her eyes so she did not have to see them clearly. She shuddered as she was grabbed by the arm and pulled into the kitchen. Anna was tied to a chair and squealed as the hunger pains intensified, watching Rachel and Betty eating delicate white cookies from Detcher’s Bakery. All she wanted was some milk but, instead, sat there, tortured by their gloating.

Georgie, four years older, resembled his father in looks, whereas Anna was the full resemblance of her mother, Mary. It was speculation that, in an odd way, this was the reason her father was so distant from his daughter, yet he treated his boy, Georgie, with some love and attention. Anna loved her brother. He protected her and loved her. Their bond grew so intensely that she later lied in order to keep them from being separated. If that love was taken away, it would be worse than any form of abuse. Whatever happened, brother and sister made a pact that they would never be torn apart.

Anna’s father, George Tillinghast, worked as a tool and dye maker. He spent each payday at the local tavern, spending the money he received. He strutted in and laid his greedy money on the bar, choosing to buy everyone a drink while his children thirsted for milk. He consumed excessive amounts of alcohol, squandered his money, and carried the stench from the liquor home.

Many a night, George was heard coming down the alley, cursing and stumbling, his feet sliding from one side to the other as if he was being pushed on ice. His popping eyes were fiercely red, and the blaring noise continued, resonating in the night. Neighbors ran into their homes, fleeing from this human tragedy. Petrified, Anna and Georgie had already taken refuge in their secret hiding spot. They were shaking with fear, holding each other tightly, compressed against the cold earth. Suddenly, the drunken fool became silent. After a time, they slivered out of the earth, hearts still pulsating strenuously. They sat in the darkness of the night, calming themselves, thankful for the silence. Anna and Georgie quietly made their way to the house, sneaking into their rooms, sidestepping Rachel’s bedroom. It was morning before Anna’s heart beat normal again.

Anna lived on North Water Street in Byram, part of Greenwich, Connecticut, in an area where the working class lived. Grandfather, Anna’s paternal father, built houses in the day and went devotedly home to Grandmother at night. They lived in the next town, Port Chester, New York, in one of the houses he had built. They had invited their son, George, and family over once again. Anna brightened up with anticipation when she knew they would be visiting her grandparents. She would be able to wear a fresh dress and have her boy-cut hair combed. She might even be allowed to take a bath with soap! Once she was there, no one would dare take her food away, and she would stuff herself full. Anna walked up the plastered stone steps to her grandmother’s waiting arms. She was held, caressed, and kissed with such adoration and love. Grandmother put her down, and they walked hand in hand while Rachel glared. Anna loved the smell of her grandmother and her house. She smelt like the sweet scent of peppermint candy and the pleasant aromas of cooking and baking that permeated the rooms.

Anna was always amazed at what seemed to be the largest glass door, separating the foyer and living room. She would look through the magical clear glass and be mesmerized by the beautiful piano that sat between two windows, dressed with white lacy curtains. In her mind, she imagined it to be an angel piano, with flowing wings, which traveled in the night to her bedroom. It played sweet words of kindness and love, and as she fell asleep, there were nights she heard the tender, soft chords of I Believe being played. She felt affection and comfort from this imagined angel piano and was warm and contented in her sleep.

Grandmother scurried with Anna down the long, narrow hall into the massive bright kitchen, where she was handed a warm apple turnover. She sat on the high linoleum counter, watching Grandmother on a worn yellow step stool, reaching for a cup from the opened glass cupboard. It was painted green, with little apples etched in red. Grandmother would often hold Anna up, and they would count the apples together. The icebox opened, and Grandmother pulled out a new bottle of milk and let Anna lick the cream off the top of the glass neck. Grandmother held her finger up to her lips and smiled at Anna. No one needed to know their little secret. Grandmother poured Anna the biggest glass of warm milk she ever did see. Rachel sat in the sitting room with her husband, George, knowing that it was better not to go into the kitchen. Georgie played outside with some of the neighbor boys, waiting for his grandfather to walk up the dirt path.

When Grandfather’s voice could be heard floating through the kitchen’s screen door, Anna ran with delight, pushing the door open. He swept her up, hugged her, and sat her on his knee. She had inherited his red hair and, unfortunately, his teeth. She felt bewilderment and inquisitiveness every time he smiled as she got a glimpse of his dark, stained yellow teeth. She was not alone, and if he could bear the pain of those teeth, she would too. The first time she spied his teeth, she shuddered inside with relief since Betty told her that God gave them to her because she was a bad girl. Anna’s grandfather was not bad but was in fact the kindest man she knew, so she knew Betty was a liar.

They all sat in the long dining room, with matching chairs. Grandfather piled some books on the chair next to his and gently sat Anna upon them. She could spy the angel piano in the reflection of a large oval gold-framed mirror. She wondered if it would visit her that night.

Grandmother had roasted a turkey with stuffing and prepared hot mashed potatoes with creamy butter. She prepared warm gravy from the gizzards and served cranberry mixed with nuts. She carefully cut Anna’s turkey, knowing how difficult it was to chew, and warmed her more milk so the coldness would not bring tears of pain.

The dinner tasted like a feast, and she wondered if her mother had been as good a cook. Anna’s memory of her at times seemed vague, but she never once forgot the feel of her transcending love and goodness. It was now time for Grandfather to sing, and once again, he sat Anna on his knee. He bounced her up and down, and she giggled as he sang Yankee Doodle Dandy. She especially favored the part when he sang, Stuck a feather in your hat and called it macaroni! As he finished singing the words, he lifted her way up high with his strong arms and brought her down with a big tight hug, handing her a penny. Anna’s eyes searched Rachel’s to see if the penny had been spotted. She was uncertain.

It was early Monday morning, and Anna’s father shook her in bed. The sky was barely reflecting light when he pulled her out of the bed, harshly demanding that coal be brought in from the darkened shed outside. She quickly dressed, walking swiftly past Georgie’s room, where he was sound asleep. Anna made several trips to and from the cold house, filling the white steel stove with coal. The house was at last warmed, and the frozen icicle hanging from the faucet jumped into the sink.

Anna walked to Byram School with Georgie. She wore the same dress she had worn to her grandparents’ the day before even though it was tainted with gravy. Anna would try to sponge down the stain later as she knew she would have to wear this dress for a week. She only had three dresses for school and one pair of scuffed, worn brown shoes. She slid the penny from her grandfather into her tattered sock so she would be able to feel its presence during the school day. She eagerly anticipated her excursion to Pursey’s, the penny candy store, when school was out for the day.

Anna planned on buying two pieces of red licorice, one for Georgie and one for her, and also a banana candy. These she could suck for a while, enjoying the sweet flavors, and then gingerly bite just enough to swallow without causing pain in her mouth. Her diseased mouth and teeth had to be accepted since, in her mind, there was absolutely nothing that could or would ever be done to repair her debilitating condition. Georgie was born lucky in this aspect. He did not carry the cursed Tillinghast gene. Anna would also buy a spoonful of candy corn for dress-up-and-pretend time.

Carrying two small paper bags from Pursey’s candy store, which seemed glued to her small hand, she hurried to the secret hiding place beneath the earth. Taking out one piece of the red licorice, she started sucking one end. The cherry juice ran down her dry throat, and she savored the taste, until she bit too soon. The eruption of pain was instant and grew in intensity as she sat trying to get the licorice off her tooth with her tongue. Anna’s mouth filled with saliva as it tried to shield the nerves from causing more pain. Spitting out the saliva, her mouth filled again, her eyes now brimming with tears. It would be another minute of torture until the nerves settled themselves and the saliva bathed the remnants of sugar off her tooth. Finally, the distress ceased, and Anna laid her hot body back against the cool earth, trying to relieve her sweaty self. She vigilantly put the candy bag toward the back of the earthen area. The untouched candy corn bag was hidden behind a rock, only for her to know about. Georgie did not come home until suppertime. Anna could hardly contain herself about his hidden surprise.

Supper was a cold piece of old pork and a slice of stale bread. Anna was poured a half glass of milk, and she dunked her bread in to soften it. Georgie was poured a whole glass of milk and was also given a small chunk of yellow cheese. Anna rushed through the dishwashing and the trips from the shed to the stove for more coal, smiling at the anticipation of giving Georgie his surprise. That night, Georgie and Anna sat in their earthen hiding spot, Georgie hugging his sister while he bit into the candy and chewed aggressively until all was gone. They shared stories, when an alarming sound was heard.

Yelling and cursing became louder, and Rachel could be heard hollering as their father’s voice whipped back at her. This night, there would be no silence. Rachel’s voice became desperate, and the sound of her rapid footsteps coming from the porch could be heard.

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Aunt Julia and Ann Weiss

Chapter 2

AUNT JULIA’S SANCTUARY

G eorgie and I were aghast as we heard our father pursuing her, screeching that he was going to kill her and her sister, Betty, too. They were in close proximity, and we feared they might discover us. Clinging to each other, Georgie ordered me to close my eyes, and he held on to me securely. Rachel was screaming for him to stop; a struggle was taking place, and there was a hard thump against the shed. Father’s mouth was cursing, and his words were foul. He screamed that he was going to kill her, and the thrashing continued. His footsteps slammed on the ground, and the hunt to kill was on. My heart was on a rampage, beating so fast that I was panting. Voices were coming from a distance and soon were upon us. Son of a bitch, son of a bitch, a man bellowed.

Several voices shouted, Get him down. Get him down! Sirens screamed. My eyes sprang open wide. Georgie stared at me. We were speechless. Someone took our father, and we heard him crying vociferously. Maybe Rachel was gone too? All the sounds of this night gradually faded, and we sat in distress so much that we could not move.

Then a car pulled up, and we saw a flash of light. A familiar voice beckoned to us, and we recognized our Aunt Julia’s anxious calling. Georgie held my hand as we crawled out of the earth. We sped to our Aunt Julia while tears of release streamed down our faces. Bending down, she reached for us, surrounding us with her arms while she held us tight. She tenderly but swiftly led us to her car, blocking the sight of the house. Aunt Julia was married to our mother’s brother, Uncle Mike. Her kindheartedness was always evident, and we loved her very much. Stroking our stained faces, she guided Georgie and me to the backseat, where a blanket and a pillow were placed. Promptly, she drove the car to the road and headed toward her home. Her soothing voice was comforting and her words consoling as she told us that we would be spending some time with her, Uncle Mike, and their daughter, Ann. They missed seeing us and thought this might be a good time for us to visit them and said that we could actually stay for days.

Entering Aunt Julia’s house, the familiar fragrance of herbal menthol filled the air. Her fingers were twisted from arthritis, which caused her soreness and throbbing, yet she never complained. The constant scent of the ointment was enough reminder of her distress. Uncle Mike was at the stove as we walked in, timing our arrival perfectly with two cups of warmed milk. We hugged, and he sat us at the table, while Aunt Julia took out the graham crackers and bowls. Our smiles widened as she washed our hands and faces with a clean, warm cloth and then let us break up the crackers into our bowls. She added more warm milk, and after a few minutes, our favorite treat at Aunt Julia’s was ready. Mashing our spoons into it, we devoured the mush in a few minutes’ time.

It had to be very late, for our cousin, Ann, was asleep in her bed. A tub was filled with warm water, and Aunt Julia brought me a facecloth, soap, and a towel. I felt like a princess sitting in the warm water, and it relaxed my body. I slipped into a soft white T-shirt that belonged to Uncle Mike. It was Georgie’s turn for his bath, and Aunt Julia gently combed out my wet hair. Standing on a chair at the kitchen sink, she put toothpaste on my finger, and we chuckled as she told me it was my pretend toothbrush. A cup of warm water was set near the sink so I could rinse out my mouth—without pain. My teeth were never mentioned, but I assumed she knew and was being gracious to me.

Aunt Julia laid me in bed with Ann and covered me with the softest, sweet-smelling blanket. Her crippled and knotted fingers stroked my face and hands over and over again as she smiled angelically. Uncle Mike got Georgie ready for bed, and he would sleep on their couch in the living room. The night was so quiet—so silent—and as I fell asleep, I could hear the sweetest notes of I Believe being played on a piano.

When I woke up in the morning, it took me a moment to realize where I was, and the sting of last night sickened my stomach. Ann was not in the bed, so I buried my eyes and filled the pillow with my sobs. Thoughts spontaneously filled my mind of my deceased mother and what my life was now. I longed to be loved and cared for like Ann, and the neglect I felt from Rachel and my father was unbearable at times. Thank you, God, for Aunt Julia, Uncle Mike, and my kind cousin. Please, God, create a miracle. Take this existence, and turn it into a life of happiness and love, silently I prayed. I wasn’t sure how, but I knew God was within me. Speaking to Him often gave me the hope I needed, and He was my best friend. He would never leave me and would always love me forever. How I knew these things, I did not understand.

Ann was peeking around the frame of the doorway, and with one glimpse of her, I was out of bed, grinning from ear to ear. She was jumping up and down with excitement. Sis, Sis, she called to me, as did Aunt Julia. Ann was younger than me, and I prized being with her. Georgie came, thundering in, and we started tickling each other on the bed. Our laughter became louder as the tickling game intensified. Uncle Mike came in and joined in our game, taking turns tickling us under our chins. We would run from him and then come back for more as if to dare him. Aunt Julia appeared at the door with her hands on her hips and the biggest smile in the world. Breakfast was waiting.

Plates were set at the porcelain and wood table, and juice glasses with little scenes painted on them in red, yellow, green, and blue. Crispy bacon and scrambled eggs were served with toast and grape jelly, and the aroma of coffee filled the house. Aunt Julia held the coffeepot in such a tangle of fingers, with her hand turned in against her thin arm. Coffee barely flowed into the cups, and I held my breath in amazement at her determination and confidence. Slowly, two cups were perfectly poured. Breakfast was a feast, and Uncle Mike saved me a few sips of his coffee, which made me feel special.

Aunt Julia only allowed us to clear the table and insisted she do the dishes. Our clothes had been washed the night before and were now dry in the boiler room. Georgie, Ann, and I dressed quickly and anticipated our visit to Aunt Nonnie’s, my mother’s sister. She married Aunt Julia’s brother, Uncle Jim. Aunt Nonnie was also kind and affectionate, caring for me after my mother died. I remember her dressing me and holding me. A desire to hear the stories about my mother again burned within me. Aunt Julia promised that she and Aunt Nonnie would once again share the stories with Georgie and me later. They always spoke so highly of my mother and her adoring ways. Imagining her, I longed to feel close to her and her love.

Uncle Mike called for us, told us to open our hand, and gave us each three shiny new pennies. While Aunt Julia finished up, he walked us to the penny candy store down the block. Skipping along, holding hands, we chuckled at silly stories and jokes, with Uncle Mike following behind. Entering the candy shop, our eyes were as big as saucers as we stared into the lengthy glass cabinet. Small trays containing penny candies were lined up, with a large assortment of colors.

Ann and Georgie instantly picked their choices, and the storekeeper handed them each their own small paper bag in exchange for their shiny pennies. Candy corn sat in one tray, but I still had some hidden from Pursey’s. They were saved for dress-up-and-play time—my own secret. Red licorice, large nonpareils with various-colored sprinkles, and green spearmint leaves called to me. My bag was filled, and my mouth watered at the thought of eating the candy.

Once outside, we dove into our bags as we walked back to the house. This time, I was vigilant in not getting candy stuck on my teeth. Sucking it a little at a time, I savored the flavor and tasted small pieces. I saved two pieces of candy for a treat later. We saw several children playing next door, so we decided to stay in the yard as we were curious. They, of course, were just as curious, and soon we all moved closer to the dividing fence. A boy asked if we wanted to play kick ball. We all sped to the street. We employed large rocks for bases, and the neighbors’ ball kicked easily. Children screamed with exhilaration as one team scored a run. I was up and kicked as hard as I could. It went straight forward, and the girl on second base missed the catch. I took off, holding my breath, and made it to second base, bringing home two runs. They cheered me on, and pride filled me. The games continued until Uncle Mike called us in. Our faces glowed from excitement and the heat of our bodies as we cleaned up and shared the games with Aunt Julia and Uncle Mike. They were just as energized as we were as they headed us toward the car.

Georgie, Ann, and I