The Bracelet

By Maureen Kahl

Journalist Lauren Miles cannot bear to hear the song "Unchained Melody" because it is directly connected to the most painful event of her life--that is, until she hears the song delivered in profound beauty by a twenty-six-year-old superstar Chance Harrison, made famous by his role on a television pop-music reality show. Instantly, she feels God

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maureen Kahl
• Release date: Dec 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9781962587105

Maureen Kahl

Maureen Kahl lives in the beautiful northeastern town of Fort Morgan, Colorado. She has three adult children, nine grandchildren, and one great grandson. Maureen graduated summa cum laude from Clayton College and served as the media specialist at Morgan Community College for over twenty years. While walking the dusty roads north of Fort Morgan each day, a little story blossomed and came to life.

Book preview

Dedications

For my husband, Rick, and my family: You are the heart of me, and I love each and every one of you. Although most of you didn’t know, I’m certain you would have supported this effort as we have always supported one another.

For Kalen: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and cast your cares upon Him. He loves you and will lift your burdens. Stay strong, hold onto courage, and believe in yourself and the One who gave you life. You have tremendous love in your heart and many gifts to give the world. Someday, you will sit on that stage and play your piano.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, all praise to the Alpha and the Omega, my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I truly believe these words were a gift from Him, and I humbly thank Him and am honored that one so undeserving should be blessed with His gifts.

To my Sister: Thank you for keeping my secret. I love you. There is only one person on Earth like you.

To my dearest friend, Corliss: For more than twenty years, you have been my rock, my confidante, my mentor, and my advisor. You made sense of life when circumstances made no sense; you knew me when I didn’t know myself. I will be eternally grateful to God for the gift of your friendship and constant love. He sent you as an angel of mercy, and I love you.

To Jo Ann: Thank you for always being such a support, especially during the darkest of times. I love you.

To Jo Ann and Mary Ann: You have led me to know Jesus Christ as I never could have known Him had I not met you. Each of you was sent by the Lord just when He knew I needed you most.

Contents

Dedications

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: The Awakening

Chapter 2: Kyrie Eleison

Chapter 3: Tour Time

Chapter 4: The Letter

Chapter 5: The Concert

Chapter 6: On the Road Again

Chapter 7: Reflecting

Chapter 8: Persistence Comes Calling

Chapter 9: Dinner for Three

Chapter 10: Flowers, Flowers Galore

Chapter 11: Secrets

Chapter 12: A View from the Inside

Chapter 13: Bus Stop

Chapter 14: New York, New York

Chapter 15: A Walk Through the Wilderness

Chapter 16: Revelation

Chapter 17: A New Year

Chapter 18: Rocky Mountain High

Chapter 1

The Awakening

Freelance journalist Lauren Miles slipped into her weathered brown leather recliner and prepared to proofread her article, which focused on repeat drunk driving offenders, to be published in Time’s next issue. As she pushed the chair to mid-position, she clicked the television remote and tossed it aside, but bolted upright when she heard the mesmerizing voice singing, "Oh, my love, my darling…I’ve hungered for your touch…a long, lonely time… ¹ No, no, no! she cried. She jumped from the chair as she frantically shuffled through her papers in an effort to find the remote. No!" she screamed.

The voice continued, Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea…I’ll be coming home…wait for me. She had always been able to stop the song—on the radio, on the television, at a wedding reception when she hastily left the room. She pleaded, "Please, God, don’t let him sing that song. She dropped to her knees, overcome by a cathartic moment. Her body felt paralyzed as if she was in the grip of a vise. She listened. She remembered. Lauren was captivated, staring at the television as her heart raced and tears rolled down her face. Who is he? she asked aloud, and What is this show? The voice, mellow, supple, sang, Time goes by so slowly, and time can do so much…are you still mine?" She was unable to move; it was their song. For the first time, she had to listen. This man’s voice made it come to life, and the defenses she had so meticulously constructed against it were now useless. "I need your love, I need your love…God speed your love to me. As the song ended, Lauren was nearly speechless, only able to mutter, unbelievable" as she slumped into the recliner.

She watched intently to hear the singer’s name. The show host said, Nice job, buddy. If you would like to vote for Chance Harrison to become your next STAR, stay tuned until after the show, and the voting lines will be opened.

Voting? Lauren thought, as she watched the other contestants offer their renditions of former hit songs. She learned the show was a contest, and the winner would receive a studio recording contract. The panel of six judges’ votes carried fifty percent weight in the selection process, and the public telephone votes made up the other fifty percent. There were only three shows remaining in the series, and then some of the contestants would be taken on a short tour over the summer months. What just happened to me? she wondered, struggling to piece it together. In her life, she dealt in absolutes, facts. Now, things were shades of gray, and Lauren was baffled and shaken.

It was her nature as a journalist to put her perceptions in writing, so Lauren thought she would jot a note to Chance Harrison, telling him of his superlative talent and how she appreciated his magnificent, brilliant voice. Could she tell him what his performance had meant to her—that it had somehow found its way to the reticent places of her soul? Absolutely not, she concluded. She had put those memories as deeply to rest as her mind would allow. Could she tell Chance about lost faith? Exactly what did she want to tell him? His singing was an abrupt awakening of sorts for her. How could she share a bit of herself without telling it all—and would he even receive the message? From her work as a journalist, Lauren knew that thousands of people attempted to contact stars each day. Yet, she was compelled to make him understand that, with one song, he had reached her—he had inexplicably connected.

Lauren rubbed her wrist on which she wore a bracelet of deep personal significance. The links of the bracelet were associated with memories and moments of the faith she once shared with someone who had changed her life, a profound faith of hope and promise, of love and understanding—but, ultimately, of loss. She never removed the bracelet because it was a symbol of what once was, an assurance of what was to be, and now perhaps it would serve as a bridge to renewed life. She caressed each link as she contemplated its importance to her. This brought her an epiphany about what she would do. Lauren would share what Chance Harrison’s voice had meant to her on that April fourteenth day by sending him a similar bracelet, link by link, to the remaining shows, and then to each venue on the tour if he was chosen. She hoped her gift would have meaning and that he would feel honored by it.

His voice reverberated in her mind as she raced to the small village store before its nine p.m. closing time. It was the only store in her area that sold the precise bracelet she wanted to buy, and she had little time to get it off to Chance. She chose the basic bracelet, identical to the one she wore, then selected links—his initials and a John 3:16 charm—to start the bracelet. She would briefly explain in her first note why it was being sent and that Chance should watch for other links as the weeks passed. Satisfied with the purchase, she meandered slowly up the canyon to her home, which sat several miles up the highway and nestled into the secluded mountains east of Dillon, Colorado. As she wound back and forth along the curving road, she replayed the words, "Wait for me, wait for me. I’ll be coming home, wait for me." Her eyes again welled with tears she swiped away with her jacket sleeve. Lauren had steeled herself against such emotion for many years; she was perplexed by these overwhelming feelings.

She finished proofreading her article and e-mailed it off to the editor of Time, her trusted friend and confidante, Anne Lindsay. They had met in college, had become roommates, and then developed a lifelong friendship that spanned more than twenty-five years. They had loved and supported one another through every triumph, and more so, in every loss. Whatever the circumstances, each had stood strong for the other.

In the e-mail, Lauren wrote, Hi, Annie. Hope all is well with you. The strangest thing happened to me tonight. I can’t wait to tell you about it. I’ll give you a call when I get a minute to talk. Take care, Lauren. She attached the article and sent it off. Lauren’s note was brief because she was anxious to research the STAR website, but she was more intrigued to learn who Chance Harrison really was. She discovered that the show had been on air for several months, was coming to an end for the season, and, yes, indeed, there would be a tour with a stop in the Denver area, about seventy-five miles east of her home, late in the summer. "I have to go, she said. She clicked on Performer Bios" and scrolled down to the picture of Chance Harrison. He was from the South—Nashville, Tennessee—a staunch and unashamed follower of his faith and had just made the age cut-off for the competition. Thank you, God, Lauren thought. He had been singing nearly all of his life, she read. Obviously. He’s incredible. She continued to read his stats, remarking to herself on each fact: 6'2"—Tall boy; sandy-blonde hair—Hmm, it appears to be much darker. They must have colored it for the show; green eyes—Of course, she said, they had to be green. Lauren learned of the losses in his life—that his father had died when Chance was quite young, and from that moment on, the family had struggled. Yet Chance had persevered, and family and faith had always served as his strength. He also believed he would never make the show. "How would you not make the show?" Lauren asked. Lauren had an innate sense that Chance’s voice was going to bring the healing to her life that was long overdue.

Early the next morning, Lauren arose and crawled back into her favorite leather chair, cracked with lines like an aged map, to carefully and deliberately write a detailed, but non-revealing letter to Chance. She knew she would have one opportunity to let him know how profoundly she had been affected by his performance.

"Dear Mr. Harrison:

Little did I know when I casually clicked on the television last night that my life would suddenly take a turn. After hearing you sing, my life feels like a conundrum, and I’m struggling to grasp the magnitude of what has happened. It is imperative to me to tell you that you, and you alone, have stripped away the defenses that it took years for me to build. Long ago, I experienced a horrific incident in my life. I’m sorry that I’m not able to share those intimate details with you, but I’m writing today to tell you that the song, ‘Unchained Melody,’ which you sang on STAR last night, evokes both excruciatingly painful and blissfully joyous memories for me. Over the years, I’ve not been able to listen to that song because of those memories. However, by chance, I happened upon the show and was virtually paralyzed. Your voice is like none I have ever experienced—so pure, gentle, humble, and sincere. I was captivated, and I even cried—something I rarely do. Although I’m mystified, I’m quite sure that you touched my soul, and I truly experienced a rebirth. Your voice continues to resonate in my mind and my heart today, and it is vital that I express to you my thanks. Please accept the enclosed bracelet as my gift of appreciation. I would be so grateful if you would wear it and watch for additional links to be sent in the weeks ahead. I’m having links custom-made to reflect not only the man I believe you are, but also your dreams, aspirations, hopes, and faith.

My name is irrelevant. My only wish is to thank you. I want nothing in return except to have the privilege and the pleasure of the gift of your voice in the years to come.

Sincerely."

Lauren carefully wrapped the bracelet in tissue paper, placed it in the small box, and folded the note, gently slipping it on top of the bracelet. She closed and taped the box and cradled it as she headed for her car. Once again, she followed the winding road west, down the canyon with its few patches of winter’s last snow scattered among the spring wildflowers, brilliantly saturated in color. She reached the single stoplight in the village, made a right turn, and parked in front of the Post Office. Lauren was somewhat embarrassed to go inside to send a package overnight, certified, to a pop star on a television show. How silly is this? Yet, she felt a growing sense of anticipation she had not experienced in years, and she could not disentangle her emotions from this place where Chance’s voice had taken her. Lauren hesitated as the words once again rode through her mind—I need your love, I need your love…God, speed your love to me. Again, tears fell. And again, she swiped them away with her sleeve, then walked into the Post Office. The clerk barely noticed the address as he handled her request for overnight shipping and a certified receipt. They do this all day. They don’t really care where the packages and letters are going.

When Lauren arrived home, she listened to a brief message on the recorder from Anne Lindsay. Call me.

Lauren thought, Great. The article must need revisions. She dialed Anne in New York. Hi, Annie. What’s up?

Anne replied, I got the article. It’s terrific, as usual. I was just curious about what happened last night? You are rarely taken aback by anything.

I’m sorry, Anne. I was going to call you today. Please don’t laugh when I tell you. Promise? Anne agreed, and Lauren continued, I was getting ready to proof my article. As I usually do, I turned on the TV, and I was suddenly encapsulated in this time warp.

What are you talking about? Anne asked.

Lauren went on, This guy was in the middle of singing ‘Unchained Melody.’

Anne interjected, Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry. Did you quickly change the station?

Lauren continued, "That’s the strangest part. I could not move. I swear, Anne, it was divine intervention or something. I literally felt myself letting go, pulling down my guard. It was frightening on the one hand, but liberating on the other. Please don’t think I’m crazy."

Anne paused and said, Lauren, you have been to Hell and back. You need to grab those threads of happiness and weave them together. I’m right here with you for whatever I can give. You know that.

Lauren said, Thank you, my friend. I should know by now that you’re always there no matter where in the world we are. I’m so fortunate to have your friendship. I’ll talk to you soon. Love you. Goodbye. Lauren felt validated, yet confused.

The next week, Lauren watched in awe as Chance sang You Were Always on My Mind. All she could stammer was Oh, my, and thought, This guy sings ballads like no one I’ve ever heard. Only the top three would go on the tour, she learned, so Lauren redialed for hours, repeatedly voting for Chance. Is this crazy or what? He was not wearing the bracelet. Did he receive it? There were four contestants left, and one would be eliminated the next night, leaving three to tour.

Lauren arose the next morning, anxious for the day to pass. She drove to the village once again and entered the shop where she had purchased the bracelet. We have your new link, the owner said.

Oh, terrific, Mr. Johnson. She had hoped it would be ready to send that day, although she was inwardly disappointed at not seeing the bracelet on Chance’s wrist the night before. The link was beautiful—identical to one she had received years earlier. It displayed a small cross with the words I Surrender All superimposed. She thought it would be appropriate for a man who openly professed a love of God. Lauren paid the proprietor, went to the Post Office, and purchased a mailing envelope. On a small piece of paper, she simply jotted For Chance. Keep singing. This is the next link in your life. Sincerely. She wrapped the link inside the note, inserted both into the envelope, and addressed it to Chance in care of the show. She then purchased a few necessities at the local grocery store and drove back up the canyon.

Lauren busied herself as she dug into her research for a new article to be published in the next month’s issue of Healthwatch. In her freelance work, Lauren focused primarily on social issues. She had recently interviewed a World Health Organization official about the plight of children in Africa whose parents were dying of AIDS, and this topic, based on the interview and other facts she had gathered through research sites, would be the backbone of her article. Lauren zealously worked to keep readers informed of the dire circumstances found in impoverished countries as well as in some places in the States in the hope that her stories might affect change.

After she had worked for several hours, Lauren found her mind once again drifting to the show and Chance. She longed for the hours to pass, so she went for her daily walk, which had become her salvation over the years, and then prepared dinner. As the time for the show drew near, Lauren became tense and jittery. Chance had to make the tour. Winning wasn’t important; she knew he was unique, extraordinary. But he had to be on the tour. Show time came, and the thirty minutes were laden with commercials and mundane, irrelevant trivialities. Finally, they are getting to it, she thought.

The host began, Chance Harrison. You sang ‘You Were Always on My Mind.’ Apparently everyone loves you, man. You are through to the next round and on the tour!

Yes, yes, yes, Lauren shouted, her heart pounding. She began making plans to attend the concert.

Chapter 2

Kyrie Eleison

Lauren was scheduled to fly to New York the next day to conduct interviews she would use in upcoming articles. She would be gone for nearly a week. She didn’t mind; she would see Anne, they would catch up, laugh together, go to the theater, and have exquisite dinners. But she needed to be home by Tuesday for the show, she told Anne.

You are really intrigued, aren’t you? Anne asked.

I can’t explain it, Lauren told her. "It’s as if who I really am, underneath all the tragedy, has suddenly been awakened. I know it’s crazy, but it is giving

Reviews for The Bracelet

[judyg54 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a story that once I started it was hard to put down until I finished. At first I wasn't sure how this author was going to make this work, but she did a very good job of making this seem very real and believable. I can't wait to begin the next story in this series: "The Touchstone".Lauren Miles is a journalist with a heartbreaking past, that is triggered every time she hears the song 'Unchained Melody'. That is, until she hears the song sung by a male, soon-to-be-superstar, on a television music reality show. God seemed to be working through Chance Harrison as he sang this song and it seemed to heal her deepest grief. She sets out to thank Chance for his beautiful voice with a special bracelet she made for him, But neither one of these people have any idea how their meeting with change their lives forever.This is a story I will remember long after I close the book and put it on my shelf. A story of lasting and very endearing love. I shed a few tears near the end of this story, but felt the author did a great job of ending the book (but not the series).