Family Reunion

Family Reunion

         Amarita closed her eyes and rocked.  She remembered toddling across the large porch and climbing up on her grandmother's lap as she rocked in the same chair.  In her mind, the memories were hazy and faded, like old-time, hand-colored photographs. As she rocked, a tear escaped from her closed lids and followed the deep creases that spanned her cheeks.

         One hundred years of life had come and gone, and with them, so many dear loved ones who had played their roles and moved on.  There were so few people remaining whom she'd known in younger years.  Her grandparents and parents, aunts and uncles were, of course, long since deceased, as were most of her siblings, cousins, and friends.  Even her beloved husband had been gone from her side for over fifteen years.  Not many people live to be 100 years old.  Sometimes Amarita wished she could join them.  She was tired and sad, the long lonesome years taking their toll on both her body and her mind.

         On the screen of her eyelids, Amarita watched the memories of her younger days play out.  The fifth of twelve children, she was constantly surrounded by the love and comfort of her large family. 

         Encircled by her siblings she blew out the five candles on her birthday cake... 

         In a crisp, white, cotton dress, gloves, and a lacy veil she walked past her smiling family to the front of the church and took her first communion at the age of ten...

         Wearing a pale pink calico dress with a wide ribbon sash above its full ruffled skirt, she placed her feet atop her brothers' shoes as they took turns teaching her to dance in preparation for her grade school pageant...

         Shoulder to shoulder they worked and played, struggled and prayed.  More tears coursed from her closed eyes as the memories played on.

         Accompanied by an older brother and sister, she walked to town arm in arm with her first beau, Ronald.  He bought her an ice cream cone at the drug store on the corner...

         Wearing a pastel blue dress and her first high heeled slippers, she walked down the aisle at her older sister's wedding...

         She wore the dress again to her graduation from high school; her parents were so proud sitting in the audience.  Mama wiped a tear from her eye and smiled.

         The soft summer breeze caressed her face, reminding her of the picnic by the creek when Ronald asked her to marry...

         Amarita's eyes locked onto Ronald's as she walked down the aisle holding her father's arm.  She recalled every word of their wedding sermon and could feel Ronald's warm embrace as they were introduced as man and wife...

         "Gram," a voice called out behind her.  Amarita's eyelids fluttered open and her gaze focused on her great-great-granddaughter.

         "Yes, Love," she answered drowsily.

         "It's time for your party," the girl announced.  "Can I help you out of the rocker?"

         "In a moment, dear," Amarita replied, rocking gently.  She closed her eyes again and slipped back into Ronald's loving arms...

         "It's a boy," the doctor announced, holding up a perfect, squalling infant.  Ronald entered moments later to meet his first son...

         More children were born and grew up strong and healthy, with smiles and tears, just as she had.  Birthdays, dances, graduations, and weddings passed before her eyes and with each one, Amarita greeted loved ones she had long since bade farewell.

         The rocker slowed, then stopped. Amarita took a deep breath.  She blew it out, smothering the candles of the cake she saw in her memories, and as she did, the sweet voices of her dear loved ones reached her ears. 

         Ronald walked toward her and kissed her cheek. "Come with me," he whispered.  "I have something to show you.

         "Gram, are you coming?" the persistent childish voice came again. 

         Amarita didn't reply.

631 words

Chosen as 1 of 2 winners for Writer's Cramp, January 25, 2008:  In 24 hours, write a story of 1000 words or less, or a poem of 40 lines of less following this prompt:  Write a story or poem about a birthday celebration for a person turning 100 years old where the party guests are all people the birthday boy or girl hasn't seen in years.