Enduring Love, Loving Through Hard Times John and Mary were married in a traditional church ceremo…

TO LOVE, ENDURING; TO ENDURE, LOVING

Alice and Edward had a church wedding.

On the morning of their wedding, as the procession neared St. Peters Church, a sudden summer gale blew up out of nowhere. It whipped the veil clean off Alices head, sending it swirling high into the sky as if it were a white balloon, only for it to tumble down and land in a muddy puddle. The guests could only gasp. As quickly as the squall arrived, it vanished. Edward dashed after the veil but it sank in the murk before he could snatch it up.

The pure white veil sat sullied in a black puddle. In distress, Alice shouted at her groom, Ed, leave it! I wont wear that again!

The elderly ladies who always gathered on the church benches began whisperingsaying it was a bad sign, that their marriage would be nothing but storms and troubles now.

Alices bridesmaids ran to the corner shop and bought an artificial white blossom, which they pinned into her hair. There was no time for a new veil. After all, you cannot show up late to your own wedding, can you?

The newlyweds stood before the altar, holding candles, reciting their vows under the arches of St. Peters. For God. But before the holy ceremony, theyd already signed the registry office book and thrown a beautiful wedding party in a lovely country hallfor everyone else.

Three years into married life, they had two children: a daughter named Charlotte and a son, Oliver. Their home was lively, they wanted for nothing.

But then ten years passed, and one rainy afternoon there was a knock at the door.

Alice had always welcomed guestsexpected or nothospitably, offering tea and a warm meal, and was known for her open heart and hearty laughter. This guest, however, was different; she arrived when Edward was out.

Alice, with her keen womans sense, sized up the young visitor immediately: well-dressed, friendly, beautiful, and young.

Hello, Alice. My name is Emily. Im going to be the next wife to your husband, the stranger introduced herself quietly.

How curious! Alice was taken aback.

And how long have you had Edward lined up? she replied, playing along.

A long time. But I cant wait any longer. Im pregnant with his child, Emily said with a calmness that felt almost rehearsed.

My word, textbook stuff! The wife, the mistress, the illegitimate child Alice shot back, Young lady, do you know that Edward and I are tied together forever in the eyes of God? We have children. Our family is whole.

I know all about that. But Edward and I truly love each other! Its forever for us too, you see. You could get the marriage annulled. Its allowed, Ive checked. Hes been unfaithful. Thats enough, surely?

Listen here, Emily. Id strongly advise you to keep out of someone elses family. Well settle our own affairs of love and loyalty, thank you. Alice had grown sharp with irritation, Goodbye, now.

The girl shrugged, Ive warned you, and saw herself out.

Alice slammed the door shut. Shes been snooping! Well, shell never get Edward! she fumed.

Soon, Alices suspicions began to tumble in. Edward was distantnot as warm, not as attentive with the children. He worked late, had sudden business trips, andoddlytook up fishing trips and country walks, though hed never shown interest before. Women always sense these things; we can smell a rival. The air becomes taut and anxious with secrets.

But Alice tried to dismiss itperhaps shed imagined it, perhaps Edward was still blameless.

That evening, she invited him to supper, pastries and all. She knew: fill a mans stomach before you tackle hard issues.

After Edward had thanked her for dinner, Alice struck.

Ed, are you in love? she blurted out, unsure where to begin.

I am, Edward replied, looking guilty.

Yourfriendstopped by today. Is it serious? Alices heart pounded as she asked.

Im rotten, Alice. I cant live without Emily. I tried to end itfailed! Please let me go.

I let you go, Ed Alice knew that there was no point in appealing to reason or guilt, bringing up the children. Some things life sorts out on its own.

So, Edward left their home.

Alice went to see Father Michael in the old stone church and poured out her soul. The vicar listened kindly and then spoke:

My child, love bears all, love never fails. These are words from Scripture. Youre entitled to annulment; your husband gave in to temptation. But you can also choose forgiveness, and wait and pray for him. Gods path is mysterious.

A few months later, Alice felt a familiar flutter insideshe was expecting another child, Edwards. She took this as a sign: perhaps Edward would come to his senses and return. This hope kept her going during her pregnancy.

A little boy was born, and Alices mother suggested the name Jacka nod to the English version of John. Perhaps your Ed will come home one day. Stranger things have happened

Alices mother was a stalwart help. She watched over the children with stories, games, and bread fresh from the oven, passing on her wisdom.

Edward, for his part, still saw Charlotte and Oliver. He brought them toys, took them to the seaside, and sent envelopes of cash for Alice.

Alice forbade the children from mentioning the baby to their father. But, as anyone could guess, children rarely obey such commands.

Charlotte told Edward about Jack the very next time she visited. Edward assumed Alice had found someone new. The news wounded him, stirring up bittersweet memoriesbut he had no suspicion that Jack was his own son.

Meanwhile, Emily fell pregnant again but tragedy struckshe lost their first baby, and a second pregnancy ended in heartache as well. Emilys grief was unending, and she told Edward she needed time before thinking of another child.

Edward tried to comfort Emily, always close, buying her fruit and magazines, and doing his best through it all.

In Alices life, around this time, an old university friend, Henry, reappeared. Back in her student days Henry was always at her sidestudious, a little tedious, his mothers darling, no sense of humour. He was quite the catch among the girls, but Alice never saw him as husband materialnot after meeting Edward. Henry respected her choice and vanished after graduation, but he had simply been waiting in the wings.

Years later, on a bleak, rainy autumn day, Alice sat on a city bus gazing out at the drizzle when a man slid into the seat beside her.

Mind if I sit? he asked.

She scooted aside, not looking at him. Help yourself.

Missing someone? he ventured, gently persistent.

With a sigh, and still not turning his head, she thought, Whats it to you?

But the man pressed on. Alice, is it really you? My word, its been ages! How are you?

She turned in surpriseHenry? Goodness, its been forever! Where have you been?

Alice, tell me about yourself. Are you happy?

You must come to dinner, Henry. Im sure your wife wont mind if youre late? Alice laughed, pulling him along as they got off the bus.

On the way, Henry picked up a bottle of wine, some fruit, and treats for the children.

Over a heartfelt dinner, Alice poured out her story. She needed someone to listen. Henry was the ideal shoulder; he listened, nodded, never interrupted. She kissed him on the cheeknot from passion, but for understanding. Henry, as always, was hopeful and content to be near her.

Hed never married, never had childrenit was just his fate.

Henry became a regular visitor to Alices house, always bringing gifts for the children and flowers for Alice.

Alice made things clear: You are welcome to visit, Henry, but Im waiting for my husband. Nothing improper.

He found happiness even in this arrangement: Then youre my sister, and your little ones are my nieces and nephews.

He settled in, a gentle presence in their lives.

Edward, meanwhile, and Emily at last welcomed a healthy daughternamed Felicity, meaning blessed. Emily was swept into motherhood at last.

She remembered her conversation with Alicerealising stolen happiness is never sweet for long.

Only after Felicitys birth did Emily begin to understand the pain she had caused. She wanted to beg forgiveness, to fall at Alices feet and weep.

Edward doted on little Felicity, rocking her at night, bathing her, spoiling her with rattles and teddies, loving her as dearly as any man could.

And so, time marched on.

Five more years passed.

The children grew; the adults aged.

Tragedy struck again: Emily, only thirty, became gravely ill. Edward was beside himselfdoctors, specialists, expensive medicinenothing was working.

Facing the end, Emily prepared for her passing.

Edward comforted her as best he could. She hovered at deaths door when the doctors finally sent her home, with little hope.

With her last strength, Emily whispered to Edward, Take me to Alice. Please.

Edward was surprised, but did not hesitate.

Alice already knew the end was nearCharlotte visited her father often and had told her everything. So when Edward called, Alice agreed to receive them.

Edward carried Emilyfrail as porcelaininto the house.

The whole family gathered, anxious for answers.

Alice, arms folded, signaled toward the bed. Edward laid Emily down ever so gently, arranging the pillows.

Leave us, Emily asked quietly.

Everyone obliged.

Alice drew closer, studied Emilys pallid face. Dead people look prettier in the coffin, she thought.

Then Alice perched on the edge of the bed.

Forgive me, Alice, if you can. Ive brought ruin upon myself. Please, take Felicity. All I have in the world are Edward, Felicityand you. Promise youll raise her with him, pleaded Emily through tears.

Alice squeezed her hand gently.

Emily, its not Gods punishmentits our own actions. Ive forgiven you long ago. Dont worry about Felicityshe wont want for anything. Stay here with us, both you and Edward. Dont bear this alonemy home is big enough for us all. I promise youll recover. Anything is possible. Dont despair!

Every member of the household, like characters in an old English fairy tale, made room.

Everyone cared for Emily. Henry, in particular, was drawn to her from the first momenthe scarcely left her bedside, always found the comforting words, and talked with her about life and hope. Without realising it, Henry fell in love with her, and adored little Felicity, calling her Gods daisy. Truly, she was a marvel.

Emily yearned for life and fought for it. Alice had breathed hope back into her soul; she clung to it, however thin.

After six months of bitter struggle, ceaseless treatments, and hope, Emily slowly began to recover. She could walk the garden by herself, soak up the English sun, and smile at the sky. Slowly, as if rising from the grave, she became herself again.

At last, Emily realised Henry was her true blessing. She never stopped loving Edward, but he was another womans husband, and that was thatshed learned her lesson for good. Henry was kind and loyal, cherishing both Emily and Felicity. Sometimes, love from one is enough for two. Emily promised herself that she would love Henry as dearly as he loved herthe rest would come with time, she was sure. She just needed to get well.

And she did.

Then one day, over roast chicken and Yorkshire pudding, Emily announced, Alice, Edward, Felicity and IHenry toowell be leaving soon. Thank you for sheltering us, for your kindness, for the love that came when I needed it most. Ive never known such people before. I doubt I ever will again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Edward and Alice shared a look. They knew, deep down, that Henry and Emily were falling in love.

Not long before, Edward had confessed to Alice, Alice, no matter what happens, I belong with you. Your generosity knows no bounds. Will you have me back? Our three children need us. Ill never stop making it up to you!

Alice had hugged and kissed her prodigal husband. Of course I will! I ought to beg your forgivenessclearly, I wasnt the perfect wife if you strayed. Life teaches us, whether we wish to learn or not.

And what about Felicity? Alice worried. Youre her father.

Shes my daughter. Ill never turn my back on her. My home is always open to her, Edward replied firmly.

The day came. Henry, Emily, and Felicity prepared to leave. At the door, Emily took Edward aside.

Love Alice! More than life itself. Never hurt her. Ill never forget you, Edward, she whispered, kissing him goodbye.

Be happy, Emily, Edward replied.

That day, I learned forgiveness demands more strength than pride, and lovetrue lovecan patch the deepest wounds. Families, I know now, arent only born; sometimes theyre made, with patience, kindness, and faith.