In Words Unspoken

In Words Unspoken                                   

By John W. Vander Velden 

I had the joy of knowing a couple, let’s call them “Mary” and “John”, in what some might call their “Golden Years”.  Any that knew the delightful couple understood how they felt about each other.  Actions often speak and we knew just how much love they shared.  However even those blind to the obvious, saw “Mary’s” devastation at her husband’s passing. 

I wrote “Mary” a short note, sharing how I had met “John” and the kindness he had always shown.  You see “John” changed my life.  Each of us have those people – those people that just by living, lift those around them.  “John” was a kind caring individual, a person we would all hope to meet one day.  Later “Mary” approached me, telling how grateful she felt at my kind words.  She had no idea that “John” had touched my life in that way, but not really surprised.  “It’s just the kind of man he was,” she had said.

Years later “Mary” told me a story, of a couple early in their marriage.  Their lives were hard then, as many newlyweds can attest.  And the woman felt things more difficult than it should have been.  She abandoned her husband for another man.  Just left him.  With time’s passing she realized how great a mistake she had made.  Returning to her husband, she pleaded for forgiveness, certain that reconciliation beyond possibility.  But her husband took her back, and told her, they would never speak of it again.  With damp eyes “Mary” said, “And John never did.”

Except for the names this is a true story.

I believe that we should tell those around us how we feel about them.  I believe that, “I love you,” is the most powerful phrase in the English language.  But “Mary’s” story – a story of her life, shows that love – real love – can best be revealed in the words unspoken.

(314 Words)

No Tears

No Tears              1-11-2015

By John W. Vander Velden

He spends each day in the darkened room.  Greg doesn’t need the lamps to see for each curve – each wrinkle – every detail etched upon his heart.  The morning’s drive gives time to think – but these hours are for remembering.  Too young they were told over and again, yet they were not deterred.  The ladder at night’s mid and a race across the county line.  The waking of the Justice of the Peace, words and witnesses, papers signed.  Could that have been sixty-three years ago?  On these days – here as he sat in the shadows – he does not believe.  But grandchildren grown with children of their own speaks volumes.  And yet a lifetime shared – a world built – their world.  Together through the good times.  Together through the hard times.  Yes, always together. 

Greg sits and waits, knowing the facts.  Many times words told of little hope.  Many times told of slimmest of chance.  He will be here – when she awakes -- if she awakes.  He hopes his face the first she sees, and so he waits.

Others come, others go.  The time passes.  Observers might consider the vigil excessive, but Greg knows the truth.  Greg knows the journey shared.  He understands that these hours part of that journey.  Lilly would not demand.  Truth, if she knew, she would send Greg home.  But Greg wishes to share this part of the road, and so he waits in the dimness and the silence – waits for the ending of this ordeal, and to be part of the ending.

He arrives the moment visitors are permitted.  Greg remains until they shoo him out the door.  And each day he goes over the conversation shared.  The day Lilly begged, that no matter what there would be no tears.

(292 Words)

Love is More Than Four Letters

Love is More Than Four Letters

By John W. Vander Velden

On a cold Sunday afternoon, I watched as a man, well into his eighties, had the arm of a bent old woman looped through his own.  They moved with care across the parking lot of a restaurant -- together.  Those that took the time to observe, understood a lifetime shared.  You see, love is more than four letters.  It is more than words spoken.  Not that words have no meaning.  Not that words need not be shared.  But real love is revealed by simple acts -- continuously.

There are those that foolishly feel that it takes gifts, large and small, to prove affection.  Some feel cheated when they are not the recipient of some grand thing.  And though the sharing of gifts can bring joy, love is more than diamonds.  The patient listening to a day’s challenges.  A supporting word, when confidence has failed.  Knowing that no matter what, you will never abandon.  These are the gifts that carry the highest value.

Some feel that passion is love's only measure.  That physical desire controls every need of those connected.  That with passions waning, the human bond fades.  Surely intimacy is vital to any that seek connection.  The private sharing -- the quiet times -- the together-aloneness -- needed.  Love is more than any physical act.  It is the knowing -- the believing -- and understanding of another.  Those thing only grow with years.  Sharing time and space -- laughter and tears -- achievements and disasters -- with time, can bind two people tighter. Two living individuals, yet teamed to battle life’s wars together.  Each bringing strengths and weaknesses – complimenting – reinforcing – as they face futures unknown.  Those are the signs of true intimacy – and life is their passion.

That old couple understood.  They knew that love is more than four letters…

 (300 Words)

She Came Smiling

She Came Smiling

by John W. Vander Velden

 

She came smiling,

From far away.

 

Separated by need…

Certainly not her choice.

 

Obligations required…time demanded.

The shearing of hearts bound.

 

Long the days parted seemed.

 

Empty the nights alone.

 

Even his voice…each day heard

Insufficient to fill her heart.

 

Yet a reminder that he too longed

For the parting’s end.

 

Longed the touch of hand…and heart.

That distance vanish.

 

Yet for a time an ocean between.

An expanse un-crossable.

 

So left behind he waited.

While duties separated.

 

Returning…

She came smiling.

 

(85 Words)