Page 6 of Below the Far Horizon
“You could meet a serial killer. Someone should be watching out for your welfare.”
“I’m glad you’re concerned. But nothing is happening, because I haven’t responded to anyone. I actually took my profile down a while ago, it just… I told the Lord that if I was to get married again, I was going to have to meet the man in person, because this online stuff is just too untrustworthy.”
Her mother was smart.
Grace had been duped by a man who was obviously untrustworthy, and it hadn’t even occurred to her to be concerned about him lying. Shejust…believed Lonnie. Everything he said, she took it as gospel truth. She was such a fool.
“I’m glad to hear that, Mom. But not happy about the other stuff. You are lonely. And it sounds like you’re depressed.”
“I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m depressed, but I have been struggling. The idea that you might come live with me has perked me up like nothing has in a long time.”
Was her mother just saying that? Did she want to take away any stigma or guilt or shame that she felt for moving backward in her life? After all, what thirty-something wanted to move back in with her mother? Unless, of course, their mother needed them. And then she would move heaven and earth to help her.
Neither one of her sisters could. They were both happily married with jobs and homes of their own. They couldn’t move back in, but she could.
“Are you serious about that?”
“I am. I wasn’t going to tell you any of my problems. I didn’t want to burden you. But when you came and said that you didn’t have anywhere else to go, it gave me hope that I haven’t felt in a long time.” Her mother paused. “But of course, if you find something else that makes you happy, don’t feel like you have to stay with me. I’m not in that kind of situation.”
“No. I know,” Grace said, and she knew exactly what her mother was saying. Her mother would prefer, every day all day long, that Grace be happy. Her mother certainly would never want her living with her if Grace would prefer to do something else.
Gita was such a great example of selflessness and someone who lived to be a blessing to others.
“You think about it. You don’t have to do anything. And you know I’ll help you with whatever you decide, and as long as you’re doing right, I’ll support you however I can.”
“I know, Mom. I’m sorry that I haven’t been back in so long. I feel guilty about that.” She felt guilty for a lot of things, stemming back long before she got married.
“Don’t feel guilty. You can look back, learn from your mistakes, butdon’t let guilt drag you down. It will ruin your life. And you end up wasting it, instead of using it in the best way possible.”
Grace nodded, knowing her mother was right.
“Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to take a little rest. The girls seem to think that they need to hover over me every second of every day, but I’m able to get up and down now without any assistance. And the only thing I needed them for was if I would fall for some reason, I might not be able to get up on my own.”
“I definitely wouldn’t want that to happen,” Grace said.
Gita nodded. “I promise I will not try to get up if you’re not here. Now, why don’t you go take a rest, or maybe you can take a walk. The healing garden at the end of the road is a great place to go to try to gather your thoughts. Or you could go take a walk along the beach.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am. Physical therapy comes in two hours. So, you really don’t need to be back for at least three.”
“All right. Although, I think I probably ought to be here when physical therapy is here so I can see what exercises you’re supposed to be doing.”
“Oh, trust me, Stacy’s got that covered,” her mom said with a slight amount of sarcasm in her voice.
Grace and Gita shared a smile over Stacy’s controlling nature. Just because someone wasn’t perfect didn’t mean a person couldn’t love them anyway. Her mother had said that to her a million times if she’d said it once.
“I think I will take a short walk, but I’ll be back long before physical therapy gets here.”
Her mother nodded, settling down amongst the pillows while Grace adjusted them. “I’m sorry about everything that’s happened. But I’m glad you’re home.” She smiled as she shifted slightly and closed her eyes.
Grace had to agree. She, too, was glad she was home.
Three
Trevor Gillett finished pounding the nail in and looked around the small pasture he had just finished fencing for his dad. It wasn’t too bad, considering that he was not a professional fencer. Was there even such a thing?
“You did a good job, Trevor. It only took you three years.” His dad, with a smile on his face, stood beside him, looking at their handiwork.
