Page 10 of Forgiving Paris
“In Ashley’s paintings, Elizabeth saw family and faith, love and laughter.” Elaine turned to John. “I don’t think anything could’ve kept her from being there when Ashley has her first art show in Paris.”
Something heavy in John’s heart lifted. “You’re right.” He studied his wife. “So you think I should go?”
“Yes.” She shrugged. “Maybe talk to Landon. See what he thinks?”
John turned and pulled her into a long hug. “I love you so much, Elaine. You always have the right thing to say. I’ll call Landon tomorrow.”
And the next day John did just that. He loved all his sons-in-law like they were his own, but he had a special place in his heart for Landon. The one who had loved Ashley since the two were in fifth grade. Landon was at workwhen John made the call. “I have a thought.” He didn’t waste time when Landon picked up. “Do you have a minute?”
“Sure.” Landon could’ve been in the middle of a mountain of paperwork, but he would always make time for the people he loved. “You calling about Paris?”
John laughed. “How did you know?”
“Because… she’s your daughter.” Landon’s tone was easy. “You’re both thinkers. What’s on your mind?”
“I’m wondering… if I should go to Paris. Show up for Ashley’s art show.”
“Really?” Landon’s voice lit up. “John… she’d love that.”
“I’m not sure. I mean… it’s your anniversary trip and it is a long flight.” John stood from his office chair and wandered into the kitchen. He poured himself a cup of coffee. “You don’t think it would be strange?”
“Hardly.” Landon chuckled. “She’d probably faint… seeing you there. It would mean the world. Definitely.”
“Okay, then. I’ll think about it.” John took a sip of coffee and stared out the kitchen window. He was doing telehealth now and had clients every day. The perfect job for a retired doctor. “I’d have to clear my schedule, but to see her face for a surprise like that… how could I miss it?”
When the conversation ended, John remembered something and set his coffee down. The box of Elizabeth’s letters in the spare bedroom closet upstairs. The kids all had copies of her letters in books John and Ashley had put together not long after Elizabeth died.
But he still had the originals.
How long since I’ve read those precious letters, Elizabeth?The thought landed on his heart. The letters were separated into bundles, one for each of the kids, all in separate cardboard boxes. So they wouldn’t get dusty. The largest box was his, with more letters than all of theirs combined, dating back to before the kids were born. Letters she had written to him when they were separated the year she had Dayne. Others, she’d written just because. When he was at the hospital working and the kids were napping, and she’d had a hundred thoughts she wanted to share with him only.
John moved up to the stairs to their guest room, slower than he had ten years ago, but he still had a spring in his step. He and Elaine walked three miles every day, and he didn’t feel the old football injuries in his knees except when he climbed stairs. Once in the guest room, he had Elizabeth’s letters spread out on the bed in minutes. Each of the kids’ bundles had their names on top.
He took Ashley’s stack and moved to the chair in the corner. How blessed were their children to have been loved by a mother like Elizabeth? John opened the first letter and sighed. Elizabeth’s handwriting was still so achingly familiar. He ran his fingers over the dark ink and the paper she had poured her heart onto.
Then he started at the beginning.
My dearest Ashley,
I am writing this to you while you’re doing finals. If I could, I’d be there with you, praying over you and whispering in your ear,“You can do it, Ash. You really can do it!” But I can’t be there, so I thought I’d write you a letter.
John smiled. He could picture the scene, the kids at school and Elizabeth at the desk in the office. Thinking of her children. Back then Ashley had been whole and happy and innocent. Before the car accident that took the life of Luke’s friend. Before all of life fell apart.
Before Paris.
He kept reading.
Anyway, I bought you a few new canvases. There’s something so special about a blank canvas. I know you—of all people—agree, precious daughter. Oh, the things you create on a blank canvas. You see things that aren’t, Ashley, and you bring them to life as if they had been there all along. I love that about you.
A chill ran down John’s arms. Had he really found exactly what he was looking for here… on his first try? Something Elizabeth had written that talked about Ashley’s skills as an artist?
He moved on to the next letter.
Dear Ashley,
You’re spending the night at Natalie’s house. Big sleepover. But here at home, I can’tfall asleep. So, I thought I’d write you a quick letter. I know I tell you all the time, Ash, but you are such a talented artist. You really are.
Tears filled John’s eyes. Two letters! He had actually found a second letter that gave him the answers he was seeking. About whether Elizabeth would want him to go to Paris for Ashley’s art show. He blinked a few times so he could see better.
