Developing Wings On the Way Down

I was looking out the window and saw my neighbor across the street on a ladder, putting up an American flag. Both he and his wife are school teachers. 

     I took that moment to go over and tease him. I asked if he was putting the flag up to honor my husband.

     I have been living here for ten years, and they had never tried to be friendly, except when they needed something. They have two sons and two golden labs. They all-stay locked up in the house with the curtains drawn. If, someone comes and knocks on their door, they are greeted by two frantic and not-so-friendly sounding barks, that bump on the glass window, but their owners won’t answer the door. 

     They have a motion sensor light over the middle of the garage door. I told him that the flapping of the flag was going to set off the light all the time. He laughed; he hadn't thought about it.  I purposely went over to tell him that my husband had passed away four months ago. He was shocked. He apologized and said he didn't know.

     With tears, I turned and walked away. When I'd gotten to the edge of the driveway, the tip off my left sandal caught on the edge of the asphalt. The sandal stayed; my arms started flapping, like a young bird in its nest trying to fly. Flapping, flapping, I kept leaning forward, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Trying to righten myself, half-way to the other side, my other sandal flew off. I suppose I might have looked pretty funny, running to the other side, bending over like I was trying to catch a hat that had blown off my head. My arms still flapping, waiting for a landing, face first on the asphalt and the gravel under my feet.  All I could think and see was the blackest tar and gravel rising to meet me, how painful it was going to be when my face kissed that dirty tar.

     However, by some miracle, I had gotten to the other side of the road and caught my balance. With my heart pounding, my neck and back aching, and the bottoms of my feet sore, I survived not kissing the dirty tar and gravel. It was like God's angel spread its wings and wrapped them around me, and straighten me out. I should have had a very serious relationship with the first kiss, but not that day. 



     Thank you, Lord.




     Thank you, Lord.

12/29/2018

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



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Date: 1/2/2019 4:56:00 PM
aww eve such a shame these people can't reach out and offer you support at your time of need, so glad you didn't fall, maybe my little angel had something to do with it! When i fell in April i desperately tried to stop myself and basically bunny hopped for 3 paces but still hit the tarmac, someone was watching over you my friend:-) hugs Jan xx
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Eve Roper
Date: 1/2/2019 6:45:00 PM
It is frightening that you think this will happen. Actually a friend reminded me when I did fall at work in a downhill grade of asphalt 2004 and split my knee open. I did get stitches at the time. The kids that were around me were really worried about me.
Date: 12/31/2018 8:23:00 AM
Hi Eve, a wonderful story from your golden pen. The imagery shines through. I am glad there were no serious injuries. I am so sorry to hear about your husband Eve. He shall always be there with you. When things are bad in your life, he will be there to hold you up. "Go unto your paradise and may the angels sing the coming of God's brightest star." Happy New Year Eve. Hugs....Mike. XX. Let your golden heart sing.
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Eve Roper
Date: 12/31/2018 12:58:00 PM
Mike, thank you so very much. I am so grateful I didn't get hurt. I should get rid of the sandals.. but they are so comfy and easy to put on when I walk outside with my dog. May you have a blessed New Year with happiness, wealth, health , and wisdom. Hugs Eve~`*
Date: 12/30/2018 6:45:00 PM
Eve. This is a masterpiece, straight your great big heart. Bravo! Poetry hugs, Gershon
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Eve Roper
Date: 12/30/2018 8:07:00 PM
Thank you, Gershon, for the inspirational compliment. May you have a blessed Happy New Years. Hugs Eve ~`*
Date: 12/30/2018 10:21:00 AM
riveting story which comes from the deepest core of your heart... eve, keep the faith and allow time to grieve.. you are so loved!... huggs
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Eve Roper
Date: 12/30/2018 12:32:00 PM
:') thank you, Nette, you are one of many of the sweetest persons here on soup... Hugs Eve
Date: 12/30/2018 7:10:00 AM
Oh my word Eve. What a story! Your writing had me right there. I am so glad you didn't hit your head on that pavement too! (I know from head injury). I am saddened to hear about your husband too! I hope that you are ok. Bless you :)
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Eve Roper
Date: 12/30/2018 8:51:00 AM
Heidi, thank you for taking time to read my experience yesterday; being so long I didn't think anyone would read it. I am so glad I didn’t fall. At the time could just feel the scrapes on my hands and knees and I don’t even want to think of the head injury. Thank you for your condolences and I bless my God holding me.
Date: 12/29/2018 11:56:00 PM
Oh, my this is so true: "I have been living here for ten years and they have never tried to be friendly, except when they needed something." And we have all had them. It is interesting to me how fast they run to your door, but do not make a step toward you any other time. So sad for they are missing a marveolous woman. You have prayers from Kansas tonight, Eve, and I am so glad the angel grabbed you.
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Eve Roper
Date: 12/30/2018 12:05:00 AM
Oh, thank you, Caren. Could you imagine a gray hair 5'4 , 190 pound, 68 year old woman taking a flying leap. Yes this is true.
Date: 12/29/2018 11:38:00 PM
Oh my, what well kinda terrible neighbors but beautiful story, isn't it funny that they who close their doors, lose out on life? Even if i was shy and didn't know you, I would have used your olive branch to invite you in. i may be far away from you, but i am your neighbor. hugs
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Eve Roper
Date: 12/29/2018 11:48:00 PM
These are the times that I wouldn't mind a hug..and I would always accept one from you .. Thank you for always always being so dear and kind to me.. Hugs
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