Shame and Honor- a True Story

“You want me to give you my daughter’s hand in marriage…. without the blessing of your family on this union?” My father sternly eyed the love of my life. I was quaking inside… Why did this whole thing have to be so difficult? Why did WE have to be modern day Romeo and Julliet with the Capulets and the Montagues out to kill our love? Why? “You have MY blessing on this union. It should be enough. It is all I can offer. I am willing to be disowned by my family, if need be. They have threatened to throw me out. I am willing to pitch a tent on campus and live there if that becomes a reality. That is how much I love your daughter.“ My father was quiet for a moment. What a decision to make! In a community where shame and honor ruled supreme, he had to decide whether to subject his daughter, indeed, his whole family, to public disgrace by making it known that she was not wanted, or to bring her joy by granting to her the desire of her heart...this young man. My brother was not so giving. “How could you? Don’t you know the things she is saying behind your back? You are dragging our good name in the dirt.” I couldn't understand him. How could he not care about his best friend's love for me, his sister? Was honor that important? I would soon find out…the silence was unbearable. “Had I not known that you are a man of honor, a man of your word, and that you can stand up to your mother, I would not do what I am going to do now….which is to promise you my daughter’s hand in marriage.” My heart skipped a beat as I let out a sigh of relief. My man beamed at me. How proud I was of him. Our love would pay the price of shame, for there is nothing more honorable than to love and be loved, no matter the cost. For Kim Morrisen's Contest Tell me a True Story June 19, 2013