Love Again,
Part I. Scott and Lori meet right before he enters the military. Their love for each other is obvious and grows quickly. How far will it take them? What will they learn along the way?
Scott had been her love since they met the summer after high school. They met at a party and Lori had been attracted to him immediately. They spent the evening talking about their individual plans for the future. Lori was impressed when he said he was going into the military in a few weeks. These were hard times. It seemed like there was a war in every corner of the world. Lori hadn't met many 18 year old boys who wanted to leave the comforts of home to fight in a country he'd never seen.
The summer was great. They spent every minute possible together and before either of them were ready, it was time for Scott to leave for Basic Training. Lori refused to spend their time together crying. She told Scott, "I can cry after you're gone." There were times Scott wanted to change his mind about going. When he made the commitment, he had no one special in his life. His family wasn't close and he hadn't determined what degree plan to take. Furthermore, he wasn't sure of his career choice yet. So when the recruiter contacted him, it made perfect sense to go into the military, see the world, and maybe get some career training.
Scott and Lori spent his last day at home together. They started early in the morning with a long hike in the state park, a picnic, and ended the evening with a movie. They stood on her porch saying goodby with long passionate kisses and few words in between.
Alone in her room, Lori was surprised she could cry so many tears. She had cried herself to sleep and then awoke at exactly 4:30 a.m., Scott's scheduled time to leave, as if on cue. By noon she had cried herself to sleep twice more. She forced herself to get out of bed, eat lunch, and work around the house. She tried working in her mother's flower beds, but she put more salt water in them than they needed, so she stopped and went into the house.
"Hey Lori." Her mother said as she entered the house. 'The flower beds look great. Thanks for helping out."
"You're welcome. I was just trying to stay busy."
"I know. I'm sorry you are going through this, but I'm also just as glad."
"Glad? Why?" Lori asked completely dumbfounded.
"It will be a good test of your love. If your love can go through this, it can withstand anything."
Lori could understand her mother's reasoning , but couldn't agree with it.
Over the next few weeks, Lori was busy registering for college, but all she thought about was Scott. She lived for his letters and cherished each one. Finally the letter came, telling her when he would complete Basic Training and be home on leave.
Lori rode to the airport with Scott's parents. It wasn't ideal, but it was the best she could do given their short relationship. She had planned to allow his parents to greet him first, but when she saw him, that plan changed. She began running toward him, but before she had taken two steps, he began running toward her. They came together in a flurry of passionate kisses. Neither remembered Scott's parents waiting patiently to welcome their son home.
The summer was great. They spent every minute possible together and before either of them were ready, it was time for Scott to leave for Basic Training. Lori refused to spend their time together crying. She told Scott, "I can cry after you're gone." There were times Scott wanted to change his mind about going. When he made the commitment, he had no one special in his life. His family wasn't close and he hadn't determined what degree plan to take. Furthermore, he wasn't sure of his career choice yet. So when the recruiter contacted him, it made perfect sense to go into the military, see the world, and maybe get some career training.
Scott and Lori spent his last day at home together. They started early in the morning with a long hike in the state park, a picnic, and ended the evening with a movie. They stood on her porch saying goodby with long passionate kisses and few words in between.
Alone in her room, Lori was surprised she could cry so many tears. She had cried herself to sleep and then awoke at exactly 4:30 a.m., Scott's scheduled time to leave, as if on cue. By noon she had cried herself to sleep twice more. She forced herself to get out of bed, eat lunch, and work around the house. She tried working in her mother's flower beds, but she put more salt water in them than they needed, so she stopped and went into the house.
"Hey Lori." Her mother said as she entered the house. 'The flower beds look great. Thanks for helping out."
"You're welcome. I was just trying to stay busy."
"I know. I'm sorry you are going through this, but I'm also just as glad."
"Glad? Why?" Lori asked completely dumbfounded.
"It will be a good test of your love. If your love can go through this, it can withstand anything."
Lori could understand her mother's reasoning , but couldn't agree with it.
Over the next few weeks, Lori was busy registering for college, but all she thought about was Scott. She lived for his letters and cherished each one. Finally the letter came, telling her when he would complete Basic Training and be home on leave.
Lori rode to the airport with Scott's parents. It wasn't ideal, but it was the best she could do given their short relationship. She had planned to allow his parents to greet him first, but when she saw him, that plan changed. She began running toward him, but before she had taken two steps, he began running toward her. They came together in a flurry of passionate kisses. Neither remembered Scott's parents waiting patiently to welcome their son home.
The ride home was awkward for Scott's parents. They sat in the front seat and tried to ignore the expressions of love in the backseat.
The two weeks leave went by so fast, Lori wondered if she had actually dreamed it. But if she had, it was a wonderful dream that she didn't want to lose. Anytime she wasn't in class, she was with Scott. They spent every evening either at his parents' or hers. There were a couple of nights that both families spent time together, giving everyone a chance to get to know each other. Both sets of parents approved of each other and their offspring.
By the time Scott left for deployment, Lori's parents loved him as much as she did. This time two families stood at the airport, saying goodby to a wonderful young man they all loved.
Lori was surprised at the reaction of her parents, especially her father's. She had never seen him so upset. This was the first time in her life she had seen him cry. When the last call to board the plane was announced, Lori clung to Scott's neck, crying uncontrollably. Eventually her dad pulled her away so Scott could board the plane.
As they walked to the car, Lori's dad supported the limp, tear racked body of his devastated daughter. He opened the car door and physically set her in the backseat. Her mother helped with the seat belt. Both parents were crying and it was difficult for onlookers to tell whether the tears were for themselves or their daughter.
Eventually Lori immersed herself in college again, but she lived for the letters from Scott. Skype became her favorite app and the thought of her phone being further than five feet away from her was sure to bring on a panic attack.
It was during one of their Skype calls that Scott brought up a subject for the first time. "You know, I'm coming home in April. I'll be home for leave between deployments. We could get married. What do you think? You know I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. I would have waited to asked you in person, but I know how long it takes you girls to plan a wedding. Why are you crying? Stop crying and answer my question."
"Yes, I'll marry you." After more expressions of love and displays of excitement Lori and Scott signed off. Part of her wanted to talk to him longer, but another part of her wanted to start planning a wedding. Most of all she wanted to tell her mother.
Part II of Love Again will be posted in a few days. Stay tuned. The ending of this story is not at all what you expect.
The two weeks leave went by so fast, Lori wondered if she had actually dreamed it. But if she had, it was a wonderful dream that she didn't want to lose. Anytime she wasn't in class, she was with Scott. They spent every evening either at his parents' or hers. There were a couple of nights that both families spent time together, giving everyone a chance to get to know each other. Both sets of parents approved of each other and their offspring.
By the time Scott left for deployment, Lori's parents loved him as much as she did. This time two families stood at the airport, saying goodby to a wonderful young man they all loved.
Lori was surprised at the reaction of her parents, especially her father's. She had never seen him so upset. This was the first time in her life she had seen him cry. When the last call to board the plane was announced, Lori clung to Scott's neck, crying uncontrollably. Eventually her dad pulled her away so Scott could board the plane.
As they walked to the car, Lori's dad supported the limp, tear racked body of his devastated daughter. He opened the car door and physically set her in the backseat. Her mother helped with the seat belt. Both parents were crying and it was difficult for onlookers to tell whether the tears were for themselves or their daughter.
Eventually Lori immersed herself in college again, but she lived for the letters from Scott. Skype became her favorite app and the thought of her phone being further than five feet away from her was sure to bring on a panic attack.
It was during one of their Skype calls that Scott brought up a subject for the first time. "You know, I'm coming home in April. I'll be home for leave between deployments. We could get married. What do you think? You know I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. I would have waited to asked you in person, but I know how long it takes you girls to plan a wedding. Why are you crying? Stop crying and answer my question."
"Yes, I'll marry you." After more expressions of love and displays of excitement Lori and Scott signed off. Part of her wanted to talk to him longer, but another part of her wanted to start planning a wedding. Most of all she wanted to tell her mother.
Part II of Love Again will be posted in a few days. Stay tuned. The ending of this story is not at all what you expect.
Love Again
Part II The wedding was well planned and enjoyed by everyone.
The Wedding
By the time Scott arrived home for leave, Lori had the wedding planned, organized, reserved, and deposited. That is--everything except the ring.
Since Scott had proposed over the phone, there was no opportunity to buy or give an engagement ring. A fact that had not bothered Lori one iota. She knew that Scott would take care of that small issue when he could. Meanwhile, she had a wedding to plan.
Scott had virtually no say in any of the wedding plans, which was fine with him. He didn't want to spend time planning to be married to Lori. He wanted to spend every minute of his leave being married to her.
Sure enough, the wedding day dawned and Scott simply follow instructions--mostly from his sister who had acquired 'Scott duty'. Saundra told him where to be, when to be, and how to look when he showed up. Scott had been home less than a week and in a few hours his world would be changed forever.
When it was time to leave for the church, Saundra checked and rechecked Scott. I must be close to perfect as many times as she has scrutinized me. Scott thought. Good grief, inspections are not this hard in the military,
"Alright, let's go." Saundra said when she was satisfied with her brother's ceremonial attire.
"Don't you mean 'at ease'? Scott asked with more than a little sarcasm in his voice.
"Just get in the car. I don't want Lori to take one look at you and leave you at the altar for being less than honorably dressed. She has worked hard on this wedding and I don't want anything to go wrong."
"Well neither do I. But don't you think we could lighten up just a little?"
"Oh quit complaining and come on." Saundra told her brother. "It's almost time to take pictures."
Scott was surprised at the list of pictures Lori had for the photographer to take. Before pictures were over, he was sure he had taken a picture with everyone he had ever known including his kindergarten teacher. He was hot, tired of standing, tired of posing, and most definitely tired of wearing a tuxedo. Worse yet, the wedding hadn't even started. This is almost worse than being on duty. He thought.
Finally Saundra led him to a small sitting room where he and his groomsmen could sit and enjoy some finger foods. Of course before Saundra left, she cautioned each man not to get anything on his clothes.
Since Scott had proposed over the phone, there was no opportunity to buy or give an engagement ring. A fact that had not bothered Lori one iota. She knew that Scott would take care of that small issue when he could. Meanwhile, she had a wedding to plan.
Scott had virtually no say in any of the wedding plans, which was fine with him. He didn't want to spend time planning to be married to Lori. He wanted to spend every minute of his leave being married to her.
Sure enough, the wedding day dawned and Scott simply follow instructions--mostly from his sister who had acquired 'Scott duty'. Saundra told him where to be, when to be, and how to look when he showed up. Scott had been home less than a week and in a few hours his world would be changed forever.
When it was time to leave for the church, Saundra checked and rechecked Scott. I must be close to perfect as many times as she has scrutinized me. Scott thought. Good grief, inspections are not this hard in the military,
"Alright, let's go." Saundra said when she was satisfied with her brother's ceremonial attire.
"Don't you mean 'at ease'? Scott asked with more than a little sarcasm in his voice.
"Just get in the car. I don't want Lori to take one look at you and leave you at the altar for being less than honorably dressed. She has worked hard on this wedding and I don't want anything to go wrong."
"Well neither do I. But don't you think we could lighten up just a little?"
"Oh quit complaining and come on." Saundra told her brother. "It's almost time to take pictures."
Scott was surprised at the list of pictures Lori had for the photographer to take. Before pictures were over, he was sure he had taken a picture with everyone he had ever known including his kindergarten teacher. He was hot, tired of standing, tired of posing, and most definitely tired of wearing a tuxedo. Worse yet, the wedding hadn't even started. This is almost worse than being on duty. He thought.
Finally Saundra led him to a small sitting room where he and his groomsmen could sit and enjoy some finger foods. Of course before Saundra left, she cautioned each man not to get anything on his clothes.
At precisely 5:00 p.m., Saundra escorted Scott and the groomsman to the pastor's office. Scott had met the pastor a few days ago and had liked him immediately. The pastor did his best to put Scott at ease. "Let me tell you how to get along with your wife, Scott." The pastor joked. "Remember, it's your fault. Some days I get home and I don't know what happened; I don't know when it happened; I don't know how it happened; but I know whose fault it is. If you remember that you'll have a happy home." The groomsmen laughed as the pastor continued his light-hearted bantering.
Finally it was time for the pastor to give the groomsmen instructions and lead them into the church. As they stood at the front of the church, Scott looked around. It seemed that every inch of the auditorium was decorated. There were flowers or tulle in every nook and cranny of the church. It was way over done for Scott's taste. He would have been much happier with a simple wedding in the backyard of his parents' house. I hope this is not a trend with Lori. I hope she doesn't expect this kind of hoopla with everything we do. He thought. We will definitely be discussing this when we have time. I understand that I wasn't here for her to ask me, but I sure didn't expect this.
Then the back doors opened and Scott forgot about every decoration in the room. He forgot about everyone in the room. At the back stood the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. And in a few minutes she would give her heart and life to him. Suddenly the cost of the wedding, the number of attendants, the choice of food, and the venue didn't matter. Nothing mattered, except giving his heart to that beautiful woman at the back door.
Lori and her dad walked down the aisle toward Scott. Every step drew them closer and left Scott's heart beating faster. He was mesmerized by the vision in white walking toward him.
Finally she stood at the front with her dad. The room grew silent. Suddenly, Jason, the best man was nudging Scott and whispering something. When Scott remembered to take a breath, he heard Jason say, "Go on man." It was then that Scott remembered he was supposed to meet Lori and escort her up the steps. Several guests allowed small giggles to escape their lips as they realized Scott's mistake.
Scott remembered very little about the rest of the evening. Actually, he didn't care. He just wanted to remember how his beautiful bride looked on this glorious night.
Scott and Lori had little time or money for a big honeymoon. They spent the weekend at a local resort and then went back to the apartment where Lori would stay while Scott was deployed. They made it a point to spend every possible minute together and to cherish every small task they did for each other. The few weeks they had together were short, but priceless in every sense of the word.
Part III of Love Again will be posted in a few days. The wedding is over, but not the story of Scott and Lori.
Finally it was time for the pastor to give the groomsmen instructions and lead them into the church. As they stood at the front of the church, Scott looked around. It seemed that every inch of the auditorium was decorated. There were flowers or tulle in every nook and cranny of the church. It was way over done for Scott's taste. He would have been much happier with a simple wedding in the backyard of his parents' house. I hope this is not a trend with Lori. I hope she doesn't expect this kind of hoopla with everything we do. He thought. We will definitely be discussing this when we have time. I understand that I wasn't here for her to ask me, but I sure didn't expect this.
Then the back doors opened and Scott forgot about every decoration in the room. He forgot about everyone in the room. At the back stood the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. And in a few minutes she would give her heart and life to him. Suddenly the cost of the wedding, the number of attendants, the choice of food, and the venue didn't matter. Nothing mattered, except giving his heart to that beautiful woman at the back door.
Lori and her dad walked down the aisle toward Scott. Every step drew them closer and left Scott's heart beating faster. He was mesmerized by the vision in white walking toward him.
Finally she stood at the front with her dad. The room grew silent. Suddenly, Jason, the best man was nudging Scott and whispering something. When Scott remembered to take a breath, he heard Jason say, "Go on man." It was then that Scott remembered he was supposed to meet Lori and escort her up the steps. Several guests allowed small giggles to escape their lips as they realized Scott's mistake.
Scott remembered very little about the rest of the evening. Actually, he didn't care. He just wanted to remember how his beautiful bride looked on this glorious night.
Scott and Lori had little time or money for a big honeymoon. They spent the weekend at a local resort and then went back to the apartment where Lori would stay while Scott was deployed. They made it a point to spend every possible minute together and to cherish every small task they did for each other. The few weeks they had together were short, but priceless in every sense of the word.
Part III of Love Again will be posted in a few days. The wedding is over, but not the story of Scott and Lori.
Love Again
Part III Memories last an eternity.
Scott returned to duty.
The day to say goodbye came way too soon for both Lori and Scott. The weekend before, they locked their doors and turned off their phones. They wanted to share the last weekend with no one. They talked for hours and each made a concerted effort to make the other laugh. Lori had said, "I don't want us to spend what little time we have together crying. I want us to laugh and enjoy every minute."
There were times when that desire was strained to the breaking point. Lori discovered that the shower is a great place to cry. After her shower when her eyes were red and swollen, Scott was gentleman enough to pretend not to notice. He wanted her to believe that all of her plans were successful so she would have no remorse when he left.
On Monday night they met with both sets of parents at Scott's favorite restaurant for a family meal. He was scheduled to leave at 5:00 the next morning so everyone was willing to call it an early evening.
It didn't seem to matter what time Scott arrived home. He couldn't sleep. And neither could Lori. They stayed awake all night talking and watching the clock. At 5:00 a.m. the escort car drove up to the apartment, Scott loaded his gear, said one more tearful goodbye to Lori, and climbed in the back seat with the other soldier being deployed.
Back in the apartment, it was several hours before Lori could control her emotions enough to think. Even when she stopped sobbing, she felt numb and out of control. She was on her own for the first time in her life, but that didn't seem to bother her. She felt like she had lost a part of her body and was now learning to cope with the disability.
Within a few weeks, Lori was back into her routine at college. She usually spent one evening a week with her parents, but other than that was in her apartment. She was growing accustomed to being alone. Most nights she handled it well, but there were those crying nights. That's what she called them. Nights when all she could do was miss Scott and cry. Nothing or no one could console her on these nights. She just had to cry until she felt better--or ran out of tears.
There were times when that desire was strained to the breaking point. Lori discovered that the shower is a great place to cry. After her shower when her eyes were red and swollen, Scott was gentleman enough to pretend not to notice. He wanted her to believe that all of her plans were successful so she would have no remorse when he left.
On Monday night they met with both sets of parents at Scott's favorite restaurant for a family meal. He was scheduled to leave at 5:00 the next morning so everyone was willing to call it an early evening.
It didn't seem to matter what time Scott arrived home. He couldn't sleep. And neither could Lori. They stayed awake all night talking and watching the clock. At 5:00 a.m. the escort car drove up to the apartment, Scott loaded his gear, said one more tearful goodbye to Lori, and climbed in the back seat with the other soldier being deployed.
Back in the apartment, it was several hours before Lori could control her emotions enough to think. Even when she stopped sobbing, she felt numb and out of control. She was on her own for the first time in her life, but that didn't seem to bother her. She felt like she had lost a part of her body and was now learning to cope with the disability.
Within a few weeks, Lori was back into her routine at college. She usually spent one evening a week with her parents, but other than that was in her apartment. She was growing accustomed to being alone. Most nights she handled it well, but there were those crying nights. That's what she called them. Nights when all she could do was miss Scott and cry. Nothing or no one could console her on these nights. She just had to cry until she felt better--or ran out of tears.
Scott wrote as often as possible and then there were the Skype nights. Oh how she loved the Skype nights. About once a month, he would call her through Skype and with the beauty of a laptop and the internet, they could both see and talk to each other. Well sort of. There were times when the image and audio didn't go together, but they got used to that and learned to work around it. Lori considered Skype nights as date nights and she dressed as carefully as if he were actually picking her up at the front door.
This became their routine as they counted down the days until Scott returned home. He would miss their first anniversary, but would make it home before Christmas. Lori spent months planning the decorations for Christmas. She wanted their first Christmas together as husband and wife to be one he would always remember.
It was Friday afternoon and Lori had just arrived home from college. It was finals week and she planned to spend the weekend studying for her last two exams on Monday. Then one more semester would be over and she would be one step closer to her goal. The doorbell rang and as was her habit, Lori looked out the window before opening the door. What she saw made her heart stop.
On the other side of her door stood two officers in uniform. Lori knew why they were here and considered not opening the door. Maybe if she didn't open the door the men would go away and this would all be a bad dream.
The doorbell rang again and she knew that refusing to open the door was only prolonging reality.
When she opened the door, one officer introduced himself and then he introduced the Casualty Assistance Officer, who then went through the official notification process.
"I have to call Scott's parents." Lori said between sobs.
"We've already taken care of that. There are officers at their house now." The CAO informed her. "Is there anyone else I can call for you?"
"I think I need my parents." Quickly and quietly, the CAO called Lori's parents, explained the situation to her dad and asked them to come be with Lori.
When Lori's parents arrived they found what was once a strong, vibrant woman curled up in a fetal position. She wasn't crying, but rather staring off into space as if there was an answer to her problem out there. Her mother tried to get her to eat, but Lori just stared.
Finally her parents turned to the CAO and asked, "What do we do now?"
"I am assigned to your family for the next several months. I can help you in any way you need me. Should I begin making arrangements for the funeral?
"Yes, I think we need you to do that. I don't think Lori will be in any shape to take care of business for a long time." Her dad replied.
Part IV coming soon.
This became their routine as they counted down the days until Scott returned home. He would miss their first anniversary, but would make it home before Christmas. Lori spent months planning the decorations for Christmas. She wanted their first Christmas together as husband and wife to be one he would always remember.
It was Friday afternoon and Lori had just arrived home from college. It was finals week and she planned to spend the weekend studying for her last two exams on Monday. Then one more semester would be over and she would be one step closer to her goal. The doorbell rang and as was her habit, Lori looked out the window before opening the door. What she saw made her heart stop.
On the other side of her door stood two officers in uniform. Lori knew why they were here and considered not opening the door. Maybe if she didn't open the door the men would go away and this would all be a bad dream.
The doorbell rang again and she knew that refusing to open the door was only prolonging reality.
When she opened the door, one officer introduced himself and then he introduced the Casualty Assistance Officer, who then went through the official notification process.
"I have to call Scott's parents." Lori said between sobs.
"We've already taken care of that. There are officers at their house now." The CAO informed her. "Is there anyone else I can call for you?"
"I think I need my parents." Quickly and quietly, the CAO called Lori's parents, explained the situation to her dad and asked them to come be with Lori.
When Lori's parents arrived they found what was once a strong, vibrant woman curled up in a fetal position. She wasn't crying, but rather staring off into space as if there was an answer to her problem out there. Her mother tried to get her to eat, but Lori just stared.
Finally her parents turned to the CAO and asked, "What do we do now?"
"I am assigned to your family for the next several months. I can help you in any way you need me. Should I begin making arrangements for the funeral?
"Yes, I think we need you to do that. I don't think Lori will be in any shape to take care of business for a long time." Her dad replied.
Part IV coming soon.
Love Again
Part IV
Lori felt like her life was over.
It seemed like an eternity before Scott's body was returned for the funeral. The CAO did a great job of making the arrangements, giving Lori's parents time to take care of her. Scott's parents were almost as devastated as Lori. Scott was their youngest child and there was an especially close tie between him and both parents.
Scott's sister did her best to comfort her parents as well as serving as a spokesperson for the family. The well wishes from the town were heartfelt, but of little comfort to Lori. They had lost a soldier; she had lost a friend, husband, comforter, confidant, and soul-mate.
By the time of the funeral, Lori thought she had no more tears left. To her surprise a fountain of tears emerged during the presentation of the flag. As the officer presented it to her, she thought, This is what my husband died for? She knew he died for freedom and the rights of mankind, but at that moment all she had to hold was a folded flag.
Leaving the cemetery, Lori and both sets of parents were amazed to see the people lined up on the street to pay respects to their hometown hero. Scott would have appreciate such a turnout. It was comforting to the family to know that Scott's sacrifice did not go unnoticed by the town.
Scott's sister did her best to comfort her parents as well as serving as a spokesperson for the family. The well wishes from the town were heartfelt, but of little comfort to Lori. They had lost a soldier; she had lost a friend, husband, comforter, confidant, and soul-mate.
By the time of the funeral, Lori thought she had no more tears left. To her surprise a fountain of tears emerged during the presentation of the flag. As the officer presented it to her, she thought, This is what my husband died for? She knew he died for freedom and the rights of mankind, but at that moment all she had to hold was a folded flag.
Leaving the cemetery, Lori and both sets of parents were amazed to see the people lined up on the street to pay respects to their hometown hero. Scott would have appreciate such a turnout. It was comforting to the family to know that Scott's sacrifice did not go unnoticed by the town.
Lori was amazed when the sun shone the morning after the funeral. She didn't think life could continue as usual. Her parents refused to allow her to lock herself away from life. Her dad immediately started procedures to release her from her apartment contract. Within days he had her moved back home and settled in her old room. She appreciated their help, but it was a little strange being back home living with her mom and dad. But then at times she was comforted by their protection.
The university gave Lori extra time to complete her final exams so that she would not lose an entire semester. She completed those exams and considered missing a semester of school. Then she thought about Scott. He would not want her to waste time feeling sorry for herself. So she entered her last semester of college, which should have been a joyous time with a heavy heart.
The semester went by faster than Lori thought it would. Graduation was a bittersweet time. Lori's parents were there, as were Scott's family. Lori was determined to stay close to them. As far as she was concerned, when she married Scott, his family became her family. They had let her know that she had their support to go forward with her life. It would have been a perfect celebration if Scott had been there.
Scott's mother had set up a reception at her house for both families and some of Lori's closest friends. She had ordered a cake and decorated the house with a graduation theme. Everyone seemed to have a good time, but Lori was secretly glad when it was over. She needed some quiet time to talk with God and reflect on Scott.
Part V coming soon.
The university gave Lori extra time to complete her final exams so that she would not lose an entire semester. She completed those exams and considered missing a semester of school. Then she thought about Scott. He would not want her to waste time feeling sorry for herself. So she entered her last semester of college, which should have been a joyous time with a heavy heart.
The semester went by faster than Lori thought it would. Graduation was a bittersweet time. Lori's parents were there, as were Scott's family. Lori was determined to stay close to them. As far as she was concerned, when she married Scott, his family became her family. They had let her know that she had their support to go forward with her life. It would have been a perfect celebration if Scott had been there.
Scott's mother had set up a reception at her house for both families and some of Lori's closest friends. She had ordered a cake and decorated the house with a graduation theme. Everyone seemed to have a good time, but Lori was secretly glad when it was over. She needed some quiet time to talk with God and reflect on Scott.
Part V coming soon.
Lori loved her new job.
Love again
Part V
Living back home with her parents was great--sometimes. There were times she felt her mother smothered her and her dad treated her like a little girl. She knew they were only trying to help, but with God's help she was slowly begin to cope with the loss of her husband. She read devotions dedicated to the grieving process and attended a Bereavement Support Group.
Her new job was helping. Some days she was too busy to be sad. She loved being a nurse and caring for patients. The joy of sending them home feeling better than when they were admitted to the hospital was greater than she had imagined. She delighted in seeing the smiles on the faces of both the patients and their families as she escorted them out of the hospital. The appreciation shown to her as they left was just icing on the cake.
After a few months, Lori settled into a pattern of work, church, bereavement meetings, and occasionally lunch with friends. It was fairly early on a Saturday morning when the doorbell rang. Lori opened the door to see a soldier standing on the porch. "May I help you?" She asked with a confused expression on her face.
"Are you Lori McDonald?"
"Yes, I am. Do I know you?"
"No. I am Kevin Walton. I was friends with Scott."
"Oh my goodness. Come in, please." Lori escorted Kevin into the living room and offered him a seat. "May I get you some refreshments?"
"No, I'm fine, but thank you."
"How did you find me?"
"I went to Scott's parents house and they told me where you were living."
"Were you stationed with Scott?"
"Yes, I was. He talked about you all the time. He lived for every letter you wrote and read each one over and over."
Lori smiled at the vision of Scott reading her letters. "Were you with him when he was shot?" She couldn't bring herself to use any other word that expressed the finality of his life.
"No, I had been sent to pick up supplies for the company when the attack happened."
Lori didn't know what to say. In one way, she was happy this young man was alive; but then again if Scott had been sent for the supplies, he'd be alive. She mustered a small smile and said, "I'm glad you're okay."
"Thank you, but Scott was my best friend and I miss him every day. I knew I had to come see you and his parents when I was furloughed. I flew here first."
"How long will you be home?"
"Two months. I have a flight tonight to go on to my parents' house. I just wanted to stop by and personally tell you what a great guy Scott was and how much I miss him."
The visit continued until they noticed it was lunchtime. "May I offer you some lunch?" Lori asked.
"No, I'm the one who barged in and took over your morning without warning. Please allow me to take you to lunch."
Lori made it a point to choose a casual diner that she had never been with Scott. The conversation continued over lunch which lasted three hours. Lori wasn't sure when the topic stopped being all about Scott. By the time Kevin took her home, Lori was surprised at both the amount of time they had spent together and how much she had enjoyed it.
Kevin continued on to his childhood home and Lori settled back into her routine. She was astonished at how often she thought about Kevin, wondered where he was or what he was doing. She was also concerned that she might be trying to replace Scott with his friend, yet she knew she had enjoyed the time she spent with Kevin.
Lori was just as surprised when she received a phone call from Kevin three weeks later asking permission to come visit again. She was both pleased and excited that he wanted another visit. This time he planned to stay the weekend. Lori met him at the airport which eliminated the need for a rental car. He had made reservations at a small hotel not far from her house. After a quick stop to allow him to check in, they drove on to a restaurant for dinner.
Again the conversation flowed easily between them. They felt like they had known each other their entire lives. Scott was mentioned a few times during the night, but for the most part, they spent time getting to know each other. The dinner and conversation lasted until closing time.
The following morning Lori picked Kevin up at the hotel and they headed to the museum district. Lori was quite proud of the museums available and was excited to introduce Kevin to them. After visiting several museums, they sat down at the snack bar. Over soft drinks and pretzels they talked about the exhibits. They found that the History Museum was the favorite for both of them.
"My grandfather served in World War II, so I grew up listening to his stories. I guess that's why I went into the military." Kevin told her.
Lori had always been a Civil War buff, probably inspired by watching Gone With the Wind as a child with her mother.
They had dinner with Lori's parent's that night. Kevin and Lori's dad discussed NASCAR racing, one of her dad's passions. By the end of the evening they felt like family.
The next morning Kevin attended church with the family before Lori took him back to the airport. They both agreed that it had been a wonderful weekend and Kevin asked to see her once more before he was deployed.
The next visit went just as well as the first two and then it was time for Kevin to return to his duty. As they were saying goodbye Kevin said, "I came to see you as a friend of Scott's, but I'm leaving a friend of yours. May I write to you while I'm deployed?"
Lori's blood ran cold for a full two seconds. Would she face another catastrophic event in her life? Could she handle it emotionally if anything happened to him? Should she end this right now before her heart suffered another loss?
Part VI Will Lori allow her relationship with Kevin to grow or will she stop it right now?
Part V
Living back home with her parents was great--sometimes. There were times she felt her mother smothered her and her dad treated her like a little girl. She knew they were only trying to help, but with God's help she was slowly begin to cope with the loss of her husband. She read devotions dedicated to the grieving process and attended a Bereavement Support Group.
Her new job was helping. Some days she was too busy to be sad. She loved being a nurse and caring for patients. The joy of sending them home feeling better than when they were admitted to the hospital was greater than she had imagined. She delighted in seeing the smiles on the faces of both the patients and their families as she escorted them out of the hospital. The appreciation shown to her as they left was just icing on the cake.
After a few months, Lori settled into a pattern of work, church, bereavement meetings, and occasionally lunch with friends. It was fairly early on a Saturday morning when the doorbell rang. Lori opened the door to see a soldier standing on the porch. "May I help you?" She asked with a confused expression on her face.
"Are you Lori McDonald?"
"Yes, I am. Do I know you?"
"No. I am Kevin Walton. I was friends with Scott."
"Oh my goodness. Come in, please." Lori escorted Kevin into the living room and offered him a seat. "May I get you some refreshments?"
"No, I'm fine, but thank you."
"How did you find me?"
"I went to Scott's parents house and they told me where you were living."
"Were you stationed with Scott?"
"Yes, I was. He talked about you all the time. He lived for every letter you wrote and read each one over and over."
Lori smiled at the vision of Scott reading her letters. "Were you with him when he was shot?" She couldn't bring herself to use any other word that expressed the finality of his life.
"No, I had been sent to pick up supplies for the company when the attack happened."
Lori didn't know what to say. In one way, she was happy this young man was alive; but then again if Scott had been sent for the supplies, he'd be alive. She mustered a small smile and said, "I'm glad you're okay."
"Thank you, but Scott was my best friend and I miss him every day. I knew I had to come see you and his parents when I was furloughed. I flew here first."
"How long will you be home?"
"Two months. I have a flight tonight to go on to my parents' house. I just wanted to stop by and personally tell you what a great guy Scott was and how much I miss him."
The visit continued until they noticed it was lunchtime. "May I offer you some lunch?" Lori asked.
"No, I'm the one who barged in and took over your morning without warning. Please allow me to take you to lunch."
Lori made it a point to choose a casual diner that she had never been with Scott. The conversation continued over lunch which lasted three hours. Lori wasn't sure when the topic stopped being all about Scott. By the time Kevin took her home, Lori was surprised at both the amount of time they had spent together and how much she had enjoyed it.
Kevin continued on to his childhood home and Lori settled back into her routine. She was astonished at how often she thought about Kevin, wondered where he was or what he was doing. She was also concerned that she might be trying to replace Scott with his friend, yet she knew she had enjoyed the time she spent with Kevin.
Lori was just as surprised when she received a phone call from Kevin three weeks later asking permission to come visit again. She was both pleased and excited that he wanted another visit. This time he planned to stay the weekend. Lori met him at the airport which eliminated the need for a rental car. He had made reservations at a small hotel not far from her house. After a quick stop to allow him to check in, they drove on to a restaurant for dinner.
Again the conversation flowed easily between them. They felt like they had known each other their entire lives. Scott was mentioned a few times during the night, but for the most part, they spent time getting to know each other. The dinner and conversation lasted until closing time.
The following morning Lori picked Kevin up at the hotel and they headed to the museum district. Lori was quite proud of the museums available and was excited to introduce Kevin to them. After visiting several museums, they sat down at the snack bar. Over soft drinks and pretzels they talked about the exhibits. They found that the History Museum was the favorite for both of them.
"My grandfather served in World War II, so I grew up listening to his stories. I guess that's why I went into the military." Kevin told her.
Lori had always been a Civil War buff, probably inspired by watching Gone With the Wind as a child with her mother.
They had dinner with Lori's parent's that night. Kevin and Lori's dad discussed NASCAR racing, one of her dad's passions. By the end of the evening they felt like family.
The next morning Kevin attended church with the family before Lori took him back to the airport. They both agreed that it had been a wonderful weekend and Kevin asked to see her once more before he was deployed.
The next visit went just as well as the first two and then it was time for Kevin to return to his duty. As they were saying goodbye Kevin said, "I came to see you as a friend of Scott's, but I'm leaving a friend of yours. May I write to you while I'm deployed?"
Lori's blood ran cold for a full two seconds. Would she face another catastrophic event in her life? Could she handle it emotionally if anything happened to him? Should she end this right now before her heart suffered another loss?
Part VI Will Lori allow her relationship with Kevin to grow or will she stop it right now?
Love Again
Part VI (Final)
Lori decided to take a chance with Kevin. She knew the risks, but she felt like Scott would have wanted her to live her life. Besides, compared to what Scott did and Kevin was doing for the second time, did it really take a lot of courage to form a relationship with someone?
Lori was surprised at how much she missed Kevin. At times she wondered if she was replacing Scott with Kevin. But when she thought of them, she never confused the characteristics of the two. She loved different things about each one. She loved Kevin's sense of humor. When she thought of Scott, she thought of his sensitivity and caring.
Kevin's letters meant more to her than Scott's had. She reasoned that, after losing Scott, she realized how precious words were and she cherished Kevin's. They set up Skype schedules and Lori looked forward to each one. Again she found herself preparing for them as carefully as she would for a date. She wanted him to see her at her best.
Kevin had been deployed for one year. There had been hundreds of letters and dozens of Skype calls. Then came the Skype call that shocked Lori. She had put her hair up in a loose bun, applied make-up carefully, and wore a blue dress to bring out the blue in her eyes. Lori answered this call with a smile. She noticed that Kevin wasn't smiling, although he was cheerful.
"How has your week gone?" She asked to open the dialogue.
"It was fine."
"Was it fairly quiet or did you see much action?"
"It was quiet."
Lori was puzzled. He didn't seem angry, but he certainly wasn't very talkative.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"You don't seem to want to be here. Is this a bad time?"
Immediately Kevin perked up. "Oh no. I want to be here. It's just that I'm..."
"You're what?"
"I'm a little nervous."
"What are you nervous about?"
"I have something to talk to you about and I'm not sure how to start."
"Just start. You know we understand each other very well."
"Well, Scott was my best friend. At first I came to see you because of him. But it didn't take long before I fell in love with you. I want to ask you...Will you marry me?"
Lori thought I've been through this before. However the flashback of Scott proposing didn't stop her heart from melting when Kevin proposed.
"Are you going to answer me?" Kevin asked in a nervous voice.
"Yes." Was all she could get out.
"Yes you are going to answer or yes you will marry me?"
"Yes." She choked out.
"Is this some kind of code?"
"No. I'm trying to say yes I'll marry you." She said as the tears began to fall.
"I'll be home in two months and we'll plan the wedding together. This time I'll be home permanently. I can hardly wait. I won't have to leave you again."
Lori looked forward to planning the wedding with Kevin. Scott wasn't interested in planning the wedding. It warmed her heart that Kevin was. She determined that this wedding would be completely different from her first.
Lori knew she had to tell her parents and felt strongly that she needed to tell Scott's parents too. So she planned a dinner at her house for all of them. The morning of the dinner started with setting the table. She wanted it to be just right and Scott's mother was a stickler for proper settings. After she was satisfied with the table, she started the appetizers. An elegant glass tray was arranged with cold shrimp and a crystal bowl of cocktail sauce in the middle. Then she wrapped it with plastic wrap and placed the tray in the refrigerator. The salad consisted of chopped baby spinach, apple, grapes, and walnuts. Beef tenderloin and crisp asparagus served as the main course. Creme brulee finished the fancy meal. It was way more trouble than she usually did for a family meal, but this was a special occasion and she wanted everyone to be impressed.
Her parents arrived first and her mother immediately began admiring the table setting. Saundra, Scott's sister came alone, but announced that her parents would be there shortly. She helped Lori served the appetizer and then returned to the kitchen to offer her services. When Scott's parents arrived, Saundra went into the living room to make them comfortable while Lori finished up last minute details in the kitchen.
When everyone was gathered around the table, Lori's dad asked the blessing. Lori and Saundra served the salads, but no one began eating. Both mothers looked at Lori with question marks practically written on their faces. Finally her mother asked, "Alright, what's up, Missy?"
"What do you mean?"
"Fancy place settings, elegant dishes, formal menu. You're not fooling me. You are up to something. Now give."
Scott's mother raised both eyebrows in agreement.
Lori's dad couldn't wait much longer. "Would you hurry up and tell us. I'm starved."
Lori took a deep breath and said, "Kevin proposed."
Scott's mother was the first one to jump up and run to Lori with a hug. She was followed by his dad and then her parents were free to express their delight.
Over dinner they discussed the upcoming event more.
"I'm glad you two are alright with this." Lori told Scott's parents.
"We are more than alright with it. We want you to be happy. Scott would not want you to be alone for the rest of your life. You have our complete support."
Kevin was a week later arriving home than expected and it was the longest week of Lori's life. Scott's parents insisted he stay with them until the wedding. He and Lori spent hours planning. He understood her desire to make it completely different from her wedding with Scott. They decided on a small ceremony at the beach with a reception to follow in a nearby hotel.
Lori invited both her mother and Scott's to shop for the wedding dress with her. She had decided to buy a short informal dress. The three women went to breakfast and then to the wedding dress shop. Lori began trying on short dresses. None of them suited her, although both mothers thought they were adorable. The sales woman suggested that she try on a long dress. After several long dresses, she was no closer to making a decision than before she started.
She was standing in front of both mothers in a beautiful long lace dress when she burst into tears.
"What's the matter, Sweetie?" Her mother asked.
"I don't know."
"Don't you want to marry Kevin?"
"Yes, I want to marry him. I don't know why I'm crying."
"You know you have our support, don't you?" Scott's mother asked.
"Yes, I know. Thank you. But that's not it."
"Excuse me." The sales lady interrupted the conversation. "We see this a lot with widows. It's not unusual. Making a decision on a new wedding dress means that you are finally letting go of your first marriage. It is very difficult to put it behind you and move forward."
"I want to move forward." Lori protested.
"I'm sure you do, but it is still difficult. If you are not ready, why don't you wait a while?"
Lori decided not to buy a dress that day. She and Kevin discussed it that night.
"If you are not ready to get married, we can postpone it." Kevin told her.
"Let me think about it for a few days."
It didn't take Lori long to determine that she was ready to marry Kevin. His patience with her was a major factor in her decision. How many men would be willing to wait while his fiance' finished grieving?
Kevin was ecstatic when she told him. Lori quickly gather her mother team and headed back to the store. This time it didn't take long for the three of them to decide on the perfect dress for the occasion and setting.
The wedding took place on a Saturday morning with family and close friends. Scott's dad wanted to buy lunch for everyone, but Kevin's dad argued that it was his job. They finally agreed to split the bill. Lori's heart swelled as she watched the two men playfully argue over who would pay. She was confident that one day her children would have the privilege of claiming three sets of grandparents. She was just as confident that all three sets would be actively involved in her children's lives.
Part VI (Final)
Lori decided to take a chance with Kevin. She knew the risks, but she felt like Scott would have wanted her to live her life. Besides, compared to what Scott did and Kevin was doing for the second time, did it really take a lot of courage to form a relationship with someone?
Lori was surprised at how much she missed Kevin. At times she wondered if she was replacing Scott with Kevin. But when she thought of them, she never confused the characteristics of the two. She loved different things about each one. She loved Kevin's sense of humor. When she thought of Scott, she thought of his sensitivity and caring.
Kevin's letters meant more to her than Scott's had. She reasoned that, after losing Scott, she realized how precious words were and she cherished Kevin's. They set up Skype schedules and Lori looked forward to each one. Again she found herself preparing for them as carefully as she would for a date. She wanted him to see her at her best.
Kevin had been deployed for one year. There had been hundreds of letters and dozens of Skype calls. Then came the Skype call that shocked Lori. She had put her hair up in a loose bun, applied make-up carefully, and wore a blue dress to bring out the blue in her eyes. Lori answered this call with a smile. She noticed that Kevin wasn't smiling, although he was cheerful.
"How has your week gone?" She asked to open the dialogue.
"It was fine."
"Was it fairly quiet or did you see much action?"
"It was quiet."
Lori was puzzled. He didn't seem angry, but he certainly wasn't very talkative.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"You don't seem to want to be here. Is this a bad time?"
Immediately Kevin perked up. "Oh no. I want to be here. It's just that I'm..."
"You're what?"
"I'm a little nervous."
"What are you nervous about?"
"I have something to talk to you about and I'm not sure how to start."
"Just start. You know we understand each other very well."
"Well, Scott was my best friend. At first I came to see you because of him. But it didn't take long before I fell in love with you. I want to ask you...Will you marry me?"
Lori thought I've been through this before. However the flashback of Scott proposing didn't stop her heart from melting when Kevin proposed.
"Are you going to answer me?" Kevin asked in a nervous voice.
"Yes." Was all she could get out.
"Yes you are going to answer or yes you will marry me?"
"Yes." She choked out.
"Is this some kind of code?"
"No. I'm trying to say yes I'll marry you." She said as the tears began to fall.
"I'll be home in two months and we'll plan the wedding together. This time I'll be home permanently. I can hardly wait. I won't have to leave you again."
Lori looked forward to planning the wedding with Kevin. Scott wasn't interested in planning the wedding. It warmed her heart that Kevin was. She determined that this wedding would be completely different from her first.
Lori knew she had to tell her parents and felt strongly that she needed to tell Scott's parents too. So she planned a dinner at her house for all of them. The morning of the dinner started with setting the table. She wanted it to be just right and Scott's mother was a stickler for proper settings. After she was satisfied with the table, she started the appetizers. An elegant glass tray was arranged with cold shrimp and a crystal bowl of cocktail sauce in the middle. Then she wrapped it with plastic wrap and placed the tray in the refrigerator. The salad consisted of chopped baby spinach, apple, grapes, and walnuts. Beef tenderloin and crisp asparagus served as the main course. Creme brulee finished the fancy meal. It was way more trouble than she usually did for a family meal, but this was a special occasion and she wanted everyone to be impressed.
Her parents arrived first and her mother immediately began admiring the table setting. Saundra, Scott's sister came alone, but announced that her parents would be there shortly. She helped Lori served the appetizer and then returned to the kitchen to offer her services. When Scott's parents arrived, Saundra went into the living room to make them comfortable while Lori finished up last minute details in the kitchen.
When everyone was gathered around the table, Lori's dad asked the blessing. Lori and Saundra served the salads, but no one began eating. Both mothers looked at Lori with question marks practically written on their faces. Finally her mother asked, "Alright, what's up, Missy?"
"What do you mean?"
"Fancy place settings, elegant dishes, formal menu. You're not fooling me. You are up to something. Now give."
Scott's mother raised both eyebrows in agreement.
Lori's dad couldn't wait much longer. "Would you hurry up and tell us. I'm starved."
Lori took a deep breath and said, "Kevin proposed."
Scott's mother was the first one to jump up and run to Lori with a hug. She was followed by his dad and then her parents were free to express their delight.
Over dinner they discussed the upcoming event more.
"I'm glad you two are alright with this." Lori told Scott's parents.
"We are more than alright with it. We want you to be happy. Scott would not want you to be alone for the rest of your life. You have our complete support."
Kevin was a week later arriving home than expected and it was the longest week of Lori's life. Scott's parents insisted he stay with them until the wedding. He and Lori spent hours planning. He understood her desire to make it completely different from her wedding with Scott. They decided on a small ceremony at the beach with a reception to follow in a nearby hotel.
Lori invited both her mother and Scott's to shop for the wedding dress with her. She had decided to buy a short informal dress. The three women went to breakfast and then to the wedding dress shop. Lori began trying on short dresses. None of them suited her, although both mothers thought they were adorable. The sales woman suggested that she try on a long dress. After several long dresses, she was no closer to making a decision than before she started.
She was standing in front of both mothers in a beautiful long lace dress when she burst into tears.
"What's the matter, Sweetie?" Her mother asked.
"I don't know."
"Don't you want to marry Kevin?"
"Yes, I want to marry him. I don't know why I'm crying."
"You know you have our support, don't you?" Scott's mother asked.
"Yes, I know. Thank you. But that's not it."
"Excuse me." The sales lady interrupted the conversation. "We see this a lot with widows. It's not unusual. Making a decision on a new wedding dress means that you are finally letting go of your first marriage. It is very difficult to put it behind you and move forward."
"I want to move forward." Lori protested.
"I'm sure you do, but it is still difficult. If you are not ready, why don't you wait a while?"
Lori decided not to buy a dress that day. She and Kevin discussed it that night.
"If you are not ready to get married, we can postpone it." Kevin told her.
"Let me think about it for a few days."
It didn't take Lori long to determine that she was ready to marry Kevin. His patience with her was a major factor in her decision. How many men would be willing to wait while his fiance' finished grieving?
Kevin was ecstatic when she told him. Lori quickly gather her mother team and headed back to the store. This time it didn't take long for the three of them to decide on the perfect dress for the occasion and setting.
The wedding took place on a Saturday morning with family and close friends. Scott's dad wanted to buy lunch for everyone, but Kevin's dad argued that it was his job. They finally agreed to split the bill. Lori's heart swelled as she watched the two men playfully argue over who would pay. She was confident that one day her children would have the privilege of claiming three sets of grandparents. She was just as confident that all three sets would be actively involved in her children's lives.
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