A Timeless Love

by Shanel

Anyway, your mama is coming a

later on. I made sure she knew not to bring that bad attitude with her either, or she can carry herself right on back down the road to her own house. I’m not putting up with it today.

As far as Tracy was concerned, it was my fault that she became a mother at the age of nineteen, and even more of my fault that the love of her life was killed overseas. I never even got to meet him, and she barely spoke about him.

“My, my. Look what the cat dragged in. If it ain’t my only child, finally gracing us with her presence. What we did so great that you thought about little ole us to show your face around here again?”

I knew there was nothing I could ever do to make her love me, and I had given up on that dream a long time ago. Now, I focused on me and my happiness without my mother in mind.

Behind him was the First Lady, and the one who I considered like a mother to me. Maureen Bradley was the type of woman that I wish I had been born

Kind, tender-hearted, patient, and the woman loved God. She treated me like her own, and always took me in when my mother told me to get out of her face.

“Good God in Heaven, would you look at this? Abigail Hope Thomas, if you don’t get over here and give me a hug!

It was a happy reunion. Hugging Pastor Bradley, he let me know that he was so glad to lay eyes on me again,

He didn’t look sick.

His skin was clear and bright, and the smile that dazzled his face took my breath away.

I missed him so much. I loved him so much and I was so incredibly pissed off with him. To think he wouldn’t confide in me the second he found out he was sick. To think he wanted to keep it from me, like I wouldn’t eventually find out.

“What are you doing here?” He asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement and emotion.

came…for you. To see you.” I was breathless, gushing my words out. He frowned a little, his face going taunt for just a minute,

It seemed like everyone was waiting for him to get comfortable before they invaded his space, all offering their condolences,

“That…that is why I didn’t tell you. I’ve been getting enough pity as it is, and I have no plans of going anywhere anytime soon.

“You looking for somebody that’s perfect.” It wasn’t a question, he was saying the same thing he said every time.

not perfect, but close to it. Someone…like you,” I shrugged, moving my food around in the bowl and then shoving more into my mouth.

“You know, I’ve always thought the same thing.”

“You ever wonder why I’m not in a real relationship? Why I don’t have a bunch of kids running around, even though you know it’s what I’ve always wanted?”

“What, Kendrick? What is it?”

no matter how many women I’ve spent time with, none of them compare to you. I always find myself thinking that they aren’t going to ever be good enough because they aren’t you.”

feel the same way. You are the perfect example of what a real man is, and until I find the same thing in Cali, ...

“Well, you can forget...

ain’t nobody else like me. I guess you might as well just marry me now, that way you ca...

Our attempt at making something happen didn’t come along until the day I was leaving. Kendrick managed to sneak in a kiss, and it was electrifying.

I was okay with letting it go, only because I couldn’t imagine that one kiss ruining what we had. Our friendship just meant too much, and jeopardizing that was out of the question.

And the worship team, I don’t remember the last time I heard a choir like that. Seeing the videos that you send me isn't even close to the real thing.”

Abby. You need that relationship with God. If you can’t go to Him, then who can you go to?”

AMEN!!!!!!!

“All the more reason that you need Him in your life. All those blessings that you keep getting…you think that’s by chance?”

knew God, I loved Him more than life, but I was lazy when it came to doing what was needed in order to sustain a real connection with Him. I felt guilty about it, but I had no one to blame but myself. “I’m going to do better.”

“I love you, girl,” he mumbled in my hair, and I smiled at him. “I love you more.”

I gotta be honest, I don’t even really know what to say right now. I wish I could give You a good reason about why we haven’t talked in so long, but there’s no point in even trying to come up with something.

already know that I don’t have an excuse. I just…I don’t know. I guess I just forgot about You, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry about a lot of things that I’ve done and said…and thought, in the last like…four years.

I’m not sure what You have going on with Kendrick, but I’m worried. I mean, it just doesn’t make sense to me. He’s like your biggest fan, and he is the sweetest person I’ve ever met, so...

this has been bothering me ever since I found out. I know that You know all things, and You have everything under control, but if You could just give me a sign…even if it’s just a small one to show that he’s going to be okay,

promise that if You let him get through this, I will do so much better about going to church and I will dedicate real time to rebuilding our relationship. I just…I can’t lose him.”

The wind blew the trees, and I thanked God in advance for hearing my prayer.

My evenings were spent with either Kendrick or Franny, or both. I even went to bible study on Wednesday night, and Pastor Bradley taught on faith and trusting the process. Was that my sign?

It was just the way they were, and as prayer warriors, we could expect them to bring Jesus with them this morning.

“I’m going to beat this, Abby. I have to. For my mama and my old man. They ain’t ready to let me go, and I can’t leave them. I gotta fight.”

I want to see my parents get old, and I want to be able to give them grandkids one day. You know how bad my mama wanna play with some babies? I’m their only hope.”

The love that Kendrick had for his parents was something that I loved to see. He was always so happy to see them,

Having to be strong for someone that you love was hard. It took a lot to maintain a face of bravery, especially when it wasn’t something that you truly felt. I wanted to do more for him.

God is in control. He holds the whole world in His hands, remember? And

how busy He is, somehow, He still knows what Kendrick is going through. He hasn’t forgotten about his child, and He will make sure that Kendrick is good. No matter what.

will fall into place just the way the Lord sees fit.”

I had to get to a place where I felt like God had it all worked out, but right now, I just wasn’t there.

“Yeah, I’m here for a while. At least until he kicks me out,” I joked,

“Silly girl. That man in there would kick me out first before he ever asked you to leave. You