It had been too long between visits. Tears filled his eyes as he walked, slowly, toward the front. Why did he wait so long?
The bitterness, grief he once felt was now gone. He wasn't sure how it started, he just remembers the angry words, the slamming of the door, then the silence...painful silence. The scene played back in his mind like a broken record. The anger had filled his very being - how it consumed him. But now all that has changed.
He takes another step, his arm shaking as he leans on the wooden cane preparing to take another.
These last few days transformed him, freeing him from the slavery of the anger and bitterness. The hour spent with his nephew was difficult yet consoling and encouraging. So many tears, so much resentment. He admitted everything, leaving nothing behind. Too many years to review, so much lost time.
Another step closer.
Hearing the words 'I'm sorry' resonated through his mind, then he realized he said those words. Everything was gone. All the anger...dissipated.
He leaned forward, ever so slowly. A tear ran down his wrinkled cheek.
He remembered the hug that seemed never ending. So tight, so long awaited. Too many years away, yet here he was with his family. He looked up, his nephew had tears in his eyes.
He watched as his daughter turns to walk back to their seats. He looked into his nephew's joyful eyes.
Another tear of joy. Remembering the prophetic words..."I absolve you." Rejoicing. Freedom! Such immense love. Unending mercy.
Trying to uncurl his arthritic fingers. Once so active and skillful, now found it difficult to hold a fork. His hands reaching, extending, yearning. They formed a small cradle as if to hold a precious jewel. He finally understood - "The Body of Christ."
His soul leaped for joy. Lord, I'm here...I came. We're all finally together again.
Another tear. His whole being rang out in his 'Amen.'
I'm finally home!
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