Reflective Sympathy
True Love Story
by
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It was a warm summer evening, and as the sun went down, a gentle breeze came in from the Atlantic, cooling the warm, humid air. The fragrance of freshly cut hay from nearby working farms where they had been baling all day caught the breeze. The evening felt quiet and reflective. Rush hour was over, and only a few cars were traveling through the small town Judie was entering. She knew this town well; only a few years back it had truly been a small town, but now it had grown to be an industrial town of about thirty-five thousand people. It was nestled along a gently flowing tree-lined river that created a picturesque postcard image of rural Pennsylvania.
At least it was quiet so Judie could think, but her thoughts took her on a never ending merry-go-round. Like a hamster on a wheel, she ran through the same thoughts over and over. Two boys sped down the sidewalk on their bikes, undoubtedly late for dinner. She smiled wistfully at them and thought, If only I could hope Jonnie would ride a bike one day, speeding along, carefree and strong with his little brother following trying to catch up. If only I could hope for anything.
I don’t want to go home. Not yet. I just need a moment to relax. Is that too much to ask? What would my husband think if he found out I just stopped for one drink before going home? Would he even notice or care? He’s never home anyway. A nice drink would help me relax and face that exhausting bedtime routine. Even thinking about how tiring taking care of Jonnie could be brought a flood of guilt. What kind of mother am I to feel so burdened by the care of my own child? Then again, Jonnie is no regular child, and he’s getting so heavy now. He’s almost too heavy for me to lift him. And Jeff, my baby, my perfect cherub, how will I ever give him the attention he needs? He probably thinks Grandmother Mary is his mother. Even when I’m home, Jonnie takes so much of my time and energy. I’m just a failure. It’s all my fault.
Judie made a conscious effort to make her thoughts stop the familiar downward spiral. Her doctor had advised her that these thoughts might never leave her and that if she didn’t get a handle on them, she could develop physical problems of her own.
Judie thought about how Jonnie’s eyes lit up when she came in the room and spoke to him, and she smiled to herself. It wasn’t much, but it was the little rewards that made it bearable. Why can’t I just have one moment? One little drink? Please, God, give me guidance. I know I’m a sinner, but I’m doing my best. I’m working two jobs now to help pay the medical bills for Jonnie. I’ve tried to be a good wife and a good mother. Everyone is so happy for a girl to marry, why doesn’t anyone tell her how lonely it is? No more hanging out with your single girlfriends on carefree nights or yakking on the phone for hours about nothing in particular.
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About the Book
What if our heart was blind to the rules of our faith? What if bending the rules meant gaining deeper insight into the ways of love? Could a shy man heal a broken heart and find love again?
This personal love story begins in a cool dimly lit local pub and brings the readers into a journey of discovering love, happiness, prosperity, heartache and anxiety. The journey through forty-three years of marriage ends in faith and acceptance.
The story also deals with the stress of caring for a handicapped child, and the anxiety incurred when melding different families. It also offers insight into healing, and overcoming grief.
Reflective Sympathy is about looking back over a life, and reflecting on all the ups and downs with sympathy, but not regret.
Live a True Love Story from the author’s personal words. Enjoy spiritual and compassionate portrayals, and live the experience of broken marriages. Marvel at the sincere desire for prosperity. Savor the heart-warming reflections of the authors life journey.
About the Author
Have you ever dreamed of prosperity, a life of contentment? Jim Graham fulfilled that dream. On January 6, 1960, he began that journey when employed by Kulicke and Soffa Industries. He became the exemplar of a young man elevating himself from rags to riches, enriched with love. This was not the only time, however, that Graham reached for his dreams.
Graham was born on December 19, 1935, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and remained in his birth town. There were many poor people while Graham was growing up, but yet there were many affluent role models guiding his path. Being raised poor did not stop him from achieving his goals of prosperity. He was especially interested in mechanics, materials, and the inter-working of complex products. Luckily, his parents and relatives encourage that interest. That encouragement drove him to excel. He certified in Tool and Die making and Mechanical Engineering, and advanced his education, enrolling in a magnitude of post-graduate courses. No obstacle was too great for Graham; he was on a mission—prosperity.
In 1982, he began educating himself on the use of personal computers, writing programs that were used globally to reduce manufacturing time and reduce the cost of mechanical components. Graham began to publish articles for magazines and newspapers; he wished to share his experience, opinions, and expertise.
Today he is retired; using his skills, Graham continues to publish articles, compose poems, research and compile genealogies, and to author and publish his autobiography, Prosperity, The Jagged Trail. Graham also authored his second book, a love story, Reflective Sympathy. His life example teaches us to follow our dreams to prosperity, share with others our expertise, console and assist those in need, and trust in God, no matter how far away your dreams may seem to be.