During the first few years of their marriage she realized
that there was something that tormented Danny, but he never talked. She
attempted not to listen to gossip that surfaced from time to time about Fanny,
but it had been so hard. Thirty-five years ago she’d returned from a trip to
North Carolina to hear from Danny’s own mouth his fixation with the woman, and
to discover his involvement with Silas in something so terrifying, it might
have destroyed her.
If I’d let it, she thought. Thank heavens, I’d just come back from seeing Daddy.
Her father had just retired from preaching, and was still
getting over the loss of his wife, but had given himself, as usual, to her
needs and concerns. During that trip she told him her concern about Fanny. He
settled her turbulent mind by convincing her to talk to Danny.
“And if there’s any truth to it, don’t condemn him, Lissa,”
he said, “You love him, then believe in him, forgive him, and, if necessary,
fight for him.”
“But, what if…”
“Life is full of what ifs,” he advised interrupting her. “The
question is can you get to the place where you can get on with living your
life, however it is to be lived, with or without Danny.”
All her life he taught
her that once you’ve given your word, you’re committed, but also with that
commitment must come wisdom to know how to deal with the inevitable struggles
and pain of life. His little “hanger-on,” he deemed her, digging in and holding
on to the very last. He constantly nourished her independent spirit, but had
also shown her how to submit it, when required, without destroying herself. His
advice and own commitment never wavered, but remained as constant and
unchanging as the God he loved. She drove home ready to talk to Danny about the
rumors concerning Fanny, but instead discovered a broken and frightened man.
© 2017 Lynn Lacher
www.lynnlacher.com
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