There were times like this, where it made no difference she was a bio-chemist, or that he had been a 3rd year med student. It didn’t matter that she was from Africa, or that he was white, with red hair, that she was very tall, and he was not. All that mattered was that they were madly in love with each other. She snuggled closer and laid her head on his bare chest. She could hear his heartbeat in her ear, as he lay lightly snoring.
For weeks before the wedding, they both knew it was time. There was a certain way they both looked at each other, the way he touched her face, the way she rubbed his back. It was the way their lips searched, and found each other. There was a yearning and longing for each other.
And now, as he slept, they held one another. He was dreaming of the wedding again. Picturing in his mind the mountain, and how they made their vows to one another, kneeling, facing each other. They had promised to love each other, and to be faithful, even if they did find other people alive. Miriam had been worried about polygamy, so they had written vows, to only have one spouse, unless they were so injured, from brain damage, there was no choice.
They had also worked out all the details about faith, and placed those promises in their vows. They promised most of all, to love and respect each other. She would say and sing prayers on Friday nights, lighting the Sabbath candles, like her mother had done, and he would share with his family about the Messiah. That was all they ever needed. They didn’t know it at the time, but years in the future, this would still be an important part of their family life. They also promised to never part, during the difficult times.
But that was two days ago, and now as Miriam lay there, on his chest, she thanked God for her husband. She had never met a man so gentle, and yet so strong, at the same time. Tears began to flow, down her cheeks, and on to his chest. She quietly wiped her tears, and began singing softly in Amharic. It was a love song she had been teaching Jeremiah, in her language. In English the words go like this:
As long as there are rocks in the ground and fish in the sea,
You will always be, you will always be, my Love,
As long as the sun sets, on the water, making liquid gold,
You will always be, you will always be, my Love.
Jeremiah heard her singing, and stirred. He was at the part in his dream, where they had exchanged bracelets and placed them on each other’s wrists (instead of rings). She placed a leather one on his wrist with beautiful Hebrew letters from the Aaronic benediction…….. in English the translation was, “The Lord bless you, and keep you….” And the bracelet he placed on her wrist, was gold, and had belonged to his Great, Great Grandmother. She had received it as a gift, before the family emigrated from Holland, and it had been in the family ever since.
Miriam’s voice was unmistakable, and he awoke smiling. He began hearing the words in Amharic…….. “As long as the sun sets on the water, making liquid gold,” He joined in, and in perfect Amharic, they both sang……… “You will always be, you will always be,……..my Love…….”
And their lips found each other, once again……
To be continued.
Writing and Image © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree
Peace and blessings to everyone.
“If you love nature, you will love people.”
Rivers Renewed 