Welcome Home by Tom Weaver

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He could hear the day before he saw it. Birds chirping outside, a slight wind moving over the hills rustling the leaves of the trees which surrounded his house. He remembered long ago that same sound in the Fall.

He opened his eyes slowly and felt the peace that had always filled the space of his time here. Another day to fully live…

Putting his feet on the ground, he noticed his Labradors, Sam and Lila, waiting for him, focused on him, as all good dogs do. They were so intent to please him. It made him think of his Father, and the desire he also had to do His will.

Walking out to the living room, and experiencing the beautiful view of the surrounding hills, as well as the valley that dropped below the house that led to the Master’s lake, He realized he had left the door open the night before when he came in. This brought no worry as it would have long ago, because, simply put, there was nothing to worry about. No dangerous animals, though the woods teemed with life, no dangerous threats of other people, though he was surrounded by others in their homes, some he knew, some he didn’t. There were days when he walked too far to return that evening, and would just lay down under the stars, and focus his attention on the beauty, and the One who made it. Sam and Lilah always liked this as they had easy access to push their heads under his hands to get a good scratch. He would fall asleep this way, and walk home in the morning.

Two days ago, He had received an important message from the King’s guard. A friend, whom he had not seen in years, was scheduled to arrive at the palace. Today. Today!! He couldn’t believe it, as it had been such a long time since their last conversation. What would they talk about? Would they take up right where they left off? He was sure of it, as they had been very close.

He looked around at his home and decided that everything was ready, all except the food. He wanted ex prepare a special meal for today. In his earlier life, he had been a baker, and people from all around had enjoyed his homemade creations. Cheese knots, dough with cheese baked into the flour and tied in knots, honey wheat bread so good you would eat it by itself, and white twist bread, which was braided before it was baked. This was a favorite and his friend absolutely loved his twist bread. Yes! He would make some fresh.

Also, salmon had been a dish they had cooked many times together. He used large cedar cooking board, a pan made out of wood, with steel rods run through it so the heat would not warp it. The cedar would enhance the flavor of the salmon and with butter and herbs on top, with twist bread, and a good salad, it was a fantastic meal.

As he prepped the dough for the bread, memories began to flood his mind of the last time they had seen each other. He had been extremely sick. A disease had taken hold of his mind, and kept him from communicating well. It had taken captive his memory, and his thought process was a nightmare of recognition and then immediate loss of what he had just known. He could understand, for a while, but found it harder and harder to verbalize his love, his joy, and his needs, as the disease slowly increased. At the end, He had felt so trapped and frustrated, and had acted out in a poor manner several times. Even though he couldn’t help it, he regretted that. Then one day he was healed. Miraculously. The confusion was gone, the cobwebs had been swept away, and He was whole again! He could see clearly, think deeply, and verbalize his love…but she was gone.

He thought about her daily through the years, prayed for her, looked forward to seeing her one-day in his present state, wanting to love her and care for her as he once did. The day was finally here. He had been summoned to the King’s palace at noon. He looked forward to apologizing to his friend. There would be so much to talk about.

Walking with the dogs to the front gates of the King’s palace, his excitement was palpable. He could feel his heart beating with anticipation, and tears welling up in his eyes because of the time spent apart. He walked through the gates, and said hello to the King’s guards.

Although friendly and helpful, it had taken quite a while to get used to their size. Standing at the 8-foot mark, with full armor on, a seven-foot sword strapped to their backs, massive legs and arms, and a huge head. Quite impressive. “Hello Tom! She is arriving today! Are you excited?” one of the guards said. “I am,” he said. “Thought I’m a bit nervous.” “You will do fine!” The guard said, and pointed towards the receiving area, about 100 feet away. He had been here a few times with his other friends as they had welcomed loved ones, yet now it was his turn.

“Look, the King is already there! He will put you at ease.” Tom looked in the direction the guard pointed, and there He was. The King. The one who had healed him. He never got tired of looking at Him. So commanding, so powerful, yet he made his subjects feel loved and special. Others that he knew had come today as well.

They were already gathered, and the King was speaking to them, casually, as family speaks to one another. Tom did not want to interrupt, so he stood off to the side. He had always been that way, not wanting to interfere, or cause a disturbance. The King looked up and saw him. “Tom! Good afternoon my friend!” He came up and hugged him. Not quickly, but as a son or father hugs their own family. With intention. With love. “Are you excited? Are you ready to see her? She has been thinking about this day for a long time, and is ready to see you.” Tom had not thought of this, only his desire to see her. It made his heart quicken, and through tears he smiled at his King and said, “Yes I am. Although, I don’t know what to say.” The King, with great patience and care, put his hand on Tom’s shoulder. He drew him close so they were face to face. This would have been uncomfortable for him in his previous life, yet now it gave him great comfort. “I’m with you, Tom. I’m not going to leave. I’ll be right here.” The King smiled as he said it, and Tom immediately felt peace and joy. He was ready.

Tom began to think about his friend and wonder what she would look like. She had always been beautiful to him, even as they had aged. She had cared for him, supported him, and served him for years. A beautiful woman from the inside out.

The King whispered quietly to Tom, “Here she comes.” He looked up to see a beautiful young woman walking towards him. All she could do was look around. He remembered that feeling of awe. She was healed. She was whole. Her body was not what it has just been.

The King stepped forward and welcomed her. She began to cry tears of joy, because she knew the King well. He hugged her as His own and welcomed her. He spent time loving her soul, as He was the reason she lived. It was so beautiful to watch, Tom just enjoyed being a part of it. It went on for a while. Then quietly, the King whispered in her ear, “There’s someone here to see you.” Tom saw her look up, and their eyes met. It was her. She was finally here. He reached out his hand, and she met it with hers. He drew her to his arms, and with tears in his eyes, he said, “Welcome home, Emily. Welcome home.”