On the Horizon
It was decided. Truth and Patience were both going to the new world. I was worried and I could tell that Mother was too. We all felt a little bit better about Patience leaving, since she would be wed to John and they would go together. Truth seemed so young, he was only seventeen. Mother kept asking him if he was sure and he kept saying he was.
“Mother,” he would say calmly, “ I feel like this is the right thing to do. It's what God is calling me to do.”
And she couldn't argue with that. In the weeks leading up to Patience's wedding and their departure, our little Dutch home was a flurry of activity. I sometimes helped Mother as she made of lovely dress for Patience.
One day, as I was doing my chores when the realization hit me. In two weeks, my older brother and sister would leave and I would never see them again. Trying to ignore the thoughts, the pain, I rushed through the rest of my chores. Then I ran into my room and began to sob.
“Why God?!!!” I screamed, “why do you want to take them away?”
A few minutes later, I felt a warm hand on my shoulder. “Purity,” my sister said softly. “Why do you have to go?”I mumbled.
“ Oh, Purity,” she sighed, “I'm going because John and I decided it was what God wanted us to do. To get away from the hustle and bustle of the world and create a community devoted to Him.”
“Yeah,” I sniffed, “But why does God want to take you away from us?”
“Take us away?” Questioned a deeper voice. It was Truth standing in my doorway. “He's not taking us away from you. The Lord is only moving where our bodies are. We'll always truly be together.”
“But I'll miss you!” I cried, and we all fell into each other's arms.
Patience looked extra beautiful as she stood with John in her dress on her wedding day. After the ceremony, people gathered in our home for a meal celebrating the couple. The two of them looked radiant together, but they had a faraway look in their eyes. Truth had it too. They were ready to go.
And the next day, they did. Everything they needed to start a new colony was already in the boats. As people filed onto the Mayflower, Mother embraced them all at least four times. Then it was time for them to board.
“ Grace and peace be with you,” Quoted Patience.
“ From God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” Truth finished, smiling.
And with that, they were lost in the crowd. Mother fell into Father's arms, weeping uncontrollably.
“Let's go home.” He said to her.
“I'll meet you there in a little bit,” I called after them.
Father nodded.
I sat down on the grassy slope as the boats cast off. I didn't leave as they sailed further and further away. But just as they were about to sail beyond my view, I thought I saw someone waving.
Keep on glowing in the dark,
Elora
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