Todd Waters- Milestones

[LyricLee]

This is less of a story and more a combined collaboration of a contest Im currently in. But I figured why not post it anyways incase some of you might enjoy it.

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Episode 1- My Birth

I wish that I could tell you more about my parents. But the truth is I wish I knew more about them as well. I don't know the events surrounding my actual birth. I don't know who my biological family is, or where they came from. I've heard so many stories growing up. Some people say my mother was a street worker, who didn't know who my father was and didn't want to be saddled with a child. Others say she was a rich politicians wife who had a torrid affair. A child being living proof of such indescretions would not be suitable for her husbands career. Others yet say my mother was simply a scared teenager who didn't know what to do.

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What I do know I will share with you. My "father" found me by some miraculous twist of fate. It was 2 in the morning and I was left on a ratty blanket below his row home window. He was barely 20 years old when he found me but for some unexplainable reason he found room in his heart to keep me and not leave me in the night to die.

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He didn't have much but he did try his very hardest to provide for me. He worked from home, in a business I don't believe in hindsight, was so legal.

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His "co-workers" loved me though. Every time my dad had a "business meeting" someone always found time to tickle me or cuddle me. It felt so nice to be loved by so many people.

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Most of all I had the love of my dad. I know it must have been hard on him to take in this child that came out of no where. I would learn later on just why I touched his heart like I did. However he loved me more than I could have asked for. I don't know who my real parents are. Maybe one day I will find them, maybe not. But I am thankful for the life that I have had so far.

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[LyricLee]

First Birthday:

My first birthday wasn't your typical birthday, but I was lucky just to have made it this far. The night before my birthday there were lots of loud noises and screaming from outside of our apartment. I woke up crying and Daddy came in to hold me and make me feel safe again.

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He told me that night that I was his "inspiration" whatever that means. And that he was going to do everything he could to give me a better life. The next morning when the sun came up, Daddy packed up our little belongings, and took all the money he had saved up and we left that place.

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We drove foreverrrrr. But Daddy didn't let my birthday pass without cake! We stopped at a cute little bakery and the people there loved me. They brought me balloons and even sang to me. It was the best birthday ever.

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Terrible Two's

Daddy had taken part of his savings and rented us a house in a cute little town far away from the city. He even took some money and spoiled me with lots of presents. This is Eeyore. Hes my most favorite toy ever.

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We do everything together. We nap together, and play together and even eat together. Daddy gets mad when I feed Eeyore becuase he always has to have a bath afterwards. But I think Eeyore likes Daddy's cooking too.

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Daddy says that when he was younger his friends taught him how to paint on walls, but that wont pay the bills. So Daddy now makes beautiful paintings he can sell. He even lets me paint with him. It's my favorite thing to do.

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Some nights in the summer, Daddy and me sit in our gazebo and watch the sunset. Its so beautiful.

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That fall we went on a trip. It was a very special trip. I got to meet Daddy's Mommy. She's not here anymore but I can tell my daddy still loves her very much. I don't like to see daddy cry.

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My daddy says I gave him the best Christmas present ever. I learned to walk! Daddy was sooooo happy.

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And thats what happened the year I was two. Now its nap time!

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[LyricLee]

School Days


There are some good things, and some bad things about living in a small town. Good thing number 1: Our neighbor Mrs. Crenshaw. She is the best babysitter I could ever ask for. On those days when Dad has a show at the gallery, she comes over and reads to me and makes some of the best dinners I've ever had. (Don't tell Dad he'll get mad)
She wanted to be there for my first day of school. Boy was I a nervous wreck. I hadn't gotten to know many kids my age, well in fact none. Dad liked for us to keep to ourselves and that was fine but I had no idea what to expect from other people my age. My stomach was in knots. However it quickly un-knotted at the smell of Mrs. Crenshaws delicious strawberry waffles. Yum!!!!!!
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After breakfast I ran to my room to get ready. Oh my god I have no Idea what to wear!!!!!! I have to look just right. What will the other kids be wearing? Will I fit in? Oh no the knots are back!
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I finally finished getting ready and ran out the door. Because today was my very first day of school, Dad decided to drive me. After today though I'd take the bus. I had never been on a bus before and am so looking forward to it. But Dad as usual wanted to take lots of pictures! He gave me a hug and some of the other kids looked at me funny. My school is really cute isnt it?
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I was in room 232. I walked in and put my backpack in my locker. I looked around and noticed alot of the other kids were whispering. Were they talking about me? Almost all the seats were filled except for one in the front row. I really didn't want to sit up there. This nice girl waved me over and asked me to sit with her. I smiled. Her name was Emma. She was kind of pretty for a girl. I sat down and we started to talk a little bit. She is so nice.
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A few seconds before the bell rang, our teacher Miss Manning entered the room. She smiled at all of the kids as she made her way to her desk. Suddenly she turned around to face me and this puzzled look came across her face. I was scared. Had I done someting wrong already? Quickly she looked away and walked over to the blackboard.
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Lessons were fun that day. I learned my alphabet and some math too. I really like math. After lunch we had recess. Recess did NOT go as smoothly as lessons.
Emma and I had taken a seat on the stone benches on the playground. The other kids came over and started pointing and yelling at me. I don't know what I did to make them so mad. One of the boys laughed "You're white but you have a black daddy!" Another girl called me a "freak". I tried so hard to not cry. What did it matter if my Daddy had a different skin color? Emma called them all babies and told them to grow up but they wouldn't stop. I think someone up above is looking out for me because a few minutes later it started to rain. We all had to run inside and they stopped calling me names...for now.
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In the afternoon we learned science and social studies. Did you know we have 5 senses? As the other kids were packing up for the day, Miss Manning asked me if I could stay after class for a few minutes. Oh no, the knots were back AGAIN!!! The other kids snickered and laughed. I knew it, I was in trouble this time.
Once the room was empty except for me and MIss Manning she started to talk.
"Todd, relax you're not in trouble" she said.
I felt much better finally. She continued.
"I just wanted to compliment you. You are very gifted in math and a wonderful student. You are going to do wonderful this year. I can just tell. I know the other kids can be mean but please try to not let them bother you. And if they give you any more trouble I want you to come straight to me ok?"
"Yes Miss Manning" I replied. She really was nice afterall.
Then I asked "Miss Manning, why did you look at me funny this morning?"
She hesitated a bit then answered, "Well Todd, You remind me of a former student of mine. A very special girl I had several years back. You look amazingly like her and it just surprised me. Im so sorry if I upset you"
"It's ok!" I told her. She gave me a hug and I scrambled off just in time to catch my bus.
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When I got home Dad was waiting at the front door. I ran up and hugged him tightly. The bus was so much fun, but I was so happy to be home finally. I was starving!
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That night for dinner, Dad ordered wings. They were the best wings I've ever had. We sat in the livingroom and I told him all about my day. I told him about the new things I learned and about Emma. He said that I could invite her over to play if her parents said it was ok. I told him about the mean kids too.
"Todd, I love you. You are my son. It doesn't matter if our skin doesnt match, or how much money we have, or how we dress. You saved me from a very bad time in my life, and I saved you too. Thats what family is about, love. And I will always be here for you so it doesn't matter what other kids think."
My dad always made me feel better. And he was right. We were true family. I forgot to tell him about Miss Manning's former student. But I guess that doesn't matter really.
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That night, after a great dinner, Dad read me my favorite story. It's called Leo the Lop. I fell asleep right there on the floor. I think Dad must have carried me to bed becuase I woke up in my room the next morning. I can't wait to see how the rest of my school year goes.
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[LyricLee]

Teen years

In typical teenage fashion, as soon as I hit puberty, I started to give my father grey hair. I can still remember the day I almost gave him a heart attack. After months of renovating the house, and finally finishing the guest bathroom, I had the bright idea to dye my hair. I've never been one for keeping things clean. Remember how bad my room was as a child? Well needless to say I accidentally got black hair dye all over the brand new marble counters, the expensive new rug and some other things. Dad was so mad. I think he actually turned purple yelling at me. I didn't mean to do it.

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It was around my 15th birthday that I got a rather shocking surprise. Attached to my locker was this construction paper pink heart. Inside it said "I've always wanted you to have my heart" but there was no name on it. Later on I found out it was none other than Emma who had left me the little love note. We had stayed friends all through school but I never even suspected she thought of me in that way. Since finding out though we've been completely inseperable. She was there for me through the hardest times and gave me some of the best times in return. So in the end she wound up with my heart.
My favorite times with her are when we go to our special spot. Theres an old glass factory thats been long abandoned in the neighboring city. Luckily for us the fire ladders to the roof are still pretty sturdy. When we want alone time we climb to the top and just talk. Many nights have passed, just Emma and I, up on that roof talking until the sun comes up. I don't think Dad is particularly fond of the hours I keep but he'll deal.

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I think my teen years were spent in a "black phase." Everything in my room is black. It gives me solitude. I love to just lay in my bed with a good Poe book, listen to some Patrick Wolf, or The Cure, and relax. Emma is the hyper one of our couple. She can never sit still. But she looks damn ***y when she dances so I can't complain. Although Dad hates my decorating, Im rather proud of all my art work.

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Speaking of artwork, I think I've gotten pretty good at it. And for that I have to thank my dad. He encouraged me to follow in his footsteps. He even converted the basement into my own studio. Its not completely finished yet but its a great place to paint. I can express myself on canvas in ways I can't normally do with words. Plus painting is a really good excuse to see your girlfriend nekkid!

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I still visit my grandmothers grave as often as possible. Sometimes I like to go alone and tell her things I'm not comfortable telling my father. I know I never got the chance to meet her, but sometimes it feels like shes really there, watching over me. I know how much my father cares for me so I know she'd be proud of him.

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I'll never forget the winter of my seventeenth year. Thats when everything changed. I was visiting grandma one day and I decided to stop at O'Malleys Pub. It's this little dive bar at the end of town but the only place that doesn't ask for ID.

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I must have had a few too many because I lost track of time. The last bus back home had left ten minutes before the bar closed. I was stuck and had no choice but to hike the 6 miles back home in the cold. To make matters worse it started to snow. I hate the snow.
Either it was too much alcohol or I felt like someone was following me. I quickly hastened my pace and jogged the last 4 miles home.

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It was about a week later that I realized what a terrible mistake it had been to stop at that bar. Around 9:30 at night there was a knock on the door. Neither I nor Dad were expecting company. To my shock and horror there was a woman at the door, the same woman who had followed me the week prior. My father took one look at her and was rattled to the core. I on the other hand felt this incredible surge of anger. There was no doubt about it. The woman at the door that night was my mother.

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She introduced herself as Kate Sheridan. I think out of shock and just simply not knowing what to do, my father invited her in out of the cold. She couldn't take her eyes off of me and it pissed me off. Who the hell did she think she was? To just come in here at this hour of the night. What did she expect? Me to run toher crying "mommy, mommy" No way! She seemed flustered but then started to talk.

"I don't mean to come calling at such a late hour but you have to understand I've been trying to muster the courage to knock on your door every day for the past week. When I saw you at that bar that night I just knew that you were my baby"

"Look lady im not YOUR baby! Im not a BABY at all.." I started.

"No, No Im sorry. Please understand. I've been looking for you all of your life. I never gave up hope that you were alive."

I was intrigued but still reluctant to believe a word out of her mouth. How does anyone just lose a child? I didn't want her. I didnt need her! I had my family! I had my father and Emma and I was happy.

"Let me start from the begining," she said as the tale of my birth came rolling off her tongue. I could tell that my father at this point was getting scared. He was angry and regretting letting her into our home. I think his anger was a wall he put up to hide his fear more than anything.

"When I had you I was only 15 years old. I was living in really terrible foster home with 5 other children. The couple raising us only did so for the monthly check the government would send them. My foster father, realized that once I gave birth to you that i would be emancipated and a large chunk of his money would cease. He stopped sending me to school when I started showing. I had no idea the pure evilness of his plans until it was too late. I went into labor with you around 1 in the morning. I begged and begged him to take me to the hospital but he refused. Instead he locked me in my bedroom and shoved a towel under the door so I wouldnt wake up the other children he was fostering. I gave birth to you alone in that room. And I held you in my arms and pulled you so close to me. I named you Christopher. As you let out your first cry, he entered the room. I'll never forget the words he said to me. "You filthy slut, you're not going to cost me money with your trollup ways" and he wretched you from my arms. I was scared beyond words. I screamed and screamed for him to give my baby back. He slapped me across the face knocking me into the nightstand drawer and I lost consciousness. When I woke up both you and he were gone. I screamed and hollered. I was so weak from just having had you. I had no idea where you were, or how long you had been gone. He told me that you were dead."

At this point tears were streaming down her face. And I think my father was left breathless as well as I was. She continued.

"I tried running out of the house but he was too fast for me and grabbed me and threw me back into my room. No one heard me screaming and I didn't have the strength to get free."

Thinking of this evil man, my blood began to boil. How could anyone be that sinister, that selfish, that....evil? I wanted to find him and make him pay for what he did. I would never undo my life, but the pain on Kate's face was unbearable.

"You certainly weren't kept in that room forever. Why didn't you go to the police!" My father yelled at her.

"I did! As soon as that bedroom door was unlocked. I ran out of the house and ran and ran." she replied. "But almost a month had passed since I had given birth to you... T...Todd. And they refused to believe the word of a 15 year old girl. My father told them I was delusional and thats why no one had wanted to adopt me and that he fostered me out of kindness"

"What about my biological father" I asked, cautiously selecting my words as to not offend the one man who had loved and raised me.

Again a pained look came across Kate's face and she started to continue her story.
"He was the love of my life," she said.

'Was' I pondered silently

"We were sweethearts for two years before. His name was Chris and you have his nose." She said with a glimmer of a smile. "After the night at the police station, my foster father had picked me up. I knew that I was going to be locked in my room again, or beaten or worse. I jumped from his car as we were going down the highway. I had no where to go but to your fathers. I ran in the hopes that I could seek refuge with him. But when I got there I found out he had left not long before to go see me. What I only found out later was that my foster father had offered him a ride home once he had gotten to thehouse. I don't know what his true intentions were, but ...b....but." She began to choke up. "As they were driving down the highway a truck had overturned and killed them both. I had lost you, and your father and I had no where to go. You would have loved him Todd. He was an amazing man."

"I HAVE an amazing father" I replied curtly.

And she began to sob uncontrolably.

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[LyricLee]

That night was painful for me. More painful than any other in my life. I was filled with the full range of emotions. Part of me was sad for her, another angry at the man who had hurt her so bad. Then there was fear. I didn't want my life to change. I didn't wan't to lose my Dad. But he, in his infinite kindness and wisdom figured out a way to make things work for all of us. I was rather angry at having to give up my studio at first, but he invited Kate to stay with us, atleast through the holidays. I can't call her mom yet though. We would talk and figure out where to go from there. I think after some time, a fondness grew between my father and Kate. She did afterall give me to him. Not willingly but through a tragic twist of fate, the joy I had brought him was because of her. And for this he couldn't be greatful enough. Part of it was guilt too possibly. Guilt that he had gotten to raise me while she had suffered so long without me. Learning the reality of my begining, and having the questions that had lingered all of my life answered, was very hard. But finally I was able to get closure on an open chapter of my life. I somehow felt ....whole again. In time, I think things will turn out ok.

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[LyricLee]

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My adult life brought with it many changes. I can't say that the end of my relationship with Emma was pleasant but I bear no ill will any longer. We had been virtually inseperable since we were children and I suppose for her atleast, things got a bit stale. I only wish it hadn't been my own father she had tried to turn her affections to. Thankfully he had better sense than to return her solicitations. I was sad to see an end to such a long chapter in my life, but I truly believe that if anything can break apart the love you have for someone then it was never meant to be in the first place. I will admit however it was a bit fun to throw all of Em's things across the front lawn :)

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Things had settled down pertaining to my mother as well. I came to find out that she really was an incredibly lovely woman. And in reality it wasn't her fault what happened to me. She tried her very hardest to make things up to me. She stayed with us initially for a week or so. And visited every single weekend thereafter. I think perhaps 6 months went by and the inevitable happened. I caught mommy kissing daddy. Through all of my childhood, Charles had put me first. I dont recall him ever dating. I think he worried most about a woman coming into my life and possibly leaving and what that would have done to me. So he sacrificed his own happiness for me once more. Now that I was 20 he could put those fears to rest and actually live for himself. It was akward at first but the feeling of completeness and happiness soon overrode any of that. My father deserved someone who would love him with their whole heart, and I could not have asked for a better man for my mother.


It was my sophmore year of college that started the changes that would shape the rest of my life. I had been going to community college in Stafford and had been selling my paintings to a local gallery to cover tuition. I received a phone call one Monday morning. It was the director of human resources from NYU asking me if Id be interested in transfering to their college on a full art scholarship. My jaw hit the floor. How did these people, hundreds of miles away, find me? And more importantly why did they want me of all people to attend their college? I scribbled down the details and ran off to tell my parents the news. Apparently a chairman for the college had seen one of my pieces while visiting the gallery by my school and was so impressed he wanted to personally supervise my education and offer me this scholarship at his own expense. Things like this just do not happen to people like me.
I was rather apprehensive at leaving the only life I had known, especially moving to such a large city. My parents both encouraged me though. My father was happy that I had been given an opportunity he had not. I packed my belongings and was ready to go the following week.

I know many people rave about how wonderful New York is. I am not one of them. I tried to go into things open minded. This was a new experience and I should not compare it to life in the country. The college was an amazing place. I had never seen anything so large in my life. There were students milling about 24/7 as if no one truly slept. Yet, something was lacking that made me miserable. The hustle and bustle did not take away form the fact that the city was just so cold. People scurried about their business like ants building a new colony. This just was not me. I wanted this education but I also wanted to live somewhere that I could call home. Somewhere that people knew each others names, and the places you traveled to felt warm and cozy. That didn't exist here. Perhaps I started to turn into a recluse but I couldn't manage to keep up appearances and mingle with people I knew I would never see again.

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I was nearing the close of my Junior year at NYU and Mr. Chapman (The man who paid for my scholarship) had invited me to a meeting at his gallery in Midtown Manhattan. When I arrived, there were several suit and tie types, seated around a large table in one of the most exquisite rooms I have ever seen. White marble flooring, elegant glass chandeliers and breathtaking sculptures decorated the gallery meeting room. I took a seat at the end of the table, opposite Mr. Chapman.

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"Ahhhh Mister Waters, Thank you for joining us today" he said.
"Pleasure to be here" I replied politely.
"We have been watching your progress at NYU and I must say I am quite pleased. I knew you had talent my boy and I do feel that you have only honed your skills even further this past year"
I smiled at him.
"This is why I would like to offer you a very special position with us. How would a 6 figure salary suit you?" He asked.
At this point I was rather in shock. And somewhat apprehensive too. I knew there had to have been some eventual catch to this "scholarship" that I had been given.
"The contract would entail you being comissioned by this gallery to provide us with one new piece every 3 weeks. You will be paid upon the completion of each work and for the hours put into each show that you do. What do ya think my boy?"

I believe my next actions were the culmination of my feelings the entire past year of living in this wretched city. I stood up, crossed my arms and replied
"Absolutely NOT"
A few of the board members gasped. A few of the women began whispering to themselves.
"I'm sorry Mr. Crenshaw but art to me is not about the money and how many pieces I can make in X ammount of time. Art is a gift, and my painting has been something that I hold very dear to my heart. Art is an expression of the artists soul, their feelings, their thoughts. I can't possibly accept this deal and churn out emotionless pieces just to fill some quota. I'm sorry but I have to say no."
With those words the last on my breath, I turned and walked out of the room.
I had known for along time that this was not the life meant for me. This transaction sealed the deal. I did not want my soul to be bought and sold. I returned to my dorm, grabbed a few personal items and hopped on the next bus back home.

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On the outskirts of town, the light turned red. I gazed out of my window and upon the place that I should have known was my destiny. I screamed "STOPPPPPPPP" and nearly gave the old man driving the bus a coronary. I grabbed my knap sack and stood before my fate. This place had been my solace as a teenager. And though Emma was gone, it still was the one part of my memories that made me happiest. I can't truly explain it. Perhaps there was a tranquility here that allowed me to escape the problematic times and often inspired me to produce the most beautiful art I had ever created. I knew that this is where my journey would begin.

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I took the little money I had in the bank and put a downpayment on the old place the next day. My parents thought I was absolutely insane. The building had been empty for nearly 20 years. In its hayday it had been a very lucrative glass factory. But time had taken its toll. Mold had seeped up the brick walls and permiated the place with a musky odor. Chunks of brick had begun to crumble leaving gaping holes in her beautiful walls. Rust adorned the pipeworking throughout. It would take lots and lots of work but I knew that it would be worth it. Several times I'm sure my father wanted to have me committed. I worked sometimes until the sun came up, refusing help from any outside sources. This was my fate, my future and I would create my most beautiful piece of art yet.


In only 5 months I managed to complete all of the renovations and recieve all of the certifications needed. I opened the CT Museum of Modern Art (named after myself and my father) in Kingsport Cape on the day of my 21st birthday. Word must have spread about the kook who was insane enough to renovate the old Bowers Glass Mill, as my opening day was quite the production. I sold atleast 6 paintings that day. But I recieved an even better gift as well.

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A vaguely familiar face approaced me thought I could not place her. She introduced herself as Julie Pierce and asked me if by any chance I was looking for an assistant or secretary. Somehow though I saw thru the job seeking farce.

"Why are you really here? And where do I know you from" I asked her, trying not to offend but get to the real reason this woman was there.
"You do know me yes and I wasn't quite sure how to approach you. I used to work for Mr. Crenshaw"
Ah Ha! This was the blonde woman who had stared at me in awe when I made my speech in New York.
"It took alot of guts what you did. And I think your intentions were so honest and honorable. When I heard that you were opening your own gallery I just had to come and see you." She replied as her cheeks flushed crimson.

[LyricLee]

We ended up talking into the late hours of the evening that night. And I decided a secretary wouldn't be so bad after all. Ok, maybe I wanted to keep her around for other reasons but it worked out for both of us. The following Christmas, My parents, myself and Julie had a small double ceremony. I knew in my heart that this woman was the one for me. My parents were delightfully happy to announce shortly after the wedding that they were expecting. We had all started with so little and came so far.
With twins on the way, yes my mother and father were expecting two, we purchased the most perfect home for all of us. Only 5 miles from the gallery sat a lovely duplex. It was the perfect home to raise children in, and we would be together yet seperate still.

Julie and I talked about children too. We didn't rule out biological children, but felt that there were so many kids in the world that desperately needed a family to love them, so we adopted Anja. She is the light of my life.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/Dawn526/8-wherewelive.jpg


Moments like this are what make my heart sing. Every night Anja crawls into bed with Julie and I. I read her my favorite bedtime story, the one my father read to me as a child. Once her crystal blue eyes close I carry her off to her room, tucking her in bed with Eeyore. She loves him just as I did once. And I love her more than I have loved anyone ever.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/Dawn526/7-Favtimes.jpg

I don't think I could have imaged a life as wonderful as this one. I have two loving parents who are happily enjoying their lives together. A beatuful brother and sister. And most of all an amazing wife and perfect daughter. I have the job of my dreams as well. This is what life is all about. This is our Christmas family photo. Who could ask for anything more?


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/Dawn526/10-Xmas.jpg

[hopebayler]

What a sweet story! and how in the world did you get such a good upclose pic of the baby?

[LyricLee]

Tab and - and + are my very best friend :) Thank you for the comment Hope :)

[hopebayler]

okay thanks

[Missa]

I loved this story.. Great job :)

[nengi65]

What a wonderful story and such lovely pictures to illustrate it.
I really, really enjoyed reading all of it. Thanks for sharing hon.
Absolutely sweet :)

[GenericImbroglio]

Really great Lyric. You have such talent and imagination. Very ell done.

Cliff Johnson :blob8:
Sunbathing With Fatigue

[Caeru]

Mhm, that is true, even with tab and + - I never manage to take a close up of a baby, the camera simply wont go as close...

[Freelancer]

YAY it's Todd!! Great seeing this all at once Lyric. You've done an incredible job!

[LyricLee]

Todd Waters: The End


Peter Pan once said "To die will be an awfully big adventure" and I do believe that boy knew what he was talking about. I think deep down everyone dreads growing old. To give up the only existance we know for some great unknown is quite a terrifying thing. In the end, however it is inevitable. Some may say I was never meant to live. Had my father not rescued me from that chilly alleyway, I would not have gotten to experience life in all of its glory. I do believe I've had it better off than most and for that im greatful. My Golden years were more of a platinum actually. Julie and I welcomed a son into the world a few years after we adopted Anja. Both of our children grew up wise and went to college. I will say that I recieved my fair ammount of payback from my own teenage years once they hit 13 or so. However I am incredibly proud of the people they have become. My daughter got bit by the art bug herself, and now runs the gallery. She and her husband Joe blessed us with two gorgeous granddaughters who are the light of my life. My son went on to become a big hot shot actor on day time TV.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/Dawn526/headshot-1.jpg

I loved nothing so much as the days when the whole family would get together and enjoy a beautiful spring barbeque. My father passed on at the age of 79. My mother held it together the best she could but you could see the sadness in her face. Losing my father was hard for all of us. He is the very reason this family existed. I know that I will see him again though. Until then I enjoyed every second of time I had on this planet.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/Dawn526/m51.jpg

Once the kids had grown and moved away, Julie and I felt the pangs of lonliness quite strong. I took a bit of our savings and we spent many evenings in our new garden. There's nothing as delicious as a vegetable soup made from your own homegrown ingredients. It passed the time and gave myself and my wife time to grow closer and bond all over again.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/Dawn526/gardening.jpg

I can't truly recall the last moments of my life. It's still somewhat of a blur for me. I know I had been in the hospital for a few days with a nasty bout of pneumonia and then that was it, I was gone. It's funny how this whole after life thing works. There was no white light, no etheral music playing. I just sort of remember floating out of my body. I could see my loved ones around me at my bed side sobbing. How desperately I wanted to scream out to them and let them know that I would be ok. But I couldn't. I watched them as they cried for me and my heart broke. I wasn't ready yet. I really wasn't ready. Just one more day to plant strawberries with my wife. Another day to play hide and seek with my grandbabies. But it doesn't work like that.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/Dawn526/dying.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/Dawn526/obit2.jpg

I must have floated around for a few days in denial. It was only at my own funeral that I relinquished and was ready to move on to whatever the other side had instore for me. My family were all at my graveside. I had been burried belong side Dad and Grandma. My mother wept not just for me that day, but for my father too. I looked over at her and saw my father trying to comfort her from the other side. Behind him stood a woman, my grandmother. She was beautiful and her smile was so warm and welcoming. Beside her stood a man I did not recognize at first. He had strawberry blonde hair and soft blue eyes that were riveted upon me. He streched his hand out to me and I walked over. This was my father.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/Dawn526/funeral.jpg

I looked back one final time at my earth bound family. I loved them with all of my heart and soul. One day they will be with me again. Hopefully not for a very long time though. I took my fathers hand, and my dad took my other. Together the four of us walked on, to the next adventure of my life.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/Dawn526/pokerheaven.jpg

I've gotta tell you, though I'm going to get in so much trouble for this. We're not supposed to let the living in on any secrets of the world up here but it really does rock! Other than these itchy wings I just can NOT get used to, its party central all day long. Theres every kind of food you can imagine, entertainment and activities galore. And whod have ever known that my grandmom can play one mean game of 5 card stud! Thank you all for following me on my adventure. I'l be seeing you...

[GenericImbroglio]

Absolutely wonderful. You truly have a hand at writing.

Cliff Johnson :blob8:
Well Im No Todd Waters...

[anakins88]

Wow nice ending with the new Gardening from Seasons!!! 10/5 stars! Your story is the ONLY one I've really READ throughly ^.^;

[gabcerv]

That Was Freakin Awesome

[smulan]

This story is so great and the pictures are gorgeous!

[Calvin]

That's a great story. I actually bookmarked the page so my friends can come over and read it :P Thanks for writting it!

[LyricLee]

Aww thank you Calvin. Thats so sweet :)

[.~*Iris*~.]

i loved it lyric!! and yeeeey the wife of his kid is called Laura :):)

I LOVE YOU!!

[destuana]

Beautiful story, worth reading. Um, I'm just wondering if you built the lots in your story? Or did you download them? Either way, where could I find them?

[LyricLee]

Hi destuana and thank you for the compliment. I did build the "lots" for the story however they are not complete lots at all. I used a large lot to make lots of little sets so theres nothing really uploadable. I do believe I have the art museum uploaded here tho. If not ill check and see if I still have that lot fully prepared.

[zeldaop]

Hmmm...and you say I can write? What a beautiful story, and superb pictures. Any other stories in the future? Hint Hint Nudge Nudge Awesome job chickie? Hugs :notworthy:

[Nohan]

Awesome LyricLee!

I love your story! And your pictures are amazing!

Thank you!