Some days begin the same way but end tragically, unexpectedly, and heartbreaking. June 3, 2009 was one of those days that changed the course life.
Strangers, a man and woman, have a chance meeting. They claim a friendship; however, they become romantically drawn to each other, but do not realize it yet. They discover their lives have a very similar circumstance that causes them to become a couple. They reach prosperity and are comfortable, only to have health hardships cause a passionate separation. His wife is called home unexpectedly.
Life becomes difficult for the survivor. He relies on strength from God to persevere, and decides to assist others by telling their true-life story, and how he coped without his loved one.
Through faith in God, family, and the life lessons that he includes, he weathered this life altering heartache. His hopes today are that you to may receive some help from his story, from his candid suggestions, and that you may live a fruitful life hereafter. He offers a quote that personally helped him.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal”. ~From a headstone in Ireland
Have you ever felt that there were too many rainy days in your life and not enough sunshine? Do you ever look back and wish that you had said or done something differently? Have you ever wondered about hardships endured in your and others’ lives? Do you ever have sympathy for those who are afflicted with debilitating issues? Well, join the club!
Those who know me well are not surprised to learn that I am the quiet, shy type, never pushing myself forward for fear of being pushed back. Does that sound like you? Well, join the club!
Back in the ’60s, I was sitting at the bar in a local pub. I was recovering from divorce issues and sipping my beverage, J&B scotch on the rocks, and contemplating, what if? Oh, there were others enjoying the relaxing and comfortable atmosphere, but they also were lonely, or were fully engaged with their mates. I was relaxed, and as I thought about my future, I noticed no one seemed to care who I was, nor did I attempt to converse with anyone; I am a shy, lonely man. As I sat, strategically located to observe the entrance door, hoping for a friend to join me, looking for friendship, I began to lose hope. Patrons came and went, and time passed so slowly. As I was finishing what I believed was my last beverage, the entrance door swung open, and a beautiful, well-manicured lady entered. Before she even sat down, I was giddy with her overall beauty. I wondered if I had I seen her before and where. She is so beautiful, I thought. Could I, the shy, quiet type begin a conversation with her?
Excerpt
Just One Drink
It was a warm summer evening, and as the sun went down, a gentle breeze came in from the Atlantic, cooling the warm, humid air. The fragrance of freshly cut hay from nearby working farms where they had been baling all day caught the breeze. The evening felt quiet and reflective. Rush hour was over, and only a few cars were traveling through the small town Judie was entering. She knew this town well; only a few years back it had truly been a small town, but now it had grown to be an industrial town of about thirty-five thousand people. It was nestled along a gently flowing tree-lined river that created a picturesque postcard image of rural Pennsylvania.
At least it was quiet so Judie could think, but her thoughts took her on a never ending merry-go-round. Like a hamster on a wheel, she ran through the same thoughts over and over. Two boys sped down the sidewalk on their bikes, undoubtedly late for dinner. She smiled wistfully at them and thought, If only I could hope Jonnie would ride a bike one day, speeding along, carefree and strong with his little brother following trying to catch up. If only I could hope for anything.
I don’t want to go home. Not yet. I just need a moment to relax. Is that too much to ask? What would my husband think if he found out I just stopped for one drink before going home? Would he even notice or care? He’s never home anyway. A nice drink would help me relax and face that exhausting bedtime routine. Even thinking about how tiring taking care of Jonnie could be brought a flood of guilt. What kind of mother am I to feel so burdened by the care of my own child? Then again, Jonnie is no regular child, and he’s getting so heavy now. He’s almost too heavy for me to lift him. And Jeff, my baby, my perfect cherub, how will I ever give him the attention he needs? He probably thinks Grandmother Mary is his mother. Even when I’m home, Jonnie takes so much of my time and energy. I’m just a failure. It’s all my fault.
Judie made a conscious effort to make her thoughts stop the familiar downward spiral. Her doctor had advised her that these thoughts might never leave her and that if she didn’t get a handle on them, she could develop physical problems of her own.
Judie thought about how Jonnie’s eyes lit up when she came in the room and spoke to him, and she smiled to herself. It wasn’t much, but it was the little rewards that made it bearable. Why can’t I just have one moment? One little drink? Please, God, give me guidance. I know I’m a sinner, but I’m doing my best. I’m working two jobs now to help pay the medical bills for Jonnie. I’ve tried to be a good wife and a good mother. Everyone is so happy for a girl to marry, why doesn’t anyone tell her how lonely it is? No more hanging out with your single girlfriends on carefree nights or yakking on the phone for hours about nothing in particular.
Just wanted you to know,that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. It was well written and for me to read it in two days,is something else.....I didn't want to put it down,and for me to still be reading until midnite is most unusual!!!
Thanks a million for sending me a copy. Wish you all the luck in the world!
Your friend...........Joe Ruyak
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....THANKS! I got the book last night and read it this morning. I think it is very good. I actually cried in a couple places. Susan Summers
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....I downloaded the book late last night and finished it this morning. Thank you Jim for sharing with us such a beautiful story. I was deeply touched and would tell everyone to run out and buy the book. Judie is truly smiling at you from heaven above :)
Laurie Cretsinger
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....Enjoyed your book...could not put it down....John Havrilla
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....Jim...I enjoyed your book and was anxious to read other reviews.
Cindy Christman
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...Jim,I loved the book. I read it through to the end. It was beautiful, I know Judie is smiling down on you. Thanks for sharing the story. I will pass it on to Nadine. I know she will enjoy it too. Hope the grand kids read it too.
Write more books!!
Love, Nancy and Don Medford
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...Hi Jim omg I read your book the day I got it and lt was a wonderful love story that I ever read ...I was so happy and so into it I just couldn't put it down I read it on 6 hours so that means I didn't get much done ...I also cried at the end of the book ...god has a wonderful person in heaven with him ..she was a beautiful person and will always be remember n will never forget her ..tks a million Jim ..god bless you. Betsy Stoudt
Intuitively, I know I've lived many lifetimes, and none more interesting than the one I'm living now. However, being born an old soul somehow did not excuse me from the same job I share with you and that is learning to craft a positive attitude about
Finally, the commentary that adds even more to the diagramed version of The Easy Study Bible. Follow the diagramed verses of this new clear translation with a verse by verse commentary. Understand even better the New Testament book of Philippians.
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This second revised edition describes, from Onlinesss Self Awakening perspective, the major Truth-consciousness realm-waves of transcendent Self Awakening
