Paradise
Two months later
Eleanor entered the living room and smiled when she saw Vic sitting in the rocking chair, holding their precious baby girl. They’d named the child Rosetta Sue, in honor of three people: Eleanor’s mother, whose middle name was Rose; Vic’s mother, Susie; and Eleanor’s special friend Doretta. Their baby girl had been born a month ago, here in this house with the aid of Eleanor’s capable midwife. There had been no complications, and Rosetta was healthy, growing, and contented.
Although Vic was still early into his treatment for alcohol addiction, he’d been sober since the day he’d come out of the hospital. His sessions at the clinic in Quarryville were going well, and he’d found more help by attending AA meetings and counseling with the bishop and other ministers of their church as well. Vic had also recommitted his life to Christ and had been doing his best to be the spiritual leader in their home. Eleanor continued to practice the things she’d learned at Al-Anon and encouraged Vic regularly with her positivity. Both Vic’s family and Eleanor’s had become encouragers too.
“I’m going out to check the mail,” Eleanor whispered as she approached her husband and sleeping baby. “Should I put Rosetta in her crib before I go?”
Vic shook his head. “I’m content to sit with her awhile longer. I enjoy being a daadi and want to spend as much time with our daughter as possible on my days off from work.”
Eleanor nodded and smiled. It had been an answer to prayer when Vic’s boss gave Vic a second chance and hired him back. Ned had said that he supported Vic in his decision to get help and would keep him working as long as Vic didn’t mess up. Fortunately, things had been good in that regard as well.
Eleanor kissed the baby’s soft cheek, and she gave Vic a kiss too. With their trusty dog following on her heels, she went out the front door. She’d no more than stepped off the porch when Checkers looked up at her and gave a Woof! Woof!
“Okay, I know what you want, boy. Some things just never change.” Eleanor picked up the dog’s favorite stick and flung it into the yard. When Checkers took off after it, barking all the way, Eleanor chuckled and began her trek to their mailbox. In addition to several other pieces of mail, she found an envelope from her dearest friend.
Eager to see what Doretta had written, Eleanor brought the mail up to the picnic table and took a seat. When Eleanor tore open the envelope, she was pleased to discover an invitation to Doretta and William’s wedding, which would take place the second Tuesday of November. Eleanor looked forward to going to the event and also showing everyone her precious daughter. She was eager to see her good friend get married and hoped that Doretta and William would have many happy years together. Perhaps our childhood friend Irma will be at the wedding too. How nice it would be to see her again and reestablish a relationship.
Eleanor put the invitation aside, closed her eyes, and thanked God for reminding her daily of the vow she had made on her wedding day, to love and honor her husband, through the good times and the bad. Although her and Vic’s life was not perfect, it was much better than it had been a year ago. She thanked the Lord too for the friendship she had with Doretta and for all the letters of trust she’d received from her dear friend. Good friends were important, and so were families. Eleanor felt blessed because she and Vic had both. She would continue to write letters to her friend in Grabill and hoped that something she might write in the days ahead would be as beneficial to Doretta as her friend’s letters had been to her.