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THE VIEW FROM CASTLE KEEP - AN EXCERPT B by PASTOR DALE FREEMAN THE VIEW FROM CASTLE KEEP - AN EXCERPT Pastor Dale Freeman's new book, THE VIEW FROM CASTLE KEEP, has been written in the midst of his wife Marilyn's diagnosis and battle with Cancer. It is a literary patchwork, weaving together letters to a near mythical friend, remembrances and observations, and encounters with an age old enemy. Ultimately, it is a celebration of God's grace, and a reaffirmation of faith in the midst of peril. If you would like copies, you may contact Calvary Baptist Church for ordering information. They are offered on a first come, first serve basis. My beloved rested quietly now, tethered to her narrow bed by hoses affixed to whirring machines. The surgery had gone according to plan, and Doctor Billingsley had been both kind and deliberate in his report. Seemingly surprised by what they found, they had gone about their business surgically removing all they had come for and more. I leaned over her, stroking her tangled hair. Her eyes flickered open, meeting mine. A familiar smile spread across her face. “How was it?” She asked. “It was a malignancy.” My voice was less steady than I had planned.. “They got it out, and now you just need to rest and get better.” Her eyes closed as she willed herself back into merciful slumber. Outside the window the promised rain had begun, peppering coldly against the thick glass. It reminded me of another rainy night when two teenagers had sat in a car in front of a bowling alley. Moving toward the moment when they would make life promises to one another, they had paused to reflect on their mutual affection. It had been my habit to sing an Elvis song to her on such occasions. A ritual that I often repeated through the years, much to her embarrassment. I love you more today, more today than yesterday. But, I love you less today, less than I will tomorrow. Ultimately, sitting in that ‘55 Pontiac, we had wrapped our arms tightly around one another, celebrating the providence that had brought us together, while marveling at the realization that no matter how much we loved one another, there was someone who would always love us more. It was that ultimate Lover that I relied on now. The One who loved my wife more than I ever could. Oh, for the perfect assurance that He would take care of her. He would have to. I felt so helpless, knowing that I couldn’t, no matter how much I might desire to and try. I bent down, moving the tubes to one side so that I could kiss her. Somewhere down memory’s corridor a chapel bell chimed and sacred pledges were remembered. “To have and to hold from this day forward...” Most sacred of promises, built on the foundation of love and commitment. “For better and for worse, in sickness and in health...” My best friend, lover, mother of my children, and keeper of my heart. “To love and to cherish until death we do part.” “Let me go first,” I whispered. It was a coward’s prayer. Let me lightly kiss your lips, As I have done ten thousand times before. A precious reminder of sacred promise, As angels stand guard without the door. Mine beyond all circumstance, Adhered to earth by love’s strong seal. I long for you to feel my presence, And know for sure my love is real. |
