By cindy
Cindy Bradford
The minute Patrick heard his father’s voice on the phone he knew something was wrong.
“It’s your mother, Patrick. You need to get here.”
“Dad, slow down. What’s wrong?” He could hear his father’s sobs in the background.
“She’s dying. Can you hurry?” [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 16 Part I
By cindy
Cindy Bradford
The drive home Patrick had planned was to be a slow, leisurely one through the backroads and out of the way places, exploring antique shops and hidden harbors not discovered by tourists. But it quickly became obvious to him that Carol’s heart was no longer into lighthouses, heirlooms or fishing villages. She talked nonstop about the wedding, rarely glancing at the scenery or taking the opportunity to stop at a roadside flea market. [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 15 Part IV
By cindy
Cindy Bradford
Patrick loved this time of year in the northeast. It was like the whole world had wakened up from the winter’s blast and was now lazily enjoying the warmer days and cool crisps evenings. Besides in May the humidity was low and the mosquitoes hadn’t yet grown to be the size of moths.
“What do you say about a short trip down the coastline? Drive up to Portland and then work our way through the little fishing villages and maybe see a few lighthouses?” [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 15 Part III
By cindy
Cindy Bradford
The next day after he called and asked if he could see her again, he stopped to buy bread and wine along with a hanging basket of fuchsia. As she met him at the door, he kissed her and followed her in. [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 15 Part II
By cindy
Who fails finds later triumph sweet
Who stumbles once walks then with care,
And who knows the place to cry “Beware”
To other unaccustomed feet…
Maine, September, 1977
Patrick’s search for a new beginning took him to the far reaches of Maine. Remote and beautiful, it reminded him in some ways of East Texas, though it was not as hot. The trees were just as predominant and he loved the lush landscape. Throwing himself into his studies, he went to classes, studied and worked in the campus library to help with expenses. Although he made few friends, he impressed his professors. With the credits accepted from Rome, his taking heavy course loads, and writing his thesis in the spring, he was able to graduate in August with his master’s degree. A week before graduation, his favorite professor, an older gentleman who had taught for almost forty years, called him to his office. [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 15 Part I
By cindy
And looking back along the past
We know we needed all the strain
Of fear and doubt and strife and pain
To make us value peace, at last…
Boston, December, 1976
Like the title of Eugene O’Neill’s book, Patrick’s flight home was a long day’s journey into night, both literally and figuratively. He didn’t know how he was going to break it to his parents, the quintessential Catholics, the unquestioning, undoubting followers of this doctrine. How could he explain without explaining? He would just have to do his best and leave the rest unanswered. [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 14