The Day the River Spoke
It was late August the wheat fields danced with the wind, it was like a wave from the ocean as it rolled across one field and into the next the air was hot that day, I remember seeing a thunderhead forming in the west and couldn't help but think there would be a good storm tonight. I am kind of a different sort of Man I tend to find myself stopped along the road just watching what was around me, maybe a beautiful sunset, or like this wheat field drifting effortlessly across to no where, sometimes I wish life was that easy.
Anyway, I had just gotten off work and had about three hours before the good old sun was about to slip into night so I jumped into my truck and headed east, I was planning on maybe dipping my fishing rod into the good old river and see if I could catch a little fun, I must have made it about three or four miles down the road when bang, Good God now what, the old truck leaned toward the passengers side and I knew I had blown a tire, I was a little frustrated but thought oh well at least I have a spare, I hopped out and scrambled to the end gate and opened it, My spare wasn't the best but it will get me home, It only took me about ten minutes, but I was thinking it sure would have been nice to have the NASCAR boys here to change it, I chuckled to myself then grabbed the flat and threw her in the back and down the road I went. About an hour or so I got to the river, grabbed my pole and some gear and stumbled down the bank of the river to my favorite fishing hole. I tossed in the line and let it drifted to the bottom, I tapped my rod gentle then reeled it in over and over again, In mean time I was slapping some of the biggest mosquitoes off my body and slipping on the muddy river bank, But I was having a great time. about a hour had passed by and I was thinking I wasn't going to catch even a bite,, When all of a sudden my pole bent, I couldn't feel any vibration but thought it had to be something, It seemed to be just sitting there, Hmm was it a snag, damn I hope not, this is one of my favorite lures, My brother is a crazy man for fishing and he gave it to me, and I'd hate to lose it, especially on a snag, I tugged a little harder, and it seemed to be coming but I wasn't really sure, hell maybe it was a Snapping turtle, in that case, this could get fun, It didn't seem to pull back at all but I continued to pull steady, I could feel it move some, so I knew I had something on the end of my line, fish or not it was something, I didn't care as long as I got what ever it was in, what seemed like hours I finally felt it moving easier now. I pulled it closer to the bank I could see what seemed to be a bag of some sorts, I didn't want to lose it so I jumped in so I could grab it before my line would brake and the current would take it away..
I reached into the murky water and pulled it out and threw it onto the bank, then crawled out of the water, It was about two feet long and about twelve inches or so square with leather ties on it, I’ve never seen anything like it before, I was thinking cool, Then I had a creepy feeling come over me, there is a bridge not to far away up stream and I hope there wasn't some little kitten or dog inside of it, It sure seemed like it could be heavy enough for that to be the case. I un hooked my line from the bag, then I knelt down and took a closer look at the bag, I noticed some writing on the side of it, I flipped it to its side and flatten the bag out a little so I could read it, Weird hmm, it says,
To thin self be true, 1866
I wasn't sure what the 1866 meant but just shrugged my shoulders, then flipped it up right and tried to see how to get into it, there were about eight ties that seemed to be holding it together, I couldn't seem to get the knots out so I grabbed my pocket knife and cut the first three or four and tried to peak inside, but the flap seem to go all the way around, I cut the rest of the straps, the flap went about half way around to the other side and when I un rolled it open, there was a piece of metal just under the flap, I grabbed it and looked it over, It seemed quiet heavy, I guess it looked like a letter opener or something like that, I wasn’t really sure, but I was curious to see what was in the bag it self so I placed it on my tackle box and preceded on opening the bag, It must have been around two feet long of an opening kind of like a long sock and it was hard to see inside of it, I sure as heck wasn't sticking my hand inside of it to see, or feel what was lurking inside either, and didn’t want to just dump it out, then I remembered I had a flashlight in my tackle box, I reached over and placed the little metal thing down and grabbed my light, I stood up and straightened the bag then stuck the light in and took a look,, OMG!!! I couldn't believe it. It looked like Something was bundled up, my first thought was money,, I reached in and pulled out a bundle, it wasn’t money at all it looked like it was a bunch of letters or something, I looked in the bag again to see if they were all the same it looked like maybe five or six more bundles so I flipped the bag over and dumped them out. As I fumbled through the bundles I found a small wooden box it was about four inches by eight inches by two inches thick with leather straps on it, I tried to open it but it seemed glued shut or something, I set it down and figured I would mess with it later. I started to look at the bundles of letters but they were soaking wet although I wanted to see what they were I figured I would wait to get home maybe dry them out a little, then mess with them, so I put them back inside the bag I also put the little box and letter opener in it too. I just started packing up the rest of my stuff when I heard a rumble, I looked up and could see a nice thunderhead that was forming, I figured that it wouldn’t be to long before it would be raining, So I climbed up the river bank and jumped into my truck, I was kind of excited to find out more about what this stuff was. I had driven by my Dad and Moms place so I thought I would stop in on the way back and see them before heading home, I also wanted to tell them about the bag I had snagged in the river. I hammered on the door and I heard my Dad say something so I walked in. The first thing I could smell is fried chicken, OMG I could almost taste it, Love Moms cooking, As I walked in Mom came to the porch and gave me a big hug and kiss and asked me if I was hungry because they were just about to eat, I laughed and said that sounds good but I just stopped in to say hi and that I wanted to show them something I had found in the river. My Dad asked me what it was, so I explained to them everything that had taken place. Dad asked me to bring it in so they can take a look, I told him that it was all muddy and wet so maybe it would be best if they come take a look outside. I went outside and opened my end gate of my truck then grabbed the bag and pulled everything out, My Mom thought this was amazing that I had snagged it, what luck you have she said. Dad asked me what do the letters say. Well I don’t really know yet because I wanted to dry everything out first, My Mom quickly told me not to dry them out all the way because otherwise they will tear, she is so smart, and I asked her how she knew that would happen. She told me along time ago she had some letters that went through the wash machine and remembered that she had dried them out and when she tried to open one of them it tore, so she wetted them just a little bit and then she could open them, she dried them out once they were open.. Cool, I told her thanks, Dad had been looking over the little box and the letter opener, He said this looks like pretty interesting, did you notice the writing on the top of this box? He handed it to me and pointed to a scripting on the top of it,, No I hadn’t, He said I think it says TO THIN SELF BE TRUE, Wow that’s cool, I flipped the bag over and showed him the same scripting on the bag, the only different is that the bag had 1866 after the saying. We stood there for a few more minutes when I felt a rain drop, and then another, Mom looked up and said it looks bad in the west, we better get in the house. I gave Mom and Dad a huge and said that I would let them know more about this latter; I jumped in my Truck and headed toward home. I just drove in the driveway when the sky opened up, lucky for me I have a garage to drive into. I went in the house and got my work cloths off and jumped in the shower, after that I had some paper work to do and then had a bite to eat, I was watching the weather channel to see what kind of storm was threatening us for tonight, but it didn’t seem to be bad, After finishing all my must do things I couldn’t wait to get that bag in the back of my truck, I was excited to find out more about it, So I went out to the garage, took the bag and set it on my bench, I took everything out of it and laid it out on a table I had in the corner of the garage, I looked over the letter opener, there was a scroll of something on the side of it but it was to corroded to see what it was, next I looked at the box it must have been made out of redwood or some kind of wood that doesn’t rot, there was a seam in it so it must open, I shook it a little, something was in it, I was about to open it when something caught my eye, I glanced over at the letters, I could see that one of the bundles had a ribbon coming from the side of it, I picked it up and looked at it closely, The bundles were held together by a small brown thread or yarn, I carefully slipped it off and pride the bundle open to where the ribbon was sticking out, when I did, they were letters alright, but to who? and why were they in the river? I managed to open one of the letters, as I carefully pulled it out and slowly opened it, the lettering was perfect, I think it was a love letter, I started to read it,
You are my only love. You have me completely in your power. I know and feel that if I am to write anything fine or noble in the future I shall do so only by listening to the doors of your heart. ... I love you deeply and truly, Neisy. ... There is not a particle of my love that is not yours. ... If you would only let me I would speak to you of everything in my mind but sometimes, Neisy, I love you. I cannot live without you. I would like to give you everything that is mine, any knowledge I have, any emotions I myself feel or have felt, any likes or dislikes I have, any hopes I have or remorse. I would like to go through life side by side with you, telling you more and more until we grew to be one being together until the hour should come for us to die. Even now the tears rush to my eyes and sobs choke my throat as I write this. Neisy, we have only one short life in which to love. Let me love you in my own way. Let me have your heart always close to mine to hear every throb of my life, every sorrow, every joy. For someday I will find you, and until that day I am but a ghost that drifts alone, God speed my Love, Always Edward.
I sat back against the bench, and just stared at the letter. I couldn’t believe the depth in the words he wrote to her, I noticed at the bottom of the page it had a date on it, Feb of 1776, I was in awe could this be from that long ago, That’s impossible that it was in the river that long, I had to learn more about this, I looked through another bundle and again slowly opened the letter, the envelope it self wasn’t in good shape but the letters inside seemed to be as if time didn’t hurt it, the paper was a thicker paper and more of a yellowish color to them, I could tell that the ink was written with a fountain pen because of how wide the letters were, and it was written in cursive, The hand writing was elegant with an almost gliding flow to it, I started to read, my eyes were glued to every word,
Good morning,
Even when I am in bed my thoughts rush to you, my eternally beloved, Every breath Is yours, now and then joyfully, then again sadly, waiting to know whether Fate will hear our prayer--To face life I must live altogether with you or never see you. Yes, I am resolved to be a wanderer abroad until I can find you and to hold you in my arms and say that I have found my true home with you and enfolded in your arms can let my soul be wafted to the realm of blessed spirits--alas, unfortunately it must be so--You will become composed, the more so you know that I am faithful to you; no other woman can ever possess my heart--never--never--Oh God, why must one be separated form her who is so dear. Yet my life in England at present is a miserable life--Your love has made me both the happiest and the unhappiest of mortals, can this coexist with our relationship?--Angel, I have just heard the ship will sail for America--and therefore I must close, so that you may receive my letters as soon as you can--Be calm; for only by calmly considering our lives can we achieve our purpose to live together--Be calm--love me--Today--yesterday--what tearful longing for you--for you--you--my life--my all--all good wishes to you--Oh, do continue to love me--never misjudge your lover's most faithful heart. Close your eyes as my heart beats perfectly with yours, I wait for your response My Love.
Ever yours
Ever mine
Ever ours. Edward Feb, 1776
As I finished the letter again I had to stop and take it all in,, So this must be a bunch of old love letters that this Edward had sent to Neisy, This is so cool.. So he was in England
My Dearest Neisy,
I have written you for many years with the thought of finding you, the night you left England
God Speed
Always Edward.
Tears dropped to the letters edge, I placed it on the table, It was as if I could almost hear his voice giving up, I wanted him to find her but this letter seemed like he had given up. I dug though some more letters, I was looking for a date closer to 1866, I figured that had to be what that was on the bag, and the box, I glanced over at the box, then picked it up, I tried again to open it but it was stuck pretty good, I got up and went to the bench and grabbed a screw driver and a hammer, then put the flat part of the screw driver in the small seam and gave it a good hit with the hammer, It cracked open just a little so I started prying it open, Damn thing was stuck pretty good so I gave it a good hit and it opened, a Small box in the corner, it looked like it was made of wood or something, there was a small cloth at the bottom of the main box, I think it was lace or something fancy like that. As I lifted it out underneath the cloth there was a letter, on the face of the letter were the same words that were on the box,
To thin self be true. I was curious what this letter had to say sense it was in this sealed box, and also what was in this little box, I took the box and shook it lightly, there was something in it, At first I wanted to open it immediately, then a feeling came over me like I wasn’t supposed to open it, because it was meant for someone else, I guess that seemed strange sense I had already been reading these letters, So for the time being I set the box down, I picked up the letter that was in the box and looked it over closely, This was different than the rest of the letters, It was much more fancy looking, it had edges that were cut and it seemed like it was made of different paper, after thinking it over I decided to open it, Inside there were two separate letters, One was marked open now, and the other said open in another life, My heart skipped a beat or two after reading that, Was this the last letter written, I didn’t know what to do next. If I open it, maybe some how Karma would work against me, I have always been a believer in do good to others and good things will happen to you.. This was a little different; I started to open the letter that said open now. In my mind I could see Edward writing it and putting it in this very envelope, His hands weathered as he placed what in his mind was the last letter he would write to the woman he had longed for. I wanted to believe in my heart that opening this letter I would find happiness for him maybe he had by this time meet her and that this letter was a letter saying that he would be with her. As I folded the letter open and started to read it, there was something different about the writing, as I read on I knew why.
My Dearest Neisy,
Just as a wave is lifted by the shore, then breaks across the slowly rising sand, I feel the Sun set
On our hearts, never or ever will the time meet us in this life, for I will carry you forever with me
So as I watch you weep my feelings pour across the oceans of what I understand. I wish I could take you in my arms and all of what you are could melt as one, my heart is scattered but to see you in my forever dreams, I will cherish the Moment my love, And all the violence of passing storms could pass through me and finally come to rest.
No words can set things right or presence lend miracle to light your darkened way, but there is solace in a loving friend and comfort in what I don't have to say. Whatever circumstances you cannot bear, just turn to me, and you will find me there.
Forever, Edward. July, 1860
Again, the tears fall from my eyes, I couldn’t believe what I was reading, I feel every word he writes, I can see it as if I am the one writing these letters, As I reached for the other letter, the lights in the garage flickered, then when dark. I walked over and opened the side door of the garage and looked out, It was raining, I could hear the soft sound of thunder in the distance, the smell of freshness filled the air, the rain almost had a quiet calming to it.
I figured lightning must have hit a transformer or a power line, so we would be out of lights for a bit, I grabbed the small box and the letter and went into the house, It was just starting to get dark and figured I would need some light, Id better get some candles going and maybe start the fireplace, as I walked up the stairs to the den, I thought about how these letters ended up in the river behind my Mom and Dads place? I reached over and picked up a candle, I lit about six of them, then started the fireplace, I have a real fireplace, I like to sit in front of it with a book and read, I guess its something about the smell and the sound of the logs crackling that makes me feel relaxed. After a few minutes I sat down in front of the fire the warmth felt made everything seem right, I reached over and picked up the other letter the one that said (open in another life), this was really getting to me. I was almost scared to open it because there was so many UN known possibilities, I laid it down on the mantel and picked up the little box, I shook it again then tried to imagine what it was, Anyway as I looked it over closer. It had a small lid that looked like it would pull off, so I pulled a little bit but nothing came, I twisted on it to try and loosen it up when the lid turned, I kept turning it until it came off in my hand, as I looked inside the little box, There was a small ring inside it, with the most amazing diamond that I have ever seen, not that it was huge but the shape was so beautiful, there was a small white ribbon tied around it, I tried to pick it up, but it was like it was tied in the box,
I couldn’t see all that well because all I had was the candle light, and light from the fire place, so I leaned the box so the light could see, as I looked deeper inside I could see that something was at the bottom, it looked like a piece of leather, I pulled harder on the ribbon and could see the leather piece lift up a little, so I pulled harder and it came out, as the ribbon left the box, tied to the ribbon was another ring, It was a simple gold band, OMG!!! This must be what was supposed to be there wedding rings, I set them in the palm of my hand, and just looked at them. I felt so sad for Edward and for Neisy, Imagine a Man that would search for a woman his whole life and never find her, that would have been heart breaking. I had to find out more about this, maybe the other letter would tell me more. I was so nervous to read it though, I looked up on at the mantel to where the letter was, I knew I had to open it, so I reached for it and then just held it for another minute, then I slowly started to open it, It was if I was in slow motion, I could hear the ripping of the envelope and actually see the fibers of paper floating in the air as I opened it, I took the letter out, and before opening it, I brought it to my lips, I closed my eyes and tried to picture in my mind what Love this Man had for her, I felt tears dripping from my eyes as I thought of his hands placing this letter in the box, after about twenty minutes I started to open the letter, My hands were shaking as if It was a letter sent by me, I thought about every scenario that it could say, I unfolded the last fold and spread it out in front of me, There were four pages to this one, as I started to read the first Page, I had to stop and catch my breath, For this letter was not from Edward, It was from Neisy!!
My Dearest Edward
For the winds of our minds will someday meet, I carry you with me My Love, My heart has faded to sleep for I find today a deepest sorrow, I will see you soon for today is a moment and a moment is a life time, I am holding your hand, as your heart may stop, our souls are Forever,
I am sorry this letter has come to late for us, I can only now Imagine the life with you my Love, I want you to know The Day I left England My Heart had stopped beating, I wanted to stay with you, I Dreamt of the moment we would be, As we sailed west I watched you until we drifted to far to see, My eyes were filled with tears. I watched through the night and into the next day, I feared what I know now has happened, For I kept you in my Heart and you were always there But my life ended the day Not a Day or a moment passed that I didn’t feel you with me Edward, I received these letters from the Ship yard not two months pass The letters you wrote me never reached my hand until now, My hands tremble with every word I read, I can not bear the thought of what you went through, As I read, your Love for me was felt deeply, I am writing you this now and hoping in another life we will be Forever, These Rings I set in this box with this letter will bind us tell we are together, I stand here at waters edge, Carry me lightly, for when I seal this fait, I will be with you for Eternity,
Forever
Neisy Caroline Gilbert Aug,1866
I almost wanted to scream!! I don’t know what to say, I sit here my heart beating, as if I were holding my breath, I’ve never seen such love between a couple like this before, I started to think of what it would have been like for them if they would have been together, OMG, Then It just dawned on me, I have here name!!!!!!!!!! Maybe I could find her family, this is crazy, but it could happen, I mean I have a date, and a name. Maybe I could give some kind of closer to there family’s, although I wasn’t sure yet if they even had family here, But I was sure as heck going to try, As I looked down at the letters I remembered there were four letters in this envelope, I picked up the next letter, and started to read, . To be continued..
To Thin Self Be True,
Edward, I have placed all your letters that you have given to me in a bag in hopes that it will find its way to another life, I Remember the day I left for America, you whispered this in my ear, To thin self be true, I have kept this forever near my Heart my Love, If only a dream then it is our dream, I am here but a moment, I watch as the river whines effortlessly through the valley, I hope it will help find us and bring our souls as one. I stand here with your hand in mine, Soon Edward I will be in your arms. I closed my eyes and whispered softly I Love You Edward, I hear your voice calling me, For at this brief second I know what you meant that day, Today will be Forever
Forgive me,
Neisy Aug 1866
I flip to the next page, but it is empty, as is the next, I started thinking why she would have put two more pages in the envelope? Could it be because she hoped to have someone answer her? I folded the letters back up and put them as I found them, I set the rings in the little box and closed the lid, I sat there in front of the fireplace wondering what had happen, I think she must have tossed the bag in the river, or maybe she jumped in with it. OMG I almost hated that I found these letters, although I was glad that I could feel the love that they had for one another. I walked into my bedroom and grabbed my laptop, then sat down by the fire, I pulled up a search engine and typed in Neisy Caroline Gilbert, then hit the enter button and waited, a few seconds later I had about twenty thousand things to look over, the first one on the page was about a woman that had some dog grooming shop in Illinois, I scanned through page after page looking for anything to do with a romance, love lost, or a suicide, But nothing, I was into this for about an hour or so when I thought of typing in the date 1866 and see what I could find. I typed it in and clicked it.
Well guess what came up? The civil rights act, giving everyone born in the United States full Citizen ship, I chuckled, then I paged through page after page, When I saw something about a romance suicide, I clicked on it and just started to read something about a woman originally from England, When My battery went dead on my Laptop, OMG!!!!! I was so pissed, you have got to be kidding me, I clicked the on button but nothing would happen Damn it!!!!!!!! I grabbed my cell phone and called a buddy of mine that worked for the local electric company, I wanted to see if he knew what was going on with the power situation, After a couple rings he answered, I could barely hear him, I asked him if he was out on the call, He said yes, and that some trees had fallen on the lines, it looked like it might be a couple more hours or so, I told him to be careful and I’d talk to him later, after hanging up I tried to turn back on my lap top but it was so not going to turn on, God I felt like screaming, I wanted to find if that story was about Edward and Neisy, I had no choice but to sit there and wonder.
After about two hours my lights flickered and then stayed on. I scrambled to my power cord and plugged in the Laptop. Thank God. To be continued
Now I can try and search again, I pulled up the history file that I had been looking at earlier and clicked on the last thing I had up on my page, As it hit my screen I started to read,
It was a article of a woman that had died in a drowning near the small village near Terrebonne MN, although Terrebonne was not established until the spring of 1879, there was a small bridge that spanned the Clearwater River just north of the village,
OMG, That’s right up the river from where I had snagged the bag of letters, it went on to say that it was believed that the woman had jumped from the bridge after receiving some sorrowing news. Then it said that her sister a Miss Emily Ann Gilbert was the only known relative here, And she had told the church that her Sister had received some Love letters,
She then stated that the letters came from a long lost Love from England, and that She was devastated because she always wanted to be with him but could not find him, She then found out after all these years apart, that he had passed away, also he had been searching for her and sent all these letters to her but they always came back to him, un opened. After his passing the letters were giving to his brother, A ship man, Edward asked him to please find Neisy and give the letters to her, after a few years Edwards Brother had brought a shipment of goods to the docks of New York, on arriving he looked for Neisys name on the docks ledger, but no luck, he did come across a mans name of, Loch Gilbert it said that he was a local merchant working as a goods salesman on the docks, He asked around to a few people working the docks, and they told him where he could find him, He introduced himself to Loch and told him what had happen, and if he knew of Neisy? He said yes that she was his Cousin, so the letters were given to our Cousin that had been living in New York six years to the prier, but at the time had no way of reaching us. Then by happen stance he was at one of the ship yards selling his goods, when one of our local market owner that had been purchasing goods to bring back to Minnesota
Neisy was in disbelief, I can still see the look in her eyes as she read the first letter, tears feel countless from her eyes, as she read letter after letter, Her voice crackled as she screamed, Why has this happened to me.
I remember the pain that I could see in her, several months went by when she started to sew a bag that was made out of leather, then embroidered the saying, To Thin Self Be True and the date 1866.
I asked her why she sewed that on the bag, because Edward will know how to find it.
Her sister said that after about a month or so, Neisy said she was going for a walk, and that she will always love me. From there she went to the bridge and jumped, we found her two days the later on a sand bar about six miles down stream, having never found the bag she sewed or the letters, we believed she took them with her.
OMG, this was so amazing, I think this is what you would call divine intervention, How else can you explain all these turn of events, As I read on, I kept telling myself… To be continued.
I have to find one of her relatives, so they could have these amazing letters, and the rings. It was around two in the morning and I needed to get to sleep because I had to work in the morning, as I laid down in my bed, my mind was somewhat at ease that at least she knew that he loved her, although it was a terrible thing they both had went through, There love was an amazing love.
The next day seemed to drag on forever; I guess the thought of me getting home so I could search the net made it hard to focus on my job. That night I went back to the story, the part where the Sister had mention of a Cousin named Loch Gilbert he had lived in New York so I searched for his name, the search engines did there part, maybe a little to good, there were several hundred Loch Gilberts in reference, so I narrowed my search to fishing, and merchants, That narrowed the search to about ten choices, I looked through each one, looking for anything that would tie him to the Midwest or anything, I finally found Lochs name, It was an Obituary that was dated April 22 1920, as I read, I was getting more and more excited, He had a wife, that had passed, and a son named CJ Gilbert, It went on to say that the son was only six years old at the time of Lochs passing and he was put into a foster family because there was no other family around. It also said that Loch had come down with pneumonia in the spring and his health failed from that.
There wasn’t much more about him other than where he had been buried, I pulled up Google and typed in CJ Gilbert, again around two hundred hits came up. Several with something about a drug store owner. For the heck of it I clicked on one of them, a story popped up about a man that owned a small Drug store in New York
The story stated that they wanted to make a point of what kind of impact the Foster family had on his life, and that you can be successful in life even when times are hard.
I quickly did the math in my head, If this guy was six years old in 1920 then he would be eighty four years old today, I thought for a minute, then frowned a little, that wasn’t very probable that he would be alive. I read on, it said that he had Married Serine Gresham in 1940 and that they had two girls, Jenna, and Mariana, OMG I did not believe what I was reading. It went on to say that CJ had the Drug store for ten years, But a fire had..
To be continued, sorry so short my friends.
started from some lighting in the store and most of it was destroyed, It went on to say that Jenna, one of his Daughters that worked with him at the store had taken over it after the fire. Also said that CJ had recently retired, and that Jenna had been running the store for about a year.
The date on the bottom of the article was March 1959. Holy crap!!! That’s getting close to my age group. I mean this is crazy, I could actually find this person. It never said how old Jenna was, or her sister, but if CJ and Serine were Married in 1940 and this article was from 1959 that’s only 19 years so if they had there children after they were married she could be around 19, unless they had the girls before they where Married, Which could be the case, but either way I am going to find them, I went back to good old Google again and tried Jenna Gilbert, instantly her name came up, It was about her owning the Drug store, and about how she had taken over the store after her Father had retired, It went on to say about the same as the article they did with her Father, About the fire and that kind of stuff. The Drug store was called Gilberts Drug Store, Sweet!!!
I quickly looked it up on the net and found the number, I was so nervous about calling OMG!!!!!
I realize that they were distant Cousins of Neisys but OMG I’m so happy about this, My hands were trembling as I click the buttons on my phone, I push the send button and waited,
It rings a few times, maybe six then a answering machine picked up, it was a young woman’s voice, She said that this was Gilberts Drug, and that the store hours are from nine am to six pm Monday thru Friday and Saturdays from Twelve pm to Seven pm and closed on Sundays, OMG!!!!!! When I heard her voice, all I could imagine is what Neisy would have sounded like, that sounds strange but I felt as if I knew her for some reason. I looked at my clock on the wall and it said , on a Thursday Hmmm, I wonder why they weren’t open? Then it dawned on me, they are a hour different than we are, It’s there right now. I was so bummed I could scream. I sure didn’t want to wait another day, so I went back to my favorite search engine Mr. Google and put in her name again, I looked through everything they had on her, but nothing, really, just a whole lot of the same story about the Drug Store, So then I thought I would try her sisters name and punched that in. Marianna Gilbert, When her name came up it went to a woman that was living in Minnesota
I looked all over the net the next several hours, I did the people search, married names, deaths, everything I could think of. OMG, I was going crazy, I finally had to close my Laptop and give it a rest. As I stumbled aimlessly around my house, I went back to the letters and started reading some of them again.
One letter in particular stood out, it was the color of the paper, now that it had kind of dried out.
I remembered what Mom had told me about making sure the letters were damp before you open them so I took a wet wash cloth and wet the envelope and rubbed it over it so I could open it without tearing it, then I did the same to the letter inside, As I opened it, I was Amazed again by the way the ink looked, and the way it almost caressed the paper, I started to read, I noticed this time it was a poem.
The red rose whispers your name, I close my eyes as the vibrations from your kiss dances in my mind. The white rose breathes of forever, and the red rose is my blood that flows threw me, And the Yellow rose is my soul, as it pours out from the deepest part of me. Reach for me Neisy, I am here, Just but a whisper from your lips, or a Moment that fills your mind. I am Forever yours, Edward. Jan, 1856
Wow, this guy had something, most men would most likely think this wasn’t very manly or a tuff guy look, but I found it amazing, I could almost feel what he was writing, as if I could feel the Love he had for Neisy,
I had to get up early for work in the morning, so I did some last minute things, then jumped in the shower, as I was in the shower I kept thinking of what Jenna had sounded like, Well if it was her anyway, It was if I had almost felt a love for her voice, this is crazy I know, but the more I thought of actually talking to her, made me want to find her all the more.
I got out of the shower then I crawled into my jams then walked out to the living room to feed the fish, Poor things, I think I have been neglecting them a little these last few days, I played with them a little, said good night, then went into my office and did some paper work, It was hard to focus because over and over in my head I kept seeing her face,
I pictured her as a brunette, with a slender build, with the softest blue eyes you could ever imagine, it was as if you were looking at the wings of a butterfly slowly drifting back and forth in a timeless daze,
Her lips glisten a moistness,,, as if dew had dripped of a rose pedal. I closed my eyes and thought of the moment I would meet her, what would I say, how would I act, strange as this maybe, I could smell her body, the scent of coconuts and straw berries filled my mind, OMG, I must be a nut case, What the heck, I went back to my desk then finished my paper work and went to bed, I thought to myself, Charley Baine, you must be losing your mind, I chuckled because I said this while starring at myself in the mirror, so I knew I was crazy, Smiles.
I crawled under the covers and snuggled into my favorite pillow, as night went on and on, in my mind it was almost like there was a dripping faucet in the back ground, you know the one that you never could quite get turned off.
I no sooner shut my eyes when I heard my phone alarm screaming for me to get my lazy butt out of bed, One thing about me, I have always been one that would get up and be wide awake, But this morning, I looked over to a empty bed next to me,
I thought of Jenna, I wondered how her day would start, and if she was looking over to a empty bed as well? I smiled then pulled my lazy butt out of bed and got ready for the day,
It was around four thirty am when I left my house, I couldn’t wait until tonight so I could call her,
Again the day clicked on tick by tick, I could have killed my phone, because I swear that the time had just stopped for part of the day, anyway we actually were getting out of work early, because we had placed concrete in the morning, and we were done with everything we could do.
On the drive home, I thought about calling Jenna, but I wanted the letters in front of me so I could get everything right. The last thing I wanted is to sound like a nut job,
I had the pedal pressed pretty hard to the floor boards of my truck, because I was so anxious to get home. I pulled into my garage, and flew in the house, as soon as I got up stairs I laid everything out in front of me, I looked at the rings one more time and skimmed over the letters that Neisy had sent to Edward, and then I dialed her number. Omg I was so nervous, it rang a few times and someone answered, It was a woman, but it wasn’t the same voice that was on the recorder!! She said good afternoon this is Gilberts Drug store, how may I help you, OMG my voice was silent, I cleared my throat, Yes, I was wondering if Jenna was around, and if I could speak to her. The lady said yes, and could she ask who was calling please, In a daze I said I was a guy from Minnesota, and left it at that, I’m sure she thought I was a nut job, but said, ok I will get her, then asked me to hold the line, I told her yes, then waited, I could feel the sweat dripping off my body, and I was shaking like this was my first time kissing or something, I waited another couple seconds, then I heard foot steps coming to the phone, the receiver rattled, then I heard what sounded like an Angels voice, Hello this is Jenna, OMG, My heart exploded, I cleared my throat again and said… to be continued.
Hello, my name is Charley Baine, I am from Minnesota
I told her again my name is Charley Baine, and I am from Minnesota, the reason I am calling you is because I had been fishing in a river in Minnesota when I snagged something, That something just happen to be a old leather bag, and in that bag I found around twenty Love letters to Neisy Caroline Gilbert, from a man named Edward, I also… but before I could finish she asked me again what I was talking about, What Letters? Is this about, Are you talking about the letters from Edward Vandenberg?, I just about feel over.. OMG you know who I am talking about? She sounded excited, then said yes, and that this has always been talked about through out her family sense she was little, She explained that she had two Cousins Neisy and Marianna that had went west with a missionary, Marianna ended up coming back to this area and told our family what had happened, she said that Neisy had committed suicide after finding out that Edward had been searching his whole life for her, when she realized that he had died, she couldn’t bear the thought of it, so she jumped from a bridge and committed suicide, the day before she died she had talked with Marianna about all the beautiful letters he had written, and she had no Idea that he was trying to find her, Later that same day she wrote a note to her sister, and told her what she was going to do, Marianna ended up coming back here and passed away, She told my family that she didn’t know what happen to the letters and figured that Neisy had taken them with her the night she jumped.
OMG, this is un believable, I told her I was sorry for what had happen to Neisy and Edward, then I explained that I had read some letters from Edward to Neisy,
You could have cut the air with a knife, I asked her if she was ok? Yes she said, this is so overwhelming, I could hear her voice soften, I asked her if I could read a letter to her? She asked me if I could maybe call her back at a different number in about five minutes, she had to close her store and that the number she gave me was her home number.
As I hung up the phone, I felt a sense happiness deep within myself, even though this was strange and I didn’t know Jenna, I felt as if someway I was closing a chapter for there family.
I waited and waited, five minutes seemed like ten hours. Finally I couldn’t take it, I had to call her. The phone rang one time and a out of breath Jenna said hello, I smiled to myself because at that moment I knew she was as excited as I was. She asked me a few more questions about where and when I found the letters, I told her that I believe I had found the bag not more than six miles down river from where Neisy had passed away, I didn’t want to say jump because I didn’t want to put the wrong thought to her mind, even though she knew it. I asked her a few things about her family, She said that her sister worked at the store with her, and that her Dad had passed away a few years ago, She told me that her sister was married, but recently divorced, I asked Jenna if she was Married, She paused and said no, I secretly smiled, then asked her if I could read her one of Edwards letters now, I could tell that she was kind of taken back by the whole idea, maybe she wanted to read it herself, Jenna is that ok? She said that would be alright, OMG I almost couldn’t even speak, Then said ok, let me find one that I haven’t read. The reason I wanted it to be one I haven’t read, is because I wanted to feel what she felt when she heard what he wrote, I know that sounds silly but I felt I needed to. Ok Jenna I found one, I asked her to wait a second because I needed to wet the envelope and letter so I wouldn’t tear the paper, what do you mean she asked? I told her what my Mom had told me about dampening the paper before opening it, Ok I’m opening the envelope, I held my phone close while I opened it, I wanted her to have every feeling she could from this, Alright Jenna, are you ready? She paused then said yes, I started to read,
My Dearest Neisy,
I am seven days from America, and cannot wait for the moment I see you, the sea has been rough all day but as the night falls so does the waves, the evening of the Third day I watched dolphins swimming just a head of the bow of the ship, I thought they must have been guiding us toward you, I know you have sent them for me, the Sailors say it is a sign of good luck, so we thank you.
I have missed you Neisy, my heart echo’s the cries of my soul ,your smell lingers forever with me, every dream of you is so real.
I waited for you to come back to England, but time has passed to long, So I travel to find you, I know that if I close my eyes I will hear your voice guiding me, Please feel me Neisy, close your eyes with me tonight, Let us not be scared of what is ahead of us for everything from that moment will forever be ours, feel me reach for your hand as the warmth of our love holds us in forever,
Before I left England I watched the waves brush against the shore, for a moment I wondered if I would ever see you again, But then the bluest butterfly I have ever seen landed on a small stone next to the shore, It was magnificent, I remembered the day you left for America, you put a small scarf in my pocket and said keep it forever and you will have me, I reached in and looked at what I knew was destiny, embroidered on the scarf was a small blue butterfly,
Neisy, I will find you, For Thin Self Be True,
Always, Edward April, 1812
As I finished reading, I had tears running down my face, It was if I was reading this to Jenna, I wiped off my cheek, then asked her if she was alright, I heard her breathing on the other end of the phone, My God I wanted to be next to her right now, I knew what she was feeling, Jenna, are you alright, I asked her again, Then after a few sniffles she said that she is a loss for words, I told her that some of these letters are so amazing, and that I would love to read more if she liked, she paused, then said. To be continued.
In the softest voice, That is amazing Charley, It is like I can see her reading the letters, she asked me if I would read another one, yes Jenna, I opened another letter, and started to read it. But in my mind I felt I was reading it to Jenna.
Birthday Poem,
I thought love was just something of the mind,
an illusion, was it fake, or impossible to find.
But the day I met you Neisy was the Day I began to see,
that Love is real, and exists in me, in you.
Birthday Gift
There are things I'd like to say to you my Love on your special day:
Like how Beautiful the sun shines through your hair, Or how your dress drifts with endless seams over what is beyond the words of Beauty, I would hold my words for a moment and watch you as if time had stood still. I am forever thankful God sent you my way, Like a gift of a forever memory you showed me how it is to feel real Love.
Through the Valleys and across the plains, over hills and Mountains, Past Rivers
Always, Edward, Aug, 1823
I paused for a minute just to listen to her breath, I could only imagine what she looked like, I could feel her for some reason, I asked her what she thought of the poem, It was Beautiful she said, her voice crackled, I asked her if she was alright, and that this must be all overwhelming to her, Yes she said, I just can’t believe this is all real, I asked her what did she mean, Well she said that just last week her and her sister had been going through all the old documents about this, She said that Marianna said that it would have been nice to have the letters that Edward had written to Neisy, As a matter of fact we were just looking up any information on the internet on Monday. Wow, I asked her what they were looking for?
Well we wanted to see if anyone had written anything on her death, I guess we were just hoping for something, That is why when you called I was kind of taken back with what you asked me. I thought that maybe you had a search engine that was tracking peoples searches and then calling them up to see if you could sell information to us.
I couldn’t believe what she was saying to me, I was at a loss for words, She then told me that she had found one article saying that a woman had jumped from a bridge and that they never found her body, But after more research we found out that it wasn’t Neisy, I told her that after finding the bag I also searched the net, I told her that I found a obituary and it explained something’s, but I felt that there was so much more to this than what they had written, She said I am going to call my Sister and tell her, She isn’t going to believe this, Jenna I have something I haven’t told you about, She paused and asked me what it was?. Well In the leather bag, besides the letters, there was a small wooden box, on the cover of the box it said to thin self be true, and dated 1866, She asked me if I had looked inside, I chuckled and said, nothing could have kept me from looking inside of it, She asked me in a soft voice, what was in it? I told her that there were two letters from Neisy, One said open now, and the other said open in another life, She gasped and said did you read them, yes, I have them laying in front of me, Would you like me to read them to you? She said immediately yes please, I felt the Passion in her voice, as I started to read I heard her crying, I asked her if she wanted me to stop? Oh no she said please go on, I read the first letter then picked up the other one. I started to read it, and again I heard her beautiful cries over the phone, I couldn’t help but to cry myself, I had to put the letter down for a minute, I asked her if it was alright if we just talked for a little bit? Oh, of course Charley, My God when she said my name I got chills running through my body, Something about her voice makes me feel something, She asked me some questions about my life, What I did for a living, I told her I worked for a Commercial Construction company, and that I was one of there Superintendents, she asked me if I was Married, and if I had any children, I told her that I had a girl friend awhile back but no. She asked me my age, I was thirty two, without hesitation I quickly asked her how old she was, She paused, then said she was twenty eight, and she said that she had been engaged for three years but never has been married, I asked if she was engaged now, No, that was a couple years ago. I started talking about everything under the sun, I heard her yawn, I asked if she was tired, I looked at the clock on the wall and it said three fifteen, OMG Jenna, I’m sorry, It’s after four in the Morning there, I better let you get some sleep, I asked her if she was busy tomorrow, She said she had to open the store tomorrow but would call when she gets off,
I know I didn’t tell her about the rings yet, and I will, but for some reason I wanted to wait. She thanked me for bringing this to her and her family, Then asked me if I could send her the letters, OMG, I never even thought that I would have to give these up, I stumbled for words, Then I said. To be continued.
I knew that I wanted to give these letters to Neisys family, but now that I have been reading them I have this connection with them, Jenna asked me what I meant, Was I going to keep them? I thought for a second, then told her heavens no, I will send them to you, Jenna; although I would like to read all the letters first if that’s ok? She said that would be ok, but she really would like them sent as soon as possible, my family is going to want to see them too. I assured her that I would, Then I asked her if tomorrow night I could call her and read a couple more letters to her, again she paused, then said she would like that. I asked her what time would she be done with work? Around seven thirty, we are open until seven but I have to put things away and get things ready for Sunday because the store is open on Sunday too. I understand Jenna, I will try and call you around eight then, She agreed, Ok good night, Oh one more thing Jenna, I Just want you to know I had a nice time talking with you, Same to you Charley, and have a good evening as well.
As I hung up the phone, a felt as if I had lost something, I wanted her here with me, OMG I am crazy, I had to go into work in the morning as well, but I only had to work a part day, Mostly to check on the concrete we poured today, Just to put some curing agent on it and make sure everything was alright, I know one thing, I couldn’t wait until eight tomorrow evening,
I went down to the fridge and looked for a quick snack, I guess it’s cinnamon crunch cereal for me, after I did a few chores around the house I made my way back up to the living room,
I threw a couple logs on the fire place, just to relaxed for a little bit, I usually am in bed by now, but I knew if I were to go lay down I would be just staring at the ceiling all night, I looked over at the wooden box, I could see the refection of the fire place on it,
It was almost mysterious looking, a amber color danced like northern lights in the sky, I reached over and picked it up and sat it in my lap, then opened it, I took the smaller box and opened that, then pulled out the two rings, I took the boxes and set them down, they looked pretty dirty so I went to the hall closet and got some cleaning compound out, CLR or something similar, I went back and sat again in front of the fire place It felt kind of nice, the warmth and the smell really is relaxing, I started to clean the rings, I cleaned Neicys first, I rubbed it as gentle as possible so I wouldn’t damage it, her ring was breath taking, I imagined in my head the day she put it in the box, did she slipped it on her finger, and in that moment did she think about what she had missed out on in her life, I looked for any markings on the ring, I found only two letters on the inside of the ring, H G. I wasn’t sure what that meant but I figured I would ask Jenna tomorrow to see if she knew, I put her ring back in the box and picked up Edwards ring, I again cleaned it and made sure I was careful as well, His ring was a plain gold band, I also looked for markings on his but there was none, I couldn’t help myself, I had to try it on, I slipped it slowly on my ring finger, OMG, It was if it was made for mine, It almost locked into place when I put it all the way on, then I took one of Edwards letters and started to read it, I’m not sure why but I really felt as if I were a part of this. This letter was another beautiful work of art; just the writing alone drew you in,
My Dearest Neisy,
I'm not sure where to start, I don't know how to begin, I guess I'll start with i miss you, Cause that's what I'm feeling within, I miss you like a sky with no sun, It has Or the Ocean with no Moon, For you are my tide, my pull through these troubling times, Crying raindrops fall onto the Earth as they fade to nothing, nowhere to be,
I miss you like a tree that has no wind to runs threw her leaves,
It cannot speak for all my words unsung, They just hang in the moment, caught up in my mind, Words left unspoken and all left behind, I miss you as my friend, though I am all alone, Each missing each other, I call out for you in nights sky, as tears flows gently as a whispers cry, It's like no ones answering your endless calls, Please echoing along deserted halls, On England’s banks I wait for you, the softness of your voice lingers within, When I reaches for your hand, and when I reaches for your kiss, And there’s nothing there, only memories of this,
Forever yours, Edward Aug 1832
Again I sit here with a feeling of a completeness, His words were amazing, I wanted so bad to be saying these words to Jenna, but how foolish I am, Well the night is getting long, and I need to go to bed, So I set the letter down, shut the damper on the fire place, then I head to my bedroom, As I get into bed I snuggle in again, Drifting in and out of sleep, I keep looking over and imagine what it would have been like for Edward and Neisy, How amazing that love would have been, I roll over to my side, and snuggle in against my pillow, I sit up and flip the pillow over, just to feel the coolness of it before I drift back into sleep, I closed my eyes, then realized I , To be continued.
I had still been wearing Edwards ring, I started to pull it off, then stopped, I figured what could it hurt if I left it on for the night, So I closed my eyes, The next morning I was up and ready to head out the door when I felt my cell phone buzz, This was strange because no one ever calls me at this time of the morning, especially on a Saturday, I took it out of my holster and looked at the call number, OMG it was Jenna’s number, Tell you what, I couldn’t have answered it any faster, Hello, This is Charley, A soft quiet voice said good morning Charley, this is Jenna, Hello and Good morning to Jenna.
then I asked her if something was wrong? Oh know Charley I just wanted to say thank you again for reading the letters to me, and that I am looking forward to tonight,
I told her it was as good for too, I loved the way Edward wrote, And that I am looking forward to tonight as well. She said have a nice day and talk to you soon, then good bye, My God my heart was beating like a drummer on Red Bull, I told her to have a good day and I also can’t wait. We hung up our phones and I just stood there for a few minutes, I was wondering why she called, Maybe she was feeling something too?
Ok, here I go again, I jumped in my old truck and headed off to work, As I pulled into the job site, the radio said there was a chance of rain later tonight, so checked everything out around the site in case we had a gusher, then I grabbed the sealer and sprayed the slab and footings we had poured on Friday, I did a few other little odds and ends then went in the office trailer and did some red lines on the prints, I finished that up and was about to move some forms around to the side of the trench, so we would be ready to set forms on Monday, Plus if it rained it would be harder to get around with the fork lift, As I backed the fork lift up something stopped me dead in my tracks, I put it in forward, but it wouldn’t go that way either, So shut the fork lift off and jumped off, I went around the back of the machine and found that I had backed into a stake that we had driven in the ground to hold one of the batter boards, We didn’t need it anymore so I kicked at it but it was solid so I went over to the tool trailer and picked up a twenty pound sledge so I could knock it around and take it out. As I went to the back of the machine again I started hitting the stake, It was in there pretty good, Damn Jerry drove this one in good, I was laughing as I felt it getting looser so I hit it a few more times, Then the ground gave way, I was about six feet from a trench that was twelve feet deep and four feet wide, the whole side of the bank started to cave in, I scrambled to try and get out but it was to late, I feel in, the ground had pinned me just above my waist, God it felt like a truck just hit me, as I gathered my thoughts for a second I looked up and noticed one of the wheels of the fork lift was hanging on by just a small part of the wheel, OMG, if that caves in it’s going to role right back on top of me, I started to dig with my hands, then I thought about my cell phone, I had it clipped to my pants, I dug down where I thought it would be but nothing was there, Shit, I suppose the cave in must have knocked it off, I’ve never been one to get all panicked about things but I was really starting to worry about the fork lift falling in on top of me, I started to dig with my hands again, after about a hour I hadn’t made much progress, The ground that caved in seem to have packed in pretty hard, I knew I couldn’t stop because of what was right above me, So again I dug, I looked around for anything to dig with but nothing was with in reach, I tried to feel if my legs were ok but I couldn’t seem to even feel them, another hour went by, then another, soon the sun was starting to drift away, I was getting weaker because of dehydration or maybe I was just talking myself into it, I told myself this is bull shit, and Kept digging, I was close to getting on leg free, My fingers were bloody, I had pulled one of my fingernail off when I hooked something in the ground, then I felt a few drops of rain on my back, as I looked up in the sky I could see thunderheads rolling in from the west, It was just about dark now so I had better hurry and get myself out of here, the rain was starting to get heavier, It actually felt good at the time, I opened my mouth and tried to drink as much as I could, then I went back to digging, OMG, Then It happened, I heard something thump, I looked up just in time to see that the rain had washed out the dirt from around the tire of the fork lift and it was moving toward me, OMG,, I scrambled like I was crazy, I didn’t even feel my hands anymore, All I knew is that I needed to get out of there, But it was to late, The bank caved again and the fork lift started sliding toward me, all I could do is get down and pray, I felt a Huge weight hit me in the back, and everything went dark, I think I was ok but the fork lift was on top of me it must have hung up on the other side of the bank as it flipped down the trench toward me, When I got down something pushed my head down so I couldn’t move much at this point, I sat there in total darkness, The rain was still coming down hard because I could hear it, then I felt water next to my mouth, OMG, It was getting higher, I tried to turn my head to get my mouth up further but I couldn’t, I thought this is going to be it, I’m going to die here all alone, I knew I was crying but I couldn’t feel my tears, flashes of Jenna waiting for me to call kept going through my head, OMG, water was going in my Mouth, I couldn’t
To be continued,
Believe this was happening to me, I could wiggle around some, it seemed as if the rain was loosing the dirt up, I heard something, it almost sounded like a truck, I focused on the sound and sure enough that is what it was!!! I hollered as loud as I could, then listened, It sounded like my buddy Jerry’s truck, I mean I know the sound of that truck anywhere, then I heard it shut off and a door slam, I screamed out again as loud as possible, Then I heard him yell my name, Charley are you here? Jerry I’m stuck down in the hole!!!!!!!!!!! I heard him yell my name again, I whistled as loud as I could, I figured the high pitch sound would carry better. It worked, Jerry came over to where the fork lift was, I heard him say what the hell happened here, then he called out my name again, I hollered again, Then he came around the side of the machine and asked me where the hell I was, I’m under the Damn fork lift Jerry!!!!!! I screamed, He scrambled down the bank, I could hear him right next to me now, He asked me what the heck happened,
I will tell you the details later bud, Just get me the heck out of here! He said he was going to call 911 and get some help, Bull Shit Jerry, Go get a shovel out of the tool trailer and dig me out, I don’t want to wait for anyone else, He said he knows but better call, Ok. Damn it anyway, all I could think of is how stupid this is going to look, he called, then he asked me what the address was, I almost had to smile because I could hear how nervous he was. After the call he ran to the tool trailer, He asked me what he should do? I asked him to start digging out right by me, Yeah but where exactly are you Charley? I think just start digging as close to where my voice is, I told him I will holler if you are close, Well the first shovel full he took just about took off my face, Holly shit Jerry your right by my head, Then he said he could see me, After a few more shovels I could actually see him, I asked him what the light was? It’s my truck lights, he dug for about twenty minutes and had me close to coming out, When I heard the sirens coming, Oh crap I asked Jerry to try and pull my arms to see if he could pull me out, The soil was pretty loose after all the rain that had fallen in the past few hours, He started to pull and I could feel my legs coming out, Finally I was free, Thank GOD!, as he pulled me out I couldn’t seem to move my legs to good, I was thinking my legs were broken, One thing about Jerry he is a strong guy, Once I was free he didn’t waist any time pulling me right up out of that hole, OMG Thank you Jerry I told him, Then he said you stupid sucker how the hell did you get pined under there? First I asked him what the hell he was doing here? He said that sense it was raining hard he thought he would give me a call and see if we should go and check on the job site but I never answered your phone, So he figured I was here screwing around and figured I could use some help, And I guess he was right dumb ass because I sure as hell did, He laughed for a second then said that I shouldn’t have come here by myself, and that I knew better. I know Jerry, I was just going to move some forms around and the Damn bank caved in, he asked me how the hell did you end up underneath the fork lift? Oh I wasn’t actually in it when this happened, I was taking one of the batter board stakes out that was in my way when I was knocking it loose the whole damn bank gave way, I was buried up to my waist, I had almost dug myself out when the rain started coming down pretty heavy, and that’s how the fork lift fell in, the rain washed out the ground around the rear tire and it slide down the bank and rolled, it would have crushed me but it hit the bank on the other side which held it up enough, All at once the job site lite up like Christmas, red and blue lights flashing like crazy, And those damn Sirens were enough to deafen a man, I looked at Jerry and asked him if he wanted to explain this, He smiled and said Charley, I think this one is on you. I asked him to help me up, Well I’m not sure if I Should Charley, Oh common Jerry, So he helped me to my feet My legs were pretty soar but at least I could feel them now, The Ambulance pulled in and a EMT rushed over to us, He asked me where the guy was buried and what had happen, Jerry and I looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders, I told the guy that there wasn’t anyone buried and that Jerry had dug me out and I think I was fine, maybe just a little shook up,
He told me to sit down while he checks me over, He asked how long I had been buried and how deep was I buried, I told him waist deep and for maybe three hours or so, As he checked me over a couple more EMTs came over with a stretcher and they wanted me to lay down so they could put me on it, I looked at him like he was nuts, I’m not laying on that thing I told him, I can walk to the Ambulance, Jerry grabbed one side of me and said Yeah we can help him over to there, The EMT guy didn’t like it, but said ok. When we got to the Ambulance I kind of felt dizzy, I think it was just maybe dehydration, I asked if they had any water.
The EMT guy said we needed to start a IV, HOLY SHIT< I told him that’s not going to happen, We have too he said, What the hell for? Because you are dehydrated and you might go into shock, I told him the only shock there was is me thinking about you sticking a damn needle in me, He smiled and said I wouldn’t feel anything other than a little sting, I don’t care I said, Just give me some water and we will do it that way ok? He had me lay down on the stretcher inside the Ambulance and told me we will have to cut your pants off so we can see what if anything is wrong, I said cut my pants off, what the Hell are you guys nuts! I sat up and UN buttoned my pants and pulled them down, I said wouldn’t this be easier? I slipped my boots off and took my pants the rest of the way, Then I heard Jerry say, Nice Boxers Charley and he started to laugh, I looked down to see sponge bob square pants starring back at me, Everyone started to Laugh, I guess its one of those moments where you just had to be there. After Laying back down the Guy told me that you have sever swelling and bruising but for the most part from a exterior stand point you look ok, we will know more once we do x-rays on you.
I nodded and said ok, Then I looked at Jerry and asked him to lock up the gate and everything once everyone is out, Oh and don’t let the guys in here tomorrow until I can get hold of the big Cheese and see how he wants to handle all this,
To be continued,
Jerry said no worries, and he will be at the Hospital in a few. On the ride to the Hospital all I could think of is Jenna, and what she must be thinking, I was supposed to call her by now. I hope she wont think I’m just blowing her off or trying to avoid her, Or maybe she will think I’m trying to keep the letters, I asked the EMT if he had seen my phone, but no luck there, He asked me if I wanted to use his, I thought for a second, I knew part of her number but wasn’t really sure about it. I asked him if I could try, I dialed the number and waited, after a few rings a voice mail picked up, it was the sound of her Beautiful voice, But it was the stores number, OMG, I waited for the tone then I said, Jenna this is Charley, I will have to call you tomorrow if that’s alright, I had something come up, I am sorry, Talk to you tomorrow bye. I didn’t want to really go into the details because for one reason I didn’t want to scare her to death, and two I didn’t want to talk in front of these guys about anything.
After arriving at the Hospital they wheeled me into the Emergency room, A nurse came in and started asking me a bunch of random questions, like what had happen, how long was I pinned under the machine, and if I was in any pain, I told her everything that had happen, I said that I wasn’t really in any pain, just sore, Then she tells me that she is going to start an IV, Excuse me!! Your not putting anything in this body my dear I said, She smiled and said, you don’t have to be afraid, it wont hurt, Honey I could care less about the pain, It’s what is going in my body that I don’t like, Oh she said it’s only a water solution mixed with some antibodies to help fight off any swelling. I shook my head no, Ok then I will get the Doctor to come take a look at you, About fifteen minutes went by and I heard a knock at the door, Come in I said, When the door swung open it was Jerry, I laughed inside then I said Hi bud, I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated you getting me out of there, If it hadn’t been for you I don’t know what would have happen, Jerry quickly said you would have died you dumb ass, As a matter a fact when you get up out of this bed I’m going to punch you in the head just for being so stupid, I mean what were you thinking anyway, I told him I wasn’t even going to stay that long anyway, He said yeah right, Your always on the job so why wouldn’t you be there long, tell me that? I thought for a second or two then I said to myself what the Hell, Well Jerry if you must know, I was going to call a girl later on so I wanted to get home, Call a girl uh, Yeah right, and who is this girl Charley? Well she is someone I recently have been talking to on the phone, WHAT!! Is that some kind of phone dating thing? Hell know Jerry gezzz, you crazy ass. She is from New York,,, So instead of going back and forth with details, I told Jerry everything in a nut shell what had happen up to this point, Wow that’s pretty wild Charley, So have you talked to her today? Yes this morning, we were supposed to talk at around eight tonight, but I was kind of buried at that time so I haven’t talked to her, I did call from the Ambulance and left a message at her store though. Then there was a tap on the door and the Doctor and nurse walked in, He introduced himself as Doctor Bray and he wanted to check me over before they sent me down for x-rays, after a few minutes he said that I seemed ok, but we want to check you out before we release you, ok. I smiled and said that sounds good to me, I’m just un a hurry to get home, I’m sure you are he said, The nurse quickly brought in a wheel chair and pushed me toward the x-ray room, I was in and out pretty fast, then she brought me back to my room, I asked her how long she thought it would be? Well I’d say about twenty minutes or so. I started to tell Jerry more about the letters and that I had also found a couple of rings, He asked me if I thought they were worth a lot of money, Well to tell you the truth I think they are priceless, I mean to the family that is, and actually to me too. I mean I couldn’t sell these knowing that there is a history that can actually be touched, I have to tell you something, I’ve read some of these letters to Jenna, you should have heard her voice Jerry, I mean I could almost feel her through the phone, He looked at me with those crazy eyes, then said Well my friend I can tell they must mean something to you, I’ve known you for most of my life and I haven’t seen you act like this for a very long time, So what ever this is, I think it’s something you should look into. I smiled and said thank you, A knock on the door again, then in walked the Doc He stood there and said that the x-rays looked good, but he was concerned about the swelling in my legs, He asked me to stand up and do a few squats for him, as I bent down I could really feel a bad tingling in my legs, I didn’t care, there was no way I was going to tell him that, I did a few and then said, how is that Doc? Well Charley you seem fine, I can’t believe you were buried that long and only have some swelling, I tell you one thing, and you sure are one lucky guy. I told him I agree, and then asked him if I can get released now? You sure can, We just need you to fill out some paper work then you can go home, But I want you to put your feet up, and I’m giving you a prescription for the swelling, and one for any pain that might come up during the night, I also want you to take it easy for the next few days, I said sounds good. He tells me the nurse will be in with your paper work and then will release you. I was smiling from ear to ear, I couldn’t wait to get home and Call Jenna, I knew it would be late, but I think she would appreciate a call just the same. As we left the Hospital Jerry asked me if I was really alright. Well to be honest I am a little sore but I’ll live. On the way home I asked Jerry if we could run by the job site to see if I could find my phone. He laughed and said you don’t give up do you Charley. To be continued
I chuckled at Jerry and told him that I was hoping to find my phone because it has important info on it, yeah right he said, We both know why you want that phone, It’s to see get that woman’s number right? Smiling ear to ear I had to give in, Ok Jerry you may be some what right, Just the same run me by the job, He said ok but only he would look for it and I needed to stay in the truck, I agreed, after just a short trip we were there, I almost had a noshes feeling when we pulled up, I think reality finally hit me when I saw the fork lift tipped over in the hole, It brought me right back to the moment when I thought I was going to drown, or suffocate. As I watched Jerry walking away from the truck, I really knew what kind of friend he has been, I only could hope he would feel the same about me, we have known each other sense we were back in high school. He was a little older than me so in school I just knew of him, It wasn’t until we hit the work force that we really got to know each other, One thing I will tell you about Jerry, He would give you his shirt pants and skives if needed to help you out.
Anyway I waited for about five minutes, I know he wanted me to wait but I’m a antsy kind of guy, I opened my door and was about to step out, when his door opened, He said just where in the Hell do you think your going? I turned to him and quickly said I was just going to stretch that’s all. Oh yeah like I believe that one. He jumped in behind the wheel and said lets get you home. What about my phone? Charley, the hell with the phone, I will look for it later ok, shut your door and lets get going before you try something crazy again, Reluctantly I closed my door, I told Jerry that I hoped he would have found it, but I appreciated him looking for it for me. We were driving for about ten minutes when I looked over at Jerry and he had this smirk, I asked him what he was grinning about? Oh I was just thinking of what your face is going to look like when I tell you that I found your phone. WHAT! You found my Phone Jerry!! He reached in his pocket and handed me a some what dirty phone, Yep it was my phone, OMG you’re the best Freaking guy Jerry Thank you, my phone was a construction grade phone that is supposed to with stand most anything, Even water or dirt, I flipped it on but it wouldn’t turn on, Damn it won’t turn on, Jerry asked me if I thought the battery was dead? It could be I guess, I asked him if I could plug it in to his charger, sure thing bud help yourself, His charger was already plugged into the cigarette lighter so I tried to plug it in, What the heck it doesn’t fit, Jerry said why the heck not, We have the same damn phone dumb ass, I asked him to turn on the dome light so I could see better, He laughed and asked me if I needed his old man glasses, Very funny Jerry, after he turned the light on I inspected my phone to see why I couldn’t plug it in, I noticed that where it plugs in was kind of crushed a little so maybe that was why, Jerry was like me and always has tools in his truck so I asked him if he had a small screw driver so I could try and bend the opening some, He told me to look in the glove box, He thinks there is a small set of screw drivers in there, I opened the box and sure as hell he was right, I quickly took the smallest on out, I tweaked the opening just a little then tried to plug in the charger, Yes that was it, as soon as I plugged it in my phone turned on, OMG its working, me and Jerry chatted a little bit about how awesome these phones are and If I would have had any other phone it would have been toasted, as the phone booted up, I had about six voice mail messages and a few missed calls from a un known caller. I hit my voice box number then waited to hear, I was hoping that the first voice would be from Jenna, But it wasn’t It was actually from Jerry asking me where the Hell I was, and that he was going to run by the job site to check out everything because of all the rain and that I should give him a call. The next was from my project manager asking me what was the plain for Monday, I kept hoping I would hear Jenna’s Beautiful voice, I clicked the next message, Then I heard her soft voice asking me if I had forgotten to call her, and that she had been waiting all day just to hear me read to her again, I felt so bad when I heard her say that, I didn’t want to let her down I pushed repeat just to hear her again then I save her message,and checked the next message, it was some random guy asking me if I wanted to improve my life, all I needed to do is call and he could make me rich, I laughed and deleted it, the next one was from Jenna again, She just wanted to know if I could call her soon, and that she was hoping that I could send her the letters, I could hear it in her voice that she was kind of upset, I needed to call her as soon as I can to explain to her what happened, the next message was from my Boss, He just wanted to make sure I was going to be alright, and not to worry about anything Just get better and call him when I could, that was such a relief to hear I was kind of worried that message would have went a little different, That was it for Messages, Jerry said well we made it, I bet your glad to be home uh, I told him yes, but moment or two I didn’t think I would have ever seen home again. Jerry smiled and said well I guess it just wasn’t your time yet Charley, Yeah I guess not.
I told Jerry again how much I appreciated everything and I will never be able to repay him, Jerry looked me straight faced and said, Charley you’re my best friend, and you would have done the same for me, I shook my head and said you know it bud, Jerry was opening his door of his truck, I looked over at him and said I would be fine, I just wanted to get into bed and rest, Ok Charley, I will give you a call in the Morning sometime, as I stepped into the house, I had already dialed Jenna, her phone rang a few times then she picked up, Hello she said with that angels voice, I was again at a loss for words, She said hello, is anyone there? I grumbled some words, really not knowing what to really say, finally I said Hello Jenna, this is Charley, I am so sorry to call you so late but I needed to tell you something, then I heard the phone beep, I quickly looked at my phone to see if my battery was going dead, but it had two bars on it so it was good, so I put it back up to my ear and started to tell her what had happened, and that I was so sorry for not calling her cell number but I couldn’t remember it, I listened for a response but nothing, I asked her if she was mad at me, again no response, I looked at my phone again it showed that she was still on the line, I asked again if she was mad at me and that I know she must have been hurt because I didn’t call, again no response, I told her I was going to hang up and call her back because something must me messed up with my phone, I clicked the end button and quickly called her back, Her phone went immediately to her voice mail, I left a message saying that I was sorry again and I would hope she would understand, I pushed end, then just stared at my phone in disbelief, Wow I would have hoped that she would have understood that it was out of my hands, and she has to know that I wanted to talk to her too. Just then my phone rang; I quickly answered it, when all I could hear on the other end was……. To be continued
A buzzing sound, I must have missed the call, I couldn’t help but think it was Jenna calling me back, I sat there for a minute thinking who ever it was would have left a voice mail or maybe would call me back, but nothing doing, so even though it was late and really shouldn’t call, I dialed her number, it rang a few times and she answered, Hello Charley she said, I was so happy, I said yes, then went into telling her that my phone must be messed up, I explained everything that had happen to me on Sunday and that is the reason I couldn’t call her until now, She was so sweet, It was if she really cared about me, She told me that she had a funny feeling that something had happen to me because she knew what kind of guy I was, and that I wouldn’t have told her that I was going to call her and not call. So we went back and forth about my little episode, I heard her yawn a couple times, Then I told her that I could let her go so she could get some sleep, She told me that she would like it if I could read one of the letters again before we hang up, I smiled and told her that I would love too, I scrambled up stairs and looked through a few letters, when I picked up one that well I don’t know I guess it just looked or felt right, I asked Jenna if she was all snuggled in, she laughed and said that she was, I asked her if it would be alright if I started the fireplace because it kind of sets the mood for me, Again with the sweetest voice said that she would like that feeling too. I took a minute to start a nice fire, the room had a warm amber glow to it, I turned down the lights and then sat on the reading bench right next to the fire, Ok Jenna I’m ready, I could hear her almost smile, she said ok. Again Edwards words flowed from the letter with ease, it was if I had seen them before, or I could almost see him writing them.
Dearest Neisy
The night comes into my room tonight caring loneliness, I watch as every glimpse of light fades away, my mind is with you every moment I breathe, I went to the pier this morning to see the day break, I watched and waited hoping to catch a glimpse of a ship coming to port, Hoping that you would be on it. I long for your return my dear, Two seagulls fly effortlessly across the plain of the water, as the pass one looked over to the other, maybe it was just to see if the other was alright, I don’t know it might sound silly, but I felt as if it was I flying there, and I was looking over at you, just to make sure you were ok, I see so many things that remind me of you Neisy, Please be safe, Please think of me on endless dreams, for I am with you forever, I am your forever, and you Forever are mine,
Always Edward Sept 5th 1843
I could hear Jenna’s soft breath against the receiver I wanted nothing more than to have been the one writing this to her. I asked her what she thought about the letter, She paused then asked me a strange question, Charley do you feel a kind of love when you read these letters to me, I asked her what she meant by that? She quietly said, toward me, do you feel something inside you toward me? At first I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, because the answer was yes a hundred times over. I told her that it was kind of crazy, but I do feel that way, Its as if I am the one writing these letters to you, I don’t really understand it either to tell you the truth, I told her that when I was trapped under the fork lift all I could think of is reading another letter to her, and I had felt that I was letting you down by not being able to call you that night. Another thing Jenna, I feel like I know you, I mean like really know you, I sometimes close my eyes and I swear I can feel you, almost smell you, I felt your soft skin brush against me in the night, I’ve reached over and ran my fingers gently through your beautiful hair, I’ve kissed your moisten lips and held your body so close to mine it was if we were one, I hope I’m not scaring you Jenna, I don’t know why I have these feelings toward you but every sense the first time I heard your voice and started reading these letters to you I have felt so close to you. Again with the politest and softest voice she said that she was not scared, and that she had also felt everything I’ve said to her, she told me that last night she laid awake thinking of me, she said it was if she was beside herself watching, She imagined me with her, I asked her why did she think we were feeling these things, a slight pause, then she said maybe it is some kind of ghost or spirit that is with these letters. I kind of chuckled, Jenna can I tell you something, She said of course Charley, Well I think I feel that some how I had something to do with these letters, I mean not that I wrote them or anything like that, but I feel, like you, a connection to them, I think your right about a spirits or something, you know I haven’t told you everything that I have found. She quickly asked me what I meant, had I find more letters, I again didn’t want to tell her about the rings, so I told her about the letter opener or what ever it was, and how it had something scribed on it, but I couldn’t read what it said. She then asked me if there was anyway that I could come there with the letters so she could meet me, OMG, Jenna I would like nothing more than to come there. She asked me when I could possibly make it. I thought about it and told her I would have to request a vacation time off from work and see if my schedule would let me, or when it would let me off. I told her that I was a Superintendent so it wasn’t as easy to get away from the job, but for sure I wanted to come as soon as possible. then I could hear my alarm going off in my bedroom so I knew it was four o clock in the morning, I told Jenna that it was after four, really she said, where did the time go? I laughed and said maybe in Neisys and Edwards day time stood still. Then she told me that she had better go because she wanted to get some rest before another day, I agreed, Then as I was about to hang up after saying our good nights, I heard her say….. to be continued.
Charley, Wait! I said yes Jenna I’m still here, Oh, I wanted to ask you something about the letters, Sure thing Jenna anything, with the quietest sweetest voice ever she asked me if I would consider bringing the letters to New York Grand Forks New York
Not the best flight time but it would do. I called Jenna back, but her answering machine picked up. I explain when I would be there and that I couldn’t wait to see her and of course read to her, I grabbed my carry on luggage and packed quickly, It was almost five am so I only had a hour to get to the airport, after packing the letters and the little box that had the rings in it I jumped in my old truck and headed to Grand Forks, I pulled into the parking lot with about five minutes to burn.
After going through the security and then boarding the plane, I must be crazy, Heck I never even told anyone where I was going, not even my job. I quickly called in and talked to my boss, I explained to him that if it was ok I wanted to have a little time off. We went back and forth about some job issues he said not to worry and that they will get someone to cover for me, I was about to call my Mom and Dad just to let them know what was going on, when the stewardess asked me to shut off my phone because they were about to shut the cabin doors, I asked if I could make one quick call, but she said that she was sorry and I would have to call when we arrived in the Cities, we had to fly into Minneapolis first then straight to JFK in New York. I shut my phone off and sat back for the short flight, about a hour and forty five minutes later we touched down, as soon as I hit the terminal I dialed Mom, she picked up and said hello, I explained to her what had happened to me and that I had contacted Neisys relative and that I am going to meet her in New York, My Mom is so funny, she told me that to make sure I watch out when I’m in New York because she heard from her sister that there were a lot of gangs and murders there, I smiled big and told her I would keep an extra look out for them, then I said I had to go and gave her my love. After hanging up, my phone rang, I answered it to a almost yelling Jerry, I asked him what was wrong, He said what’s wrong? He said, Where the heck are you Charley, I drove by your house to check on you, and your truck is gone, Don’t tell me you went into work, and if you did I’m going to kick your ass. I started laughing, Jerry I’m alright then told him where I was and what I was up too. Like Jerry, he said I was nuts and then told me to make sure I didn’t get married until he could get there, again I laughed and told him I would for sure call him first. After hanging up I found my next terminal and waited for the flight, I tried calling Jenna again but her answering machine picked up again. I guess she must be busy or maybe she decided to sleep in and let someone else open the store sense I kept her up all night. Anyway the plane was pulling up, I heard them call our flight number I stood up and got in line, after what seemed like several hours instead of minutes I finally boarded and got nestled in for the three hour flight, I couldn’t help but think of what my first words would be to Jenna, I mean what should I say, the more I thought about it the more nervous I was getting, I figured Jenna to be a classy woman from the white collar world, and me being brought up through the sweat and hustle of the blue collar maybe I wouldn’t even know what to say to her, not that blue collars are beneath the white collar because in my mind it’s the blues that move the world, I know that isn’t the right way of thinking but no one is perfect, as the plane pulled her nose to the sky, I watched the ground get smaller and smaller, It gives you a feeling of just how small one person is in this world, I noticed that there were some dark clouds in the distance and I could see lightning flashing, so I was in for a bumpy ride, about an hour went by and the pilot came over the speaker and told us that we were about to hit a little turbulence, everyone started to chatter, Mostly because he never even finished what he was saying when we must have dropped about six feet, Wow if you don’t think that leaves a emptiness in your stomach your crazy. I wasn’t one to ever get worried about things, but you know sometimes you can’t help it. I was watching out the window when a blinding flash of lightning cracked right by the plane, The whole plane erupted in screams, I was fortunate to have the luck of sitting by a nice little lady around seventy years old, she looked like she was going to have a heart attack, I asked her what her name was, she said her name was Selma, then she asked me if I thought we were going to crash, I reached over and took her by the hand and had her look at me, Selma it’s nice to meet you, My name is Charley, let me tell you this, there is no way we are going to crash, She asked me how I could know that, Well my dear, its like this, I went on and on about how I had arrived at this point in time, I told her that I some how felt as if my life was meant to come to happen like this, She smiled and said that she felt better knowing all this, She told me that she lived in New York, and that she had just been visiting family in Thief River Falls Minnesota and asked me if I knew where that was, I chuckled and said I sure did, and that I lived only sixteen miles away from there, I asked her what her last name was, She said it was Baine, I told her that I had heard of that name before but couldn’t recall anyone that I knew on a personal level. We chatted back and forth about life, when I asked her where in New York Central park , That is about where Jenna lived, I asked her if she knew of a little drug store there called, Gilberts Drug store?
She smiled and said yes, it was only two blocks from her home, OMG really I said, that is unbelievable, she said why? I told asked her if she knew the owners and again she said yes, And when she said Jenna Gilbert my heart blew up I swear, I was at a loss for words, Then the pilot came over the speaker again he said that we were about ten minutes from JFK and everyone needed to get ready for landing. I had so many questions to ask Selma New York
We must be close, I asked Selma if she was ok and if there was anything I could do for her, She smiled and said she would be ok, as the tires hit the tarmac I heard Selma say, thank God, I smiled and said I second that my dear, as we taxied up to the terminal I thought I would try Jenna on more time before I got off the plane, it rang a few times and then I heard that wonderful voice say, Hello Gilberts Drug, I said Hello Jenna this is Charley, OMG she said are you here? I chuckled, well not quite I just landed, I’m going to rent a car and head that way though, Charley I will come and get you ok. I thought that was a sweet jester but told her that I will need wheels anyway. She told me that she will be waiting for me and can’t wait to meet me. I felt such a happiness, It was if I was about to meet someone I had known all my life. I would almost say I might even love her, I told Jenna I couldn’t wait either then hung up the phone, after a few seconds Selma Selma
Be Thin Self Be True. OMG I looked at Selma and begin to explain a little bit of what I have found and what this meant, Selma was just as in awe as I was, I couldn’t help but think that there had to be more to this I mean what are the odds to ever find another bag like this, let alone sitting next to a woman on a plane that had the same bag with the exact writing to the one I had found in a river in Minnesota.. If you don’t think there were butterflies running through my body think again. Anyway I asked Selma
She said by all means Charley I would love to see it, as I fumbled through my bag I pulled it out, when I she looked at it I heard her gasp, Charley OMG what is going on here, I looked her straight in her eyes, they had a glossiness to them, I asked her if she was alright, Yes Charley I just can’t believe all of this, Its like there is a divine intervention or something here. I told her I felt the same way, I asked her if she could go with me to the antique place, she told me she would love to and that she really needed to find out more about this now too. I smiled and said thank you, I put my bag away, then asked Selma if she was ready to go, as we made our way to the parking garage Selma asked if it would be alright if we could stop by the antique place on the way because it was on the way, although I wanted to see Jenna so bad I agreed. On the way up the turnpike I was getting kind of nervous, I mean the thought of meeting Jenna and now meeting Selma and the turn of events that has happened on the flight here OMG its as if I’m beside myself. After about a forty five minute drive Selma said we are getting close, I asked if she thought if the store would be open sense it was pushing six, she paused and then said she thought that it was open until six so she hoped it was, I couldn’t believe it was already close to six because my flight was supposed to land at JFK at around one forty five pm. But with the time we talked at the airport and getting to Selma’s car and now the drive here I guess it had slipped by faster than I expected, Anyway as we pulled up to the store the Selma noticed that the open sign was still on, Now to find a parking spot. Selma said it would be just as easy to go to her place because she had a garage and it was only a few blocks down the street, I agreed so we made our way, when we got to her garage, she told me that I should head down to the antique store and she would make her way down as soon as she parks and gets things put away. I told her ok and headed down the street, It was about four blocks from Selma’s I made it to the store to find the open sign had been shut off, OMG. I looked in the window but couldn’t see if anyone was in, I knocked on the door for about five minutes when a gentleman walking by told me that they close at six pm, I told him that I was just hoping to talk to the owners about some specialty items that they might know about, he shrugged his shoulders and said good luck then made his way down the street, although I was bummed about the store being closed I headed back toward Selma’s to tell her we would have to check back tomorrow, I was about a block away from Selma’s when my phone started to buzz, I looked at the screen and noticed Jenna’s name flashing on it, OMG Hello Jenna, She asked me if I was close to getting to her store? I didn’t even know how close I was to her so I said I was on Central Park street close to that Antique store, Charley OMG you are so close to me, I’m six blocks west of there!! My heart was pounding, I told her I would be right there, I hung up and then started running as fast as I could, which wasn’t very fast caring two bags, I finally got back to Selma’s, I rang the door bell and after a few seconds Selma opened the door, Charley I’m surprised to see you back here that quick, I explained to her that the store was closed, and that I needed to go because Jenna had called me and said she was only a few blocks west of here, She smiled and said that she could give me a ride, I again was all smiles and said that it was ok and that I could walk that pretty easy, Ok then Charley, I will see you tomorrow then? Of course Selma Sydney Sydney
Sorry about that Charley, but I had to take care of his prescription before we close, I smiled and said it was fine, Then she turned to Sydney and told her she could go for the night, and that she would take care of closing down the store, Sydney smiled and asked if it would be alright if she were to stay around for a while, Jenna asked why, she said that she has heard so much about Charley and the letters that she was wondering if I would read some, Jenna said maybe some other time Sydney, I want to talk with Charley about some things tonight. After stumbling around the store, I think kind of stalling she left, Jenna apologized if I was put in a awkward moment, I smiled and told her I’ve had many awkward moments in my life so I’m fine. Jenna asked if I wanted anything to drink while she closed up, I’m fine I said, as I followed her around the store she went on to tell me about the letters that Edward had written, I asked her if she meant the letters I have with me? No Charley, what you don’t know is that after hearing about the letters you found, I researched our family history, I found some letters that one of my great uncle had that Edward had written to his father, Wow really Jenna, Where they poems or just letters about life, She smiled and said that they were just letters about life back in England, one he had written though did mention a young woman that he was fond of, but he didn’t go into detail about them, I asked her if she had the letters here because it would be neat to see them, She said yes that they were back in the study, after about a half hour or so, she asked if I wanted to go and sit in the study, I would love to Jenna, Do you have the bag and letters with you she asked, she had a almost begging voice as she asked, Yes Jenna, I wouldn’t have come all this way without them. She smiled with the sweetest smile I have ever seen, then turned and headed toward the back of the store, after a few steps she turned to me and asked if I would follow her because the study is toward the back of the store, we entered a long hallway with a soft amber glow of a light toward the end of the hallway, after entering the room I looked around in awe, this is a wonderful room Jenna, She smiled and said that this was where she goes when she reads, I fell in love with it the moment I stepped into it, There was a small fire place nestled in the corner, a farley large painting of a elderly man sat just over it, the kind of painting that makes you wonder about life, next to the fire place was a winged chair with a plaid blanket hanging over the back and a small pillow that made me just want to crawl into, a off white throw rug sat under a beautiful antique coffee table that had some old books and a large candle on it. A couple of old sconces hung from each side of the fire place with half melted candles in them, there was a dark brown leather couch also in front of the fire place, you know the kind with the soft leather, the smell of hickory filled the room, as I tried to take it all in, Jenna went straight to the fire place and started gathering up some kenneling she turned to me and asked if I would start the fire she had to run and get something up stairs, I smiled and said of course, I had just set the first log on the kenneling when Jenna came back in the room, as she turned to close the door it made the softest but comfortable sound I have ever heard, Strange as that may sound to you its what I felt, smiles, when she turned back toward me I noticed she had a bottle of wine, she asked if it would be alright if she poured me a glass, I quickly but calmly said yes, Will you read a letter to me Charley, OMG at that point my heart started to race some, I reached for my luggage and opened it, I pulled the old bag from it and then took out a few letters, she asked me to sit down on the floor in front of the fire place, she picked up the bag and looked it over, with amazement in her eyes she said that she couldn’t believe she was actually holding this after it had sat in the river for all those years, she asked me to find a letter that I hadn’t read to her yet, so I looked through and found one that I didn’t recognize, as she sat down next to me on the floor, she reached up on the chair and pulled the blanket down and draped it over her shoulder and around her waist, She smiled and said that she was ready, as I opened the letter I looked up at her, the glow from the fire, the sound of the snapping logs almost took my breath away, I started to read,
My Dearest Neisy,
I followed the sands of the Oceans between us, I carried my Love over time without a moment of ever losing sight of you, every blade of grass, every cloud that passes me I remember you, I walked through the garden, my eyes found a rose that was like no other I have ever seen, its stem had no thorns, a green that flowed into the base of the flower, its pedals were a lavender with streaks of the smoothest white I have ever seen, the tips were orange as the early morning sun, I thought about picking it, but stopped, I wanted it to live it’s life without the thought of stopping it, I thought of you my Love, I would never change you, hurt you in anyway, I only want you to live your life with the thought of every moment, every dream, every thing yours. I hold out my hand for you to feel, For I am yours Forever,
Always Edward. May 12 18 57
After reading this letter, I looked up at Jenna, her eyes were glistened over with a mist she had a tear that caressed her cheek, It was if I had been reading it to her, My heart was over whelmed with passion, I reached over and whipped the tear from her Beautiful cheek, I brought my hand back I whipped her tear across my lips, I could tasted her passion I set the letter down and reached for her hand, she slowly leaned toward me, as we ….. To be continued..
Entered into a mesmerizing moment my body so close to the woman I’ve dreamed about for months, actually my whole life, my mind was hers to have, my hand finds her hair soft as the most amazing silk ever spun, as my lips found hers I felt a movement within me that only can be explained by an image of the deepest Love ever possible, a kiss that lasted hours in my mind was amazing, tender and soft I could almost hear her words begging me not to stop, I felt her pull back so I stopped, as our eyes touched I smiled and told her that I knew kissing her would be unbelievable, She smiled and said it feels like I have known you all my life, I feel as if I can tell you anything, When you read to me Charley it’s as if you are reading it to me, I mean it’s as if those letters were meant for me, I know that sounds silly but a girl can hope, I told her it wasn’t silly at all, Oh My God from the first letter I read to you it was if I was reading it to you, The most amazing thing is, and this may sound nuts, but I feel as if these letters were written by me like this letter I can almost remember writing it, Jenna smiled and then asked me if I could say something from my heart, You mean make up a poem for you right out of the blue? Smiling wildly she said yes, Please. After thinking about it, I said I would try, but don’t laugh ok.
My Dearest Jenna,
I tremble every minute I am away from you, I watched the sunrise this morning, the sky was a beautiful orange with a touch of pink spreading across the horizon, the air was cool and I could hear the sound of a dove that filled my heart with a unbelievable calmness, remember the day we held each other, we walked through a day that has been forever in my mind, your words caress my mind with Love and passion, I’m sorry Jenna it is hard to do right out of the blue like that,
I want to show you something I haven’t told you about,, What is it Charley, and that was so amazing, Your words make me feel so much Love I know thank you Jenna, I smiled, then asked her to wait right here because I have something for you in my bag, as I walked away I couldn’t help but to turn around and look back at her, I was so in Love with her, but how could I be? I mean I’ve just meet her, is this possible or am I caught up in all this, I mean the letters that Edward had written, I took a little box from my suit case and brought it to Jenna, She asked me what it was? Open it Jenna, She sat there a few minutes then slowly opened it up, OMG Charley, What is this, I smiled and. To be continued………….
Said that I think everything that has happened was for this very moment Jenna, As she reached in the box she pulled out two rings, Charley is this what I think it is? I calmly took her hand, Jenna I want to tell you something, I have never felt so alive when I think of you, every second sense the day I’ve talked to you I thought about this day, and I’ve thought of my life looking forward and with every thought I see you Jenna, I took her ring and slowly opened her hand, as I looked directly into her Beautiful Brown eyes I slid the ring on her finger, you couldn’t have made a better fit, I leaned forward and kissed her neck, then I whispered, Jenna I’m in Love with you and want the rest of my life to be yours, Will you Marry me, I kissed her one more time then I moved back and looked at her eyes again, She had a such a cute look to her, She smiled and said Charley I have felt the same way, When you read those letters I felt you were saying everything to me, I fell in Love with you after the first letter you read, I never thought that I would find someone that could make me feel alive as you make me feel, I sat there just starring at her, my hand still holding hers, She paused for a moment then she did something that floored me, She took my hand and without even a hesitation slid the ring on my finger, she leaned forward kissing my cheek then whispered, Charley I’m yours for life will you Marry me, My heart about jumped out of my chest, I moved toward her lips, Kissing her with so much love that I had almost forgotten where I was, with the smell of the wood fire place and the sound of snapping logs, you couldn’t have had a more romantic place, as the same time Jenna said she would love to marry me, We both smiled and stood up and just held each other, In all my life I couldn’t believe what I was feeling, and in my mind I knew I would feel this for the rest of my life…………..
The End.
