Frank loved Myrtle the day he met her the first day of his sophomore year in high school. They dated until after graduation, May 12, 1925. Frank enlisted and was headed into the throws of World War II. The thought of leaving Myrtle without the promise her waiting was something he couldn’t stand. He was scheduled to head to basic training in a week. Frank’s grandmother invited him to dinner. She shared with him the story of how she felt when her husband was called to war. He left and she had no idea of how he felt or if she should wait for him. During dessert she slid a box to him. The ring inside was her engagement ring. Frank would tell his grandchildren that story and many others about his life-long love, Myrtle.
All his life, Stephen Paris had been given everything. Fortunately, he liked school and good grades came easy to him. His father Frederick knew he had spoiled his only son. It was the only way he could get a reaction out of him. “Thanks dad!” An excited boy would grab the toy and go play with it. Stephen was graduating from college next week. His dad had a job lined up for him, but not what he was expecting. Stephen wouldn’t need the new suit or brief case he had purchased.
The crystal blue sky had won over the evil black clouds of the morning thunderstorm. Sun burst through to reveal the devastation left behind. Mark rubbed the back of his neck and shook his head. The stress magnified in the lines on his forehead. The climb out of the basement revealed his home, a mass of wood, bricks and remnants of his belongings.
Karen H. Richardson, PMP 