Gertrude had just heard some very bad news about she and Herkamer's friends Debra and Kevin. It appeared that they were getting a divorce. After contemplating about what to do, Herkamer and Gertrude decided to go see Brother Hadley about the problem. They had just packed a sandwich and started out to the car.
The ride to Brother Hadley's was quiet for the most part. As they ate their sandwiches, Gertrude knew that the news about Debra and Kevin was upsetting Herkamer more than he was letting on, and tears flowed down her face as she thought about them. Sometimes silence allows for clarity of mind, and with news as important as a divorce, clear thoughts were at a premium.
As they finally reached the old dusty road where Brother Hadley lived, as usual he was on the porch in his bib-overalls whittling on a small piece of wood. When Herkamer pulled into his driveway, Brother Hadley stood and said in his deep country voice, “Son, why looka here. You done brought something perty with you this time.” He walked over to where Herkamer and Gertrude got out of their car and gave each of them a huge hug with his large barrel chest. “What brings you two out here on such a fine evening?”
Herkamer and Gertrude walked toward the front porch of Brother Hadley's house where rocking chairs were placed side by side facing the road. They each took a seat in the rockers and Herkamer began, “Brother Hadley, we have just heard some terrible news about a married couple who are friends of ours.” Brother Hadley picked up his piece of wood and began whittling again as he listened closely to Herkamer's every word. “What did you hear?” Brother Hadley asked. “We heard they are about to get a divorce,” Gertrude chimed in and began to cry again. “Oh, the old marriage breathing problem again,” surmised Brother Hadley. “Huh?” asked Herkamer, “What do you mean “marriage breathing problem?” Gertrude chimed in.
Brother Hadley stopped his rocker, looked intently into Herkamer and Gertrude's eyes, and said, “Take in a deep breath.” Herkamer and Gertrude wondered about this exercise but complied with the directive. “Now keep taking it in.” (This would be a great place for the reader to do this also). Herkamer and Gertrude did so, and Brother Hadley said, “Keep breathing in. Keep breathing in” until finally Gertrude first then Herkamer had to breathe out. “There,” said Brother Hadley. “You have just demonstrated what every good relationship does.”
Stay tuned tomorrow for more of the story. Same blog time. Same blog spot. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?
Take a deep breath and hold on; we're going for a ride.
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