Love, Me

   Mrs. Hardy watched from her desk and smiled. Looks as if I'm witnessing a special love at its special beginning she thought to herself. The school bell rang and the students took their turns as each  hugged their teacher. As Jeremy and Lizzy walked home, Jeremy reached over and took Lizzy's hand. Lizzy looked over at Jeremy and simply smiled. No words didn't need to be said that day, but for Jeremy and Lizzy it marked for a special beginning. For Christmas vacations Lizzy and her parents left to visit family in upstate Nebraska. Jeremy and his father on the other hand flew down to southern Florida where his uncle Mike and aunt Lori lived. Although Jeremy and Lizzy were miles apart both promised to watch the stars every chance they got.

   "Son we need to have a talk," said Mr. Cartwritght. Sensing the seriousness in his father's voice, Jeremy knew he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear. "Lets take a walk son." Following his father down to the shoreline, Jeremy's heart began to race. It felt like an eternity before Mr. Cartwright said anything. "Dad what's going on? What's with the secrecy?" asked Jeremy. Taking a  deep breath Mr. Cartwright faced his son. "Jeremy I'm dying." Jeremy couldn't believe what he was hearing. Tears began falling uncontrolably as Mr. Cartwright held his son. "Jeremy my son there's a reason why we're in Florida. You see son I have cancer. This kinda cancer has spread through out my body. Doctors can't stop it." Jeremy learned that his uncle and aunt will be taking care of him while his dad went back to the valley in Colorado. "Why can't I stay with you dad? I can take care of you," pleaded Jeremy. Those words alone broke Mr. Cartwright's heart. "Son I know you mean well, but I need you to stay with uncle Mike and aunt Lori. I'm going back to settle things in school and make sure the ranch is taken care of as far as selling the horses. I love you son very much. Every day I thank the Lord above for you. Remember that I'll always be proud of you." Jeremy hugged his father and together father and son wept.