THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ME By Sam Danaher
True Love…
I added this chapter for my favorite brat…. It's nothing great : )
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I realized a funny little tidbit the other day as I watched the movie South Pacific. It was written by James Michener, the man who wrote the Bridge at Toko Ri and Alaska, wrote a story that became a musical. It was about Navy personnel in the South Pacific during World War II. This is not only a war story but one with many lessons. It teaches us so many things, acceptance of others, positive thinking and yes, it teaches us about love.
Not just love, but true love. There isn't a person alive who can think of that movie and not hear Emile de Becque singing, 'Some Enchanted Evening'. He isn't just speaking about love, he is speaking of destiny.
I recently learned what that means. I witnessed it firsthand. I watched as two people in love became husband and wife. I watched that love between them grow stronger with every breath. I watched as that love flowed to all who were around them. I saw true love. I saw destiny.
This handsome man, in his dress whites, beamed as he watched his bride walk down this aisle.
This beautiful woman, in her gown, glowed as she stood by his side and said her vows.
The congregation was enveloped in warmth as they shared in this most precious moment. Time stopped for a brief moment and all was perfect in the world.
The road to true love is not an easy one. There were many bumps and turns. There were times where it looked as though this couple would not fulfill their destiny, but they did. Once they arrived, they will tell you it was well worth the trip.
I realized something as I watched them; it became clear to me why the road to true love is a bumpy one. It's because of one little phrase. It's the hardest phrase to say in any language. It's 'I Love You'. Three simple one syllable words; and most of us cannot say them. Why is that? Why is it that when we are standing across that crowded room, facing our destiny, we become the most tongue tied? Why can't we express ourselves? Why is it so hard to walk right up to that person and say it? It's fear. Fear of rejection, no. It's fear of acceptance. Afraid of the unknown, afraid of what comes next. We know what will happen, but we are still afraid. Some of us are afraid we will lose ourselves. Others are afraid they will be hurt. Love is a double edged sword. One side there is passion the other side pain. No matter how great the love, no matter how deep the passion, there will always be a little pain. But that's what makes love better. It's the struggle that makes it worth it. If there was no struggle, what would be the point? Anything worth having is worth fighting for. My advice, don't hold back. Face that fear and say those three little words, say 'I Love You'!
When you look back at your life, what do you see? You see all the struggles you have endured. It's natural, to see the hardships first. You know why that is? It's because once we get past all of that, we see the happiness. The hardships make us appreciate the good. Even if it hasn't happened yet, we see it coming. We know it is coming, we have faith that it is out there. It is our reward for making it through everything else. No matter what else happens in our lives, we know that someday, somewhere our destiny awaits us and it will be magic. It will be true love. Endure the bumps in the road, they are short lived; for once you arrive you will never have to travel that road again. My friends find your destiny, for when you do, you will also find true love.
As always, when you see a member of the military, active or retired, thank them. They are the reason for your freedom.
Sam hit enter and sent her column to Charles. She sat back and sighed. Who am I kidding? Look back on my life, not exactly a feature I want to see.
SAM'S APARTMENT – a few weeks later
Sam was putting things in boxes and packing up when Tiner arrived to help her.
"I can't believe you're doing this." Tiner said.
"You haven't told anyone have you?" Sam asked.
"No, not even Jen." Tiner replied.
"Thank you." Sam smiled. "Ashlyn would stroke out if she knew."
"When are you going to tell her?" Tiner asked.
"When the time is right," Sam smiled. "How does two days after I go, sound?"
"Like you're chicken," Tiner laughed.
"Hey, I was thinking," Sam said. "Do you want to move in?"
"I would love to, but I can't afford this place." Tiner said.
"Jason, the paper is giving me an apartment, rent free and I own this place. We can work out something." Sam offered.
"You mean it?" Tiner said.
"Yes, besides it's easier to have you move in than trying to sell it in the next few weeks." Sam smiled.
"Thanks, this is going to be great." Tiner said looking around.
"Oh one other thing," Sam stated.
"What, not another secret." Tiner groaned.
"No, would you take care of my car, until I figure out what to do with her." Sam asked.
"Wow, you're giving me your car?" Tiner asked.
"No, I'm asking you to take care of her." Sam laughed.
"I'd be glad to." Tiner replied. "When are the movers coming?"
"Tomorrow," Sam said.
"Sam, I have to ask have you told Mr. Webb?" Tiner asked.
"What for, this has nothing to do with him." Sam replied.
"Don't you think he would want to know?" Tiner asked.
"Nah, it doesn't matter and honestly I don't even know where he is." Sam stated.
"I could find out," Tiner offered.
"Anyway, how did Mac and Harm enjoy Hawaii?" Sam asked.
"They had a great time." Tiner said.
"They deserved it," Sam replied.
"You deserve happiness too." Tiner stated.
"Jason, I am happy." Sam said. "Would you stop worrying?"
"Ok," Tiner said and picked up the picture of Sam and Webb. "Hey, are you packing this?"
"No, it belongs here." Sam said taking the picture and putting back on the night stand.
"Did you happen to read the column you wrote?" Tiner asked.
"No, I just write them, I have no idea what they say." Sam replied.
"I was just thinking about the one you wrote after the wedding," Tiner stated. "About facing the fear and not holding back."
"Really, does this mean you plan on telling Jen you love her?" Sam asked.
"Who me? We aren't there yet." Tiner said nervously. "I care about her, but we aren't ready."
"Well, I can't begin to imagine what you are talking about." Sam said.
"I was talking about you and…" Tiner started.
"Jason, if you want to live to say another word, you will not finish that sentence." Sam snapped.
"Webb," Tiner finished.
"Jason, it's over. I know it must be hard that mommy and daddy split up but we still love you and nothing is going to change that." Sam said sarcastically.
Tiner just looked at Sam. He wanted her to be happy and he didn't think leaving Washington was going to do it. He wanted to say more but he knew that it would just lead to an argument and the last thing he wanted was to argue with her in the weeks before she left.
