All Because Two People Fell in Love
A story from Dorothy.
A trailblazer, mother, grandmother, survivor, and avid sea glass collector.
The sign on the door says it all: Dorothy’s Dream. He bought it for her after months of begging. His side of the story was the great investment, a steal, he couldn’t pass it up. But she knew this was his way of giving her a dream.
The cottage was a shack when they fell in love. As small and fragile as the beginning of their relationship. Alone amongst sand dunes and sea-glass, empty and waiting for love to fill its walls. With each child, the shack grew. A small addition, a porch, a microwave. Tools in the garage, his truck filled with lumber. The little cottage grew fierce and strong.
As each child became a teen, the cottage became more important. A symbol of commitment between the two of them. A refinished basement, new kitchen appliances, a dishwasher.
An empty nest, but the cottage now a house, polished and stunning. The destination for growing old together: Dorothy’s Dream.
It is shameful what age does to the ones we love. He started to grow distant and forgetful. His favorite car rusting in the driveway. His loud voice turned shaky and soft. His care too difficult to provide alone. He wasted away in a place opposite of where her dream would have brought them.
Now the house is a different dream. A place where love still fills its walls. She can feel him when she walks through the door, his touch in the details, the fine woodwork, the sturdy furniture. He seeps through the skylights with the sun. His laughter is heard with the morning birds. His kiss rides the breeze on their balcony built for two.
She can still be with him as she rests and grows older. Their commitment in her heart, their peace together: Dorothy’s Dream.
About Susan Schuler:
I am Susan Schuler (she/her/hers). An artist high on her own supply. A wife, mother, daughter, sister, survivor. I was honored to have a piece in the first RRomp issue under Written Word. Susan writes a regular monthly piece on The RRomp Library called The Fortune Cookie.
Instagram: @susan.schuler.creates