Full Version: It's a Wonderful Life - learningtosign
RomanceFanFiction.net > The Highlights - A Place To Start > Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2006 Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2006 Christmas and Winter Challenge
It was such a nice glimpse into the future
I enjoyed the reference to Billy Graham and the men who had an influence upon his life. That was the perfect tie-in to your post.
Beautiful post Cath! 
Em
Em
That is a future I like!
Chapter 16
‘The girls?’ Levi asked.
‘They too have a strong and firm faith……. While they will not have the same worldwide impact that Stephen will, they will touch peoples’ lives as their parents have…..’
Levi listened entranced as Steve began to speak, signing as he did so; ‘in a few moments we will stand as my mom and dad renew their wedding vows but first I want to say a few words. If I could have picked my parents I don’t think I could have picked any better, they loved me and supported me throughout my life, taught me to love and serve God, to put Him first and seek His will for my life. They were and still are a living example of making a marriage work….. at an early age I could see that they were crazy about each other……. that they loved each other deeply and passionately and that love has been shown to many, many people and I guess it will continue to be shown for the rest of their lives. They taught all of us to love not just those who were the same as us but to love those who are different, those who may not fit in with our view of how people should be. One of my favourite verses is from the book of 1 Samuel, ‘man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart……’ I asked my parents once how they got together, when they had fallen in love, what attracted them to each other….. dad explained that he had felt something for mom the first time he met her, the day she stormed in to his office and demanded a better job and I had to agree she was and still is a beautiful lady….. my mom too had been attracted to dad that day….. she thought he was good looking and had beautiful eyes…….. I guess that I would have to agree he is good looking…… but then he looks like me so I have to say that……..’
Steve paused briefly as the congregation chuckled at his comment.
‘What really attracted them as they got to know each other was the kindness, love and compassion they saw…… mom had been hurt many, many times through her life but she had and still has a warm and tender heart, full of forgiveness and love……… even though he had a job as an FBI Agent dad too had a caring heart, he saw beyond moms’ deafness to the person inside, saw her deafness not as a handicap but as a gift which could be used, he offered her friendship which was unconditional as well as love and care…….Mom said she never believed that dad would want her, he was smart, good looking, she knew almost every woman in the bureau wanted him…. She’s told us more than once of the women they met on cases who would flirt with him or give him their number hoping for a date……… the slips of paper went straight in the bin…… he showed to the world a tough FBI Agent image but inside was a heart which wanted to put the world right, a heart which wanted justice for the downtrodden and abused but which would help a man to change if he wanted to, a heart full of compassion…….. we have a number of friends who are here because mom and dad saw that they wanted things to change in their lives and helped them to bring about that change through love and support……….. Their friendship grew and formed the basis of a rock solid marriage, even if it did take dad almost 5 years to get his act together…….. and even then it was down to the actions of a very special friend, Levi the Wonderdog…… Levi as most of you will know was moms’ first hearing dog and it was him who finally achieved what no-one else had done….. he pushed them, literally, together and they never looked back. When we talked about which was their favourite wedding photo, they chose two……. One was of the team and their parents, the other was the one you see today of them and Levi…….. Levi was as much a part of the team as mom and dad were and even today I know we all still miss him…….’
Levi watched as both Jack and Sue wiped a tear from their eyes and he felt his own eyes tear up as Clarence ruffled his ears.
‘Last night over a family dinner we had many happy memories and mom brought up the subject of my first fight…….. yeah, the fine, upstanding trainee Pastor you see before you used to fight….. not often, because it was instilled in me that violence wasn’t the answer…… dad taught me that, told me that he only ever used it if he’d exhausted all other options……. I was 6 when I had my first fight at school and when I saw my mom in the office I thought I was in big trouble…….instead she hugged me and told me how incredibly proud of me she was……. the teacher had explained that there was a new boy in class who was being picked on by the others and I ploughed in, punching and kicking to defend him……… his name was Michael and he was being picked on not only because he was new but because he looked different…….. he had Downs’ and wore glasses and a hearing aid……. while the teacher was expecting mom to apologise for my behaviour mom quietly asked how she was planning to stop the bullies doing it again….. she told my teacher she was immensely proud of me and she wished she’d had someone to fight her corner at school……. Mike and I became good friends and that friendship has continued. We work together with dad here at the church on a number of projects. His parents and mine became good friends…… without the example of my parents it is possible that I too would have looked at him and noticed only the differences, instead thanks to their example I saw in my child-like efforts beyond the differences………. I want to say I love you guys and I am eternally grateful for your love and your example…….. and I also want to say a thank you to Levi, without whom none of us would be here as my dad would almost certainly still be dancing around mom, unable to tell her how much he loved her………….’
Jack blushed furiously as Sue signed ‘GOTCHA’ and leant over to kiss him tenderly on the lips, oblivious to their daughters screwing up their faces in disgust.
As they stood to renew their vows Clarence took him home.
‘The girls?’ Levi asked.
‘They too have a strong and firm faith……. While they will not have the same worldwide impact that Stephen will, they will touch peoples’ lives as their parents have…..’
Levi listened entranced as Steve began to speak, signing as he did so; ‘in a few moments we will stand as my mom and dad renew their wedding vows but first I want to say a few words. If I could have picked my parents I don’t think I could have picked any better, they loved me and supported me throughout my life, taught me to love and serve God, to put Him first and seek His will for my life. They were and still are a living example of making a marriage work….. at an early age I could see that they were crazy about each other……. that they loved each other deeply and passionately and that love has been shown to many, many people and I guess it will continue to be shown for the rest of their lives. They taught all of us to love not just those who were the same as us but to love those who are different, those who may not fit in with our view of how people should be. One of my favourite verses is from the book of 1 Samuel, ‘man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart……’ I asked my parents once how they got together, when they had fallen in love, what attracted them to each other….. dad explained that he had felt something for mom the first time he met her, the day she stormed in to his office and demanded a better job and I had to agree she was and still is a beautiful lady….. my mom too had been attracted to dad that day….. she thought he was good looking and had beautiful eyes…….. I guess that I would have to agree he is good looking…… but then he looks like me so I have to say that……..’
Steve paused briefly as the congregation chuckled at his comment.
‘What really attracted them as they got to know each other was the kindness, love and compassion they saw…… mom had been hurt many, many times through her life but she had and still has a warm and tender heart, full of forgiveness and love……… even though he had a job as an FBI Agent dad too had a caring heart, he saw beyond moms’ deafness to the person inside, saw her deafness not as a handicap but as a gift which could be used, he offered her friendship which was unconditional as well as love and care…….Mom said she never believed that dad would want her, he was smart, good looking, she knew almost every woman in the bureau wanted him…. She’s told us more than once of the women they met on cases who would flirt with him or give him their number hoping for a date……… the slips of paper went straight in the bin…… he showed to the world a tough FBI Agent image but inside was a heart which wanted to put the world right, a heart which wanted justice for the downtrodden and abused but which would help a man to change if he wanted to, a heart full of compassion…….. we have a number of friends who are here because mom and dad saw that they wanted things to change in their lives and helped them to bring about that change through love and support……….. Their friendship grew and formed the basis of a rock solid marriage, even if it did take dad almost 5 years to get his act together…….. and even then it was down to the actions of a very special friend, Levi the Wonderdog…… Levi as most of you will know was moms’ first hearing dog and it was him who finally achieved what no-one else had done….. he pushed them, literally, together and they never looked back. When we talked about which was their favourite wedding photo, they chose two……. One was of the team and their parents, the other was the one you see today of them and Levi…….. Levi was as much a part of the team as mom and dad were and even today I know we all still miss him…….’
Levi watched as both Jack and Sue wiped a tear from their eyes and he felt his own eyes tear up as Clarence ruffled his ears.
‘Last night over a family dinner we had many happy memories and mom brought up the subject of my first fight…….. yeah, the fine, upstanding trainee Pastor you see before you used to fight….. not often, because it was instilled in me that violence wasn’t the answer…… dad taught me that, told me that he only ever used it if he’d exhausted all other options……. I was 6 when I had my first fight at school and when I saw my mom in the office I thought I was in big trouble…….instead she hugged me and told me how incredibly proud of me she was……. the teacher had explained that there was a new boy in class who was being picked on by the others and I ploughed in, punching and kicking to defend him……… his name was Michael and he was being picked on not only because he was new but because he looked different…….. he had Downs’ and wore glasses and a hearing aid……. while the teacher was expecting mom to apologise for my behaviour mom quietly asked how she was planning to stop the bullies doing it again….. she told my teacher she was immensely proud of me and she wished she’d had someone to fight her corner at school……. Mike and I became good friends and that friendship has continued. We work together with dad here at the church on a number of projects. His parents and mine became good friends…… without the example of my parents it is possible that I too would have looked at him and noticed only the differences, instead thanks to their example I saw in my child-like efforts beyond the differences………. I want to say I love you guys and I am eternally grateful for your love and your example…….. and I also want to say a thank you to Levi, without whom none of us would be here as my dad would almost certainly still be dancing around mom, unable to tell her how much he loved her………….’
Jack blushed furiously as Sue signed ‘GOTCHA’ and leant over to kiss him tenderly on the lips, oblivious to their daughters screwing up their faces in disgust.
As they stood to renew their vows Clarence took him home.
How sweet!!!!kav
What a beautiful ceremony this is. I thought that the way you had Sue handle Steve's first fight was wonderful.
What a wonderful post!
I especially loved this part!
QUOTE
and I also want to say a thank you to Levi, without whom none of us would be here as my dad would almost certainly still be dancing around mom, unable to tell her how much he loved her………….’
I especially loved this part!
This was a wonderful post, Cath!
Kim
Kim
Great post
Dianna
Dianna
beautiful post 
They have a wonderful son !
Jack and Sue must be so proud of their son! Great post Cath! 
Beautiful Cath!Em
Beautiful post Cath! One of my favorite students at school has Down Syndrome and I'm constantly amazed and humbled at how the kids interact with him. They are always helping him find his way or cheering for him when he does well! They've been with him since kindergarten and they all have so much pride in his successes! It's amazing to watch and makes me proud to be a teacher!
Can't wait to read the rest of your story!
Can't wait to read the rest of your story!
so sweet of him
Another wonderful, beautiful post, Cath!
Tracy
Tracy
cath that was beautiful more soon please Lin
That was a beautiful post Cath!
Everything that was said is so true...every child no matter who they are, where they come from, or what difficulties they face has the ability to be and do whatever they want if given the chance.
Can't wait for more!
BLT
Everything that was said is so true...every child no matter who they are, where they come from, or what difficulties they face has the ability to be and do whatever they want if given the chance.
Can't wait for more!
BLT
Thanks to all of you for your comments and feedback 
Chapter 17
‘Clarence, can I ask you another question?’
‘You can ask but I can’t promise to give you an answer; that depends on the Creator……’
‘When one of them dies…….. the other will be so sad and lonely…….’
Clarence cocked his head thoughtfully as if listening to the voice of someone unseen before he turned to Levi.
‘They will, which is why he’s taking them together…….. they will have more than 50 years of happy marriage, a few bumps along the way but nothing they won’t handle….. one night they will go to sleep wrapped in each others arms as they do now…….. and before morning He will call them home…… their children, Grandchildren and Great grandchildren will be sad to lose them both together but they will know it was Gods’ hand to prevent their pain……. The first voice Sue will hear will be that of her Lord and Saviour saying ‘well done good and faithful servant…… the second voice will be that of the man she loves………..’
Levi nodded happily and curled up on his bed realising that no time had passed. Saying a tearful goodbye to Clarence he was happier than he had been for some weeks, knowing now that he was loved and did indeed have a purpose in life.
Hearing Jacks’ voice he stood and ambled over to the couch, laying his head on Jacks’ leg as Jack scratched his ears.
‘Hi buddy……guess we’ve been neglecting you a little since Stephen arrived…. I know I’ve taken your job off you going to Stephen when he cries or telling Sue but you’ll have it back soon… we need you more than ever now mate… you want a run? Baby’s asleep and Sue wants a sleep, so how about you and I have some exercise then go pick up a nice juicy bone huh?’
Levi bounced around in excitement, wuffing happily and wagging his tail as Jack slipped on his running gear and picked up some money for a bone for Levi and a bunch of flowers for Sue before he kissed Sue and Stephen then headed out the door, Levi at his heels, a new spring in his step.
Watching them leave Sue offered up a prayer of thanks for the three very special men in her life.
FADE
Chapter 17
‘Clarence, can I ask you another question?’
‘You can ask but I can’t promise to give you an answer; that depends on the Creator……’
‘When one of them dies…….. the other will be so sad and lonely…….’
Clarence cocked his head thoughtfully as if listening to the voice of someone unseen before he turned to Levi.
‘They will, which is why he’s taking them together…….. they will have more than 50 years of happy marriage, a few bumps along the way but nothing they won’t handle….. one night they will go to sleep wrapped in each others arms as they do now…….. and before morning He will call them home…… their children, Grandchildren and Great grandchildren will be sad to lose them both together but they will know it was Gods’ hand to prevent their pain……. The first voice Sue will hear will be that of her Lord and Saviour saying ‘well done good and faithful servant…… the second voice will be that of the man she loves………..’
Levi nodded happily and curled up on his bed realising that no time had passed. Saying a tearful goodbye to Clarence he was happier than he had been for some weeks, knowing now that he was loved and did indeed have a purpose in life.
Hearing Jacks’ voice he stood and ambled over to the couch, laying his head on Jacks’ leg as Jack scratched his ears.
‘Hi buddy……guess we’ve been neglecting you a little since Stephen arrived…. I know I’ve taken your job off you going to Stephen when he cries or telling Sue but you’ll have it back soon… we need you more than ever now mate… you want a run? Baby’s asleep and Sue wants a sleep, so how about you and I have some exercise then go pick up a nice juicy bone huh?’
Levi bounced around in excitement, wuffing happily and wagging his tail as Jack slipped on his running gear and picked up some money for a bone for Levi and a bunch of flowers for Sue before he kissed Sue and Stephen then headed out the door, Levi at his heels, a new spring in his step.
Watching them leave Sue offered up a prayer of thanks for the three very special men in her life.
FADE
cath that was really 
and wonderful and
Lin
Very satisfactory ending. Blissfully happy sigh!
kav
kav
Beautiful!
I always hate seeing your stories come to an end because I love reading them so much! Good thing you're such a prolific writer! 
I'm glad Levi fully understands how loved and needed he is now!
Cath, that was an absolutely beautiful ending to an absolutely wonderful story! An excellent job! One of your best stories ever!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Here's some chocolate for you...
Tracy
QUOTE
The first voice Sue will hear will be that of her Lord and Saviour saying ‘well done good and faithful servant…… the second voice will be that of the man she loves………..’
That was a beautiful way to end this story by referring to the wonders of heaven and that Sue will be able to hear.
QUOTE(Ivory @ Dec 7 2006, 06:31 PM) 
QUOTE
The first voice Sue will hear will be that of her Lord and Saviour saying ‘well done good and faithful servant…… the second voice will be that of the man she loves………..’
That was a beautiful way to end this story by referring to the wonders of heaven and that Sue will be able to hear.
I know that is wounderful and I am sorry to see this end Cath.
Sam
Cath - that was a beautiful story! Thank you!
Em
Thank you!Em
Wonderful story !!!
for sharing.
for sharing.
Wonderful story!
thanks,
Terie
thanks,
Terie
That was a beautiful and touching story, well done
QUOTE(Ivory @ Dec 7 2006, 02:31 PM)
QUOTE
The first voice Sue will hear will be that of her Lord and Saviour saying ‘well done good and faithful servant…… the second voice will be that of the man she loves………..’
That was a beautiful way to end this story by referring to the wonders of heaven and that Sue will be able to hear.
WOW amazing....
~laura michelle~
Cath you have really out done yourself again....
I love the sneak preview of Jack and Sue's future. Especially living old enough to enjoy Great grandchildren and go off to Heaven in their sleep together.
I always hate to see your stories end Cath, but I have to tell you how much I enjoyed it.
I always hate to see your stories end Cath, but I have to tell you how much I enjoyed it.
Great Job on the story. What a wonderful future they have togeather.
Dianna
Dianna
That was beautiful! I loved the way you took all of the moments Levi was there to save the day. The ending was sweet especially the way that God decided to take them sliently together in death and the fact that the first voice will be from God and the second will be from the man she loves 
. Great story I was in tears through the whole story.
Jade
and the fact that the first voice will be from God and the second will be from the man she loves . Great story I was in tears through the whole story.Jade
Great story Cath. Perfect ending and I loved the chance to see into Jack and Sue's future.
Thanks for sharing.
Soph
Thanks for sharing.
Soph
Cath, I got behind but finally caught up today!!!
What a beautiful story - we all know how much Levi meant to everyone and it was sad to see what would happen if he wasn't there!!!
Love the look in the future with all the team and their families!!!
Thanks for sharing with us once again, Cath - wonderful, as always!!!
Joy
What a beautiful story - we all know how much Levi meant to everyone and it was sad to see what would happen if he wasn't there!!!
Love the look in the future with all the team and their families!!!
Thanks for sharing with us once again, Cath - wonderful, as always!!!
Joy
Wonderful ending! Thank you, Cath.
Ornella
Thank you, Cath.Ornella
Cath - I started this earlier in the season but had to quit. We lost our sweetheart golden, Brandy this year to a heart attack. Three weeks later we lost our lively red-heeler, Dixie to cancer. This was just too painful.
but, then I found myself thinking =what if we had never had the joy of them? they were the ice breakers when we inherited a 3 year old granddaughter with ectodermal dysplasia. She adored them - and grandma & grandpa - because we came with the dogs. They filled our empty nest when our kids went to college and took jobs out of state. they were our traveling companions as we made many trips to visit those pesky kids. they were always overjoyed to see us whenever we walked in the door.
and they were spoiled rotten because they did indeed give us 'A Wonderful Life'.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful pov.
Cath, I just read this from start to finish. It is just a beautifully written story. There were so many touching, tear inducing moments. I think showing how life would be without Levi was brilliant. He was as much a part of the team as Sue.
Wonderful work! I thoroughly enjoyed every post. Thank you!
Wonderful work! I thoroughly enjoyed every post. Thank you!
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