Wrapped in Time
Sunlight filters through the stained-glass windows, enhancing the beauty of the medieval church with its tall walls and high ceilings.
Row after row of relatives and friends, seated in pews, patiently await our arrival.
You may not be aware of it little one, but this is a special day for our family. And a very special day for you.
Cradling you tenderly in her arms, your mother takes her place beside your father at the font, while I encircle myself around your tiny little body.
You’re protected now.
***
My own baby daughter was once safe and tenderly cradled in my arms. But that was before the plague came and then nobody was safe. So many lost their lives. So many families. My son, the lone survivor of ours.
I wasn’t able to protect my baby girl. But I vowed then to protect those who came after. Those who went on to live full and happy lives.
***
It was a beautiful service and you made not a sound, not even when holy water was poured over your forehead. Unlike your father and others that came before him. I can still recall their cries resonating around the church on their special day.
Spring sunshine warms the air as we stand on the church steps, waiting for our photographs to be taken. You, me, your mother and father first. After which, we’ll be surrounded by smiling faces, all wanting to share this happy moment.
“What a lovely christening shawl,” a voice enthuses. “How very delicate it is.”
“It’s been in my family for centuries,” your father explains. “Traditionally wrapped around generations of babies.”
Gently, he runs his fingers over the soft ecru lace. Can he feel my presence? Or has it been dimmed by time?
“What stories it could tell,” he muses.
Ah yes, my darling 21st-century grandson, what stories indeed…
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleBeautiful story of tradition and transcendence. The description of the medieval church set the tone from the beginning, and the ending was unexpected and satisfying.
Finding the balance between not giving too much away but just enough to fire the imagination was the main challenge of writing this story. Thank you for your kind comments. I’m so pleased my story made the final.
Hi Linda this is lovely, you have the setting just right. What mysteries and stories does the shawl hold? It would be interesting to find out.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you so much Sandra. Yes, just think of the number of babies christened and protected in that shawl since 1665, so many stories. Something to pursue maybe.
How beautiful, Linda. The hurt and catastrophe of the past and the serenity of the present in the eyes and heart of the storyteller. I wanted to be in that church and be blessed.
Thank you for your lovely comment Allan. You have certainly captured my storyteller’s presence. I find writing about the supernatural quite a challenge but I enjoyed writing this one.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleIt is an awesome story, Linda. I am intrigued to find out the hidden mysteries. Good job.
Thank you so much Lotchie. I am sure there are many but our storyteller isn’t giving any of them away. Maybe with more words, who can say?
You’re welcome, Linda. Yes. I can’t wait to find out. I am hoping for part two of this story, Linda.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleSo delicate and so poignant, like the beautiful lace of the christening shawl! Time loses significance when love is around, the love of an ancestor willing to bestow protection on her blood, on her beloved descendants. I love it, Linda, I do!
I’m so glad Greene! And how true, love really does transcend time. Thank you so much for your comments. I really do appreciate them.
A gentle mystery surrounds your story Linda. It was a sweet surprise that the protagonist was not actually at the christening ceremony.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleIt was a bit of a challenge leaving clues but not giving too much away Margarida, until the reveal at the end. Thanks very much for commenting.
Linda, this is a beautiful story. The stained-glass windows, the medieval church, the baptism font – all set the scene for a tale of love that never ends. Very fitting for the week of Valentine’s Day. Love comes in many forms, and transcends time, illness and even death. Lovely writing.
Thank you for your kind words Fuji, I appreciate your comments very much and how true those you have written about love.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWhat a beautiful story about family traditions, protection across the generations, loss and love, sorrow and happiness, Linda. I saw in your comment to Sandra that the shawl used in your story was made in 1665! That’s impressive! So many generations of babies who have used it, then lived long or short lives, before passing on and maybe be present around their younger family members as protective spirits. Very nice! I wonder… Read more »
Thank you so much for your kind comments Christer. Yes, 1665, the year of the Great Plague of London. As for the photo, my protagonist’s presence is within the shawl that encircles the baby. Sadly, only the shawl will appear in the photograph… or will it???
I love this picture and name for your story, Linda. I did feel wrapped up in mystery while reading this. There is the perfect amount of both sorrow and sadness here. Beautiful writing, Linda. Your stories never disappoint.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you Melissa, that is so kind. Your comments mean so much coming from such a talented author as yourself and I really do appreciate them.
Linda, your story was so beautifully told. The entire time, right up to the part where ‘a voice’ commented on the shawl, I was wondering who this mysterious person is who would be on the photos, but who has been around for centuries. It is so sad that your protagonist couldn’t protect her own baby, but absolutely selfless to vow to protect those who was born after that. This is a great… Read more »
I spent quite a bit of time on this story Marianna endeavouring to get the balance right by revealing just enough but not too much until the very end. So thank you, not only for your lovely comments but also for giving me a lovely feeling of satisfaction.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI love this story, Linda. It transcends time and place, and even death. How lovely to think of an ancestor watching over the newborn child, and being present there in the church for the christening. The shawl is the thread that holds all the various lives together, and a wonderful centerpiece for the story. Great picture as well!
Thank you, Julie. Melissa also mentioned the picture in her comment, I was very lucky to find it as it fitted perfectly. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. Your comments mean a lot coming from such a talented author as yourself.