Free In Search of Grace by Kelly Ilebode Page A

were not . ”
                  S weet Jesus , he thought , how many homes had she lived in ?
                  “Tell me about it , Alex.”
                  “I was young…and I don’t remember my parents that much.  The social worker told me when I was older , after asking a million times , that my mom could not handle a child – something about major depression.  My dad apparently did the best that he could but was a trucker and had a heart attack and died when I was five.”  Her voice trailed off , and Seth watched her expression as she stared at the candle flame, disappearing somewhere far away.
                  He wanted to reach out to her across the table and let her know that it was ok.
                  “Your past does not define who you are today , Alex.”
                  Deliberately i gnoring his comment, she continued.
                  “ I moved eight times before I turned 18 – most of the foster parents did the best they could to care for me and the others, well, let’s just say that I knew what my position was in the ir home .”
                  Seth felt a spark of anger.  Her co mment was stated matter of fact , almost coldly.  She definitely had many layers , and he wanted to peel away every one.
                  Voice , now icy , she looked him directly into his eyes . “ You are wrong , Seth , t he past does define wh o you are to a certain extent; c all a child stupid enough times, then they start to believe that they are stupid. Now, can we change the subject, please ? ”  
                  Deciding it was definitely time to switch gears he picked a different subject, one he knew she would like .  “How did you meet Charles?”  He was instantly rewarded for the change of subject when a smile bloomed across her face. 
                  “We used to work together at the same company. One day I had gone to the supply room to get some more ink for the copier .  While I was struggling to open the toner cartridge , which I did wrong, I turned to ask for help , and as I did, the plastic stopper broke , and ink went all over one of my co-workers . Actually, it went a ll over her very crisp, white Ralph Lauren shirt .  She was livid and proceeded to burst into a tirade . Charles stepped in to save me from the verbal attack.  When she left for the day, he melted into a fit of laughter.   I loved him from that moment on. ”
                  Seth laughed picturing the scenario she painted.   He envied Charles’ s relationship with her.
                  “From day one Charles loved me, just the way I was.”
                  Through out dinner, the remaining conversation was kept light and easy .   As the evening progressed , Alex could feel all of the tension ease. 
                  She was surprised to learn that he came from a large family and that he was the eldest of six boys, and one girl.  Seth’s voice softened when he talked about his sister , and Alex sensed that they were the close st of all the siblings . She felt a bit envious hearing of his childhood.  The close-knit family that, though not rich by any means , was rich with love and comfort.  Something she never had. Alex loved how his parents were supportive and proud but worried when he joined the Navy . He painted bright pictures of countries and the people he met ; each place even more exciting and lovely than the place before. She learned that one of his favorite places was the Japanese countryside. 
                  That was when Seth told her of his plans for the backyard.  A complete Japanese inspired garden, with a bamboo fountain , small bridge and several rock gardens .  Her dismay at seeing the roses torn up faded, replaced with joy when she learned he had already picked new spots for the m to replant when the construction