First Prize Winner Savannah's Heart Nine year old Savannah Jones, sat cross legged on the front porch swing. She rested her chin on her Barbie back pack, and with clear violet blue eyes she studied the lady bug crawling across the toe of her tennis shoe. Today was Saturday, and it seemed as though she had been waiting forever for this day to arrive. Savannah wiggled her foot and the ladybug flew away, She sighed and turned her attention toward the screen door as it opened with a squeak. Sitting down next to her granddaughter. Mary Phillips placed an arm around Savannah's small shoulders. The child leaned back and closed her eyes and sniffed. She loved the way her grams smelled like fresh lemons. Mary smiled down at Savannah. "Lands sake child, what are you up to." Snuggling closer Savannah whispered, "Making a memory grams." Mary chuckled softly. Savannah had been with her for five years, the bond between them was growing stronger with each new year. Savannah lifted her head, searching her grandmothers face she asked, "Grams, do you think she forgot?" "No Child, she'll be here." glancing at her watch she continued," It's early yet, so don't worry." Ten minutes passed, Mary knew this day would be a turning point in Savannah's young life. She had hoped with all her heart this day would come. The look on Savannah's sweet face was one of uncertainty. "Grams" she said a second time. "Yes Savannah." "Please tell me about her again." Mary had spent the past weeks preparing the child for this day the best she could. And although there were details that were best left unsaid, she'd done her best to re-assure Savannah that things have a way of working out. Gently moving a stray lock of rich brown hair from Savannah's cheek, she began. "Well child, I think we have time for that." Savannah fidgeted with the buttons on her sweater as her grandmother repeated the story. When she had finished, she waited patiently for the child's response. "I'm scared Grams" she said softly "wh...what if she doesn't like me." "Not like you? That could never happen child, she loves you Savannah." violet blue eyes filled with tears. "Do you really think so Grams, really?" Mary's words caught in her throat, "Yes sweetheart, I'm sure. Do you remember the things we talked about?" Savannah nodded her head. "Good, I am glad you remember, you're a good girl Savannah, and I know you'll be just fine, it's only for one night you know. And I'll bet you young lady, that she is just as nervous as you are." A light of understanding shone from the child's eyes. "Grams, I think I remember that....she smelled like...flowers." Mary fought back a tear. "yes child, she did." "And Grams,....I think I loved her a lot and I was sad that she went away." Mary could no longer control her tears. With a small hand Savannah wiped away her grandmothers tears. "Don't cry grams....I think I still love her...and you said we need to give her a chance....right?" Mary and Savannah watched as a blue car pulled into the drive way. Savannah held her breath and watched intently as a dark haired young woman emerged from within. Like a dream in slow motion she moved toward them. Then at last was on the porch in her mother's embrace. Tears of joy fell from their eyes. Taking a deep breath the pretty young woman turned, and spoke softly. "Hello Savannah, my name is Julie and I'm your mom. and I've missed you so much" Two sets of violet blue eyes met and held as mother and child were reunited. Julie was trembling, "Do you remember me baby?" Slowly, Savannah took Julie's hand. "Yes I remember and you still smell like flowers...I missed you too...and I... love you..." Julie gathered her child in her arms and uncontroled tears of happiness ran down her cheeks. *********** Unconditional love and forgiveness are the greatest gifts of all Contributed by AutumnMist (S) Go to Scribe Contests Go to Scribe Constellation Constellation Key Letter Constellation B Beauty C Causes F Founders KCD Celestial Dusters M Membership R Reception S Scribe U Unity W Wisdom We invite you to explore our other Constellations, designed to help you chart your course and destiny as members of Sisters of the Golden Moon. Beauty Unity Reception Wisdom Causes Membership ScribesCelestial Dusters Home Covenant Join Links Constellations Membership E-mailGuestbook Web Ring Submissions to Scribe writing contests are all offered by members of Sisters of the Golden Moon. If you are a member and would like to contribute to future contests, please contact Galaxy Star Honor74. Header image is a scanned graphic from the original watercolor "Unconditional" by our talented Scribe Sister Liana Brittain (Amethyst), and is copyright © 2004 Liana Brittain, all rights reserved. The original painting was sold at auction to raise money for breast cancer research. Our thanks to Amethyst for granting permission to use the graphic image of her wonderful painting, and for her contribution to a cause that concerns all of us. Please visit her serenely beautiful website Dancing on the Edge to see more of the paintings she has for sale. Except where noted, all articles, submissions, and graphics are copyright © 2004, Sisters of the Golden Moon, all rights reserved. To the best of our knowledge, all contest entries are the original work of the person submitting them. Graphics for these pages were created by Heronwing for Sisters of the Golden Moon. Neither Ms. Brittain's image nor the webset graphics are in the public domain.