Embrace of Life

Part 2

As we were in the air memories of my first flight came rushing to me.

In a place of constant love and joy it was hard to imagine life without them. Heaven is the luminous home where those chosen departed souls rest in. The Great One greets them all with a smile and kind hand. 

I was one of the souls lingering at the border. Uncertainty filled my time, I didn't know where I was going to go or when. All that I recall from those agonizing moments was the light and the wondrous singing.

The moment I began to accept my pitiful condition a magnificent being swooped down in front if me. The majority of our conversation is blurred and his name escapes me yet I recall his warm greeting.

"Welcome to the true garden of Eden, heaven."

Eric's voice broke though my thoughts. 

"What is on your mind? You have been quiet the whole flight."

"Well," I started, "I was thinking back to my arrival, when I was carried over the final barriers and was allowed to live here."

He nodded in reply. I looked up to see his face, his bright green eyes and curly brown hair earned him plenty if admirers. 

In flight he looked like a soaring eagle, majestic, strong and intelligent. Even now in his gentle embrace I could feel the strength he possessed.  When standing next to him he was two heads taller than me.

"Look ahead," he chuckled, "do you see who is eagerly awaiting you?"

I looked toward the direction he was signaling to and I was able to see Mandy. She looked rather comical with her flamboyant long red hair jumping up and down frantically waving her hands.

"Oh Mandy, she's probably been there ever since she finished. Hurry lets land."

We came closer and Eric expertly landed a few feet away from Mandy. 

"And here my fair lady I shall depart. Please await my arrival to come pick you up for the ceremony."

With a last smile he quickly departed before I could even say another word. Mandy quickly cut the silence.

"Serenity! Did you pass? You did otherwise you wouldn't be going to the ceremony, right?"

I looked towards the bright bubbly girl enthusiastically awaiting my answer. She had an abundance of energy which she spread to the entire dorms. She was a vibrant, joyful girl whose smiles and laughter were entirely contagious. 

"I think so Joesetta took the scroll and said she would see me in the ceremony. But you, from what Eric told me you were the first one out."

"Yes," she excitedly clapped her hands," as soon as I entered the mountain a red orb appeared. I saw it and decided to follow it. It took me straight to the scroll, and then when I touched it Joesetta transported me to the entrance."

She looked at my smiling face, "And you? I didn't see you but my mentor needed to speak with me so I left."

"It took me the longest, I was the last one, and even Eric was worried. I couldn't find my way I was walking for what seemed ages. It wasn't until I finally heard a chime which led me to the scroll."

She looked at me with obvious surprise.

"Wow! I like yours better." She stated.

I laughed, "Let’s go child we need to get ready."

"Fine my mentor is going to stop by early before we leave."

"That sounds good I haven't seen Michael in a while. Well no one really does." I responded.

"He's been busy." Was her quick reply.

With that said we made our way down into the dormitory.