Second Chances

The sound of the judge's gavel echoing throughout the courtroom pierced to the very spot where my heart used to be. I jumped at the sound and reached instinctively for the oval-shaped pendant hanging from a silver chain around my neck. The pendant been given to me many years ago by a special friend, and I could almost feel his presence comforting me.

The courtroom filled with noise as the judge declared my marriage officially over. He gave no apology for destroying the perfect world that Tony and I had created for our two children. He offered no suggestions as to how I should pick up the pieces and get on with my life without my husband, the man who had vowed to love and cherish me forever.

Seated in the hard wooden chair, surrounded by friends and strangers, I hardly heard the conversations buzzing around me. The reality of the day's events penetrated the fog in my mind and settled like an unwelcome stranger somewhere deep within.

For twelve years I had been a faithful wife and devoted mother, providing a peaceful and loving home for my husband and our two children. Now, at the age of thirty-four, I wasn't even sure what purpose my life held anymore. Would I ever be able to experience the peace and joy of a happy family life again? Could my childhood faith find its way back into my heart and give me the strength to live my life according to God's perfect plan?

Demetria laid a hand on my arm. "It's going to be okay, Niecey," she said, trying to keep her voice upbeat. Like all best friends, she knew instinctively just what to say.

I stood slowly, smoothing my skirt and brushing a loose strand of hair out of my eyes. Glancing at Dee, I offered what I hoped was a convincing smile. She put her arm around my shoulders and gave me a tight squeeze. Dee was only one year older than me, but seemed to possess a deeper well of wisdom than others our age. In her flattering lavender suit and matching pumps, which complimented her cinnamon skin tone, she appeared taller than her five feet and seven inches.

Kimberly, who was my age and closer than a sister, hovered nearby as another source of comfort. Her spunky personality and easy charm seemed to attract everyone, from the tiniest baby to the eldest in any crowd. These were my girls from way back in the day. Listening to their reassurances now as we prepared to leave the courtroom, I couldn't help but remember the time when we had first met.

It had been a cool September morning in Madison, the first day of my fifth-grade year. Standing at the back entrance of the school building while waiting for the bell to ring, I noticed a flash of bright red and yellow on the ground nearby. My curiosity got the better of me, and I walked over to get a closer look. Holding my breath as I noticed the bright colors begin to move ever so slightly, I discovered a tiny bird struggling under the weight of a fallen tree branch that was barely the size of a dinner fork.

Wonder where it's mother is? I thought. I reached down and removed the limb as I watched the bird flap its small wings, trying unsuccessfully to stand. "You poor little bird," I said as I knelt beside it.

"Whatcha doing?"

I looked up to see a girl about my size standing nearby, dressed in blue jeans and a red jacket.

"Nothin'," I answered quickly. Feeling protective of the bird and unsure of the girl's intentions, I hoped that she had not seen it. But she had.

The girl looked down at my feet and stooped beside the bird. "It's so little!"

"I know," I agreed before realizing it.

"Where'd you get it?"

"It was just lying here." I was beginning to relax a bit.

The girl continued to watch the bird closely, her eyes curious. "Can I touch it?"

"I don't think so," I answered authoritatively. "I read that if someone touches it, the mother won't take care of it anymore."

"Oh." The girl stood and faced me. "My name's Kim. What's yours?"

"Denise."

"You're pretty smart, huh? How do you know so much about birds?"

"I like to read, that's how I know. And besides, my daddy told me, and he knows just about everything."