Prologue - Lydia's Song (Based on a True Story)
Posted: Friday, July 17, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
She lay quiet and close trying to capture the warmth she felt just days before this dreadful day – but that was a long, long time ago. Her mind is drifting again as it so often does in the quiet of the night…
"Lydia! Oh Lydia! Where are you sweetie?"
The voice of Auntie Delores rings as clear on this stormy night, as it did when she was hiding that day. Back then, Auntie Delores was a strong and opinionated woman. Her tall and sleek stature, milky skin, and jet-black hair had everyone secretly calling her Lilly Munster – Ms. Lilly was her nickname.
"Lydia!" Ms. Lilly's voice is getting louder, Lydia thought to herself.
"Please don't let her find me." "I don't want to leave this place."
Ms. Lilly thought to look there once, but figured that was impossible. Who would hide in such a place? She says under her breath as the search for the wildly curly-haired, seven-year-old little girl continued.
"Oh sweet Lydia, please come to Auntie, it's time to go, the guests will be waiting."
She searched every inch of the chapel – opened every door, looked under every pew. She even climbed the stairs to look behind the pulpit – no Lydia. Hearing a sniffle, she turned around – and then she saw her, tucked in tightly next to her mama – inside the coffin.
~~~~~
Lost in a 40-year-old memory, Lydia didn't notice the tears that flowed heavily down her face – dripping a time or two in her cold, untouched cup of coffee. The distant ring continued, suddenly annoying her and bringing her back to the now. She wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone, so it's just as well it went to voice mail. Her legs betrayed her when she tried to stand up – the tingly feeling sent a shiver through her body. She chuckled as she squeezed her legs and toes to get the blood flowing again. Sitting Indian style isn't as easy as it was when you're a kid, she thought.
The loft is too quiet, save the pitter-patter of the rain. Normally she welcomed this after a long day of counseling at Hope House, the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, where she spent 10 hours of her day – six days a week. This evening, however, turned out to be an unwelcomed haunting so she chose to watch Cinderella. One of these days, she whispers, one of these days I hope my prince charming will find me.
Tomorrow will be the toughest day yet – Amy Cantrell is her 7:00 am appointment. She counseled many times with her on again, off again Pastor Dave prior to going back to school to get her license – all she wanted to do was help others and give them hope. She wanted them to know that it is possible to escape the cycle of abuse and addictions. No advice and warnings sank in until she began to discuss her past with strangers who walked through the doors each day.
She awoke to the credits rolling – with squinted eyes, she strained to see the clock – 1:00 am. She jumped up, quickly brushed her teeth, and put on her favorite nightshirt, which was three sizes too big and warn so thin, you could see the layers of thread weaving through the material. She kept it all these years as a reminder – a reminder of better times.
"Sleep, I gotta get some sleep", she says aloud. "Tomorrow will be tough – will you help me God – if you are listening – if you care." Trying hard to drift off to sleep, she was wondering how she would talk about the days she was molested by her father, and how she would convince Amy there is hope and forgiveness – especially since she herself, was not as sure as she was when she started at the center six months ago. She hadn't weighed the true cost of counseling and how it would challenge her old memories and personal healing, how could she?
She had to stop thinking about it. She needed sleep. "Let tomorrow worry about tomorrow", she often heard when she would slip into the back pew.
Tomorrow. Amy. Challenge. Fragmented thoughts….Sleep.
© Teresa Ortiz 2009 All rights reserved
(First draft – Prologue – Lydia's Song - Feedback appreciated)
Awesome, Teresa! Is this your cousin's story? You are gifted!Hi Lorrie, yes it is my cousin's story interwoven with fiction.I am glad you like it. I am working faithfully and praying a lot. Her story is overwhelming at times, but it is an incredible story of restoration and the grace of God. I am looking foward to where it will all go with new characters. Pray for me! I am grateful and humbled she has given me the freedom to use her story. And I love that she is sharing her new journey on WWbiblestudies.I can't even imagine, climbing into the coffin to be next to my mom - wow - tears - no words. I value your support! Love u - T
What a sad and inspiring story, Sis.It seems to me that the word "molested" does not begin to describe the horror, the loss that occurs.Strangely enough, I have "climbed into my mothers coffin," though she was still alive.Great job, Sis.Brother Ken, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I can't even imagine. With respect and gentleness - would you use a different word?and please pray - I find myself settling into "journalist" mode as I discuss these things with Lydia and I fear I am sounding to insensitive. I have asked her forgiveness up front, but she says its okay, she is ready to share and understands that I need to have this mind set to write. I can tell it is going to be an emotional ride...but it will be worth it because with God, all things are possible.If you would like to read a snipet of her testimomy, please visit world wide bible studies dot org and click on the article entitled "Right Side Up - a Testimony to the Power of God" -- leave her an encouraging word if it comes to mind. Blessings! SisSister T,I am so sorry if you felt I was getting after you. I was not. "Molested" is appropriate, it's just that sometimes I feel like it's the same as calling a train wreck an "incident."Forgive me, please, I certainly did not mean to offend you.You need a certain "distance" to be able to objectively write about any subject. You are doing a wonderful thing and I am proud of you.Hey Bro - bro :-)No offense taken, Seriously, I was truly wondering from your perspective, if there is a more descriptive word you would use.It makes sense what you say, and I am going to keep it close to heart as I continue this story. Might even fit it in somewhere. You helped me a lot because you made me realize that I need to do some investigating on this subject. And thanks for the encouragement about staying "distanced" Thank you! SisIt's my experiences in this area that push me to write primarily in the genre of horror.
This is looking good. Awesome that your cousin is able to speak about her own pain to help others. It will undoubtedly help her at the same time. It seems the true healing just gets STARTED when we "let the truth set us free." The power of the abuser, the abuse, and even the pain begin to lose their grip and power over us as we speak the truth.I think what your brother said about the word "molest" was true, even though he wasn't thinking of you changing it. Perhaps finding a few words to describe how she was made to feel rather than the act itself would give it more humanity."... wondering how she would put into words actions that had erased innocence from her childhood, words that would express the churning of her stomach at the thought of her father."Obviously, I took a lot of liberty there, but it's an example.I pray you and your cousin find yourselves closer to God as you walk through this. It won't be easy for you, but I believe God will hold your hand as you write.Hi Victoria, thank you for reading and for your input. I love how you put it. I am going to weave that in elsewhere, because there is more to come regarding her father. Though this story is sad, and will have its ugly moments, it is ultimately a story about the winding road to redemption and restoration.Thank you for the encouragement. I covet it. Blessings to you! Teresa
Dear Teresa, we have not met yet, I am rose, we are the family Lydia is staying with. She is such a ray of sunshine in our lives. For all she has experienced, she should be angry and hardened, yet she is so full of the joy of the Lord. We have an elderly man who lives with us,too. He has dementia and often becomes agitated and fearful, Lydia is so good with him and prays with him to calm him down. I cried as I read the part about the coffin and her mother, you are very gifted in the way you had the event unfold. May God Bless your endeavors & I am looking forward to meeting you soon. RoseHI Rose, I responded to your comment in the wrong place, read below :-)
Hi Rose, I too look forward to meeting you and Dave. Lydia cannot say enough about you! I know that you are as much of a blessing to her as she is to you. I appreciate the input and prayers, but more so, I appreciate all you are doing in helping Lydia grow. Isn't God amazing?!! Lydia and I have not seen eachother since we were very young -- so young, I have memory of the funeral or my aunt. I don't even remember what Lydia looks like, and if it weren't for my picture, I don't think she wouldn't know how to picture me. And look what God has done! We talk as if we never had time or distance between us. We have a lot in common, yet her experiences were much harsher and darker than mine, and you are right! Her hurt and bitterness left so quickly! Mine died a slow, agonizing death. I am blessed that just the little bit I have shared here, and what Lydia shared on world-wide bible studies has already produced fruit! I wish I could share it, but it is not my story to tell! But I have a feeling it won't be long before Lydia hears from this gal!!!Thanks again. may the Lord open the doors for us to meet face to face very soon. Many blessings to you! Teresa
Teresa! You are doing a beautiful job with this story! It brought tears to my eyes as I found myself picturing that little girl in the coffin. I am looking forward to seeing the hope and blessings that come from this completed work. Love to you!Thanks Laura, I appreciate it. I have a lot to learn about fictional writing. But I am getting great help from my fellow warpies :-)I am blessed by her story.Lots of love, T
Now, this typifies what I originally thought this site was going to be about. Writing. Prose. Authors. So much of what I have seen so far is commercial babble (I plead guilty to this charge as well, with the extenuating circumstance that I have posted in the business section) or rants by frustrated individuals. Keep up the good work and good luck with your novel.HI Donald, thanks for not skipping this article after you read my last one. I believe you will find that the beauty of Searchwarp is that there are all kinds of writers and topics and many of us write on various subjects. Some for entertainment purposes with no other point except to brighten someone's day with a giggle. Others write about their faith and or experiences in hopes of encouraging others. and some write about their passion for fishing and what techniques are best.When we all come together and encourage one another whether we agree or disagree it shows that we all truly want the same thing; peace, tolerance, and respect. Stick around I think you will make some great friends :-)I will go read your business mumbo-jumbo :-) Blessings! Teresa
Hi Teresa, what an enticing prologue! I can hardly wait to read the whole story and I know lots of it already from Lydia! She is a great friend and blessing to us all.I love your writing style. Here is a sentence that left me confused - maybe you could elaborate on it a little more? " She counseled many times with her on again, off again Pastor Dave prior to going back to school to get her license – all she wanted to do was help others and give them hope."Thanks for sharing, Lydia and Teresa!LindaHi Linda, thank you for your encouraging words! I am not sure why you are confused - is it because you know that Lydia doesn't waiver in her faith, or did I say it in such way that you didn't know that I was intending to say she wasn't steady in her church-going?Although this book is based on a true story, and all the events that happen really did happen, there will be a lot of things that are different such as the character Lydia in the book. She will represent the many Christians who struggle with their faith because of the hard life they had. The circumstances surrounding the events will be different at times as well. My desire is that this book reach a wider audience so I am not calling it a biography. I am grateful that Lydia is good with this thought. Did I answer your question? :-)Thanks again, and I look forward to an opportunity to meet you and all the crew in Spangle. Lord bless you! Teresa
Teresa,It is difficult to express my thoughts in words. This is so beautifully written and haunting as well. I was captured with your opening words. I pray for you in its continuation (and for Lydia as well). Keep at it and thank you for sharing the fact that Lydia is your cousin. Makes it even more powerful.NancyHi Nancy, thank you for your generous words, it is definitely a labor of love. There have already been some amazing things come out of just this short portion so I am praising God and looking to Him to help me and Lydia navigate our way through this.Blessings to you dear friend! Teresa
