Eleanor rushed onto the aircraft stairs and shouted at the top of her lungs: Edward! Ill love you forever! Ill come back, youll see! Then she slipped back to her seat, sat down and wept bitterly. Beside her sat her husband, George. He stared out the window in silence, and only God knew what ran through his mind, but George never blamed Eleanor, not even a harsh word. On his lap was their twoyearold daughter, Lily, who could not understand why her mother sobbed while her father did nothing to soothe her.
The plane turned southward toward New York. In the cabin were dozens of Eleanors relatives, all heading for the promised land they imagined would become their forever home.
In Manchester Eleanor had fallen in love with Edward. They had studied together at university and Eleanor was sure Edward would become her husband; there was no other possibility. Their affection grew stronger and hotter each day.
Then everything changed in an instant. Eleanors mother announced that the family would relocate to the United States. We have found a suitable gentleman from our circle, she declared.
Eleanor laughed at the unexpected news, but soon the matchmakers arrived with a suitor. When Eleanor saw George, she quietly slipped away from her own home. The proposed groom was utterly unsuitable, yet the relatives pressed on, deciding the wedding without Eleanors consent. It will be a wonderful match! they insisted.
Understanding her daughters distress, her mother coaxed her: Eleanor, we must go. Afterwards youll be free to build the life you want. Look at George hes steady, intelligent. He could be a good match. Youve already made an impression on him. It will all work out, love will blossom.
Eleanor told Edward everything. Edward shrugged. Eleanor, you cant go against your family. Im the same. It seems Im not welcome here. Accept it. Eleanor deemed Edward a coward, thinking he had abandoned her without a fight. In desperation she married George.
Later there were tears, departures, and broken dishes, but George cherished his wife. He forgave generously, knowing that Eleanors love for Edward could not be erased. A husband must win his wifes heart.
When Lily was born, Eleanor threw herself into motherhood. It was a temporary refuge, though she still loved Edward.
Finally the relatives completed the paperwork for the move abroad. All their belongings were packed. Edward, incognito, arrived at the airport to see Eleanor off. As the plane prepared to board, Eleanor spotted Edward in the distance, waving a bouquet of daisies. Without hesitation she leapt onto the stairs. Edward tossed the bouquet, but the flowers fell to the grass, scattering in the wind as the plane gathered speed.
The daisies drifted across the runway.
They arrived in New York, in a modest flat in Brooklyn. New home. New life. Many hardships on the road to happiness. Years passed before Eleanor and George could finally breathe easy. They had to learn English, adopt local customs, endure the hot summer heat, and find jobs.
Some relatives, the grandparents, eventually passed away. Eleanor gave birth to two more daughters, Amelia and Charlotte. George remained her steadfast guardian, ever present, handling all household chores.
George and Eleanor toured Europe together. On their silver wedding anniversary, surrounded by children and grandchildren, Eleanor declared her sincere love for George, and George replied that he still could not believe his boundless happiness.
Eleanors mother had been right: patience turned to love.
When Eleanors best friend from Manchester visited and asked, Did you ever forget Edward? He never married, never found a bride, Eleanor blinked, puzzled, Edward? Remind me who that is?
Patience and perseverance may turn longing into lasting happiness, and love often blossoms where you least expect it.
