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side.

She was wearing a white sleeveless top and short denim cut-offs. Her cowboy boots left a lot of Kim's lovely legs and thighs exposed.

She smiled at me, tipped her hat and asked me, in her best Texas accent, if I wanted to come with her and sit a spell, as she wanted to show me her spread.

I heartily nodded yes and Kim took me by the hand and led me through the tall grass into the meadow, where she would serve me cream and cookies.

Once inside the meadow, Kim turned, pulled off my hat and dropped it in the grass. She kissed me wildly and with reckless abandon.

I could hardly keep up to her. Her tongue darted in and out of my mouth and just the sound of her desire was almost enough to make me cream my jeans.

She pushed me to my knees on the blanket. She dropped to her knees and told me not to move. She pulled her top off in one full motion and grabbed my t-shirt and pulled it off as well. She locked her lips onto mine.

I flipped her bra open. She slapped me hard, and I received a penalty for moving.

Kim pulled on my belt and undid it in a flash, stripping it from the loops in a steady stream.

She unbuttoned my jeans, and pulled them apart from the top, unzipping the fly. She threw me down forcibly and yanked my pants and underwear off at the same time.

Her attack was methodical, planned and premeditated. She pulled my runners off and slid the last of my clothing down my legs and into the grass.

She grabbed my stickshift like she was driving at Talladega. First, second, third, fourth, fifth.

As my engine redlined, I exploded as Kim placed her sweet lips on my knob and sucked hard. I shot into her mouth at breakneck speed. She caught my release without slowing down.

Kim's ability to adapt on the fly always impressed me. She pulled away, slipped off her boots then out of her cut-offs and slid me into her cockpit. She mounted my still erect tool and drove herself into a tailspin as she lost control.

I reached for my belt and swung it around her. Using both hands, I created slack in the leather, then pulled both ends hard. The leather snapped against her ass sharply as she moaned with a combination of pain and pleasure. I slapped her ass a second time and held the belt tight against her, making her grind her wet, creamy pussy over my cock as she rocked me.

She crashed hard and started cumming on my stick as she wrapped her fingers in my chest hair and put on the brakes.

The pain and pleasure I felt was exhilarating. I grabbed her tits and pulled them hard, twisting her nipples and she squealed with delight.

As her breathing intensified, I took over control, threw her down and mounted her.

As I pushed my rod into her, her motor started up again and roared to life. I laid on top of her and matched her speed as the thrumming of her pistons pulsated throughout my body. Over and over I pushed her to the limit.

Her lights were all green as I headed for the finish line. I could hear her cheering me on with her erratic breathing as she was gearing up for her finish. I hit the throttle hard again and tore straight up the middle. I could see the finish line.

She begged me to go for it. I went for broke and shot across the line, filling her cup to overflowing.

Kim and I lay there, spent and naked in the grass as it rustled in the wind. It was the sound of the crowd cheering us on.

***The off season***

Taryn and I had gone to the mediator where they tried to get us to reconcile our differences. Bridges can't rebuild themselves. After four meetings and no progress made, our assets were divided up.

We signed papers, hugged and waited for our final decree.

I got to keep The Pizzeria and my '72 Plymouth. Since my ex-wife had primary custody of our girls, I saw no reason to fight against her in the divorce. She got the home, and the rental house. She also retained a twenty five percent share in the business, with the caveat that if she ever sold her share, I would get first right of refusal.

Taryn also kicked her affair partner to the curb. Apparently, he had big plans for 'their house and property'. Smart girl.

I did not want to destroy Taryn's life, but enhance it and keep our relationship as it was, intact.

Dave also filed for divorce from Kim, but since he was pretty useless careerwise, Kim asked for nothing from Dave except child support payments. Payments that she would never receive.

***A Celebration***

The anniversary of the day that Kim and I met in River Park had arrived. Kim still lived in her parents home as she thought it inappropriate for us to live together for now.

News of her divorce from Dave ran rampant all through the Crossway Camp community. Dave was deemed to be the bad guy, which he was, and Kim came through fairly unscathed.

I had planned a return trip to the park, the swings, a walk on the trail, and finally, a seat at the picnic table. I wanted the day to be perfect for Kim, because I thought she was perfect.

I had already spoken to Taryn and the girls about my plan. I also spoke to Kim's Dad, Wayne and her Grandfather Charlie, both important men in her life. I asked for their blessing to ask Kim to be my wife.

I picked Kim up at five o'clock. She was wearing a pair of tight jeans, a green blouse and a white spring coat. A very good start.

I put my hands on her face, kissed her lovingly and opened her door. I took her to The Pizzeria. We had her favorite, an All meat with onions. When we had finished supper, I suggested a drive to the park where it all started one year ago. Kim smiled wryly, She said that she loved that idea.

Kim was a very bright woman and was not at all fooled by my plan. Once we arrived at River Park, Taryn, my girls, Kim's boys and her parents, grandparents, and our friends were all on hand. They were eagerly awaiting our arrival at the picnic table with a nice fire roaring in the pit.

I hadn't planned any of this. Kim was good, very, very good. She did have a little help from her Dad and Grandpa, those little snitches. I loved that woman even more.

On the picnic tablecloth sat a cake, camp cookies, coffee and refreshments. It was almost perfect.

I had been outwitted and completely outplayed. I glanced over to Kim as she feigned innocence, then grinned and whispered 'Got ya'.

As we stood by the fire warming ourselves, Kim turned to me and cleared her throat, loudly. The group quieted down and looked on intently.

Kim's Dad came forward and set a familiar folded blanket down in front of her. She looked in my eyes and giggled. She was very nervous.

A tear streamed down Kim's cheek as she placed her hands on my face and kissed me. Her grandfather came forward and handed her a small box.

She opened it, took my hand and knelt before me.

She told me that I was her Knight in Shining Armour, her Prince Charming, her best friend and the man that she loved with all of her heart.

Then she asked me for my hand in marriage.

I knew that I had been beaten.

I surrendered and fell to my knees. I reached into the breast pocket of my jacket and opened the box that I brought with me and told Kim that it would be my honor to accept her proposal to be her husband.

It would also be the single, most important accomplishment of my life if she would agree to be my wife.

We exchanged our rings and the group roared their approval. They clapped and cheered as we kissed.

Kim's grandmother Charlotte, who was not known for her quiet demeanor, said that the date was already set for the first Saturday of Crossway Camp. She said that Kim wants the wedding to be held in the meadow, behind the cabins at one o'clock. Then grandma raised her index finger and warned me not to miss it.

Kim kissed me again and we laughed out loud.

Now, it was perfect!

*******************

Kim awoke to the sound of voices in the room. The boys, Mark and Daniel were both there talking to a man in a white coat.

He told both men that it would be just a matter of time now for their Mom.

They had both just arrived after my phone call last night, telling them of their mother's condition.

Our girls had not yet arrived, but would be there shortly. Mark's wife Jenny and their son Josh, our first grandchild, couldn't make it as Josh had a cold and couldn't be near Kim.

My beautiful, loving wife of 20 years wondered what all the fuss was and asked who the poor soul was that they were talking about. Then she faded back to sleep, dreaming of her beautiful life...

********************

My first Camp - Week 2.

Sunday was a transition day at Crossway Camp. After the morning service and lunch, the folks that stayed for one week were leaving for home and the new arrivals were coming in.

Kim was busy with her welcoming duties, while Dave was a no show.

Taryn had a day off, so she and I took the girls into the city for a Sunday matinee at the theatre, then pizza and ice cream. On the ride back to camp, the girls fell asleep in the back seat.

Taryn asked me how long Kim and I had been seeing each other. I tried to deny it, but she said the way Kim and I looked at each other and acted around each other was not only physical, but emotional. Strongly emotional, like love.

I confessed that we were seeing each other, but thought we had been very careful not to show it at camp.

Taryn said that she noticed it when we first arrived, but she knew me better than others would. Taryn told me that my secret was safe with her, but asked if Kim and I were serious.

I assured her that we were.

The second week of camp flew by in a hurry. Kim and I had spent every possible moment together. We used our afternoons to play with our children. We wanted them to know and come to love each other.

We sat outside of each other's cabins, she crocheted or knitted and I would read and we would talk. We were good at communication. Sometimes, she would just sit and listen to me read stories with the sounds of our children playing in the nearby park.

Kim was the most beautiful person I knew. She brought me peace and harmony.

*****

The day was going to be spectacular. I rose early, showered and went straight to the hairdresser that was waiting for me at my parents cabin.

Today was the day that I was going to be wed to my David and live happily, ever after. My rock was about to become my husband. My Knight was riding in and would sweep me off of my feet at one o'clock.

My Mom was by my side today, making sure this day was perfect. All of the arrangements were made. David's daughters, Elizabeth and Kendra were my flower girls and soon to be my daughters too. Taryn had become my friend and I asked her to help me get ready to marry her ex-husband.

What a day. A million things done and a million things left to do. I wept happily at every moment. The photographer caught it all.

My Mom pointed to the table and smiled. I looked over and saw a partially melted Slurpee with a note that said, 'I hope l never let you down" - David.

It was a good thing that my make-up wasn't done yet. I wept openly.

I could hardly contain my excitement now as my loving David and I were about to be married in the meadow.

It was almost one o'clock. All of the campers and guests were invited to the ceremony. There must have been 500 people standing in the freshly mowed meadow to watch us say our vows.

I noticed the benches from the tabernacle, all decked out with names from the past, written in pen or marker or scratched in with a sharp object. Each person, each family represented, meeting me in the meadow on my wedding day.

I asked my minister from childhood, Brian, to perform the service. My Mom was my Matron of Honour, because she always had my back.

David's best man was transferred by his company to a new location and couldn't make it. Sweet David asked my grandfather, Charlie to stand in as best man. Grandpa was very honored.

From the moment we were engaged, I asked David if there was something specific that he wanted in the ceremony. All he said was that he wanted me there, and as long as I was happy, he would be happy.

David had written me a song and said that he would sing it to me just before he said his vows. He wouldn't tell me what it was called or let me hear it. He said the only person he played it to was my grandmother, Charlotte.

I knew my grandma would spill the beans, but when I asked her, all she would tell me was, it was beautiful. David had pulled her over to his side.

I love that man to death.

******************

Kim and I sat in the office of Neurologist, Dr. Jun Hie Kwan. We were awaiting results from a series of tests performed on Kim because of the severe headaches and weakness she suffered periodically.

We waited for what seemed like an hour. When the Doctor walked in, he sat down. For the next ten minutes, he showed us scans and X-rays and explained that they had discovered a tumor on Kim's brain...

*******************

***My first Camp - Week 2***

Monday morning, the rain was so intense that people were using umbrellas or garbage bags to scramble to their classes. The thunder was ear piercing.

Kim had loaded up her boys and my girls into her van and drove them the equivalent of one city block to the children's classrooms.

A few moments later, Kim pulled up in front of my cabin and honked the horn. I threw my jacket on, grabbed an umbrella and went outside. She yelled at me over the sound of the rain to get in.

We made a quick stop at the Camp office, where camp cop Lois gave me a look that dared me to try and skip Bible Study this morning. I smiled and waved.

Lois and Kim chatted for a minute, then Camp Cop smiled at me and handed Kim an envelope.

The rear doors of the van opened up and Kim's grandpa placed two large trays inside. He looked up at me and explained that these trays would stop the chickens from peeing on the carpet. Then he laughed and closed the doors. Chickens?

Once back in the van, Kim told me that Lois said that I was such a wonderful man for volunteering. Um, ok. I guess I had just volunteered. I shook my head at Kim, she giggled.

Once we hit the highway, Kim explained that we were heading into the city to pick up chickens. A local farmer had donated 50 chickens to the camp and it was our job to pick them up and bring them back.

Kim noticed my quizzical look and roared. She explained that the chickens would be DEAD, not alive. I was quite relieved. That meant that the trays were not meant for pee, but for any bag leakage.

We didn't have to pick up the dead chickens until two o'clock.

Kim had arranged for her Mom and Dad to pick our children up for lunch and supervise them at the pool in the city for the afternoon, with Taryn's ok. The thought crossed my mind that we should give them a bar of soap and just let them shower outside.

On the outskirts of the city along the highway, Kim pulled into a motel and parked in front of the office. She said that a friend of hers managed the place.

She grabbed the umbrella and went into the office. Kim came back in a few minutes with a room key in her hand.

Kim apologized and said it was the best she could do on short notice. That's when I realized that Kim and I had four hours to ourselves. Kim drove around to a room in the back.

We had no luggage, only a small bag that Kim pulled out from behind my seat. We walked up the stairs and unlocked the room.

Kim went straight to the washroom and locked the door.

When she came out, I could hardly believe my eyes. She was wearing a naughty little see through negligee with white lace trim complete with panties and a bralet top covered by a sheer jacket with lace embellishments.

She wore long dangly earrings and the perfume she had on the first time we made love. She turned on the light behind her, so the beautiful silhouette of her body showed through the sheer material. Other than that one light, the room was dark. My penis rose to the occasion.

Kim's breasts were firm and the shear material could barely contain them. Her legs were smooth and beautiful and her ass was magnifique.

Kim told me not to get too excited yet, as she was the one that was in control this morning.

She told me there was a penalty to pay for thinking we could haul 50 live chickens back to the camp kitchen in a family van. She laughed maniacally.

I feared that I was going to hear that story until the day I died.

She instructed me to undo the cuff buttons on my long sleeved shirt. She came closer to me, but not close enough to grab her and throw her on the bed and fuck her senseless.

She reached into her bag and tossed a neck tie at me. She told me to grab the tie and roll-over on my tummy and put my hands behind my back. I was in trouble, but did as I was told.

The little vixen actually secured my feet first with a second neck tie that she brought. That limited my escape ability. She was getting to know me very well. I'll keep that in mind for next time.

Once she had secured my hands well, she rolled me onto my back, but she would not untie my feet. Her perfume was driving me crazy. She knew exactly what she was doing.

The first time that we made love was in her van on the back seat with her legs secured by her jeans, panties and those sexy hiking boots with the red laces. She was on her knees as I pounded her pussy from behind.

Kim mounted me on the bed and slowly unbuttoned my shirt. She ran her hands through my chest hair. She slowly moved up my body and sat on my chest, her sweet smelling pussy just inches from my mouth.

She placed a finger under the panties and into her vagina. She moaned while I watched in awe. She rubbed her clit and came for me, not letting me have a taste. Kim wiped her cum soaked finger tip on my nose and grinned. Her smell was enticing.

She slid back down to my legs and pulled on the end of my belt, unhooking the prong from its hole and loosened it. She pulled the leather from the frame and unhooked the button of my jeans. Very carefully, Kim flipped my waistband past my hips, unzipped my fly and slid my jeans down to my ankles. She cinched the belt around my jeans and feet.

She placed her hand on the hard outline of my cock through the underwear. She stroked her palm across my rod of iron as it strained to be released from its trap.

Kim gave me a seductive look and grabbed my balls through the material and fondled them, then squeezed until I gasped in a mix of pain and pleasure.

She leaned forward and grabbed my shoulders as she kissed my neck on both sides, making sure I got a good whiff as her perfume filled my nostrils. The feel of her breasts rubbing on my chest through that sheer material was over the top. I moaned loudly and begged her to let me fuck her.

Without answering, Kim slid her body further down my legs, she lowered her head to where my hard cock was bulging and gently bit the shaft through my underwear. She stroked it up and down, biting my manhood with precision and pressure.

She dry licked my shaft up to the head and back down again. My cockhead was throbbing as she teased me relentlessly. Kim placed her lips over the head, licking the wet spot and moaning gently, driving me crazy.

I begged her again for a taste of her wetness. She relented and spun around and lowered her delicious cum soaked meal to my mouth and I ate hungrily and tasted her gravy until I was fully satisfied.

Kim ordered me to stick my tongue out and leave it there. She moved her pussy along my tongue, placing it in the groove of her labia and slowly rocked it.

She pressed her clit against me and moaned. It would hit my tongue and bump my lower lip, then she would back-up over my tongue and touch my nose with it.

Her moans became louder and stronger until she finally burst on my tongue and covered my mouth and lips with her love cream.

She wrestled the animal from the fly of my shorts and stroked it with her fist. She squeezed cum to the top and licked it off, then her soft sweet lips enveloped my penis with the warmth of her mouth.

As she sucked me into a frenzy, she lowered her sweet creamy muffin down onto my hungry mouth as I chewed and licked and sucked the best I could without the use of my hands.

Kim had the first big orgasm. Her body shook on my face as she screamed my name and blew up all over me. It was awesome. I could hardly breathe as her body fell on my face so she could catch her breath.

She thought it unfair that I made her cum first. She grabbed ny cock in a death grip and sucked me so hard that when I came, I almost blacked out. I came so fast and so furiously that Kim could not catch up. She gagged and choked a bit, but regained her composure to finish me off completely.

After a short rest, she re-mounted me. She removed the sheer jacket with lace and tossed it on the other bed. I imagined my hands on her tits through the bralet, her panties were long soaked through and removed to the floor. She looked so sexy in that tiny outfit. It accentuated the natural beauty of her body. I was so happy that this woman was mine.

She rocked over my cock like thunder. The lightning in her eyes was a force of nature about to unleash its storm on my cock. I fought her rhythm, trying to knock her off of her game, but to no avail.

She suddenly slowed, as if in slow motion. Her hands fell upon my chest as she let out a long groan and let herself come in a slow, controlled manner. Kim was convulsing as her body let go of every bit of tension and her pussy flowed freely over me.

As she lay exhausted on top of me, her sweet cum ran down my shaft, covering my balls then into the sheets.

She untied my hands and we held each other and fell asleep.

When we awoke, we showered together, got dressed and went for a bite to eat.

We picked up the fresh dead chickens at two o'clock on the nose, and drove back to camp.

***Camp - Year two, week one. Our Wedding Day***

It was so hot and dry at Crossway Camp this year, compared to the monsoons of last summer.

I woke up early, and drove into the city. I stopped at the 7-11 to pick-up a Slurpee for my bride. There would be no disappointments today, if I could help it. I drove straight back to camp and headed to Kim's Moms cabin.

I wanted to see Kim this morning but her Mom refused. She took the Slurpee from me and set it on the table. Then she handed me a note pad and pen. I scribbled on the pad and handed it back and told her that this was no way to start a Son in-law, Mother In-law relationship. She assured me that it was normal. I loved my soon to be mother in-law.

Everything was ready to go, except getting dressed for the wedding. All I had to do was waste some time until twelve thirty or so. We men had it easy on our wedding day.

***

I think it took me twenty minutes to get dressed and be ready to watch my beautiful fiancé walk down the freshly mown aisle. It was twelve forty five and there were more people in the meadow than I have ever seen before at Crossway Camp.

After the morning meeting, volunteers had assembled quickly to move all of the long wooden benches into the meadow. The names of hundreds, if not thousands of camp goers and the years they were there, were written all over those benches, in marker or pen or just scratched into the surface. It was a fitting tribute to Kim that everyone that attended this camp over the years was represented here today in some way, at our wedding. This was the place that Kim loved most. Today, it loved her back.

The kitchen ladies served lunch a little early that day, to accommodate the moving of the dining hall chairs to the wedding site as well.

The meadow was bursting with joy. We were ready.

***

Myself. Kim's grandpa Charlie and her mom Bonnie, were all standing on the makeshift platform. My nerves were on edge. The minister Brian, joined us on stage and gave a wave to the organist sitting on the back of a half ton truck.

The meadow sprung to life as music spilled forth from the speakers, summoning all those assembled to take their seats. The greatest show on earth was at Crossway Camp today, and it was about to begin.

When the organist stopped playing for a moment, everyone turned and every eye was focused on the end of the meadow.

The smell of freshly cut grass filled the air and the sun was smiling on the crowd as the most beautiful creature on the face of God's green earth, joined her father and took his arm.

We watched as Elizabeth, Kendra and their large basket started down the aisle tossing rose petals to the left and to the right, announcing the arrival of the star attraction, Kim.

The Wedding March composer, Felix Mendelssohn, originally wrote the song in 1842 for Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. I think that today, he would be ok with us calling it the Meet Me In The Meadow March.

As the organist started playing, Kim and her dad embarked on their journey as I anxiously awaited my bride-to-be standing by my side, from this day forward. Kim's grandpa Charlie put his hand on my shoulder.

I imagined Kim and I growing old, watching our kids, grandkids and great grandkids grow and flourish at Crossway Camp. I looked forward to it.

As Kim and her father Wayne came to a stop, he firmly shook my hand, then he lifted Kim's veil. He had a tear in his eye, as did Kim, Bonnie, myself and grandpa.

When Kim smiled at me, my heart melted all over again. She was true love in human form. I have never seen her look more radiant.

We turned together and faced the minister.

"We have been gathered here in this meadow today, to celebrate the wedding of Kimberley and David...

...David has written and will now perform a song for his beloved bride on this most precious of occasions.

A young man handed me my guitar. I looked into Kim's emerald eyes, focusing only on her and I started to sing to the love of my life...

April showers, then May flowers And the love we plant is ours Then it rained and the sun did shine The blossoms, they were yours and mine.

Seasons change

Our summer was our great love Me, the hand and you, the glove September was our harvest gold I look forward to our growing old

Seasons change with the sunrise This meadow gleams in your eyes Our love will stand the test of time In this place for you and I

October and November in the fall These were the greatest of them all. Let the leaves all fall to the ground I won't need a thing with you around

Seasons change

As we enter into winter's cold We'll stay warm as harsh winds blow I prayed your love to come my way I thank God that I'll have you this day.

Seasons change with the sunrise This meadow gleams in your eyes Our love will stand the test of time In this place for you and I

Time's gone by, it's been a year And I have longed to see you here At the altar in this place Together on our wedding day

Seasons change, seasons change I thank God that I'll have you this day

There was not a dry eye in the meadow.

...the minister continued...

Now, we will have Kimberley and David share their wedding vows to each other...

... Kimberley, do you take David to be your lawfully wedded husband...I do...with this ring, I thee wed... ...David, do you take Kimberley to be your lawfully wedded wife... I do...with this ring, I thee wed... .. by the power invested in me by God... ...I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride...

Boy, did I ever...

Kim and I walked down the path in the meadow for the first time as man and wife. Kim's Dad and Uncles were waiting for us at the side of a truck. The signal was given and the truck moved off, revealing a brand new pedal cart, made by grandpa Charlie. Painted on the side were the Words, Kim and David. There were long streamers attached to the back, as well as tin cans, cow bells and a sign that read Just Married.

Kim and I both hugged grandpa Charlie. I helped my bride into the cart and I jumped into the other side and together, we peddled our way out of the meadow and toward the reception area set up at the Kitchen Dining Hall...

***Camp - Third year, Registration Day***

This Saturday started out with a light drizzle and a cool wind, but rebounded into sunshine and warm temperatures by noon. It was the beginning of my third year and Kim's twenty seventh at Crossway Camp and our second as a married couple.

In the background of the day, some tractors were busy doing something or other, as they usually did during camp time.

We had arrived early to set up a small canopy to give Kim a place to rest and get out of the sun. We added a couple of chairs to sit in as we welcomed all of our friends and visitors to another year of camping adventures.

***

There were tragedies and celebrations in the year since the last camp ended.

The children had settled in nicely as siblings, though they didn't get to spend as much time together as I had hoped. Mark was looking forward to grade three. Lizzy and Danny were heading into grade two and Kendra would be starting Kindergarten in September.

A month after camp last year, Kim's ex-husband Dave and his girlfriend went white water rafting in Colorado without a guide.

No one knows for sure what happened, but their bodies were discovered a week later when they washed up on shore, only a mile from where they started.

In September, Kim and I bought a five bedroom home near Taryn's, allowing our children to all attend the same school together.

At Christmas, we received an unexpected gift and Kim told the entire family that we were expecting our first child together. What we didn't know at the time was that Kim was carrying twins. Her due date was early July.

The Pizzeria had done an excellent business last year, so Kim, Taryn and I opened a second location with plans to eventually open a third.

Kim's grandfather Charlie, fell ill and passed away in early February and Charlotte seems lost without him.

***

Car after car pulled into camp that day and the people marvelled at how pregnant my beautiful wife was. Kim wasn't a bit worried that she was due soon. The hospital was only a twenty minute drive.

Everyone was asking us if we knew the sex of the babies, but we wouldn't tell. We wanted everyone to be surprised. It was quite a day and took its toll on Kim as the temperature soared. My mother-in-law took over for us and told me to take Kim to 7-11. So, as any good son-in-law would do. I drove Kim into the city for a Slurpee...or was it two.

When we arrived back at camp, it was four forty-five. Taryn and the girls had arrived at camp while we were in the city. The seven of us were standing in line for the dinner hall to open, chatting with folks and well-wishers. When the door finally opened, Kim and I were called to the front of the line.

We were led into the hall by Lois, the Camp Cop. She even hugged me.

There on the wall by the door, a cloth covered a large photo. Lois asked Kim to unveil it. We were surrounded by Kim's family as she pulled the cloth.

It was a beautiful picture of Kim and I at our wedding last year, standing behind the peddle cart that grandpa Charlie had made. On each end stood Kim's parents and grandparents.

When Kim started to cry, I kissed her forehead. We will always miss the kindness and thoughtfulness of grandpa Charlie.

After dinner, we all headed to our cabins to get ready for evening service.

When we got to Kim's cabin, it was occupied by someone else but Taryn's cabin across the road was waiting for her. Kim's parents had moved our stuff out in the early afternoon.

They watched us as we were dumbstruck as to where we would stay. Kim's Dad told us to go down the path at the right of the cabin.

We walked through the path to the entrance of the meadow. There stood a newly built cabin with four rooms. At the entrance, was a sign that said Kim and David, then under that, smaller signs with all four of our kids' names, and room for two more.

Volunteers had moved the new cabin into place in the early afternoon. The whole new cabin idea was grandpa Charlie's, but he passed away before it was completed. However, his fingerprints and his heart were all over it.

We were handed the keys and I let Kim into our new July home. The best part of this deal was the fact that it was a private cabin, and the meadow was now our back yard.

***

Three days later, Kim's false labour pains changed in their intensity. She said nothing, until her contractions were five minutes apart, She did not want to wake the kids, she said.

As her pains increased in intensity and duration, she shook me awake. I was up and dressed in a flash, but Kim was cool as a cucumber. She told me to go and wake up her Mom and Grandma.

I knocked on Grandma's door and told her what was happening. She told me to go and get Bonnie and come back for her. Bonnie was a registered nurse and Grandma was a midwife in a far away life, years ago.

Something was cooking with these ladies and I had a good idea what they were up to. They had conspired together and kept me out of the loop. I wasn't angry. How could I be?

We were going to have our babies in the meadow.

****

An hour later, at three-fifteen, our new cabin was filled with the crying of a newborn baby. A few minutes later came baby number two.

Our kids, marvelled at their new baby sisters. The event had tied those kids together as brothers and sisters, for all time.

In honor of the baby's great Grandpa, we named the first girl Charleigh Taryn and our second daughter we named after great Grandma, Charlotte Kimberley. We thought it very fitting to name them after both of the moms as well.

The ambulance arrived to take Kim and the babies to the hospital to make sure everything was ok. At four o'oclock in the morning, the entire camp knew that our babies had arrived, because of the sirens and flashing red lights.

Our baby girls made quite an entrance at the entrance of the meadow.

I beamed with joy. I thought of that young boy whose life was torn apart when he lost his parents and sister in a car accident when he was 10. He also lost his only grandmother who raised him, to cancer on his 18th birthday.

Today, that boy's quiver was full. The family that he married into, loved him and accepted him for who he was. They trusted him with Kim's heart and the souls of all six of their children.

******************

It was a cold evening. Kim had asked me to turn the thermostat up, because she was chilled and had a bad headache. I looked at the temperature. It was warm enough. I feigned moving the thermostat.

As I sat back down in my easy chair, my phone rang. When I answered it, the voice on the other end asked how mom and I were. It was Mark. I told him that we were doing fine, just sitting around watching a movie. He seemed anxious, so I asked him what was up.

He asked if I could put my phone on speaker and get Mom. I called Kim to the phone.

As she walked toward me, I noticed that she seemed to have a slight limp in her walk like you get when your foot is asleep...

When I asked her, she said it was nothing.

I covered the phone and whispered to her that this was going to be a serious conversation.

Our boy Mark, now a man in his own right. Where had the time gone? He was dating a lovely young lady named Jennifer. They had been together for 7 months. I thought that she may be the reason for the call.

I told Mark that mom was here with me now.

After Kim's usual ten minutes of chit chat, he finally got around to telling us what was going on.

He explained that he truly loved Jennifer and was ready to take their relationship to the next level. I was proud that he called us and we were almost as excited as he was.

He said that he wanted to ask her dad for her hand in marriage and asked me what he should do. He already knew what he wanted to do, but it was Mark's way of seeking affirmation and blessing from us as well.

We told Mark to just be honest with her dad about how he feels for the man's daughter. That's it.

Dad's are fiercely protective when it comes to their girls. Once he hears the sincerity in your words and sees the look on your face, he'll tell you what he thinks.

Kim, of course, wanted all of the details and Mark knew that I wasn't a big detail guy. He also knew that I would hear this story again anyway, many times. so he just said thanks dad and I told him that I loved him and wished him good luck with Jennifer. I handed the phone over to my loving, nosy wife.

She limped off with my phone, but stopped at the thermostat and moved it up a bit and then turned and gave me a scornful look.

A week later, Mark called back and told Kim that he and Jennifer were officially engaged.

They married in June. It was a beautiful wedding. Our eldest son was a married man.

By the end of the year, Mark and Jenny announced that they were having a baby...our first grandchild.

******************

It was such an exciting day. David and I had just purchased our first home. It was a nice five bed, three bath house with an attached garage. It had a large master bedroom with an ensuite. The boys would have their own rooms and so will the girls when they are here. The kitchen is plenty big enough for our large family of 6. I am so excited. I can't wait to decorate it.

I invited Taryn over to look at the house with me and she was as excited as I was. We moved closer to her so that all of our children could go to the same school. That was important to us both. We were partners in business and parenting and wanted the best for all of the children and each other.

We took a selfie together at the sold sign on the front lawn.

***

Kim moved uncomfortably in the bed as the nurse was taking her vitals...

All four of our girls were there now. Liz and Kendra came this afternoon and our twins, Charleigh and Charlotte, both 19, cut their summer youth ministry time short. They arrived 30 minutes ago and were sitting with their mother.

We were only missing our daughter-in-law Jenny and grandson Josh.

Charleigh, our redhead, stroked her mom's hair and cried softly. Charlotte, who was the spitting image of her mother, held Kim's hand on the other side of the bed, as the monitors beeped and thrummed on and the seven of us kept praying for a miracle.

It was only a matter of time now. It was almost over.

***

I could hardly believe that my baby girls were graduating high school. Wasn't it just yesterday that I gave birth to them in a brand new cabin overlooking the meadow?

That night was perfect as me, Mom and Grandma took charge of the situation. I wanted my babies to be born at camp. The fact that we had the new cabin at the mouth of the meadow was perfect.

The meadow was the place where David and I built our relationship. We made a lot of love there. We formed our future around that meadow. We were married in that meadow and now, that meadow was a part of Charleigh and Charlotte's lives forever. I love that meadow. I want to die in that meadow when my time comes and I'd like to be buried there someday.

Kim's sleep was interrupted. Mom? Mom...How are you feeling?... We love you Mom...

Softly, Kim called out... Charleigh?...Charlotte?

Charlotte felt her moms hand squeezing gently. Kim's pain and drowsiness overtook her and she slept again.

**********

Dearest Husband;

On this most joyous occasion, I have written a few words down to express my feelings for you.

This day, ten years ago, you blessed me by saying "I do" and forever bound our hearts together.

You have been my strength and my shield in times of trouble, in times of deep sorrow and in times of exceeding joy.

Our journey together has been one of understanding, patience, kindness, and unconditional love.

Thank you for never making me feel inferior to you, inadequate for you or unworthy of your time and energy.

Thank you for making me your life partner, for prioritizing me and the children.

Thank you that when you were angry at times, you were also quick to forgive.

I am grateful for you, my love.

When we first met, I knew that we were kindred spirits, birds of a feather.

Thank you for being Dad to the boys and for being so kind and gentle with them, when their dad passed away.

You are the rock of this family and I am so thankful that you are my husband.

You once told me that I was as easy to love as 1, 2, 3.

You my Steed, are as easy to love as 3, 2, 1.

3 words you always say. I love you. 2 hearts, yours and mine, stronger, woven together. 1 mighty, powerful and precious love shared by two hearts, bound with three words.

We are blessed to have each other. Our six children are blessed to call you Dad and I pray that we are blessed for another ten years, then another ten.

I will always love you, my husband.

Happy 10th Anniversary!

**********

***Sold***

At the 17 year mark of our partnership, all three locations of The Pizzeria were sold. Kim, Taryn and I had decided to get out of the restaurant business and move on to other things. The Pizzeria had been a big part of my life for 25 years.

I had used the inheritance money that I received when my grandmother passed, to start that business. The original location of The Pizzeria was born.

Kim and I made enough of a profit from the sale to purchase some real estate that we had our eye on. The lease on Crossway Camp was expiring and the owner of the land wanted to sell it.

Once the lease was up, we would have had to move the buildings or tear them down as the land had to be returned in the condition it was leased, 99 years ago.

Crossway Camp was a non-profit organization and did not have the funds to buy the property. The property itself was no good for farming and too bare for cattle.

Kim and I approached the farmer, made an offer and purchased the entire parcel. We incorporated it as Crossway Meadows.

We sold our home in the city and bought a ready-to-move home. We moved our cabin to a different spot on the land and now let our children use it when they come.

After the foundation was ready, we moved the RTM to the spot where our cabin had been for the last 19 years, at the entrance of the meadow, our meadow.

It felt right.

It was right.

We started to raise funds to replace or refurbish old cabins that could be used for decades to come.

We renewed the lease for Crossway Camp.

I am a fairly practical man and realized that I no longer had a need for a classic car. I sold my 1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring and bought myself a half ton truck. I ordered a personalized plate for her that read, OUR MEDO.

Kim and I shared so many memories in that car. All good I might add. It fit her like a glove.

We planned to build a year-round use Convention Centre that we could rent out for meetings, to various clubs and organizations that fit into our over-all vision.

We had to put that project on the shelf when Kim was diagnosed with a brain tumor...

********************

It was seven o'clock, Friday morning. It was a cool, windy August day.

Charleigh, Charlotte and I were in the hospital cafeteria when we got the call to come upstairs.

As we entered the hallway, Mark, Danny, Liz and Kendra were waiting.

The seven of us moved into Kim's room and we all held hands and prayed.

The nurses had Kim hooked up to an IV as they wheeled her out of the room. The nurse at the desk said the surgery could take anywhere from four to twelve hours, as long as there were no complications.

Kim's neurosurgeon Dr. Jun Hie Kwan and his team were awaiting her arrival. He had explained yesterday that her prognosis was good.

Five year progression-free survival rates for grade one meningiomas are close to ninety six percent. Ten year rates were just over ninety percent. If they completely remove the entire tumor, her long term survival would improve significantly.

If the team can resect the entire tumor, Dr. Kwan said that he could see no reason why Kim couldn't live a long, happy life.

***

David and I flew out as soon as we could. Mark met us at the airport and we drove straight to the hospital. We were so excited to see and hold our first grandchild.

It was a boy. They had named him Joshua David. Mark explained that Joshua was Jenny's grandfather's name and the middle name was a no-brainer.

Mark's biological dad, my first husband Dave, had died in a tragic accident when Mark was 8, so he had glimpses of Dave but no real memories of him, only photos.

Mark looked over at David and thanked him for being such a great example. He went on to say that if he could be half the Dad that David was, he would be happy. They embraced and David shed a tear.

After I married David, he built a great relationship with my boys, our boys. He treated them as he did me, with kindness and unconditional love.

David attended ball games, took the boys fishing, taught them to ride a bike and drive a car, He did everything any other Dad would do with his sons or daughters.

They always called him Dad. He was the only dad that they ever knew. Our Grandson Joshua David, was a living testament of how love can transcend biology.

After twenty years, my David is still my best friend and the only man that truly desired and loved me...and he was the only man that I truly loved and desired.

***3:00 pm. 7 hours into surgery***

It was mid-afternoon. All seven of us were in the waiting room, hoping and praying for a miracle.

Mark was talking with his wife Jenny, telling her that there was no news yet.

Down the hall we heard a chime. A woman got off of the elevator that we all recognized. She started walking toward us. It was Taryn.

Liz and Kendra ran to their Mom and embraced her. There were hugs and tears all around and now an eighth person praying.

Twenty minutes later, the door that led to the surgical suites opened. Dr. Kwan came through those doors, his face was indecipherable.

He stopped at the entryway of the waiting room and spoke to all of us.

The surgeon explained that the procedure was a little more complicated than they thought, but not impossible.

He believed, however, that they had resected the entire tumor, and though it looked benign, they were having it tested to be sure.

Dr. Kwan said that they would be moving Kim into the intensive care unit and would monitor her there. Kim could have some lasting paralasys, only time would tell.

He said he would notify us when she was awake. He took a pen from the nurse's station desk and wrote my number on the back of his hand.

The prognosis was good and hopefully Kim would make a full recovery.

Relief washed over us like a Crossway Camp rain. No one could say a word. We were all crying for joy.

I received the call from Dr. Kwan at eight-fifteen. I went up to ICU, was masked, gloved and gowned and led into the ward by a nurse who took me in to see Kim.

She was conscious, but barely responsive when I walked in.

I sat down and waited. Kom looked up at me. I looked into those lovely green eyes and saw something magical.

A spark!

I told Kim that the nurses wouldn't let me bring in a Slurpee for her. Slowly, she smiled the best smile she could make.

I told her that our new house and the meadow are waiting for us to come home. She placed her hand on mine and whispered that wherever I was, she was home.

***

Kim's recovery process was slow. She had to undergo 7 months of rehabilitation therapy for paralysis after her surgery. However, just in time for the 100th Aniversary of Crossway Camp, she made it through.

Thank God, she made it through.

***My 21st Camp, Day 1***

I left the house at eleven o'clock and joined my beautiful wife under the new Centennial Crossway Camp archway.

My loving wife of almost 21 years was sitting in a chair, waiting to greet the campers who showed up for the camps celebration of 10 decades of fun and ministry.

It was Kim's 46th camp, though she looked no older to me than the day I met her.

Kim's parents, Wayne and Bonnie, had retired and moved away. They settled at the west coast, but still come back every summer to visit family and join us at Crossway Camp.

Camp Cop Lois had sadly passed away in early spring, just short of the big party. She had one of her own to attend in heaven.

In her stead, Camp Cop Taryn was sworn in as the new officer on duty.

Taryn had re-married 8 years ago. Bob was a wonderful man of faith, who loved my daughters and had become a good friend to me.

Bob was a bit older and retired, but restless. He and I had gone into business together three years ago.

Using a piece of land at Crossway Camp, we built a small chicken farm. It was just enough work to keep us out of trouble. We had a good operation and it was making a steady profit.

Every year since, Kim has reminded me to donate only dead chickens to the camp kitchen.

I knew that I would never live that down. Yet, I still love that woman with all of my heart.

Even though Grandma Charlotte had long since gone home to heaven to be with Charlie, we still had their namesakes to love and cherish.

So many years, so many memories. I have come to love this place as much as my darling wife does.

***

In the spring before the 99th Crossway Camp, we had purchased an older, bungalow style farmhouse and were going to move it onto the far edge of the meadow, in front of the trees that lined the property by the highway.

Kim looked out into our back yard and reminded me that this meadow was sacred ground to us, and it should stay that way. She was right.

Kim had an idea. We would have to wait until August when camp was over to put her plan together. We would knock down the old cook's quarters, office and laundry room and place the house there, close to the kitchen.

It would have four private bedrooms for the camp cooks and act as the new Office/Police Headquarters, as well as new laundry facilities for the campers.

Against doctor's orders and my repeated pleas, Kim had stopped her treatments for a month, so she could attend and focus on camp.

Kim and I had decided to postpone the festivities that we had planned for our 20th Anniversary, for obvious health reasons.

When camp closed, we tore down the old buildings and put the house in its place.

Everything was looking good. We had just started renovations. My lovely wife was supervising her project and drinking a Slurpee.

All of a sudden the drink was in the dirt and Kim collapsed.

***

The 100th Anniversary of Crossway Camp was on the horizon.

During a rainy, dreary day at camp two years before, Kim started looking through old camp photos. She came up with an excellent idea. A brilliant moment a hundred years in the making, she called it.

For the Camp's 100th Birthday, she wanted to honour all of the past camp leaders, campers and their families that have graced these grounds in the past century.

She designed a memorial, a Hall Of Fame if you will, with the names of every board member, cook, volunteer and camp goer. The list included everyone that registered at camp on record for the entire one hundred years, complete with a photo, if we had one.

She also copied every one of the names emblazoned on those old long wooden benches that meant so much to her at our wedding.

The benches may be gone now, but we had an archive of photos, meticulously taken from the front, back and the seats of every one of them when we got married.

Those benches were then re-painted, so that the next generation could also leave their mark behind. We had those photos as well.

The project took almost 18 months to complete with the help of many dedicated volunteers. It was now ready to put in place.

If we wanted this memorial up before camp, we couldn't wait for Kim, as she was still undergoing rehabilitation therapy.

Like a walking tour, we placed new, shorter versions of the original tabernacle benches around the camp with sign posts listing the names of families, groups, individuals, leaders, and pioneers. We placed cooks at the kitchen, teachers at the school, volunteers everywhere, camp goers around the cabin areas and camp pioneers at the old wooden tabernacle entrance.

At the Main Office, a picture of the smiling Registrar and Camp Cop Lois, who had been on duty for 37 years.

At the workshop, was a picture of a smiling grandpa Charlie. He was painting the Wedding Day pedal cart that he had made for Kim and I. He had served as a Board member and a Senior Board member. He had also been the camp handy man for 51 years.

These, were all types of Gate Keepers, surrounding the invisible walls of this sanctuary that we call Crossway Camp.

They were the Centennial Guardians who had been entrusted with the future of this place for its first 100 years.

Grandmothers, Grandfathers, Moms, Dads, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters, Daughters, Sons and Friends.

All were welcome here...

***

It was a long, busy day. Our 21st wedding Anniversary celebration had come to a close.

Our entire family and all of our friends and fellow campers were on hand for our joyous occasion.

In the morning, after breakfast, adult classes were cancelled as we all made our way into the courtyard for the official dedication of The Crossway Walk of Honour.

I had the honor and privilege of introducing my lovely wife Kim as the architect of this beautiful memorial. She spoke, we prayed a dedication prayer and Kim cut the ribbon.

It was wonderful to see my wife laughing and joyful again.

***

Kim and I were sitting on the back porch. I looked over at her. She was happy. It was a blessing to see..

After all of the years that we've been together, Kim still brought me peace and harmony.

It was such a wonderful, warm night. The sky was clear and you could see every constellation in the heavens. It was almost perfect.

We were holding hands, looking out onto our backyard. She smiled at me, placed her soft hands on my face and kissed me.

She asked me to go inside and get the faded, worn blanket from the closet, and she would meet me in the meadow.

Kim had dragged our pop-up tent into the meadow and waited.

We made love and fell asleep in each other's arms.

Now, it was perfect!

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