Bahamas – Colleen Keller Breuning

Fate

Fate

Years passed, no regret
memories swirl in my head
I cannot forget

phone call from the past
your voice beckoned on the line
and our fates were cast

topsy turvy world
standing at the precipice
all my fears unfurled

two lives intersect
the merging of destiny
butterfly effect

warm Bahama breeze
plane taxied down long runway
sailed across blue seas

you showed me true love
something that I never knew
gift from God above

emotions so pure
through life’s sweet and trying times
our bond endures

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
November 19, 2022

This takes me way back to 1987, when my life most definitely changed for the better. Dan and I originally met in 1982 in Oklahoma City, where we both worked for Arthur Andersen & Company. We lived different lives back then, but socialized together in a large group of work friends. It was strictly platonic; however, he did give me a glowing performance evaluation for some work I did for him as a paraprofessional. Then the 1980’s oil and gas bust happened, he left for Florida for a new position, and I eventually divorced and transferred to Washington, DC. He found out through a mutual friend, and she gave him my number. After a series of catching up phone calls with Dan, he invited me down to Florida for our first date. I thought, “Why not? I know him very well already, plus he’s a nice guy and cute, too.” Well, he took me to the Bahamas for our first date – such a surprise! Long story short, we fell in love and knew that we were going to end up together. In fact, now that I think of it we got engaged 35 years ago. One of the best things that ever happened to me!

I have no regrets in my life. I believe that everything happens for a reason, though we may not know it at the time. Our lives are chaotic, we experience heartbreak, we take risks, we give our heart and hope for the best. The journey we go through makes us the person we are. I wouldn’t be the strong person I am today without conquering the challenges I have faced at many points of my life. I am grateful for the love, wisdom and joy that I have come to know in life. That’s all. Just some random thoughts running through my head as I prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Life is such a blessing!

I hope you all have a wonderful, Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo
Colleen

Mood: Lovey dovey
Inspiration: “Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green

Ecrits Blogophilia Week 20.14 Topic: Topsy Turvy
Hard Bonus: Discuss the Butterfly Effect
Easy Bonus: Mention a taxi or Uber

Paradise

5123 — "Bahama Seagulls"
Colleen M. Breuning (c) 2011

Paradise

A balmy breeze ruffled the palm trees as they lay in the sun, in the sanctuary of their wooden cabana. The gentle surf tumbled and pushed forth, leaving ripple marks in the sugar soft sand. Overhead, black-headed seagulls dipped, scolded and cried out to their mates, landing on the barrier rocks searching for food. If this wasn’t paradise, it was pretty damn close in his mind.

He glanced over at her lying in repose, clad in her new leopard print swimsuit, her skin bronzed by the Bahamian sun. He shut his eyes and thought of their moonlight rendezvous, shuddering with delight. No…. there was no need for bringing back sexy moves or adding spice to their relationship. Last night was proof that it had never left, even at this juncture of their life. He felt blessed that the fires of passion still burned between them. So often he heard coworkers joking and make derogatory remarks about their old “ball-and-chain” wives. She had never been that, and never would be to him. He would never, never give in or stoop so low to say one negative thing about her. True, she had her faults; she was human, after all. But in his mind, she was simply perfect.

He still remembered the very first time he looked into those big brown eyes of hers, how she captivated his heart with her warm Southern accent and her easy manner. They had belonged to others then, but something inside him told him that they were destined to be together. He once confided his innermost feelings to a mutual friend, and it was she who put them back in touch. For that, he would be eternally grateful.

The heat of the April sun was building, and she stirred, stretching lazily like a cat. She asked him if he wanted to take a dip in the ocean with her. They rose and holding hands, strode to the water’s edge. The breakers caressed their ankles and enticed them to wade out deeper. The seawater was shockingly cold until they immersed themselves completely. As they rose out of the water, their skin puckered with goosebumps, they erupted in giggles. She circled her arms around his neck, and he embraced her, carrying her deeper into the water. She sighed and nuzzled beneath his earlobe, whispering that she felt so lucky to be in paradise with him. He told her that no matter where they were, it was always paradise to him. She drew away and looked at him with those big brown eyes, now etched with fine lines, and smiled. As his lips covered hers, her eyes closed and she sighed, floating deeper into paradise beneath the Bahamian sun.