Author's note: This short story is a little epilogue to my novelette, "Whispers Of Wales," which can be read here:
This story has been translated from Afrikaans. It's good to remember, that translating can be a bit tricky. I hope you still enjoy the story, and that it will give you a peek into Whispers Of Wales. :)
A Walk In Wales
James and Ruby were driving from Cardigan to Llangdygydd. Newly wed, they were on their dream honeymoon. Both were seasoned genealogists, having done months of research into their family backgrounds. A couple of James' ancestors had immigrated from Ireland to South Africa, and Ruby's Great Grandmother had been born in Wales. Now, they were actually there, and Ruby couldn't believe that she was about to see Llangdygwydd. The little place with the unpronouncable name was the birthplace of her Great Grandmother.
"It's unbelievably green." Ruby drank in the passing scene. "Look! Sheep!"
Her forefathers had been shepherds, and her Great Grandmother, Noella, had been a servant. Simple, hardworking folk.
James was concentrating on navigating the strange road, but he grinned broadly. His wife's joy made him happy too. The fact that he'd walked beside Ruby on her search, caused him to feel a connection to her ancestors too. "Sweetheart, I think we're almost there. Look, there's a road sign."
"Llan-dyg-wydd." Ruby broke up the long name. "Quite a mouth full, isn't it?"
James laughed. "I've seen worse. The town names in Ireland might be challenging too." He was eager to visit Ireland. His Great Grandfather had been a carpenter and had traveled to South Africa when he was only twenty-one.
Suddenly, the small town lay before them. Ruby had done some research about the town and had found out that it didn't even have a post office. They parked alongside the church of St Tygwydd, then walked around the attractive building. But they were actually on the lookout for the remains of the original church. Ruby had an inkling that her ancestors may have worshipped there. James looked all around. Then he saw some very old stones and realized that they formed the foundation of the previous building.
Slowly, almost reverently, they walked hand in hand around the grassy area where the church had once stood. Ruby felt as though she were dreaming, but James' hand felt warm and real in her own, and she knew that her dreams and prayers were being answered.
A short while later, James suggested that they walk a little further in search of a place to eat their picnic lunch. After only going a little way, they found a lovely shady spot under a venerable oak tree. Here, they spread out a blanket, and enjoyed their lunch. After eating, they sat close together, deep in thought. A small flock of sheep grazed not far from where they were sitting. Ruby imagined herself back in the 1900's, and wondered what her ancestors' home would have looked like. James placed his arm over Ruby's shoulders. "You know, those sheep remind me of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He is so good to us, always leading us to where we need to be." He smiled.
Ruby nodded and smiled back at him. She studied the sheep. They grazed peacefully, seeming to have no cares. Perhaps the shepherd would lead them to another place later. Just as God had led her Great Grandmother to South Africa all those years ago. "Yes, He is our Good Shepherd."
They lingered under the tree for a while. James took Ruby's hand in his, and while the sheep looked on he prayed a prayer of thanks. The Good Shepherd would always lead them no matter where in the world they found themselves.
***
Copyright: Alison Lawrence
Drawing by the author.
Love and prayers,
Thanks for reading.:)
Alison.
🩷🩷🩷
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