Hilda's Father's Book

Hilda’s Father’s Book

By Roberto Alago

She closed the book, place it on the table and finally decided to walk through the door. Up until now, she had been bitter, depressed, unable to smile or socialize. Isolated in the house for months. Refusing to see anyone.

This behavior is totally against her nature. She used to be happy, full of life, radiant and it sure was a pleasure to be in her presence. Things have change. Lately, her life could be described as chaotic. It’s truly a miracle she is still sane.

It all started about five years ago when her husband left her because she could not bear Children. Then, her mother died in a car crash, victim of a drunk driver. Her mother had been her confidant, inspiration and source of strength. The pain was unbearable.

Months later, her wounds would be deepened by the death of her father. He had lost a very long battle with cancer. Sometimes, the pain was so intense; he would cry, like a child and she couldn’t bear to watch him suffer any more. Often, she wished there was something she could do to ease his pain. But, against such foe, she was helpless. She will forever remember him as her playmate, protector and best friend.

Speaking of best friends; her dog Sparky ran into traffic as she looked astonished through her Living Room window. Everything happened so fast, she didn’t have time to utter a word. The truck driver didn’t have time to react and Sparky was splattered on the road right before her eyes. Now, she would have to face the world all by herself.

The bills kept piling up. Her car’s transmission broke down and her mechanic wants $2,800.00 to repair it. During last summer’s storms, her basement flooded, and a tree fell on the roof causing $6,000.00 in damages. Since she had “forgotten” to pay the insurance premium, there is no coverage. She’ll have to pay with her own money; money she doesn’t have and to make things worse, the bank is threatening to foreclose on her home. Her ex-husband stopped the alimony payments, and her parents left no assets, no estate, no insurance policy, nothing. Except… more bills.

Out of desperation, she fell to her knees and began to cry; “Oh God!... Please, help me!” Those are the only words she was able to verbalize. For two whole hours she cried unconsolably, as if pouring her soul to the only one that could see her through this tough time. Hilda had tried to live and take care of her obligations on her own. Not anymore. She needed help and she needed it now. She laid on the floor and fell asleep.

As she slept, she had a dream. In her dream, a man dressed in a glowing white robe told her; “Read your father’s book and don’t worry, this will pass.” When she awoke, she went to the coffee table, grabbed the old book and began to read. Over the course of a week, she read the whole thing from cover to cover. When she finished reading. She said a silent prayer of thanks.

Now, for the first time in months, Hilda is venturing out of her house with her head held high and a new outlook in life. Yesterday may have been sad, stormy and even tragic. But today… Today is a new day, with new challenges and possibilities. Above all, Today begins a new life with renewed hope.

With a big smile Hilda greets her Friends and Neighbors. Everyone wonders… What brought about this change? “It was my Father’s Book.” She would say to everyone. She tells them about how the reading help ease the pain and renewed her hope. She now recommends its reading to anyone who needs it.

The book you say? You want to know what sort of book could affect such a change in a person’s life? I’ll tell you, the book’s title is “Holy Bible.” Have you read it?

#read #book #bible #father #hilda #roberto #alago #aguadilla #PR #depression #coping #loss #hardship