The Rainbow Years

THE RAINBOW YEARS

She was the welcomed second daughter; all feminine innocence, born to doting parents who prayed she would have a prosperous future. Would she be successful? Would good health be her companion? Would she love and be loved? These early baby years were her pink years.

She flourished, like a tender shoot in a spring garden, reaching out delicately to embrace the warmth of childhood without losing the innocence of youth. Everything was a wonder to this blue-eyed child, who emulated her older sister and wanted to do everything; try everything. These were the green years of growth.

The girl immigrated to Canada with her family, and life became her teacher. Learning the ways and language of a different country was a challenge, but they thrived in their new life. Intimidated by this new environment, the girl was too shy to tell her first grade teacher how to pronounce her ethnic name. She was even afraid to talk, and her silence both protected and wounded her. These were the solitary white years.

After some time, the girl found comfort in reading, and a good thing happened. She read and read, and then began to write. Words flowed like rippling currents and became rivers of thought. She wrote poems of angst, stories of hope, and songs of despair. Words became her faithful companion and chased away the loneliness. When the girl rediscovered her voice, she found people listened when she had something to say. With the radiance of a golden summer day, the yellow years arrived.

The girl matured. She seemed to blend in where no noticed her. Facing the pressures of being a teenager, she became confused and uncertain about living, about love. She discovered that life was not always kind, that people were not always what they seemed. Sunny days faded to the blush of twilight. These gray years dimmed her spirit.

When she was a young adult, the girl made some unwise choices. She felt the sting of betrayal; saw the ugliness of evil. Innocence was lost. She desperately wanted help, but did not think she was worthy, believing God had forsaken her. The weight of guilt wracked her. To avoid feeling heartache, she blocked her emotions. There was no shooting star to wish upon. The years turned as cheerless and black as a starless night.

After a long time, the girl's smile returned, but her heart was fragile and she was still fearful of tomorrow. Then, a hint of happiness emerged on the horizon, growing into a deep inner contentment, and exploding into a profound love. Like a new day dawning, the years became a welcoming sky blue.

Time passed. After all the years of not wanting to be noticed, the girl's wish had ironically come true. She was invisible to one who had promised to cherish her forever. She turned inward, and again found solace in writing. She became accustomed to being alone, but was not lonely. Anger and hurt simmered within her. These were the red years of wrath and regret.

The girl made peace with herself and her life's partner and they continued on their life's journey. She had learned much, but her gentle spirit had jaded. True happiness eluded her. She was full of doubts. These were the beige years of uncertainty and indifference.

One day, the girl stepped out of her self-imposed boundaries. She was tired of the negativity and conflicts. Tentatively, she tiptoed toward the future, and it dawned on her that her faith was intact, spirit renewed. With a new understanding, she confidently embraced the prosperous, purple years.

Time provided healing; then crept silently on. A cornucopia of colour embodied the girl's spirit, pulsating with a new passion for life. In the night sky, a shooting star danced across the horizon. Echoes of yesteryear were forever shrouded in shadows. The girl's soul shimmered as she let herself love and be loved.

So began the blessings of the rainbow years.

Maria Harden
(c) 2001

Story ID:	236
Written by:	Maria Harden (bio, contact, other stories)
Story type:	Story
Location:	Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
Year:	2001
Person:	Myself