Healing happens at "The Shack"

Everything is frozen still today; her Father knew this was exactly what she needed.

Last week, she opened her mail and there was a blank envelope.  Curious, she opened it to read these words, "You are invited to a Daddy/Daughter dance.  Meet me at "The Shack" on Saturday evening.  I've missed you. ~Papa"  Puzzled, she wondered what this might be all about.

With hesitation, she began packing her things.  She decided to bring her most beautiful dress...her wedding gown.  She laughed to herself when she imagined her attempt to fit into it again.  She loaded up her car and began to drive.  She was excited yet quite apprehensive.  All alone in the woods, she switched to 4-wheel drive down the unpaved road.  There had to be 2 feet of snow and still more was falling.  There it was..."The Shack."

She entered the unlocked door and looked all around:  the sights, the smells, the peaceful memories and the internal turmoil and anxiety all began to resurface.  Initially, she felt lonely.  "Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets."  ~Paul Tournier.  She looked around again and was totally amazed.  She saw her beanbag chair next to the blazing fire, a burning candle, a bouquet of red roses on the table, a journal and pen, a cozy outfit with fluffy slippers, some ice-water with a lime wedge and her favorite tea was brewing on the stove.  There was plenty of firewood...as he was the one who taught this girl how to make one mean fire.  He remembered everything that she loves the most!!  She shouldn't have been surprised, but she was.  No sounds, no distractions = pure heaven.

Loving the peace, quiet and solitude...a flood of certain memories began to overwhelm her.  She then brought her bag and dress into the closet, closed the door and stayed there...in the dark.  It was safe  and peaceful there; she loved her closet.  Then, Papa knocked on the door and asked if she was ready yet.  She needed just a few more minutes as her dress was a bit tight and she had some trouble with her zipper.  He had already searched her and knew her.  He knew what was deep down...that she cannot see.  He knows which keys will unlock her soul.  He gently said, "You can come out when you are ready.  There's no more stress, no more sadness, no strife, no explosions.  You are safe in my arms.  It's okay.  You can let it all go now.  You don't have to carry this anymore."

She slowly opened the door.  There he was...dressed in his finest suit and tie.  She was spotless...dressed in white.  They gasped at their first glance.  She knew this would be a very special night.  She was his little girl and princess.  He gently took her hand and escorted her to the wooden dance floor by the fire.  He gently pulled her close...there were no words except for, "Just imagine." There is healing in remembering and in imagining.   Then, he played her favorite song:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrWMBC6yoME.  (Be prepared...it's a real tear jerk-er.)

Initially, the moment was uncomfortable and reserved.  She cried tears of sadness and longing...considering what has been lost and cannot be recovered.  She tried so hard to experience the feeling as he held her tightly and at one point, as she sat in his lap.  The emotion was absent. Yet, she did remember his many words of love, encouragement and affection.  His words meant the world to her.

Then, the doors of her heart began to open; she could see through the thin crack.  There was no fear, but total freedom and inhibition on both of their parts.  It was her wedding day again...their first dance.  They locked eyes; he told her he loved her and how beautiful she was...inside and out.  They were beaming, laughing, bending, twirling.  He stepped on her feet a few times and they belly laughed hysterically.  No one else mattered; judgments didn't matter.  It was their heart to heart moment that they would never forget.  Once in a lifetime.  They knew this moment wouldn't last forever.  So, they cherished every moment and fully lived.  Then, as they often did, they both began to cry.  They held each other close for what seemed like forever plus one day.  They knew this dance would soon be over.  He will always be her super-hero.

She's still that little girl inside who longs to be free.  She longs to play and laugh and spin without reservation.  There's still time.  It's just the beginning...really.  She just wants to say, "I'm all in!"

Papa then told her, when she was ready, it was okay to go back home.  "Take as much time as you need.  Snuggle by the fire and think about what I've just done.  I'll invite you back here very soon.  We aren't done yet."