Storm Cloud by Linda M. Rhinehart Neas (books to read this summer TXT) 📖

The attendance at her funeral was higher, they say, then when the governor died; rest his soul. Folks in the know wore their Cheshire grins as the others scratched their collective heads, muttering phrases such as, “Well, I’ll be!” or “Would you look-y here?” and the classic, “Who would have guessed!” as they watched the line of mourners enter the church.
The deceased, Meredith Ann, who became Merry Ann shortly after her birth, was the personification of her name. A loving and kind child, she had a joie de vive that made her the favorite of all who met her.


Merry Ann met Hank in the depths of the Great Depression, that insidious cancer that ate a breach right in the middle of the Land of the Free. Her family more than approved of her marriage to Hank. Fact is folks say her family practically ran her down the aisle; they were so enthusiastic about the match. Seems Mr. Hank was a city boy with connections and a job. Jobs in the village being few and far between with money being even less, her marriage was seen as a triumph for everyone. Neighbors lived vicariously through Merry Ann and Hank.


Mourners beside the grave stood in the sun five and six deep. Each face seemed to be a reflection of what was best about this simple woman. The pastor surprised many by forgoing the usual graveside homily for a personal story about how Merry Ann helped him regain his faith, although she never knew she had.

As if on cue, a large gray cloud darkened the churchyard. The mourners looked to the heavens, expecting sudden downpour. In the quiet of the churchyard, they could almost hear Merry Ann wisely saying, “Just remember, behind every storm cloud, the sun still shines.”

Publication Date: 08-19-2010

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
For Momma