I used the website URL incorrectly. Below and above is the correct one.

I apologise

Vickey Stamps (wordpaintervs)

“SHHHH…..shh “the roughened bass voice of the guard vibrated in the silence of the night, silencing the growling murmurs of the dog that trotted along beside him. His duties took him across the pathway of but one other guard as they stalked the pathways of what seemed to be endless coils of barbed wire, in opposite directions. Ahead lay the Berlin entrance gate, a barrier with more guards. It led to what some called the road to freedom, and from an opposite direction otherwise termed an entrance to hell. His grip on the rifle tightened, his gaze shifting about for shadows, his ears scanned alertly as they tuned in for unusual sounds. Some of the population didn’t agree with the new life within the walls and sought to escape. These same people sometimes died despite their efforts. It was May of 1952 in East Germany. It had become for many families, a time of imprisonment within these walls, a place where separation from loved ones meant nothing to guards or military officials. Hearing and seeing nothing, the German soldier continued about his job.
The couple and their child crouched in the deeper shadows near the entrance to the gate. This starless night had been hoped for. It had been decided, at the last moment, that it had become the best time to flee. A few jewels lay sewn into the hem of her parents clothing, small pieces that could be sold in exchange for cash in a free land where they could rebuild their lives. Arrangements had been made to let them slip through. Partial bribes had been paid. But who was to know how honorable these people would be once the remaining money was within their hands? It would be so easy to yell “Escape! Escape!” They would surely know the guards would not hesitate to shoot. It would not matter if it were adult or child. The child held her breath. Her heart beat so quickly she became even more frightened. Without making a sound she leaned into her father’s strong arms. None of them knew of a Savior who even now waited with them, walked with them and interceded on their behalf. She knew only of her faith in her parents and of their need to be away from this place. They had woken her in the middle of the night, dressing her warmly in layers of clothing, for there would be no carrying bags to slow them down, only a small scentless candle and small box of matches to help them find their way to the guide who waited in the quiet night, on the other side.
“Quick. The money. Give to me now! The other soldier working with me is gone but for a short time. You have three minutes. No more. Leave now. Hurry before the supervisors come to check. GO… GO …GO !!!” The soldiers voice bordered on fear and the three did not hesitate, running into deeper shadows hugging the outer wall as they fled, then into nearby trees that better hid them. Their escape had only begun.
The night seemed endless and her small legs burned as she trudged along between her parents, never daring to complain nor stop, for she had been told they must put many miles behind them. A ship was waiting. It was a ship that would take them further yet, to where they could at last find real freedom. She knew how fearful her father must be that the ship might go on without them. She knew how brave he was as well. Perhaps there would be East German soldiers that would be there waiting for them? Her mother hadn’t been well, but still she whispered words of encouragement despite her own fears and the sickness within her. She clutched her mother’s dampish hands with her own small ones, and hurried along as best she could.
The child was now the older woman, remembering in more detail then she thought possible how those days had been, how hard her father had worked upon the ship that their passage might be paid. Her mother had lived on to know again the sweet taste of freedom. A family in the land of the free was far more than just something to be thankful for. It was a treasure. A good man had led her father to know of the Savior. Her father in turn had done that same wondrous favor for her and her mother. Life was a daily trip into the world of ‘’thanks fullness’. Every year she waited for it to come for she knew Christmas lay just ahead. She well knew the story of the baby Jesus. She had such good reason to thank him again for being a part of her world Life was good.