<br><br><center>*The illusion of coming into direct contact with the past 
is intoxicating and sometimes that's all that's needed.
― Charles Rosen*
</center>

<br><br><center>
![Lizzie.png](https://images.hive.blog/DQmavDGzAiwZeQB7UFyRzPfUEaPwgTRFJXcxFLY6kKHTMxf/Lizzie.png)
*Lizzie*</center>




<br><br>I thought Lisanne was a ghost from the past sent to oppress me, but it turns out she's a living relic of my family's history. 

My grandfather's sins didn't die with him but have continued to affect those still living and Lisanne and her mother were kept in poverty by Amos' refusal to acknowledge his sin.

When I look at Lisanne I see Anais, the young girl raped by my grandfather, kept in poverty and made  a victim like her mother and grandmother.

And now, I've invited her into my house and life in the hope I may be able to make a difference in hers.

<br><br>After breakfast, when she went upstairs to shower and put on fresh clothes.  Zadie and I had some time alone and she whispered to me, "You feel a crushing guilt because of Amos' sins, don't you?"

I nodded helplessly. "I'm going to make it up to Lisanne―she's a relative, a bit removed, but she's still family. She has Walker blood in her."

"What are you going to do―pay for her entire education?"

"Yes and more. I'm going to support her as my father supported me and I am not going to abandon her. She can live here with me until we can get her into residence in college."

<br><br>She frowned. "I don't know―are you ready for that?"

I stared at her blankly. What do you mean?"

"You may risk the scandal of having a beautiful young girl living with you―people will call her a 'kissing cousin'―just saying, because you know how small towns are."

"I'll take that risk. Lisanne's been through enough. She deserves a home and family. Are you sure *you're* okay with this?"

She wrapped her arms around me and kissed me deeply. "You're a good man, Cain. I trust you completely and I'll help out as well in any way I can―the girl needs a woman's influence in her life. It will all work out for the good."

<br><br>When Lisanne reappeared she looked stunning―a little makeup and a blow dry brought out her innate beauty. I began to see why Zadie was concerned, but she seemed to fully embrace Lisanne as a part of my family.

"We're going to the animal rescue to adopt a dog," she informed Lisanne, "why don't you join us?"

"Oh, I don't want intrude. I can curl up here before the fire."

"Nonsense," I said, "you're part of the family now and I want you to share in our decisions. It'll be fun."

She reluctantly gave in but I think was secretly pleased. We all piled into my SUV and drove to the building on the outskirts of town.


<br><br>The girl in charge of the rescue sized us up immediately.

 "We recently rescued a litter of Golden retriever pups and there's one left―she's adorable. Do you want to see her?"

"Yes!" we all said in unison and then laughed that we all had the same idea.

We were led back to the kennel area where a female volunteer was watching several dogs. When the puppy saw us, she bounded toward us, tail wagging and yipping excitedly.

<br><br>I had bent down on one knee and she leapt into my mid-section trying to snuggle as close as she could, knocking me backwards with her momentum. Then, she was on my chest, licking my face and ears.

The girls laughed and realized I had already been chosen by this frolicking bundle of fur.

"Well, that was easy," Zadie said, "I know who she feels comfortable with."

But then, the pup repeated her love-bombing with both of the girls. It was obvious―she was going home with us.

<br><br>"I see Lizzie has rolled out the welcome wagon," the woman laughed.

We all looked at one another―*Lizzie*...the name was perfect and suited her.

We were able to buy a bed, puppy kibble, and all the things necessary for re-homing her. On the way home, she fell asleep in Lisanne's lap.

I think we were all beginning to bond as a family, Lizzie included. 

*Dad would be proud*, I thought, and then marvelled at how blind I had been. A glimpse of the past was all it had taken to adjust my view of family 





<br><br> <center>To be continued…</center>

<br><center>© 2022, John J Geddes. All rights reserved</center>

<br><center>[Photo](https://images.app.goo.gl/sYqCor1ghTMhBYhw6)</center>
<br><br>