I threw another log on the fire and lay curled up in the fetal position on my quilted sleigh bed. “If I could have one wish,” I sighed sadly to myself, “It would be to have a family again. My sheepdog Honey, placed her paws by my face and licked my nose.

I had lost both my parents when I was only nineteen. Being an only child, I was orphaned and none of my extended family offered to help me-not even my Uncle, who used to come over and enjoy my mom’s cooking during the holidays. Because of this, I was certain I was a misfit who deserved every misfortune that came my way.

I lived my life in angst. Anger, guilt and unbearable loneliness filled what was left of my shredded heart. Then, I met Julian. He was sweet – until out of desperation, I agreed to marry him. After we were engaged, I discovered he did not want to go to work as a waiter anymore. He expected that I pay all the bills and do all of the housework.

When I confronted Julian and broke our engagement and asked him to leave our home, he refused with a vengeance. I later discovered he cleared out my bank account and wrecked the Cadillac I inherited from my mother. “What is wrong with me,” I sobbed. “Certainly I am a magnet for misfortune.

Two years later, I met Marcus. He came to my door to purchase an old car that I was selling. Later, he said he loved me and I was foolish enough to believe him. Out of loneliness we became engaged. One day, a hysterical woman called my house and demanded to speak with Marcus, saying she was his wife. When I confronted him about this, he became moody and distant. The relationship ended shortly thereafter.

Wishing for a new life, I whispered Heavenward to my mother and pleaded her to tell me what to do. “Give me a sign, Mommy, “I begged. “I am so scared. You always said you would be there for me, so please – just give me a sign.”

The next morning I heard a loud thump. I sat up in bed. I padded down the hallway and found the cause of the noise-a painting fell off the wall and onto the floor. It was one of my mother’s oil paintings. It depicted a house in the country with several oak trees and a brook. “Thank you, mother,” I said. “I will find a home such as this to make my own.”