Past, Present, Future

More than 20 years ago, my wife and I traveled to New Orleans to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary. Located on Bourbon Street is a small shop called [Madame Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo]. Marie Laveau is famous throughout Louisiana.

During our first visit to The House of Voodoo, we decided to have our palms read. In the interest of keeping things interesting and more challenging, Tina and I paid separately and remained [socially distant] throughout the process.

I do not remember much about my reading except that it was anything but exciting or revealing in nature. Hmmmmm . . . maybe I should have paid more attention? After it was over, I asked the woman if there was anything else. Indeed, there must be more! I did not get my answers.

My wife was obviously upset when she walked out of the shop. After she disclosed the details of her reading, I immediately explained to her that such things as palm readings were fantasy, and we should not validate something of that nature.

My wife was told that she would divorce her husband and marry a total of four times. The final union will last for the remainder of her life. Furthermore, her husband [that’s me] will die while in his late forty’s.

Now, more than 20 years later, my wife and I find this interesting. We plan on being officially remarried in the near future. Our current relationship marks the fourth time we have joined together. As far as my death, I often compare my [late forty’s] struggle to passing and then returning. No, I’m not saying that I died and then returned from the grave. Although, that would be something to write about, wouldn’t it?

I snapped the photo while in Houston recently. The Cross is incredibly beautiful [and tall].

Joseph Shanklin

November 19, 2020