Just through the red door lies a mystical place where live the little known creatures, the ones the world looks upon as myth and legend.  In this realm, they live and breathe, just the same as you and I.  Journey with me through the red door, to the place of imagination and we will find a new dimension of reality.

The new day calls out with an invitation from those beyond the door.  It is they who wish to meet us and share their tales!

I hear Grandpa Ansel, a respected elder, calling now, his voice strong and commanding.

“Hark, noble ones of the realm!”

Through the door is a fairy land of wonder, alight with scattered bonfires under a cloudless sky.  The moon, not quite full, gives a warm glow with staccato stars to twinkle and shine.  Adding to the magic quality of night, the trees are festooned with candlelit hurricane lamps and the whole place is a feast for the eyes.  Never before have we seen a more perfect setting for romance and young love, for that is largely the theme of the Spring Fete.

Aromas of roasting meat, fresh bread and cold-pressed fruit juice greet us as we cross the threshold of the red door, the portal to Rehoboth.  Before us is a feast for every sense as I hear the sweet strains from the bandstand.  Young and old have gathered here to play the old standards, whose origins can be traced back to some ancient scrolls.

From the ribbons on the scattered poles, those gnomes of age for marriage, sway to and fro , dancing the steps as old as the tunes.  Weaving and circling, the music stops to find the hopeful youth in a cluster around the base of the pole.  The space is filled with stolen glances, embarrassed giggles, smiles and sighs.

From time to time we see a young man drop his ribbon and scamper to a recently abandoned spot on another pole, searching for his one and only or to get closer to a young woman of interest.

Romance is alive and well on this wondrous night in Rehoboth!

Grandpa Ansel observed the goings-on.  Though he saw everything clearly, he was lost in his own memories.  Glancing at Grandma Elena, he remembered the sparks, the shy smiles and the uncertainty, as they stole glances, embarrassed  to be caught doing so, so many years ago.

Now Elena was so much a part of himself, he cannot imagine being shy or embarrassed.  They had both learned much since their fateful Spring fete.

Noting these same shy, stolen glances exchanging between Rakel and Froder, Grandpa Ansel knew a new family would be formed.  Having known them all their lives, Grandpa approved the union.  It was a good match.

As the dinner gong clanged, Grandpa roused himself to seek out the young couple.  Approaching them with a smile, he said, “Draw near dear ones.  Gather close and hear the wisdom of age, for you are just beginning and have much to learn.  Walk with me for a bit.

I am happy for you both in your match.   I’ve known you all of your lives, shared my stories with you as children, and apprenticed you, Froder.  Now you both are beginning a new venture.  You have both chosen well!  It is a good thing to no longer be one, for if one falls, there is no help at hand.  Now you will spend your lifetime together being each other’s helping hand.

It has been said that it is not good for man to be alone and, I, for one, agree whole-heartedly!” Grandpa exclaimed with a mischievous wink aimed at Froder, who now bore a furious blush.

“What about a woman, Grandpa?  Is it good for her to be alone?” asked Rakel.

Chuckling, Grandpa answered, “Absolutely not!  A woman, left to her own devices gets into too much mischief.  You are all too cunning for your own good!”

To Froder, Grandpa continued, “You might as well learn now that young Rakel is smarter than you.  Her mind is fast and agile and you will learn to value her thoughts and ideas.  Perhaps the hardest part of marriage is learning that our wife is the smart one!  Love her like you love yourself, for she will become your other side in marriage.   You will no longer be two, once you’re married.  You become one, made up of two sides.  If you treat her poorly, you are treating yourself equally poorly.”  Froder nodded solemnly.

Turning to Rakel, “All of this is not to say, your future husband is not smart, Rakel.  Listen well to him and consider his thoughts and ideas.  Follow his lead and let him be the provider and protector of your future family.  Respect his position in the family and be gentle in your corrections when you disagree.  You also must remember that to treat him badly is to treat yourself badly.”

“Matches made in Rehoboth are forever, so be sure of each other.  Do not enter in lightly, no matter how exciting it is today.  With time, hard work, patience, kindness, understanding, love and respect you two can build what you see in Grandma Elena and myself.  It takes a lifetime to learn how to love someone properly.  Always remember to save the best of yourself for each other.  My hope is you will believe the words of this old gnome.  Now, away with you!  The night is young and so are you.  May your union be blessed, your years together many and your lives be purposeful!”

“Thank you, Grandpa,” the couple spoke in union and then scampered off, happy to live in the moment, knowing that one day they would better understand the words of their favorite sage.