Aramé and the Golden Apple

By Jessica Elaine Garcia and Pedro Angel García Colarte

Pedro Angel Garcia Colarte makes his debut as a sage writer exploring the topics of wisdom, virtue and honor in a world where myths, legends and folktales come alive. When a cankerous old man on a park bench tells the story of an old venerable tree and how Aram the lonely goatherd once saved it from ruin many years ago in antiquity, the reader is transported to the world of the forgotten ancient civilizations that once ruled Eurasia. The story weaves together the mysterious legend of Aratta, the folktale of the Golden Apple Tree, the myth of Osiris, and other timeless tales providing a window to another time where the symbols of our past come alive.
Arams lowly and humble station in life as a goatherd does not hamper his quick and serendipitous ascendance to the kings court steeped in intrigue and danger. Charged with the task of capturing a mythical creature which only he has seen, Aram sets out on a journey across distant lands, but not before unexpected obstacles appear. Whether by his own wit, chance or hidden forces beyond his understanding he confronts each challenge and succeeds, only to find that he is no closer to the truth he secretly yearns to discover. He enlists the support of an unlikely band of followers along the way and as news of his exploits spread, his popularity increases and places him at the head of a widespread revolution in the kingdom.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463428365

Jessica Elaine Garcia

Pedro Angel Garcia Colarte was born in La Habana, Cuba and grew up in New York City. He is an actor, playwright and stage director, as well as a chef, sommelier and restaurateur. He received his B.A. at the University of Houston in Philosophy and Drama. He lives in Houston, Texas where he owns El Meson Restaurant. Jessica Elaine Garcia was born in Houston, Texas and graduated from the High School for The Performing and Visual Arts. She received her B.A. at St. John’s College, Santa Fe, New Mexico and currently works with her father at El Meson Restaurant.

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Contents

Introduction

Preface

Dedication

CHAPTER 1

Being a wanted child

(ages birth to seven years old)

CHAPTER 2

Being a Lonely Child (ages eight to eleven years old)

CHAPTER 3

Being an angry teen (ages twelve to fourteen years old)

CHAPTER 4

Being a focused teen (ages fifteen to twenty years old)

CHAPTER 5

Being a learning adult

(ages twenty one to twenty seven years old)

CHAPTER 6

Learning from relationships

(ages twenty eight to thirty six years old)

CHAPTER 7

Reflective Years (over the age of thirty six)

A New Beginning

Introduction

Evelyn Peterson was a most remarkable and courageous woman. Born with a hereditary muscular disease, she was forced to spend almost all her life in a wheelchair. This disability, however, in no way affected her intelligence or her determined motivation to achieve the best with the gifts that God had given her.

This brief autobiography, so openly and honestly written, beautifully summarizes many of the challenges she faced and her triumphant achievements in spite of her limitations. Most especially noteworthy is the section on forgiveness which reveals some profound insights which have deepened my understanding of this spiritual quality.

After earning her PhD in psychology, Evelyn spent over forty years counseling hundreds of clients who sought her advice and guidance. These were invariably given with a superior integration of both professional expertise and Christian principles and compassion.

This book is a must-read for someone suffering with any physical problems, or indeed anyone striving to achieve his or her fullest potential in the face of adversity.

O. Quentin Hyder, M.D.

Author: The Christian’s Handbook of Psychiatry

Preface

Who would want to read about me? I don’t know the answer to this question, but I will share anyway.

At age six, another first grader named Janet hurts me. I am the last one out as the class breaks up for recess. I walk out holding onto the desk and doorways. Janet, a fellow classmate, says in an angry tone, You walk funny. What’s wrong with you? Are you stupid too? I scream back, I’m not stupid. I walk the best I can.

When I get home, I tell my mother about it. I cry out, It’s not fair!

She tells me, in a stern voice and with a raised eyebrow, Good little Swedish girls do not let others know their feelings or they will be hurt.

I responded, How then can anyone know me? I want to be known! Mom walks away in silence unable to respond but probably thinking, How could I ever have a daughter like this?"

Now I am no longer a good little Swedish girl, but an American adult who has spent a lifetime trying to help others grow by teaching them to share who they really are…no masks…free to be themselves. This freedom can only exist when you are accepted in Jesus, who loves the real you.

There is a basic psychological principle: before you can share what you feel you must first know who accepts you and why. Without this foundation of acceptance, feelings are based upon either conformity to the expectations of others or the distortions of ones own masks. My story, by contrast, is one of knowing that I am accepted /loved by my parents, then by God and finally by myself. This foundation gives me the freedom to face my feelings even when I may not like them. Then I may choose to express these feelings in appropriate ways. Being loved becomes the essence for finding and fulfilling my identity. Now let me share how His love has transformed my life to be a witness for Him.

John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life.

No man comes to the Father but by me.

Evelyn H. Peterson, Ph.D. October 2009

Dedication

To Rebecca, Abigail, Samuel

and unborn baby Peterson

in the hope that they will find their true selves

With love, Tia Ashie 10/2009

***********

Rebecca, Abigail, Samuel and Natalie Peterson 1/2010

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CHAPTER 1

Being a wanted child

(ages birth to seven years old)

1.1 Receiving Love No Differently

Doctors, doctors, doctors…. Somehow I feel ashamed to be me—being looked at as different, but not knowing why. Mom and Daddy are with me as many doctors look at me, shake their heads and say, I don’t know what she has.

I am the reason for the pain in my Mother’s eyes, but I can do nothing about it. I overhear Mom tell them about two other boys who were born before me and died. My busy ears tell me I could have two more big brothers. When we get home, Mom hugs me and says, I am so glad I have you. I felt very wanted in spite of my shame.

Psalm 127:3 Lo children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

1.2 Wiggling with Grandma

Stop wiggling, says Grandma in a stern voice as she tries to pin a newspaper pattern around me. I want to dance and play, not hold still. Grandma sits in front of the sewing machine in the upstairs hallway. The sun shines through a hall window as she pins and cuts the pattern. Soon her foot moves the pedal and I have a new dress and panties to match. Then I go out to play - proud to look pretty for my family.

Grandma makes special food for me like potato pancakes with applesauce or a glass of hot milk at bedtime. I wish I could crawl into her lap, but her eyes say no. She is unable to hug me, and I feel rejected. With my Mom, Dad, and Grandfather I can always count on getting a hug. I wish I could tell Grandma how much I want a hug from her. Maybe someday she will be able to give me one.

Mark 10:16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

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Evelyn Peterson as a baby (insert) and at 7 years old.

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Image 3: Teddy Bears on clothesline.

1.3 Crying with teddy bears

One cold winter morning, I awaken, get out of bed in Grandma’s living room and go downstairs to find my Mother. She is making breakfast in the kitchen while Daddy has a pot of coffee going. The smell of coffee always makes me feel secure because Daddy is home and I know everything is okay.

As I look out of the window, I scream when I see, on the clothesline, hanging by their ears, my three little teddy bears. I think, Surely they must be in pain. My big brother, Bobby, walks into the kitchen laughing at me while I am crying and takes a picture of my little bears. Mom brings them inside and puts them in the oven to warm them up. She holds me and yells at my big brother. Then I hug my bears, Jay, Little Jay and Jimmy Richard.

That night, after a time of prayer with Mom, I go to bed with my bears safe under the covers. I cannot see them so I believe Bobby cannot see them either. I sleep on a cot in Grandma’s living room upstairs. Bobby’s room is next to mine. I never trust Bobby again around my bears and dolls, which are like children to me.

Psalm 115:18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord.

1.4 Teaching my dolls

School is wonderful. I am a big girl in kindergarten. It’s morning. I hold my Mother’s hand as we walk two city blocks to my school and back again in the afternoon. Then I crawl up the stairs to the hallway where there is a door leading to the attic with four steps in front of it. I sit my dolls and teddy bears on the steps in rows to be able to learn today’s lesson. I have a chalk board and write out the lesson for them. It is such a joy to teach them. My Granddad, Deede, listens in the living room next door. He tells my Mother, She will be a good teacher. I feel special to be able to share with my dear children.

What good is it if I learn something and don’t share it? My dolls and teddy bears are like little people who need to learn just like I