A Short Story (Article Sample)

It’s on the porch of my cabin, where I am sitting on my rocking chair, overlooking the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. It is a peaceful and serene evening, and the only sound is the gentle rustling of the leaves in the breeze. I am an old woman now, and I am reflecting on my life. I am thinking about the decisions I have made, the things I have seen, the people I have known, and the experiences I have had over the years.
I was born in 1820 in a small town in Virginia. My family was not wealthy, but we were comfortable. My father was a blacksmith, and my mother was a homemaker. I had five brothers and sisters, and we were all close. We would play together in the fields near our house, go swimming in the river, or even help our mother organize our home. They were the best times of my life.
When I was sixteen, I met a young man named John. He was handsome and charming, and I immediately fell in love with him. We were married a year later, and I moved into his family's cabin. John's father was a wealthy man, and he owned a large farm. I was happy to be a part of such a prosperous family. John and I had three children, two boys, and a girl. We were a happy family, and I cherished every moment. However, our happiness was short-lived.
The Civil War began, and John was drafted into the army. It was a difficult time for everyone, especially those who lost loved ones. I was one of the lucky ones, though, because my husband John did not die in the war. He was wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg and captured by the Union Army. He was held prisoner of war for a year before his release.
When John came home, he was a changed man. He had seen so much death and destruction, which had taken a toll on him. He was no longer the happy and carefree man I had married. He was now bitter and angry, and he often took his frustration out on the children and me. I tried to be understanding, but it was hard. The years passed, and John and I grew apart.
We divorced, and I moved back to my childhood home with my children. It was hard to start over, but I did it. I never remarried, and I was content with my life. I had my children and my memories of John, which was enough for me. One became a lawyer, and the other bought a farm in Alaska and lived his best life; the other got married last summer and flew with her husband to Alabama. Despite my trials, I have lived a long and happy life.
Sitting here on this peaceful evening, I am grateful for all I have. I am thankful for my loving family, beautiful home, and memories. I am grateful for the life I have lived, for the good times and the bad times. They have all made me who I am today. I am a strong and independent woman, and I am proud of that.