Out of Darkness to Accepted Love

C. Clyde Squires depicts accepted love in a print of a wedding scene. This artwork is a part of a series of five prints of the stages of love, given to my grandmother in 1916 for her bridal shower. The prints serve as an inspiration for the novels written for each. The first is mother love in Annies Love, the second is puppy love in Sophie Writes a Love Story. For Carol Braun the pathway to accepted love was long and difficult because of tragic events in her life, which led to counseling. Carol was a loner in college until she decided to try to force herself out of her shell of protection and face the demons haunting her since childhood. The result is disastrous. Jeff Lipton is a young businessman and vulnerable to a beautiful woman who takes advantage of him, manipulating his attraction to her to wreak havoc with his business and his personal life. His experience leaves him angry and unwilling to pursue another relationship. Out of Darkness to Accepted Love tells the story behind these two individuals who will put the past behind them. From this vintage print comes a present life story that addresses the mental effects of child abuse, rape, and manipulation. The application of counseling and religious guidance directs them to forgiveness and strength of character, and it can be a guide to any reader suffering from such tragedies.