According to the research I have seen there are no records of Cyprianus Thascius being married. Although out of the many, there is one that says a little differently. A Catholic Encyclopedia, New Advent says specifically that Cyprian when Caecilianus knew he would die to take in his wife and family.
Ms. Gentry of course, came up with this impressive love triangle in the middle of the course of this somewhat fantasy life of the Bishop of Carthage. Now it doesn’t exactly say he took his mentor’s wife as his own, just that he took the remnants of this family into his home. So there is room for conjecture. For the purposes of this series he has an American wife and daughter from, yes, the 21st Century for a twist. His American wife, however has a mother who was born in Tunisia. You must read the books to get more of those details.
His daughter conceived in Carthage, yet born in Dallas Texas was intriguing. She and her mother aged when no one seemed to age in 3rd Century Carthage during the entire series. However, this line really hit me as a daughter myself. Gentry’s words easily hit their mark. “Be there for Dad.” Imagine for a second your husband on his deathbed or an injustice resulting in an execution. Would you attempt to run away to not deal with the pain or would you stand tall in the love of your life’s last days, minutes or moments? Or would your 18 year old daughter or son have to look you in the eyes to say stop it this isn’t about you it’s about us being there for him? I would have to say that’s pretty powerful.
Again another similar thought, but it comes from your mother and the grandmother of your 18 year old. “Sometimes in this life we are forced to part from those we love, but God never leaves us. He’ll give you the strength or whatever comes.” I think about when Grandpa Freddy died. The week after, I sang his favorite song. God gave me the strength to do that song for him. Then as soon as I let go of the last note I cried. Then after Uncle Mike’s funeral I had the special music the following week again. I sang and played “Heirlooms” a special song for me. God allowed me, once again to perform while my heart was in pieces… but I performed well with God at my side.
Cyprian’s wife finally came to this conclusion. “Her purpose had never been to change Cyprian or his circumstances. Her purpose was to love him, and that she would do until her life came to an end.” Grandma Rosie lived for 15 years without the love of her life. Grandma Betty has lived without Grandpa for 23 years. I can’t quite comprehend having such a relationship and then having to live life without my husband. I suppose having a boyfriend on the east coast is as close as this gets to my understanding of losing a romantic love.
No words needed between the husband and wife. ” Cyprian’s eyes locked with hers.” I only wish to have these wordless moments of my own without the death sentence, of course. “Their hearts entwined by a love so deep nothing could sever it. “I love you, she mouthed. He swallowed and rewarded her with a nod.” These are their last moments of connection as a couple.
A member of the Bishop’s congregation talks to the soon to be widow. “If a man falls alone, he’s in trouble” Metras waved his cane “You won’t be alone.””
Do you feel like you’re alone? Are you going through some big decisions without a support system behind you or at your side? There is no such thing as a perfect person let alone a perfect Christian. We continually need support from other like-minded friends and family. Even those who are not like-minded can prove to be led by God in circumstances.
This series has been a growing up experience for me I didn’t have Bryan in my life when I first read these books. This last time has felt different, because of him. We need to grow and mature in our faith and this is where testing and challenges help us to make better decisions for ourselves and for those we love. When did you last take time to analyze your prayer life or time at church? Perhaps it is time to take a deeper look?
Jewells of Thought 
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