by Janette Oke
Around the morning’s breakfast table, the discussion often returned to the wonder at Jedd Larson turning up on the LaHaye ranch. They had not heard of Jedd since he had left his farm back home and headed west so many years ago. Marty wished there was some way she could tell Clae and Nandry the exciting news, and then she remembered that if Jedd did not make it through this Christmas Day, the news they would have to share with their girls would be bad news, not good news. Again and again throughout the day Marty quietly prayed.
After the trip to the barn, as promised, Clark took the boys for a sled ride.
At first it was difficult for him to pull the sled with the two small passengers up the nearby slope, but eventually he found that his crutch, jammed into the snow, made a good replacement for the limb he did not have.
The boys squealed with delight as Clark shoved them off and they made the short, swift trip down the hill. This time, Nathan pulled the sled back up the hill, but it was hard for little Josiah to climb back up through the deep snow on his own. Clark went to meet him and carried him up the hill piggyback. Again and again the two sped down the hill and made their slow and awkward climb back up. At last, exhausted but happy, they agreed to head back to the house and get warmed up.
“We’ll have to do this again, huh, Grandpa?” said Nathan.
“’G’in,” echoed his little brother.
“Shore will,” puffed Clark, who had enjoyed it almost as much as the boys.
“After dinner?” asked Nathan.
“Well, I dunno ’bout thet. I think I might jest have to catch my breath a bit. And maybe yer pa an’ ma might have some of their own plans fer after dinner.”
“After thet, then?”
“We’ll see,” laughed Clark. “We’ll see.”
About one o’clock the cowboys began to arrive, kicking the snow from their boots and slapping their wide-brimmed hats against their sides. They laughed and joked as they filed in. Marty stood back in amazement as they stopped in the large entry and removed their boots and lined them up neatly against the wall, no doubt thinking of possible damage to Missie’s fine rugs. Marty had been west only for a short while, but already she understood how important boots were to the ranch hands, how important it was not to be caught with your boots off. She smiled her appreciation for their thoughtfulness. But they seemed embarrassed and ill at ease as they stood looking down at their stockinged feet. Marty noticed that some of the socks had holes in them and wondered if she would dare offer to darn them. She said nothing now but went to the kitchen to find a worn towel. One by one she picked up the boots and carefully wiped away all traces of water and dirt. Then she handed them, pair by pair, back to the owners. The cowboys climbed back into the boots with warm grins and eloquent nods of thanks. They were now anticipating the meal that already was filling the air with delightful aromas as Wong carried dish after dish to the large dining room.
Before the meal, Willie, as the head of the home and the owner of the ranch, read to them the story of the birth of the Christ child. Some throats were self-consciously cleared and many gazes were fastened on the tops of boots or the big leathery hands in their laps, but everyone listened carefully. Willie then asked Clark to lead them in prayer.
The meal began in comparative silence, but it wasn’t long until hearty laughter and good-natured teasing took over. Nathan and Josiah joined in merrily, describing in detail to the ranch hands their gifts of the morning, the trip to the barn with the new halter that “Spider liked real good,” and their ride on Grandpa’s sled.
After they all had eaten as much as they possibly could, the guests moved to the living room, where a friendly fire welcomed them. Henry was not there to lead them with his guitar, having decided to follow the LaHaye tradition and have a family Christmas dinner for his own hands. But in spite of the absence of Henry, they sang the Christmas carols under Willie’s direction. Those who did not sing seemed to enjoy listening.
Scottie was the first who had to leave. He always took responsibility for the Christmas shift with the cattle. Usually one or two of the other hands joined him voluntarily out of respect for their boss. Today it was Jake and Charlie. Lane announced that he planned to ride over to the doctor’s to see how Jedd was doing. Clark said that he would like to go with him.
The cowboys left, calling their thanks as they flipped their Stetsons back on their heads.
After dinner, the two boys were tucked in for a much-needed nap. Missie and Marty went to help Wong and Cookie clear the dishes, and the house again fell into silence.
Clark and Lane saddled up for a visit to the doc’s house and Jedd. The ride through the crisp afternoon felt particularly cold, and Clark especially noticed it in the stump of his missing leg. He had not thought to provide extra protection for the area, not realizing how sensitive it was to the temperature. Lane, without saying anything, swung down from his horse and pulled a blanket from behind his saddle. Speaking of other things, he crossed to Clark’s horse and tucked the blanket around the stump, making sure it was fastened securely in place and would not slip with the movement of horse and rider. Still making no reference to the missing leg or the blanket, he remounted and they moved on. Clark was much more comfortable during the remainder of the ride.
They found Jedd in much the same condition as he had been the night before. Juan’s mother sat with him. Jedd had been bathed, and his beard and hair had been neatly trimmed. His feet and hands bore large bandages, and Clark was reminded of the doctor’s concern for the fingers and toes that had been frozen. When the two visitors found Jedd unconscious, they did not stay long. Juan promised that if the man roused, he would send one of his ranch hands with the message. The doctor seemed encouraged that Jedd had held his own throughout the day. His pulse rate had improved, and this gave Juan some hope.
Lane and Clark left for home after sharing a cup of hot coffee and some of Maria’s special Christmas goodies.
As they mounted their horses, Clark tucked Lane’s blanket around himself. “Never knowed,” he said simply, “jest how much the cold would bother a leg like mine. Here I was pridin’ myself thet I wouldn’t suffer any cold toes on this side.”
Lane smiled but only said, “It’ll toughen.”
Eighteen
From Death to Life
It was three days before a rider came from the de la Rosas’ to inform them that Jedd Larson was now awake. Clark immediately saddled a horse and prepared to go to him. He tucked his Bible inside his jacket and asked Marty for an extra blanket.
“It’s a trick I learned from Lane,” explained Clark in answer to her unasked question. “This here short leg gets awful cold. A blanket keeps it more livable.”
Marty spent the day knitting and praying. It seemed like Clark was gone forever, but at last Marty heard the sound of a horse approaching the barn. In the clear, crisp winter air, the sounds of the hoofbeats rang out clearly. Max left the yard on the run, always the first to welcome a rider.
Marty watched from the window until Clark came in sight, and then she grabbed her shawl and ran to meet him.
“Come to Missie’s,” she called. “She’ll want to hear all ’bout it, too.”
Clark changed direction and headed for the big house as Marty ran down the rutted snow-packed path to meet him there.
“Oh, I was hoping you’d come right on over here,” Missie called to them from the doorway. “I just couldn’t wait to hear all about it.”
Missie led the way to the open fire. “We’re nearly bursting,” she spoke for both of them. “Tell us about it quick.”
“Did Jedd know ya this time?” Marty began.
“Oh, he knew me all right. Was almost as surprised to see me as I was to see him the other night.”
“What did he say?”
“He asked first thing ’bout the girls.”
Marty felt her throat constrict with emotion. “I’m so glad he cares somethin’ fer ’em,” she said.
“He seemed right concerned. Said he�
��d ’bout made up his mind to go on home. He was tryin’ to reach town an’ the train station when he got lost in the snow an’ was stranded out on the range.”
“Did he mention Tina again?”
“We talked ’bout Tina quite a piece.”
Marty could wait no longer. “Clark,” she said, “were ya able to talk to ’im ’bout his need fer God?”
“I was. We went through the main points in the Bible—from creation to redemption to Christ’s return.”
“Did he understand?”
“Seemed to.”
“Did he . . . did he . . . ?”
Clark put his arm around Marty and pulled her close. His voice sounded husky as he said, “Those girls of ours are gonna be happy to know their pa joined with their ma today.”
“Ya mean—?”
“Jedd Larson made his peace with his Savior.”
“Oh, thank ya, Father,” prayed Marty aloud, happy tears running down her cheeks.
Clark cleared his throat.
“He joined Tina in another way, too.” He paused for a moment, then said quietly, “Jedd didn’t make it. Juan had to operate. Jedd wasn’t strong enough to stand it. The frozen fingers and toes had turned bad, an’ there weren’t any way Juan could save ’im. He’s been stayin’ with him day an’ night, fightin’ to bring ’im through this, but—”
“But he did, Clark. He did!” exclaimed Marty. “Because of Juan’s fight to save ’im, Jedd not only has life—but everlastin’ life.”
“I’m afraid it’s hard for a doctor to look at things thet way,” said Clark soberly.
“But it’s true. And, oh, Clark, if you hadn’t been here, Jedd maybe wouldn’ta decided to make his peace with God ’fore he died.” Marty’s eyes fell to Clark’s pant leg, pinned up securely just below the knee. “If it weren’t fer the accident, ya wouldn’t still be here, Clark. We would’ve gone home long ago.”
Clark pulled her closer to him and kissed her hair, and Missie joined them on the other side as they embraced and thanked the Lord together for Jedd’s salvation.
During the long winter days, Marty spent much of her time in the little soddy knitting, mending, or hand-sewing for Missie and her family. She also had a basketful of socks to mend for the ranch hands, having made discreet inquiries after the boots had come off at dinnertime on Christmas. Clark used his hours to make things with his hands and his limited tools. In the long evenings, he spent hours with the Bible, preparing the Sunday lessons for the congregation.
Each Sunday after the worshipers gathered together for their service, there were discussions concerning the materials and the progress of the church building. As the committee continued planning and ordering supplies, the building was taking shape on paper and in the minds of the people, even though not a stake had been pounded or a nail driven. However, the supplies were all being stockpiled at the Newtons’ as they arrived by train, and a building bee was planned as soon as the weather would permit. Folks hoped for an early spring so the work might be started.
As the weather improved, so did the Sunday attendance. Once again, the folks from the town ventured out on their long drive. But they seemed anxious to be a part of the fellowship and to keep informed about progress on the church building. Besides, they reported, though they enjoyed the Bible studies at home and it had been a good idea, it was not the same as meeting with the group and hearing Clark’s insights on the truths from the Scripture portion.
During the week, when Marty felt too confined, she would toss a shawl about her shoulders and hurry over the snow-crusted path to Missie’s house. On a few occasions, Missie came to visit her while the children slept. Missie said she loved to sit in the quiet, snug little soddy, sipping tea and telling stories about those first years at the ranch. Missie occasionally acknowledged aloud that the days were quickly passing and her beloved mother would all too soon return back home.
As the winter days lengthened, their visits turned to garden plans and setting hens. It was hard to stay in the house with the drifts of snow shrinking daily. The boys gamboled about like young colts finally set free in the sunshine and hints of warmth to come. Their mother had to coax and scold them to keep their warm jackets on and buttoned.
Clark, too, had been planning ahead, only his thoughts had taken a different turn. He thought often about the small congregation. He had enjoyed the opportunity to lead them over the winter months. He knew they were not likely to soon find a minister for the group. What would happen when he had to leave for home? Clark decided to ride over and talk about it with Henry. And so it was that Clark began to have study sessions with Henry to prepare him to take over leadership of the church. The people would know that when Clark left there would still be worship and Bible study. The building was only a small part of the requirements for a congregation.
At long last, spring did arrive. This time it did not come slowly as spring so often does. One day it was still winter, and the next day spring was unmistakably in the air.
The spring birds appeared, little flowers colored the hillsides, green grass carpeted the area by the flowing spring, and Nathan ran capless and nursed a runny nose.
Missie’s mind quickly switched to her planting. She pulled out all her seeds, giving special attention to the ones Clark and Marty had brought with them. Spreading the little packages all across her table, she and her father began to sort and plan. Nathan and Josiah wanted to get in on the interesting activity, and soon her carefully sorted seeds were all mixed up again. Marty shepherded the boys to the kitchen for milk and cookies, and Clark and Missie continued their garden plans.
In spite of his crutch, it was Clark who tended to the plowing of the soil. He arranged little pots for planting seedlings inside and advised Missie as to what would grow best, as well as where and when to plant them.
After the garden was started, it was time for Missie to turn to her chickens. She had spotted six hens with a desire to nest, and she carefully selected a setting of eggs for each one of them. Clark helped her with the coops, and the hens were housed in fine style. Missie placed her settings under the mothers-to-be and marked her calendar for the coming event. Marty couldn’t help smiling as she watched father and daughter work together.
The date for the church building bee was set. Wagons loaded with excited families, plenty of food, and necessary tools headed for the Newtons’ ranch. Cookie had to be available at home to feed the hands who were on duty with the cattle. Wong did not go, either. He was not a builder and did not feel comfortable sharing the cooking duties with several neighborhood women, so he stayed in his own kitchen and sent a big bucket of his special doughnuts to go with the morning coffee.
Juan had discovered two experienced carpenters from town who took charge of the actual construction. The neighborhood men offered their hands and skills wherever they were needed.
Within the week the church building was lifting its spire proudly toward the sky, the barren prairie and wide horizon providing a dramatic silhouette. Señora de la Rosa wept the first time she heard the bell peal, reaching across the miles and echoing from the distant hills.
The announcement of the first service in the new church brought many new faces to the congregation that day. Clark wondered, as he looked over the crowd from his place on the platform, how many were there for social reasons or idle curiosity and how many were already genuine worshipers “in spirit and in truth.” Regardless of what had brought them there that day, he saw a wonderful opportunity to open the Word of God to them.
Marty sat with Missie and her family on one of the new pews, Nathan tucked in between them and Josiah snuggled on his mother’s lap. I love the smell of new wood, thought Marty as she looked around at the families nearby and sensed their joyful anticipation. While we’ve been here, her thoughts moved on, God has provided a doctor for their bodies’ needs and a church for their spiritual needs. Thank you, Lord!
As the Sundays continued to come and go, Clark was pleased to see quite a few of the v
isitors continue to come. The regular attendees made a point of keeping in contact with each new visitor to the church.
Nathan and Josiah now spent much of their time outside during the lovely spring weather. With their grandfather’s help, they had planted their own small garden and checked it daily, running to their grandmother with progress reports.
“It’s growin’!” cried Nathan one day as he burst in upon Marty.
“What’s growin’?” she asked innocently.
“My garden! Come see. Come see.”
Marty hurried after him. Nathan fell on his knees and pointed to some small green plants just beginning to poke their heads out of the soil. Marty didn’t have the heart to tell him just then that they were weeds. Wait until some real garden begins to grow, she told herself, and then we’ll take care of the weeds.
But Josiah had his own way of looking after the weeds. He pulled them up to see how they were doing, then pushed them awkwardly into the ground again and pounded on their tender tops with his pudgy palm—even the hardy weeds did not survive his “tender” care.
Eventually the “real” gardens did begin to grow. Marty was not sure who was the most excited with their growing plants—the two small boys or Missie. Marty understood. She wished she were home planting her own garden. She missed it and wondered if Ellie and the boys would be taking care of it.
Marty took another horseback ride out with Missie and the boys to view the herds. Hundreds of spring calves scampered around their bawling mothers. Marty had never seen such a sight and tucked it away in her memory to report on when she and Clark returned home.
Nathan climbed down off his pony to pick wild flowers for his two favorite ladies. Marty’s smile went from him to Missie, who sat on her horse with young Josiah astraddle in front of her. Missie’s face was flushed, her figure gently rounding with the new life growing within her, and her hair, teased loose by the prairie wind, fanned about her. Behind her, the hills rolled on and on like a gently dipping sage-green sea. Beyond them, the mountains lifted silver peaks to play secret games with the fluffy clouds that hung low in the sky. The scene was lovely, full of life and warmth and love—a memory Marty would cherish for many years to come.
