by Terrie Todd
Epilogue
Hope, Manitoba. December 1, 1945
Dear Max,
Your letter just came and I’m thrilled that you’re coming for Christmas! I hope your parents understand, but, as you said, with your brothers both home safe and sound, and after the reunion you all enjoyed at Thanksgiving, they can adjust to the idea of spending one Christmas without you.
No, I hadn’t heard that Weinberger Textiles had been sold. Although that surprises me, it wasn’t a shock to learn that Carlton died in a POW camp. I feel so sad for the family, but at least they know for sure now. I’ve already written them a letter and will plan to visit them in the spring.
I can’t wait to show you the house! Were the walls up when you came for the wedding? I can’t remember. Anyway, we moved in in August—just before a very bountiful harvest!—and have kept working on the finishing touches. We probably could have moved in sooner, but Victor insisted we wait until my “luxury bathroom” was complete, down to the last detail. Silly goose. But I have to confess, I do feel like royalty when I’m sunk to my chin in that deep claw-foot tub filled with hot water and bubbles.
As you know, Pa’s old house was torn down last summer. Victor plowed the entire property into a field of rich, black earth, and we hope to plant it all to potatoes come spring. I am looking forward to seeing a gorgeous green crop as I stand at my kitchen sink. What an improvement!
I sure hope you noticed the return address, because it’s official! My handsome husband has succeeded in his mission to have the name of our town changed—it just passed final reading in a town hall meeting last night. A few holdouts insisted we keep the name Bleak Landing, citing historic purposes—they felt we needed to honor the founder, whose last name was Bleak (or something close to it). But guess what? After a little more digging, Victor learned that the man’s first name was Håp—Norwegian for “Hope.” So he was able to persuade them we could have it both ways. The unveiling of the signs at both ends of town is set for New Year’s Day: “Welcome to Hope!”
And a hopeful place it’s turning out to be. Too bad for Bruce Nilsen that he didn’t hang around to see it. With the opening of the gypsum mine set for spring, we’ve got new people flocking this way. In fact, do you remember Michael, Vic’s army buddy who stood up with you at our wedding? He got an office position with the mining company and has moved here! Michael asked about you the other day, and when I told him you might be coming for Christmas, I’m pretty sure I saw a twinkle in his eye. If I were you, I’d pack that turquoise dress that brings out the color in your eyes so well.
So the mine is attracting veterans, and some of them are bringing war brides with them! One of them, Marie-Adorlee, is from France, and she has a little girl named Claire. Guess what? I am helping them both with English on Monday evenings. Not only that, but Miss Johansen has succeeded in convincing the school board to pay me a small salary—I think I told you I’ve been volunteering at the school since September, assisting the students who need extra help with reading and spelling, especially the kids who don’t speak English at home. I never knew I’d love teaching so much, and can’t believe I’m now going to get paid to do it.
And I am officially a pastor’s wife! The congregation voted to keep Victor on permanently and has managed a small stipend for him, as well as the cost of a course in New Testament Greek that he’s really enjoying. Our church family also keeps us supplied with food—so much that I’ve been able to share with the families of my students who need a little help. Can’t tell you how gratifying that feels.
You asked what I call Victor’s parents. Even though they’ve made me feel completely part of the family, I haven’t been able to wrap my mouth around “Ma” and “Pa.” But I’ve been calling them “Mom” and “Dad” and it feels just right. They are now the proud grandparents of Peggy’s new baby, Richard Junior. Peggy brought little Ricky for a visit last week, and it’s the most precious thing to be somebody’s aunt! “Auntie Bridget!” Me! Can I make a confession? I volunteered to watch him while his mommy took a little nap, and the rest of the family was out doing chores, and I sang him an old Irish lullaby I remember my ma singing to me. I thought my heart might burst right then and there.
Not that life is without challenges, but I feel so blessed, Max! I once told you I didn’t need a father, and you told me I was a child of the King. Little by little, each day, God is showing me that that is true—that I was never truly an orphan. He brought people into my life to help me along my journey—not the least of which was my dear friend Maxine. And Jesus was there all along. Can’t wait for you to get here to celebrate his birthday with us!
Love,
Bridget
P.S. Please bring your good scissors. My hair is in desperate need of a decent trim.
Acknowledgments
I want to give a huge thank-you to Erin Calligan Mooney, my acquisitions editor at Waterfall Press, for believing in this project when it was still embryonic. To my agent, Jessica Kirkland, the well-deserving winner of the 2016 American Christian Fiction Writers Agent of the Year award. To Shari MacDonald Strong and Christy Karras for an outstanding job in cleaning up my less-than-stellar sentences, helping me flesh out ideas, and exposing my (sometimes) alternative facts! Thanks also to my family, for their ongoing support and enthusiasm. To Fire Chief Phil Carpenter, for his expert advice about how house fires spread. To my nephew and pastor, Nathan Weselake, who might just find bits of his sermons sprinkled throughout these pages. To my fellow Thesaurus Wrecks who so kindly reviewed the first draft and gave their valuable input: Jim Hamlett and Clarice James. Most of all, my thanks are due to my redeemer, Jesus Christ, master storyteller and main character in the greatest story ever told.
About the Author
Photo © 2016 G. Loewen Photography
Terrie Todd is an award-winning author who has published eight stories with Chicken Soup for the Soul and two stage plays with Eldridge Plays and Musicals, and she has written a weekly Faith and Humor column for six years. Terrie’s first novel, The Silver Suitcase, and her second novel, Maggie’s War, were both published by Waterfall Press.
Terrie works part-time as an administrative assistant at city hall. She lives with her husband, Jon, on the Canadian prairies, where they raised three children and now enjoy the shenanigans of four grandsons. You can catch up with her latest escapades at www.terrietodd.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/terrie.todd.31.
