{"id":12095,"date":"2001-10-01T09:08:08","date_gmt":"2001-10-01T13:08:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12095"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:15","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:15","slug":"a-poor-mans-roses-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12095","title":{"rendered":"A Poor Man’s Roses (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/strong> Running away from your problems never solved at thing.\u00a0 That’s what Pa had always preached to his three sons, but now Ben was doing exactly that, running away.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong> G (10, 660 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Poor Man’s Roses<\/strong><\/p>\n

I must make up my mind today<\/em>
\n\u00a0What to have or what to hold<\/em>
\n\u00a0A poor man\u2019s roses or a rich man\u2019s gold<\/em>
\n\u00a0One\u2019s as wealthy as a king in a palace<\/em>
\n\u00a0Though he\u2019s callous and cold<\/em>
\n\u00a0He may learn to give his heart for love,<\/em>
\n\u00a0Instead of buying it with gold<\/em>
\n\u00a0Then the poor man\u2019s roses<\/em>
\n\u00a0And the thrill when we kiss<\/em>
\n\u00a0Will be memories of paradise<\/em>
\n\u00a0That I\u2019ll never miss and yet<\/em>
\n\u00a0The hand that brings the rose tonight<\/em>
\n\u00a0Is the hand I will hold<\/em>
\nFor the rose of love means more to me<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0Than any rich man\u2019s gold.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben closed the door gently behind him and slowly made his way to his waiting horse.\u00a0 He hesitated slightly wondering if his leaving was the right thing to do.\u00a0 Was it the answer to his problems?\u00a0 No, he reasoned; he felt like he was running away, something he had always tried to teach his three sons not to do.\u00a0 How many times in their lives had he told them that nothing could be solved by running away?\u00a0 Now here he was, doing exactly the same thing that he had preached against for all those earlier years. But, thought Ben, I am so weary, I\u2019m so tired of trying, so tired of putting up a front, I need to get away for awhile.<\/p>\n

Ben felt rather than heard his youngest son approaching him before he heard him speak.\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u201d called out Little Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben rested his forehead on the side of Buck\u2019s saddle.\u00a0 He knew how much he was hurting his youngest son and it was tearing him up inside.\u00a0 Joseph had never fared well in his absence.\u00a0 Now, with most of the ranch land burnt to a crisp, more than half of his cattle herd destroyed in the fire, timber lost, mines closed, and the mustangs scattered to all four points on earth, he felt guilty adding his leaving to the worries of his youngest son.\u00a0 At eighteen years of age, Joseph would always be his baby, always be the one that most likely would chose to cling to his father for guidance and reassurance.\u00a0 Joseph, a man, yet, still a boy, with a fiery temper and a forgiving heart walked slowly to his father\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

Ben glanced over his shoulder and saw the tears that had pooled in the green eyes that watched him.\u00a0 The quivering chin did not go unnoticed, nor did the fact that Joseph was chewing on his bottom lip, a sure sign that the boy was distraught.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d the whispered plea was barely audible.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to face his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is it son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe fought the urge to throw himself into his father\u2019s arms and beg him not to leave.\u00a0 \u201cYou are\u2026\u201d started Joe and then hung his head.\u00a0 Ben noted the tears that dripped from the sad eyes.<\/p>\n

Little Joe swallowed the lump that had risen deep in his throat and raised his head to meet his father\u2019s gaze.\u00a0 \u201cYou are coming back, aren\u2019t you?\u201d he asked in a voice choked with emotion.<\/p>\n

Even as a youngster, Joe\u2019s greatest fear had been that his father would one day leave him and never return.\u00a0 It was a fear that he had never been able to put aside and as he watched his father now, that fear multiplied in size and gripped his heart.\u00a0 He knew without really having had to ask that his father would indeed be leaving, and that knowledge scared him for no amount of begging would allow the older man to change his mind.\u00a0 Joe needed to hear from his father\u2019s own mouth that \u2018yes\u2019 he would one day return.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe\u2019s heart silently pleaded with his father\u2019s heart to squelch the rising fear that he fought so hard to control.<\/p>\n

Ben gently placed his hand on the back of the boy\u2019s neck and slowly drew him to his chest.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s arms encircled Joe\u2019s shoulders and held him tightly.\u00a0 Joe in return reached his left arm around his father\u2019s neck and with his right arm closed just as tightly around the older man\u2019s back and try though he might, the tears came and he wept.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, son, of course I\u2019m coming back.\u00a0 It was not my intentions to leave you with the fear that I would not,\u201d Ben tenderly explained to his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise me Pa, please, promise,\u201d cried Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben placed a kiss on Little Joe\u2019s curly head and whispered into his ear.\u00a0 \u201cI promise Little Joe, I will come back,\u201d using the boy\u2019s nickname that he rarely used himself.\u00a0 \u201c I just don\u2019t know when, I have no idea how long I will be gone.\u00a0 Please try to understand I have to do this, I have to get away for a while.\u00a0 Can you understand that son?\u201d Ben pleaded with his youngest to understand his need.<\/p>\n

Little Joe raised his head from his father\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Pa, I don\u2019t understand,\u201d he spoke more harshly than he had intended.\u00a0 \u201cWhy do you have to go?\u00a0 Why can\u2019t you stay here with us?\u201d\u00a0 Joe knew he was beginning to sound like a child rather than the man he really wanted to be in front of his father but he could not stop himself, his fear was quickly rising and he was scared that he might never again see his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll get through this, we have managed before, and we will this time too.\u00a0 Please, Pa, don\u2019t leave!\u201d\u00a0 Losing control of his emotions and fears Joe could not stop the tears that had resurfaced and he returned his head to his father\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

Ben was dying inside.\u00a0 The need to get away was pulling him in opposite directions, but the need to stay here, here with this heartbroken boy was just as great.\u00a0 He was torn, added to his weariness and strain; Ben felt his own tears as they tumbled down his cheeks.<\/p>\n

Ben gently pulled Joe back from his shoulders so that he could look the boy in the eyes.\u00a0 \u201cSon, I have always kept my promises to you, haven\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head in agreement.<\/p>\n

Placing both hands on each side of his son\u2019s face and raising it slightly, Ben kissed the forehead of the expectant young man.\u00a0 \u201cThis time will be no different.\u00a0 I promise Joseph, I will come home.\u00a0 You have to trust me, I have never lied to you,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

Ben moved his thumbs across the wet cheeks and dried the tears that remained there.\u00a0 \u201cNow, I do not want to remember these tears when I think of you.\u00a0 Give me one of your famous Joe Cartwright smiles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard and cleared his throat.\u00a0 He knew that he could not let his father leave knowing that he had left behind a crying son.\u00a0 Joe had no desire to add to his father\u2019s misery that had grown to massive proportions over the past few months.\u00a0 So many things had started to go wrong lately, that deep down he really did understand his father\u2019s need to distance himself from such conditions.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss seemed to understand, and Joe reasoned that he should now give in to his father\u2019s wishes rather than to fight for his own, he was being selfish he knew in asking his father not to leave.\u00a0 Time had come for him to put aside his feelings and consider his father\u2019s feelings for now.<\/p>\n

Joe looked deeply into his father\u2019s dark brown eyes, trying hard to sear them into his memory.\u00a0 He knew in his heart that his father\u2019s absence would be a long one and he wanted to remember the love that radiated from those eyes during that time that his father would be away.<\/p>\n

At last Joe gave his father what he had asked and smiled, the twinkling of the eyes showing that the smile was sincere.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s better.\u00a0 Now, that is what I will carry foremost in my heart.\u00a0 Thank you son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben again kissed Joe\u2019s forehead and releasing his hold on his son\u2019s face turned and mounted his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember Joseph, I love you and I will be back.\u201d\u00a0 Ben turned Buck and gently kicked the horse forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you too, Pa and I\u2019ll be here waiting for you,\u201d Joe called out as his father rounded the corner of the barn and moved out of the young man\u2019s sight.<\/p>\n

Ben had been gone from the ranch for nearly a month.\u00a0 He had traveled long days and seemly short nights, not really caring which direction he was moving.\u00a0 After weeks on the trail, Ben found himself in Texas.\u00a0 Thinking that perhaps he would find a few good heads of cattle and perhaps with luck, a few good horses for breeding, he would then have them moved back to the Ponderosa and start over again.\u00a0 He had become homesick during this time and thinking of the sons he had left behind, Ben\u2019s impatience was beginning to wear thin.\u00a0 But as luck would have it though, and considering how his luck had been running the last months, Ben\u2019s life was fixing to take a turn that would forever change not only his life, but also the value that he placed on the lives of his sons.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s leg hurt, he knew it was broken.\u00a0 He had not been paying attention when Buck had reared in the air, causing him to fall from his horse.\u00a0 A rattlesnake had spooked the big buckskin and when the horse had tried to side-step the snake, Ben had been tossed to the side of his saddle and when the horse reared, he found himself laying in a heap on the dusty ground.\u00a0 Ben smiled through his pain, he wasn\u2019t sure who was most surprised, Buck, the snake or himself.\u00a0 The snake had crawled away, he was sure of that for he had seen him.\u00a0 Buck cut out to unknown territory, and Ben was stuck sitting in the hot Texas sun.\u00a0 Not sure what he would do now, his only hope was that once the big buckskin horse calmed down he would return to his rider.\u00a0 He had done that on more than one occasion and Ben hoped that he would again.\u00a0 The sun beat down on his head and caused his mouth to become dry, making him wish he had his canteen with him.<\/p>\n

Ben wasn\u2019t sure how long he had been asleep nor how he had even managed to fall asleep, but gradually he was pulled back from his slumber by the sound of a voice calling out to him.\u00a0 Ben looked up but the sun was shining into his eyes and he had to shield them from the sun\u2019s brightness. At first he thought he had only imagined the voice, until he heard it for the second time.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey mister, you okay?\u201d the voice said.\u00a0 Ben moved slightly so that the sun did not shine directly in his eyes.\u00a0 At last he was able to see the face that went with the voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy leg, it\u2019s broken.\u00a0 And my mouth, it\u2019s so dry, do you have any water, please?\u201d Ben asked the stranger.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure \u2018nough, here ya go mister,\u201d the man pulled the cork from the top of the canteen and handed it to Ben.\u00a0 \u201cDrink slowly now, don\u2019t want\u2019ca to get sick on me,\u201d cautioned the man.<\/p>\n

Ben did as he had been advised and drank slowly, the cool water tasting good in his dry mouth.\u00a0 Ben ran his wet tongue around his lips, bringing moisture to the chapped cracks that had started to form there.<\/p>\n

\u201cName\u2019s, Solomon Barker, now let\u2019s get a look at that leg sonny,\u201d Solomon told Ben as he bent down and examined the break.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t look too nasty, but a break is a break.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be laid up for a few weeks, but then guess you already knew that, didn\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, unfortunately, I realize that.\u00a0 I need to get word to my sons, let them know what\u2019s happened.\u00a0 Can you help me?\u201d Ben wanted to know.\u00a0 He had not telegraphed his boys in two weeks to let them know of his whereabouts, and he knew they would be worrying.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I can help ya with this here break, but as for letting ya sons know, there\u2019s no way to be doin\u2019 that; ain\u2019t no telegraph office within a hundred miles of here not even in town.\u00a0 Sorry sonny, now, let\u2019s see \u2018bout getting, ya back to my ranch.\u00a0 It ain\u2019t far, just over yonder hill.<\/p>\n

Ben looked in the direction that the old man had pointed and had to cover his eyes again in order to see the hill in reference.\u00a0 It looked to Ben as if \u2018over yonder hill\u2019 was a good ten miles from where he now sat and looked again at the man in front of him, surprised to see that the stranger was smiling and humming to himself.\u00a0 Ben recognized the tune and smiled through his increasing pain to himself, \u2018Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, I once was lost, but now I\u2019m found\u2019.<\/p>\n

Solomon returned to his wagon and led his team to Ben\u2019s side and tethered them there.\u00a0 \u201cSorry sonny, I didn\u2019t catch ya name,\u201d Solomon said to Ben as he offered his hand to Ben so that he could get up.\u00a0 Helping Ben to rise, he instructed Ben to put his weight onto his good leg and lean on him.\u00a0 Ben wasn\u2019t sure if he dared to allow the old man to carry his weight.\u00a0 He watched Solomon as he helped pull him to his feet and thought that the old man must be at least seventy years old or older.\u00a0 Shorter by at least a foot in height, the man had a round little belly, skinny arms and walked with a limp.\u00a0 Ben was doubtful of the man\u2019s ability to be much help getting him in the wagon.\u00a0 But with nothing else to aid him, Ben did as ordered and leaned into the man for support.\u00a0 Surprisingly, the old man was stronger than first expected and without much difficulty, Ben was moved to the back of the wagon, where he rested comfortably on the straw that had been tossed into the back.<\/p>\n

Ben turned his head and met the eyes of the weathered man; the old man\u2019s face slightly sunburned from the hot Texas sun that continued to beat down.\u00a0 \u201cYa horse came to the house earlier.\u00a0 Figured someone might be hurt, so\u2019s I brought the wagon, just in case.\u201d Solomon told Ben in answer to his unasked questions that had appeared in his dark eyes.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head in reply.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for your help. Oh, and the name\u2019s, Cartwright, Ben Cartwright,\u201d supplied Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatca\u2019 doin\u2019 way out here?\u201d asked Solomon as he helped Ben to get comfortable.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust drifting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYa don\u2019t look like no ordinary drifter to me,\u201d Solomon stated more to himself than to Ben as he climbed up to the front of the wagon.\u00a0 Solomon had noticed the clothing, the fine leather vest and boots, not to mention the pearl handle pistol and exquisitely fashioned holster and belt.\u00a0 When Ben\u2019s horse had showed up unexpectantly at his home, Solomon who had a sharp eye for horseflesh, knew that it\u2019s rider would not be just any ordinary man.\u00a0 The horse was one of the finest he had ever seen and the rifle that remained on the horse\u2019s finely designed leather saddle was silver engraved and a sure sign of the wealth of its owner.\u00a0 Seeing Ben now, his suspicions were confirmed.<\/p>\n

The ride back to Solomon\u2019s house took the rest of the day and it was close to dusk before they reached their destination.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s leg had begun to ache more and he closed his eyes in an effort to distract the pain.\u00a0 During the ride Solomon continued to hum his songs, giving comfort to Ben when an unexpected moan from the rear of the wagon made its way to his old ears.<\/p>\n

With some effort, Solomon managed to get Ben into the house and into a bed.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s pain had worsened and he could not stop the soft moans that escaped from his mouth.\u00a0 Solomon left his side momentarily and when he returned he held in his hand a half-empty whiskey bottle.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrink some of this Benjamin, I only use it for medicinal purposes, nothing like rock gut whiskey to kill the pain. I have to set this leg now.\u00a0 Drink up,\u201d Ben took a long swig of the whiskey and coughed.\u00a0 \u201cDrink some more,\u201d ordered Solomon.\u00a0 Ben turned the bottle up and downed some more.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get this over with,\u201d he moaned.\u00a0 Before he could say another word, Solomon had pulled the broken leg back into place and the bone was set.\u00a0 He then took some boards he had readied earlier and with strips of cloths, secured the boards around the leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis should hold it till the doc can get here and put on a plaster cast.\u00a0 I\u2019ll send one of the men, first thing in the morning.\u00a0 You rest now Benjamin, and I\u2019ll fix us some supper.\u201d\u00a0 Solomon pulled the covers up around Ben and tucked them in.\u00a0 It was only minutes later that Solomon could hear the steady breathing coming from Ben that told him that the stranger was sleeping soundly.<\/p>\n

True to his word, early the next morning a rider was sent into town to fetch the doctor.\u00a0 Later that afternoon, the doctor had arrived and placed a cast on Ben\u2019s broken leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay in bed now for a couple more days, then you can get up.\u00a0 Just move carefully so as not to break this cast.\u00a0 You should heal nicely in about six to eight weeks.\u00a0 No riding until then, understand?\u201d the doctor instructed.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled, \u201cSure thing doc.\u201d\u00a0 Ben was reminded of his youngest son, that boy sure did hate to be confined to bed when he was sick or injured and now the father thought he could understand why.\u00a0 Ben laid his head back on his pillow and it was not long before he slept soundly, dreams of his home and his sons dancing through his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cSol, you make sure Mr. Cartwright here follows my orders to the tee, okay?\u201d grinned the doctor, winking at Solomon as he watched Ben snuggling down into the comforts of the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing doc, thanks for comin\u2019,\u201d said Solomon as he walked to the door with his long time friend.<\/p>\n

Ben had no other choice but to spend his convalescing time in the company of his new friend.\u00a0 He had grown fond of the old gentleman and was enjoying the time spent with him.\u00a0 Each evening Solomon would help him outside where they would both sit in the matching rockers that had obviously been Solomon\u2019s and his wife\u2019s.\u00a0 Solomon had tended to Ben\u2019s needs as well as any of his sons or Hop Sing might have done and Ben wanted for nothing.\u00a0 Many nights they shared stories about their lives, their families and their travels.\u00a0 Other nights they told one another of their experiences of their youth, they spoke of their dreams, both past and future and Ben shared his hopes he held for each of his sons.\u00a0 Other times Ben told Solomon in detail about each of his sons, pride of each sounding in his voice.\u00a0 It did not take the wise old Solomon long to know that Benjamin Cartwright held each of his sons in high esteem.\u00a0 Just the way that the younger man spoke of them, the look that came into his dark chocolate eyes each and every time he called one of them by name, affirmed these facts for him.\u00a0 Solomon admired the man who shared his home, he often thought that had any of his sons had lived to manhood, he would have been proud had they turned out to be a man much like the one who rocked on the porch with him.<\/p>\n

Solomon came to understand the nature of Ben\u2019s travels, the reasons why he was on the move, the need to rekindle the driving force that once motivated the man.\u00a0 After several weeks and many conversations later, Solomon saw a change in his friend.\u00a0 The man was becoming fidgety and Solomon recognized his need to move on.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s conversations regarding his sons and his home told him that this new friend was homesick. But Solomon, who was wiser by far than most men had a few more things to share with Benjamin Cartwright.<\/p>\n

A few nights later as Solomon and Ben sat rocking, Solomon began the conversation that would bare his heart to his new friend; something about this little talk would be the turning point in Ben\u2019s life and would somehow bring Benjamin Cartwright face to face with his woes.<\/p>\n

\u201cBenjamin, I have a small herd of cattle, all good stock, plus a few good horses and I own about 1000 acres,\u201d Solomon explained as he waved his hand about him, showing Ben the extent of his holdings.\u00a0 \u201cI have a few dollars in the bank, this house and that\u2019s about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glanced around at the layout of the ranch taking in the run down conditions of the place and then turned to watch the expression on the face of the old man whom Ben had come to admire.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I know what you\u2019re thinkin\u2019.\u00a0 I know it ain\u2019t much compared to what ya got, but it\u2019s mine.\u00a0 I worked hard, gave up a lot to have this here place.\u00a0 By the sweat of my brow and with these own hands I made it into one of the finest ranches around back then.\u00a0 I was proud, maybe too proud, now that I think back on it.\u00a0 Know what Benjamin?\u201d asked Solomon not waiting for an answer, he continued.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d trade it all for what lays over yonder under that grove of trees,\u201d Solomon pointed to a small stand of trees in the distance.<\/p>\n

Ben looked in the direction Solomon pointed and saw that under the trees was a small cemetery with several graves. Ben glanced at his old friend and saw the tears that had pooled in the tired old eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnow what that is?\u201d Solomon asked as he turned to meet Ben\u2019s stare.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat Benjamin, that is my life\u2019s blood.\u00a0 Out yonder lay what I realized much too late, was what makes me the rich man I am today.\u00a0 You see, buried out there are three of my four sons, Isaac, Isaiah, and Matthew.\u00a0 Matthew was my youngest; he was the first to go.\u00a0 He was seventeen when the fever took him.\u00a0 Lingered for days, but in the end, it was just too much for him.\u00a0 Matt was never a healthy boy, small for his age, but he was the joy of my life.\u00a0 Poor boy, he was so delirious with fever he didn\u2019t know he was dying.\u00a0 He thought I was the one dying and as I held him in my arms, he cried and begged me not to leave, said he was scared I wouldn\u2019t come back.\u00a0 Can ya imagine, Benjamin, a seventeen-year old boy crying for his pa not to leave\u2019em?\u00a0 Broke my heart.\u00a0 Purely broke my heart.\u201d\u00a0 Solomon stopped talking and held his gaze at the small cemetery in the distance.<\/p>\n

Ben was silent, yes, he thought, I can imagine.\u00a0 His thoughts went back to the morning he had left his home, Joseph had cried, begged him not to leave and he was eighteen.\u00a0 Joseph was his youngest also, his smallest of the three boys, and probably the most loving.\u00a0 Joseph was also the joy of his heart. Oh Joseph, cried Ben\u2019s heart, I am so sorry I left you.\u00a0 I know now how much you needed me to stay; I realize now how much I need you in my life.\u00a0 Please God, help me to get home soon.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsaac was the next to go. He was just twenty years old.\u00a0 Such a good boy Isaac was, ya know, never did cause me any worry.\u00a0 He kept tellin\u2019 me how sorry he was that he would be leaving me and his ma here to do all the work. That boy always did have a way of putting others before himself, not a selfish bone in his body,\u201d Solomon continued telling Ben about his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout two days after Isaac died, Isaiah died.\u00a0 Fever took him quick like, one day he was up walking around, helpin\u2019 me and Sarah with the chores, next day he was down with the fever and by the third day, he was gone.\u00a0 He dyed while I was in the field; I never even got the chance to say good-bye.\u00a0 That was niegh onto thirty years ago, but I remember them like they was standing here today.\u201d Solomon\u2019s face took on a sad appearance and he swiped at the tears that rolled from his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy oldest son, Abraham, he left home many years ago.\u00a0 He came back for a few years, after his brothers died, but he had the wanderlust and left again.\u00a0 Oh, he dropped by every few years or so but never stayed long atall.\u00a0 Haven\u2019t seen nor heard from him now in over ten years, don\u2019t even know if\u2019n he\u2019s still alive or not, he don\u2019t even know about his ma\u2019s passin\u2019,\u201d Solomon said sadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t know it until sometime later Benjamin, but this land, this house, everything that I had in this world meant nothing to me without my family.\u00a0 Both of my daughters were back east.\u00a0 Several years later we got word that Elizabeth was killed when her coach turned over on her.\u00a0 Rebecca died in a fire at the motel where she was staying while visiting some friends.\u00a0 See that fourth grave?\u201d he pointed toward the cemetery and continued.\u00a0 \u201cThat grave belongs to Sarah, my wife, I buried her there last summer.\u201d\u00a0 Solomon turned to look at Ben who had been sitting quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look so sad Benjamin,\u201d Solomon smiled, the twinkle returning to his blue eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI have something that no amount of money can buy.\u00a0 Memories my boy, memories.\u00a0 I am so rich with memories that there ain\u2019t enough gold or silver in this land that I would trade them for.\u00a0 It\u2019s what keeps me goin\u2019.\u00a0 I can see my family whenever I want to, I can talk to them any time I need to, and all I have to do is remember them.\u00a0 But I miss them terrible like Benjamin, terrible like.\u00a0 I can\u2019t wait for the day to come when I know I will see all of \u2018em again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Solomon smiled and pointed to a rose vine growing at the corner of the porch.\u00a0 \u201cSee that vine Benjamin?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cSarah planted that about ten years ago.\u00a0 Funny thing, them roses never did bloom, not until after the spring when I buried her.\u00a0 She never did get to see them.\u00a0 That old vine there, it ain\u2019t never had but two roses on it, never.\u00a0 Sarah said once that the roses if they ever bloomed, were called \u2018Poor Man\u2019s Roses\u2019.\u00a0 I laughed when she told me that, said it fit her and I like a glove,\u201d Solomon laughed softly as he recalled his wife and the little joke they had shared together many years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, if I could go back and relive my life, I would do so many things different.\u00a0 I would worry less about havin\u2019 things and care more about the people who loved me and who I loved.\u00a0 I would spend more time with my family, take the daily pleasures and claim them for my wealth.\u00a0 I\u2019d tell them more often how much I loved them.\u00a0 Never know Benjamin, might not ever get the chance to tell one of them sons of yours what they really mean to ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat deep in thought, recalling his wives that had past on years before, he thought of his sons who waited at home for his return.\u00a0 His thoughts turned to his riches, his land, his money, and the herds of cattle he had lost, to the horses now scattered, his silver mines now closed, and the multitude of timber now lost to fire.\u00a0 He fought with the emotions that began to rage within his heart.\u00a0 What difference did all of that make now he asked himself?\u00a0 Just like Solomon, what would it all matter if he lost his sons, and had no one to share it all with?\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t, therefore, in truth for now it did not matter, not the land, not his riches, his money, not the cattle or horses, not the silver nor the timber.\u00a0 What did matter were his sons, Adam, Hoss and Joseph.\u00a0 They were his riches, his joys, and his very reasons for living.\u00a0 They were his blessings, each one different, giving of them selves, loving him, respecting him and honoring him. If he had to choose, his wealth or his family, there would be no question thought Ben, my sons, first and foremost, always, now and in the future.<\/p>\n

Ben began to understand the things that Solomon had been trying to tell him.\u00a0 He had known all along that his sons were indeed what made him wealthy.\u00a0 Ben had forgotten that for awhile, having fallen into complacency with his life as it was and taking for granted that things were well within his world and not subject to change.\u00a0 How wrong he had been, thought Ben, life held no promises, no assurances of tomorrow.\u00a0 So he had lost a few thousand acres of timber, lost a few cattle and horses, so what if the mines had to be shut down?\u00a0 The trees would grow back, he could make do with the remaining cattle, and he could roundup his mustangs and he could re-open the mines when things got better.\u00a0 It all seemed so simple now, how had he missed it?\u00a0 He still had his sons, sons that now he longed for, sons his heart ached to see, to hold and sons he needed to tell that he loved them more than life its self.\u00a0 Homesickness marched into his heart along with a yearning so strong that Ben thought his heart might stop beating at any minute.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Solomon,\u201d Ben said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what son?\u201d asked Solomon as he turned to Ben who was trying to get up.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at the wise old man.\u00a0 \u201cFor reminding me how rich I am, for showing me what is really important in my life, for telling me it is time for me to go home and for being my friend.\u201d\u00a0 Ben offered his hand in friendship to Solomon and the older man grasped Ben\u2019s hand in his own and a bond was made between the wise and wisest of men.<\/p>\n

Two mornings later Ben woke and was surprised to see that Solomon was still sleeping.\u00a0 The older man was a much earlier riser than Ben and it had been his custom of rising, stoking the fire and starting breakfast.\u00a0 This morning it was Ben who started the fire going and set the coffee on to perk.\u00a0 Hobbling around on his good leg and limping on his broken made doing the chores slower to accomplish.\u00a0 Tomorrow, thought Ben, he would ride into town and have the cast removed and then start for home.\u00a0 He was anxious to get moving, the need to see his sons weighed heavy on his heart.\u00a0 By the time Ben had breakfast nearly finished Solomon had not yet risen and worries caused Ben to check on the old man.\u00a0 Ben knocked softly on the bedroom door and when he did not get a response, he gently pushed it open.\u00a0 It did not take a second look to tell him what had happened.\u00a0 Solomon lay face up staring at the ceiling.\u00a0 A gentle looking smile creased his face.\u00a0 Ben carefully closed the eyes of his friend and covered his head with the sheet.\u00a0 In Solomon\u2019s hand he held a small photo of his family, he, Sarah, their four sons, Abraham, Isaac, Isaiah, Matthew, their two daughters, Elizabeth and Rebecca.\u00a0 Ben carefully removed the picture and placed it on the small wooden table that stood next to the bed.<\/p>\n

Later that day, with the help of a few cowhands that still worked for Solomon, the kind old man was laid to rest next to his beloved family in the little cemetery under the grove of cottonwood trees.\u00a0 Ben read from the bible, gave testimony as to what Solomon had meant to him and then in his rich baritone voice, Ben sang \u2018Amazing Grace\u2019, a gentle reminder of the day that Solomon had come into his life, making him richer for having done so.<\/p>\n

The next morning Ben packed what few belongings he had and after saddling Buck, being careful of his cast, he rode into town.\u00a0 His first stop was at the undertakers where he ordered a headstone to be placed at Solomon\u2019s grave.\u00a0 Ben paid the man for his services and headed for the doctor\u2019s office where his cast was removed and after being given a clean bill of health and bidding the doctor good-bye, Ben\u2019s next stop was at the sheriff\u2019s office where he informed the man of Solomon\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate your stopping by Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 It was good of you to take care of matters for him,\u201d the sheriff said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the least I could do for him.\u00a0 He did plenty for me in the few short weeks I have gotten to know him.\u00a0 I am glad I could be of service to him.\u201d\u00a0 Ben shook the sheriff\u2019s hand and turned to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, by the way Mr. Cartwright, Mark Chapman asked me to tell you that he needed a word with you before you left town.\u00a0 He\u2019s down a couple of doors, you\u2019ll see his sign hanging outside.\u201d\u00a0 The sheriff instructed Ben as he shook his offered hand and opened the door for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cChapman you say?\u00a0 I\u2019ll stop by there now, again, thank you sheriff.\u201d\u00a0 Ben made his way down the boarded sidewalk until he came to a sign that read: Mark Chapman, Attorney at Law.\u00a0 Opening the door, Ben stepped inside and was greeted by a young man about the same age as Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Chapman?\u201d asked Ben as he approached the young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, come in please,\u201d said Mark Chapman, as he rose from his chair and offered Ben his hand in welcome.<\/p>\n

Ben excepted the extended hand and shook it.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Chapman, the sheriff said you wanted to speak to me?\u201d answered Ben taking off his hat.<\/p>\n

Mr. Chapman pointed to a chair in front of his desk and invited Ben to have a seat.\u00a0 \u201cYes, that\u2019s correct Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 As Solomon Barker\u2019s lawyer, I needed to speak with you before you left town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand, what\u2019s this all about?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d started Mark, then paused, \u201cMay I call you Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I was saying,\u201d began Mark picking up some papers from his desk and coming around to the front, he sat on the edge of the oversized oak desk so that he could face the man to whom he was speaking with.\u00a0 \u201cSolomon came in to see me about a week ago and had me draw up some papers for him, they concern you, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked up, surprise showing in his face.\u00a0 \u201cMe?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u00a0 Ben, you knew that old Solomon was a dying man didn\u2019t you?\u201d Mark questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t know that.\u00a0 I knew he wasn\u2019t well, but I didn\u2019t realize that it was life threatening.\u00a0 What was wrong with him?\u201d Ben wanted to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe had a heart condition, had it for quite sometime, he knew about it though for a long time and wanted to get his affairs in order.\u00a0 That\u2019s why he came to see me,\u201d Mark explained to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can understand that, but how does that involve me?\u201d asked Ben<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, first let me explain some things about Solomon Barker.\u00a0 Old Solomon was not a wealthy man, at least not in worldly possessions, as you already know.\u00a0 He was very rich in other ways, ways that most men never realize.\u00a0 Solomon was an excellent judge of horseflesh, knew cattle like the back of his hand, and I might add that he was also an excellent judge of character.\u00a0 He liked you Ben, admired you really, and he spoke very highly of you.\u00a0 After you had spent the last several weeks with him, what with that broken leg of yours, he felt as if he had really gotten to know you quite well.\u00a0 That\u2019s why he wanted you to have this,\u201d Mark explained to Ben and handed him the papers he had been holding in his hand.<\/p>\n

As Ben excepted the papers from Mark, he asked, \u201cWhat is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark smiled at the surprised expression on the older man\u2019s face, \u201cSeems as if Solomon wanted you to have his herd of prime beef, he has 250 head of the best beef ever found in this part of the country.\u00a0 There are about 10 bulls included in the herd for breeding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?\u201d Ben said as he jumped from his seat and turned to face Mark.<\/p>\n

Laughing at the shocked man, he continued speaking, \u201cThat\u2019s not all Ben, there is a herd of about 150 of the best brood mares in the state. That includes 15 of the best stud stallions around and some of those mares have already dropped fouls this year and some of the others are due to drop in the next few weeks, they are all yours now,\u201d continued Mark.<\/p>\n

\u201cSolomon has about 15 men keeping their eyes on both herds, all trustworthy men according to Solomon and they all know of this arrangement and have agreed to help you drive them back to your ranch,\u201d smiled Mark. \u201cIt was one of Solomon\u2019s last requests to them and they didn\u2019t hesitate to honor it, they all admired him deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark liked Ben Cartwright; Solomon had shared with him about the bad luck that had befallen the rancher from Nevada Territory and he was enjoying the expressions that played on the man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Ben starred in wonderment at the papers in his hands not knowing what to say.\u00a0 He could hardly believe his ears, a man who just a few short weeks ago had been a total stranger, was now giving him exactly what he had needed to bring life back to his beloved Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t think I could except this, this is entirely too much,\u201d Ben explained shaking his head slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, Solomon said you would probably try to refuse his generosity, and told me to tell you that if you did, he would very much be insulted,\u201d laughed the lawyer.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed with him, \u201cYes, that does sound like the Solomon I have come to know.\u00a0 I have a question though Mark, what about his son, Abraham? Shouldn\u2019t this be his?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSolomon thought of that Ben, everything else, the ranch, the land, what little he has in the bank, will go to Abe, if and when he returns.\u00a0 He has been gone for nearly 10 years, so there is the possibility that he has died,\u201d Mark told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see, but what happens to all of that if that proves to be so?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe worked that out, Solomon has a grandson in school back east, Aaron, he\u2019s about fifteen now.\u00a0 If Abe doesn\u2019t put in an appearance by the time that Aaron is eighteen and finished with his schooling, everything then goes to the boy.\u00a0 I have to admit though that I tried to warn Solomon that his would be a major undertaking for such a young man, having no knowledge of the west, much less of running a ranch.\u00a0 But Sol would hear nothing of it, said the boy could learn, just as he had to when he first came here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat back down in his chair and remained silent for several minutes as he tried to collect his jumbled thoughts at what had just taken place.\u00a0 At last he looked at the young lawyer and spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cMark, I am extremely grateful for all of this.\u00a0 Lord only knows how much I needed this boost.\u00a0 But I will only except this gift on one condition,\u201d Ben told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat might that be?\u201d asked Mark.<\/p>\n

Looking the lawyer square in the eye to be sure he had his attention before he spoke, Ben laid out his plan.\u00a0 \u201cI will take ownership of both herds on the condition that should Solomon\u2019s property fall to his grandson, Aaron, I will be notified.\u00a0 I will then return to the boy, enough brood mares, a couple of stallions, and enough cattle to start his own herd.\u00a0 That will provide him with a new beginning for his ranch and hopefully give him a good start.\u00a0 And my sons and I will be willing to help him learn anything he needs to in order to run the ranch in such a way to make it profitable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark shook his head in agreement, again thinking how well he liked the man sitting before him.\u00a0 Solomon had been correct in his appraisal of Benjamin Cartwright and he was pleased that he could serve both men, one in death and the other in life.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds fair to me.\u00a0 I will start immediately on the paperwork and get it to your lawyer in Virginia City for your signature. Mr. Cartwright, it has been my pleasure,\u201d Mark said as he reached for Ben\u2019s hand a second time, this time offered in friendship.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the pleasure has been mine.\u00a0 I am a much richer man today, not because of Solomon\u2019s gift to me, but because of Solomon, the man.\u00a0 I have never met a man such as he in my entire life.\u00a0 Men such as he are rare to say the least,\u201d Ben grasped Mark\u2019s hand and bid him goodbye.<\/p>\n

Ben left the lawyer\u2019s office with an overwhelming feeling in his heart.\u00a0 How had he been so fortunate to have stumble into the man who had shown him so much of his self?\u00a0 Ben thought in his heart that God had known what he had needed and supplied that need in the form of a dying man, a man of wisdom and of the knowledge of what true wealth really consisted of, something that Ben had for a short time lost sight of.<\/p>\n

Ben knew he had one more stop to make before returning to Solomon\u2019s ranch to collect his new herd of cattle and horses.\u00a0 Thoughts of home entered his heart, how he missed his sons and how his heart ached to see the smile of his youngest that had been his going away wish!\u00a0 Anticipation of his homecoming caused him to hurry his steps.<\/p>\n

When Ben reached the undertaker\u2019s office, he quietly opened the door.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright, did you forget something?\u201d asked the tall thin man who looked as if he were dressed and ready himself to be placed into one of his finely carved pine boxes.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled to himself, \u201cYes, about Solomon Barker\u2019s headstone.\u00a0 I want to have something engraved on the stone.\u00a0 Can you see to that for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tapping all ten long bony fingers together and bobbing his head up and down, the undertaker replied, \u201cCertainly, certainly, just write down what you want it to say and I will see that it is taken care of right away, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben reached for the paper and pencil and moistened the leaded end of the pencil with his mouth before he began to write the desired words.\u00a0 When he was finished he folded the paper in half and handed it back to the waiting undertaker.\u00a0 Ben reached into his vest pocket and pulling out a few bills, paid the man for his service, thanked him and left, closing the door quietly behind him.<\/p>\n

The undertaker carefully opened the paper and read the inscription.\u00a0\u00a0 At the top of the paper, Ben had carefully drawn two roses entwined together.\u00a0 Under the roses he had written:<\/p>\n

Solomon Barker
\nBeloved husband, father, friend
\nA Poor Man\u2019s Roses,
\nWealthier by far than a rich man\u2019s gold.<\/p>\n

Ben returned to Solomon\u2019s ranch and with the help of James, Solomon\u2019s most trusted employee, they set the old house in order and closed it down. They managed to pack away what few items that had remained and stored them in the attic.\u00a0 When they had completed cleaning out the house, they moved to the barn and moved all of Solomon\u2019s equipment into the barn for storage and made sure all was secured.<\/p>\n

The next day Ben called a meeting of all the ranch hands and made his plans for moving the herds of cattle and horses back to Nevada and the Ponderosa.\u00a0 James was put in charge of herding the cattle and Juan was to handle the horses.\u00a0 Ben explained that he wanted the horses moved out first and that the cattle would follow the next day.<\/p>\n

Juan was given directions to the ranch and Ben explained that he wanted Juan to send one of his men to the house the day before the horses were to arrive so that his sons could have things ready and waiting for them. Ben also instructed Juan to relate to his sons that he would be arriving within two days of the arrival of the horses and he would have the cattle pastured in one of the lower pastures.<\/p>\n

With orders given everyone went to work and the moving of the herds began.\u00a0 The trip to Nevada was slow and uneventful for all and Ben offered up a prayer of thanks that all had gone well.<\/p>\n

As Ben shifted himself in his saddle, his thoughts continually strayed to home and he was anxious to see his sons.\u00a0 He had been gone more than three months and he was ready to start life anew.\u00a0 Solomon had been a blessing to him, just what he had needed to put things back in their proper perspective for him.\u00a0 Another prayer of thanksgiving was offered up and Ben assured himself that in the future when things went so horribly wrong, he would somehow manage to keep on course, the right one this time.\u00a0 Never again would he allow himself to walk away from neither his problems nor his sons.\u00a0 He knew now what was really most important to him.<\/p>\n

Juan rode into the yard and dismounted his horse.\u00a0 He had decided that he would deliver Mr. Cartwright\u2019s message to his sons himself.\u00a0 The hands that stayed with the horses could be trusted to do their jobs and do them well.\u00a0 All had worked several years for Solomon Barker so the decision for Juan to be the one to go had all been agreed upon.\u00a0 Juan looked in amazement at the large home of the Cartwright\u2019s.\u00a0 Never before had he seen such a home as he was now standing before.\u00a0 While Juan stood in amazement, the door to the house opened and Adam walked out into the late afternoon sun.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, can I help you?\u201d asked Adam when he saw the stranger standing in the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, my name is Juan, I am looking for Mr. Cartwright?\u201d Juan asked as he stepped closer to Adam.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam questioned him, \u201cWell, I am one of the Mr. Cartwrights, which one did you wish to see?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose any one of you would do.\u00a0 I am to deliver a message to one of the sons of Benjamin Cartwright, I take it you are one of his sons?\u201d Juan asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Little Joe had come into the yard when they had heard Adam talking to someone.\u00a0 Both moved closer to Adam at the mention of their father\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am Adam Cartwright, what message are you to deliver?\u201d Adam wanted to know.\u00a0 He and his brothers had begun to worry about their father as it had been weeks since they had heard anything from him.\u00a0 Little Joe stepped forward and looked at the little Mexican who stood with hat in hand and looked as if he thought he might get bitten.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know our father?\u201d Little Joe asked him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSi, Si, I work now for Mr. Ben.\u00a0 He sent me here to tell you that tomorrow many horses will arrive and asked that you have corrals ready.\u201d\u00a0 Juan smiled for the first time, glad to have his message given.<\/p>\n

\u201cHorses?\u201d Hoss asked looking somewhat puzzled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSi, Si, many horses, beautiful horses, Mr. Ben say he would explain to sons later about the horses and cattle,\u201d Juan\u2019s head was bobbing up and down in excitement as he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cCattle are coming also?\u201d inquired Adam, giving his brothers a questioning look.<\/p>\n

\u201cCattle come in three days.\u00a0 Father also comes in three days.\u00a0 Will put cattle in lower pasture he say to tell you.\u00a0 He say, \u2018tell sons will be home no more than two days after horses arrive\u2019, that is what he say I am to tell sons,\u201d beamed Juan.<\/p>\n

\u201cYEEHAW!\u201d shouted Little Joe, \u201cPa\u2019s coming home in three days!\u201d\u00a0 Joe jumped into Hoss\u2019 arms, taking the larger brother by surprise and causing both brothers to start laughing. \u201cDid you hear that Adam, Pa\u2019s coming home,\u201d Little Joe ran to Adam and slapped him on the back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard buddy, I think everyone within ten miles heard!\u201d laughed Adam as he watched his younger brother.\u00a0 The mist that had suddenly formed in the eyes of the green-eyed boy did not go unnoticed by his older brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Juan, for bringing us the good news.\u00a0 Tell your men we will have the corrals ready tomorrow and will meet you there about this time tomorrow afternoon,\u201d Adam instructed and grabbed the smaller man\u2019s hand in a firm handshake.<\/p>\n

Juan gathered the reins to his horse and bid the brothers a farewell, assuring them that the horses would be there on the agreed time and turning, rode out of the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe it Adam, Pa will be home in three days.\u00a0 That\u2019s the best news I\u2019ve heard in weeks.\u00a0 Wonder where he found the horses and cattle, better yet, how\u2019d he pay for\u2019em?\u201d Hoss said as he slipped his arm around his older brother\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

Adam suddenly became aware that it had gotten very quiet in the yard and that Joe was no where to be seen.\u00a0 \u201cWhere did Joe get off too?\u201d he asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

Both brothers looked around for their younger brother and noticed that the barn door was partly opened.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like he went into the barn.\u00a0 Maybe I\u2019d better go talk to him Hoss.\u00a0 He\u2019s probably got something in his eye about now,\u201d Adam smiled and winked at Hoss, both knowing how emotional Joe could get a times like this.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, probably does, go easy on him Adam, he can\u2019t help it if cryin\u2019 comes so easy for\u2019em,\u201d Hoss said, wanting to be sure that his baby brother would be okay.\u00a0 He himself felt like crying, golly, it had been months since any of them had seen their father but for Little Joe, those months had seemed like forever.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry Hoss, I just want to make sure he\u2019s okay.\u00a0 Phew, you worry too much.\u201d\u00a0 Adam entered the barn and waited for his eyes to adjust to the dim light.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, you in here little buddy?\u201d called Adam.<\/p>\n

Joe who had been in Cochise\u2019s stall wiped the tears that had seemingly appeared unannounced when hearing the news that their father would be home soon.\u00a0 The last thing that he wanted now was to have his oldest brother seeing him cry and think of him as a kid.<\/p>\n

Joe cleared his throat before he spoke.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m over here Adam, I\u2026umm\u2026I wanted to check on Cooch before turning in,\u201d lied Joe.\u00a0 \u201cDid you need me for something?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam came to stand near the stall and waited for his brother to come out.\u00a0 Adam watched the play of emotion on Joe\u2019s face, and noticed instantly that the boy had indeed been crying.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said softly.\u00a0 \u201cJust wanted to make sure you were okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, why wouldn\u2019t I be?\u201d Joe asked, his tone a touch on the rude side; he hoped that Adam could not tell that he had cried.<\/p>\n

Adam sensed that Joe was fighting to stay calm and not wanting to cause a scene or to cause him embarrassment, Adam allowed the harsh tone of voice to pass.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, since when can I not worry about my \u201cbaby\u201d brother?\u201d laughed Adam.\u00a0 \u201cCome on kid, let\u2019s get inside, we have a lot to do before those horses get here tomorrow.\u00a0 And we need to plan something special for Pa\u2019s homecoming, what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s temper cooled and he smiled at his older brother.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t been fooled, Joe knew Adam had already figured out why he had escaped to the barn.\u00a0 \u201cI had something in my eye.\u201d Joe told Adam for no reason.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought so little brother, come on, Hoss is waiting for us.\u00a0 Want him to eat all of that apple pie before we get back?\u201d\u00a0 Adam laid his arm across the boy\u2019s shoulder and gently urged him forward.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brother and smiled shyly.\u00a0 \u201cThanks Adam,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?\u201d said Adam while he pulled the barn door shut and secured it for the evening.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, everything, but mostly for just being my brother, my older, bossier, meaner, big brother!\u201d laughed Joe as he playfully punched Adam on the arm and then darted for the house.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed and chased after the fleeing boy catching him as he reached the door.\u00a0 Grabbing him in a headlock, Adam pulled him inside, \u201cI\u2019ll make you pay for that, you little scamp.<\/p>\n

When Ben rode into the yard, he fully expected all three of his sons to run from the house to greet him.\u00a0 He was disappointed that had not been the case.\u00a0 Sighing deeply, he led Buck into the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d called Adam who had been giving Sport a rub down, turned at the sound of the barn door being pulled open.\u00a0 Having thought that it might be one of his younger brothers returning he was surprised to find his father standing behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello son,\u201d Ben replied as he dropped Bucks reins and gathered his oldest son into his arms.<\/p>\n

Adam, who had never been one to openly show his feelings, turned quickly into his father\u2019s embrace.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s good to have you home,\u201d said Adam, lingering in the strong arms that had always had the power to make him feel safe and loved.<\/p>\n

Ben, reluctant to end the welcoming embrace, whispered, \u201cIt\u2019s good to be home son, better yet to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Minutes later father and son pulled from each other\u2019s arms and smiled at one another.\u00a0 Ben watched his son\u2019s face, he looks tired, thought Ben, guilt at being gone from home for so long beginning to play into his conscience.<\/p>\n

Ben glanced around the barn and noticed that neither Chubb nor Cochise was in their stalls.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are your brothers?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Adam saw the disappointment in his father\u2019s eyes and felt sorry for him that his younger brothers had missed their father\u2019s homecoming.\u00a0 \u201cHoss went to check on the fence down at the lower corral.\u00a0 One of the new stallions kicked part of the railing down.\u00a0 He should be back soon,\u201d Adam said explaining his middle brother\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess that means the new horses arrived okay?\u201d Ben asked as he led Buck into his stall and began unsaddling the horse.<\/p>\n

Adam returned to Sport\u2019s stall to finish his rubdown.\u00a0 \u201cThey sure did.\u00a0 Don\u2019t know where you found them but they are top grade stock.\u00a0 Joe was overjoyed when he saw them.\u00a0 I thought I was going to have to hog-tie him to pull him away from the corrals that night they arrived,\u201d laughed Adam, recalling how his youngest brother had suddenly come to life while watching the horses being put into the corrals.<\/p>\n

Ben stopped currying his horse and smiled at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cSpeaking of that young scamp, where is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe went into town, he ordered something for you.\u00a0 It\u2019s a surprise and he had to pick it up, he shouldn\u2019t be long.\u00a0 Pa, they would have been here if they had known you would be back this soon.\u00a0 Especially Little Joe, you know that, don\u2019t you Pa?\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know son, it\u2019s okay Adam\u2026\u201d Ben paused.\u00a0 \u201cHow is Joseph? Honestly?\u201d Ben asked, the concern showing clearly on his face and heard in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s okay, now.\u00a0 Once word came that you would be here in a couple of days, well, it was like new life had been breathed into him,\u201d smiled Adam as he remembered how Little Joe\u2019s eyes had misted at the news of his father\u2019s impending arrival.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd before that?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

He had worried most over leaving his youngest son.\u00a0 He knew that Adam and Hoss would watch out for him and keep him out of trouble, but Ben\u2019s heart had remained heavy with the knowledge that Joseph would grieve for him while he would be away.\u00a0 Only the memory of the smile that Joseph had given to him as he left had lessened his regrets at leaving and as it turned out, it had in more ways than one been a worthwhile trip.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was hard for him Pa.\u00a0 He tried to hide it, but you know Joe, you can read him like an open book most of the time.\u00a0 He missed you, Pa, we all missed you, but for Joe, well, I think he was scared.\u00a0 He spent most nights in your bed, guess it made him feel closer to you somehow.\u00a0 He had nightmares too, but as soon as we heard you were coming, all of that stopped.\u00a0 He seems fine now, really Pa,\u201d Adam added seeing the worry lines cross his father\u2019s face again.<\/p>\n

Ben returned to his job of caring for his horse.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry I worried all of you.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t intend to be gone this long but I had an accident and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAccident?\u00a0 What happened?\u201d Adam wanted to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long story.\u00a0 I\u2019ll tell you all about it when we are all together.\u00a0 Everything\u2019s fine now and as it turned out, it was a blessing in disguise,\u201d Ben reassured his son.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam finished their tasks and started to the door when it was suddenly jerked open revealing the happy face of the middle son of Ben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d shouted Hoss as he gathered his father into his strong arms.\u00a0 Hoss\u2019 joy overflowed and he began spinning his father around in circles.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss! Put me down!\u201d laughed Ben who was enjoying the attention.\u00a0 Hoss stopped suddenly freeing his father from the bear hug he had been held in.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just happy to see ya!\u00a0 When\u2019d ya get home?\u00a0 Does Joe know you\u2019re here? He\u2019s been drivin\u2019 me and Adam plum near crazy wantin\u2019 to know when ya\u2019d be here!\u00a0 How was the trip? Pa, those are the purttiest horses I ever did see and\u2026\u201d Hoss bombarded his father with questions.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, son, clam down,\u201d laughed Ben, holding up his hands to silence his boy-like man- child.\u00a0 \u201cNow be still, let me get a good look at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stopped his dancing around and waited for his father to get his fill of looking at him for the first time in three months.\u00a0 Ben walked around his middle son and when he faced him again, joy shown in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a site for sore eyes, young man,\u201d laughed Ben, happiness at seeing his sons making his tone light and merry.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s thoughts turned to Solomon and the words the wise old man had spoken, \u2018the shine of gold feels cold in comparison to the warmth that shines in a child\u2019s eyes when they gaze into the face of a father they love and respect.\u00a0 Gold has no warmth, but love can warm even the coldest of hearts\u2019.<\/p>\n

Ben was seeing that warmth now, in the eyes of his two oldest sons and knew he was richer for it.\u00a0 Like Solomon, he was richer by far than a lot of men, not in earthly things but in the form of the persons that he held dear and near to his heart.<\/p>\n

As Adam, Hoss and Ben left the barn, Little Joe came galloping into the yard.\u00a0 Not seeing his father standing behind his brothers, he pulled Cochise to a sudden halt causing the spirited horse to rear high into the air.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s breath caught in his throat at the sight, his mind turning the clock back in time to another horse rearing into the air, a shrill scream, and the sudden silence that had filled the yard and the air around it.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOESPH!\u201d yelled Ben, his panic surfacing.\u00a0 Cochise came down hard making the ground vibrate with the thump of her hooves as they hit the solid packed ground.<\/p>\n

Joe turned startled eyes in the direction of the barn and was surprised to see his father standing with hands on hips, between his brothers.\u00a0 As soon as Cochise\u2019s hooves were safely on the ground, Joe bolted from the saddle and ran mid-way to his father before stopping.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d whispered Joe, emotions choking off the rest of his sentence.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s anger dissipated when he saw the tears cloud the shiny green eyes.\u00a0 Ben spread apart his arms to welcome his son.\u00a0 Joe needed no further invitation and ran the remaining distance to his father\u2019s waiting arms.\u00a0 Father and son a like cried tears of joy while Adam and Hoss stood silently watching the reunion of their father and younger brother.\u00a0 Hoss dabbed at the tears that pooled in his own blue eyes and smiled as Joe showered their father\u2019s face with kisses.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged happy glances; both relieved that now things would be returning to normal.\u00a0 Joe had suffered emotionally throughout the absence of their father and watching the display of love shared between the youngest and oldest members of their family brought contentment to their hearts.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go inside boys, there is much to tell,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Joe placed an arm around Ben\u2019s shoulder, Ben placed his arm around Hoss and Adam\u2019s arm closed around Joe\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 Together the four Cartwright men walked toward the house.\u00a0 When Ben reached the post near the porch he suddenly stopped.\u00a0 Growing from the ground at the foot of the post was a rose vine; half way up the post two perfectly formed red roses was blooming.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did this rose vine come from?\u201d Ben asked, searching the three young faces of his sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one seems to know Pa.\u00a0 They just appeared one day.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t they purty though?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery,\u201d smiled Ben.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re called \u2018Poor Man\u2019s Roses\u2019\u201d, he explained as he led the way to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow come they\u2019re called that?\u201d inquired Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome inside, I\u2019ll tell you a story about them,\u201d smiled Ben, a far away look appearing in his dark eyes.\u00a0 The boys saw the expression on their father\u2019s face change and they exchanged questioning glances with each other.<\/p>\n

Joe, Hoss and Adam entered the house but Ben held back momentarily.\u00a0 \u201cThank you Solomon,\u201d he whispered into the night sky.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve reminded me once again how very rich I am and all because of the ones that I love the most.\u00a0 Thank-you for not letting me forget.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door closed softly and once again the sounds of happiness mingled with high-pitched giggles and laughter could be heard ringing from within the walls of the Cartwright home.<\/p>\n

The End
\nOctober 2001<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018A Poor Man\u2019s Roses\u2019 sung by various artists, no infringement rights intended.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Angst, Ben Cartwright, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Running away from your problems never solved at thing.\u00a0 That’s what Pa had always preached to his three sons, but now Ben was doing exactly that, running away.<\/p>\n

Rated: G (10, 660 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":8609,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12095","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Rose-01.jpg?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12095","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12095"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12095\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12095"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12095"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12095"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}