{"id":15675,"date":"2017-12-02T17:32:36","date_gmt":"2017-12-02T22:32:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15675"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:40:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:40:36","slug":"a-merry-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15675","title":{"rendered":"A Merry Heart (by AC1830)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>While Joe is missing his brother at Christmas, a friend’s tragedy gives Joe a new perspective on the Christmas spirit.<\/p>\n

Rating – K, WC – 1281<\/p>\n

A Merry Heart<\/strong><\/p>\n

The opening and closing of the front door drew Ben Cartwright\u2019s attention away from his ledgers.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d\u00a0 His voice had a tinge of hope in it.<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, Pa.\u00a0 Jest me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s countenance fell for a brief moment.\u00a0 With a deep breath he stood and walked toward his middle son who was removing his coat and gun belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s in the barn.\u00a0 Said he\u2019ll be in soon.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss hung up his hat and turned to his father.\u00a0 \u201cI tried ta get him ta talk but…well, you know Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m afraid I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both men moved back to Ben\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was hoping to get him to handle the bidding for a timber contract, but he can\u2019t keep his focus on anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, actually he can only focus on one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Ben shared knowing looks as they sat down, and Ben voiced what both were thinking.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u00a0 Since it\u2019s so close ta Christmas, all Joe can think about is that Adam ain\u2019t here.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss sat in the chair by the desk and rested one leg over the other knee.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t get it Pa.\u00a0 Joe knew Adam most likely wouldn\u2019t be home this year.\u00a0 Adam even said it himself.\u00a0 Why is Joe looking for him at all turns?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cHoss you know your brother as well as I do.\u00a0 He knew Adam most likely would be gone this year with his travels but he still hoped that that wouldn\u2019t be true. Especially after what happened in May. It\u2019s important to Joe that we all be together at Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I reckon that\u2019s true enough.\u00a0 But Pa, what\u2019re we gonna do about him.\u00a0 His sulking and dark moods are getting ta me and even Hop Sing\u2019s startin\u2019 ta complain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Hoss.\u00a0 Maybe we\u2019ll get a letter from Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s just so hard since he told us in his last letter he was heading to France and may not be able to write as often.\u00a0 Listen, you\u2019ve done enough trying to help Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019ll try to talk to him this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just as Ben finished his last word, sounds of hoof beats broke through their conversation.\u00a0 Both men jumped up and peered out the window behind Ben\u2019s desk.\u00a0 After seeing a flash of black and white, Ben turned back to his son, rubbing his neck.\u00a0 \u201cWell, guess our little talk will have to wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded glumly and headed toward the kitchen in search of a snack.\u00a0 Ben sank down into his chair and rested his head in his hands, at a loss what to do to help his youngest son.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

After a few minutes of hard riding, Joe reined in Cochise and together they rode quietly to town.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t get his thoughts and emotions sorted out.\u00a0 He knew Pa and Hoss meant well but he needed to sort things out on his own.\u00a0 Yes, he was angry at Adam.\u00a0 First for leaving back in January but he\u2019d gotten over that. They all had managed a good routine to fill in the hole that Adam had left behind.\u00a0 Once the letters started coming, that made things a lot easier too. Then before they knew it Adam was heading to England and hinted that it would be a while before he came home. Joe knew all too well that his brother was running from the events in May. When his latest letter arrived in September that was the last straw for Joe.\u00a0 Adam was no longer going to be in England.\u00a0 He was heading to France and would be moving around.\u00a0 He promised to write when he could but didn\u2019t know how reliable the mail service would be.<\/p>\n

Joe brought Cochise to a stop at the edge of the Ponderosa.\u00a0 He thought about Adam\u2019s last words. \u00a0\u201cWe talked about my not being home for Christmas and it looks like it\u2019ll be that way. I am truly sorry.\u00a0 I do promise to send you all something special from France and write as often as I can.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh!\u00a0 Well older brother.\u00a0 We\u2019re still waiting for that next letter.\u201d\u00a0 Joe nudged his horse into an easy lope.\u00a0 \u201cCome on Cooch, let\u2019s get to town.\u00a0 I need a beer and time to think.\u201d<\/p>\n

A short while later Joe was sitting in his favorite saloon.\u00a0 Actually it had been a favorite haunt for all three brothers.\u00a0 As he nursed his second beer, he tried to settle some issues within himself. Why was he so mad at Adam?\u00a0 Why was it so important to him to have everyone together for Christmas?\u00a0 Being so focused on his own thoughts he nearly missed some men leaning on the bar carrying on an animated conversation.\u00a0 Joe rocked his chair forward onto all four legs and listened in.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t b\u2019lieve it meself, Jonas.\u00a0 But it\u2019s gone. The whole dadblamed livery, up in smoke and flames.\u00a0 Jake said a lantern got knocked over somehow or other.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone hurt?\u00a0 What \u2018bout his horses?\u00a0 Hope he didn\u2019t lose any o\u2019 them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, thank goodness, they was all in the corral.\u00a0 He don\u2019t know ifn he\u2019s gonna rebuild. Ain\u2019t got the money no how.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s gotta feed his family somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men shrugged, took their beers and wandered over to watch a poker game.<\/p>\n

Joe stared at his empty mug.\u00a0 Jake\u2019s livery, gone.\u00a0 That was the biggest livery in town and besides that it was his only source of income. Got it from his father and now it\u2019s gone.<\/em>\u00a0 Joe grabbed his hat and raced out of the saloon. He swung onto Cochise and headed to another part of town.\u00a0 Pulling his horse to a rough stop, he stared at the charred ruins of the barn. The corral was barely standing.\u00a0 Nothing but smoke drifted up to the blue sky.\u00a0 On the far side of the area Joe saw Jake.\u00a0 He headed his horse that way and dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cJake, I just heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man, whom the Cartwrights had known for a long time, stared at the smoldering ruins of his livelihood. He was Adam\u2019s age but always seemed younger, with a cheerful smile and positive outlook.\u00a0 Nothing ever seemed to get the man down, until this. Joe noted that the smile was gone and the cheerful light had left his friend\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I going to do, Joe?\u00a0 I don\u2019t have the money to rebuild, it\u2019s almost Christmas, Carol and\u00a0 the kids\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rested a hand on his friend\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 Suddenly, all Joe\u2019s frustrations with his older brother disappeared like ashes to the wind.\u00a0 Seeing how bad things looked for his friend he knew what he had to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cJake, go home.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got some errands to run but I want you to bring your family to the church by six o\u2019clock.\u00a0 Okay?\u00a0 Jake?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jake looked up into Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cHmm, the church, yeah Joe I heard, but why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ask, just be there.\u201d\u00a0 Joe turned on his heel, mounted Cochise and rode away.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s first stop was at the post office.\u00a0 Borrowing a piece of paper he quickly wrote a note to be delivered to his father. Next he stopped at the stage office to see if he could board Cochise while he ran around town.\u00a0 Over the next several hours, Joe visited the bank, several stores, a few friends, a couple of restaurants and finally the pastor of the church where everyone had been asked to meet.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe are you sure about this.\u00a0 I mean, I\u2019m willing to help any way I can, you know that, but this…this is really big.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stood with his hat spinning nervously in his hand, his body taut with excitement and energy. \u201cI\u2019m quite sure.\u00a0 Judging from the clouds we should have a few days of good weather.\u00a0 If my father comes through, then we can do it all by Christmas.\u00a0 I just need you and your wife to be willing to help organize the food and such.\u00a0 Can you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019ll even keep the church doors unlocked and the stove heated if anyone needs to take a break from the cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rested his hand on the pastor\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cThank you.\u201d\u00a0 He flung open the door, then a called back.\u00a0 \u201cAnd God bless you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, God bless you<\/em>, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Just before six o\u2019clock, Joe paced around the inside of the church.\u00a0 Word had spread, and a good-sized crowd was gathering in the church yard outside.\u00a0 Jake hadn\u2019t arrived yet, but neither had Joe\u2019s family. Looking out the small front window once more, Joe could make out Jake and his family nearing the back of the crowd.\u00a0 About the same time two familiar horses and one heavily laden buckboard arrived.\u00a0 Ben, Hoss and Hop Sing were met by the pastor who indicated the church building with his hand.\u00a0 The men made their way inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I didn\u2019t think you\u2019d get here in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither did we, son.\u00a0 The delay was in finding the plans Adam had drawn up for the stable.\u201d\u00a0 At Joe\u2019s askance look, \u201cWe found them.\u00a0 And it seems that Adam and Jake had made plans to expand but it never got done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s some interesting news.\u00a0 Guess I better get out there.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stepped aside and Joe moved to the front door.\u00a0 He paused, took a deep breath and stepped out into the chilled December night.<\/p>\n

Once the crowd quieted down, Joe called Jake and his family up to the steps and began to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, first of all, I want to thank everyone for coming out here tonight and for being willing to participate in this little project I\u2019ve set up.\u00a0 By now you all know that Virginia City lost its main livery to a fire last night. But more importantly, that fire took the only source of income for one of our own.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Jake.\u00a0 \u201cJake, by now I think everyone has heard about the fire that destroyed your livery.\u00a0 And we all know that was your only means to support your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe paused to calm his nerves.\u00a0 His eyes flashed with excitement.\u00a0 \u201cJake, as a Christmas gift to you and your family, the town is willing to help in all ways possible to rebuild your barn and corral.\u00a0 Food and other necessities will be provided to you until you\u2019re up and running.\u00a0 The Ponderosa will provide the lumber and several stores are providing the rest of the building materials.\u00a0 The weather looks like it will hold so we want to get started first thing tomorrow morning.\u00a0 While Pa and Hoss gather the lumber to bring in, the rest of us will start clearing away the debris and get the site ready for building.\u201d\u00a0 Joe reached for the plans his father was holding.\u00a0 \u201cWe found Adam\u2019s original plans when you had the barn repaired after your father died.\u00a0 But it seems you and Adam had discussed more changes.\u00a0 With your permission, we\u2019d like to incorporate those changes as we rebuild.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jake was stunned into silence.\u00a0 He nodded, took Joe\u2019s hand to shake vigorously and drew his friend into a warm hug. More hugs, and tears ensued with everyone one offering their support.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Christmas Eve was not spent in the traditional location of the church.\u00a0 Instead, everyone in town gathered at Jake\u2019s Livery.\u00a0 The new, expanded stables and extra corrals were complete and decorated with greenery and red ribbons.\u00a0 A large ribbon was tied through the bars on the large barn doors.<\/p>\n

After a short Christmas message by the pastor, and the singing of a couple of songs, Joe, with a huge grin and a wink, officially handed the end of the large ribbon to Jake. Jake stared at the ribbon, then up at the large doors in front of him.\u00a0 Unable to keep his emotions in check he tugged hard on the ribbon.\u00a0 It released its grip on the doors and fell to the ground.\u00a0 The doors swung open and revealed a large sign, welcoming Jake and his family to their new livery.<\/p>\n

Joe slapped his friend on his back then stepped back to disappear into the shifting crowd.<\/p>\n

Over by the corral, Joe joined Ben and Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a wonderful thing you\u2019ve done here, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, ya got me all choked up, little brother.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss scrubbed his face with his hands.<\/p>\n

Ben eyed his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve changed a bit, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I have, Pa.\u00a0 You see, I was wallowing in my self-pity and anger over Adam being gone.\u00a0 It left me in a dark place.\u00a0 But when I heard about what happened to Jake, well, I knew I had to help.\u00a0 It\u2019s kind of like that verse the pastor talked about tonight.\u00a0 \u201cFeed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day.\u201d<\/em> *<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at his family and was swallowed up into their arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Pa, let\u2019s go help our friends celebrate!\u00a0 This is going to be the best Christmas ever!\u201d<\/p>\n

Merry Christmas to one and All!<\/em><\/p>\n

——<\/p>\n

Isaiah 58:10 (Living Bible)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: While Joe is missing his brother at Christmas, a friend’s tragedy gives Joe a new perspective on the Christmas spirit.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rating – K, WC – 1281<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8333,"featured_media":15682,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15675","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2643,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Quality-of-Mercy.png?fit=284%2C368&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15613,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15613","url_meta":{"origin":15675,"position":0},"title":"Lords a Leaping (by A_Starry_Night)","author":"A_Starry_Night","date":"December 25, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"This story was written for the 2017 Advent Calendar - Day 12 Summary:\u00a0 Worry over missing sons takes precedence over traditions. 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