This story was written for the 2017 Advent Calendar – Day 15<\/p>\n
Summary:\u00a0 The Miracle of Christmas lifts the veils of grief.<\/p>\n
Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a04,830 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
And\u00a0this will be the sign to you.<\/b><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A Heart of Hope Snow crunched under the horses\u2019 hooves and the wagon wheels.\u00a0\u00a0The day\u2019s fading light cast somber shadows across the forlorn landscape. The overcast sky promised more snow very soon.\u00a0\u00a0Hunched over on the wagon seat, wrapped up against the frosty air, the reins held loosely in his gloved hands, Ben Cartwright stared off into the distance.\u00a0\u00a0His coal black eyes a mirror to the darkness of his soul.\u00a0\u00a0Huddled down in the depths of the wagon, Ben\u2019s six year old son Adam tried to keep his baby brother warm.\u00a0\u00a0He\u2019d used all the blankets and bags he could find but still both boys shivered as the wagon rocked this way and that over the frozen terrain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It had been a hard few months for young Adam and his family.\u00a0\u00a0Seeing the only mama he\u2019d known die right in front of him still brought fear to his dreams.\u00a0\u00a0After she was buried his father decided the small group of travelers needed to push on to Fort Laramie hoping the larger wagon train would still be there.\u00a0\u00a0Adam remembered the excitement of seeing the fort, only to have all hopes dashed as they had learned the other train had left them behind once again.\u00a0\u00a0It was then that Adam saw the greatest change in his father.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ben argued with the other families that he was not going to give up his dream.\u00a0\u00a0He had suffered too much to put it on hold for another six months.\u00a0\u00a0His boys needed a real home and by the good Lord\u2019s hand they were going to get it.\u00a0\u00a0With that he packed his wagon with supplies, loaded up his boys and headed out of the fort to the southwest, away from the Oregon trail.\u00a0\u00a0Adam saw a hard set to his father\u2019s jaw and knew nothing would dissuade him from his decision so he tried to be as helpful as he could be in hopes of making their journey into the unknown better for his father.<\/span><\/p>\n Adam had been keeping track of the days and now, in the rocking wagon his eyes focused on the marks he\u2019d carved in the frame.\u00a0\u00a0His eyes widened when he realized they were just two days from Christmas. Feeling the wagon come to a halt, Adam gently laid his sleeping brother down and slithered over their supply bags to the front opening of the canvas cover.\u00a0\u00a0He poked his head through and peeked around his father\u2019s arm.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cPa, is everything alright?\u00a0\u00a0Are we stopping for the night?\u201d he asked timidly.<\/span><\/p>\n Silence.\u00a0\u00a0Adam was used to that.\u00a0\u00a0He climbed up onto the seat and looked all around.\u00a0\u00a0What he saw made his heart sink.\u00a0\u00a0The landscape was bleak with a few inches of ice and snow on the ground.\u00a0\u00a0Tufts of wild grass sprouted everywhere but not a tree was insight.\u00a0\u00a0After a moment he noticed tiny snowflakes falling and stinging his tender face.\u00a0\u00a0He looked up into his father\u2019s face hoping to see…what…he wasn\u2019t sure.\u00a0\u00a0All he saw were the dark, lonely eyes he\u2019d grown accustomed to since Inger had died.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cPa, it\u2019s snowing.\u00a0\u00a0Don\u2019t we need to find some shelter soon?\u00a0\u00a0Hoss\u2019ll be waking up and ready to eat.\u00a0\u00a0Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n More silence but at least Ben turned his head to look at his son.\u00a0\u00a0Adam smiled at his father then looked up to the gray sky.\u00a0\u00a0Please God, take care of us.\u00a0\u00a0Bring a smile back to my Pa\u2019s face. Please?<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n Adam dropped his head to quickly remove the few tears that had formed.\u00a0\u00a0When he looked up he saw a glimmer of light off to the side.\u00a0\u00a0The more he watched it the brighter it grew.\u00a0\u00a0He finally figured out that it must be a town and as the dull winter light faded, the town\u2019s lights grew brighter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cPa, look.\u00a0\u00a0I see a town.\u00a0\u00a0Look Pa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ben seemed to come out of his stupor and looked to where his son was pointing.\u00a0\u00a0He nodded and turned the horses in that direction.\u00a0\u00a0Adam slipped back into the back of the wagon to stay with Hoss and keep him warm.\u00a0\u00a0As they came to the bottom of a hill, Ben stopped the wagon once again.\u00a0\u00a0The snow was coming down hard and it was getting difficult to see.\u00a0\u00a0The final jerk of the wagon woke Hoss up so Adam brought Hoss up to the seat to be with his father.\u00a0\u00a0He looked around and could see the lights of the town; they were so close.\u00a0\u00a0It wasn\u2019t a very big town but he could just make out the sounds of a few people shouting and laughing.\u00a0\u00a0He didn\u2019t understand why his Pa had stopped.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Slowly Adam took the reins out of his Pa\u2019s stiff hands and laid them on the seat.\u00a0\u00a0Then he slid Hoss\u2019s wrapped body into his Pa\u2019s arms.\u00a0\u00a0Ben took the bundle and held it tight next to him. Adam took up the reins and flicked them gently across the horse\u2019s backs. The horses were tired but even they seemed to know that they were near something good.\u00a0\u00a0They willingly moved forward pulling the worn wagon closer and closer to the town.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By the time they reached the edge of town several inches of snow covered the ground making it difficult for the wagon to roll.\u00a0\u00a0The first place Adam came to was a small barn and house. The rusting sign said \u201cLivery and Blacksmith\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Neither looked sturdy enough to withstand the snowfall or protect the horses but Adam didn’t care.\u00a0\u00a0He was nearly frozen and worried for his father and baby brother.\u00a0\u00a0He pulled the team to a stop, set the brake and wound the long reins around the post by the seat.\u00a0\u00a0Seeing a light in a window he shouted to see if anyone would come.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After a few moments a door flew open and a man ran through the deepening snow.\u00a0\u00a0Gloved hands quickly pulled Adam down.\u00a0\u00a0The man then turned to take the baby from Ben\u2019s arms. After taking the two children into the tiny house he went back outside and returned within a few minutes with Ben leaning heavily on him.\u00a0\u00a0While the man went back out to take care of the horses and wagon, a woman and little boy helped Adam and his father and brother get warm by the fire.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n All Adam could remember from that night was the warm fire and some warm soup. After they ate Adam and Ben shared the only bed in the tiny home. Little Hoss was placed in a well-padded crate near the fire.\u00a0\u00a0Adam thought how good it felt to snuggle next to his father. He closed his eyes, said a silent prayer of thanks, and was soon fast asleep nestled in the crook of his Pa\u2019s arm.\u00a0\u00a0An hour later only the glow from the fireplace and the stove filled the single-room home as six people slept soundly.\u00a0\u00a0The snowfall had ceased outside and the heavy gray clouds parted to allow a bright moon and stars to shine down on the frosty landscape and the little house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n *~*~*~*<\/span><\/p>\n Q<\/span>uiet voices and the smell of eggs cooking awoke Adam.\u00a0\u00a0When he stirred Ben also awoke.\u00a0\u00a0Father and son looked at each other then moved to sit on the edge of the bed.\u00a0\u00a0Hoss, who sat happily in the crate, noticed their movement and immediately tried to get to them.\u00a0\u00a0Adam jumped up to keep Hoss from tipping the crate and picked him up.\u00a0\u00a0The two hugged then Adam handed Hoss to his Pa.\u00a0\u00a0The lady cheerfully called them all over to the kitchen to get some breakfast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cGood morning,\u201d she spoke softly as the threesome joined the little boy at the small table in the kitchen. \u201cI hope you slept well.\u00a0\u00a0I have plenty of eggs and some milk for the children.\u00a0\u00a0Coffee will be ready in a moment for you sir.\u00a0\u00a0Oh, dear, where are my manners.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m Mary Samuels and this is my son Joshua.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0She indicated the boy sitting beside Adam. Ben noted that Joshua had light brown hair, like his mother, and dark eyes which seemed to smile on their own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ben nodded his head and introduced his family.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m Ben Cartwright.\u00a0\u00a0These are my sons Adam and Eric, whom we also call Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0I thank you and your husband, Mrs. Samuels, for helping us last night and for sharing your food with us.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He glanced around the small structure wondering how much of a hardship it was on the family to help his family.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe eggs and coffee smell wonderful.\u00a0\u00a0I don\u2019t mean to be ungrateful, but after breakfast, my sons and I will be on our way, and not be any more of a burden to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam\u2019s heart sank at those words.\u00a0\u00a0He nearly protested when Mrs. Samuels spoke up.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cMr. Cartwright, believe me when I say it is no burden at all to have you and your sons with us.\u00a0\u00a0It is our greatest desire to help anyone who needs it.\u00a0\u00a0Besides, although the snow has stopped falling, it is quite deep.\u00a0\u00a0My husband is outside now clearing a path to the barn and checking the animals.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m afraid you won\u2019t be able to go anywhere for a few days at least.\u00a0\u00a0Please, for the sake of the children, would you consider being our guests for Christmas?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam watched his father\u2019s face change expressions many times while Mrs. Samuels spoke.\u00a0\u00a0But her last statement brought a look of pure surprise and sadness.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cChristmas?\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m sorry. I – I didn\u2019t realize it was so soon.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Ben looked away from his boys, attempting to hide his shock that he\u2019d nearly missed an important celebration. It pained him that he wouldn\u2019t have anything to give them, especially Adam, this year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOh yes, it\u2019s tomorrow in fact.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0She served the meal then sat on a stool at the stove to eat her own meal. \u201cThe snow caught us a bit by surprise but Joseph, my husband, is still planning to go to the mercantile later this morning.\u00a0\u00a0He\u2019s taking Joshua with him to do a bit of shopping.\u00a0\u00a0You and your son, Adam, would be most welcome to join him.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019d be more than pleased to watch the little one if you like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ben didn\u2019t quite know what to say but agreed anyway, which put a huge grin on Adam\u2019s face. The excitement of a trip to town gave Adam a bigger appetite and they ate the rest of their breakfast in silence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When Joseph Samuels returned to the house introductions were made once more.\u00a0\u00a0Young Joshua Samuels was nearly the same age as Adam so the boys played well by the fire with some toy horses, and they included Hoss when they could.\u00a0\u00a0Ben asked to speak to Joseph outside.\u00a0\u00a0The welcoming expression on Joseph\u2019s tanned face gave Ben the courage to say what he needed to say.\u00a0\u00a0He explained about their travels and that he had a few supplies he was willing to share, but that he had no gifts for the holiday.\u00a0\u00a0He asked if the store might take some items on trade.<\/span><\/p>\n Joseph studied the ground for a while.\u00a0\u00a0He could easily see the position this man was in and also had noted the sorrow hidden behind his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0This man had some tragedy in his life that seemed to have diminished his hope in life. He saw it in the young lad too but the hope there seemed to be fighting to get out.\u00a0\u00a0Joseph was getting a sense of what he needed to do. He spoke in a gentle voice, \u201cMr. Cartwright…may I call you Ben?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Ben nodded.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cBen, times are hard for us all one time or another.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ve learned to trust in the Lord for all things.\u00a0\u00a0He seems to always provide no matter what the circumstances.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Joseph led the way to the barn, indicating for Ben to follow.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI\u2019ve some scraps of wood here that can only be chopped for kindling but I\u2019ve enough of that to last quite a while.\u00a0\u00a0You\u2019re welcome to use what you like if you need to. The store will take items on trade.\u00a0\u00a0But actually, I\u2019d be interested to see what you have as there could be some things I, or Mary, could use.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ben showed Joseph some tools he had and a few furs he\u2019d kept when he’d hunted for food during their travels.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBen, why don\u2019t you keep the tools?\u00a0\u00a0You might need them on your journey.\u00a0\u00a0The furs, however, are some of the best I\u2019ve seen.\u00a0\u00a0We have hunters here that bring furs to trade, and we trade with the local Indians.\u00a0\u00a0If you and I can agree on a price I\u2019d like to buy a couple from you.\u00a0\u00a0The rest you can trade in town if you like.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ben was taken aback at Joseph\u2019s sincerity and offer. Something about the family\u2019s willingness to help gave him pause.\u00a0\u00a0Having observed the size and condition of the house, Ben wouldn\u2019t have expected this family to have extra money to spend. He shrugged off his concerns and began to discuss the furs. After some negotiating, and with a warm handshake, the two men agreed on a price.\u00a0\u00a0Ben was pleased to now have a little money to spend on his sons for Christmas.\u00a0\u00a0The rest he thought best to put back for future use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After concluding their business, Joseph went to check on the horses. \u201cI\u2019ve noticed your horses are a strong breed.\u00a0\u00a0With some rest and good feed they should do fine to take you further on your journey but your wagon could do with some repairs.\u00a0\u00a0Maybe we can talk of that after the holiday tomorrow.\u00a0\u00a0Right now we need to get to the store.\u00a0\u00a0This afternoon I\u2019ll be going out to collect some greenery for the house.\u00a0\u00a0Would you care to join me in finding a small tree?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ben\u2019s heart was filled with so many conflicting emotions.\u00a0\u00a0He didn\u2019t want to let Adam down, especially at Christmas, but his heart was too full of pain to let any joy in.\u00a0\u00a0Thanks to the help from the Samuels, he now had the option to sell some of his furs.\u00a0\u00a0This gave him a tiny bit of hope for the future.\u00a0\u00a0At least he and his sons wouldn\u2019t starve. But it was still so difficult to get excited about Christmas. Not wanting to appear rude to his host, he reluctantly agreed to help Joseph find a tree.\u00a0\u00a0A warm smile lit Joseph\u2019s face as he gently patted Ben on the back.\u00a0\u00a0One step at a time, my new friend<\/i>, Joseph thought as the two men walked back to the house.<\/span><\/p>\n *~*~*~*<\/span><\/p>\n Adam had been so excited to ride in a sleigh he nearly got himself into trouble with his father for forgetting his manners. Once he and Josh were settled in the back seat under warm blankets and with heated bricks under their feet, Joseph clicked the reins and set off for the center of town.\u00a0\u00a0The town itself was actually quite small.\u00a0\u00a0There were only a few stores, a bank, some repair shops and a saloon that also served as a hotel and restaurant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe seem to be on a path for homesteaders, trappers and Indians.\u00a0\u00a0Some folks pass through and others decide to stay.\u00a0\u00a0Each year it seems we get just a little bit bigger. The Indians around here are relatively peaceful and we kind of leave each other alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ben listened to Joseph\u2019s descriptions of the town and people with half interest.\u00a0\u00a0He had seen it so many times before. Some of the towns made it and some died a slow death.\u00a0\u00a0He sighed deeply and looked around, wondering what would become of this little place in the future. That\u2019s when he noticed that something about this little town was different.\u00a0\u00a0He was drawn out of his melancholy thoughts as he heard Adam and Joshua talk about the different Christmas decorations they saw in the windows.\u00a0\u00a0That was it, Ben thought.\u00a0\u00a0This was the first town he\u2019d encountered that truly decorated for Christmas.\u00a0\u00a0He saw candles in the windows, ribbons around signs, even a bit of greenery here and there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Joseph pulled the sleigh up beside the mercantile.\u00a0\u00a0When everyone was out he helped Ben carry the furs inside.\u00a0\u00a0The boys scampered off to look at treats and toys in the small shop as their fathers took care of their business. Josh looked at tin whistles and candy while Adam looked at books.\u00a0\u00a0Josh also saw him looking at some pipe tobacco.\u00a0\u00a0He wandered over and teased his friend about that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam, you\u2019re not big enough for tobacco.\u00a0\u00a0My papa doesn\u2019t even like it in the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not for me, Josh.\u00a0\u00a0My Pa likes to smoke a pipe at night but he hasn\u2019t been able to get any tobacco for a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Josh didn\u2019t know what to do about Adam\u2019s sadness, so he tried to cheer him up. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s go look at the whistles.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m hoping my papa will get me one for Christmas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam followed Josh but kept looking back at the tobacco. Josh started thinking about that and the money he had in his pocket.\u00a0\u00a0When Adam wandered over to the books again, Josh found his Papa and told him about Adam\u2019s interest in the tobacco and books. Joseph listened with a thoughtful look in his eye, then sent Josh to tell Adam they would be leaving soon. When Ben found Adam he gave him some money from the sale of their furs and told him to spend it however he liked.\u00a0\u00a0Adam\u2019s face brightened as he ran off to find Josh.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Seeing his son so happy brought a bit of warmth to Ben\u2019s heart.\u00a0\u00a0He started looking around the store and his eyes fell on a lovely lace shawl. His heartache returned as it sank in that he had no one to buy that for.\u00a0\u00a0Oh Inger, I miss you so much.\u00a0\u00a0You would love this little town. How I wish you were here with me now.<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0Ben quickly turned another way and found a section of books. While he scanned the titles, Adam was picking out a special gift for his father.<\/span><\/p>\n At home, Mary had fixed everyone a good stew and made some special cookies.\u00a0\u00a0She had also put a bit of greenery and ribbons around the little house.\u00a0\u00a0When the men and boys returned\u00a0\u00a0from town, Adam immediately thanked Mr. Samuels for the trip and gave his Pa a big hug.\u00a0\u00a0He then went to greet Hoss and play with Josh by the fire until called to dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n After dinner, the boys agreed to rest for a bit while Ben and Joseph went in search for a tree and more greenery.\u00a0\u00a0After their rest, Adam and Josh helped Mary pop corn and string it to hang on the tree later. The men found a perfect little tree quickly and returned to a warm house filled with the scents of popped corn, cinnamon cookies and coffee. The evening, after supper, was spent decorating the tree and consuming cookies, and what was left of the popped corn. Afterward, everyone settled by the fire to listen to the Christmas story.\u00a0\u00a0Joseph opened the family Bible and began to read.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When he reached the part about the angels Adam sat a bit straighter and held his brother a bit tighter.\u00a0\u00a0This was his favorite part.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2026..\u201dAnd there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men\u2026.\u201d*<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n That Christmas Eve, Josh and his parents slept in the kitchen by the stove.\u00a0\u00a0Adam shared the bed with his Pa, and Hoss slept by the fire.\u00a0\u00a0A strange sound woke Josh up in the night.\u00a0\u00a0He lay real still and listened.\u00a0\u00a0It was Adam and it sounded like he was crying and talking to someone.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cGod, I want to thank you for this family that is helping us.\u00a0\u00a0I hope you will bless them real good. I know Hoss and I will be okay now but I don\u2019t think Pa will be.\u00a0\u00a0Can you help him to smile again?\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ve seen him give little smiles but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s enough. I sure do miss Mama.\u00a0\u00a0She could get him to smile a lot, but I know she\u2019s with you now.\u00a0\u00a0Let her know we\u2019re doing okay, will you?\u00a0\u00a0Amen.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Saddened by what he\u2019d overheard from his friend, Josh snuggled next to his Mama, grateful for her warmth, but he quickly realized Adam didn\u2019t have that same feeling.\u00a0\u00a0It made him sad but then he came up with an idea. This Christmas he could share his mama with Adam.\u00a0\u00a0Soon Josh went back to sleep content with his planned gift for his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n *~*~*~*<\/span><\/p>\n In the darkened house, Ben lay staring at the ceiling. The air was warm and the thought occurred to Ben that Joseph must have gotten up during the night to rebuild the fire. He\u2019d been aware of Adam\u2019s prayer and it was breaking his heart knowing he was letting his sons down.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Unable to sleep, Ben silently left the bed, bundled up and slipped outside.\u00a0\u00a0As he made his way to the barn, he noticed that a few inches of new snow had fallen.\u00a0\u00a0Stopping at the barn door, Ben\u2019s attention was drawn to a quarter moon edging toward the distant mountains to the west.\u00a0\u00a0He leaned against the tall corral fence and stared at the bright light it emitted.\u00a0\u00a0The fresh powdery snow glistened like all the stars above but the beauty of it was lost on Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n From deep inside him something shook violently. Knowing what it was, Ben gave into it.\u00a0\u00a0Soon he was sobbing uncontrollably.\u00a0\u00a0Months of pain, loneliness, fear, and anger came rushing out.\u00a0\u00a0It was a flood of all he\u2019d kept inside, for his sons\u2019 sakes, but could contain no more.\u00a0\u00a0When the torrent of emotions slowed to a trickle, Ben took some deep breaths, rested his head on his arms and bade his body to relax.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOh Inger, my world is so dark without you.\u00a0\u00a0How will I go on?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After releasing all that was tormenting him, Ben felt a tendril of warmth creeping around his heart; the cold no longer seemed to bother him.\u00a0\u00a0Suddenly aware of a warmth outside his body he raised his head and noticed a faint glow surrounding him, replacing the glow of the moon.\u00a0\u00a0His heart quickened as some of that warmth covered his hands.\u00a0\u00a0Turning, he gasped at the face before him. \u201cInger?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYa Benjamin, it is me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He opened his mouth but could not speak his thoughts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Inger laughed and placed her warm hand to his cheek.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cOh my sweet Ben.\u00a0\u00a0How I have missed you.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Her smile faded just a touch as she studied his sunken features and sad eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cInger, how\u2026.can you be here?\u00a0\u00a0Oh my love I\u2019ve missed you terribly.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He reached for her but she stepped back.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cShh, Ben.\u00a0\u00a0You cannot touch me but \u2018feel\u2019 that I am here.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Her hands hovered over his again, warming them from the cold.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI have come because it\u2019s Christmas, and to bring you a gift.\u00a0\u00a0I know you have struggled so much these last months.\u00a0\u00a0Oh Ben your burden has been great but my dear Ben you need to let go of it, all of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLet go of what?\u00a0\u00a0Inger I\u2026.don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYa, I think you do, Ben.\u00a0\u00a0Your fears, your pain.\u00a0\u00a0Ben I have never left you, and God has never left you.\u00a0\u00a0You must realize you are not alone on this journey.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0She raised her hand to point to the stars.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThis will be the sign to you<\/b>\u00a0my love. You taught me how you use the stars as a guide. But Ben, you have your faith too, and with faith comes hope.\u00a0\u00a0Let them guide you as well.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ben\u2019s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts but as he focused on Inger\u2019s lilting voice, his mind calmed and his heart beat to the rhythm of her words.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cInger, I…it\u2019s too painful. The boys need a\u2026..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Inger smiled at him, her blue eyes twinkling like the starlight around them.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cBen, Adam and Hoss need you, my love.\u00a0\u00a0You have all you need inside you to love them.\u00a0\u00a0Your faith is strong Ben.\u00a0\u00a0That is all you need to go on.\u00a0\u00a0I will be ever near and watching all of you my love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ben stared at Inger, soaking in all of her features until he realized she had faded away and all he could see was the moon\u2019s glow in front of him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ben breathed out, \u201cNo…Inger, no\u2026.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He stood rooted to the spot hoping to see her once more.<\/span><\/p>\n Inside the house, Adam tossed and turned, then cried out, \u201cPa!\u00a0\u00a0Mama!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Opening his eyes, he saw Joseph sitting beside him but not his own father.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPa!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam clambered out of the bed past Joseph and ran toward the door.\u00a0\u00a0Pulling on his boots and coat he hesitated for a moment when he heard Hoss cry out.\u00a0\u00a0Adam\u2019s eyes flicked over to Hoss, who was trying to climb out of the crate, and back to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n Joseph saw the conflict on the young boy\u2019s face.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cGo on Adam, go to your Pa.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ll take care of Hoss.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Adam hesitated but a moment, then pulled the door open and ran outside.\u00a0\u00a0When he saw his father leaning against the corral fence, he struggled through the snow to reach him.\u00a0\u00a0Ben was startled to feel small arms wrapped around his legs.\u00a0\u00a0Looking down he saw Adam\u2019s tear-stained face peering up at him.<\/span><\/p>\n Ben dropped to his knees in the snow and pulled his son to his chest.\u00a0\u00a0His heart beat fiercely at the feel of his son\u2019s small body next to his.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cPa, I didn\u2019t know where you were. I had a bad dream but then I saw Mama Inger. Oh Pa, I was afraid she had taken you with her.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He sobbed into his father\u2019s chest.<\/span><\/p>\n Ben eyes widened.\u00a0\u00a0What did Adam mean, he saw his stepmother?\u00a0\u00a0Ben looked up to the stars and saw one shoot across the sky.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n Ben heard Inger\u2019s words in his heart.\u00a0\u00a0A sign, a sign of his faith.\u00a0\u00a0Ben lowered his eyes and saw the questioning look from his son, but saw something else.\u00a0\u00a0Hope perhaps?<\/span><\/p>\n He took Adam\u2019s sweet face gently into his hands. \u201cI\u2019m here son, and I\u2019m not going anywhere.\u00a0\u00a0You mama is with us too, never far away from us.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Ben wrapped his arms around Adam and stood up.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cLet\u2019s go inside, son.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s Christmas Day and we have some celebrating to do.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Adam hugged his Pa\u2019s neck tightly, then rested his chin on Ben\u2019s shoulder as they headed back to the house.\u00a0\u00a0Adam saw the moon begin to sink behind the mountains, but then a soft glow obscured it.\u00a0\u00a0He raised his head, about to alert his Pa, when the sound of sweet laughter stopped him.\u00a0\u00a0He smiled and watched as the glow and laughter faded away, to reveal the moon once more.\u00a0\u00a0Adam whispered, \u201cMerry Christmas Mama.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ben heard his son and his heart was filled with a hope that he could go on. That was the gift Inger spoke of – the gift of Hope.\u00a0\u00a0As long as he had his sons with him, and kept his eyes up, he could go on.<\/span><\/p>\n Upon entering the home, Ben stood for a moment taking in the scene before him.\u00a0\u00a0Mary and Joshua were placing treats on the table, Joseph stood by the fireplace grinning, as Hoss crept, slithered and crawled toward his father.\u00a0\u00a0Still holding Adam, Ben squatted down and scooped Hoss into his free arm.\u00a0\u00a0Ben looked to his sons, his dark eyes alight with love.\u00a0\u00a0He whispered something to Adam which brought a grin and fierce nod of his head.\u00a0\u00a0At the sound of his father\u2019s voice, Hoss gurgled and clapped his chubby hands.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMerry Christmas to one and all!!\u201d they shouted in unison.<\/span><\/p>\n ——-<\/span><\/p>\n *Luke 2:8-14, KJV<\/span><\/p>\n To read the entire story surrounding A Heart of Hope, please click here -> A Christmas Journey<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Link to the 2017 Advent Calendar – Day 16 –\u00a0<\/span>A Performance to Remember<\/a> by Puchi Ann<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Ben Cartwright<\/p>\n
\n~~by AC1830<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n