{"id":29192,"date":"2020-06-04T11:47:51","date_gmt":"2020-06-04T15:47:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=29192"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:39:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:39:16","slug":"a-fathers-parable-by-missjudy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=29192","title":{"rendered":"A Father’s Parable (by Missjudy)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> When Ben finds Adam to let him know it’s time to head home from a neighbor’s party, he can see that his son is upset and trying to hide it. Although his son won’t offer any information, Ben suspects Marie knows what happened, and once home, they’re able to put together the pieces of what 15 yr old boy overheard, and why he looked so stricken. The truth makes Ben seek Adam out for a father-son talk.<\/p>\n

Rating<\/strong>: K\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Word Count<\/strong>: 6024<\/p>\n

A Father\u2019s Parable<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben stepped outside Harvey Benson\u2019s barn after admiring the young farmer\u2019s new plow, and squinted when the bright afternoon sunshine stabbed at his eyes. The Cartwright clan had been at the Benson homestead since mid-morning for a church service led by a traveling preacher, followed by a party to mark the baptism of the Harvey and Eleanor\u2019s new baby. While it had been a pleasant day, the sun was already dropping into the western horizon, and Ben knew that even after he\u2019d suggest to Marie that it was time to head home, it would take another 45 minutes before the goodbyes were completed and they were on the road.<\/p>\n

When he could finally see clearly, he made a visual sweep of the yard hoping to round up his family quickly. The only one he spotted was Hoss, running in a pack of other kids his age. They might have been playing a game, but since it was the time of day when farm and ranch children knew chores needed to be done, he guessed they were simply enjoying their last minutes together in a free-for-all kind of fun.<\/p>\n

As he made his way across the yard, he saw the female member of the family standing in the doorway of the house, swaying side-to-side: a good indication that Little Joe was straddling the hip he couldn\u2019t see. This was confirmed when Marie moved to let another woman make her way inside carrying a crock, and he saw their three-year-old resting just where Ben imagined he\u2019d be. He wasn\u2019t surprised that after playing hard all day, Little Joe had sought his mother\u2019s comfort.<\/p>\n

Only his first son remained unaccounted for. He\u2019d last seen Adam hunkered into a corner of their wagon reading when the men had passed by on the way to the barn. The wagon was empty now, and a wider scan of the yard provided no further clue as to Adam\u2019s whereabouts. Since Hoss was closest, he headed there first.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d he called, when he got near enough to be heard. The boy ran up to him; his cheeks covered ear-to-ear with a smile, and flushed bright red with his activity. \u201cAre you having fun?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI surely am, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I don\u2019t suppose you\u2019ll enjoy hearing that we\u2019ll leave soon.\u201d The effect of the news was immediate, with the smile falling to a deep frown. Ben pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to dry the beads of sweat from his son\u2019s cheeks and forehead, and brushed away the crumbs from whatever sweets the boy had eaten recently. \u201cEveryone else will be going just as we are, so go back and enjoy your fun until we\u2019re packed up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tall, sturdily built 9-year-old turned back as he ran back to his friends. \u201cJust holler when you need me!\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben continued to look for Adam, he thought about the young couple who were hosting this get-together. There\u2019d been few people around when Ben and his boys had arrived in the area, but the beauty and resources nearby, along with a well-established trading post, had encouraged other sojourners to put down roots. Will Cass had purchased the post a couple years back, turning it into a good general store, and the community was growing slowly, but steadily.<\/p>\n

The Bensons arrived two years ago and were building a fine homestead. With the impending birth of their first child coinciding with the expected spring visit from the itinerant preacher shortly after that; the couple had seen the opportunity to host the church service and celebrate their baby\u2019s baptism. What they hadn\u2019t planned on, was that the birth would be long and hard, and Eleanor would still be recovering when word had come that the preacher would arrive in a few weeks. Despite being worn and fragile, she\u2019d assured her neighbors she could handle the upcoming event.<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s birth three-years earlier had been equally as hard, so Marie knew exactly how exhausted the young mother really was. She worried that with spring chores, a new baby, lingering physical problems, and a large event to plan and orchestrate, Eleanor would wear herself out and experience a health setback. Rather than waiting for this to transpire, Marie had stepped in and rallied the troops to take the pressure away. Ben had watched in awe as his petite powerhouse convinced the others that each of them bringing a dish to the picnic lunch would share the labor and allow the women to show off their cooking and baking skills. She\u2019d even convinced several of the husbands to deliver chairs and tables to the Benson\u2019s the day before, and help Harvey set up.<\/p>\n

When Marie had gone to tell the couple about the community\u2019s support, she\u2019d seen first-hand how much they were struggling with new parenthood added to all their other responsibilities at this busiest time of year. Ignoring their protests that they\u2019d manage, she\u2019d promised to send two hands from the Ponderosa to help Harvey catch up with spring chores and field planting.<\/p>\n

Ben had initially gritted his teeth when Marie had told him of her offer to their neighbors. He knew it was fruitless to explain that the Ponderosa was also in the midst of the busiest time of the year, because his wife\u2019s kind heart and solid faith gave her surety that her husband would comply with her request.<\/p>\n

Marie was not one to simply issue orders for others. She had returned to the Benson\u2019s to help with household chores and watch the baby so Eleanor could sleep. She\u2019d also taken Adam along to work up and plant Eleanor\u2019s kitchen garden.<\/p>\n

As Ben moved through the yard, he observed first-hand how much Marie\u2019s efforts had helped this family. \u00a0He cringed while asking heavenly forgiveness for his brief moment of indignation over her original request, and followed that with his thanks that his family had abundant resources and manpower \u2026 and a driving force like his wife to ensure that they were shared where needed.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cThere you are!\u201d Ben called as he rounded the far side of the house, and saw Adam hoeing the garden. \u201cIt\u2019s a shame the families with kids your age couldn\u2019t come,\u201d he said sincerely. \u201cBut the younger children enjoyed having you organize those games and chase them around most of the day. I\u2019m not surprised you had to slip away for a break from all the giggling and shouting.\u201d<\/p>\n

The oldest son nodded and smiled. \u201cThose kids don\u2019t really say anything when they play; they just make \u2026\u201d his lips and nose puckered into a sour expression. \u201c\u2026 noise!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might not remember it, but you played hard and noisily with your own little herd of friends when we were in the wagon train.\u201d Ben grinned at his son. \u201cAnd while I wouldn\u2019t say you were a noisy child in general, you did ask a lot<\/em> of questions from the time you could talk \u2026 and may I remind you that you started talking before you were a year old!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took a better look at the large plot where with the heads of bright green seedlings were pushing towards the sun in evenly spaced rows. \u201cThis is a huge garden!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup. Mr. Benson had the corners staked out when I came to plant it, and after I ran a string around the perimeter and saw how big it was, I asked Marie if she thought Mrs. Benson could handle the upkeep. She said to go ahead, and that we\u2019d help if they got behind. I was stretching my legs after sitting in the wagon, and noticed lots of small weeds springing up. Figured it would be easier to hoe them now instead of pulling them later.\u201d He grinned at his father. \u201cI\u2019ll come back in a couple of weeks and do the same thing, if that\u2019s all right with you. Mrs. Benson still looks real tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMost new parents do, son.\u201d Another quick look at the plot led Ben to think Adam had finished, until he noted a good-sized area bordering the house that hadn\u2019t been touched. He pointed to it. \u201cYou missed some over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy\u2019s gaze darted towards where his father was pointing, and then down at his feet. \u201cI decided to let that go \u2018til the end. With the doors open, there\u2019s a draft carrying conversations inside the house, straight out that window where I was working. I moved so no one would think I was eavesdropping.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s left brow rose. \u201cI doubt anyone would have thought that of you, yet it was the right thing to do.\u201d The right brow joined its twin as he noticed Adam\u2019s expression. His oldest son had always been a responsible, intelligent and intuitive child. He was also like every other child who occasionally pushed against boundaries of good sense, and then attempted to duck the consequences of their actions. When caught in such moments, Adam would admit the infraction and accept discipline with as much equanimity as the youngster could manage.<\/p>\n

But Ben also recalled times when his own fatigue and frustrations had allowed him to accuse Adam of irresponsibility, without seeking the facts. His son had learned early on to trust that his father would discover the truth, and that attempts to talk back or explain in the heat of the moment never accomplished anything. This wise conclusion on Adam\u2019s part had begun a tradition of brutally honest discussions once Ben could think clearly. In these conversations, the truth had been sought and exposed, apologies issued, and life lessons about dealing with decisions, both as a child and a parent, had been learned.<\/p>\n

What brought this to mind now, was that he had eventually discovered a tell in Adam\u2019s expression at such times: a wounded look in the boy\u2019s eyes that always indicated an incorrect assumption had been made by his father. Adam\u2019s eyes held that look now. Ben ran their recent conversation through his mind for a clue as to what put it there. All had seemed well until the boy had explained that unfinished strip of garden. He suspected there\u2019d be no answer: still he tried. \u201cDid something happen to upset you, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam heaved a sigh as he walked over and leaned the hoe against the house. \u201cI\u2019m just tired. If it\u2019s time to leave, I can ride back tomorrow and finish up.\u201d<\/p>\n

A quick smile from the teen did little to dispel Ben\u2019s certainty that something was very wrong. But he would only find out what had happened when the boy allowed himself to speak of it. \u201cMarie has the crates with our dishes and supplies packed and sitting on the table out front. How about you load that in the wagon, and I\u2019ll finish this last bit of cultivating.\u201d<\/p>\n

With Adam on his way, Ben grabbed the hoe, moving it quickly through the soft soil. His eyes popped open as the women\u2019s conversation carried clearly to his ears when he neared the open window\u2014just as Adam had reported. His exhaled breath sizzled through his clenched teeth like a burning fuse, as he stopped to listen. Marie was speaking: her words providing a solid clue as to what had wounded his son.<\/p>\n

Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

There were no delays on the trip home, yet it seemed to stretch on far longer than normal. Little Joe had become overtired while playing, and his brief rest on Marie\u2019s hip hadn\u2019t provided any relief. He was cranky; unwilling to accept comforting; unable to sit still, and was either caught in fits of laughing or on the verge of tears while crawling back-and-forth from his parents on the driver\u2019s seat to his brothers sitting behind them in the wagon bed.<\/p>\n

Frequent glances over his shoulder allowed Ben to see that Adam\u2019s jaw was set hard even as he ensured that Little Joe didn\u2019t launch himself too far during his trips over the seat. To their credit, both older boys were attempting to entertain the youngest, but he was simply too restless to concentrate on anything they tried.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to address his sons as he finally drove into the yard. \u201cI\u2019ll pull up to the house to unload the boxes. Then you two can get the horses unhitched and fed, and the wagon put away while we settle Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

There were few instances when Little Joe Cartwright could be put to bed early, but judging from the boy\u2019s droopy eyes and listlessness now that he was home, Marie decided that he would sleep through the night despite an early bedtime. Hop Sing quickly warmed a plate of buttered noodles that the child ate with one hand while resting his head on the table, using his other arm for a pillow.<\/p>\n

With the last of the buttery leftovers wiped from his cheeks and chin, Marie whisked him upstairs, changed him into a nightshirt and rocked him until his eyelids fluttered shut and stayed that way. Little Joe and Hoss shared a bedroom, but tonight she tucked her baby boy into the middle of the big bed in his parent\u2019s room. It was at the back of the house, so more sheltered from outside noise or the echoes from downstairs, and its heavy curtains made the room dark. Before slipping out the door, she lit a lamp on the dresser and brought the wick down to shed only enough light that Little Joe would know where he was should he awaken.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Marie stepped off the last stair into the living area to find her husband pacing the length of the room. \u201cYou look so serious, Ben,\u201d she said, walking towards him. Her tone was teasing, but when she noticed the look on his face, she became instantly worried. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

He took her hand and led her away from the kitchen where Hop Sing was unpacking the boxes and preparing supper. Reaching a distance where they wouldn\u2019t be heard, he finally said, \u201cI found Adam working in the Bensons\u2019 garden just before we left. He was done except for an area under the window, and when I teased him about missing it, he said he\u2019d bypassed it because he could hear the conversation going on inside the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s forehead wrinkled as her brows nearly met. \u201cOh dear. This isn\u2019t good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe had that agonized look he gets when he\u2019s hurt or confused, but he claimed he was fine<\/em>. I didn\u2019t question him further, and sent him to load the wagon while I finished hoeing. The conversation I<\/em> heard while working under that window, was distressing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much did you hear?\u201d Marie asked. Her jaw and fists clenched at thinking back to the last part of the afternoon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were talking \u2026 defending Adam\u2019s character, from what I could tell. A few other women added their thoughts, and then it got quiet. Who were you addressing, and more importantly, what prompted anyone to speak against our son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe who<\/em>, was Marjorie Freemont; the what<\/em> is less obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s expression softened. \u201cTell me what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything about today was lovely, and the women figured that as long as the kids were still happy and the men were occupied in the barn, we\u2019d get everything put back in order for Eleanor before we left. \u00a0By leaving the food out for the afternoon, people kept nibbling and there wasn\u2019t much to offer the Bensons in the way of leftovers, except for Marjorie\u2019s baked beans. That crock was still nearly full, and before she packed it away, she brought it inside to see if Eleanor wanted to keep some for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow does Adam fit into this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie pursed her lips and gave Ben her steeliest, \u201cbe patient\u201d look. \u201cEleanor deferred the offer, saying they looked good, but she\u2019d heard that a baby can get colicky if the mother eats gassy food. That refusal prompted an expression on Marjorie\u2019s face that resembled a building storm of embarrassment and anger.\u201d She stopped speaking as a look of sadness crossed her delicate features. \u201cI could understand that, Ben. It wounds one\u2019s pride to bring a dish that no one cares for, so I quickly said I\u2019d had some for lunch and would be grateful to take enough home for our dinner. I even said it was a shame that her crock was at the end of the food table, because people\u2019s plates were full by the time they got there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sadness vanished as Marie\u2019s fire returned. \u201cInstead of agreeing with me about the placement, or simply dishing some out for me, Marjorie fixed an evil look on me, and said she didn\u2019t want my pity, and it was unlikely they\u2019d be eaten at our home since it was Adam\u2019s fault they hadn\u2019t been eaten to begin with.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cThis was about her baked beans? What in tarnation did he do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing! I actually heard the exchange between them that she recounted to the other women. Marjorie stopped Adam when he was heading off the porch with his lunch, and asked if he\u2019d taken any of the beans she\u2019d brought. It was a recipe handed down through her family when they\u2019d lived in Boston, and she suggested he might like them since he\u2019d been born there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben groaned. \u201cWe all know how he feels about beans. What did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie chuckled tightly. \u201cHe thanked her for her thoughtfulness, but explained that he\u2019s never enjoyed baked beans, and the only time he eats them is when he\u2019s out with the herds and has no choice. \u00a0He actually winked at her, and said he knew she was a good cook \u2026 and then asked to be forgiven for refusing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The angry protector of her children huffed. \u201cAdam was sweet and sincere, and furthermore I saw him take a spoonful later when he went back for seconds. Knowing him, he noticed that they\u2019d barely been touched, and he didn\u2019t want her to feel bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMarjorie brings that same crock of beans to every community meal we have.\u201d Ben allowed a grin amid the serious conversation. \u201cThe flavor is fine, but she overcooks them until they\u2019re so sticky they could mortar a house and keep it standing for a hundred years.\u201d His cheek rose in a half-grin-half-grimace. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I got off track there. What happened next?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn all honestly, I thought she told that story to get a laugh, and it did. I was laughing when I reaffirmed Adam\u2019s admission that beans don\u2019t<\/em> sit well in his stomach, and we don\u2019t make him eat them at home.\u201d Marie stopped to draw a deep another deep breath. \u201cBut she wasn\u2019t kidding! My simple remark allowed some dark pit to open in her soul as she went on a rant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie looked down and took a moment to recall the next part of the conversation. \u201cIt began with a pronouncement that our son was the rudest child she\u2019d ever met, and his refusal to try her beans had made everyone else think they were bad, and therefore they wouldn\u2019t try them either. Her next issue was with us, saying that my admission that we don\u2019t make <\/em>him eat them is typical of the way we let him do whatever he pleases, and that explains why he\u2019s so vain and disrespectful.\u201d Marie sniffed, as she ran her hand across her cheeks to clear them of the tears that were escaping. \u201cI\u2019m sure my mouth dropped open when she went on to say that he openly flaunts his disrespect in front of everyone by calling me Marie instead of Mother.\u201d \u00a0The small woman stomped her foot. \u201cI didn\u2019t think it could get worse, but it did. Marjorie said she\u2019d seen him sitting in the wagon reading instead of playing with the other children or helping me, yet that\u2019s exactly what she\u2019d expect of him, because he\u2019s always got his nose in a book like he\u2019s something special. She\u2019s sick of hearing about how smart he is, and how he\u2019s going away to school one day. Her conclusion was that she didn\u2019t know how I could abide having such a pompous, charmless child. And unless we start disciplining him soon, he\u2019ll reach a point where no one<\/em> will tolerate him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben now fully understood the look on his son\u2019s face. \u201cDid others agree with her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the nervous-looking women I saw awaiting my response, I believe they were as shocked as I was, Ben. I didn\u2019t want to escalate her diatribe into a war, but I felt compelled to address the criticism that seemed to drive the remainder of her accusations.\u201d She stopped to look up into his eyes. \u201cI waited for everyone\u2019s attention, and then told them flat out that Adam and I had spoken about what he would call me as soon I arrived here with you. He wasn\u2019t a little boy anymore, and his reasons for not calling me Mother have nothing to do with disrespecting me or my position in the family. It was I who suggested we use Marie, and you approved. I finished by saying that what our son calls<\/em> me is merely a name we\u2019ve agreed upon. How he treats me, shows<\/em> his respect for me in each and every situation, and I never<\/em> want to hear anyone disparage his character over this again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reaching for her hand, Ben brought it to his lips. \u201cI\u2019ve always felt bad about trying to force him to call you Mother when we first got back. Thank God you made me ask him about it. It was so like Adam to reserve the title of Mother for the woman who\u2019d given him life, and to make a vow to her and himself that he\u2019d hold it sacred for her alone.1<\/sup> \u00a0Inger understood his reasoning too, and worked out a few endearing terms for him to call her.\u201d Ben winked at his wife. \u201cI was fortunate to have married women who are far smarter than I.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe important part is that you accepted his promise to Elizabeth, and allowed us to work out a solution.\u201d Marie wrinkled her nose and set her jaw to finish the report. \u201cAfter that, I had to consider whether saying more would end a lovely day with hard feelings. So \u2026 I took a deep breath, smiled and told Marjorie and the others that we\u2019d all had a long day, and suggested that being tired might affect someone\u2019s perception of an innocent incident. I finished by saying that while Adam is smart and unafraid to show how much he knows, it never overshadows his kindness, willingness to help, or detracts from his fine character.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cThat was a reasoned response.\u201d He grinned widely. \u201cI\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t punch her, which is what I assume you wanted to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sent her husband a scathing look, and then smiled. \u201cMy \u2026 reasoned \u2026 response allowed others to speak up, saying that Adam had played<\/em> with the children most of the day, allowing the adults to enjoy conversations during lunch without worrying about their kids. Vanny Johnson stepped forward saying that Adam is always helping out. She was even brave enough to remind Marjorie that Adam had spent days at her house fixing her barn and house roofs after that wind storm came through while her husband was ill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m thankful they remembered the real Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d prayed hard and fast for the words that would let me get my point across without causing more ill-will. \u00a0To her credit, Marjorie finally laughed, even if a bit stiffly, as she apologized for letting her tiredness overtake her good sense and<\/em> her tongue. She apologized to Eleanor for bringing a cloud over their wonderful day, and claimed It was I\u2019d proposed. She\u2019d gotten up early to prepare a dish that no one ate, and as she became embarrassed over that, she\u2019d let a harmless comment by a sweet young man fester in her heart. Her apology continued with her professing that the horrible things she\u2019d said had surprised her as much as everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid she say that because it was true, or because her words were contradicted?\u201d Ben frowned as he waited for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly she knows that, Sweetheart. We both know that most times the mouth speaks\u00a0what the heart is full of,2<\/sup> and while those words \u2018slipped\u2019 out today, they probably slipped from a place of familiarity. She also forgot that she\u2019d declared Adam\u2019s flaws came as a result of our bad parenting. I imagine Marjorie holds the common opinion that children should not be allowed to have their own ideas or pursue their own dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and I recognize that a healthy, imaginative mind is as important in raising a child as a healthy body. No child should ever be blamed <\/em>for being intelligent, having a quick mind or being truthful.\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cIt has always been interesting to watch how people respond to our oldest child. If they talk with him, they realize he\u2019s just a kid with a huge capacity to learn and absorb everything he can about life.\u00a0 Others, like Marjorie Freemont, are insecure in the face of his intellect and candor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marie wrapped her arms around her husband and hugged him tightly. \u201cThis is all true and easily seen by us. But Adam, despite his intellect, is a 15-year-old who heard those horrible words. He\u2019s hurt and confused.\u201d She reached up to touch Ben\u2019s cheek. \u201cI know that talking about feelings isn\u2019t easy for you or Adam, but you\u2019d already be out there tending to him if he had a physical wound. Yet wounds to the spirit at his age are just a deadly. So \u2026 my love, get going. He needs you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll broach the subject with him after I send Hoss in. When we\u2019ve talked it out, the four of us can bring our supper outside and enjoy the sunset.\u201d<\/p>\n

She chuckled. \u201cAre you thinking an outdoor supper will be a lovely way to end the day, or shall we abandon the house to keep Joseph from waking up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shot her a wink as he stopped at the door. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam was hanging the last of the heavy harnessing on the tack hooks when Ben entered the barn. He asked the eldest to remain, while telling Hoss, \u201cGo wash up and head inside \u2026 quietly! If you slam the door and wake your brother, you\u2019ll be in charge of him until he wears out again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tiptoe, Pa. If Little Joe wakes up now, he won\u2019t settle back down til midnight.\u201d The boy turned back to hold a finger to his lips as he neared the door and approached it with exaggeratedly slow steps.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Ben flipped a heavy feed bucket over near the stalls, and sat down. \u201cJoin me, Adam. I\u2019d like to talk before we head in.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lanky young man came over quickly, and dropped onto a pile of fresh straw. \u201cIs something wrong, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

A cagey grin slipped onto the man\u2019s face. \u201cI heard you told Mrs. Freemont you didn\u2019t like her beans.\u201d<\/p>\n

The blush was instant. \u201cNot her <\/em>beans, Pa. Anyone\u2019s beans. I made it into a joke about me, not a comment on her dish.\u201d His cheek twitched up. \u201cIs that what set her off?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had suspected the truth. \u201cSo \u2026 you heard what she said.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s why I moved. I didn\u2019t mean to listen, but I when I realized she was saying those things about me, I sort of froze. Was she honestly that angry because I refused her beans?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re an intuitive person, Adam. Do you believe it was about beans?\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy\u2019s head moved side-to-side. \u201cShe shot a wide load of buckshot for a simple offense, and made it clear that she finds nothing redeemable about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben reached forward to touch his son\u2019s arm. \u201cYou should know that Marie defended you, and Mrs. Freemont admitted that her pride was wounded when no one ate her dish, and she took it out on you.\u201d Instead of seeing relief, the haunted look he\u2019d seen earlier returned to Adam\u2019s face. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t seem to ease your mind.\u201d No words came from Adam\u2019s lips, but his father could see the infinitesimal changes of expressions that revealed how hard his son was thinking through his answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate that Marie stood up for me, Pa. It\u2019s just that \u2026 well \u2026 she shouldn\u2019t have to. My refusal might have sparked Mrs. Freemont, but those accusations didn\u2019t just pop into her head.\u201d He grabbed a piece of straw and began breaking it apart as he sighed. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019m being odd or disrespectful or superior, but if that\u2019s how others see me, then maybe I\u2019m fooling myself and Mrs. Freemont is right in her opinions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The youngster\u2019s eyes were dark and searching when he looked over at his father. \u201cPa, should I stop reading and talking about things that excite me so I don\u2019t make other people uncomfortable?\u201d He blew out a long breath and seemed to deflate as he leaned forward onto his knees. \u201cIt\u2019ll probably be best if I stay home when there\u2019s a party, and keep my mouth shut when I have<\/em> to be around others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s mind raced back to a time when he\u2019d told his parents he wanted to sail the seas. He\u2019d been unable to stop talking and reading about it, and he and his folks had engendered similar judgments from their \u201cfriends.\u201d He too had heard harsh criticisms that he\u2019d gotten too big for his britches and that he was a horrid son for denying his parents their investment by leaving when he was finally old enough to earn his keep. There\u2019d also been the suggestion that his parents were too lax in his upbringing, thus ensuring his rebellion.<\/p>\n

Years onboard a ship had given him plenty of time to consider those ugly opinions, and a sermon in a dockside chapel in Boston had helped him realize an important personal lesson that might help Adam now. He finally cleared his throat and pointed at a covered barrel. \u201cAdam, how could you estimate the amount of feed in there without looking inside?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s cheek pulled up and his lips formed a thin line as he eyed his father warily. \u201cIt\u2019s heavy when it\u2019s full, and it would lift more easily if it\u2019s on the empty side.\u201d His cheek rose further. \u201cDo you want me to check?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled. \u201cThat would let you know that it wasn\u2019t full, but how can you estimate how much is actually in it?\u201d<\/p>\n

A one-sided smile broke the serious set of the boy\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019m not sure where this is leading, but I could knock on the outside. It will sound the most solid where there\u2019s feed, and have an empty echo where there\u2019s air.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect. Now, if you heard a wagon approaching, how could you tell if it was empty or full without ever seeing it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The smile was firmly etched as he responded quickly. \u201cThe same way as the box. A loaded wagon has volume \u2026 solidity. I\u2019d hear the wheels grinding hard against the stones and packed soil. An empty wagon rattles and creaks. It rides lighter and you can hear the wheels bounce over uneven ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben relaxed back against the stall boards. \u201cA wise preacher once told me that people are containers just like a barrel or a wagon, and you can tell a lot about them by listening to how they sound. When a person has a full life; they\u2019re solid and sure. You hear that in their words and see it in their actions. Those solid-sounding people know who they are. They have faith in God that fills them with truth, love and kindness, and their fullness is never diminished by using their gifts. But there are others who attempt to fill themselves,<\/em> thinking they have all the answers. This usually leads to filling their emptiness with distrust, anger and judgment. But those things aren\u2019t solid. They\u2019re like yeast; they ferment and grow until all those mixed-up feelings overflow in a sour mess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stealing a quick look at his son to make sure he was still listening, he continued, \u201cIt would seem easy to say that these people are bad, but we can\u2019t judge them either. Maybe they were horribly hurt along life\u2019s road or they were never taught how to seek the good in others. Saddest of all, they probably were never shown how to find their own goodness and purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben slid from the bucket down into the straw to wrap his arm around his son. \u201cWhen someone\u2019s life isn\u2019t full of good things, they may view others who are solid and sure with suspicion. It\u2019s even harder for them to understand how a young person can be filled with the confidence that they still struggle to find.\u201d His arm tightened around Adam\u2019s back. \u201cYou aren\u2019t perfect, son, but your vessel and wagon are filling with wonderful qualities, and your question about whether you should change how you<\/em> act to ease another\u2019s<\/em> discomfort in their response to you, is fruitless. \u00a0Trying to lighten the load in your wagon \u2026 or empty your vessel of who you are, will never help to fill anyone else. It\u2019s better to forgive those who hurt you, keep them in your prayers and move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam bit his upper lips, and sighed without speaking.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d hoped the explanation he\u2019d given would bolster his son and relieve the pain and doubt caused by Marjorie\u2019s word, yet Ben could see that there was still a sliver stuck in the wound. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Adam? I can\u2019t help if I don\u2019t know what\u2019s bothering you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for everything you\u2019ve said \u2026 but \u2026 Mrs. Freemont\u2019s words weren\u2019t just about me. She thinks it\u2019s your fault that I act as I do.\u201d Another sigh. \u201cYou\u2019ve always allowed me to pursue the things I enjoy as long as I do what\u2019s expected in our family too. I guess I never realized that others would judge you because my ideas aren\u2019t exactly like everyone else. So, despite what you said, I think it would it be easier for this family if I would keep quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben snorted. \u201cNothing will become easier by denying the gifts God has given you. Marie and I will continue to do as we see best for this entire family, and your job is to keep filling yourself with truth, compassion, and knowledge. There is no easy path through life, Adam. But you\u2019re on a good one.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy\u2019s posture relaxed and he leaned into his father\u2019s embrace. \u201cIf I\u2019m on a good path, Pa, it\u2019s because I\u2019m following yours. I\u2019ve seen how you handle everything and how you treat people my whole life, and following your analogy: your wagon is full too. The same was true of Inger, and now Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t speak for the pride he felt. Ben rose, pulled Adam up and nudged him towards the door. \u201cYour mother was so full of life and love that I had to become a better man to deserve her, Adam. She always found the good in each person and situation, and was the smartest, and gentlest person I\u2019d ever encountered. You are definitely her child.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they moved together into the yard, Adam began chuckling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man faced his father, and grinned widely. \u201cI was thinking about how people must picture you as a wagon pulling up behind them, especially if they\u2019re pretty sure they\u2019ve done something wrong. At those time, they hear a team of 20 draft horses pulling a heavily loaded, steal-clad, monstrous wagon bearing down on them, and they shake in their boots wondering whether you\u2019ll pass by or are coming for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grinned back. \u201cDoes that description come from personal experience?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cWay too many times to count, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

1<\/sup>The explanation of why Adam never called Marie, Mother, comes from my story, Sacred Promises\/Malicious Games<\/em>.<\/p>\n

2<\/sup>For the mouth speaks\u00a0what the heart is full of.\u00a0 Matthew 12:34<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Summary: When Ben finds Adam to let him know it’s time to head home from a neighbor’s party, he can see that his son is upset and trying to hide it. Although his son won’t offer any information, Ben suspects Marie knows what happened, and once home, they’re able to put together the pieces of what 15 yr old boy overheard, and why he looked so stricken. The truth makes Ben seek Adam out for a father-son talk.<\/p>\n

Rating: K\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Word Count: 6024<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":15687,"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":[1016,23,41,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29192","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-pa","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-prequels","wpcat-1016-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-30-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\/normal_BENUNWANT4.png?fit=396%2C400&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29192","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\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=29192"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29192\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/15687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=29192"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=29192"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=29192"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}