{"id":3158,"date":"2011-05-01T23:50:57","date_gmt":"2011-05-02T03:50:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3158"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:25:26","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:25:26","slug":"the-solo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3158","title":{"rendered":"The Solo (by Fozrulz)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Ellie is asked to sing a solo at church – she doesn’t want to sing.\u00a0 Which brother helps her out? \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (7,440 words)
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Ellie has been asked to sing a Christmas solo. She\u2019s scared to death. One of her brother\u2019s comes to the rescue, which one?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Please note that the hymn \u201cBlessed Assurance\u201d was written in 1873. A few years after this story would have taken place. Please indulge me, its one of my favorites.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was Sunday morning<\/strong> and the younger children were sitting in the church alcove finishing their lesson. \u201cAll right children,\u201d Miss Walker said, \u201cwe will be singing some Christmas carols for the congregation in two weeks for our Christmas service. There is a solo, where one person sings by himself. Who would like to sing the solo?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Marybeth nudged Ellie, \u201cRaise your hand Ellie. You sing really pretty.\u201d Marybeth whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie shook her head no violently, \u201cUh,uh..no way, I don\u2019t sing in front of people.\u201d she whispered back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sing for your family.\u201d Marybeth whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo I don\u2019t. I sing with them not for them, it\u2019s different.\u201d Ellie whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, hemm, Marybeth and Ellie do you have something to share?\u201d Miss Walker asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, ma\u2019m.\u201d Ellie said quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, everyone, let\u2019s stand a say our final prayer. We will figure out the solo next week.\u201d Miss Walker concluded Sunday school with a final prayer.<\/span><\/p>\n

The children trooped off to find their families to sit with them at the church service. Ellie found her brothers and her Papa already sitting in their pew. Papa frowned at her tardiness. \u201cSorry Papa,\u201d Ellie whispered, \u201cI needed the necessary.\u201d She squeezed in between Adam and Papa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease open your hymnal to page 136 and we shall sing \u201cBlessed Assurance.\u201d said the Reverend. The congregation started singing. Adam lifted Ellie so that she was standing on the pew. She had such a beautiful voice, even at eight years old, she could belt out those hymns. She sounded like an angel. She sounded so amazing that people in the congregation turned around to see whose beautiful voice was singing. They knew it had to be a child. One by one, the people in the small church stopped singing so they could pinpoint that voice. Before you knew it, Ellie was the only one singing. She was so into the song she didn\u2019t realize she was the only one still singing. Her Papa was watching her with tears rolling down his face, my word, her voice was beautiful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie sang:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my story, this is my song,<\/span>
\nPraising my Savior, all the day long;<\/span>
\nThis is my story, this is my song,<\/span>
\nPraising my Savior, all the day long.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect submission, perfect delight,<\/span>
\nVisions of rapture now burst on my sight;<\/span>
\nAngels descending bring from above<\/span>
\nEchoes of mercy, whispers of love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When she finished, the entire congregation was staring at her. They started to clap, which startled Ellie out of her trance. When she realized they were staring at her, she flushed furiously and pulled on Adam to put her down. She just couldn\u2019t believe it, she was so embarrassed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, the Reverend quieted the congregation. \u201cThank you Eleanor,\u201d he said. He continued his sermon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie was so embarrassed she didn\u2019t listen to one single word of the sermon. She couldn\u2019t stop thinking of what she had done. Fortunately for her, she was so deep in thought she didn\u2019t even squirm or get a threat of a swat the entire service. Finally, the congregation stood for the final hymn, Ellie didn\u2019t dare open her mouth. She couldn\u2019t wait to escape.<\/span><\/p>\n

She grabbed her papa\u2019s hand. \u201cPlease Papa, can we go home?\u201d she asked pulling him toward the buggy. But, people kept stopping them and congratulating Ellie and Pa on her lovely voice. Several women came over making suggestions that Ellie and Adam sing for the church. Adam was well known for his rich baritone voice. Ellie just stood next to her papa holding his hand. She was looking for a way to escape. She spotted Hoss and broke free of Papa\u2019s hand and ran to Hoss. Hoss reached down and swung her on his hip. \u201cWow, princess who knew you could sing like an angel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked down at his empty hand and then looked up to see Ellie running into Hoss\u2019 arms. He sighed, she would be fine with Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I don\u2019t, I just want to go home. I can only sing like that for Jesus. Can we just go, please?\u201d Ellie said pleading with her big brother. Hoss carried her over to the buggy and dropped her in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, princess, ok, let me just get Pa and we\u2019ll be on our way.\u201d Hoss said hurrying over to his Pa. Adam met him on his way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Ellie?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the buggy, she\u2019s awful upset about somethin\u2019. I\u2019m trying to corral Pa, so we can git home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam glanced toward the buggy. He crossed his arms over his chest. I wonder what that was all about. She sings at home with me all the time. He walked over to the buggy. \u201cEllie, you ok?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna go home Adam. Can we go home, please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, Hoss went to get Pa, we\u2019ll leave in a minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh Sissy,\u201d Joe said walking up to the buggy, \u201cyou sure sounded pretty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie rolled her eyes, \u201cthanks\u201d, she mumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shot her a surprised look, he looked at Adam who just shrugged his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa walked over and got in the buggy with Ellie. \u201cEllie, Miss Walker wants you to sing the solo in two weeks for the children\u2019s choir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Ellie said shaking her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy ever not?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Ellie said emphatically shaking her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor!\u201d Pa said using his warning voice. Ellie was dangerously teetering on being disrespectful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie took a deep breath, \u201cDo I have to Papa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you don\u2019t have to. I think it would be a good idea to share your gift with the congregation. But, I\u2019m not going to make you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, then I don\u2019t want to.\u201d she said determinedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie\u2026\u201d Adam started.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d she said looking at him, her eyes brimming with anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk,\u201d said Pa, \u201cthe subject is closed for now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The family rode home from church chattering on about Christmas and getting the tree. Ellie didn\u2019t say a word, she was uncharacteristically silent. They arrived at home. Pa looked at the boys, \u201cHoss and Joe, please up the horses and the buggy and then everyone come in and wash up for lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie pushed her lunch around on her plate. Pa noticed that she hadn\u2019t eaten one bite. \u201cEleanor, eat your lunch, don\u2019t play with it.\u201d Pa demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not hungry, may I be excused.\u201d she said pushing her plate away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, eat four bites of everything and drink your milk and then, you may be excused.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie sighed and dragged her plate toward her and starting eating. She finished her milk and looked at her papa, \u201cNow, Papa?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa sighed, she was so tiny already, he hated that she didn\u2019t eat lunch. \u201cYou\u2019re excused.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie pushed her plate away and headed for the door. She grabbed her coat and had her hand on the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you going?\u201d Pa asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOut to see Shadow, he\u2019s probably freezing.\u201d she said. \u201cPapa, can I bring him in, just for a little while. Please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Finding it hard to deny such a request, Pa smiled. \u201cJust for a little while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Papa,\u201d Ellie said gratefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, how come Ellie don\u2019t want to sing at church. She sounds so pretty.\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Joe.\u201d Pa said shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think she\u2019s scared.\u201d offered Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cScared of what?\u201d asked Joe, \u201cshe just sang all by herself at church.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but she was so involved in the music, she didn\u2019t know she was singing all by herself until she was done.\u201d Adam said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? That don\u2019t make any sense.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, haven\u2019t you ever been so busy doing something, like reading one of those dime novels of yours that you don\u2019t realize someone is calling your name, like Pa for instance?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you kind of embarrassed when you figure out that Pa\u2019s been calling your name for five minutes but you didn\u2019t hear him, but you weren\u2019t doing anything wrong, but you still feel kind of silly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, I see what you mean.\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh Pa,\u201d said Hoss, \u201chow about we go get that tree today. Maybe we could take Ellie and Joe sledding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d asked Joe, \u201cI would love to go sledding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at Adam, \u201cHow about it Adam, this would give us some good time together as a family and get Ellie out of that cranky mood she\u2019s in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa,\u201d said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go hitch up the buckboard.\u201d said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie went out to the barn to get Shadow. \u201cCome on boy, Papa says you can come in.\u201d Shadow had dug himself under the hay, but didn\u2019t look like he was coming out. \u201cCome on boy.\u201d Ellie pleaded, moving the hay to unearth the hound. She grabbed his front paws and dragged him out. \u201cShadow, you\u2019re never going to believe this, that dumb ole Ms. Walker wants to me sing in church. Me? Can you believe it, she wants me to do a solo. That\u2019s where you sing by yourself. I ain\u2019t doing it. Papa said I don\u2019t have to. There is no way I\u2019m singing in front of all those people. I sorta ended up singing by myself in church today. I thought I was gonna curl up and die. Don\u2019t they understand I can only sing like that when Jesus wants me to? It\u2019s like Jesus says, \u201cGo ahead,\u201d you can do it.\u201d Ellie just yammered on petting Shadow who looked adoringly at her wagging his tail. \u201cWell come on, let\u2019s go in, I don\u2019t know how long Papa will let you in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss had been standing in the barn listening to Ellie\u2019s conversation with Shadow. He backed up a few steps to make it look like he was just coming out of the house into the barn. He needed to corner Adam later and let him know what Ellie had said. \u201cHeh Ellie, wanna go get the Christmas tree and maybe go sleddin\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A broad grin broke across her face. \u201cReally, Hoss, you\u2019ll take me sledding? How about Joe? Is Papa going, did he already say \u201cYes\u201d? Is Adam going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss caught her arm, \u201cYes, to all them questions. Go change out of your church clothes.\u201d he chuckled. That lil sister of his was a ball of fire, one minute all pouty and the next jumping up and down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie ran up to the house and banged the front door open. \u201cEleanor, the door.\u201d Pa hollered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Papa. Heh Papa, can I wear pants so I can go sledding?\u201d she asked. She knew Papa wasn\u2019t crazy about her dressing like a boy, but he normally let her to do chores and things like sledding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you may. You need to put on long johns and get your old gloves and hat. Come here so I can unbutton your dress.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie hurried over to him. Pa made quick work of the buttons and she ran up the stairs to change. \u201cDon\u2019t run on the stairs,\u201d he cautioned the fleeting figure of Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

She changed quickly and tried to braid her hair. \u201cDad gum hair, how come I cain\u2019t ever get it to braid.\u201d Ellie swore to herself. Joe had heard her swear as he walked by her door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSissy, better watch that swearing, you\u2019re lucky that Pa or Adam wasn\u2019t walking by.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie glared at him, \u201cDad gum ain\u2019t a swear word Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure it ain\u2019t Sissy, you gonna tell Pa that?\u201d he said laughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie thought about it. \u201cNo,\u201d she admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Didn\u2019t think so.\u201d Joe laughed. \u201cYou ready to go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, just have to put my boots on,\u201d said Ellie shoving her foot in her boot. \u201cI was going to ask Hop Sing to braid my hair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell shake a leg girl, I think we\u2019re all ready but you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie took off for the stairs, she ran down the stairs and ran right into Adam on the second landing. \u201cWhoa, Ellie what\u2019s the rush? How many times have you been told not to run on the stairs?\u201d he asked catching her in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

She squirmed away, \u201cLet me go, I want to ask Hop Sing, if he\u2019ll braid my hair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam laughed, \u201cWell that\u2019s fine, but you don\u2019t need to knock me over. We can wait an extra minute or two for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d she said pulling him down for a quick kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave her a hug and turned her toward the kitchen with a light pat on the bottom, \u201cGo on, ask Hop Sing to help you with your hair. We should be ready by then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing,\u201d Ellie called entering the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

The small Chinese cook came over to her. \u201cYes, missy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you please braid my hair? Hoss and Pa and Adam and Joe and me is going to get the Christmas tree and go sledding.\u201d she said excitedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk missy, ok, you stand still.\u201d chuckled Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Hop Sing.\u201d Ellie said turning around to give him a hug and a kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe good girl, now.\u201d Hop Sing called after her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d she hollered as she ran out the door. The door banged again, Hop Sing just shook his head. She ran out into the yard. Everyone was sitting in the buckboard waiting for her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019bout time slow poke.\u201d teased Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss had stepped down so he could lift her into the buckboard. He caught her up just as she was sticking her tongue out at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa really hated when the children stuck their tongues out at each other. Hoss put Ellie next to Pa, who reached over, lifted up her coat and gave her a hard swat on the bottom. \u201cEleanor!\u201d he admonished.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss turned away trying not to laugh. They were always telling her not to stick her tongue out lest Pa catch her and give her a swat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d she said rubbing her behind, swats sure hurt more when she had pants on. She looked at Joe, \u201cSorry, Joe.\u201d she said looking down. \u201cSorry, Papa.\u201d she said looking at her father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, well no more of that, let\u2019s go.\u201d Pa said as he clucked to the horses. He looked at the children, \u201cSledding or tree, which shall we do first?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTree.\u201d all four children chorused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s a first,\u201d he laughed, \u201cyou all agree.\u201d They took off in the direction of the northeast corner of the Ponderosa. They usually chose their tree from the pine trees on that piece of the property. The family just enjoyed each other for the next couple of hours while they road along in the buckboard. They arrived at the tree grove. The boys jumped out of the buckboard and Pa lifted Ellie out and put her on the ground. \u201cOk\u201d said Pa, \u201clet\u2019s go find the best tree.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Ellie ran ahead whooping and hollering. The rest just stood back and laughed. Adam and Hoss grabbed the axes from the back of the buckboard and followed along.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, what about this one?\u201d said Ellie pointing to a tall but scrubby looking tree.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, Sissy, look the branches are kinda skinny, we want one that has a bunch of branches, so we have lots of places to hang stuff on.\u201d said Joe shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie scowled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, what about this one here.\u201d said Joe pointing to one that was very full, but leaned a little to the right.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, it\u2019s leaning a little too much. We need one straight.\u201d said Hoss<\/span><\/p>\n

Then the whole family walked into a little clearing. In front of them was the most beautiful tree. They are sucked in their breath. \u201cThat\u2019s it isn\u2019t it Papa,\u201d asked Ellie looking at the tree.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think so baby, I think this is it. What do you think, boys?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDown right pretty.\u201d said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFabulous.\u201d said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, can me and Ellie go sledding while Adam and Hoss cut down the tree? asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at the tree and then looked at Joe and Ellie. \u201cWell\u2026.I\u2019d rather\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on Pa,\u201d said Hoss, \u201cyou can watch them and me and Adam\u2019ll get the tree. Ain\u2019t that right Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa cast Hoss a grateful look. He really didn\u2019t want the younger ones to go off by themselves. \u201cWell, if you sure you boys don\u2019t need me\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss just laughed, \u201cGo on Pa, otherwise it would be too late to do any sledding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss headed for the tree with the axes. \u201cOk, Hoss,\u201d asked Adam, \u201cwhat\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRead me like a book, huh, older brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou betcha, younger brother, you betcha.\u201d Adam smiled. He was very close to both his brothers and his sister. He could read all of them like books.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss walked over to the tree and swung with his axe. Adam took the next swing and they got into the rhythm. Whack, whack, whack. \u201cI heard Ellie talking to Shadow about that solo.\u201d Hoss said as he took a whack at the tree.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, she has some pretty funny conversations with that hound. What\u2019d she say?\u201d chuckled Adam taking his turn with his axe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomethin\u2019 about how she ain\u2019t singing in front of all those people and she can only sing when Jesus tells her to. I don\u2019t know, it really don\u2019t make any sense.\u201d Hoss stopped a minute, leaning in his axe handle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Adam wiping his brow with his coat sleeve. \u201cI\u2019ll have to talk to her about that. Let\u2019s finish up, I think this tree is about ready to come down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss took the final hit with his axe and the tree fell into the soft snow. Adam and Hoss hefted the tree into the back of the buckboard. \u201cLet\u2019s go find Pa and the young\u2019ins.\u201d said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Ellie had taken their sleds from the buckboard and raced through the clearing to a nearby hill. Pa didn\u2019t even bother to try and keep up. Adam had made them both brand new sleds for Christmas the year before, so their sleds were practically new. Joe and Ellie raced up the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRace ya, Sissy\u201d yelled Joe jumping on his sled swooshing down the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, no fair, you got a head start\u201d she yelled indignantly as she jumped on her sled and followed closely behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa watched from a close distance and laughed. This is what life was all about, watching his two precious babies having a grand time. He remembered a time when his two oldest went sledding. He stood there smiling at the memory. Joe and Ellie chased each other tirelessly up and down that hill. Then Joe signaled Ellie at the top of the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Joe?\u201d Ellie asked huffing and puffing as she crested the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSissy, want to have some fun?\u201d Joe said mischievously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, what?\u201d asked Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam and Hoss ought to be along soon. Let\u2019s make a pile of snow balls and ambush \u2018em when they come.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie laughed, \u201cOh, yeah, that would be great.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie and Joe made a bunch of snowballs in quick order. Just as they finished, they saw Hoss and Adam approach Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh Pa,\u201d asked Adam, \u201cHow\u2019s it going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, those two are having a grand time. I think they will both fall asleep before we get home, they have worn themselves out.\u201d Pa said chuckling. \u201cLet\u2019s round them up and head for home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss advanced on the hill. \u201cCome on Joe and Ellie, let\u2019s get on home.\u201d Adam called.<\/span><\/p>\n

The children just giggled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on you, two.\u201d Adam hollered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still no response except giggling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took a few steps closer, \u201cCome on you two, don\u2019t make me come up there and get you.\u201d he threatened.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the last word left his mouth, Joe yelled, \u201cNOW!!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss were pelted with snowballs, one after the other. The children were giggling hysterically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, is that how it\u2019s going to be\u201d growled Adam. He started making and throwing snowballs as fast and furious as he could. Hoss joined in and before they knew it, there were snowballs flying in all directions, hitting and missing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa walked toward the hill shaking his head. It was a sight to see, Adam and Hoss throwing snowballs at Joe and Ellie. Joe and Ellie throwing snowballs at Adam and Hoss. Pa couldn\u2019t help but laugh, until a snowball caught him square in the face.<\/span><\/p>\n

He wiped the snow from his face, \u201cWHAT IN THUNDER IS GOING ON HERE.\u201d he bellowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

All snowballs stopped in an instant, all four of his children looked at him, his face and his hair were covered in snow. They all burst out laughing. Pa started laughing. \u201cOk, everyone, it\u2019s time to go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww Pa\u2026Aww Papa, do we have to?\u201d he heard all four children whine.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we do!\u201d he said in mock severity as he shook his finger at all four. \u201cNow!\u201d he hollered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir\u201d they all said as they ran by him toward the buckboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss lifted Ellie into the buckboard. Pa grabbed the reigns and they headed for home. True to form, Ellie passed out before they even got on to the road. Adam lifted her on to his lap and wrapped an extra blanket around her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked sideways at Adam, \u201cJeez Adam, that girl would fall asleep in the middle of 4th of July fireworks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam laughed, \u201cShe\u2019ll out grow it eventually Joe. You two played really hard this afternoon.\u201d as he cuddled her a little tighter.<\/span><\/p>\n

They pulled the buckboard into the yard. Ellie was still fast asleep. \u201cPa you want me to wake her or take her up?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, let her sleep son, she\u2019s worn out.\u201d Pa said<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam carefully stepped out of the buckboard and headed toward the house with Ellie. He pushed the front door open with his foot and headed up the stairs. When he got to her room, he laid her on her bed and unwrapped her from the blanket. He pulled off her coat, hat and gloves and boots. He was just about to cover her with her quilt, when she woke up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, hi Adam, I fell asleep, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep princess, out like a light.\u201d Adam smiled nodding.<\/span><\/p>\n

She yawned, \u201cAddy, can I talk to you for a minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He knew something was really bothering her, she hardly every called him her baby name for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure princess, what is it?\u201d Adam said sitting down in the rocking chair next to her bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d she said as she slid off the bed and climbed into his lap. She put her head on his chest. He put his arms around her and settled her on his lap.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, what\u2019s bothering you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe solo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I thought you told Pa you weren\u2019t going to do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but there is a little voice in my head that says do it. I think it\u2019s Jesus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJesus?\u201d Adam asked startled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, it\u2019s like when I sang in church today. I normally can sing, but not like today. It was different, like someone else was singing, but it was me. Right before I sang, that same little voice said \u201csing, you can do it\u201d. I told the voice \u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d But, the voice said \u201cDo it for me! You know, it was Jesus was asking me to sing for him, that\u2019s why it sounded good. You know, because it was just for Jesus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Adam, \u201cI thought something was a little different today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo Addy, you think it was Jesus?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sort of. I think it was the Holy Spirit unlocking the key to your gift.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Ellie looked confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you know that God comes to us through God the father, the son, which is Jesus and the Holy Spirit? Right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh-huh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think the Holy Spirit was prompting you to do God\u2019s will, which must have been to sing this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Ellie said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, do you want to do a solo?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope, I don\u2019t like singing in front of anybody.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sing with me all the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s different, most of the time it\u2019s just you and me or just us, you know Papa, Joe and Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, don\u2019t sing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, I think Jesus wants me to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Ellie, this is one of those times you just put your faith in Jesus and he will carry you through and take away your fear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally!\u201d smiled Adam, \u201cOf course, I could help you practice and that might help to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Will you practice with me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, baby, I would love to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie let out a very contented sigh and a big yawn. Adam lifted her back onto her bed. \u201cYou want to take a little longer nap?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh Uh,\u201d she yawned, \u201cI\u2019m too big for naps.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure you are, baby.\u201d Adam chuckled. He reached for her hand. She jumped off the bed and put her hand in Adam\u2019s hand as they headed down the stairs to help decorate the tree.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time they got down the stairs, Pa and Hoss had already set up the tree and were working on the decorations. \u201cWell, \u2018bout time you too slackers got down here.\u201d Hoss said glancing at his brother and sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie started to stick her tongue out at Hoss, but remembered the swat she gotten earlier and settled for rolling her eyes at her brother. The rest of the afternoon, the family worked hard at decorating the tree. The tree was almost done, \u201cWe\u2019re ready for the angel, Pa.\u201d Joe said bringing the angel to Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa climbed the ladder and placed the angel on the top of the tree. \u201cPerfect,\u201d he said as he backed down the ladder. Ellie clapped, \u201cIt looks beautiful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing came in and bowed to Pa, \u201cMissur Cartwright, supper ready. You go wash, no dirty at supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard the man,\u201d said Pa, \u201cgo wash up for supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The children trooped off to wash for supper and headed for the supper table. They sat down to pork chops, green beans, and sweet potatoes, one of the family\u2019s favorite meals. Adam eyed Ellie, you could always tell when she was happy because she was eating more than a few bites. Ellie and Joe started yawning. The family finished dinner and headed for the great room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s an early bedtime for you two.\u201d said Pa noticing the big yawns coming from his youngest two.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww\u2026Papa, I\u2019m not tired.\u201d said Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe ei\u2026.ther,\u201d Joe said stifling a yawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s eyes danced, \u201cSure you\u2019re not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally Papa, me and Adam gotta practice.\u201d said Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPractice what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor the solo, silly.\u201d she said shaking her head as if her Papa was a little daft.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa started to protest that Ellie had said she wasn\u2019t singing. Adam caught his eye and mouthed \u201cLater!\u201d. Pa changed his tune, \u201cOh, well I think your practice can wait until tomorrow. You don\u2019t have school, so you should have plenty of time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAwww\u2026Papa, I don\u2019t wanna go to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Pa, I\u2019m too old to go to bed at 7:00.\u201d Joe complained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor! Joseph! One\u2026\u2026.., two\u2026\u2026\u201d Pa started counting.<\/span><\/p>\n

The children quickly said their goodnights and skirted by Pa\u2019s hand, to make sure they were out of reach of any impending swats. They knew better than to let Pa get to three. Pa grinned. \u201cI\u2019ll come check on you in a little bit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As they reached the hallway, Joe turned to Ellie, \u201cSissy, I thought you weren\u2019t gonna sing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t really want to, but I think Jesus wants me to and Adam said I should listen to Jesus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie just shrugged her shoulders and left Joe standing with his mouth open.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Pa heard the doors close to Ellie and Joe\u2019s rooms, he asked Adam, \u201dWhat in the world was that all about? I thought she said she wasn\u2019t singing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sat back and related the story as Ellie had told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, she thinks Jesus is telling her to sing?\u201d Pa asked incredulously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, that\u2019s about the size of it.\u201d Adam nodded his head in agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss whistled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what did you tell her?\u201d Pa probed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told her it was the Holy Spirit unlocking her gift.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa eyed his son. \u201cDid she understand that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shrugged his shoulders, \u201cI think she understood it as well as any 8 year old would.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa shook his head, \u201cYou know son, the Holy Spirit has prompted me many times in my life, I wasn\u2019t sure I understood it, even now. How can Ellie understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Pa, she just seemed at peace with it. I told her that when she got really scared, that Jesus would take all her fear away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa nodded, \u201cI think you\u2019re right son. God works his will in mysterious ways sometimes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides, I told her I would help her practice.\u201d Adam agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let me go check on our two \u201cnot tired\u201d young ones.\u201d said Pa getting up out of his chair and heading for the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

He stopped in Joe\u2019s room first. Joe was sitting on his bed reading one of his dime novels. He was so intent, he didn\u2019t even hear Pa enter the room. Pa cleared his throat. Joe looked up, his face fell when he realized Pa had caught him reading instead of being in bed. \u201cUm, hi Pa,\u201d he said sheepishly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa pulled Joe off the bed and gave him a hug and a light swat to the behind. \u201cJoseph, you have exactly two minutes to put your night shirt on and wash your hands and face, or\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir\u2026 \u201c Joe said hastily scrambling out of his clothes and pulling his nightshirt over his head. He had no intention of finding out what \u201cor\u201d was going to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa walked toward his door and turned to face Joe, \u201cI\u2019ll be back later, I expect to find you in that bed, young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir\u201d came the mumbled reply from beneath the nightshirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa moved on down to Ellie\u2019s room. He quietly opened her door. Ellie was sound asleep with one foot hanging off the bed and her arm wrapped around her favorite rag doll. Pa moved toward the bed and rearranged her so that all of her was under the covers. He dropped a kiss on her forehead. He walked back to Joe\u2019s room. He opened the door to see Joe lying in bed. Pa went in and turned down the lamp. He planted a kiss on Joe\u2019s curls, \u201cGoodnight, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Night Pa.\u201d Joe said yawning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa chuckled, no he wasn\u2019t tired at all was he.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning found Pa and the older boys sitting at the breakfast table. As on many previous mornings, the chairs of the two youngest Cartwrights were empty. Pa sighed, \u201cI guess those two were really tired. Hoss\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa was about to ask Hoss to go roust Joe and Ellie, when Ellie walked up to the table. \u201cGood Morning,\u201d she said yawning. She made her way over to Pa\u2019s chair to give him a hug and a kiss. He scooted his chair back and she crawled in his lap. She leaned against her papa\u2019s chest yawning. Pa chuckled giving her a hug and sliding her off his lap. \u201cSit down and eat, Ellie. Is your brother up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie looked at her papa as he put a waffle on her plate. \u201cYes, sir, he was getting dressed when I came down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Just then, Pa heard a bang on the bottom landing. Well, he guessed Joe was up. \u201cJoseph, stop running on those stairs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, Pa,\u201d said Joe sliding into his seat, \u201cMorning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you gonna help me practice?\u201d asked Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, baby, as soon as we get all our chores done. It\u2019s really too cold to do much else today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPapa, can I bring Shadow in for the day?\u201d Ellie pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa rolled his eyes, he really didn\u2019t like animals in the house. \u201cI guess so.\u201d he relented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Papa.\u201d Ellie got up to head outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me young lady, you did not finish your breakfast, nor did you get permission to leave the table.\u201d Pa said irritated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh sorry, may I be excused?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, finish your breakfast and your milk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie sat back down with a scowl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEleanor?\u201d Pa warned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie wiped the scowl off her face and finished her breakfast and her milk. \u201cMay I be excused?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked over to see the empty glass and empty plate. \u201cYes, put on your coat before you go to the barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Ellie said as she dashed out the door. Ellie entered the barn and went to the pile of hay where Shadow had buried himself. \u201cCome on Shadow, I know you\u2019re in here. \u201c she said as she dug through the hay. She unearthed an ear, then another and finally, the whole dog. \u201cCome on, Papa says you can come in. Guess what? I think I\u2019m gonna do the solo, you can help me and Adam practice. Come on.\u201d Shadow just looked at her with a sloppy grin, wagging his tail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie was entering the house as the boys were going out to do the barn chores. \u201cEllie, Pa wants you to stay inside instead of doing your outside chores, go help Hop Sing.\u201d Adam said as she passed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? I can do my outside chores.\u201d she retorted. She really hated inside chores.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know missy, don\u2019t get smart with me.\u201d Adam returned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u201d she harrumphed. She went and found Hop Sing in the kitchen. \u201cHop Sing, Papa wants me to help you instead of doing my outside chores.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, good missy, you bring dish to kitchen and then dry dish\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk.\u201d Ellie cleared the table very carefully and then dried each dish and stacked it on the little table in the kitchen. \u201cCan I be done Hop Sing, please?\u201d Ellie begged the Chinese cook.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked at the dishes stacked neatly, \u201cGood job missy, you go now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Hop Sing.\u201d she said as she gave him a hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie wandered into the great room to wait for Adam. She sat down in the blue chair and swung her feet back and forth. She wondered which Christmas carol she should practice. Would she get to pick or would the Reverend tell her which one. She started thinking of all her favorite ones, Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy, Angels We Have Heard on High, O Come All Ye Faithful and O Christmas Tree. Maybe Jesus would tell which one, after all, he was the one who wanted her to sing. Maybe she could ask Papa, she looked over at his desk. He was sitting there smoking his pipe and looking at papers.<\/span><\/p>\n

She jumped out of the chair and walked over to his desk. \u201cPapa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked up from his paperwork to see his youngest standing in front of his desk. \u201cDid you finish helping Hop Sing?\u201d he asked raising his eyebrows.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, he said I could be done.\u201d she answered nodding her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, hmmm, then what is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich Christmas Carol do you think I should practice?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, which one do you want to practice?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She shrugged her shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one is your most favorite?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, there are so many good ones.\u201d Ellie said shaking her head from side to side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you pray about it, I\u2019m sure you can figure it out with prayer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk.\u201d she said walking back to the chair. Shadow had stretched out on the rug in front of the fire place. Ellie stretched out next to him and rubbed his belly until his foot started to shake. She laughed. \u201cI found your tickle spot, Shadow\u201d she laughed again. She lay on the floor and pictured Jesus sitting next to her and she pictured herself sitting at his feet asking him which song to practice. She was still there when Adam came in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEllie, Ellie,\u201d Adam called her.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was oblivious.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam reached down to shake her foot. \u201cHeh, what are you day dreaming about?\u201d he asked smiling at her confused look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t day dreaming. I was talking to Jesus.\u201d she said indignantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s head came up quickly. This was sure to be an interesting conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked surprised, \u201cReally, you were talking to Jesus?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh-huh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout which song to practice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, did he tell you?\u201d Adam asked smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUmm..not exactly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell Papa said to pray about which song. So I pictured Jesus sitting here and me sitting at his feet. You know like not fer real, but in my head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam just nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, that\u2019s like praying ain\u2019t it?\u201d she asked looking to her Papa for confirmation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I just went song by song until I got to the one that made me feel, I don\u2019t know, like warm and fuzzy. I don\u2019t know, I cain\u2019t explain it. I think that\u2019s how Jesus told me which one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t miss a beat, \u201cSo, which one?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSilent Night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, princess, Silent Night it is. I\u2019ll go get my guitar.\u201d Adam started playing the chords and Ellie started singing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Silent night, holy night<\/span>
\nAll is calm, all is bright<\/span>
\nRound yon Virgin Mother and Child<\/span>
\nHoly Infant so tender and mild<\/span>
\nSleep in heavenly peace<\/span>
\nSleep in heavenly peace<\/span><\/p>\n

Silent night, holy night!<\/span>
\nShepherds quake at the sight<\/span>
\nGlories stream from heaven afar<\/span>
\nHeavenly hosts sing Alleluia!<\/span>
\nChrist, the Saviour is born<\/span>
\nChrist, the Saviour is born<\/span><\/p>\n

Silent night, holy night<\/span>
\nSon of God, love’s pure light<\/span>
\nRadiant beams from Thy holy face<\/span>
\nWith the dawn of redeeming grace<\/span>
\nJesus, Lord, at Thy birth<\/span>
\nJesus, Lord, at Thy birth “<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa had stopped his work to listen to his daughter sing. My word, she had the voice of an angel. Her voice was clear and high. Tears were running down his face when she finished. She looked over at her papa, tears welled up in her eyes, \u201cPapa, what\u2019s a matter, was it bad, what\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa looked at Ellie, trying to smile. \u201cI think that is the most beautiful song I\u2019ve ever heard in my whole life.\u201d he said as he crossed the room to envelope her in a hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d she said looking very relieved. \u201cYou think it will be ok for church?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think it will be very ok for church.\u201d he beamed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we need to run through the second and third verses, there are some words you\u2019re not sure of aren\u2019t there.\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I don\u2019t know this one and this one,\u201d she said pointing to some words on the sheet music.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, that is \u201cshepards quake\u201d and that is \u201credeeming\u201d said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

She sang the verses again a few times with Adam prompting at the hard words. She started getting off key and a little frustrated and she kept forgetting the hard words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMuch better,\u201d said Adam, \u201cI think that\u2019s enough for the day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, Papa can I go outside?\u201d asked Ellie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s too cold.\u201d Pa said shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Joe\u2019s outside. How come I can\u2019t go outside?\u201d Ellie pouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I said \u201cNo!\u201d and that\u2019s the end of it and I don\u2019t want to hear another word. Understand?\u201d Pa said firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie was getting mad, it wasn\u2019t fair, why did Joe get to be out and she had to stay in. \u201cBut Papa, that\u2019s not fair.\u201d she said stamping her foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a quick movement, Pa had grabbed her by the arm and turned her around and gave her a very hard swat. \u201cI said, I didn\u2019t want to hear another word.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut,\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa delivered another swat. \u201cUp to your room young lady. You can stay in your room until I call. Don\u2019t even think about opening your door.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie took off up the stairs crying and ran to her room, slamming the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam eyed his father. \u201cWhat was all that about, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe needs a nap, did you look at her eyes? Her eyes were all glassy. I could tell she was starting to get cranky. I\u2019ll go check on her in few minutes, I have a feeling she\u2019ll be fast asleep when I get up there.\u201d Pa said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled, \u201cYeah she was getting a little cranky at the end there. Do you want me to go check?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGive her about 15 minutes.\u201d Pa said knowingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam waited about 15 minutes and headed upstairs. He didn\u2019t hear any noise at all coming from Ellie\u2019s room. He opened the door to find her curled up on her bed fast asleep. He covered with a quilt and closed her door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d ya know, Pa?\u201d Adam asked as he descended the stairs into the living room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m her father.\u201d he said simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

The clock chimed noon. Hop Sing came into the great room to inform the family that is was time for lunch. \u201cAdam, would you get the boys? I\u2019ll get Ellie.\u201d Pa asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa walked into Ellie\u2019s room to find her curled up in the quilt still fast asleep. Pa put a gentle hand on her arm and gave her a little shake. She didn\u2019t move. He put one hand out to stroke her face and put one hand on her arm as he rolled her toward him. \u201cEllie, baby, time to wake up, its lunch time. Ellie, come on baby, its lunch time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie\u2019s eyes opened slowly. Her eyes were still a bit out of focus from being in such a deep sleep. As her eyes focused, she found herself looking into the smiling face of her father. \u201cHi, Papa,\u201d she said brightly. Ellie then frowned, remembering why she was in her room to begin with. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Papa.\u201d she said looking away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry for what?\u201d Pa asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry for being sassy earlier.\u201d she said still not looking at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa took her chin forcing her to look at him, \u201cAll is forgiven. Let\u2019s go have some lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk,\u201d she said grabbing his hand. Ellie and Pa walked hand in hand down the stairs to lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n

After lunch, she and Adam worked on some of the harder words in Silent Night. They practiced over the next two weeks until it was finally time for her solo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellie was nervous. She didn\u2019t say a word all the way to church. Pa lifted her out of the buggy and set her down in the yard. She didn\u2019t move. Pa held his hand out to her, \u201cCome on, Eleanor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I want to go.\u201d said Ellie shaking her head no.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam eyed Ellie. He bent down so that he was eye level with her. \u201cEllie remember how you told me when you prayed you pictured Jesus in your mind sitting next to you and you were sitting at his feet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, can you picture Jesus standing next to you holding your hand and you are singing just to him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you get really scared, I\u2019ll come sing with you, ok?\u201d Adam promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk.\u201d she agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

She walked in the church and took a deep breath. The reverend announced that they were going to have children\u2019s solo and then the children would sing some Christmas carols. The reverend motioned Ellie up to the front. She looked at her papa and Adam and swallowed. She slipped out of the pew and made her way to the front. She closed her eyes and pictured Jesus. The piano started to play and Ellie started to sing. She sang the entire song without one mistake. When she was finished, there wasn\u2019t one dry eye in the church. The congregation got to its feet and clapped. She was suddenly embarrassed and looked for her papa. He came to the front of the church and grabbed her hand. She followed him to their pew. She looked over at Adam and whispered, \u201cI did it Adam, I did it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave her a hug, \u201cYou surely did princess, you surely did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span>\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0Ellie is asked to sing a solo at church – she doesn’t want to sing.\u00a0 Which brother helps her out? <\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K+ (7,440 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":93,"featured_media":1229,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_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":""},"categories":[7,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-prequels","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":936,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3183,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3183","url_meta":{"origin":3158,"position":0},"title":"The 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