{"id":4324,"date":"2001-09-27T19:18:45","date_gmt":"2001-09-27T23:18:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4324"},"modified":"2026-04-03T01:19:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T05:19:30","slug":"whatever-it-takes-series-4-mustard-seed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4324","title":{"rendered":"Whatever it Takes series – #4 – Mustard Seed (by Wrangler)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: Paralyzed after suffering a rare stroke, Little Joe will need faith the size of a mustard seed in order to fully recover.\u00a0 Rating T, WC 45,000 Fourth in the Whatever it Takes series, links to all stories in the series included.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whatever It Takes Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whatever it Takes<\/a>
\n Absolute Faith
\n<\/a>A Part of the Main<\/a>
\nMustard Seed<\/a>
\nTo Help a Stranger (by Deb)<\/a>
\nOf One Breath<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Mustard Seed<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall be moved; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Saint Matthew 17:20<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright walked<\/strong> back over to the grandfather clock at the entranceway of the ranch house.\u00a0 He pulled out his pocket watch to make sure he was reading the clock right.\u00a0 Ben frowned when he realized that it was right on the money.\u00a0 It was one in the morning and still no sign of his youngest son.\u00a0 Joe had been told to come home after he finished his chores but obviously had chosen to be disobedient.\u00a0 That was beginning to be the norm for the boy.\u00a0 He was in a deep rebellion stage and Ben could not for the life of him figure out why.\u00a0 Though Joe had always been of a volatile nature, still, he wasn\u2019t known for such blatant failure to obey his father.<\/p>\n

Ben sank down in his chair by the fireplace and stared into the burning embers.\u00a0 He thought of how different each of his three sons were.\u00a0 Adam the dependable one.\u00a0 Hoss the big hearted one.\u00a0 And then there was Joseph.\u00a0 He had always been the child who had provoked his father the most.\u00a0 His quick temper came so easily to the boy that Ben wondered if it wasn\u2019t in some way inherited instead of a learned behavior.\u00a0 Joe could be the angriest and yet the most sentimental of all his sons.\u00a0 He was like a walking vile of mercury and as hard to handle as nitro.<\/p>\n

Ben knew that some of Joe\u2019s behavior of late was due to his jealousy of his brothers.\u00a0 He felt that they were treated differently than he was.\u00a0 Ben sighed deeply, he knew he had always tried to treat the boys equally but sometimes found himself leaning on the older two more than the third child.<\/p>\n

Releasing Ben from his thoughts, the door opened and Joe walked in quietly. He undid his gun belt and tossed it on the credenza.\u00a0 Taking off his hat, he noticed his father waiting up for him.\u00a0 He frowned at the thought.\u00a0 He had hoped he would make it to his room before he had to come up with an alibi as to where he had been at such a late hour.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis ought to be good.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stated as he folded his arms across his chest and waited for Joe to join him in the living room.\u00a0 Joe strode slowly over to the settee and waited for what was to come.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d\u00a0 Ben began.<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders noncommittal.\u00a0 \u201cWell what?\u201d\u00a0 He replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s after one o\u2019clock.\u00a0 Weren\u2019t you told to come home after you finished your chores today?\u00a0 Or should I say yesterday?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m too tired to fight, Pa.\u00a0 Can this lecture wait until tomorrow?\u201d\u00a0 Joe muttered starting to show signs of anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook at me when I talk to you.\u201d\u00a0 Ben commanded and approached his wayward son.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up as he had been instructed and Ben caught sight of the boy\u2019s bruised face.\u00a0 He moved closer to inspect it and Joe pushed his father\u2019s hand from his cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am okay.\u201d\u00a0 Joe insisted, still trying to avoid direct eye contact.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hear it.\u201d\u00a0 Ben put his hands on his hips and waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had a fight in the bar.\u00a0 It was no big deal.\u201d\u00a0 Joe said and stood.\u00a0 He wanted to beat a fast exit to the stairs but Ben\u2019s body blocked him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t!\u00a0 I want to hear all of it!\u201d\u00a0 Ben raised his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is all of it.\u00a0 I had a couple of drinks, got in a fight and came home.\u00a0 End of story.\u201d Joe snapped back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch your tone of voice, Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 Ben warned.\u00a0 \u201cWhat has gotten into you lately anyway?\u00a0 You have been so hard to live with.\u00a0 You mind telling me why?\u00a0 Or do I have to stand here guessing all night?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s you!\u201d\u00a0 Joe spat out and then noticed his father looked like he had been cut.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u00a0 Now what have I done?\u201d\u00a0 \u201cYou treat me like a kid, Pa.\u00a0 I am twenty-two years old now.\u00a0 But, you treat me like I am still a baby.\u00a0 You trust Adam and Hoss with all the important stuff and I get the same old jobs.\u00a0 I feel totally like a ranch hand.\u00a0 Maybe I should be out in the bunkhouse or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stared into Joe\u2019s burning green eyes and saw hurt behind them.\u00a0 It was as he originally thought; Joe was jealous of his brothers again.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, Joseph and we will talk\u2014not shout at each other.\u201d\u00a0 Ben insisted and Joe reluctantly took a seat opposite his father.\u00a0 He stared down at the floor, feeling guilty for having shouted at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you know that I put you in charge of the horses.\u00a0 I thought that is what you liked best of all.\u00a0 Has that changed now?\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s voice was softer now as he fought to win back his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s not that I don\u2019t like that.\u00a0 But, it gets old watching Hoss and Adam being in charge of the timber crews and the herd and just about everything else important to this ranch.\u00a0 While I continue to be the baby brother who breaks the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben leaned back in his chair and his mind searched for something to help the situation.\u00a0 \u201cI have given you many responsibilities over the years, Son.\u00a0 And you have always done a great job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but always with Adam and Hoss breathing over my shoulder.\u00a0 The other hands all turn to them and brush me right off.\u00a0 No one really respects me around here.\u00a0 I\u2019m still just the kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that being the youngest is at times difficult for you.\u00a0 But then, being the oldest and being the middle child also have there down sides too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just don\u2019t understand.\u201d\u00a0 Joe shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cCan I go to bed now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll talk again in the morning.\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded and watched as Joe\u2019s sad form ascended the stairs.<\/p>\n

The next morning at breakfast Joe was the last one to join the family in the dining room.\u00a0 He quietly took his seat without uttering a morning greeting.\u00a0 He drank his coffee as his brothers all chatted on.<\/p>\n

\u201cShort Shanks, you look like the mouse the cat dragged in.\u00a0 What\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked passing his brother some more coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d\u00a0 Joe responded.\u00a0 He still didn\u2019t look at the others around the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to come out to the timber camp, Joe?\u00a0 We could use an extra hand out there.\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked and that got Joe\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cHand?\u00a0 Is that what I am to you, Adam?\u00a0 Just a hired hand?\u201d\u00a0 Joe questioned vehemently.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not what I meant at all, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam had hurt in his response.\u00a0 \u201cI just meant\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was cut off by Joe as he left the table in a huff.\u00a0 Then they all braced themselves for the slam of the front door.\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t let them down.<\/p>\n

Ben folded his hands and rested his head on them.\u00a0 He knew he had to do something to bring back Joe\u2019s sense of purpose.\u00a0 Explaining to his other two sons what had gone on the previous night, Ben came up with a plan.<\/p>\n

After both Adam and Hoss had left for their day of work, Ben met Joe out on the front porch.\u00a0 He told Joe to come inside, and Joe responded very slowly to the order.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure if he was going to get another lecture, and was really not much in the mood for one.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have something for you to do.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said as he walked into his study and sat down.\u00a0 Joe took a seat next to his father and waited.\u00a0 \u201cThe herd needs to be moved.\u00a0 Looks like winter is coming early this year and we have to get the entire herd down to south shore before we get snowed under.\u00a0 It\u2019s gonna take a lot of work to do it in just ten days.\u00a0\u00a0 I figure we\u2019ll be lucky if we make it in time.\u00a0 So, you choose the best hands for the job and you handle it on your own.\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked up to see the expression on his son\u2019s face.\u00a0 The boy looked totally bewildered by what his father had said.<\/p>\n

Joe thought of how important his task would be, and he wondered internally if he really could gather the scattered herd in time to make the long trek to safe grazing land.\u00a0 Joe also knew the value of the cattle and realized that his father was trying to show him that he did indeed trust him to handle it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are doing this because of last night, aren\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked cautiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m doing this because I trust you to accomplish it.\u201d \u00a0Ben replied smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Hoss and Adam?\u00a0 They gonna be in on this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they are busy with their own assignments.\u00a0 This is all yours, Joseph.\u00a0 You are on your own.\u00a0 Here is a bank draft for the money you will need for everything.\u00a0 You can cash it today if you\u2019d like.\u00a0 But, I suggest you get started right away.\u00a0 You\u2019ve got a whole lot to do in a short period of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took the piece of paper from his father\u2019s hand and looked into his eyes.\u00a0 Then came the smile, the one that let Ben know he had won back his youngest son.<\/p>\n

\u201cPiece of cake.\u201d\u00a0 Joe laughed and patted his father on the shoulder.\u00a0 He turned to leave and Ben watched the proud saunter the boy now had.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Night settled over the ranch house<\/strong> and the three oldest Cartwrights sat in the living room discussing their long day.\u00a0 They each secretly worried about Joe, but no one uttered a word.\u00a0 An hour later Joe appeared coming in the front door.\u00a0 He wore a very tired countenance as he walked across the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d it go, Son?\u201d\u00a0 Ben called over to him, stopping Joe from his march to the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything is fine.\u00a0 I already got the men and we are hitting the trail at daybreak.\u00a0 Think I\u2019d better turn in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, this is a tough job.\u201d\u00a0 Adam started and watched as Joe turned toward him.\u00a0 \u201cPa picked the right man for it.\u201d\u00a0 Adam continued and noticed a smile crease his brother\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2014Little Brother.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss chimed in.\u00a0 \u201cGlad he got you and not me!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight.\u201d\u00a0 Joe nodded to them all to signal that he knew of their intentions and appreciated their vote of confidence.<\/p>\n

By the third day of the drive everything seemed to be going against progress.\u00a0 One hired hand got hurt and had to be sent into Virginia City.\u00a0 Another hand got good and drunk and almost started a stampede. \u00a0Joe had the feeling he was losing the battle.\u00a0 He sat by the campfire drinking his coffee as his friend Renny walked up to him and kneeled down on one leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay, Boss?\u201d\u00a0 Renny flashed his crooked smile at his friend.<\/p>\n

Joe shook himself from his worries and smiled back at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust tired that\u2019s all.\u00a0\u00a0 What about you?\u00a0 I thought you already turned in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t as tired as you, Joe.\u00a0 You really have been pushing yourself!\u00a0 You did more today than half the trail hands here.\u00a0 You got to slow down a little. This is tough country to drive them steers through.\u00a0 It only takes one wrong move and we\u2019ll send those cows all over the hills.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got it under control.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna have those cows to south shore in four more days.\u201d\u00a0 Joe insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cFour?\u00a0 I thought you said we had ten days to drive \u2018em?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to take any chances, Renny.\u00a0 The weather can turn on us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Renny put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and stared into the hazel eyes.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, Joe, I\u2019ve known you since we was in school.\u00a0 That\u2019s not the reason and you know it!\u00a0 You are trying to prove something to your old man, right?\u201d\u00a0 Renny tried to force the truth out of his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014maybe so.\u00a0 But, you never know about the weather either.\u00a0 I will get them there and have three days to spare.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your Pa will be so proud of you.\u201d\u00a0 Renny teased playfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not only him.\u00a0 I want to see the looks on Hoss and Adam\u2019s faces when they find out too.\u201d\u00a0 Joe revealed his motives at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you better get some sleep.\u201d\u00a0 Renny slapped Joe on the back and walked back over to his bedroll.\u00a0 Joe couldn\u2019t sleep.\u00a0 He felt his body controlled by one hundred per cent adrenalin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want us to go check on him, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked noticing the way his father wore a far away stare.\u00a0 It had been five days since Joe had last walked out of the ranch house and his absence was felt by all.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I promised Joseph that the three of us would stay out of his way.\u00a0 No peaking over his shoulder.\u00a0 He still has five more days.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll make it.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said but Hoss could read the worry on his father\u2019s face as he spoke the words.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then I\u2019m going out to the timber crew and bother Big Brother for awhile.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss laughed trying to break the tension.\u00a0 He patted Ben\u2019s arm as he stood from the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was only one more day left to beat the self-imposed deadline.\u00a0<\/strong> Joe leaned back against his saddle and pulled up his blanket.\u00a0 He had pushed the men hard, and himself more than anyone.\u00a0 He was having trouble sleeping at night and pushed himself to the limit each day.\u00a0 Joe knew he could make south shore by sunset the next day and then looked forward to his triumphant return home.\u00a0 He visualized the faces of his family when he would tell them what he had accomplished.\u00a0 That thought brought a broad smile to his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey.\u201d\u00a0 Renny said kicking the bottom of Joe\u2019s boots.\u00a0 \u201cYou got my spot.\u201d\u00a0 He teased Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must be your spot\u2014it has more rocks than anywhere else in camp.\u201d\u00a0 Joe responded and pulled another stone out from under his bedroll.\u00a0 Renny spread out his bedroll next to Joe and looked over at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe\u2014you don\u2019t look so good.\u00a0 You feeling okay?\u201d\u00a0 Renny noticed Joe\u2019s face seemed drawn and very pale.\u00a0 Even from the light from the campfire he could see the exhaustion that Joe\u2019s face displayed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Renny.\u00a0 Honestly, you fuss over me like an old mother hen.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cStill\u2014you just don\u2019t look right.\u00a0 You hurting or something?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo\u2014my dang arm just fell asleep\u2014I\u2019ve been trying to wake it up for awhile now.\u00a0 Guess I laid on it funny.\u201d\u00a0 Joe rubbed his left arm to bring back the circulation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure that\u2019s all?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s all!\u00a0 Now stop running your mouth and get to sleep!\u00a0 We have twenty more miles and then this job is finished.\u00a0 And you can tell the rest of the guys that the drinks are on me as soon as we reach Virginia City.\u201d Joe grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014I already told them that!\u201d\u00a0 Renny laughed.\u00a0 \u201cWhy do you think they haven\u2019t mutinied yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo to sleep.\u201d\u00a0 Joe whispered and rolled onto his side pulling his hat over his eyes.<\/p>\n

Renny galloped over to where Joe sat on Cochise staring at the sight of the south shore of Lake Tahoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did it!\u201d\u00a0 Renny yelled and slapped Joe\u2019s back hard.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo we all did it.\u201d\u00a0 Joe would not take full credit.\u00a0 \u201cYou all did a great job and I will see to it that there is a bonus in all of this too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA bonus and free drinks!\u00a0 I hope I work with you again.\u201d\u00a0 Renny laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, get a couple of the boys to stay with the herd.\u00a0 I\u2019ll send some replacements out when I get back to the ranch house.\u00a0 Then, you all can go and whoop it up at The Silver Dollar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Boss.\u00a0 Oh, enjoy your success when you tell your family!\u00a0 Try to be a little humble, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot on your life!\u201d\u00a0 Joe cracked a smile and broke into his laugh.\u00a0 He turned Cochise toward the ranch house.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t wait to get home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong> Adam called surprised to see his youngest brother walk in the door.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Pa!\u00a0 Joe\u2019s back!\u201d\u00a0 He called and Ben and Hoss walked out of the kitchen with their coffee cups.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Son?\u201d\u00a0 Ben approached Joe worried that there had been a problem moving the herd.<\/p>\n

\u201cProblem? No problem.\u00a0 The herd is grazing at south shore now.\u201d\u00a0 Joe grinned and stood proudly waiting for his family\u2019s surprised looks.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeven days?\u201d\u00a0 Adam called as he joined the other three by the door.\u00a0 \u201cYou got the entire herd to south shore in seven days?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u00a0 And didn\u2019t lose any either.\u00a0 I just sent a couple of the hands from the bunk house over to relieve the last of my men.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Adam and Hoss clapped Joe on the back happily.<\/p>\n

\u201cWay to go, Short Shanks!\u00a0 I knew you could do it!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss said exuberantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood job, Joe.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think any of us could do as well as you did.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes gave way to the compliment he had paid his brother.\u00a0 Joe felt the sincerity of it pass straight through to his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks brothers.\u201d\u00a0 Joe turned toward his father.\u00a0 \u201cYou haven\u2019t said much, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still trying to figure out how you did this!\u201d\u00a0 Ben laughed and then ruffled Joe\u2019s hair affectionately.\u00a0 That was something he wouldn\u2019t have even thought of doing a week ago, but it came natural and Joe showed in his eyes that the gesture was accepted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, think I\u2019ll turn in.\u201d\u00a0 Joe announced.\u00a0 He made it half way across the room and had to stop at the arm of the settee.\u00a0 He sat down abruptly right there.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked as he neared his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy leg\u2014it just went numb all of a sudden.\u201d\u00a0 Joe started massaging his left leg briskly.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s probably just from being in the saddle so long today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked back and forth between Adam and Hoss and wondered what the problem with Joe really was.\u00a0 Joe stood again and took a few precarious steps and turned around to stare into the worried faces of his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay now\u2014see?\u00a0 I just need to stretch out awhile.\u201d\u00a0 Joe reassured his family and started again for the stairs.<\/p>\n

The other three family members noticed how Joe\u2019s gait was suddenly different.\u00a0 He favored his left leg and leaned heavily on the banister.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have Doc Martin come and check him tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0 Ben told his other sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Pa, you worry too much.\u201d\u00a0 Adam protested and put his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s probably just like the kid said\u2014he\u2019s just tired.\u201d\u00a0 Adam spoke the words but didn\u2019t feel their meaning in his gut.<\/p>\n

The older members of the family took their seats at the breakfast table.\u00a0 Joe had not yet awakened and they all were in agreement that the boy needed some extra rest that day.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do know why Joseph pushed himself so hard don\u2019t you both?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked sipping his coffee and turning to look at his two sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cWanted to show us all that he could do it and do it better than anyone else.\u00a0 He\u2019s lucky he didn\u2019t kill himself, the cows and the hands pushing them so hard.\u201d Adam stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he did it.\u00a0 That\u2019s all that should matter now.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss replied and passed around the food.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe we can take him out and celebrate his victory.\u00a0 What do you say, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the three of you deserve a day off.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you go and wake him now, Hoss?\u00a0 Tell him the good news.\u00a0 It ought to perk him up enough that he\u2019ll join us for breakfast.\u201d Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, but if you hear screaming it\u2019ll mean he ain\u2019t ready to get up yet!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss laughed and walked up to his brother\u2019s room.\u00a0 He entered the bedroom and walked over and pulled up the blinds to cast sunlight into the room and into Joe\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 After years of waking his little brother up, Hoss had figured out the best way to do it.\u00a0 Next he would shake him or pull out the pillow under his head.\u00a0 That usually did the trick.<\/p>\n

Hoss approached the bed and stared down at his brother.\u00a0 It was only then that he noticed something was terribly wrong with the boy.\u00a0 Frightened for Joe, Hoss hurried out into the hallway.\u00a0 Panic took over his voice as he yelled down for help.\u00a0 Ben and Adam almost collided on the stairs as they ran to see what was wrong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All three Cartwrights circled around Joe\u2019s bed.\u00a0<\/strong> Ben made his way over to the head of the bed and reached down to touch his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u00a0 Can you hear me, Son?\u201d\u00a0 Ben called softly trying to bring him around.\u00a0 He had noticed the same thing that Hoss had noticed originally.\u00a0 Joe was lying on his back; his entire left side of his body seemed contorted and not aligned with the right side.\u00a0 The left side of Joe\u2019s face looked lax and lifeless, while the right side looked totally normal.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you get Doc out here as quick as you can.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stared into Hoss\u2019 crystal blue eyes and could see the fear in them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u00a0 What is wrong with him?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss insisted on an answer before he would move.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u00a0 Go get Doc.\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied and cast a glance at Adam, who he could tell had already made his own diagnosis.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back quick as I can.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss said and hurried out of the room.<\/p>\n

Adam neared his father and youngest brother.\u00a0 He put his hand on Ben\u2019s right shoulder for the comfort he knew he needed at the moment.\u00a0 They both stared down at Joe, neither of them wanted to say what they thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s too young\u2014it can\u2019t be.\u201d\u00a0 Adam whispered trying to dispel the haunting thoughts creeping into his head.\u00a0 Ben turned and Adam caught the glimmer of tears in his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

He knew what his father was thinking, and deep down inside he also knew that he was right.<\/p>\n

It had been a wild fast ride back from Virginia City with Doctor Paul Martin holding his breath as Hoss Cartwright steered the team of horses back to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Rather shakily the doctor stepped out of the carriage and made his way into the ranch house accompanied by Hoss.\u00a0 Doctor Martin had no idea as to the extent of Joe Cartwright\u2019s injuries.\u00a0 He had only been told that something was terribly wrong with the boy.<\/p>\n

Entering Joe\u2019s bedroom the two men made their way over to the bed.\u00a0 Ben stood from the chair and made room for the doctor.\u00a0 Paul started by checking Joe\u2019s pulse and then examining his pupils for reaction to light.\u00a0 The right eye seemed fine and to be focusing, but the left eye seemed slower to respond.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, can you hear me?\u201d\u00a0 The doctor asked.\u00a0 Joe could do no more than make some guttural sounds and slightly nod his head.\u00a0 The doctor took out a small pin and poked different areas on Joe\u2019s left side.\u00a0 He started with the bottom of his foot and then moved upward.\u00a0 Paul frowned, as he saw no reaction to his sharp pokes.\u00a0 Reaching Joe\u2019s left arm, he found that also to be unresponsive to touch.<\/p>\n

The doctor touched the left side of Joe\u2019s face and noticed how it drooped down in comparison to the right side.\u00a0 He then noticed the fear that took over in the patient\u2019s good eye and saw the young man reach out with his right arm for his father.\u00a0 Ben grabbed his son\u2019s hand and could feel the vise-like grip it had.\u00a0 Joe was trying to send a message to his father.\u00a0 A message Ben already knew.\u00a0 Joe was frightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be okay, Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 Ben whispered and looked up into Paul\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 The doctor sighed and shot back a very worried glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I need to talk to you downstairs.\u201d\u00a0 Paul said and closed his medical bag.\u00a0 He had chosen not to talk about Joe\u2019s condition in front of the frightened young man.\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t need to hear it just yet, he reasoned.<\/p>\n

Ben made the move to release his hand from his son\u2019s grip but Joe refused to let go and hung on desperately.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2014I will be right back.\u00a0 Just let go a second, okay?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked trying to remain calm.<\/p>\n

Joe tried to utter something but no one could understand what he was trying to say.\u00a0 Finally, Ben turned toward Hoss for help.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss take over for me awhile will you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s eyes were now pleading.\u00a0 As much as he hated to let go of Joe, he knew he had to speak with the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, there, Short Shanks, you want to try wrestling me instead?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss smiled and carefully pried Joe\u2019s fingers loose freeing his father\u2019s hand.\u00a0 Hoss grabbed up his little brother\u2019s hand in his own and watched as the doctor followed both Ben and Adam out of the room.<\/p>\n

Where are they going? Pa needs to stay here with me, I\u2019m scared.\u00a0 Big Brother, I know you are trying to help me but I need Pa this time.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know what the hell is happening to me.\u00a0 I can\u2019t feel the whole left side of my body.\u00a0 I can\u2019t talk, nothing is coming out like I want to say.\u00a0 God, they all look scared too!\u00a0 I saw the way the doctor looked at Pa\u2014he has bad news to tell him and they wanted to say it somewhere that I can\u2019t hear it.\u00a0 Hoss, go get Pa\u2014bring him back in here\u2014I need him to tell me I\u2019m gonna be okay. <\/em> Joe stared at his brother wishing he could tell him verbally what was going on in his mind.<\/p>\n

Hoss tried to put up a good front to look unconcerned, but he was failing miserably.\u00a0 His bright blue eyes had clouds in them.<\/p>\n

He was scared stiff for his younger brother and it showed.\u00a0 Hoss continued to hold Joe\u2019s hand and talk soothingly to the boy.\u00a0 All the while, he wished he were downstairs finding out what was going on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA stroke?\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0 Ben\u2019s voice shook as he asked the question for the second time.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s too young\u2014it can\u2019t be!\u00a0 Maybe he\u2019s been poisoned\u2014or bit by something.\u00a0 Both of those could cause paralysis, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, Ben.\u00a0 We have to talk rationally now.\u00a0 I need some facts.\u00a0 What has Joe been doing lately?\u201d The doctor sat opposite from Adam and Ben on the settee.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been driving the herd to the south shore pasture.\u00a0 Just got back yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he take a fall\u2014or have something else happen while he was out there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t mention anything.\u201d\u00a0 Ben thought again of the previous evening and was just about to remark about the incident with Joe\u2019s leg when Adam chimed in.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast night\u2014when he was getting ready to turn in.\u00a0 He stopped right here and sat on the arm of the couch and said that his leg had gone numb on him.\u00a0 He said it was okay a few minutes later, but he sure held onto the banister going upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

At that moment there was a knock on the door and Adam walked over to answer it.\u00a0 Before him stood Renny Miller.<\/p>\n

\u201cRenny\u2014\u201d Adam started.\u00a0 \u201cI am afraid you caught us at a bad time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard.\u00a0 I was in town when Hoss went to get Doc.\u00a0 I needed to talk to you all.\u201d\u00a0 He insisted and Adam led him into the living room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d\u00a0 Ben stood as Renny approached them all.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I heard there was something wrong with Joe, it reminded me about some things that happened out on the trail.\u00a0 Thought you all might want to know about them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that would help us out greatly.\u201d\u00a0 Doctor Martin nodded toward the young man.<\/p>\n

Renny sat down in the chair next to the doctor and began.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe was pushing us all real hard to beat that ten day deadline.\u00a0 He wanted to bring the herd to the south shore in seven days.\u00a0 Guess he was trying to prove something to you all, I don\u2019t know why.\u00a0 Anyway, you\u2019d just have had to have seen how he was.\u00a0 He worked to the point of exhaustion.\u00a0 By the end of the day when the rest of us were sleeping, Joe was still up and sat worrying about whether he would accomplish what he wanted to do.<\/p>\n

Then we lost one of the men to a broke leg and another man Joe kicked off the drive due to drinking.\u00a0 It was one thing after another the whole time.\u00a0 I saw Joe lift a steer out of a bog with his bare hands.\u00a0 Something that even his brother Hoss would have had to strain to do as big as it was.\u00a0 I started noticing that Joe looked real shaky like\u2014and he kinda looked sick or something.<\/p>\n

Whenever I would ask him about it he would shrug it off.<\/p>\n

The last night on the trail he said his arm went numb.\u00a0 His left arm.\u00a0 But he said that he probably laid on it funny.\u00a0 Things just didn\u2019t seem right though.\u00a0 But, I figured he\u2019d be okay once he got back home.\u00a0 When I heard Hoss getting the Doc out here for Joe I got worried.\u00a0 What is wrong with him, Doc?\u201d\u00a0 Renny could not help feeling concerned about his friend and it showed as he asked the last question.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had a stroke.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor answered and then turned his attention back toward Ben.\u00a0 \u201cThe boy just pushed himself too hard is all I can figure.\u00a0 His body just couldn\u2019t handle the strain of it.\u00a0 Yes, it is very unusual for someone Joe\u2019s age to be stricken like this.\u00a0 But, it does happen, Ben.\u00a0 I saw no indication of signs of poisoning.\u00a0 Renny, did he get bitten by a snake or anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Doc, never mentioned anything.\u00a0 And I was with him just about the whole time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think so, but I had to ask.\u201d\u00a0 Paul sighed and watched how the room filled with a sudden gloom from each member of the family and also Joe\u2019s friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s gonna happen now?\u201d\u00a0 Adam was the first one to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it all just depends.\u00a0 Some stroke victims never recover and some get partial usage back.\u00a0 Then, there are some that get back full usage of their affected areas.\u00a0 It will take a lot of therapy and it will be very slow going I\u2019m afraid.\u00a0 But, I have seen that kid upstairs beat everything he has ever had thrown at him.\u00a0 I\u2019m counting on his stubbornest to beat this.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor tried to sound optimistic, and yet not offering any false hope.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we tell Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 Ben choked out, he was trying to fight back his tears.\u00a0 He knew all too well how the boy would take the bad news.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou tell him the truth, Ben.\u00a0 He probably is up there thinking it already.\u00a0 Joe is a smart young man.\u00a0 You can\u2019t keep this from him.\u00a0 Would you like me to tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood and looked over at Adam and also Renny.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I will talk with him.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded wanting to be the one to help Joe with the fears this would bring out in him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am going to write up a strict menu for Hop Sing to fix Joe.\u00a0 We have to use only soft foods for a while.\u00a0 He may have some difficulty in swallowing.\u00a0 We need to encourage him to try to talk, but, it may be hard for you all to understand what he is saying for a while.\u00a0 Just be patient with him.\u00a0 We will wait a couple of days and then start with some therapy.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor stood and reached over and patted Ben on the back affectionately.\u00a0 \u201cRemember what I told you, Ben.\u00a0 Joe has come through a whole lot of ailments, which would have killed off anyone else.\u00a0 Keep that in mind.\u201d\u00a0 Paul walked toward the door followed by Renny.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for coming out so quick, Paul.\u00a0 And thanks, Renny for what you told us.\u201d\u00a0 Ben called over to them both.\u00a0 Renny nodded over to the worried family.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou tell Joe I am betting on him too.\u201d\u00a0 Renny said and left the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back this evening, Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019ll bring that menu plan and speak to Joe about all that we want to accomplish with his therapy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Doc.\u201d\u00a0 Ben tried to smile but didn\u2019t have it in him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sank down on the settee next to Adam<\/strong> and dropped his head down into his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2019mon, Pa.\u00a0 Doc is right.\u00a0 If anyone could beat this it\u2019s that ornery cuss laying upstairs.\u00a0 The kid just craves a challenge.\u00a0 You know that!\u201d\u00a0 Adam tried to comfort his father with his words and with his arm around the other man\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he hadn\u2019t pushed himself so hard to prove himself to all of us, this may never had happened.\u201d\u00a0 Ben whispered, his tone full of deep regret.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw his face when he walked in here last night.\u00a0 He was happier than I\u2019ve seen him in ages.\u00a0 It\u2019s something that Joe himself wanted to do.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t force it on him.\u00a0 Besides, maybe he was trying to prove himself to someone other than us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked into Adam\u2019s dark eyes bewildered by his statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo himself, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled and saw his father nod his head in agreement.\u00a0 No matter what the reason for Joe\u2019s stroke, it had happened and now they had to all do their best to cope with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve gotta go tell him, Adam.\u00a0 This isn\u2019t going to be easy.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stated and stood.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll handle it, Pa.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry.\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied and watched as his father slowly ascended the stairs.\u00a0 He could see in the older man\u2019s countenance the pure dread he was feeling.<\/p>\n

Ben paused before walking into his youngest son\u2019s bedroom.\u00a0 He tried to summon up what strength of spirit he had in order to tell Joe the bad news.\u00a0 He knew Joseph better than Joseph knew himself.\u00a0 Ben knew how he\u2019d take it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Ben started trying to sound uplifting.\u00a0 \u201cI believe I\u2019ll take that hand from you now.\u201d\u00a0 Ben moved to take Hoss\u2019 place from the bed and took Joe\u2019s hand into his own.\u00a0 \u201cI think Adam wants to see you for a moment, Son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stared into Hoss\u2019 eyes and the big man knew that his father was giving him a sign that he needed to speak with Joe privately.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back in a few minutes, Little Brother.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss patted the boy\u2019s arm and left the room.<\/p>\n

Ben could already see Joe\u2019s eyes questioning him as he started to reveal what was going on with his condition.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, first I\u2019d like to tell you that I think this is a very strange way for you to get some time off from work.\u00a0 \u201c Ben tried to smile as best he could but saw the fear burning in his son\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI know this is very frightening.\u00a0 It would be for anyone.\u00a0 But, you are going to recover.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tried to mouth the words but only part of his face could be controlled and his voice would not come.\u00a0 Ben could tell what he was trying to say.\u00a0 He wanted to know what was wrong with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019ve had a stroke.\u201d\u00a0 Ben remarked trying to let the word come out less deadly than it sounded.\u00a0 \u201cBut, you can recover from it.\u00a0 The Doc said in some cases patients get full usage after some therapy.\u201d\u00a0 Ben could feel Joe\u2019s hand going lax and he pulled away from his father.\u00a0 He brought his right hand up to his face and covered his eyes.\u00a0 The tears that fell only came from his right eye now.\u00a0 Ben moved to sit next to the boy on the bed and carefully pulled him close to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is going to be all right, Joseph.\u00a0 You just pushed yourself too hard this past week it was just too much for your body.\u201d\u00a0 Ben whispered as he felt Joe\u2019s tears fall on his neck.\u00a0 There were only muffled sounds coming from the boy\u2019s throat.\u00a0 His father knew how badly Joe wanted to talk to him; he could feel it in the way Joe clung to him with his right arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are going to be able to speak, Son.\u00a0 You just need some therapy for awhile.\u201d\u00a0 Ben reassured as he helped lay him back down on the bed.<\/p>\n

Pa\u2014how could this be happening to me?\u00a0 I can\u2019t have a stroke\u2014I am too healthy for that.\u00a0 Old people get strokes.\u00a0 You say I will be able to talk and walk again?\u00a0 How? \u00a0I don\u2019t feel anything on the whole left side of my body?\u00a0 What\u2019s gonna change that?\u00a0 Or is it that you don\u2019t really want me to know what\u2019s going on.\u00a0 Are you trying to protect me\u2014or are you telling me the truth?\u00a0 I want to ask you, Pa.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cCan you try to talk, Joe?\u00a0 Even if it\u2019s only a grunt, it would be a start. Try for me will you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben encouraged the boy and saw how he fought to try.\u00a0 After a few minutes a dull moan came from deep within Joe\u2019s throat and Ben patted his shoulder as if it was a great accomplishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good, Joe!\u201d\u00a0 Ben said exuberantly.\u00a0 \u201cYou might not know it now, but it means that there is a good chance that you will soon be able to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes again, and Ben\u2019s heart just about broke as he watched a solitary tear fall from the boy\u2019s right eye.\u00a0 Ben reached for Joe\u2019s hand again and held it tight.\u00a0 He watched as Joe finally fell off to sleep.<\/p>\n

Later that evening all three Cartwrights sat with Doctor Martin in the living room discussing Joe\u2019s condition. Hop Sing had been sitting for hours with Joe and was still at his bedside waiting for him to awaken.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should think about having Joe admitted to a hospital where he could get some therapy, Ben.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor started.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are four people here to do just that, Paul.\u00a0 The boys and I have already talked this over this afternoon.\u00a0 We are prepared to do whatever it takes<\/strong> in order to help Joseph.\u00a0 All we need from you is step by step instructions on what to do with his therapy.\u201d\u00a0 Ben was determined to take care of his son, as were Hoss and Adam.\u00a0 Ben couldn\u2019t stop the memories that were now haunting him of another time when Joe had been placed in a hospital in San Francisco.\u00a0 There had been four months of waiting for him to recover that time without a single visit to see Joe.\u00a0 That separation was unbearable for the whole family and Ben knew he\u2019d never let it happen again.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you insist.\u201d\u00a0 Paul looked at the determined faces of all those around him and sighed in defeat.\u00a0 He knew how grueling Joe\u2019s therapy and recovery would be and worried about the toll it would take on the entire family.\u00a0 But, Paul had seen all of this before, and it did not come as a surprise.\u00a0 The Cartwrights would close rank and plow head on during a crisis; especially if it concerned Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do first, Doc?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss broke in.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ve got to get some food in him.\u00a0 I brought some glass straws for his liquids.\u00a0 It will help him right now as he may not be able to swallow easily.\u00a0 Then we will write up a regular routine and it is important to follow it daily.\u00a0 We will work on exercising his left side, his arm and his leg.\u00a0 Then we will work on his facial muscles and also his speech.\u00a0 It may cause a lot of frustration in the boy, it will be very slow going.\u00a0 It will take all the will power he has to over come this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe will.\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cHow many times have we sat in this living room and discussed our worry over an injury or illness Joe had?\u00a0 The kid is a medical marvel isn\u2019t he, Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul laughed at the thought.\u00a0 \u201cI must admit that Joseph had been a steady customer since before he even learned to walk.\u00a0 He should be in the medical journal by now.\u00a0 I have even spoken to my colleagues about his endurance.\u00a0 And here we are again, up against all odds but knowing that stubborn cuss will recover no matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s stubborn.\u00a0 And yes, what you have said is true in the past.\u00a0 I just worry about his fears right now.\u00a0 I saw desperation in those green eyes earlier today.\u00a0 I know he thinks that this is a permanent thing.\u00a0 We have to get through to him that it isn\u2019t\u201d Ben responded wearily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am about to do that right now, Ben.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor stood from his chair and headed up the stairs followed by the family members.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Entering Joe\u2019s bedroom<\/strong> the doctor shot a glance at both his patient as well as Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe sleep hard.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing whispered as they all approached the bed.\u00a0 The doctor once again checked the boy\u2019s pulse and then gently shook his right shoulder and called out his name.\u00a0 Joe slowly blinked, first his right eye and then his left eye opened.\u00a0 He tried again to speak but could not, and then the fear was back on his face when he realized what had happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I want to talk to you about some things.\u00a0 I know your Pa told you that you have had a stroke.\u00a0 Now I want to talk to you about it. It is rare for someone your age to suffer from a stroke but it does happen.\u00a0 Usually the warning signs are sudden paralysis.\u00a0 From what your family had told me and what Renny said when he stopped by you did experience this sign.\u00a0 First it was your left arm at the trail camp and later your left leg when you returned home.\u00a0 That was how I knew it wasn\u2019t from a snakebite or anything like that.\u00a0 That would have been almost instantaneous.\u00a0 So, now that we know what has happened, we will start some therapy to bring you back.\u00a0 I can\u2019t promise you that you will heal totally.\u00a0 A lot of that is up to you.\u00a0 If you push yourself as hard to get better as you did to get that herd to south shore, I bet you will beat this.\u201d Joe stirred in bed, his right side of his body trying hard to pull on his incapacitated side.\u00a0 They all saw the fear and also the determination that the boy wore.\u00a0 Doctor Martin signaled for Ben to help him, and the two of them pulled Joe higher up in the bed, propping the pillows behind him so that he was no longer flat on his back feeling so helpless.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tell you what, Joe\u2014how about we start with some easy way for you to respond right now. Use your right pointer finger to signal yes and your middle finger along with it to signify no.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul started to work on a way to make Joe feel a little more comfortable with his inability to speak.\u00a0 \u201cYou understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held up his right pointer finger and looked around the room to see if they understood.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good, later we will get you talking, but for right now you will have some say-so by signaling to us.\u00a0 Now, we have to get some liquids down you.\u00a0 You need to take this slow.\u201d\u00a0 Paul held up a glass of water with a straw in it.\u00a0 Joe reached for the glass with his right hand, determined to have what little control he could manage. He drew in a large amount of water through the straw and handed back the glass as he started to choke.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin quickly moved to get behind Joe and patted his back fiercely as Joe struggled for air.\u00a0 When that didn\u2019t work he pulled Joe\u2019s arm over his head in hopes of it causing a reflex action.\u00a0 Joe abruptly started to breathe again.\u00a0 The three oldest Cartwrights stood at the end of the bed.\u00a0 They all had the same look on their faces.\u00a0 They were petrified.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay now, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Paul said soothingly.\u00a0 \u201cYou just have to go a little slower for awhile.\u00a0 Your muscles in your throat are a little lax due to the stroke.\u00a0 You will build them back up soon, so don\u2019t worry.\u00a0 Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held up his right index finger and glanced around at his family.\u00a0 At that particular moment he was much more concerned with their reaction to his choking incident.<\/p>\n

\u201cReady to try again?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held up his finger again and this time let the doctor hold the glass as he took a slow precarious sip.\u00a0 This time the water went down better, and everyone in the room breathed a collective sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was good, Joe.\u00a0 Real good.\u00a0 Now let\u2019s just take all of this one step at a time, okay?\u00a0 This is only day one.\u00a0 I told you it\u2019s going to take awhile so just stay focused on the end result and not how long your recovery may take.\u201d\u00a0 Paul patted Joe on the shoulder and then stood to leave.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be back tomorrow, Joe.\u00a0 Ben\u2014how about walking me down?\u201d\u00a0 Paul gave Ben a look, which again read that he wanted to speak with him alone.\u00a0 Ben watched as Hoss and Adam pulled up chairs to sit with Joe.\u00a0 He then followed Paul out of the room.<\/p>\n

In the living room, the two men sat and talked.\u00a0 Ben still wore a very uneasy look, and it worried his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, you have to remain as calm as possible for Joe\u2019s sake.\u201d\u00a0 Paul started.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that\u2014but just a few minutes ago I was afraid he was choking to death.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to watch him when he drinks to make sure it won\u2019t happen again.\u00a0 He will eventually regain the swallowing reflex\u2014but it will take time and you all have to be patient.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else can happen?\u00a0 You need to tell me so I will be prepared.\u201d\u00a0 Ben countered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know how much you will all fuss about with him so I don\u2019t think we have to worry about either pneumonia or bedsores.\u00a0 As long as you are continually moving him that shouldn\u2019t happen.\u00a0 None of you are trained in any of this long-term care, but I will provide you with all the information you need.\u00a0 Remember, it\u2019s not too late to see about getting Joe into a hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can do more for him here, and I am sure he would rather be with those who love him than with a bunch of strangers.\u201d Ben argued his case again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I will agree that Joe would be happier having you all around him.\u00a0 But, that doesn\u2019t mean that he won\u2019t have his mood swings.\u00a0 You know what an active young man he has always been.\u00a0 This kind of prolonged therapy will no doubt take its toll on him.\u00a0 You just have to keep up the encouragement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all will.\u00a0 Now I am concerned over what to feed him.\u00a0 If he is having this much trouble swallowing water\u2014what can we do?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cI think just broth and water for awhile would be best.\u00a0 Once he has mastered swallowing, we will use very soft foods.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be a long while before we can start solid foods, so there may be some weight loss.\u00a0 He\u2019s been through an awful lot today, just get him to drink some more water today and tomorrow morning have Hop Sing fix some beef broth for him.\u00a0 Make sure he cools it down enough.\u00a0 I will be back in the morning and I will go over some therapy with you and Adam and Hoss.\u00a0 Looks like you could use some rest, Ben.\u00a0 I hope you weren\u2019t planning to stay up all night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to put a cot in Joe\u2019s room.\u00a0 That way if he wakes up I can hear him.\u00a0 The boys and I have all talked about this.\u00a0 We are going to alternate nights.\u00a0 But, tonight I need to be with him, not just for his sake but for my own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did I know you were going to say that?\u201d\u00a0 Paul laughed.\u00a0 He knew how deep the bond was between Ben and all of his sons.\u00a0 But, there was always something just a little bit special about Joe.\u00a0 Maybe it was the fact that the boy had come up against so many other life-threatening injuries that would have killed anyone with less of a will to live.\u00a0 \u201cYou get some sleep.\u00a0 Send for me anytime you need me.\u00a0 I will see you tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0 Paul opened the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Paul.\u00a0 You have pulled Joe back from death\u2019s door so many times, having you here is very reassuring.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said and shook the doctor\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s some kid!\u201d\u00a0 Paul winked showing his fondness toward the boy.\u00a0 \u201cGoodnight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben closed the front door and then saw Hop Sing come out from the dining room.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe\u2014he be okay\u2014right Mr. Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben draped his arm around Hop Sing\u2019s shoulder for comfort.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s not going to leave us\u2014you know that.\u00a0 Joseph is one hell of a fighter.\u00a0 Always has been, always will be.\u00a0 But, this is going to take a long while and we are going to have to try and keep up his spirits.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I do for Little Joe now?\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing asked eagerly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou get a good night\u2019s sleep.\u00a0 We will have plenty to do for Joseph in the morning.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to spend the night in his room.\u00a0 I\u2019ll come and get you in the morning and maybe you can help get him cleaned up a bit.\u00a0 You have always been able to do more with him than any of us at times.\u00a0 I\u2019m hoping that is the case this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing help. You see.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing smiled and hurried off into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Ben peered in through Joe\u2019s doorway and saw a sight that eased his heart.\u00a0 There was Adam at one side of the bed holding Joe\u2019s good arm, and Hoss at the other side massaging his other arm.\u00a0 Hoss looked as though he was struggling to massage the life into the useless limb and his eyes were fighting back tears as he continued.\u00a0 Adam was trying to tease Joe into an arm wrestling match, but Joe seemed too weak to participate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, guess it\u2019s about time to turn in.\u00a0 Adam will you get me a cot out of the supply room?\u201d Ben asked as he sat down on the bed next to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said standing up.\u00a0 He looked over at Hoss. \u201dC\u2019mon, Hoss, let\u2019s go get what Pa will need in here.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get the bed, you go get some blankets and pillows.\u00a0 Hoss stood and patted Joe\u2019s arm and turned out of the room with his oldest brother.<\/p>\n

When they were alone, Ben reached up and gently stroked Joe\u2019s cheek.\u00a0 He had detected a tear as it left Joe\u2019s right eye, and knew the boy had been trying his best to hold back while his brothers were present.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve had a tough day, Joseph.\u00a0 I know you must be thinking all kinds of things by now.\u00a0 Are you scared?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked softly.<\/p>\n

Joe held up two fingers in response.\u00a0 Ben reached down and bent Joe\u2019s middle finger back down, leaving only his index finger pointing now.\u00a0 \u201cI am sure you meant \u201cyes\u201d didn\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben tried to smile in spite of all that was ahead for them.\u00a0 Joe pushed out the second finger again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you aren\u2019t scared, that makes you a minority around here\u2014because the rest of us are.\u00a0 As hard as it is for you to lay there, it\u2019s equally hard to see you like this.\u00a0 We all love you so, Joseph.\u00a0 We are going to be with you each and every step of the way.\u00a0 You will get better, I promise you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh yeah\u2014I am terrified, Pa!\u00a0 I have never been so afraid in my life, I sure hope you all don\u2019t leave me\u2014I can\u2019t even call out for help!\u00a0 A while ago when I was choking\u2014I saw how you all looked at me\u2014like I was gonna die or something\u2014that scared me more than anything else.\u00a0 I wish I could talk to you\u2014it\u2019s hard enough being unable to move\u2014but not to be able to talk the way we always do\u2014I can\u2019t stand it.\u00a0 I hope you know I love you\u2014and that I am sorry that this happened.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want to worry any of you\u2014it was a stupid thing pushing the herd to get there early.\u00a0 I just wanted you and Adam and Hoss to be proud of me.\u00a0 Now look at all I\u2019ve caused.<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s thoughts rang through his head at a rapid rate, but he could do nothing else but let the ramblings stay where they were, unable to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2014you want to tell me something\u2014I can see it in your eyes.\u00a0 I think I know what you want to tell me.\u00a0 If I am right give me the sign, okay?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked and Joe held up his index finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are feeling bad because this happened and you are worried about all of us.\u00a0 Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held up the finger again and Ben smiled and continued.\u00a0 \u201cYou want to talk things out with me\u2014like we always have done, and you hate that you can\u2019t talk. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held his finger up again.\u00a0 Ben was reading his mind, Joe thought at this point.\u00a0 \u201cYou wanted us to be proud of what you accomplished by bringing in the herd early. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Again Joe held up his index finger.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Joseph, we already were proud of you before you even left to go out to the herd.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that stubborn streak that you have that pushes you so hard that prevents you from knowing that.\u00a0 We love you very much\u2014and we know that you love us too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wiped away some of his tears with his right hand as he held his index finger up again.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2014I think I did pretty well reading you this time.\u00a0 But, now as I was originally saying\u2014you are scared aren\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben continued to try to pry it out of his son, so that he would know that it was all right to be scared, and nothing to be ashamed of.<\/p>\n

Joe reached to grab his father\u2019s hand.\u00a0 Ben took it in his own.\u00a0 Joe then held up his index finger so that it touched the palm of Ben\u2019s hand.\u00a0 Ben looked into Joe\u2019s face and saw the fear that now had been at last unmasked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that you admit it, Son, we can help you over it.\u201d\u00a0 Ben whispered as he pulled Joe closer to him.\u00a0 He was careful not to be rough or to make Joe uncomfortable.\u00a0 He just wanted Joe to know that his father\u2019s strength would help pull him through until his own could take over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss busied themselves<\/strong> in making Ben\u2019s bed up so that it would be right alongside of Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 Joe watched as they fussed over it knowing that he would never be allowed to be totally alone again.\u00a0 He thought on what a meager future he now had.\u00a0 It was as if he had awakened that morning in another person\u2019s body.\u00a0 A body that didn\u2019t work.\u00a0 The weight of his left side made Joe feel as though he was pinned to the bed.\u00a0 It was a dead weight.\u00a0 Joe thought of himself as being half alive and half dead.<\/p>\n

Having finished with his father\u2019s bed preparations, Adam looked over at Joe and could almost hear the thoughts as they passed through the boy\u2019s troubled mind.\u00a0 \u201cThis is not a permanent thing, Joe.\u00a0 Once you are all better, you get your privacy back.\u00a0 For right now, though, just tolerate all of us.\u201d\u00a0 Adam patted Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s permanent\u2014don\u2019t lie, Big Brother\u2014I\u2019m not a little kid\u2014I have heard about strokes.\u00a0 Hell\u2014Mr. Abrams the furniture dealer\u2014he had a stroke.\u00a0 I remember he was never right after that and spent all of his remaining days propped up in a wheelchair staring into nothingness.\u00a0 Can you see me doing that?\u00a0 Would you want me to live like that?<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s thoughts begged to be shouted out to his brothers, but instead they continued to just resound in his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I get you anything, Short Shanks?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked placing a comforting arm on Joe\u2019s right shoulder.\u00a0 Joe stared up at the pale blue eyes of his brother.\u00a0 He could see that Hoss was uncomfortable with the whole situation but was trying his best to look sure of himself.<\/p>\n

Yeah\u2014how about a whole new body, Hoss?\u00a0 You think you can do that? <\/em><\/p>\n

Joe said to himself and then just lifted up his index and middle fingers for the answer to his brother\u2019s question.\u00a0 It was at that moment that Ben reappeared, now wearing his bed-clothes and his robe.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight, Joe\u2014Goodnight, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Both Cartwright brothers said and left the room closing the door behind them.Ben turned down the lamp on Joe\u2019s nightstand, still keeping a shaft open enough in case he had to get up and assist his son in some way.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want some water before you go to sleep, Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 He asked.<\/p>\n

Joe held up his index finger to tell his father yes and Ben was quick to fill his water glass.\u00a0 Ben reached down to pull Joe into more of a sitting position in hopes it would help his son to swallow better.\u00a0 He held the glass and Joe\u2019s right hand held onto the straw.\u00a0 Ben bit at his bottom lip, the fear from the earlier choking experience weighed in his mind.\u00a0 He tried to mask his concern with a patient smile.\u00a0 Joe slowly started to drink.\u00a0 By the third sip, he began to cough and panic took over his father.<\/p>\n

Ben set the glass down quickly and then pulled Joe forward to pat his back.\u00a0 Joe gasped and then stopped coughing.\u00a0 Joe looked back up at his father and his heart sank to see that he was totally white in the face.\u00a0 Joe hated to have put his father through another bad experience.<\/p>\n

Ben read Joe\u2019s thoughts and knew what was going on with the boy.\u00a0 He had to do something before the fear controlled them both. \u201cWell\u2014you are starting to master swallowing\u2014the doctor did say it would take awhile\u2014so you and I both have to be patient.\u00a0 Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held out his index finger and Ben could not resist taking his hand into his own for strength.\u00a0 \u201cNow\u2014let\u2019s try this again\u2014shall we?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked bringing the glass back over.<\/p>\n

Joe wished he could smile at his father at that moment.\u00a0 He could tell Ben was terrified, but he was doing his \u201cfather\u201d bit so well that it tickled him immensely.\u00a0 Finally, in response to his father\u2019s question Joe lifted his index finger again and accepted the straw.\u00a0 This time Joe used every ounce of will-power to succeed in swallowing several short sips of water.\u00a0 He then signaled Ben that he was through and his father let out a deep sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you comfortable.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stated softly and set the glass on the night stand.\u00a0 He walked around to the other side of the bed, remembering clearly how the doctor had mentioned moving Joe to prevent both pneumonia and bed sores.\u00a0 He took the extra pillows that Hoss had brought in and started the careful task of turning Joe so that he rested mostly on his right side.<\/p>\n

With the placement just right of the pillows, Ben was able to prevent Joe from falling back. Next, he had taken a smaller pillow and placed it between Joe\u2019s bent knees.\u00a0 Satisfied that Joe was well arranged, Ben walked back to the other side of the bed and sat down on his cot. \u201cIs that all right?\u201d\u00a0 He asked and Joe answered with his index finger.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m right here next to you, so if you need me you just \u2014\u201d Ben stopped before he had said the word \u201choller\u201d.\u00a0 He looked around and tried to find some way Joe could signal him.\u00a0 He pushed the night stand closer to the bed.\u00a0 \u201cYou just tap this glass if you wake up and need me, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked both at the glass and at the anxious sight of his father\u2019s careworn face.\u00a0 He wished he could just nod, but he was far too weak.\u00a0 Surrendering to his limitations, Joe again pointed his finger.\u00a0 Ben stood up and bent down and kissed Joe on the forehead.\u00a0 As awful as it was to see his youngest son in the condition that he was in, he was thankful that the stroke had not killed the boy.\u00a0 \u201cGoodnight, Joseph.\u00a0 I love you.\u201d\u00a0 Ben whispered and watched as Joe\u2019s eyes slowly closed.<\/p>\n

If Ben Cartwright woke up to check on his son one time, he had done it at least a dozen more.\u00a0 Every time he started to doze off a haunting memory of Joe choking brought him back to reality.\u00a0 By daybreak Ben had finally succumbed to exhaustion and had fallen into a deep sleep.\u00a0 But, even dreams of Joe did not escape his thoughts.\u00a0 Each dream was the same.\u00a0 Joe was but a statue, unable to move, unable to talk.\u00a0 And every time his father reached out to him, he disappeared.\u00a0 The last dream was by far the worst one.\u00a0 Ben dreamed that Joe was in a casket and they were closing the lid, hammering in the last nail.\u00a0 But, Joe wasn\u2019t dead.\u00a0 He just couldn\u2019t tell them that and had been buried alive.\u00a0 That was it!\u00a0 Ben awoke with a jolt so hard he gasped\u00a0 out loud.\u00a0 Becoming aware of his surroundings, Ben stared over at his sleeping son hoping that he hadn\u2019t heard him.\u00a0 Joe still slept.\u00a0 So still, so unmoving, that Ben reached to feel his pulse.\u00a0 It was there, strong and rhythmic.<\/p>\n

As Ben stood from his cot and made his way over to the wash basin to try to freshen up before his son came around, Hop Sing came in the door.\u00a0 \u201cYou no sleep good\u2014you need rest\u2014\u201d Hop Sing whispered his protest staring at the worried father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI slept enough. \u201c Ben countered as he dried off his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cBreakfast ready for you \u2014Mister Hoss and Mister Adam down stairs. They not sleep well either.\u00a0 You eat, I stay and help clean Little Joe when he wakes.\u201d Hop Sing was insistent.<\/p>\n

Ben walked over to the bed just as a subtle sign from Joe alerted them that he was back with them.\u00a0 Joe tapped on the water glass as his father approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you sleep well, Son?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked and let his right hand fall on the boy\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 It was then that he realized it was his son\u2019s numb side and the boy had not felt nor saw the comforting touch.\u00a0 Ben moved closer and reached for Joe\u2019s right hand.\u00a0 Joe answered the question by showing again his index finger.\u00a0 Even though he really hadn\u2019t slept well, he didn\u2019t feel that Ben should be worried more than he already was.\u00a0 Joe, too, had awful dreams but did not have the luxury of calling out or gasping as his father had in response to his own nightmares.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing is going to get you all fixed up.\u00a0 Then we will get you some broth.\u00a0 I know you must be starved by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two fingers came up this time.\u00a0 Joe wasn\u2019t in the mood to think of food yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing\u2014\u201d Ben started as he turned to his friend and long time family member.\u00a0 \u201cJoe uses one finger to signal yes and two fingers to signal no.\u201d\u00a0 Ben explained and Hop Sing nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2014you get cleaned up and I\u2019ll be back soon.\u201d\u00a0 Ben forced a smile and turned to leave the room.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing sat on the cot and looked at the young man that he had helped to raise.\u00a0 He knew how the boy was, after tending him for so long.\u00a0 Pride was a big issue and Hop Sing was determined to see to it that he didn\u2019t embarrass Joe in any way.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing bring you wash basin.\u00a0 Hand you cloth.\u00a0 You wash what you can\u2014I wash what ever else you need.\u00a0 First\u2014must move pillows to have you lie back.\u00a0 You ready?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held up one finger as he gazed lovingly at his best friend.\u00a0 They had done something very similar to this routine before.\u00a0 So many injuries in the past, so many illnesses.\u00a0 And, always there was Hop Sing to help him through it.\u00a0 Hop Sing was gentle in all of his motions as he repositioned Joe onto his back.\u00a0 He then propped more pillows behind him so that Joe could see better.<\/p>\n

Next came the fresh basin of water, the soap and the towel.\u00a0 Hop Sing helped Joe out of his nightshirt and then handed him the wash cloth that had been wrung out for him.\u00a0 Joe slowly started to wash himself off, starting with his face.\u00a0 It felt odd, as he knew he was washing his entire face, but only felt the right side as the cloth roughly brushed against it.Hop Sing kept the washcloth rinsed and ready. Joe attended all the areas where he wanted to in order to maintain some modesty.\u00a0 Then he gave it up to Hop Sing to finish.\u00a0 Hop Sing couldn\u2019t help feeling sad that there was no life on that side of the boy\u2019s body.\u00a0 His heart broke for his Little Joe.\u00a0 The boy who had grown into such a fine young man, so full of motion always.\u00a0 So full of life.<\/p>\n

Finally finishing with the bed bath, Hop Sing made sure Joe was dried off and then brought over another nightshirt.\u00a0 Joe instantly held up two fingers in protest.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou no want nightshirt?\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing asked seeing the intensity in Joe\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Again, Joe held up two fingers.\u00a0 \u201cWhat you want Hop Sing get?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned.\u00a0 He figured that Hop Sing had forgotten that he couldn\u2019t speak or he wouldn\u2019t have asked that question.\u00a0 Yes or no questions were hard enough.\u00a0 Seeing the confused look that Joe now wore Hop Sing went over to the boy\u2019s bureau and pulled out a pair of pants and some long johns.\u00a0 One of the two was surely what he wanted.\u00a0 He walked back and held them in front of Joe.\u00a0 \u201cShow Hop Sing.\u201d\u00a0 Joe pointed at the long johns.\u00a0 He had his own reasons.\u00a0 Joe knew that there had been a mention of starting therapy and he was not about to let someone lift his leg with nothing but a nightshirt on.\u00a0 Long johns would at least afford some privacy.\u00a0 Hop Sing nodded at Joe\u2019s choice and walked back to also retrieve a thermal shirt.\u00a0 Hop Sing also was aware of the risk the boy had toward getting pneumonia.<\/p>\n

Once dressed, Hop Sing brought over Joe\u2019s hair brush.\u00a0 Joe took it into his right hand and attempted to brush his unruly mass of curls.\u00a0 He pointed over to the bureau and held up his hand to his face to try to gesture that he wanted his hand mirror.\u00a0 Hop Sing understood the signal and brought over the mirror.\u00a0 It would later prove to be a big mistake.<\/p>\n

Joe held up the mirror with his right hand.\u00a0 One look at his face knocked the breath out of him.\u00a0 The left side of the once handsome face was now\u00a0contorted.\u00a0 The eye drooped and all the muscles on that side were lax.\u00a0 It made him seem distorted and in a way, Joe saw a grotesque person looking back.\u00a0 Where strength was gone, there still was the famous Joe Cartwright anger left.\u00a0 Joe flung the mirror out of his hand sending it crashing onto the floor.\u00a0 Hop Sing stood in the middle of the room stunned and hurt by what had happened.\u00a0 He had no idea that Joe would respond in that way or never would have handed the boy the mirror.<\/p>\n

Ben had heard the sound from upstairs and his heart stopped.\u00a0 So sure that Joe had fallen, he took the stairs two at a time and within two minutes was in Joe\u2019s bedroom staring down at the mirror and then at his son.\u00a0 Joe held his face in his right hand, blocking all view from everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot mean Joe to be hurt\u2014he want mirror\u2014Hop Sing vely sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben led Hop Sing out into the hall to talk with him. \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault\u2014I don\u2019t want you to feel bad about this you understand?\u00a0 Joe hadn\u2019t gotten a look at himself since the stroke.\u00a0 It was bound to happen.\u00a0 Now, you go on downstairs and sit with Adam and Hoss.\u00a0 I will speak with Joseph and then you can come up with his breakfast.\u00a0 Okay?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked patting the cook\u2019s shoulder trying to make him feel better.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing vely sorry.\u00a0 You talk to Little Joe\u2014you tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will.\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded and turned back into the room.\u00a0 Reaching Joe\u2019s bed Ben sat down stiffly next to him.\u00a0 Joe still had his hand covering his face.\u00a0 Ben reached out and with a little bit of difficulty, managed to move the hand down, keeping it locked inside his grip.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you know what we talked about yesterday, Joseph.\u00a0 One day at a time, stay focused on what we have to accomplish.\u00a0 Your therapy will eventually tighten those facial muscles and you will regain your devilishly handsome face.\u00a0 I know it was a shock to you, but it\u2019s not as bad as you think it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pressed his index finger into Ben\u2019s palm to argue the point.\u00a0 Ben finally released his grip and Joe pointed toward his left eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour eye?\u00a0 Does it hurt?\u201d\u00a0 Ben tried to figure out the meaning Joe was trying to convey.<\/p>\n

Out shot two fingers and he again pointed at his left eye.\u00a0 Joe was getting very discouraged and would have quit altogether if his father hadn\u2019t persisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you see out of it, Son?\u201d\u00a0 Ben continued on.<\/p>\n

Joe held his index finger and his thumb and made a sign, which would mean \u201ca little bit\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014I see you are worried that you won\u2019t regain your sight either!\u00a0 Is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held out his index finger again, as a tear shot out of his right eye.\u00a0 Ben patted Joe\u2019s right arm and shook his head to try and figure out how to handle this one.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc can probably tell you this a whole lot better than I can.\u00a0 But, I\u2019ll give it a shot to settle you down.\u00a0 The nerves in your face are numb from the stroke, those nerves go all the way up to your eye.\u00a0 Now, he says you have a great chance of getting all this back, considering your age, your health, and your stubbornness!\u00a0 But, for awhile you will have to rely on the right side of your body\u2014including that right eye.\u00a0 All along we will be working on the left side and we will eventually get the usage back.\u00a0 Joseph, this is the day after you had your stroke!\u00a0 Do you realize it?\u00a0 I would be lying to you if I told you all of this would be easy and fast.\u00a0 It\u2019s not going to be easy and it\u2019s not going to be fast.\u00a0 But, it will happen.\u00a0 You have to be patient and pull from your inner self.\u00a0 I know how you pride yourself on your looks.\u201d Ben stopped and ruffled his hand through Joe\u2019s hair and grinned.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe because you know you are the handsomest Cartwright on this ranch!\u00a0 But, the most important thing now is your health.\u00a0 Good looks are going to have to take a second place to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben now stood and reached down to pick up the pieces of the hand mirror.\u00a0 \u201cThe last thing you need right now, Young Man, is seven more years of bad luck.\u00a0 Now stop with the temper tantrums.\u201d\u00a0 Ben paused and lifted the hair brush, which had also found its way across the room on the floor.\u00a0 He walked back to Joe and held it up.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t forget that this brush has been used for other things before.\u00a0 Now stop throwing things, okay?\u201d\u00a0 With the last remark Ben almost caught a glimpse of humor as it danced in Joe\u2019s good eye.<\/p>\n

Joe held up his index finger and settled down.\u00a0 Ben walked to the bedroom door and then called back over to his son.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing is going to come up now with your breakfast\u2014do me a favor\u2014don\u2019t scare him again?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held up his finger again, wishing that he could say what he wanted instead of just yes and no.\u00a0 He watched as his father left the room, leaving him all alone for the first time since he had awakened the previous morning.\u00a0 Joe prayed that Hop Sing would hurry.\u00a0 The thought of being totally alone scared Joe beyond anything he had known.<\/p>\n

Ben looked around the dining table at the glum faces that both Adam and Hoss wore.\u00a0 He knew they had a restless night and the thought of how long the aftermath of Joe\u2019s stroke would last worried each family member.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he today, Pa?\u00a0 And what was all that noise about?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked as he reached for the pot of coffee to try and jolt him into being more alert.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing gave Joe his hand mirror.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stopped and saw his sons look at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to say more, Pa.\u201d Hoss interjected. The big man had wondered what his little brother would think once he had seen how the stroke had affected his face.\u00a0 Now he had his answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least we know that under all that the stroke has done to his body there still lies the true essence of Joe.\u00a0 Pride and all.\u00a0 Bad temper and all.\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied and saw his father nod his way.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s that pride, perhaps along with that fierce temper that may pull Joe out of all of this.\u201d\u00a0 Ben remarked as Hop Sing entered the room with Joe\u2019s breakfast.\u00a0 He had taken the time to cook the beef broth perfectly and cooled it so that the boy would be able to sip it through a straw.<\/p>\n

Ben reached over and touched Hop Sing\u2019s arm, stopping his progression toward the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing, Joe has had some real trouble swallowing.\u00a0 He had another choking experience last night.\u00a0 Just make sure he goes easy with it, will you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s profound worry was apparent in his tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take care of Little Joe, know how to make him swallow.\u00a0 You not worry.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing nodded and headed up to Joe\u2019s room.\u00a0 The eyes of the three men at the table watched as he ascended the stairs.\u00a0 They all had the same thought.\u00a0 That maybe they should go up with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll listen out, Pa.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said patting his father\u2019s arm and then walking to the staircase followed by Hoss.\u00a0 They would linger in the hallway outside of Joe\u2019s room just in case.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing pulled up the chair and set the glass of broth on the night stand.\u00a0 He then pulled from under both of Joe\u2019s arms so that he was higher up in the bed.\u00a0 \u201cYou drink broth now.\u00a0 You no worry, Hop Sing here.\u00a0 I make sure you okay.\u00a0 You trust Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reached out and grasped his friend\u2019s hand in his own.\u00a0 He tried to get the message across that he trusted him, and also was sorry for the way he had behaved earlier.\u00a0 Hop Sing read Joe as he had throughout the years.\u00a0 There was no need for verbal communication, Hop Sing felt it in his heart.\u00a0 \u201cNo worry, Hop Sing not mad.\u00a0 Now you try.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing sat on the bed and held the glass as Joe\u2019s right hand sought out the straw.<\/p>\n

Nervous, as in the past, Joe took a slow sip.\u00a0 He could taste the broth as it fell across his tongue.\u00a0 He let it trickle down his throat slowly.\u00a0 Patiently Hop Sing sat there until the glass was entirely empty.\u00a0 With a smile, Hop Sing stood triumphantly.\u00a0 \u201cGood boy.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing grinned and set down the cup.\u00a0 \u201cNow what Hop Sing do for you now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe just patted the bed next to him.\u00a0 His eyes gave way to the notion that he needed his friend to sit awhile and not leave him.\u00a0 Hop Sing sat back down and started humming a tune from Joe\u2019s childhood.\u00a0 One he had used in the past to calm a sick little boy and displace his worries.\u00a0 As Joe\u2019s eyes started to close, Hop Sing was pleased to see that it still worked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Doctor Martin was punctual as usual.<\/strong> He arrived at the ranch house just as the Cartwrights were clearing away the breakfast dishes.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul?\u201d\u00a0 Ben called as he opened the door.\u00a0 \u201cCan I get you some breakfast\u2014or some coffee?\u201d\u00a0 Ben offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thanks, Ben.\u00a0 Maybe later, I ate in town.\u00a0 How\u2019s Joe today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHad some trouble swallowing last night, but it has been uneventful today.\u00a0 Oh\u2014other than a bit of a temper tantrum earlier!\u201d Ben smiled at the thought.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph got a look at his face in the mirror and threw it and his brush across the room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin shook his head.\u00a0 That was the kind of report he had expected to get.\u00a0 After all, they were talking about a boy that the doctor had patched up for years and had fought battles with over staying in bed.\u00a0 Now Joe was in a situation where he could not get up and sneak out, due to the stroke.\u00a0 So, Paul imagined that the young man would resort to other tactics to let his opinions be known.\u00a0 \u201cWell, let\u2019s go up and talk to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how is my favorite\u2014and I may add\u2014most frequent patient?\u201d\u00a0 Paul smiled as he approached the bed.\u00a0 \u201cI hear that you did very well this morning with your breakfast, Joe.\u00a0 Once you have that swallowing down pat we can get you something that might stick to your ribs a little better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, we are going to do some therapy.\u00a0 You up for it, Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe signaled with his index finger and Paul patted him on his good arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I need to feel your throat, so just relax the side that you can feel, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes and tried his best to relax under the palpitations of the doctor.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, try to make a sound.\u00a0 Even if it is faint.\u201d\u00a0 Paul commanded.<\/p>\n

Joe fought hard to bring up some air up through his larynx and a faint moan could be felt, even though they all had to strain their ears to hear it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe needs to practice each and every day.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s all for now, Joe.\u00a0 You need some rest.\u00a0 I will speak with your family more and we will get our daily routine together to try and get you on the way back to being the perpetual motion machine that you have always been.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go downstairs to talk, shall we?\u201d\u00a0 Paul looked at the weary faces of the Cartwright family.\u00a0 \u201cWe can send Hop Sing up here to watch Joe while we go over some things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sure wore him out.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss stated, more than worried about his brother\u2019s lack of stamina.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, your brother had a stroke yesterday.\u00a0 We probably shouldn\u2019t even start the therapy just yet, but I did it so it would perk up his spirits.\u00a0 Give him time.\u201d\u00a0 Paul reassured and patted Hoss\u2019 shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all have a ranch to run.\u00a0 Remember you told me that you all would take turns.\u00a0 That is what I expect you to do.\u00a0 Keep up your daily routine as much as possible.\u00a0 It will help prevent you from losing hope.\u00a0 I do believe that you said you watched Joe last night, Ben.\u00a0 Well, I expect you to turn over tonight\u2019s duty to Adam or Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy turn tonight.\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded and noticed that his father scowled.\u00a0 If it were in his power he would sit with his youngest around the clock, forever if need be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna go into town<\/strong> to get some things.\u00a0 Then I\u2019ll show you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph can\u2019t write\u2014if that is what you are thinking.\u00a0 That right hand wouldn\u2019t even allow him to scrawl his name.\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeck\u2014I can\u2019t even read Joe\u2019s writing with his good hand\u2014let alone his right hand!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss remarked, trying to figure what his oldest brother had up his sleeve.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust let me see what I can do.\u00a0 Doc?\u00a0 How about I follow you back to town?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked as he reached for his hat and coat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be glad to have the company.\u201d\u00a0 Paul said and turned toward the door.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be back tomorrow, Ben.\u00a0 Goodbye, Hoss\u2014Ben.\u201d\u00a0 Paul nodded to them and walked out of the door with Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2014you reckon what Adam is planning on doing?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 But, I am anxious to see.\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled and then turned back toward the staircase.\u00a0 Hoss was quick to stop his progress.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Pa\u2014the Doc said we have to keep up our normal routine.\u00a0 Weren\u2019t you supposed to get the ledger book all straightened out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben coughed nervously, trying to come up with an excuse.\u00a0 He decided to change the subject.\u00a0 \u201cIt can keep\u2014but weren\u2019t you supposed to help Cleve clean out the tack room?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned and patted his father\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cIt can keep.\u201d\u00a0 He winked and they both walked up the stairs together.<\/p>\n

Joe slept for a good part of the day.\u00a0 It was almost dinner time when he awoke to find Adam sitting in the chair by his bed reading a book.\u00a0 Joe could see out of his good eye that the title was about strokes.\u00a0 He made a small frown appear from the right side of his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou back with us, huh?\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled and set down his book.\u00a0 \u201cHow about some water?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pointed with his index finger and Adam filled the glass and slid the straw down into it.\u00a0 He then reached over and pulled Joe up a bit.\u00a0 \u201cNow this is my first try at it, so I would greatly appreciate it if you wouldn\u2019t choke on it.\u201d\u00a0 Adam made his statement in jest but it was what he had on his mind as Joe slowly sipped through the straw.\u00a0 He paused several times to look into Adam\u2019s eyes and saw a profound concern in their reflection.\u00a0 \u201cYou done?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked and Joe shot out one finger.\u00a0 Adam set the glass back down and reached for a package on the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI went into town today to find something for you.\u00a0 I was thinking of how I would feel if I couldn\u2019t communicate my feelings, and realized how hard this must be for you.\u00a0 And so\u2014\u201d Adam stopped and opened up the large package that was wrapped in plain brown paper.\u00a0 He tore into it and then saw Joe\u2019s eyes show bewilderment in them.\u00a0 \u201cThis is what they call a felt board.\u00a0 I remember when I was a kid in school using one.\u00a0 I have rigged up a whole bunch of letters for you to put on the board so you can start talking to us.\u201d\u00a0 Adam pulled out a little case, which held numerous letters, also made out of felt material.\u00a0 \u201cNow, this is not to replace you trying to talk, Joe.\u00a0 You have got to practice that every day.\u00a0 But, until you start to speak again, I thought it might help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reached out for both the board and the case of letters.\u00a0 \u201cHere\u2014let me hold the board for you and you write what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe started to construct his first sentence.\u00a0 Adam could see the eagerness in the boy\u2019s eyes and it touched him that he had found something that might make his little brother more comfortable with the situation he was now in.<\/p>\n

thanks Adam\u00a0\u00a0 want to talk truth I get better <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will, no doubt about it.\u00a0 I have seen you conquer everything that has ever been thrown at you.\u00a0 But, this may prove to be the toughest yet.\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied.<\/p>\n

you all mad at me?\u00a0 I did this<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, who really knows what caused it?\u00a0 I was reading here in this book that all types of things can cause a stroke.\u00a0 Maybe it would have happened anyway. None of that matters now.\u00a0 It happened and we are going to help you through it.\u00a0 And no we are not mad.\u00a0 Even though you did show us up a bit.\u201d\u00a0 Adam teased.<\/p>\n

how I get better\u00a0 I don\u2019t feel anything on my left side <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom what Doc said, and from what I have just read, therapy and time are the only way.\u00a0 Doc explained it to you yesterday.\u00a0 You suffered some kind of a lesion to your brain.\u00a0 That knocked out the left side.\u00a0 But, your right side is strong and you are young.\u00a0 You have to concentrate and try to send messages to the other side of your body.\u00a0 It will take some doing but I\u2019ve always told you that you were head strong.\u00a0 I\u2019m counting on that.\u201d<\/p>\n

I be like Mr. Abrams<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam sat stunned momentarily.\u00a0 He now knew what Joe was thinking.\u00a0 The one person that the boy had known to have a stroke never recovered and died only a few months later.\u00a0 Adam knew that Joe was harboring those memories.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Abrams had a stroke that knocked out parts of both sides if his body.\u00a0 He was a whole lot older than you and in bad health to begin with.\u00a0 You are young and strong.\u00a0 You can\u2019t compare the two of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

if I don\u2019t get better<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019d rather die than to live like this forever<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe turned to face Adam as he looked up from the board.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t even think that, Joe.\u00a0 You need to think positive or none of the therapy will matter.\u201d\u00a0 Adam argued with Joe\u2019s logic.<\/p>\n

but if I don\u2019t you wouldn\u2019t want me to live like this would you<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam stood up disgusted.\u00a0<\/strong> He turned his back on his brother and started to leave.\u00a0 Then, he finally felt in his heart why Joe had angered him so much.\u00a0 He had thought those very same things just the day before looking at the lifeless body of his baby brother.\u00a0 Adam felt guilty for admitting to himself at the time that he would rather die than to be as Joe was.\u00a0 He walked back over to the bed and looked down at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Joe, I wouldn\u2019t.\u00a0 But, you aren\u2019t going to stay like this.\u00a0 Let\u2019s not think of such things.\u00a0 I am looking forward to the day when you are back up running around and driving me crazy\u2014just like before.\u201d<\/p>\n

thanks for the board Adam<\/strong><\/p>\n

don\u2019t tell pa what I just told you, k<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t.\u00a0 But, you had better decide to fight right here and now.\u00a0 Because none of us are going to accept anything less than one hundred per cent from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll try <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to go get your dinner.\u00a0 Be right back.\u201d<\/p>\n

broth <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cBroth.\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded and patted Joe\u2019s arm before leaving the room.<\/p>\n

Hoss carried up his brother\u2019s dinner that night, wanting to spend some time with him before Adam came back in to spend the night.\u00a0 He wore a big smile as he set Joe\u2019s liquid meal on the nightstand.<\/p>\n

Joe worked for a couple of minutes and then showed his brother.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m sick of broth and this bed <\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss laughed and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t need no board to have told me that, Joe.\u00a0 You never liked being laid up.\u00a0 I know this is hard on you, but you\u2019ll get better.\u00a0 I have no doubt.\u00a0 Now how about drinking some of this broth so I don\u2019t get into trouble with Pa or Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reached for the glass and maneuvered the straw up to his lips.\u00a0 Patiently, Hoss waited until the glass was empty.\u00a0 \u201cGood job, Joe.\u00a0 In a couple of days they are gonna fix you up some soft foods.\u00a0 I tell you I couldn\u2019t last a day on this stuff.\u00a0 But, then you never had the hearty appetite I have.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss patted his stomach to display where all the food had ended up over the years.\u00a0 Joe tried to smile, but only the corner of the right side of his mouth would cooperate.\u00a0 He went back to his board to write more.<\/p>\n

what\u2019s been going on with the ranch and Cochise<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, the herd is doing very well at South Shore.\u00a0 We are finishing the last cuts of the season up at the logging camp.\u00a0 We had some flurries outside a little while ago.\u00a0 And Cochise?\u00a0 Now you know very well that I have always taken care of your horse.\u00a0 She\u2019s not as fond of me as she is of you\u2014but she knows old Hoss will take care of her till you are back in full force.\u201d<\/p>\n

Long time <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cJust be patient, Joe.\u00a0 We\u2019re all with you on this, just remember that.\u201d<\/p>\n

tired sleep now<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe wrote and then pushed the board to the side and fell off to sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight, Little Buddy.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss whispered and left the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did he do?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked as Hoss made it down the staircase.\u00a0 The big man walked over to stand next to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrank all the broth.\u00a0 Spelled out a couple of things then he drifted back off to sleep.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss announced sullenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s hard, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded and placed his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 We are all so use to seeing the perpetual motion of your youngest brother around here, that seeing him like this is getting to all of us.\u00a0 Adam is going to sit with him tonight.\u00a0 Let me go and help get him ready and then you and I will play some checkers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Pa.\u00a0 Think I\u2019ll go out and check on Cochise again and then I\u2019ll come in and let you beat me just like Joe always does.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss attempted a faint smile, even though his heart wasn\u2019t in it and then turned for the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched as his father went to great pains<\/strong> to have Joe positioned just right in the bed.\u00a0 He could tell from the determination that the other man wore that he was not going to take the chance of his youngest son developing pneumonia from inactivity.\u00a0 When he was done, Ben pulled the heavy quilt up to the boy\u2019s shoulders and lightly kissed the exposed forehead.\u00a0 It was a gesture he usually did in private, but this time, Ben didn\u2019t care that he had a witness.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right.\u00a0 I\u2019ll make sure of it.\u00a0 You go and get some rest, Pa.\u00a0 We don\u2019t need to have you fall out too.\u201d\u00a0 Adam reassured and Ben sighed.\u00a0 He really wasn\u2019t happy about not being next to his son during the night, but knew he had to take turns with the other three care givers or he would be emotionally and physically spent.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight, Son, call me if you need anything.\u201d\u00a0 Ben patted Adam on the back and then left the room.<\/p>\n

Adam watched his brother for a good part of the night.\u00a0 The faintly lit lamp gave him just enough light to see Joe\u2019s facial features.\u00a0 The difference in his brother was very easily noticed.\u00a0 Joe was now on his right side so only the left side of his face was visible.\u00a0 And that side looked drawn and lifeless.\u00a0 It made Adam cringe at the idea that it may always be that way.\u00a0 He tried to push those negative thoughts away as he reached over and pulled the blanket up to cover the now exposed left shoulder.\u00a0 Adam closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for his little brother and then settled back on the cot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And so began the long process of therapy<\/strong> and hoping to bring Joe back to the way he was before.\u00a0 Days turned into weeks as each Cartwright individually and as a group, worked with Joe and tried to keep up his spirits.\u00a0 There had been no change and the lack of progress had started wearing on each member of the family.\u00a0 They longed for even the smallest response, a toe, a finger a word; but nothing came forth.<\/p>\n

Joe had been able to tolerate a few soft foods, but often it had to almost be forced on him to get him to eat them.\u00a0 He had stopped for the most part even writing on his board, a bad sign to them all that he was ready to quit.\u00a0 Doctor Martin remained diligent in his instructions and encouragement, but even he retained a small amount of hopelessness as four weeks turned into a month with still no sign of healing.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joseph, I am not playing here.\u00a0 You need to eat or you won\u2019t get better!\u201d\u00a0 Ben insisted as Joe\u2019s hand again came up blocking the food that his father had offered him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen tell me why!\u00a0 You can at least do that.\u201d\u00a0 Ben handed Joe the felt board and Joe pushed it off the bed.\u00a0 \u201cStop this nonsense.\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s voice was strained as he continued his battle with his son.\u00a0 \u201cYou tell me right now, or I promise you I will sit on this bed all day and night until you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finally, Joe gave in and started to write out his reply.<\/p>\n

not get better<\/strong><\/p>\n

I will never get better<\/strong><\/p>\n

I quit Stop pretending with me <\/strong><\/p>\n

you know it as well as I do <\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben read the board and put it back down next to the bed.\u00a0 \u201cNow who made you a doctor?\u00a0 You heard Doctor Martin, he said it could happen anytime. Could be today, tomorrow, or next week.\u00a0 So you have to eat to keep up your strength for when it does happen.\u201d\u00a0 Ben was calmer now as he fought to encourage Joe.\u00a0 \u201cNow will you please eat?\u00a0 We wait any longer and these eggs are going to have to be reheated.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reached for the spoon, allowing his father to keep a hold of the bowl.\u00a0 He ate, not because he believed he would get better, but because he believed his father would do as promised.\u00a0 He knew that Ben would sit there all day as he had threatened.<\/p>\n

When the bowl was empty Ben patted Joe\u2019s hand affectionately.\u00a0 \u201cGood job.\u00a0 Now Hop Sing is going to come up here and help you get cleaned up and then we are going to work on some more therapy.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stood and noticed how Joe just simply closed his eyes in response to what he had said. His heart ached at the sight, and because some of his own doubts were now being reflected in his youngest son.<\/p>\n

Ben made an abstract excuse to his sons that he needed to check on something in town.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want them to know what his primary motive was at the time.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam met in Joe\u2019s room after Hop Sing got him all cleaned up.\u00a0 It was time for therapy, and Adam knew it was his turn but had requested Hoss join him.\u00a0 He had witnessed his father\u2019s face when he had left Joe\u2019s room earlier and knew from the look that Joe was not in his best frame of mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Joe.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get to it.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said and he and Hoss pulled Joe up against the pillows.\u00a0 Joe showed no reaction.\u00a0 The therapy now was just a futile waste of time in his opinion, but since he had no way of leaving the room he had to endure his brother\u2019s attempts nonetheless.<\/p>\n

Adam pulled Joe\u2019s left leg up toward his chest and slowly lowered it several times.\u00a0 He then worked for awhile on Joe\u2019s hand and fingers.\u00a0 He bent each finger back and forward trying to increase the circulation and to prevent them from curling up due to the lack of activity.\u00a0 Adam had read every page of the book on stroke victims and worked diligently trying to exercise every muscle on the left side of Joe\u2019s body.\u00a0 After the upper arm and shoulder, Adam stopped and looked over to Hoss for help.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you do his vocal exercise, Hoss?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked and stepped aside letting the big man sit down on the bed next to Joe.<\/p>\n

Hoss gently put his fingers on his brother\u2019s throat.\u00a0 \u201cMake a sound, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was not cooperating and simply turned his eyes away.\u00a0 Hoss frowned at how difficult Joe was making the whole act.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, no playing, Little Brother.\u00a0 I got my hand on your throat\u2014and that\u2019s some powerful temptation right now.\u00a0 You wouldn\u2019t want me to throttle you, now would you?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss warned but then broke into a smile.\u00a0 Joe reluctantly turned his eyes back onto Hoss\u2019 face.\u00a0 As angry as he was, Joe felt sorry for all of his family that they had to go through all of these useless motions daily.\u00a0 Finally, there was a muffled response from the deep recesses of Joe\u2019s vocal cords.\u00a0 It was like a faint groan.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked over at Adam.\u00a0 It was the same intensity as it had been.\u00a0 Still no improvement.\u00a0 Hoss prayed for a word, even a lightly voiced sigh, but there was nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne more time, Joe.\u00a0 This time pretend that you are mad and yell at all of us!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss directed.<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes and they could tell that he was struggling.\u00a0 He tried with all of his might, and still it was only a faint moan that was heard.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that one was better.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you, Adam?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked and shot his oldest brother a pathetic look for support.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Hoss.\u00a0 I think you are right.\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded and then saw Joe point toward his felt board.\u00a0 Adam brought it over to his brother and held out the box of letters. Joe steadily wrote out his statement.<\/p>\n

you both just lied, I know it\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nothing has changed.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Believe me if I could yell<\/strong><\/p>\n

I would say every bad word I know and then some<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let me sleep now <\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss read the board and then eased Joe onto his side to go back to sleep.\u00a0 They left him in the room alone and walked down the stairs.\u00a0 Hop Sing was quick to come over to them and he read their faces.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have to ask them if there had been any progress.\u00a0 Hop Sing headed up the stairs to sit with Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I got something to tell you.\u00a0 It\u2019s been eating my insides for days.\u00a0 I can\u2019t talk to Pa about it\u2014-\u201d Hoss started and Adam sat down and pointed for his brother to sit down across from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I know what you are thinking, Hoss.\u00a0 Go ahead and get it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel so ashamed.\u00a0 I have been thinking some awful things lately.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss fumbled with his confession as his eyes grew misty.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were thinking that it would have been better if Joe had just never woken up that morning aren\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 Adam came out with his question and Hoss seemed surprised to hear him say it so matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2014-how did you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you aren\u2019t the only one who has thought that.\u00a0 I bet you even Pa has thought that, he just would never tell us.\u00a0 We see Joe day after day not getting any better, then we think how we would feel.\u00a0 It\u2019s like addressing our own mortality watching him this way.\u00a0 None of us would want to be like he is.\u00a0 And deep down we know Joe doesn\u2019t want to live like this.\u00a0 And yet we try\u2014we try to encourage him on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what if he never gets better than he is right now?\u00a0 Then what?\u00a0 Pa will live out the rest of his life taking care of him.\u00a0 Then it will be up to you and me.\u00a0 And what about Joe?\u00a0 He would hate us after awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think about it all the time.\u00a0 I worry about what it is doing to Pa.\u00a0 All we can do is pray that somehow Joe starts to show some signs of recovery.\u00a0 To think past that right now will only hurt us all.\u00a0 It has just been a month.\u00a0 Let\u2019s hold off all the gloom until we give it awhile longer.\u00a0 But, Hoss, if you ever want to talk\u2014well\u2014you know\u2014\u201d Adam drifted off and reached over and touched Hoss\u2019 shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Big Brother.\u00a0 And that\u2019s a two way street with me!\u00a0 I\u2019ve been thinking about doing something to help Joe\u2019s spirits. How about when Pa gets back we see if we can bring Joe down here awhile.\u00a0 He hasn\u2019t been out of his room since this happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then what?\u00a0 I can see in your eyes you are hatching something.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014Joe just sits in that room all day.\u00a0 Let\u2019s fix it up so he can at least see out his window\u2014give him some change.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea.\u00a0 We can surprise him with it. How about we all have supper here in the living room too?\u00a0 He hasn\u2019t been with us in too long.\u00a0 It would cheer everyone up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned. \u201cI don\u2019t know about Joe, but it would sure make me feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, then.\u00a0 We\u2019ll do it.\u00a0 Right now let\u2019s get our chores done so we will have the rest of the day to see what we can do for Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stood, as did Hoss.\u00a0 They walked toward the door with renewed hope, their talk having eased their hearts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright removed his hat as he entered the church.<\/strong>\u00a0 It was just after noon and he was glad to see Reverend Hastings coming toward him from the pulpit.\u00a0 Throwing out his hand the Reverend greeted his long time friend. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u201cBen!\u00a0 So glad to see you.\u00a0 Tell me, how is Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually that is why I\u2019ve come to see you.\u00a0 Could we sit down awhile?\u201d\u00a0 \u201cYes of course.\u201d\u00a0 The Reverend moved over to one of the pews and the two men sat down.\u00a0 \u201cYou know I have been praying for Joe.\u00a0 I have wanted to come out there, but when I spoke to the doctor he said Joe was refusing visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he has some facial paralysis and he is embarrassed.\u00a0 He has a lot of pride, that son of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not always a bad thing. Now what\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am afraid that Joseph is at the point where he has lost all hope of getting better.\u00a0 It has been a month now and there are no signs of improvement.\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s dark eyes reflected in them hopelessness of his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it just Joseph who has given up hope?\u00a0 Or have you as well?\u2019\u00a0 Reverend Hastings asked softly reading the man\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Ben dropped his head down in despair. \u201cI guess I have as well.\u00a0 It\u2019s so hard.\u00a0 Day after day going in there.\u00a0 Telling him to fight, encouraging him on.\u00a0 Only to see that nothing on the left side of his body works or responds in any way.\u00a0 Not a toe\u2014not a finger\u2014nothing.\u00a0 And he can\u2019t talk.\u00a0 What I would give to hear him just say \u201cpa\u201d just once.\u201d\u00a0 Ben fought back his tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me tell you something, Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 You can\u2019t stay strong all of the time.\u00a0 You think you can, but you are human.\u00a0 Dealing with someone who has suffered a stroke is a very grueling experience.\u00a0 And when you don\u2019t see any progress being made it is easy to assume there won\u2019t be any.\u00a0 This is no doubt bleeding over onto Joseph.\u00a0 He\u2019s a very intuitive young man.\u00a0 If he detects a glimmer of defeat in your eyes he will quit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can I do then?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked desperate for some guidance.<\/p>\n

Resting his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder for comfort, the Reverend said, \u201cYou need to take a little time for yourself.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t you are hurting Joe, your other sons, and yourself.\u00a0 At least once a week I want you to come into town.\u00a0 And not for business.\u00a0 You go and play cribbage with Roy or better yet come and take your favorite preacher out for lunch.\u00a0 Whatever, as long as you get a break.\u00a0 Then, when you go home you will be in better spirits and that will reflect in your relationship with your sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at the wise words he had heard, and knew that they had been spoken out of friendship.\u00a0 \u201cYou want to go get that lunch now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow nice of you to ask.\u201d\u00a0 Reverend Hastings grinned and stood up.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u00a0 Then we can go over to the jail and try to talk Roy into telling us one of his wild stories.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good.\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded and the two men left the church. Ben made it home a little after five that afternoon.\u00a0 Feeling in much better spirits, he was happy to be greeted by both Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get what you wanted in town?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong> Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I got what I needed.\u00a0 Now, how are you two doing?\u00a0 Are you okay?\u00a0 Did Joe put you through a lot today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw\u2014he was fine.\u00a0 But we do have something we want to talk to you about.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said and they all walked into the living room to discuss their plans for Joe.<\/p>\n

An hour before dinner was ready Ben walked into Joe\u2019s room to find him wide awake.\u00a0 Nearing the bed he noticed Joe had tear tracks coming down his cheeks.\u00a0 He obviously had wiped the tears away as he heard his father approaching the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get your robe on, Son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said and reached for it over by the chair.<\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a questioning look.\u00a0 Ben slowly slipped the robe around his son\u2019s shoulders. \u201cWe are going downstairs.\u00a0 You need a break from this room don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shot out two fingers.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t really care where he was at the moment.\u00a0 Ben paid no attention to Joe\u2019s response and bent over the bed lifting Joe up into his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have it all fixed up for you downstairs.\u201d\u00a0 Ben commented as they cleared the doorway and approached the stairs.\u00a0 Ben carefully descended the long staircase carrying his youngest son over to the settee and gently setting him down.\u00a0 He made sure to put Joe\u2019s bad side up against the back of the settee to free his good side up.\u00a0 Joe looked over at the blazing fire and then surveyed the room.\u00a0 It was the first time he had seen it in over a month and he had to admit to himself that if felt good to get out of the bed in his room.\u00a0 Ben stacked the pillows up behind his son so that he was more in a sitting position.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat feel okay?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked and Joe shot out one finger.\u00a0 \u201cWant me to get your board so we can talk?\u201d\u00a0 Joe managed a slight nod instead of using the sign language.\u00a0 Ben turned to the staircase to retrieve the felt board when he saw Adam and Hoss ready to go up to do their remodeling.\u00a0 Ben smiled and winked to them both to let them know that everything was going well so far.<\/p>\n

A few moments later Ben made his way back down the stairs and carried over Joe\u2019s means of communication.\u00a0 He set the box of letters within reach on the coffee table and pulled his chair closer to the settee.\u00a0 Joe carefully wrote out his sentence.<\/p>\n

have something to show you\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

you are not going to believe it <\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben read the board and then handed it back to Joe bewildered by the statement.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you talking about, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reached for the board and wrote more.<\/p>\n

when you went upstairs <\/strong><\/p>\n

I saw something<\/strong><\/p>\n

my left hand<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben pulled Joe\u2019s blanket down to get a full view of his left hand.\u00a0 Joe moved, ever so slightly his left index finger.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s mouth dropped open and he stood up so fast that he knocked Joe\u2019s board onto the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d\u00a0 He exclaimed and took Joe\u2019s left hand into his own right one.\u00a0 \u201cDo it again!\u201d\u00a0 He insisted.\u00a0 It took a little concentration but Joe was able to move it again. Ben hugged his son so tightly that he almost pushed him off of the settee.\u00a0 \u201cAdam!\u00a0 Hoss!\u201d\u00a0 He yelled and the two men appeared at the top of the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cCome here!\u201d\u00a0 He called up to them and they hurried down the stairs, worried that something had happened to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Hoss asked out of breath.<\/p>\n

Ben turned back toward Joe and smiled. \u201cCome on.\u00a0 Once more for your captive audience.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he gonna do?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked and Ben pointed toward Joe\u2019s left hand.\u00a0 The brothers then saw the twitch of the one finger and they both hollered out loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u00a0 We knew\u00a0you could do it!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss burst out with laughter and hugged his brother.\u00a0 Adam patted Joe on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2014that\u2019s step one, Joe.\u00a0 Now I expect more help with that therapy tomorrow!\u201d\u00a0 He chided his little brother, though his heart was swelling in his chest, so proud of the boy\u2019s small but monumental accomplishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing!\u201d\u00a0 Ben called into the kitchen and the cook appeared.\u00a0 \u201cJoe just moved his finger!\u201d\u00a0 Ben announced and the cook hurried over next to the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing want to see.\u00a0 You do it for Hop Sing now.\u201d\u00a0 He insisted and Joe obeyed his long time friend.\u00a0 Hop Sing grinned ear to ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave vely special dinner now for all of you.\u00a0 Be ready soon.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled and hurried back into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes feeling both emotional and also a little weak from all the activity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if that\u2019s the end of the show, we have more to do now.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said and grabbed Hoss\u2019 arm and left to complete their project.<\/p>\n

Ben sat back down next to Joe and patted his good arm.\u00a0 \u201cI know it seems like just a little thing right now, Joseph.\u00a0 But, it is the beginning of you coming back.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t been this thrilled since I saw you take your first steps when you were a little tyke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reached for the board and wrote again.<\/p>\n

hope this is just the start Pa\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

wish I could talk to you<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben read the board again and responded.\u00a0 \u201cYou will talk again, just as you will walk again and everything else you did before.\u00a0 Now, don\u2019t get discouraged if it isn\u2019t fast, at least you know you are on your way.\u201d<\/p>\n

tired now<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou go on and close your eyes.\u00a0 There\u2019s time for a nap before dinner.\u201d\u00a0 Ben answered and lowered the board and pulled up the blanket.\u00a0 Joe closed his eyes and he was soon sound asleep.<\/p>\n

Dinner had been brought into the living room and set up so that all four of the Cartwrights could share the meal together.\u00a0 Joe awoke to the sight of his family around him.\u00a0 Hoss reached over and pulled Joe up higher on the settee and handed him his drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought it would be nice to all have dinner together for a change.\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled over at Joe who still had bewilderment on his face. \u201cNeed some help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe signaled with two fingers and then reached with his right hand over to the bowl that was set on the coffee table.\u00a0 He drew it into his lap, a half-frown appearing at his mouth at the sight.\u00a0 It was oatmeal, not the steak and potatoes he saw on the other members plates.\u00a0 He slowly started to eat his food.<\/p>\n

Hoss read his little brother\u2019s face and thought on whether it had been a good idea to eat in front of him.\u00a0 Joe caught the sight of Hoss\u2019 expression and knew what the kind soul was thinking and why he had yet to carve into his steak.\u00a0 Setting his bowl back on the table, Joe reached for the felt board and started writing.\u00a0 When he finished he turned it around so Hoss could see.<\/p>\n

wanna trade <\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss laughed when he read it and patted his brother on the shoulder.\u00a0 It was the first sign of humor that Joe had given them in weeks.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that oatmeal does look awfully good\u2014but if I don\u2019t eat my steak Hop Sing will yell at me.\u201d\u00a0 He replied and the others laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I thought I\u2019d tell you it\u2019s starting to snow outside now.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said between bites.\u00a0 \u201cI remember you always liked seeing the first real snowstorm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shot Adam a cautious glance, worried how Joe would handle the fact that he couldn\u2019t go outside as he would have under any other situation.\u00a0 Joe loved to just stand and feel the flakes landing softly on his face.\u00a0 Joe was always a big kid when it came to snow, they all knew that.\u00a0 And it would be sad to think that this year he would have to be on the inside looking out.<\/p>\n

Joe reached out again and wrote on his board.<\/p>\n

take me out to see it<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam read it and then looked to his father for help.\u00a0 He now regretted even mentioning the snowfall.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph\u2014not just yet.\u00a0 We have to keep you from getting sick.\u00a0 It would weaken your system, just when you are doing so well.\u201d\u00a0 Ben answered and saw frustration attacking Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

I am pouting right now<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben laughed at what Joe had written and looked around to the others.\u00a0 They were no help.\u00a0 He could tell they wanted to appease their brother to keep him in good spirits.\u00a0 Ben stood and put his hands on his hips and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cIf you get sick\u2014\u201d Ben started and then gave up on the lecture.\u00a0 Hoss walked over to the front door and grabbed his huge woolen coat and brought it back over to where Joe sat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis will keep him warm, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll carry him out there for just a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd exactly what were YOU planning on wearing, Hoss?\u00a0 Or let me guess\u2014you want to catch a cold as badly as Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have my other one right over there.\u00a0 Plus I have my long-johns on.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss protested and grabbed his other coat and threw it on.\u00a0 Adam walked over to the door and grabbed his and Ben\u2019s coats.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we catch colds, at least we all will have them at the same time.\u201d\u00a0 Adam grinned and saw his father had caved in to his youngest son as was normal.\u00a0 Ben pulled on his coat and watched as Hoss lifted his brother up into his arms.\u00a0 Adam pulled open the door and all of the Cartwrights walked out to the porch.<\/p>\n

It was hardly a bad snow fall at the time, but there were numerous fluffy white flurries drifting down.\u00a0 Joe pointed to Hoss to take him out past the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t!\u201d\u00a0 Ben interjected after seeing what Joe was now up to. Joe held his finger up in a plea toward his father.\u00a0 Ben could tell what the boy wanted, just the feel of snowflakes on his face.\u00a0 \u201cMake it quick, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Ben sighed.<\/p>\n

Hoss stepped down past the covering of the porch and walked into the front yard.\u00a0 He stood there long enough to let Joe\u2019s face get dotted by snow.\u00a0 If Joe could have spoken he would have yelled in glee or let out a long string of laughter.\u00a0 But, Hoss saw the joy reflected in his brother\u2019s eyes and it touched his heart to see happiness there replacing the terrible sadness that his injury had caused.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it!\u201d\u00a0 Ben yelled and sent Hoss hurrying back.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get him inside and over by the fireplace to warm up.\u201d\u00a0 Ben held the door for all the others to come back into the warmth of the living room.\u00a0 Hoss carried his brother over to his father\u2019s big blue chair that sat close to the blazing fire.\u00a0 Carefully, he set the boy down and propped him with pillows to keep him from falling onto his bad side.\u00a0 Joe pointed over to the board and Ben brought it over to him.<\/p>\n

thanks, this has been a good day <\/strong><\/p>\n

first good day in a long time<\/strong><\/p>\n

The family read the words and they had to fight to control their emotions. It made them both happy and sad at what Joe had said.\u00a0 They were happy to have given him some pleasure but were sad that it was such a little thing to do for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you haven\u2019t seen everything yet, Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 Ben grinned and rubbed the boy\u2019s neck to take off the chill from the snow.\u00a0 \u201cThese two brothers of yours have been busy up in your room.\u00a0 They kinda did some remodeling for you.\u00a0 So, just as soon as we get you thawed out a little we will go and see what they did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss carried Joe up to his room later that evening and could see the look in Joe\u2019s green eyes.\u00a0 He was amazed at how such a small gesture of moving the room around would have such an affect on the boy.\u00a0 Hoss saw the eyes go glassy and appeared that Joe was ready to cry.\u00a0 Hoss took Joe over to his bed, which now faced toward the window of his room.<\/p>\n

Leaning back up against his pillows, Joe surveyed the room.\u00a0 Everything was in a different place including his bureau, desk and chair.\u00a0 The family could tell he was both pleased and exhausted from his big day. He reached toward his father to get his board and he wrote a final message for the evening.<\/p>\n

thanks for doing all this brothers<\/strong><\/p>\n

They all read the board<\/strong> and then Adam said, \u201cIf you want to thank us, get something else moving soon.\u201d\u00a0 Adam patted his brother\u2019s arm and turned out of the room satisfied with his day\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight there, Short Shanks, it was fun getting out in the snow with you.\u00a0 Next year I challenge you to a real snowball fight.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss grinned and walked out of the room as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Young Man, you have had some day haven\u2019t you? \u00a0Before you close those eyes how about showing me that finger again?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe obliged his father and his left index finger moved in response.\u00a0 Ben nodded and then pulled the covers up on his son.\u00a0 \u201cYou get some sleep now. I have a feeling that your therapy is about to get more rigorous now that we can see that it is working.\u201d\u00a0 Ben bent down and kissed Joe\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 Joe closed his eyes and for the first time in weeks felt the start of hope in his soul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next week went by a bit slower<\/strong> as no further progress was noted.\u00a0 Hopes were still high however as Adam and Hoss had been forced by their father to take off some time to just get away from the situation.\u00a0 Ben also had done as the Reverend had instructed and had gone into town and spent the day with Roy Coffee.\u00a0 Upon returning, Ben saw Doctor Martin\u2019s rig in the front yard and he hurried inside the ranch house.<\/p>\n

Adam arose from his chair after seeing the panic that was now displayed on his father\u2019s face. \u201cEverything is okay, Pa.\u00a0 We just got a little concerned about Joe and thought the doctor should check on him.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said nearing his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have told me!\u201d\u00a0 Ben protested angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe knew you\u2019d be back soon, or we would have sent for you.\u00a0 It\u2019s probably just a cold that the boy has gotten.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for yelling, Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that\u2014\u201d Ben trailed off and put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust that you saw the doctor\u2019s buggy and thought something awful had happened.\u201d\u00a0 Adam completed his father\u2019s statement and he nodded that he understood why Ben had blown up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go see to your brother.\u201d\u00a0 Ben turned and he and his son walked up the flight of stairs.\u00a0 Walking into the room they saw Paul had his stethoscope out and was listening to Joe\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked approaching the bed where both Hoss and Paul stood.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas a touch of pneumonia building up.\u201d\u00a0 Paul stated and shot Ben a look when he saw the man\u2019s eyes go glassy.\u00a0 \u201cNow don\u2019t go getting all up in arms.\u00a0 This was to be expected.\u00a0 You all have done a wonderful job with Joe.\u00a0 It\u2019s no-one\u2019s fault.\u00a0 We just have to keep it from getting any worse is all.\u201d\u00a0 Paul pulled the thermometer out of Joe\u2019s mouth and read it.\u00a0 \u201cJust a little above normal.\u201d\u00a0 He said shaking it back down and cleaning it with alcohol.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked and walked over to stand near Hoss who was wearing a look of dread.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe can\u2019t cough much right now.\u00a0 I suggest you keep him real warm.\u00a0 You will need to put another thermal shirt over the other one.\u00a0 Then he needs to be more in a sitting position for a couple of days to help him breathe easier.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to show you how to help with the congestion now.\u201d\u00a0 I will be back tomorrow evening.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor closed his bag and then reached out and touched his patient\u2019s cheek softly.\u00a0 \u201cNo more stunts you hear?\u00a0 You are on the road back and I expect some real thorough therapy just as soon as you are feeling better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe signaled with his index finger and held a look of gratitude in his eyes for the man who had always cared so much for him and brought him back from every other illness.\u00a0 Hoss walked the doctor down the stairs and Ben sat down on the bed next to Joe.\u00a0 He pushed the hair off of the boy\u2019s forehead and detected the fever he was running.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, you are going to be the death of me.\u00a0 Do you know that?\u201d\u00a0 Ben said exasperated.\u00a0 Joe reached over for his father and Ben pulled him close.\u00a0 He knew the boy was feeling miserable and he had to retract his earlier statement to ease his son\u2019s mind.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s my fault.\u00a0 That little excursion outside a week ago should never have happened.\u00a0 But, when we look at those hazel eyes how can we fight your requests?\u201d\u00a0 Joe pointed toward the board at the bottom of the bed.\u00a0 \u201cNothing doing.\u00a0 You are going to sit back now and be still.\u00a0 Anything you have to say you can say later.\u00a0 And, don\u2019t look at me like that, cause it\u2019s not going to work this time.\u201d\u00a0 Ben settled his son back against the pillows and then looked over at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2014how about giving him some brandy?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked.\u00a0 \u201cIt might break up some of the congestion in his chest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul didn\u2019t say anything about using brandy.\u201d\u00a0 Ben returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah but he didn\u2019t say not to either!\u201d\u00a0 Adam challenged his father.\u00a0 Ben looked back to his youngest and noticed Joe\u2019s index finger was raised in agreement.\u00a0 Thinking on it for a few moments Ben finally agreed to it.\u00a0 Not because Adam had suggested it, nor because Joe wanted it, but because he had used it in the past with congestion and found it to work.\u00a0 \u201cGo and get some, Adam.\u00a0 I guess it\u2019s worth a try.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam walked out of the room and Joe again pointed toward the board.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, you are the most stubborn child\u2014\u201d Ben gave in and brought the board and letters over to where Joe sat.<\/p>\n

Doc said it wasn\u2019t caused by those snowflakes Pa <\/strong><\/p>\n

So don\u2019t be mad with me k<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben read the message and shook his head amused.\u00a0 \u201cI am not mad with you, Joseph.\u00a0 I am mad at the situation.\u00a0 I am so scared for you right now.\u201d\u00a0 Ben squeezed Joe\u2019s hand and Joe pointed back toward the board.\u00a0 Ben handed it over again.<\/p>\n

kinda scared myself<\/strong><\/p>\n

if I could cough<\/strong><\/p>\n

I know I sound like a little kid<\/strong><\/p>\n

will you stay tonight<\/strong><\/p>\n

I kinda want you here<\/strong><\/p>\n

just in case.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben took the board away and looked into the eyes of his youngest.\u00a0 Behind the brave try, Ben could read fear in the emerald pools that stared back at him.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, have I ever left you when you were sick?\u00a0 Do you think anyone could pull me out of here tonight?\u00a0 The answer is no.\u00a0 Now let\u2019s try and break up some of that congestion now.\u00a0 I have to pull you forward a little, just relax.\u201d\u00a0 Ben moved so he was slightly behind his son.\u00a0 He cupped his hands and slowly and rhythmically began clapping his back.\u00a0 Joe could not see his father\u2019s face at the time which was a good thing. He might have caught the tears that were drifting from the worried father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

As Adam walked back in, Ben had just finished with Joe and was settling the boy back against the pillows.\u00a0 Adam brought over the glass and put a fresh straw inside of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had to dilute it down a bit, didn\u2019t want it to sting your throat, Joe. Take it slow will you?\u201d\u00a0 Adam handed the brandy to his brother and Joe slowly sipped it.\u00a0 When he was done, Joe gave the impression that he was trying to cough.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that worked pretty well.\u00a0 We will try it again in a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll help with the pain, too.\u201d\u00a0 Adam winked at his brother, who he knew would enjoy the effects of the brandy.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing next entered the room and carried with him a tray.\u00a0 \u201cDoctor tell Hop Sing to bring up treatment for Little Joe. \u00a0Have towel ready and first we put salve on chest.\u00a0 Hop Sing get fresh shirt.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing walked over to the dresser and pulled out two thermal shirts.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo shirts doctor say.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing announced.\u00a0 He had always listened carefully to instructions when it came to taking care of one of his family members.<\/p>\n

Ben pulled the second shirt over Joe\u2019s head and pushed the left arm in the sleeve and allowed Joe to put his right arm through himself.\u00a0 \u2018Well, Young Man, you are sufficiently doctored now.\u00a0 How about closing those eyes awhile and getting some rest?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe could smell the odor of the salve and the camphor and he felt like he would gag.\u00a0 He fought his nausea so his family would not worry more than they already were.\u00a0 Joe wanted to thank them all for the patient care they had provided but was too weak to even request his board let alone write a message.\u00a0 He slowly closed his eyes and fell off to sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Pa.\u00a0 You go and eat some dinner.\u00a0 I\u2019ll stay with him.\u201d\u00a0 Adam insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promised Joseph I wouldn\u2019t leave.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stated emphatically.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust long enough to eat.\u00a0 Hoss and I are gonna spell you tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just told you\u2014\u201d Ben began and Adam cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2014it\u2019s okay, I know you are gonna be in here.\u00a0 I just meant we are going to take turns watching him while you sleep.\u00a0 First sign of a stir in that bed and we will wake you.\u00a0 Now, you know that you have to have some rest so don\u2019t argue.\u00a0 Now go get some dinner and then you can settle in here for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood up and grinned at his eldest son.\u00a0 \u201cWho made you so smart anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe it was that hard headed father of mine.\u201d\u00a0 Adam quipped and Ben laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right. I\u2019m going to grab something to eat and then wash up.\u00a0 You call me if Joe wakes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir.\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded and settled down into the chair.Two in the morning brought about changes for the worse in Joe.\u00a0 His fever mounted and Ben was terrified.\u00a0 Hop Sing at his side, they each took turns swabbing Joe down with rubbing alcohol to bring down the fever.\u00a0 Each limb that they rubbed was quickly covered back up and then the next one was washed down.\u00a0 Ben kept a cool cloth on Joe\u2019s forehead and could see the boy was delirious.\u00a0 Usually that would mean calling out feverishly, but with the boy\u2019s inability to talk, only the trashing of the good side of his body showed them he was struggling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben bent his head down wearily<\/strong> as they covered Joe up and then he said a silent prayer.<\/p>\n

Please Dear Lord, help Joseph through this long night.\u00a0 He has suffered so long, please help him <\/em><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s prayers were apparently answered about an hour later when Joe stopped thrashing about and his breathing became more regular.\u00a0 Ben felt of the boy\u2019s forehead and noticed it wasn\u2019t quite as warm.\u00a0 It was then that Joe\u2019s eyes suddenly opened and he gazed at the worried man before him.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you have had some night there, Joseph.\u00a0 You hurting now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe weakly lifted two of his fingers and Ben sighed in relief.\u00a0 \u201cWell, let\u2019s get you some water and then we will try to clear your chest a bit.\u201d\u00a0 Ben brought the straw up to Joe\u2019s parched lips.\u00a0 Joe sipped the water and then something odd happened.\u00a0 When the glass was moved back to the night stand, Ben turned in time to catch a brief flinch on the left side of Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 Ben rubbed at his eyes thinking that he was getting a bit punchy.\u00a0 He then looked at Joe again, and the left side of the boy\u2019s face twitched again.\u00a0 Ben reached over and touched Joe\u2019s cheek.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph?\u00a0 Can you feel my hand?\u201d\u00a0 He whispered.\u00a0 Joe reached with his right hand to cover his father\u2019s hand that still rested on his left cheek.\u00a0 It was then that he pointed out his index finger.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart leaped.\u00a0 It had been such a crisis filled night, and to have it now culminate in life coming back to that side of his son\u2019s face brought tears to his eyes. \u201cOh, Joseph!\u201d\u00a0 He cried and bent down and kissed the cheek lightly.\u00a0 \u201cYou are coming back even more now.\u00a0 And in your usual dramatic way too.\u201d<\/p>\n

A small, but noticeable lift to the boy\u2019s left side of his mouth formed the first smile that Ben had seen on his son\u2019s face in more than a month.\u00a0 It was as intense as the very best Joe Cartwright smile and melted the worried father\u2019s heart.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben let his fingers drift down to his son\u2019s mouth.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be danged\u2014you are smiling\u2014aren\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 To which Joe held out his finger again.<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we wake your brothers and tell them?\u201d\u00a0 Ben grinned as he looked across the room at the two young men who were sound asleep on bedrolls spread out on the floor.\u00a0 Joe put out his two fingers.\u00a0 He decided that his brothers needed sleep more than they needed to see a lopsided smile.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and still marveled at the sight before him.\u00a0 \u201cWell, then let\u2019s do a little beating on that back to help you breathe better.\u00a0 We will surprise them all in the morning.\u201d\u00a0 Ben patted Joe\u2019s arm and then moved in back of him.\u00a0 This time as he worked on his son, the tears that left Ben\u2019s eyes were tears of joy and not anguish.<\/p>\n

It was a faint sound that was coming from Joe\u2019s bed that had awakened Ben almost three hours later.\u00a0 He lifted his head up off the cot and looked over towards the bed.\u00a0 There he could see in the faint lamplight Hoss with his muscular left arm holding Joe forward in the bed, while his right arm kept a steady beat. Hoss had been working on his little brother\u2019s back for awhile before Ben got up and walked over to them both.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I dozed off.\u201d\u00a0 Ben whispered and Hoss smiled up at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess so cause you was sawing logs there for awhile, Pa.\u00a0 Adam was up taking care of Joe when I woke up an hour ago.\u00a0 I told him to go back to sleep and let me take it from here.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss stopped his clapping on his brother\u2019s back and eased him to rest back on the pillows.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you showed your brother yet, Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked and Hoss reached over and patted Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can answer that, Pa.\u00a0 When I came over here, there Joe was smiling at me.\u00a0 So, he figured how to wake up that side of his face at last, did he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure did.\u00a0 Only took a night of terrifying us all to do it too.\u201d\u00a0 Ben winked at his son and Joe returned the smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou go on go back to sleep, Pa.\u00a0 There\u2019s still a little while before daybreak.\u00a0 And, I\u2019m wide awake now.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss insisted.<\/p>\n

Joe saw his father hesitate and he lifted his right hand and made a \u201cgo away\u201d motion towards Ben.\u00a0 Ben chuckled in response and then walked back over to the cot for another hour of badly needed rest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would say that the crisis is now over.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor stated as he drew out the ends of the stethoscope from his ears.\u00a0 \u201cBut, not without causing all of us a few more gray hairs, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Paul smiled and then decided to check his patient\u2019s eyes again.\u00a0 He moved the light past the strong right eye and then back over to the left one.\u00a0 \u201cSeems a bit more reactive now.\u00a0 Is your sight clear in your left eye yet, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pointed toward his board and Doctor Martin passed it over to him.<\/p>\n

little hazy but better than it was\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

wish something else would start to get better<\/strong><\/p>\n

Still can\u2019t feel my leg or my arm\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Still can\u2019t talk<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYoung Man\u2014need I remind you that a week or so ago you could not move your finger on that left hand nor could you feel the left side of your face?\u00a0 Need I remind you that you could have died from that pneumonia?\u00a0 You have spent the last week fighting to live through it.\u00a0 Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at Paul\u2019s ire, but shot out his index finger in response.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne step at a time.\u00a0 Don\u2019t forget that, Joe.\u00a0 I know how anxious you are, believe me I am just as anxious!\u00a0 Do you think it\u2019s easy having you for a patient?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shot out two fingers again and then broke into a small but meaningful smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay then.\u00a0 Now let\u2019s get back to some therapy around here.\u00a0 I will work with you today.\u201d\u00a0 Paul looked over at the other Cartwrights and Hop Sing.\u00a0 \u201cBut, first\u2014you all are hereby ordered to get out of here.\u00a0 Go into town\u2014read a book\u2014take a nap\u2014whatever\u2014just go.\u00a0 I do not need any more patients.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014\u201d Ben started and Paul cut him right back off.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave!\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to see any of you until later this evening.\u00a0 I will sit with Joe after we do some exercises.\u00a0 I even brought a book with me to read, so I\u2019ll be more than content.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make him mad, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss said taking his father by his arm.\u00a0 \u201cHe might just give you a shot or something!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed and then watched as all the others filed out of the bedroom.\u00a0 \u201cYou take it easy on the doctor there, Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 Ben warned.\u00a0 \u201cI have the feeling he won\u2019t put up with any nonsense today!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned in response, he knew he would be in for one heck of a therapy session now.\u00a0 Ben retreated from the room and Paul walked around the bed to ready for the start of Joe\u2019s exercises.\u00a0 Paul smiled to himself.\u00a0 He wanted to do something for all of the Cartwrights, and with the way they were, stubborn and all, the only way to accomplish his gift of time was to get firm with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Doctor Martin was true to his word<\/strong> and gave Joe a thorough work out.\u00a0 He finally finished with Joe\u2019s leg and arm and then sat down on the bed next to his patient.\u00a0 Putting his hand lightly on Joe\u2019s throat he coaxed him on.\u00a0 \u201cNow that the pneumonia is all gone I want you to try your best to force some air up through your windpipe.\u00a0 I want to hear something other than a groan today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes to try and focus in on what he was doing.\u00a0 He finally made a small sound that was just barely audible.\u00a0 \u201cTry that again, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Paul instructed.<\/p>\n

Joe managed to make a faint \u201cah\u201d sound and it took all his strength to accomplish it.\u00a0 Paul eased him back down to rest against the pillows.\u00a0 \u201cNot bad.\u00a0 I want you practicing though, any chance you get.\u00a0 You don\u2019t need the others for this part of your therapy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pointed toward his board and the doctor handed him both the board and the case of letters.\u00a0 Joe spelled out his message which read,<\/p>\n

help me to talk I need to talk <\/strong><\/p>\n

This board is not the same thing <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying to do that very thing right now, Joe.\u00a0 I am afraid the paralysis has not freed your vocal cords just yet.\u00a0 But even that brief sound you just made is better than what you could do a month and a half ago.\u201d\u00a0 Paul said and noticed the small frown that Joe now wore.\u00a0 Paul sighed and tried to think of anything else that would help.\u00a0 \u201cHow about trying to purse your lips?\u00a0 Now that you can move that side of your mouth you can at least try to pretend to talk.\u00a0 Think about a short word and try to form it on your lips.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe mashed his lips together.\u00a0 He had one particular word in mind as he practiced how he would say it if he ever got the chance.\u00a0 Paul smiled over at the young man.\u00a0 He could tell by Joe\u2019s lip movement exactly what that word would be.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Joe.\u00a0 Now I will make you a challenge\u2014I know how much you like those, right?\u00a0 Like herding a hundred head of cattle to south shore in seven days?\u201d\u00a0 The doctor said with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.\u00a0 \u201cI challenge you to say that one word by Christmas.\u00a0 It will just be between you and me, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe started to write on his board again and then showed it to the doctor.<\/p>\n

Christmas?\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

When is Christmas?\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t even know what month it is <\/strong><\/p>\n

The doctor read the message and then looked a bit emotional as he reached out and patted his patient\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe.\u00a0 I know this all has just been one awful blur to you ever since you woke up that morning.\u00a0 Today is Thursday, December tenth.<\/p>\n

That gives you exactly fifteen days to meet my deadline.\u00a0 If you do that, I will get you something very special for a present.\u00a0 And if you don\u2019t\u2014\u201d The doctor stood back up and put his hands on his hips to feign authority.\u00a0 \u201cIf you don\u2019t then I am going to take that board of yours away for a week.\u00a0 How does that sound?\u201d<\/p>\n

it will take more than that to shut me up for a week Doc\u00a0 But you have a deal <\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe reached out with his right hand and shook on the challenge.<\/p>\n

Paul laughed at what Joe had written him and made his way over to the chair.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m gonna read some of my book now.\u00a0 You might as well start practicing your word.\u00a0 I think I\u2019ll give you a fifty-fifty chance on accomplishing that feat.\u00a0 I won\u2019t be shopping for your present just yet!\u201d\u00a0 Paul winked at Joe and then picked up his book.<\/p>\n

Ben sat down in his chair by the fireplace and looked deep in thought as Adam approached him.\u00a0 \u201cSomething wrong, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 He asked sitting down next to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just have a lot of things on my mind right now.\u00a0<\/strong> Christmas for one.\u00a0 It\u2019s only ten days away now and I have yet to come up with anything for Joseph.\u00a0 I have bought all of yours and Hoss\u2019 gifts. I even have Hop Sing\u2019s present.\u00a0 But nothing for Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is kinda hard.\u00a0 Hoss and I have been trying to come up with something too and we aren\u2019t having any luck.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t we have a family meeting and we can field ideas at each other?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a great idea.\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded with the hope that together they could find just the right gift for Joe.\u00a0 \u201cGo and get Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s up with Joe right now.\u00a0 Hop Sing has already turned in.\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right to leave Joseph alone for awhile.\u00a0 In fact he has been asking for more privacy lately.\u00a0 It\u2019s hard to even imagine he would be up to something, but I\u2019ve seen that familiar look in his eyes and know he is hiding something.\u00a0 I think that is the main reason he has been asking for some solitude.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow could he be up to something?\u00a0 He can\u2019t get up.\u00a0 He still can\u2019t move anything other than that finger on his left hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFather\u2019s intuition, Adam.\u00a0 So, let\u2019s leave him to what ever he is up to and let the three of us come up with our own plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go get Hoss.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong> Adam grinned at the thought that his little brother could be planning something in the condition he was in.<\/p>\n

A short time later Adam was back downstairs with Hoss.\u00a0 They all gathered around the fireplace to talk.\u00a0 \u201cAny idea what Joe has up his sleeve?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I ain\u2019t one for giving away secrets, but figured you all should know that Joe gave me some money to get you both gifts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah he gave me some to get you a gift, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Adam laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he gave me some money to get Hop Sing something too!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled at the thought.\u00a0 Joe was going to make sure that everyone had something from him this year even if he couldn\u2019t pick it out himself.\u00a0 \u201cJust where did Joe get all of this money anyway?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked his two sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I tell you Joe has money stashed all over his room! \u201cHoss exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cHe hides it in his sock drawer, under his desk\u2014all kinds of places!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2014well he told me to get some out from behind his bureau.\u00a0 I am surprised we didn\u2019t see it when we moved it a couple of weeks ago.\u00a0 He had it in an envelope taped to the back of it!\u201d\u00a0 Adam was now laughing hard as he conveyed all of the money hide outs he had found.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph had me get it out of his billfold so I did not get the pleasure of a treasure hunt myself.\u201d\u00a0 Ben announced.\u00a0 \u201cThat boy doesn\u2019t believe in banks does he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope\u2014I asked him and he said he didn\u2019t like people knowing how much he has.\u00a0 He also told me that once he is all better he will have to come up with different places since I now know his stash places.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head amused.\u00a0 \u201cDidn\u2019t he ask you for some money just a few days before he left to move the herd?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeck yeah!\u00a0 He said he was broke at the time.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss became more pensive as he thought on what a sucker he had been at the time to give it to Joe when he obviously had money at the time.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe hit me up for twenty too, Hoss, so don\u2019t feel bad.\u201d\u00a0 Adam announced and they both looked up toward the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cThat little criminal\u2014\u201d Adam started as he thought on the fact that Joe had always been amiss to pay back his loans.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Gentlemen\u2014\u201d Ben started and cleared his throat to get their attention.\u00a0 \u201cHe may be somewhat of a shyster\u2014but it looks like he was saving up to get you all something nice for Christmas.\u201d\u00a0 Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2014with our own money!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss laughed now at the thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cI miss that little cuss<\/strong> running around here making me mad to tell you the truth.\u00a0 But it\u2019s nice to see his legacy of trickery still holds true even though he\u2019s laid up.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said out of deep affection for his little brother.<\/p>\n

Ben looked from son to son and saw their moods change fast.\u00a0 They were back into the missing Joe routine and out of the thoughts of him tricking them out of money now.\u00a0 \u201cHe was more than generous in what he gave me to get you both something.\u00a0 And if he told Hoss to get something for Adam and Adam to get something for Hoss then he was going to make sure you had several gifts.\u00a0 I have already purchased the ones for you both from him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2014he sure gave me money for your present, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Adam grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I was buying Pa\u2019s present?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked bewildered.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like Joe wanted to make sure Pa had several gifts too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKinda puts the little shyster<\/strong> in a whole new light doesn\u2019t it, Boys?\u201d\u00a0 Ben grinned now.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss both nodded their agreement at what Ben had said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you all do exactly what Joseph wants you to do with that money.\u00a0 Oh\u2014by the way I could use a new pipe.\u201d\u00a0 Ben winked at them both.\u00a0 \u201cBut, the reason for this formal meeting is to figure out what we are going to do for him.\u00a0 Any ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had a couple of thoughts, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Adam started and they all huddled together to try and pull one over on Joe to make up for all he was planning to do for them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile upstairs Joe was once again at practice.<\/strong>\u00a0 He continued daily to meet Doctor Martin\u2019s challenge.\u00a0 Joe mashed his lips together and tried again to make the sound come up from his throat.\u00a0 He was determined to accomplish it by Christmas and had practiced every day since the doctor had suggested it.\u00a0 Joe would often send the others off to do something for him just to have time by himself so they wouldn\u2019t know what he was doing.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t just the challenge that made Joe try so hard.\u00a0 If he accomplished that one word he would use it as another Christmas gift to someone very special to him.<\/p>\n

The Ponderosa was decked out in her finest decorations for Christmas.\u00a0 The house was filled with the aroma of cookies, pies and other special treats thanks to Hop Sing\u2019s cooking.\u00a0 A huge pine tree which spread it\u2019s boughs across the living room and reached up to the top to the staircase had been brought in and decorated with cherished mementoes of Christmas\u2019 past.<\/p>\n

Adam and Ben stood back and viewed their creation.\u00a0 They were amazed at how each year seemed to out do the previous years decorations.\u00a0 Adam grinned over at his father and put his arm around his broad shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a work of art isn\u2019t she, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 He asked staring at the tree.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, \u201cThe finest we have ever had.\u00a0 I hope it will lift Joe\u2019s spirits when he sees it.\u00a0 By the way\u2014where\u2019s Hoss?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben looked around the room for his middle child.\u00a0 It seemed like he had vanished.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he went up to get Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam answered, and as if on cue Hoss appeared at the top of the staircase with his little brother in his massive arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Little Joe\u2014-go for it!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss encouraged and lifted Joe over the banister.<\/p>\n

Adam and Ben stood terrified as Joe was lifted toward the top of the tree.\u00a0 Hoss had given Joe the task of placing the star on the top of the Christmas tree.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss Cartwright!\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s voice boomed at the horrific sight.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s gonna fall!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned down at his father.\u00a0 \u201cNo he ain\u2019t, Pa.\u00a0 I got a hold of him good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s right hand nervously sought out the top bough and secured the star in place.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood job, Short Shanks!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss laughed and carried his brother down the stairs.\u00a0 He brought the boy over to the settee and laid him down.\u00a0 Ben was quickly over to them both.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave I raised complete idiots?\u201d\u00a0 Ben said still angered by what could have happened.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s finger shot out to tell his father the truth, yes he had raised some idiots.\u00a0 Ben shook his head at the gesture and finally calmed down.\u00a0 Ben sat on the coffee table and noticed Joe\u2019s eyes as they took in the sight before him now.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you like?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked and Joe shot out his index finger again.\u00a0 This time he used his left index finger for effect.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t set the presents out yet.\u201d\u00a0 Adam announced and joined the others.\u00a0 \u201cI was afraid to do that with you down here, Joe.\u00a0 There has never been a Christmas to my knowledge where you haven\u2019t peaked at every present long before Christmas morning.<\/p>\n

Joe responded by pointing at the left side of his body, obviously to show them all how ridiculous his brother\u2019s statement had been.\u00a0 He wondered just how Adam thought he would be able to get over to the presents to open them.<\/p>\n

Adam patted Joe\u2019s arm affectionately and responded, \u201cOh\u2014that wouldn\u2019t stop you\u2014somehow I know you would snoop, so they don\u2019t get laid out until you go to bed tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at the thought, curiosity was getting the better of him, he had to admit.\u00a0 Though he couldn\u2019t think of anything his family could give him that would be appropriate now.\u00a0 Unless they had some kind of miracle cure, there were few things he could use now.<\/p>\n

Ben tuned in to his son\u2019s thoughts and felt his hurt.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t exactly the normal joyous occasion that Christmas had always been in the past.\u00a0 It would be difficult for all of them this year.\u00a0 Joe not being able to run around playing his pranks and laughing heartily at all of his gifts, nor would they be able to give him the things they would usually give him.\u00a0 Ben tried to shake himself out of his doldrums just as Hop Sing appeared coming from the kitchen.\u00a0 He brought with him a platter of freshly baked Christmas cookies.<\/p>\n

The three oldest Cartwrights each helped themselves, but paused suddenly when they realized that there would be no way that Joe could enjoy the baked goods.\u00a0 Hop Sing saw their uncomfortable looks and he spoke up.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe eat cookie too!\u201d\u00a0 He smiled and walked over to the young man on the sofa.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing\u2014\u201d Ben started worriedly.\u00a0 \u201cWe can\u2019t give him one\u2014he might choke on it.\u00a0 You know what Doctor Martin told us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing placed a bowl in Joe\u2019s lap and nodded to him and then turned around to face Ben.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing know what to do.\u00a0 I put cookie in milk and broke up enough so he can eat.\u00a0 You no yell\u2014Hop Sing know more about things than father!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face lit up and he shot out a smile.\u00a0 It still wasn\u2019t the profound smile of a couple of months ago but a beautiful one nonetheless.\u00a0 He was tickled to see Hop Sing taking on his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf\u00a0 he chokes\u2014\u201d Ben started again and Hop Sing sent off a string of Chinese chastisements in response.\u00a0 Joe spooned up a bit of the cookie and milk mixture and put it in his mouth.\u00a0 He gave it plenty of time to dissolve and swallowed it without incident.\u00a0 Ben watched as Joe scooped up more and he turned back and put his hand on Hop Sing\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI graciously admit that I was wrong.\u201d\u00a0 Ben bent down to show honor to his friend and Hop Sing smiled broadly and then hurried back to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

The night was filled with story telling and reminiscing over Christmas\u2019 past.\u00a0 Joe looked around after the last story was told and signaled for his board.\u00a0 Passing it over to him, Hoss read over his shoulder as his brother wrote.<\/p>\n

time for Christmas carols now\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

I know you will all miss my beautiful voice <\/strong><\/p>\n

but don\u2019t let that stop you<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam grab your guitar<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss laughed at the message and passed it over to the rest of his family to read.\u00a0 It had been on purpose that they had not sung.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t want Joe to feel left out in any way.\u00a0 But, at his urging Adam went for his guitar laying over across by Ben\u2019s study.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2014I\u2019m taking requests now\u2014what\u2019ll it be, Joe?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked with a bright smile lighting up his face.<\/p>\n

any one but Silent Night <\/strong><\/p>\n

puts me to sleep<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cSilent night<\/strong>\u2014Holy night\u2014\u201d Adam started singing and then stopped.\u00a0 \u201cOh\u2014right\u2014guess this time I don\u2019t want to put you to sleep as in past years!\u00a0 Okay, if Pa will start us off, Hoss and I will entertain you with Joy To The World.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben started right in followed by Hoss\u2019 booming baritone voice.\u00a0 They sang that song and a half a dozen other ones before taking a break.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2014I kinda do miss Joe\u2019s off-key singing\u2014it\u2019s hard to do this now.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss laughed and Joe reached over and smacked his brother\u2019s knee in response.\u00a0 \u201cOkay\u2014okay\u2014I guess you wasn\u2019t all that bad.\u00a0 You sure brought the cattle up into the yard when you soloed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph has a wonderful voice\u2014and I am sure he will have it back by this time next year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wrote on his board<\/p>\n

maybe when it comes back it will hold a note<\/strong><\/p>\n

you think<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMiracles do happen.\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied and then started strumming the cords to Silent Night.\u00a0 By the time he was finished, Joe lay deep in slumber.<\/p>\n

\u201cStill works.\u201d\u00a0 Adam whispered to his father and covered his brother up with a blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s let him nap for awhile.\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cMeantime, I see nothing wrong with us raiding Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen.\u00a0 All that singing made me hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to rile Hop Sing up, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss warned as they all neared the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cRile him?\u00a0 Why he\u2019d be very hurt if we didn\u2019t try to steal something on Christmas Eve!\u201d\u00a0 Ben announced and they all made their way in towards the wonderful fragrances that were emanating from the kitchen.<\/p>\n

By ten o\u2019clock Ben decided it was time to call it a night and was just about to carry Joe up to his room when a knock sounded on the front door.\u00a0 Hoss opened the door to see Doctor Martin standing there with a gift in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc!\u00a0 Don\u2019t tell me you came all the way out here to bring me my gift!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo I didn\u2019t.\u00a0 I came out to give this to your brother.\u201d\u00a0 Paul winked at Hoss and moved over to the settee.\u00a0 Ben woke his son up and Joe stared over at the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s late, but I believe I need to examine you before Christmas, Young Man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you are invited out here tomorrow, Paul.\u201d\u00a0 Ben addressed the man who had become like a brother to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks just the same, Ben.\u00a0 Reverend Hastings and family invited both Roy and me out to their place for Christmas dinner.\u00a0 So, if I can ask one of you to take this young man up to his room I will examine him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss did the honors and carried his little brother once again to his room.\u00a0 Ben and Adam joined them over by the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will excuse Joseph and me won\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 The doctor said giving them all the hint that he wanted to be alone with his patient.\u00a0 Reluctantly they left the room.\u00a0 Standing in the hallway they stood perplexed at the obvious secrecy that was going on behind the closed door.<\/p>\n

Paul set down his present on the night stand and looked over at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cNow, do you get this present\u2014or do I go and take that board away now?\u201d\u00a0 He asked with a bit of a smile turning up the corners of his lips.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s heart raced.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t at all sure that he had mastered the word, but knew he had to try.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust take your time, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor said sitting down next to Joe on the bed.\u00a0 He wanted to be close enough to hear the word, should the boy come out with it.\u00a0 Paul could see how Joe was struggling and part of him regretted ever having come up with the challenge.<\/p>\n

Joe mashed his lips and tried.\u00a0 Nothing came out.\u00a0 He tried again and again and still no results.\u00a0 Paul put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cTry one more time\u2014give it everything you have.\u201d\u00a0 He coaxed the boy on.<\/p>\n

Finally, and without a lot of volume, the word came out.\u00a0 It was just distinctive enough to know what the word was.\u00a0 It would have been hard to tell who was thrilled the most, Joe or Paul.<\/p>\n

The doctor reached over and hugged his patient, so happy to have been the one to first see and hear what the boy had accomplished and knowing how hard he worked to do it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I owe you this present.\u201d\u00a0 Paul said and reached over for the package.\u00a0 \u201cYou can open it now, Joe. I won\u2019t be seeing you tomorrow so it\u2019s only fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the package in his lap Joe tore into the wrapping with his right hand.\u00a0 When it was opened Joe saw it was a leather bound book.\u00a0 He looked up at the doctor, a question in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t panic\u2014I\u2019m not trying to make you the scholar that Adam is\u2014this is a very special book.\u00a0 I wrote it myself actually.\u00a0 It is the story of Joseph Cartwright, told by me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe opened the book to the first page, the dedication read,<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a book written for someone I admire greatly, Joseph Cartwright.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

He is the patient who has most kept me in business the last twenty plus years.\u00a0 It is a log that starts from the day he was born all the way up to today\u2019s date.\u00a0 It will chronicle every medical emergency he has put me through over the years, along with how he has bravely conquered them all.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

With warmest admiration, Doctor Paul Martin.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe smiled up at the man and turned to the next page.\u00a0 It began with the day he was born and went on to tell of the frantic ride the doctor had taken through the uncharted lands, which had just become the Ponderosa ranch.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have left some pages blank in the back.\u00a0 Some will be used to tell of how you over came this stroke\u2014and the others\u2014well\u2014you and I both know you will be keeping me in business.\u201d\u00a0 Paul laughed and Joe reached over and put his arm around the doctor\u2019s shoulder to thank him.\u00a0 Then, Joe pointed over to the chair by his window.\u00a0 Paul looked across to where a present had been placed.\u00a0 Joe pointed to the doctor to signal to him that the present was for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me?\u201d\u00a0 Paul said and Joe nodded as best he could.\u00a0 Paul brought it over and Joe wrote on his board.<\/p>\n

I had to have Pa go and get it for me<\/strong><\/p>\n

hope you like it <\/strong><\/p>\n

I figured you deserved something special this year <\/strong><\/p>\n

for all I\u2019ve put you through <\/strong><\/p>\n

Paul read the message and grinned.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s just another injury to me, Joe.\u00a0 One that I know you will get over due to your track record.\u201d\u00a0 Paul opened the present and found inside the new black leather medical bag.\u00a0 \u201cThis is wonderful\u2014I needed one badly.\u00a0 This one here has been toted all over the territory and is about to start dropping instruments out.\u201d\u00a0 Paul pointed toward his medical bag and the terrible condition it was in.\u00a0 Joe smiled, glad that he had chosen the right present.\u00a0 \u201cNow you get some rest there, Joe.\u00a0 I think your family is going to try hard to give you a wonderful Christmas.\u00a0 I know you are about to give them a remarkable one yourself.\u00a0 One member in particular due to our little challenge.\u00a0 Merry Christmas.\u201d\u00a0 Paul patted Joe\u2019s arm and the boy smiled up at him with great admiration showing in the hazel glow of his eyes.<\/p>\n

Paul wasn\u2019t at all surprised to see the three men hovering outside of Joe\u2019s room.\u00a0 He addressed them all with a feigned scowl on his face.\u00a0 \u201cSnooping?\u00a0 You should be ashamed of yourselves!\u201d\u00a0 He called out to them.\u00a0 They all laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust wondering what all the secrecy was all about.\u00a0 Is Joseph all right?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe is fine.\u00a0 What a nice present he gave me.\u201d\u00a0 Paul held up his new bag.\u00a0 \u201cAnd how appropriate coming from the boy I am usually carrying this around for.\u00a0 I must be going, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.\u201d\u00a0 Paul reached over and offered a handshake to each of the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas, Paul.\u00a0 And thanks.\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded toward the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas, Doc.\u201d\u00a0 Adam and Hoss chimed in.<\/p>\n

The doctor made his way out of the house and back into town as Ben walked into his youngest son\u2019s room to check on him.\u00a0 Joe had the book in his hand and was reading.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you have there, Joseph?\u2019\u00a0 Ben asked taking a seat next to the bed.\u00a0 Joe passed the book over and his father read the dedication.\u00a0 Ben laughed heartily and then turned the page. \u201cHow about I read some of this to you. Looks like it will be good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe settled back and pointed his index finger to tell his father to go on with the story.<\/p>\n

How it all began.\u00a0 It was in the midst of a very late snowfall for the season, on March eight that I was greeted by a very young Adam Cartwright, who burst into my office out of breath.\u00a0 The only words I had discerned were \u201cbaby coming, and help\u201d.\u00a0 I knew that meant that, just as I had warned earlier, Marie Cartwright was delivering early.\u00a0 I grabbed my coat and medical bag and Adam and I drove out in my buggy towards the new ranch called the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Now back then there were no good roads leading out from Virginia City into the wilderness through the vast forests which surrounded the Ponderosa ranch house.\u00a0 The snow became more fierce and Adam and I were about frozen to the seat by the time we reached the house.\u00a0 I hurried up to your parent\u2019s room, and after chastising Marie a little I went to work.\u00a0 Now, as for your mother.\u00a0 She was much like her son.\u00a0 She couldn\u2019t sit still more than a minute and I had warned her to quit all activity for awhile to lessen the chance of an early delivery.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Though your father tried his darndest, that woman could not be tamed.\u00a0 She continued to help Hop Sing in the kitchen and tend the other two sons that she loved dearly.\u00a0 With all that to be considered, it truly was amazing that she could deliver a healthy child.\u00a0 But, just two hours after I arrived Joseph Cartwright entered this world. (And the world would never be the same again!)\u00a0 I held you in my arms and you screamed so loud I was sure I would go deaf.\u00a0 (Seems to me you continued to scream at me every time I doctored you all the way up to your teens by the way.)\u00a0 You were so tiny, and there was talk that you would not survive the night.\u00a0 That was the first and last time I ever underestimated your will to live.\u00a0 The only time you stopped crying that whole night was when you were in your father\u2019s arms.\u00a0 Right from the start we knew that you both would share a special bond.\u00a0 Marie slept that whole night and when she awoke the next day she was thrilled to hold her new infant son.\u00a0 I know I was thrilled when I handed you over to her so I could get some rest.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben looked over at his son laying in the bed so still.\u00a0 Somewhere along the line he had fallen to sleep.\u00a0 He wore a peaceful smile on his lips.\u00a0 Ben thought on how special this book would be to his son through the years. Ben would have read all of it that evening, but knew he would have a big day ahead of him.\u00a0 Ben turned back to the one part which had moved him the most and read it out loud again,<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only time you stopped crying that whole night was when you were in your father\u2019s arms.\u00a0 Right from the start we knew that you both would share a special bond.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben pushed the curls off of Joe\u2019s forehead and whispered, \u201cand we do, Joseph, a very special bond.\u00a0 Goodnight, Son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben pulled up the covers and set the book down on the night stand.\u00a0 There was still much to be done that night to prepare for Christmas morning.<\/p>\n

Looking up toward the stairs, came thoughts of Joe.\u00a0 The boy would always be \u201cLittle Joe\u201d to Hop Sing, no matter how old he got.\u00a0 He had tended the infant son, and their particular bond was right from the very first time Hop Sing had held him.\u00a0 Always offering both Ben and Marie some privacy, Hop Sing spent many a night with the little boy\u2019s crib within reach of his own bed.\u00a0 Later, after the sad passing of Marie, Hop Sing offered the little boy the tenderness of a mother\u2019s love.\u00a0 Joe would often run to Hop Sing for help before going to his father.\u00a0 Somewhere along the line, the little boy had discovered that no matter what awful thing he had done, that Hop Sing would run interference for him to give his father time to calm down.\u00a0 Hop Sing had seen Joe through so many illnesses and injuries that even the stroke had not shaken his faith in the young man.\u00a0 Hop Sing knew in his heart that his \u201cLittle Joe\u201d would conquer it too.<\/p>\n

\u201cI go get Little Joe ready.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing blurted out.\u00a0 Without waiting for a response the Chinese member of the family hurried toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had been awake for awhile deep in thought.<\/strong>\u00a0 He always loved to stay in bed, and was usually the last one down for breakfast.\u00a0 But, Christmas morning had always been different.\u00a0 He was always the first Cartwright to awaken and usually would pounce upon his father\u2019s bed to wake him.\u00a0 Then he would go into the other two rooms and awaken his brothers.\u00a0 They always feigned their dislike of his waking them, but he could tell it still amused them even though they were all no longer children.<\/p>\n

Joe looked down at his stricken left leg.\u00a0 This Christmas would be a whole different story.\u00a0 He wished he could have wakened everyone.\u00a0 He wished he could have run from room to room as in Christmas\u2019 past.\u00a0 He now wished he could just get out of bed without falling onto the floor.\u00a0 As he fought his early morning depression, Hop Sing bounded into the bedroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cMelly Christmas, Little Joe!\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing called loudly and moved over to hug the boy.<\/p>\n

Joe stared into Hop Sing\u2019s dark glowing eyes and could remember back to his earlier Christmas\u2019.\u00a0 Something in those eyes made Joe feel better already and he hugged Hop Sing back.\u00a0 Then Joe reached for his board and wrote a message.<\/p>\n

Merry Christmas Hop Sing<\/strong><\/p>\n

is everyone up<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hop Sing took his time to understand the writing and then grinned up at Joe. \u201cFamily downstairs at breakfast now.\u00a0 We clean you then take you down to eat down living room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wrote again,<\/p>\n

how about some real clothes today <\/strong><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t want to sit around on Christmas in night clothes <\/strong><\/p>\n

Hop Sing read the message and nodded his head.\u00a0 Though it would be a bit harder to accomplish than just long johns and a thermal shirt, Hop Sing was determined to give Joe what he wanted this day.\u00a0 He walked to the dresser and pulled out a pair of pants, a shirt and thermal underwear.\u00a0 At least he would make sure that the young man was warm enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe get you cleaned up and then you dress.\u00a0 Then have Mr. Hoss carry you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

thanks Hop Sing<\/strong><\/p>\n

you always know how to cheer me up<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cNo write no more<\/strong>\u2014must clean up.\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing pretended to be forceful, though he knew Joe could just about ask for anything and he would oblige the boy.<\/p>\n

Once Hop Sing had gotten Joe all ready to come downstairs, Ben decided he would bring his son down himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas, Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 Ben greeted his youngest and approached the bed.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like you are all dressed up to see what Santa has left you.\u201d\u00a0 Ben chuckled and Joe shot back a smile.\u00a0 Ben lifted Joe up into his arms and the boy pointed over towards his board.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send Hoss back up for that, Joseph. I\u2019m afraid you are quite enough of a load for me.\u00a0 You know I am not getting any younger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wished he could tell his father exactly what was going on in his own mind.\u00a0 If he could he would have addressed the fact that he really wasn\u2019t all too keen on being carried by anyone at his age.\u00a0 It was damaging enough to his ego just laying in bed and having people tend to him, but being carried around like an infant did nothing for his pride.<\/p>\n

Ben could tell by the mounting stiffness in his son\u2019s body that Joe was not happy.\u00a0 He wanted to somehow make him feel more comfortable, and now regretted his earlier comment about not getting any younger.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Joseph\u2014though I hate that this happened to you\u2014you know that.\u00a0 And I am sure by next Christmas you will be making your way downstairs on your own two legs.\u00a0 But, I was just thinking how fortunate it was for my back that I am carrying you and not your brother Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

That small effort on Ben\u2019s part did the trick and Joe grinned at the idea of his father trying to lug all two-hundred and eighty pounds of his brother Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe happily pointed toward the doorway to signal that he was ready to join the family now.<\/p>\n

Beneath the enormous Christmas tree sat many brightly wrapped presents.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes danced across all of them wondering which ones were his.\u00a0 He also wondered what he had gotten the other family members.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam joined Ben and Joe in the living room just as Hop Sing brought over Joe\u2019s breakfast.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas!\u201d\u00a0 Both brothers said exuberantly to their younger brother.<\/p>\n

Joe pointed up to his room and Ben knew what he wanted.\u00a0 He sent Hoss up the stairs to bring down the board and letters.\u00a0 Joe just played with his oatmeal, he was far too interested in the presents under the tree.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo presents until you eat, Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 Ben warned just as Hoss handed his brother his means of communication.<\/p>\n

presents then eat<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe wrote down defiantly and passed it to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better eat or all you will find under that tree is a lump or two of coal!\u201d\u00a0 Ben shot back and saw Joe lift up his spoon again.\u00a0 He ate all that was in his bowl and then after drinking some cooled coffee he pointed toward the tree again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that means he\u2019s ready now, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Adam announced grinning at Joe\u2019s excitement.\u00a0 Underneath all of the rebellion of his brother, Adam knew there was a little boy who loved giving and receiving presents.<\/p>\n

Ben stooped down and started passing the presents around the room.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t take long before the living room was a mass of torn wrapping paper.\u00a0 When it came to opening presents, Ben thought to himself, his sons did not play.<\/p>\n

Joe watched as his brothers opened the presents that they had received from each other and from him as well. It seemed that they had done a wonderful job at choosing the right gifts, and Joe was very pleased as each of them thanked him. Next, he watched his father open a new gift of a pipe and saw how he fired it right up to show his pleasure in the gift.\u00a0 Ben also thanked his sons and Joe for the gift of the pipe, bathrobe and new hat.<\/p>\n

Joe had only one gift in his lap. He was surprised and also a bit miffed that he didn\u2019t have more around him.\u00a0 He opened the package to find a fine green silk shirt from Hop Sing.\u00a0 He wrote his thank you on his board and Hop Sing smiled to see that Joe liked it.\u00a0 Hop Sing thanked Joe as well for the new cookbook and carving knives that Ben had chosen as Joe\u2019s present to his Chinese care taker.<\/p>\n

It was at this point, as all of the gifts were now opened, that a hushed silence fell over the room.\u00a0 They all could tell by the look on Joe\u2019s face that he was unhappy. Not wanting the mood to last, they finally addressed what they had for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we have a couple presents for you still.\u201d\u00a0 Adam started and then looked over at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u00a0 We have kinda planned a three part present. I think Hoss is bringing the first one in now.\u201d\u00a0 Ben pointed towards the dining room and Hoss was heading out of the guest room.\u00a0 He was pushing a wheelchair.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes took in the sight.\u00a0 He felt a tightness in the pit of his stomach and thought he would become ill.\u00a0 The sight of the wheelchair brought back haunting memories of Mr. Abrams, and the way he had sat in a chair just like it and waited to die.<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at his brother and could read his thoughts.\u00a0 It was he who Joe had confided in about his thoughts about Mr. Abrams the furniture dealer.\u00a0 Adam turned and nudged his father and gave him a look to let him know to hurry to the next present.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joseph, since we all know that your time in that chair will be limited, we are ready to show you your next gift.\u201d\u00a0 Ben walked behind his blue chair and pulled out a pair of crutches.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst the chair, then these and then\u2014\u201d Ben paused and motioned for Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss grabbed the coats of all the Cartwrights in preparation to make a trip outside.\u00a0 He tossed a blanket around his little brother and then lifted him into the wheelchair.\u00a0 They all could tell that Joe was baffled as to what was happening and where they were taking him.<\/p>\n

Ben waited until everyone was dressed for going outside and then he opened the door.\u00a0 They brought Joe to the front porch, and Adam slipped off to the side of the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will see that your brothers have built you a ramp here for when you start getting around more in that chair.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stated and saw the bewildered stare that was on his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

It was at that moment that Adam appeared again.\u00a0 This time he wasn\u2019t alone.\u00a0 He led Cochise into view.\u00a0 Ben knelt down by the wheelchair and put his arm on Joe\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWe know that it won\u2019t be long from the wheelchair to the crutches and finally you will be back riding Cochise.\u00a0 We got you a new saddle, bridle and blanket for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reached over to hug his father and then turned enough to show his brothers how happy he was with the presents, especially the last present.\u00a0 He pointed to his father to take him down the ramp and over to his horse.\u00a0 Though it was cold, Ben knew that seeing Cochise would be the warmth Joe needed inside his heart at the moment.\u00a0 Ben pushed the chair over to the horse.\u00a0 Almost as if the horse was powered by a higher intelligence, Cochise snorted and put his snout down against Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 Joe reached up and stroked his beloved horse.\u00a0 He wished he could call out the horse\u2019s name, but it looked like the horse knew that his master was injured.<\/p>\n

Joe did not have his board with him at the time, but he wished so badly that he could tell all of his family how much the gifts had meant to him.\u00a0 In particular, seeing Cochise again and knowing that they all truly believed that he would recover completely from his stroke.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Joseph.\u00a0 We have to get you back inside now\u2014we don\u2019t want a repeat performance of that pneumonia you know!\u201d\u00a0 Ben waited until his son patted the pinto one final time and then turned him back towards the warmth of the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Christmas day was a joyous one for all of the Cartwrights.<\/strong>\u00a0 They enjoyed the fact that they all were together and the dinner prayer reflected that fact.\u00a0 Joe had been wheeled to the table to eat with all of his family and was touched at the mention of thanks being given to God that he kept Joe safe and for the continued improvement from his stroke.\u00a0 Hop Sing had even taken the time to chop some turkey into very tiny pieces and had mixed it with gravy so that Joe could at least get a small sample of the wonderful meal the cook had prepared.<\/p>\n

After a day and evening full of stories, laughs and memories shared, it was time to take Joe back to his room.\u00a0 Joe reached for his board and wrote a final message to his brothers.<\/p>\n

thanks, and not just for the presents\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks for helping me the last two months <\/strong><\/p>\n

I know it hasn\u2019t been easy on this family\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

I am just lucky to have all of you <\/strong><\/p>\n

That small message made each of the Cartwrights have to fight back tears.\u00a0 They knew how Joe felt.\u00a0 They knew he hated being confined in any way.\u00a0 But, his thoughts were on how his illness had affected his family and not himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas, Short Shanks.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss said and threw his arms around him and gave him a hug.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I\u2019ve said before\u2014if you want to thank us\u2014just get better.\u201d\u00a0 Adam reached out and hugged Joe as well.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart felt as though it would burst at the sight of his three sons.\u00a0 Despite times of terrible arguments, uneven tempers, and differences in their natures, they loved each other.\u00a0 Ben sighed.\u00a0 He admitted to himself that with a great deal of help from God, that he had done a good job at raising all three of them.<\/p>\n

Ben lifted Joe up into his arms, and this time allowed Joe to carry the board and letters in his good right hand as they ascended the stairs.\u00a0 After getting Joe out of his regular clothes and into some warmer night clothes Ben sat down on the chair by his son\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have had some day there, Joseph.\u00a0 And you didn\u2019t even get a nap in either.\u00a0 Now you need to shut those eyes and get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reached for his board and wrote out another message.<\/p>\n

One more present <\/strong><\/p>\n

He handed the board to his father to read.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother present?\u00a0 For who?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked and Joe pointed at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me?\u00a0 Joseph you did way too much as it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe patted the side of his bed for Ben to come closer.\u00a0 His father moved over to sit next to his son and looked at him bewildered.\u00a0 Then, he saw the pure concentration on Joe\u2019s face take over.\u00a0 After struggling for a couple minutes a faint sound came out.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t the word, though, and frustrated, Joe tried again.\u00a0 Still nothing.\u00a0 Ben put his arm around Joe and consoled him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you are trying to say something, Joe.\u00a0 But, don\u2019t let it bother you.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be able to talk soon enough.\u00a0 What you need is rest.\u201d\u00a0 Ben tried to get Joe to lay back but his son fought the touch.\u00a0 He tried again to bring up the one word he knew he could say.\u00a0 He had said it to the doctor, but it would not mean a thing if he could not say it this night to his father.<\/p>\n

Joe finally gave up.\u00a0 He looked sadly over at Ben and frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have given me the best present already, Son.\u00a0 You are here, you are improving, and that is all that I ever wanted.\u201d\u00a0 Ben bent down and kissed Joe\u2019s forehead and patted his arm.\u00a0 \u201cGood night, Joseph\u2014and Merry Christmas.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said and stood up.<\/p>\n

Taking two steps toward the door, his back towards his son, Ben stopped in his tracks when he heard something coming from the bed.\u00a0 Turning back around to face Joe, Ben whispered, \u201cJoe?\u00a0 Did you just say something?\u201d\u00a0 Ben walked closer to his son just when the word was spoken at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cP\u2014ah\u2014\u2014pa\u201d Came the soft but understandable word from Joe\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n

Ben stood there, unmoving as if in a trance like state.<\/p>\n

\u201cP\u2014ah\u201d Joe said again to try to bring about some reply from his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d\u00a0 Ben shouted and took his son into his arms.\u00a0 \u201cWhen\u2014how\u2014\u201d He started and then realized his son couldn\u2019t answer the questions he was throwing out.\u00a0 \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter\u2014none of that matters.\u00a0 You can talk!\u00a0 Joe, this is just the start, but it was the most wonderful thing to hear you call me \u201cpa\u201d after all these months!\u201d\u00a0 Ben took Joe\u2019s face into his hands and saw that Joe also had tears in his eyes.\u00a0 He was so happy to have been able to say that word, and to have given it to his father as a gift to show him how much he meant to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Son.\u00a0 This is the best gift I have ever gotten on Christmas.\u00a0 I will never forget the moment you said that word no matter how long I live.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled up at his father, he would never forget this Christmas either.\u00a0 Ben pulled the covers back up on his son and stood to again leave the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you need anything\u2014the door will be open\u2014you just say that word again I will be right here.\u201d\u00a0 Ben winked at his son and left the room to go and tell the others of Joe\u2019s very special gift.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Doctor Martin closed his medical bag and sighed to himself frustrated.<\/strong>\u00a0 Walking out of Joe\u2019s bedroom his thoughts were now on what exactly he would say to the young man\u2019s father.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s progress had slowed over the two months since Christmas, and Paul did not take it as a good sign.\u00a0 Never being the kind of man to pull any punches or offer false hope, Paul decided he would level with Ben and hope he was strong enough to take the bad news.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked as Paul took a seat in the living room opposite him.<\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s frown said a whole lot, and Ben noticed the familiar set in the man\u2019s shoulders that had always spelled out bad news.\u00a0 \u201cBen, I have told you before that I am not an expert in rehabilitation.\u00a0 I have done my best over the past four months and I have read up on just about all treatments possible to help stroke victims.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOut with it.\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied flatly, even though he didn\u2019t want to hear what was coming next.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe has made some progress, I am not denying that.\u00a0 He can now move three fingers on his left hand and his facial paralysis is gone.\u00a0 Even though he can still only utter a couple of words, that was a great accomplishment.\u00a0 But, I am not at all sure that there will be much more that he will be able to accomplish.\u00a0 Of course we all had hoped that he could fight back from this\u2014and I am not at all saying that it\u2019s still not possible.\u00a0 But, he has reached a sort of plateau now and if there is anymore progress it may be months\u2014maybe even years.\u201d\u00a0 Paul stopped and noticed how his friend\u2019s face seemed to age right in front of him now.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you saying that Joseph may not get any better than he is right now?\u201d\u00a0 Ben little more than whispered, trying his best to control his emotions.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am saying that I am not as optimistic as I was in the past.\u00a0 But, you know the boy\u2014he has surprised us before.\u00a0 I want you to continue with his exercises as if we didn\u2019t have this conversation.\u00a0 The last thing he needs to hear is that this may be all he will ever do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wrote Doctor Peele again.\u00a0 Harold is still in Europe but should return to the states soon.\u00a0 Maybe he could help us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would welcome the second opinion at this point, Ben.\u201d\u00a0 Paul smiled and stood, as did his friend.\u00a0 \u201cI am sure once he\u2019s back in the country he will do his best to think of something that perhaps I have missed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben patted his friend\u2019s shoulder. \u201cPaul, never think that we haven\u2019t appreciated all you have done for us.\u00a0 I just thought maybe Harold might have learned something more after attending all of the symposiums in Europe.\u00a0 Maybe there\u2019s something new that hasn\u2019t reached the states yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly hope so, Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019ll still come out here once a week\u2014more if you need me.\u00a0 Just try to remain optimistic for Joe\u2019s sake.\u201d\u00a0 Paul shook Ben\u2019s hand and walked to the door to leave.<\/p>\n

Ben sat in quiet consternation not knowing what to do.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure if it was fair to keep the doctor\u2019s opinion from his son.\u00a0 But, if he did tell Joseph, he knew the boy would completely shut down and stop trying.\u00a0 Ben was shaken from his thoughts by Hoss, who reached around him and squeezed his shoulder affectionately.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2014I heard what Doc said.\u00a0 Don\u2019t let it get to you, I think he\u2019s just as frustrated as the rest of us right now.\u00a0 I know Joe will beat this thing.\u00a0 Weren\u2019t you the one who always told the three of us about faith?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked up through his tear-filled eyes and saw the warmth and caring in his middle son\u2019s face.\u00a0 He nodded at what Hoss had said.\u00a0 \u201cYes\u2014I taught all you boys to always have faith\u2014no matter what.\u201d\u00a0 He replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow it\u2019s time to listen to your own lecture, huh?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss grinned and then watched as his father\u2019s smile returned to his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2014I need to listen to my own lectures!\u00a0 And, I want you to personally remind me any time you think I have\u00a0 forgotten them.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stood and hugged his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That evening Joe had requested to be taken out onto the porch.<\/strong>\u00a0 He also had asked that he be left alone.\u00a0 Ben could tell by the way his son looked at him that the boy knew somehow that the doctor\u2019s prognosis had not been encouraging.\u00a0 Joe sat alone and watched as the sun slowly disappeared behind the tree range.\u00a0 He felt a part of himself going down along with it.<\/p>\n

Ben had given his son plenty of time alone, but the evening was turning colder and he knew better than to let the boy sit outside much longer.\u00a0 Making his way over to Joe, Ben noticed that he had written a message on his board for him.<\/p>\n

it doesn\u2019t look good I know that\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

I saw the Doc\u2019s face he didn\u2019t hide it well <\/strong><\/p>\n

So now what do you want me to do\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Keep pretending I will ever get back to what I was<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben dropped down in the chair next to Joe and put his hand over Joe\u2019s right hand.\u00a0 \u201cNo-one knows for sure, Joseph.\u00a0 The doctor was just telling me that your progress has just slowed for awhile.\u00a0 It could pick right back up.\u00a0 You just have to have a little faith.\u00a0 I know I have faith in you, Son.\u00a0 You have always been the most strong-willed of the three of you boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t want to be an invalid <\/strong><\/p>\n

spending day after day<\/strong><\/p>\n

waiting for something that might never happen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you have any idea<\/strong><\/p>\n

any of you what this is like\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t even say to you the things I want to say <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to, Joseph\u2014I already know.\u201d\u00a0 Ben whispered.<\/p>\n

no you don\u2019t <\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s been four months\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

I can say one word right and two that don\u2019t even come out so you can understand them<\/strong><\/p>\n

I feel like I am trapped in a dead body and can\u2019t get out <\/strong><\/p>\n

I wish I could scream<\/strong><\/p>\n

scream at this whole terrible mess\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

But I can\u2019t even talk let alone scream<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben wrapped his arms around his son and held him close.\u00a0 \u201cPlease don\u2019t give up\u2014please keep trying. Because I can promise you that none of us will be giving up on you\u2014not till the day that we see you walk and hear your laughter again.\u201d<\/p>\n

take me in Pa it\u2019s cold <\/strong><\/p>\n

The daily regimen continued for weeks that turned into months and as spring approached all of the Cartwrights were mentally exhausted from the care-giving and receiving.\u00a0 Hoss and Ben had to leave for the day to inspect the herd and ready for spring round-up. Joe was left in Adam\u2019s care, as even Hop Sing had left for a day in town to visit relatives.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2014if you don\u2019t start trying I swear I\u2019m going to let you have it!\u201d\u00a0 Adam said exasperated over his brother\u2019s lack of help with his exercises.\u00a0 Joe was being totally belligerent and it was on purpose that he was trying his best to get Adam to leave him alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2014dum\u2014\u201d Joe tried again to make his brother\u2019s name come out right.\u00a0 He then pointed toward his board to write on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014no\u2014you are gonna tell me what you want this time.\u00a0 I\u2019m not getting you that thing.\u00a0 I never should have gotten it in the first place!\u00a0 You can say pa\u2014Hoss and Adam. Let\u2019s hear more.\u00a0 Stop playing around and try harder!\u201d\u00a0 Adam spoke a bit more sharply than he meant to and it only fueled the fire that was building up in his little brother. Joe squeezed his eyes tightly together trying to shut Adam out of his sight so maybe he would get mad and leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2014so you won\u2019t try anymore to talk?\u00a0 Then I am throwing away the stupid board!\u201d\u00a0 Adam warned.\u00a0 To this remark, Joe opened his eyes again and pointed at his only means of communication. \u201cGo ahead\u2014write one final time before I trash the damn thing.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said angrily.<\/p>\n

hate you leave me alone<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tired, frustrated, angry and hurt by all Joe had put him through that morning, Adam lost his temper and threw the board across the room.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Joe\u2014you don\u2019t hate me\u2014you hate you!\u00a0 We have all tried to help you and your anger at your injury is misdirected at us. Well, you just sit here awhile\u2014-here\u2019s your water\u2014right where you can reach it.\u00a0 I am going out for a little while.\u00a0 If I stay around you much longer I am going to do something I will regret later.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stormed out the door.<\/p>\n

Joe could hear the front door slam and a little while later could hear the thundering hoof beats of Adam\u2019s horse riding away.\u00a0 Joe listened longer\u2014he could hear the total absence of sound now in the house, he was at last, after almost five months, totally alone in the house.<\/p>\n

Throwing back the covers with his strong right hand, Joe carefully started his descent from off his bed.\u00a0 He had it all thought out by now.\u00a0 It would be a bit of a fall, but nothing too drastic, he could make it fine.\u00a0 Joe let his right arm slip off the bed to brace himself for the fall.<\/p>\n

Next, Joe pulled his robe off of the chair by the bed and pushed his left arm through the sleeve, followed by his good right arm.\u00a0 Joe stared at the doorway, happy that his brother had not slammed his door like he had the one down stairs.\u00a0 It would be an easy path into the hallway with the door being left wide opened.<\/p>\n

Dragging himself inch by inch and foot by foot Joe proceeded out of his room and slowly down the long hallway.\u00a0 By the time he reached the staircase he was a bit winded and he stopped to catch his breath for the long ordeal of challenging the stairs one by one. Chewing at his bottom lip Joe wondered if he would lose control of the good side of his body and fall down the stairs.\u00a0 He laughed to himself. \u00a0Wouldn\u2019t want to get hurt or anything\u2014like that would make a difference at this point<\/em>.\u00a0 With a deep breath, Joe started down the stairs, sliding his good side and holding on to the banister rails as he descended.<\/p>\n

How long it had taken to reach the bottom landing to the stairs Joe did not know, nor did he care.\u00a0 He had gotten farther than he ever thought he could.\u00a0 His eyes sought out his wheelchair and his heart leaped to see it was right across from the coffee table.\u00a0 Sliding again, inch by inch Joe made it to the table and pulled himself up.\u00a0 Bracing for the push over to the wheelchair Joe closed his eyes and willed himself onward.\u00a0 He made it into the chair without it moving on him.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m half way there now.<\/em> \u00a0Joe thought to himself as he rolled the chair over to the door and pulled it open.\u00a0 Pushing out onto the porch Joe kept up the pace, never knowing for sure if Adam would be back at any moment.\u00a0 He rolled down the ramp and as quickly as he could manage across the front yard and to the opened barn door.<\/p>\n

Cochise could feel his master\u2019s presence even before Joe rolled into sight.\u00a0 The horse pawed at the ground impatiently and snorted to let Joe know he was ready.\u00a0 Cochise did not have his bridle on, only a lead rope.\u00a0 Joe reached to the top of the stall and pulled down a horse blanket and let it fall onto his lap.\u00a0 Then he managed to grab the horse\u2019s bridle hanging on a hook close by.\u00a0 Joe reached for the horse\u2019s rope and it came undone without much effort.\u00a0 He knew he had an awful lot to handle, what with getting Cochise outside and being able to lead him and hold the bridle and steer the chair.\u00a0 Cochise must have read Joe\u2019s mind as he willingly stepped out of his stall and walked slowly just to the outside of the barn.\u00a0 Joe rolled over to him, a smile danced across his face when he thought of how smart his horse was.\u00a0 He hoped that the pinto would remember a trick he had taught him or all the effort he had taken to make his way outside would be for nothing.<\/p>\n

Joe rolled his wheelchair to the front of his horse.\u00a0 Looking into Cochise\u2019s eyes Joe made a motion with his good hand.\u00a0 He pointed with his palm down to the ground.\u00a0 His horse remembered the sign and kneeled down on all fours.\u00a0 Joe maneuvered the chair towards the horse\u2019s left side.\u00a0 He then threw the blanket on his back and rolled closer and managed to get the bridle in the horse\u2019s mouth.\u00a0 The next part would be the hardest.\u00a0 Joe had to slide out of his wheelchair just right in order to mount the pinto\u2019s back.\u00a0 He would have to rely totally on his good right side for balance and Joe fought the little bit of fear that now was creeping into his mind. \u00a0I could fall again\u2014and get accidentally trampled\u2014or fall off once we make it out of the yard.\u00a0 Oh\u2014well\u2014if this is to be my last ride so be it!<\/em><\/p>\n

And with all of his strength Joe pulled himself out of the chair and onto the pinto\u2019s back.\u00a0 Holding the reins in his right hand and keeping that same hand right in the middle of Cochise\u2019s backbone Joe patted the horse\u2019s neck and it stood up.<\/p>\n

Cochise took it from there.\u00a0 The horse slowly started moving, never moving too suddenly or wavering.\u00a0 The horse somehow could sense that his master was injured and he proceeded around the barn and out to the pasture at a slow walk.\u00a0 Joe felt the air on his face and for the first time in months the feeling of independence as they moved farther away from the ranch house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had seen it first, as he dismounted in front of the ranch house.<\/strong>\u00a0 There in front of the barn sat the empty wheelchair.\u00a0 After a hurried inspection of the barn, he rushed into the house fighting back the mounting fear.\u00a0 He made a quick glance around the living room and then took the stairs two at a time running up to his brother\u2019s room.\u00a0 Still no sight of his youngest brother.\u00a0 Adam could not comprehend how Joe had obviously made his way out of the house and out to the barn.<\/p>\n

When Adam appeared coming out of the house, he heard the sound of approaching horses.\u00a0 Ben and Hoss appeared coming around the barn.\u00a0 Ben spotted the look of panic on his eldest son\u2019s face and quickly dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it\u2014has something happened to Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 Ben called over to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone\u2014I don\u2019t know how but he\u2019s gone.\u201d\u00a0 Was Adam\u2019s anxious reply to his father.<\/p>\n

Hoss had seen the wheelchair and rushed into the barn.\u00a0 When he saw Cochise was missing he ran back out.\u00a0 \u201cHis horse is gone! How in the heck could he have even gotten on Cochise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere were you, Adam?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked and saw Adam\u2019s face pale at the question.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2014-we had an argument\u2014I left him here.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know\u2014\u201d Adam stopped as he witnessed the anger on his father\u2019s face now.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow could you?\u00a0 You left him here alone!\u00a0 In his condition!\u00a0 I just can\u2019t fathom you doing something like this!\u201d\u00a0 Ben yelled angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss interrupted and pointed toward the barn.\u00a0 There came both horse and rider.\u00a0 Joe was back.<\/p>\n

Three worried men rushed over to Joe, who looked as though he was having trouble staying on the pinto.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph!\u201d\u00a0 Ben boomed and reached up for the errant young man. \u201cHow in the devil did you get up there?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked forgetting again that he could have no answer from his son. He pulled Joe into his arms and headed for the house followed closely behind by his other two sons.<\/p>\n

Ben placed Joe on the settee and felt of his exposed face.\u00a0 He was cold, very cold and Ben instantly began to place blankets over him.\u00a0 When he stood back up his hands went instantly onto his hips as he stared back and forth between both Joe and Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI am so mad at both of you right now I can\u2019t even tell you!\u00a0 Adam for leaving you\u2014and you for pulling a stunt which could have killed you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at the faces of both of his brother\u2019s and felt very glad that he hadn\u2019t been a party to what had happened.\u00a0 He could tell his father was a powder keg ready to explode.\u00a0 Hoss poured three shots of brandy and took it over to them all.\u00a0 He figured it might settle the situation at least for the moment.<\/p>\n

Ben hoisted his drink and polished it off in one gulp.\u00a0 Adam did the same as he tried to come up with an explanation.\u00a0 He felt awful and understood his father\u2019s wrath at the situation that he had caused.\u00a0 Joe sipped at his drink and watched his father\u2019s movements.\u00a0 He was surely going to get an earful now.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst you\u2014\u201d Ben turned toward Adam. \u201cWhy did you leave your brother?\u00a0 And it better be good.\u201d\u00a0 Ben warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2014we had an argument\u2014that\u2019s all.\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t want to do his therapy and it just flat out got me mad.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want to lash out at him so I tried to cool off.\u00a0 I had no idea that he could get out of bed like he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what if he needed help?\u00a0 Did you even think about that?\u00a0 What if he had gotten hurt\u2014or choked and no-one was here?\u00a0 I cannot believe you could do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hand shot up in protest.\u00a0 He wanted to have his own say-so but his handicap at the time prevented it.\u00a0 Ben turned toward his youngest son and addressed him now.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, Joseph Cartwright!\u00a0 What in the devil were you thinking?\u00a0 You trying to kill yourself\u2014was that it?\u00a0 What if you had fallen off of that horse\u2014with no way of calling for help\u2014no weapon to signal for help.\u00a0 And just look at you\u2014in your night clothes!\u00a0 You are just inviting pneumonia again!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cP\u2014pah\u2014\u201d Was all that Joe could get out.\u00a0 He kept pointing to his room.\u00a0 He wanted his board\u2014he wanted to explain his actions.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Pa.\u00a0 I failed Joe miserably. \u00a0I am so sorry.\u201d\u00a0 Adam whispered filled with regret.\u00a0 Again Joe\u2019s hand shot up in protest.\u00a0 He needed to be heard.\u00a0 Hoss read his brother\u2019s thoughts and hurried up the stairs to get what Joe needed.\u00a0 When he returned, he handed it to Joe and Joe went about trying to explain.<\/p>\n

don\u2019t blame Adam\u2014not his fault\u2014it was my fault. I wanted him to leave, I picked a fight just to get him to go. I wanted to get out of here. I wanted to see if I had enough strength left to do this.\u00a0 Get mad at me. But I don\u2019t regret any of it. I am tired of being an invalid.\u00a0 You all treat me like I am an old man who needs twenty-four hour care.\u00a0 I am trapped in this house and I am trapped in this body.\u00a0 If I hadn\u2019t done this would you all even have considered letting me try?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben sat down stiffly in his chair.\u00a0 His initial worry and anger were now gone, and in it\u2019s wake was left the haunting words that Joe had written.\u00a0 It was true.\u00a0 None of them would ever have let Joe try something like he had done.\u00a0 They had gotten so use to the fact that Joe was incapable of many things that they never challenged what he had left in him that he could do.<\/p>\n

I am sorry for worrying you. I am sorry for making you mad, Adam.\u00a0 I know how much you all have given up these past months waiting on me.\u00a0 But, if I am gonna be like this, you have to let me breathe a little.\u00a0 Go back to what you all do around here.\u00a0 There\u2019s a round-up to get going.\u00a0 There\u2019s horses that need breaking.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure you have canceled trips and even going into town just because of me.\u00a0 I need you all to go back to that now.\u00a0 It\u2019s bad enough that I can\u2019t be with you to do these things.\u00a0 But, if I have to watch you all living half of a life because of me I\u2019d rather be dead<\/strong><\/p>\n

The board was passed around the room for each Cartwright to read.\u00a0 As they read Joe\u2019s message they became aware of the thoughts that he had kept hidden for months.\u00a0 Joe was now resigned to the fact that he may never walk or talk again.\u00a0 He was trying to free his family from the burdens that he had inadvertently placed on them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2014why don\u2019t you and Adam go and tend to the horses?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked and gave them both a nod to let them know he was going to try to straighten out their brother\u2019s way of thinking.<\/p>\n

When his two other sons had left the room, Ben moved closer to his youngest to talk to him.\u00a0 Sitting down on the end of the coffee table Ben looked into the sad hazel eyes before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, maybe we haven\u2019t done all of this right.\u00a0 We have tried to take care of you\u2014the same as you would for us.\u00a0 I know that in a way we smothered you.\u00a0 We almost lost you\u2014and more than once because of your stroke.\u00a0 You have to understand that.\u00a0 While I am still angry that you would try such a fool thing like you did today\u2014I can understand it.\u00a0 You want us to go back to life before your stroke\u2014but that won\u2019t happen until you have fully recovered.\u00a0 Now you may not think that you will recover\u2014maybe even the doctor doesn\u2019t think so right now.\u00a0 But, I know you and I have faith in both your ability and also in God\u2019s ability to bring you back to how you were before.\u201d<\/p>\n

and if that doesn\u2019t happen<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt will happen.\u00a0<\/strong> Now, I will try not to hover too much.\u00a0 And you are right, we have a whole lot to accomplish around this ranch right now.\u00a0 But, we can do that and still help you.\u00a0 You have to continue to try, Joseph.\u00a0 Do it for yourself\u2014and do it for us.\u00a0 And, since it seems like you have mastered escaping how about at least letting me know next time?\u201d\u00a0 Ben broke into a smile that let his son know that he was forgiven for scaring the heck out of him and the others.<\/p>\n

it sure felt good being back on Cochise again\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t think I would ever ride again.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we will see what we can do about getting you out more, okay?\u00a0 But, I would suggest something warmer in attire than long-johns and a robe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grinned and looked down at what he was wearing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI owe your brother an apology.\u00a0 Since you did admit you started the whole thing, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yeah I was a real brat<\/strong><\/p>\n

you should have seen him it was kinda funny really <\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben ruffled Joe\u2019s tousled hair and shook his head amused.\u00a0 Then he turned back into the aggravated stern father again.\u00a0 \u201cNo more stunts like that, you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pointed his index finger and then said the word again, the one that he knew would put him back in good graces with his father. \u201cPah\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2014let me see if I can get Adam to speak to me.\u00a0 You sure know how to stir up trouble, Joseph\u2014injured or not.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said exasperated but winked at the boy as he stood up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two weeks after Joe had succeeded in fleeing from the ranch,<\/strong> things were back to their normal routine.\u00a0 Despite protests, his family yielded to his request to go about their daily routine and not spend as much time hovering over him.\u00a0 When Saturday rolled around plans had been made to get Joe out of the house and into Virginia City for the first time since his stroke many months ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou excited, Little Brother?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked as he hoisted Joe up into the buckboard.\u00a0 Joe simply nodded.\u00a0 He was happy to be getting out but also a little bit scared at being in the public eye.\u00a0 Joe had insisted on not taking his wheelchair.\u00a0 He wanted to look as normal as possible and they all had agreed that he would be fine sitting in the seat of the buckboard propped up to help him remain balanced.<\/p>\n

Adam mounted his horse as Ben made his way out to the wagon and up along side of his son.\u00a0 The plan was to arrive in time for Joe to see the annual foot race at the Founder\u2019s Day celebration.\u00a0 Having won the event many years standing it was going to be hard on Joe this year, and Ben was worried about it\u2019s effect on his son.\u00a0 Joe had assured his father he was okay with the whole thing and wanted to at least see his friends who would be running in his place.<\/p>\n

Ben looked over at Joe and made sure he was secure in his seat then he sent the horses onward towards town.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam had gone on ahead of them, at the urging of their father.\u00a0 He wanted them to enjoy the celebration, knowing that they would arrive much earlier than the buckboard.\u00a0 They had made arrangements to meet at the starting line at two o\u2019clock right before the race would begin.<\/p>\n

Joe watched the scenery as they drove slowly towards Virginia City. \u00a0It had been such a long time since he had been this far from home that each meadow and stand of trees that they passed seemed to take on a special meaning to him.\u00a0 He thought back on all of the years he had mounted Cochise and hurried off to be in the race.\u00a0 With the exception of two years, when for other reasons he couldn\u2019t be at the race, Joe was a favorite to all of the fans who watched the event.\u00a0 It seemed as though no-one could beat him on foot, and Joe always took pride in that small accomplishment.\u00a0 Staring down at his useless left leg he wondered if he would ever again walk, let alone run.\u00a0 Ben saw the look in his son\u2019s eyes, he knew what he was thinking, for he was thinking it himself at the time.\u00a0 Reaching over, Ben patted Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will, Joseph.\u00a0 You will run again someday.\u201d\u00a0 He stated quietly and saw Joe\u2019s eyes light up.\u00a0 Joe struggled to say his next word, but it did finally come out.<\/p>\n

\u201cW\u2014walk\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled back on the reins and stopped the buckboard and looked amazed at the singular word and it\u2019s meaning.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s very good, Son.\u00a0 Walk\u2014yes walk first then you will run.\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled and gave Joe a quick hug.\u00a0 Sending the team again forward, both hearts were now lifted as they headed for town and what seemed like a wonderful day.<\/p>\n

The whole town was full of excitement as people from all the neighboring ranches filled the streets.\u00a0\u00a0 Booths were set up all over the main street and so many side events were going on that Virginia City took on a carnival like atmosphere.\u00a0 Ben pulled the wagon to a stop on C Street just in front of the mercantile.\u00a0 He stepped down and then walked around the buckboard and over to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just have to check on those supplies that I ordered.\u00a0 I\u2019ll only be a minute or two.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said and Joe nodded his head.\u00a0 Joe watched as his father left and then turned his attention on the sights and sounds around him.\u00a0 Just a couple of minutes later, a large freight wagon pulled up just behind the Cartwright rig.\u00a0 A very large, rough looking man stepped down from his wagon and walked over to where Joe was sitting in the buckboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2014you there!\u00a0 Move that wagon!\u00a0 I got freight I need to unload.\u201d\u00a0 The man bellowed his demands.<\/p>\n

Joe looked into the man\u2019s cold eyes and didn\u2019t know what to do.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t tell him that there was no way he could slide over and undo the reins and move his team.\u00a0 He was propped in the seat so carefully that he was just about pinned in.<\/p>\n

\u201cSonny, this is your last chance.\u00a0 Just don\u2019t sit there looking stupid\u2014move that blasted wagon!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe lifted his right hand in protest and just that one little action angered the man more.\u00a0 He reached up and grabbed Joe by the collar of his jacket and pulled him out of the wagon, throwing him down on the dusty ground.\u00a0 Joe winced his eyes closed, waiting for the man\u2019s fist as it reared back.\u00a0 But, then something had stopped the fist\u2019s progression.\u00a0 Joe opened his eyes just in time to see Ben Cartwright\u2019s own fist nailing the man under his chin and throwing him backwards towards the stairs that led up to the store.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s fists flew wildly at the person who had attacked his son.\u00a0 Joe never remembered having seen his father that angry before.\u00a0 It was if all hell had broke out and the other man was no match for a father who was trying to protect one of his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d\u00a0 Cried the store keeper trying to stop him from killing the other man.\u00a0 He tried to grab Ben\u2019s arms but Ben fought him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d Came Roy Coffee\u2019s voice accompanied by a gun firing into the air to break up the commotion.\u00a0 Ben finally let go and stood up.\u00a0 He hurried over to Joe and bent down to check to see if he was hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat exactly is going on here?\u201d\u00a0 Roy asked the man who still lay on the top steps of the mercantile.\u00a0 He groaned and sat up, mopping away the blood from the corner of his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked that kid to move his rig and he flat out ignored me\u2014I got mad and tossed him down, that\u2019s when that maniac over there lit into me.\u00a0 All I did was ask the kid to move\u2014now how\u2019s that my fault?\u201d\u00a0 He asked standing and looking down at Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right, Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked wiping the dirt off the side of his face.\u00a0 Joe held up his index finger to let his father know he was okay.\u00a0 The man watched as Joe gave Ben that sign and it was only then that he realized that the boy was unable to speak.\u00a0 Ben lifted Joe back up into the wagon as the man walked over.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014geez\u2014I didn\u2019t know the kid was an invalid\u2014and unable to talk\u2014hey\u2014I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned around to face the man and with the look of granite in his eyes replied, \u201cYou better thank the good Lord that he\u2019s not hurt.\u00a0 I hope you carry with you always what you have done here today.\u201d\u00a0 And with that Ben stepped up into the buckboard and sent his team forward.<\/p>\n

Ben guided the buckboard into an alleyway at the end of town and stopped.\u00a0 He reached over and checked Joe over more thoroughly.\u00a0 Other than a couple of bruises caused by the fall into the street he seemed okay.\u00a0 Now Ben worried about what the scene had caused Joe emotionally.\u00a0 \u201cWe can go home if you want to, Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 Ben whispered as Joe\u2019s sad eyes fell upon him.\u00a0 Joe wished he had his board so he could tell his father what was going on in both his head and his heart at the time.\u00a0 He struggled to get it out somehow.<\/p>\n

\u201cSSS\u2014cared\u201d Joe\u2019s broken word came out.<\/p>\n

\u201cScared?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked wondering if he heard right. Joe nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cI am sure you were scared, Joe.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing wrong with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shot out two fingers adamantly.\u00a0 He then pointed to his father and Ben pieced his meaning together.\u00a0 \u201cYou were scared for me?\u00a0 Is that what you are saying?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head and tears filled his eyes.\u00a0 When he had seen his father fighting the other man he could do nothing but lay there and watch. If something had gone wrong there was no way that Joe could have come to Ben\u2019s defense.\u00a0 That was what had scared Joe, and Ben was just now starting to understand that.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014it would have taken more than the likes of him to hurt me.\u00a0 Are you forgetting who taught you to fight?\u00a0 I may be old but I am still a mean one to reckon with when angered.\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled trying to dismiss Joe\u2019s worry.<\/p>\n

Joe closed his right hand into a fist and brought it up to his chest.\u00a0 Yet another signal to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014Joseph you are wrong there\u2014it wasn\u2019t your fight.\u00a0 Not this time anyway.\u00a0 He made it my fight when he threw you out of this wagon.\u00a0 And it\u2019s my fault for leaving you.\u00a0 I never should have done that.\u00a0 I\u2019m so very sorry.\u201d\u00a0 Ben hugged his son and both of them finally stopped shaking.\u00a0 Just as always in the past, each had been more worried about the other than themselves.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2014you want to go home?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked as he saw Joe pushing away the tears from his eyes.<\/p>\n

Joe shot out two fingers again and then pointed out towards the street.\u00a0 Ben grinned at the fire that the boy still possessed.\u00a0 He knew if Joe could have answered the question in his own voice he would have probably said \u201chell no\u2014no-one runs a Cartwright out of town\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get over to that race then.\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded and sent the horses out onto the street.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss approached the buckboard as it came to a stop right to the side of the starting line for the annual foot race.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just about to start\u2014what kept you two?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked and noticed the look that passed between Ben and Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh nothing\u2014we just had to take care of some things at the mercantile.\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled and draped his arm across Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe!\u201d\u00a0 Came a shout from across the street.\u00a0 Joe looked over and saw two of his friends, Mitch Devlin and Renny Miller.\u00a0 They strode over to him and each patted his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe missed you, Joe!\u201d\u00a0 Mitch said.\u00a0 \u201cIt doesn\u2019t seem right not having you here to run with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2014Mitch is right.\u00a0 I thought I could beat you last year and almost had you until that last turn.\u201d\u00a0 Renny announced and then saw Joe\u2019s face turn away sadly.\u00a0 Renny walked closer and put his hand on Joe\u2019s knee.\u00a0 \u201cHey\u2014we both know you will be back here next year running with us.\u00a0 As a matter of fact I came over here to challenge you to beat me then!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked down at his good friend and patted his shoulder and smiled.\u00a0 He only wished that he had the faith that quite obviously Renny had in his recovery.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2014that goes for me, too.\u00a0 I want to see you out here next year beating the pants off both Renny and me.\u201d\u00a0 Mitch grinned and Joe nodded to him.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we best get over to the starting line.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe raised his thumb to wish them good luck and the two men walked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you heard that challenge, didn\u2019t you, Joseph? I never remember you turning down a challenge. \u00a0It might not be next year, but the day will come when we will see you run again.\u201d\u00a0 Bens stated firmly and Joe smiled at the faith that his father held in him.<\/p>\n

Sam McBride, owner of the Silver Dollar saloon sauntered across from his perch up on the bandstand that had been erected for the event.\u00a0 He made it over to Joe and smiled broadly at the young man.\u00a0 \u201cGee business has sure been slow since you stopped coming by, Little Joe.\u00a0 I can\u2019t wait until we have you up and around.\u201d\u00a0 Sam handed Joe the starter\u2019s pistol.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes questioned what his friend was doing.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with that right hand of yours..\u00a0 How about doing the honors? It seems only fitting as you have won this race more times than anyone else in Virginia City.\u00a0 How about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe fumbled with the gun.\u00a0 It had been a long time since he had held one in either hand.\u00a0 Realizing it would only take the pull of the trigger once, and that being above his head, to start the race; he both nodded and smiled gratefully towards Sam.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood!\u00a0 Now I am gonna go up to my perch over there and I\u2019ll point to you and then you start the race.\u201d\u00a0 Sam patted Joe\u2019s shoulder and then walked back over to start the race.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like an awful lot of people think a whole lot of you, Little Brother.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss winked and then moved in for a closer view.\u00a0 Sam readied to begin the race, and pointed over to Joe.\u00a0 Raising the gun, Joe waited for Sam\u2019s commands.<\/p>\n

\u201cReady\u2014set\u2014\u201d Then Sam pointed to Joe and he shot the gun sending the racers off in a wild fury.\u00a0 The three Cartwrights cheered on the runners and Joe squinted to see them charge to the end of town.\u00a0 They circled the town once and then headed back toward the finish line.\u00a0 This year belonged to Renny Miller, and everyone cheered as he made it there first.\u00a0 The town\u2019s folks gathered around him and Sam brought over a blue ribbon and secured it to the young man\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe winner!\u201d\u00a0 Sam bellowed out and everyone applauded.\u00a0 Joe slapped his knee with his right hand trying to send a message for himself to his friend.\u00a0 After enjoying a few moments in the spotlight, Renny made his way back over to his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like this year this ribbon is mine.\u00a0 But, next year I expect to see you wearing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled and patted his friend on the shoulder.\u00a0 He wished he could congratulate Renny verbally, but Renny could read it in Joe\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you later, Joe.\u00a0 Mitch owes me a beer and I have to get it from him before he spends his money on that kissing booth over there!\u201d\u00a0 Renny laughed and waving goodbye walked down the street.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014Joe Cartwright!\u00a0<\/strong> It\u2019s about time I get a chance to talk to you.\u201d\u00a0 Came a voice from behind the buckboard.\u00a0 Coming around them all was Reverend Hastings.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled and held out his hand to greet his friend.\u00a0 The other Cartwrights also greeted the pastor of their church.\u00a0 \u201cI have come to commandeer this wagon.\u00a0 So, if the three of you will allow me to do so\u2014I believe you look like you all could use some liquid refreshments. Oh\u2014don\u2019t worry\u2014 I won\u2019t watch if you plan to go into that saloon over there!\u201d\u00a0 The Reverend laughed and Ben stepped down, giving up his seat next to Joe.\u00a0 He knew the man wanted to have a few words with Joe, and had been asking for a chance for months.\u00a0 Ben felt like it was a good idea at the time, as he knew Joe needed as much encouragement as he could get.<\/p>\n

Climbing up into the wagon, the Reverend Hastings smiled down at the others. \u201cWe are just going to go down by the church and have a little talk.\u00a0 You can join us once you have tended to your thirst.\u201d\u00a0 He said and sent the team forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou reckon what the Rev is gonna say to Joe, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked as they neared the Silver Dollar.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever it is, Hoss.\u00a0 Joe needs to hear it I\u2019m sure.\u201d\u00a0 Ben put an arm around each of his son\u2019s shoulders and grinned at them both.\u00a0 \u201cNow\u2014which one of you fine young men are going to buy their father a beer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s got all the money, Pa. I done spent mine on some of the attractions around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2014he sure did.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know which booth he spent more at\u2014the pie one or the kissing one.\u201d\u00a0 Adam laughed and Hoss\u2019s face flushed with embarrassment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014I\u2019ll tell you what.\u00a0 We will let Adam buy the first round, and I will cough up the money for the second round.\u201d\u00a0 Ben agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the third one?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere won\u2019t be a third round.\u00a0 We have to show up sober in order to retrieve your little brother, remember?\u201d Ben laughed at the thought and then pushed open the swinging doors to the saloon.<\/p>\n

Reverend Hastings pulled the team to a halt in front of his church.\u00a0 \u201cDo you want me to bring you inside, Joe?\u201d\u00a0 He asked and Joe shook his head.\u00a0 He did not want to be seen being carried into the church.\u00a0 His pride was one thing that he had not totally lost.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine.\u00a0 We can sit here and talk just as well.\u00a0 I sure have been missing your presence every Sunday I\u2019ll have to admit.\u00a0 I\u2019ve talked to your father quite a few times these past several months.\u00a0 I wanted to visit you, but he wasn\u2019t sure if you\u2019d see me or anyone else.\u00a0 I believe that it\u2019s times like these that we need all the support we can get in order to move forward.\u00a0 You know you have a whole lot of people who care for you.\u00a0 Me for one.\u201d\u00a0 He said and looked directly into Joe\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 What he saw in them was a deep sadness and it worried the Reverend.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t trying to turn this into a lecture, Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry if it came off that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head \u201cno\u201d and wished again that he could explain his thoughts and fears of what had happened to him and what was ahead for him in the future.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have something for you.\u201d\u00a0 Reverend Hastings reached into his pocket and placed something in Joe\u2019s right hand.\u00a0 Joe looked at it.\u00a0 Inside a clear glass circle was a small yellow bead.\u00a0 \u201cDo you know what that is?\u201d\u00a0 He continued and Joe once again shook his head \u201cno\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you have there, is a mustard seed.\u00a0 Very small isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his reply and his face took on a questioning look.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you know me\u2014have to quote the Bible to get your attention.\u00a0 There is a verse that goes something like this\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall be moved; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Imagine that will you?\u00a0 Just the size of that small seed in your hand now!\u00a0 You just need that much faith and you can move mountains. Or\u2014in your case be made whole again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stared down again at the seed and then looked back up somewhat astonished at the thought of it all.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think you have that much faith left in you, Joe?\u201d\u00a0 The Reverend asked earnestly.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed to himself and then turned pensive for a few moments.\u00a0 At last he looked directly into the pastor\u2019s eyes and nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cI think so too.\u00a0 And this is not without a great deal of effort on your part.\u00a0 But if you supply the faith, God will help you with all of the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s smile lit up his face.\u00a0 It seemed like a whole lot of people that day had shared their faith in him.\u00a0 Now, it was Joe who had to supply some faith in himself and in God\u2019s ability to do the impossible and heal him completely.\u00a0 Joe reached over and squeezed the reverend\u2019s hand to thank him.\u00a0 Then he placed the mustard seed into the pocket of his jacket just over his heart.<\/p>\n

A few minutes later they heard the sounds of the other Cartwrights approaching and Reverend Hastings politely gave up his seat to return it to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave a nice visit?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked the reverend.<\/p>\n

Winking over to Joe the pastor smiled and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes, we had a good conversation.\u00a0 I will see you all soon I hope?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed you will.\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled gratefully to the pastor and shook his hand.\u00a0 Then he sent the buckboard forward to return to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two horses and buckboard returned to the ranch house before dark.<\/strong>\u00a0 As they reined both horses and wagon to a stop in the front yard all eyes went to a rig that was pulled up at the front hitching post.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s rig is that, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked dismounting first.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea.\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied and stepped down from the buckboard and approached the vacant carriage.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the big welcome that I usually get?\u201d\u00a0 Came a voice from behind the shadows of the front porch.\u00a0 Stepping down into sight was Doctor Harold Peele.<\/p>\n

\u201cHarold!\u201d Ben exclaimed, elated to see the man.\u00a0 He hurried over to him and shook his hand briskly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Uncle!\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled and shook the man\u2019s hand himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t laid eyes on you for over a year!\u201d\u00a0 Came Hoss\u2019 voice as he made it to the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2014it\u2019s been too long.\u00a0 Far too long.\u201d\u00a0 Harold shook Hoss\u2019 outreached hand and then shot a glance over to the young man who sat alone in the buckboard.\u00a0 Harold crossed the yard in long strides and when he got to Joe he had to fight off tears that were building up in his own eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u00a0 What have you gotten yourself into now?\u201d\u00a0 He grinned and gathered him down and into his arms.\u00a0 Joe just gave a sheepish grin and knew that it would seem to Harold that the only times they were together were times that Joe was struggling through a crisis of some kind.\u00a0 \u201cNow didn\u2019t I tell you when I was here last that I wanted at least one visit out here without a major health crisis?\u201d\u00a0 He chastised as he carried Joe into the house and over to the settee.\u00a0 The other three Cartwrights followed the doctor inside and stood next to him as he looked down at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about some brandy, Harold?\u00a0 Or some coffee?\u201d\u00a0 Ben offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing has already taken care of me in that area.\u00a0 He welcomed me heartily and fixed me a late lunch.\u00a0 I got into Carson City and rented that carriage to get here as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harold sat down in a chair next to the sofa.\u00a0 \u201cI finally got all of your messages, Ben.\u00a0 I tried to get here as soon as I could.\u00a0 But, as you know, travel from Europe takes awhile.\u00a0 Then the other medical conventions I had to attend back east\u2014well, I just wish I could have gotten here sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are just happy you are here.\u00a0 I know you have to be tired\u2014\u201d Ben started but Harold cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense. I had a nap in the stagecoach.\u00a0 Now, I want to hear everything about this accident prone young man.\u00a0 Let\u2019s see what has happened so we can figure out where we will go from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben settled back and took great lengths to describe everything that had happened from the morning Joe woke up after having suffered his stroke all the way through to the trouble that they had encountered in Virginia City that day.\u00a0 Harold listened patiently and made mental notes on all that Ben had described.<\/p>\n

Harold reached over and put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder for comfort.\u00a0 \u201cYoung Man, you have really been through the mill this time haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded adamantly.\u00a0 He sure had.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, who will do the honors of carrying Joe up to his room so I can examine him?\u00a0 I would do it myself, but those stairs don\u2019t look too friendly to my sore back right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got him.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss announced and picked Joe up like he was a feather pillow.\u00a0 Harold grabbed his medical bag and walked up the stairs with both Ben and Adam.<\/p>\n

Hoss gently placed Joe on his bed and eased him back onto the pillows.\u00a0 He then stood back to give the doctor some room.\u00a0 Harold started with Joe\u2019s good side, checking his pulse as well as his reflexes.\u00a0 He noted that everything seemed to be fine with that side.\u00a0 Next he moved to the other side of the bed.\u00a0 He pulled off Joe\u2019s boot and sock and then began his needle prick test from the heel up to Joe\u2019s kneecap.\u00a0 Harold did not speak during his examination, but every so often he would mutter an \u201cuh hum\u201d.\u00a0 All eyes were on him as he progressed up Joe\u2019s body to his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cSqueeze my hand.\u201d\u00a0 Harold said holding Joe\u2019s left hand in his own.\u00a0 Three fingers slightly obeyed the command, though they were weak.\u00a0 \u201cTry again.\u201d\u00a0 Harold insisted and Joe tried once more.\u00a0 The same results were both seen and felt.\u00a0 Harold then walked over to close the curtains to cast darkness into the room.\u00a0 \u201cPass me that light, Ben.\u201d\u00a0 He asked and Ben was quick to bring it to the doctor.\u00a0 \u201cClose both of your eyes, Joe.\u00a0 Don\u2019t open them at once.\u00a0 First open your right eye.\u201d\u00a0 Joe obeyed and the doctor flashed the light past his right eye.\u00a0 \u201cOkay now shut the right eye again and open your left eye.\u201d\u00a0 Joe opened his left eye and the doctor repeated the flash of light.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs your vision clear to you in that left eye, Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 He asked and Joe made a sign with his right hand which signaled that it was a little bit different.\u00a0 Next, Harold felt of the boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cAll feeling back\u2014just like before?\u201d\u00a0 He asked and Joe nodded.\u00a0 \u201cNow about you talking.\u00a0 Let\u2019s hear something.\u00a0 Show me what you\u2019ve got.\u201d\u00a0 Harold reached under Joe\u2019s chin and felt lightly against his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cP\u2014ah.\u00a0 H\u2014ss.\u00a0 Ad dum.\u201d Joe slowly spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said a word or two to me today.\u201d\u00a0 Ben offered and Harold turned back to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I believe we can get you talking, not much doubt about it.\u00a0 But, it will take a whole lot of effort on your part, Joseph.\u201d Harold patted Joe\u2019 shoulder.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s right hand pointed over to his leg, and his concern that it had no feeling.\u00a0 Harold could see the intensity in the green pleading eyes that looked up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour hand has started to come back, it\u2019s a signal to me that your whole side has a good chance of coming back, too.\u201d\u00a0 Harold replied to Joe\u2019s motion and then he walked around the bed and looked over at Ben.\u00a0 \u201cI think this young man could use a bit of a rest now.\u00a0 He\u2019s had a big day out and we don\u2019t want to tire him. Let\u2019s give him some peace and quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help get him ready for bed.\u201d<\/strong> Hoss offered and reached into the bureau for Joe\u2019s night clothes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, you do as your uncle said now.\u00a0 You get some rest.\u201d\u00a0 Ben called over to him.\u00a0 Joe frowned at the thought of having to rest, but finally nodded his acceptance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be in to talk to you later tonight, Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 Harold smiled and walked out of the room with Ben and Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Ben asked as he handed Harold some brandy.\u00a0 Harold sank back against his chair and thought for a few moments before responding.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you all have done a wonderful job with the boy.\u00a0 You know I think very highly of Doctor Martin too.\u00a0 The exercises you have done with Joe were correct ones.\u00a0 He would not be this far into his recovery if it wasn\u2019t for your gentle care of him.\u201d\u00a0 Harold replied but stopped abruptly and Ben caught on the way Harold had ended his statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I hear a bit of a \u201cbut\u201d in your statement.\u00a0 C\u2019mon, Harold, give it to me straight.\u201d\u00a0 Ben insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe needs to be where he can get the very best therapy.\u00a0 I know you are not going to like this, but you know how I feel about the boy.\u00a0 It\u2019s never been just the fact that I can\u2019t look at Joseph without thinking of Daniel.\u00a0 But, it does make it hit home when something happens to Joe.\u00a0 If it were Daniel, I would want the best care he could get to speed his recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean a hospital, right?\u201d\u00a0 Ben fought with the words.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the new wing, that you so graciously gave funds for, we have a complete section that deals solely with recovery for stroke and back injury patients.\u00a0 There, Joe would get the best care plus the very best therapy in the country.\u00a0 One of my purposes for going to Europe was to catch up on some of the techniques that they are doing over there.\u00a0 I am bringing back a whole lot of information focusing on just this kind of ailment.\u00a0 I believe, given time, we could bring Joe back close to the way he was before his stroke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood and turned his back on Harold.\u00a0 So many images filled his worried mind.\u00a0 He remembered the long absence a few years prior that had been almost unbearable to deal with.\u00a0 Ben had sworn to himself after that, that he would never allow an absence of that kind of length to happen between him and his youngest son.\u00a0 Now here was Harold suggesting the very thing that had almost severed Ben and Joe\u2019s relationship in the past.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2014I know what you are standing there thinking\u2014and you are wrong.\u00a0 This isn\u2019t the same situation.\u00a0 You can come and visit Joseph any time you want to.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure you can understand that I can\u2019t give you a guess how long Joe\u2019s progress will take.\u00a0 But, I can assure you that it will be much faster than what you can do for him here.\u201d\u00a0 Harold said as he placed a comforting hand on Ben\u2019s sagging shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you\u2014can you tell me that Joe will recover?\u201d Ben asked fighting back his emotions.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can tell you that this is his best chance.\u00a0 No, I can\u2019t promise you or Joe that I can bring him back like he was.\u00a0 I\u2019ll do everything I can\u2014I think you know that.\u00a0 But, the decision is yours.\u00a0 You are his father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to ask Joseph what he wants to do.\u00a0 I can\u2019t make this type of decision.\u00a0 He\u2019s the one who is laying up there unable to talk\u2014unable to walk and do all the things that made him Joe.\u00a0 It will be his choice.\u201d\u00a0 Ben paused and then fought to bring a smile to his face as he looked compassionately at Harold.\u00a0 \u201cI know you see Daniel when you look at Joseph.\u00a0 I don\u2019t mind that \u2014you should know that by now.\u00a0 It\u2019s knowing how much you care for him that reassures me that you will do everything you can.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want Joe to leave.\u00a0 I am selfish in that respect.\u00a0 But, I don\u2019t want to see him pass up the chance to feel whole again.\u00a0 As long as I can visit him\u2014as far as I am concerned if he is in your hands he stands the best chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to talk to him tonight, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter dinner you go and talk to him.\u00a0 Then, once he knows, I will talk to him to see what he wants to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCheer up my brother!\u00a0 We are on the way to getting that perpetual motion machine back on his feet!\u201d\u00a0 Harold smiled and Ben laughed at the thought of seeing his son running down the stairs and vaulting back up on Cochise.<\/p>\n

Harold had a long talk with Joe that night.\u00a0 He told him of his hopes and of the plans they would make, should Joe decide to go to San Francisco.\u00a0 Joe listened intently to it all.\u00a0 Harold finished his talk and bid Joe a fond goodnight and left the room.\u00a0 Joe laid in his bed for a long while staring up at the ceiling and wondering if leaving was the right thing to do.\u00a0 He thought on how it would finally relieve his family of long hours of waiting on him.\u00a0 He hated to see them wasting their time.\u00a0 But, more so, he could feel their sense of discouragement as he made so little progress toward getting better.<\/p>\n

Joe reached over to his night stand and took in his hand the mustard seed that the pastor had given him that day.\u00a0 Maybe it all was for a reason, the talk with Reverend Hastings having come on the same day that his uncle had arrived.\u00a0 He wondered if it was a sign from God that he needed to put his faith to the test now.\u00a0 Joe felt in his heart that he needed to go and try.\u00a0 Not just for his sake, but for the family\u2019s sake as well.\u00a0 It was at that moment that Ben appeared coming in the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cStill awake?\u201d\u00a0 Ben whispered as he approached the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPah\u2014\u201d Joe signaled for his father to come over and sit on the bed next to him.<\/p>\n

Ben sat back against the headboard and draped his arm over Joe\u2019s shoulder. He pulled him over to him so that Joe\u2019s head rested on his shoulder.\u00a0 Ben could already feel in his heart what Joe\u2019s decision would be.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a rather exciting day hasn\u2019t it?\u201d\u00a0 He asked and Joe put his index finger into his father\u2019s palm.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve talked with your uncle.\u00a0 What do you think\u2014you want to give it a try?\u201d<\/p>\n

In response Joe handed his father the mustard seed.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked and held it over to the light.\u00a0 Joe pointed toward his board and Ben handed it over to him.<\/p>\n

The Rev gave it to me.\u00a0 It\u2019s a mustard seed. He says that if I have faith even the size of that little seed that I can move mountains<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben smiled, \u201cHe\u2019s right of course.\u00a0 So\u2014do you have that much faith, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

I think so, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m scared, scared to leave and scared to stay.\u00a0 But, if I am ever gonna get better I have to take this chance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben put the board back down and pulled Joe closer to him. \u201cThen that is what you should do, Joseph.\u00a0 You know I will hate to see you go.\u00a0 But, it won\u2019t be like it was that other time, I promise you.\u00a0 I will visit you often.\u00a0 And no matter how long it takes, as long as it\u2019s to get you well again, I\u2019m in full agreement with your decision. You know I have faith too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe brought his hand up to his father\u2019s chest and looked into his eyes.\u00a0 Ben knew what he was saying.\u00a0 \u201cI love you too.\u201d\u00a0 Ben whispered and held onto his son until he fell asleep.<\/p>\n

There was a\u00a0 rather somber gathering two days later at the Virginia City stageline.\u00a0 Wanting to get a quick start on Joe\u2019s therapy, Doctor Peele had purchased the tickets back to San Francisco.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you don\u2019t give the nurses any of the fight that you gave me, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled and patted his brother\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be waiting for you\u2014hurry home.\u201d\u00a0 Adam walked away giving Hoss his chance for goodbye.\u00a0 \u201cShort Shanks, I\u2019ll exercise Cochise while you\u2019re gone.\u00a0 I expect you to be riding him again when you come back.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss hugged Joe and walked away misty eyed.\u00a0 Ben was next.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joseph, I think that stage is about ready.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to write you every week and I want to hear of some progress real quick, you hear?\u201d\u00a0 Joe nodded as Ben lifted him out of his wheelchair and up to the seat in the stagecoach.<\/p>\n

\u201cPah\u2014\u201d Joe said and waved goodbye.\u00a0 Harold shook hands with the three Cartwrights and turned to look into Ben\u2019s sad eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take good care of him. I\u2019ll write as soon as he gets settled.\u201d\u00a0 Harold clapped Ben on the back and then took his own place inside the stagecoach.\u00a0 The team was sent forward and the Cartwrights all waved goodbye as it pulled away.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go home, Boys.\u00a0 We have a cattle drive to get to.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said trying to sound stoic, even though a part of him was aching for his youngest son.<\/p>\n

\u201cShucks\u2014Pa!\u00a0 Joe will be back soon.\u00a0 You know he hates them Dad Gum hospitals.\u201d Hoss tried to cheer his father as they walked toward the three horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Four months passed slowly for Ben Cartwright.\u00a0<\/strong> He received frequent updates on how Joe was doing, but it wasn\u2019t the same as seeing the boy with his own eyes.\u00a0 At last came the opportunity for a trip to San Francisco.\u00a0 Ben jumped at the chance to complete a business deal along with the extra bonus of seeing Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe was in his wheelchair sitting by himself in the solarium of the therapy wing of the hospital.\u00a0 He was doing some exercises with his left hand when he felt someone behind him and a quick squeeze to his shoulder.\u00a0 He looked behind him to see the smiling face of his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cPah!\u201d\u00a0 Joe called out and was given a hug like no other.<\/p>\n

Ben sat down opposite Joe and gazed at him lovingly.\u00a0 He had missed that smile, that twinkle in the boy\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 He just flat out missed the whole package that was his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cHow have you been, Joseph?\u00a0 I have gotten some really good reports about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014fffine\u2014better .\u201d\u00a0 Joe slowly spoke out.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good, Joe!\u201d\u00a0 Ben exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cYou are talking real well now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI still \u2014not too\u2014ggood with talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are making sentences.\u00a0 When you left you could only say a couple of words.\u00a0 I would say that is much better myself.\u201d\u00a0 Ben corrected.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2014H\u2014oss Ad dum?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are fine.\u00a0 We had the best cattle drive ever.\u00a0 Got the top dollar from the Saint Louis shippers too.\u00a0 They miss you though.\u00a0 I guess it\u2019s kinda dull without you to pester them.\u201d\u00a0 Ben laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss\u2014them\u2014miss you.\u201d\u00a0 Joe nodded and then looked down at his left hand and pointed with his right one.\u00a0 \u201cYou see?\u00a0 Look.\u201d\u00a0 Joe one by one moved each of his fingers and then made a sort of semi fist.\u00a0 \u201cThey move now.\u201d\u00a0 Joe smiled at his achievement.<\/p>\n

Ben reached over and grabbed Joe\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cSqueeze my hand.\u201d\u00a0 He said.\u00a0 Slowly the fingers wrapped around the large hand.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t a strong squeeze, but it was a squeeze none the less and Ben marveled at it.\u00a0 \u201cI am so thrilled with what you have done, Joe.\u00a0 Now\u2014how about that leg?\u00a0 You feel anything yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned and hit his left leg with his right fist angrily.\u00a0 \u201cDead.\u201d\u00a0 Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow don\u2019t you dare say that!\u00a0 What happened to that mustard seed?\u201d\u00a0 Ben chided.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014not quit\u2014pah\u2014don\u2019t wworrrry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my boy!\u201d Ben grinned.\u00a0 \u201cNow, I have asked Harold and he said he will join you and me for dinner.\u00a0 We are going to a very fancy restaurant on the bay.\u00a0 So, let\u2019s get you all dressed up, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014sss\u201d Joe stopped and tried again.\u201d No\u2014suit.\u201d\u00a0 He got out.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes you do.\u00a0 I brought one from home.\u00a0 Now, let me take you to your room.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said heading behind the wheelchair.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014I do it\u2014Doc says\u2014I do it to get \u2014-strong.\u201d\u00a0 Joe argued.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed at Joe\u2019s independence.\u00a0 \u201cWhy of course, Joseph. You go ahead, I\u2019ll follow you.\u201d\u00a0 Joe smiled and slowly rolled both wheels of the chair down the hall.\u00a0 Ben looked ahead and was so grateful to see that Joe the had use of both of his hands now.<\/p>\n

Ben spent a very happy four days with both his son and Harold, but he had to return home.\u00a0 He reluctantly bid his son a fond goodbye and spoke to Harold on the side before he got on the stage for Virginia City.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve done a wonderful job, Harold.\u00a0 I know I\u2019ve told you many times this week but wanted to say it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t have gotten this far in his progress if it wasn\u2019t for his stubbornness.\u00a0 And we both know who he gets that from.\u201d\u00a0 Harold laughed and Ben knew he had been referring to none other that Joe\u2019s own father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you are right in that, Harold.\u00a0 You let me know how he is coming along.\u00a0 I know we can\u2019t rush this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGive me some more time.\u00a0 I think we can get that leg working soon.\u00a0 His left hand is coming along fine, so that is a good sign.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks\u2014for everything.\u201d\u00a0 Ben shook the other man\u2019s hand and then waved goodbye.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be in touch!\u201d\u00a0 Harold called as the stage pulled away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Ponderosa required much attention in all of her various ventures.<\/strong>\u00a0 All three Cartwrights had gotten back into the normal swing of things, even though their thoughts always found their way back to the boy who was recovering in San Francisco.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam and Hoss both had their turn to visit their brother in the fall and his progress continued to be good.\u00a0 Having patience was the hardest thing for both the three who were on the ranch as well as Joe working hard in San Francisco to get better.<\/p>\n

Ben sat at his desk and opened a letter from the hospital.\u00a0 He was surprised to find it had been written by Joe this time.\u00a0 A broad smile creased his face as he called over to Hoss and Adam.\u00a0 \u201cHey\u2014Joe wrote this!\u00a0 Can you believe he is able to write now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam made their way over to their father anxious to see what the letter contained.\u00a0 \u201cRead it, Pa!\u201d Hoss said with excitement in his voice.<\/p>\n

Dear Pa,<\/em><\/p>\n

I hope you can read this.\u00a0 It is a bit like chicken scratch I am afraid.\u00a0 But, you know I never could write too good.\u00a0 I have been practicing a whole lot.\u00a0 My hand is still kinda weak but is getting better each day.\u00a0 I talk a little better now too\u2014at least you can understand what I am trying to say when I speak now.<\/em><\/p>\n

I got good news for you.\u00a0 I can feel parts of my leg and can move a couple of the toes on my left foot.\u00a0 I had almost given up on that.\u00a0 Doc says it will still take a long time, but at least I know the leg isn\u2019t really dead. My hand is getting tired so I will close.<\/em><\/p>\n

Tell Hoss, Adam and Hop Sing that I miss them.<\/em><\/p>\n

But, I miss you most.<\/em><\/p>\n

Love, Joe<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss yelled.\u00a0 \u201cJoe\u2019s gonna get that leg back\u2014I knew he would!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen do you think he can come home, Pa?\u00a0 Adam asked and took the letter to read himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on now\u2014the both of you.\u00a0 He\u2019s just starting to get feeling in that leg of his.\u00a0 We can\u2019t rush it now.\u00a0 You know there was a time not too long ago when we thought he would never get better. Harold will know when it\u2019s time to send him home to us. But, I have to admit that letter there is a great sign.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2014looks like his regular writing to me, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss laughed. \u201cHe wasn\u2019t lying when he said he never wrote well to begin with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed and Hoss handed him back the letter after he had his turn to look at it.\u00a0 Ben held it in his hands and it was almost like holding his son for a moment.\u00a0 At last they all truly believed Joe would completely recover.<\/p>\n

Hoss brought in the Christmas tree and set it over in the corner of the room.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s that?\u201d\u00a0 He asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u00a0 You know this is gonna be a tough one on all of us.\u00a0 Pa doesn\u2019t seem much in the Christmas spirit with Joe still gone.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said and helped his brother straighten the tree.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe got another one of those letters from Joe the other day.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t show it to us because Joe let him know he wouldn\u2019t be home for Christmas.\u00a0 I found it on his desk and read it anyway.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t understand it.\u00a0 Joe got the feeling back in his leg two months ago.\u00a0 You\u2019d think he would be about ready to come home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat down on the settee and poured his brother some coffee.\u00a0 Hoss accepted it and sat down too.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I kinda thought that the kid would make it home for Christmas.\u00a0 We just have to do what we can to cheer Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

The front door of the ranch sprung open and Ben walked in.\u00a0 \u201cMerry Christmas!\u201d\u00a0 He boomed.\u00a0 Both sons stared over at their father.\u00a0 It was a week before Christmas.\u00a0 They wondered if their father had lost track of time.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t Christmas yet, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss called over to him and Ben laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes it is!\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied and held a letter up over his head.\u00a0 \u201cThis just came from Harold.\u00a0 You boys want to hear it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Both sons shot to their feet, knowing it had to be good news or their father wouldn\u2019t be so excited.\u00a0 \u201cYeah!\u201d\u00a0 Adam shot back and Ben neared the two men.<\/p>\n

Dear Ben,<\/em><\/p>\n

I have a Christmas present for you that should be arriving on the nineteenth of this month.\u00a0 It is a little under six feet tall, has curly brown hair and bright green eyes.\u00a0 That\u2019s right! Joseph is on his way home.\u00a0 I wish I could be there to see the great reunion but I have a little surprise waiting here.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Ben, I met a woman and we have fallen in love.\u00a0 Imagine at my age?\u00a0 She is beautiful both inside and out, her name is Carol.\u00a0 We are spending this first Christmas together and I am hopeful that there will be a wedding you will have to come to very soon. Now back to your surprise!\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Joseph had done remarkably well.\u00a0 Though he is not totally healed, I would say he is about at eighty per cent now.\u00a0 He is a bit discouraged about some things, but all and all I believe you will be pleased in what he has accomplished. I know I am.\u00a0 Be patient with him.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Have a wonderful Christmas.\u00a0 My best wishes to Adam and Hoss\u2014oh and of course my favorite cook Hop Sing.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

With Love , <\/em><\/p>\n

Your Brother Harold.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get that tree ready!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong> Hoss exclaimed filled with renewed spirit.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014and we\u2019re gonna have to go into town and get Joe some gifts\u2014I think his went out on the stage today.\u201d\u00a0 Adam remarked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo they didn\u2019t.\u00a0 I fortunately was reading this letter before the stage pulled out.\u00a0 They are out in the buckboard.\u00a0 Let me go tell Hop Sing the good news.\u00a0 I am sure he wants to fix a special dinner for Joe.\u00a0 He will be here tomorrow!\u201d\u00a0 Ben clapped each of his sons on the back and then hurried into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ever see Pa that happy?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss grinned over at his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope\u2014he looks like a kid who got just what he wanted for Christmas.\u00a0 Now let\u2019s get on with this tree business!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat in the buckboard outside of the stage office the next afternoon.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam leaned up against the posts in front of the ticket booth and waited.\u00a0 Finally, an hour late, the stagecoach appeared in the distance.\u00a0 Adam walked over to the buckboard and lifted out the wheelchair and took it over to the street where the stagecoach would be arriving.\u00a0 Ben hopped down from the wagon and anxiously approached the coming stage.<\/p>\n

Several people disembarked before they caught sight of Joe.\u00a0 Adam reached up into the stagecoach to lift Joe out and put him into the wheelchair.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam.\u00a0 Think I can do this.\u201d\u00a0 Joe called down to him.\u00a0 Adam stepped back as Joe took a couple precarious steps down out of the stagecoach.<\/p>\n

\u201cHand it down!\u201d\u00a0 Joe called up to the driver and he handed down a cane.\u00a0 Joe then turned and looked down at the wheelchair and then up at his father.\u00a0 \u201cHey\u2014somebody need a wheelchair around here?\u201d\u00a0 He grinned.<\/p>\n

Ben and his other sons stood speechless as Joe walked slowly toward them leaning heavily on his cane.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph!\u00a0 You are walking!\u201d\u00a0 Ben boomed out.\u00a0 \u201cHarold didn\u2019t say you could walk!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe winked and grinned at his father.\u00a0 \u201cWe wanted to surprise you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben hugged Joe hard and Joe was almost knocked off balance.\u00a0 He felt Hoss and Adam\u2019s arms go around his shoulder as they welcomed their brother back home.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2014okay- not too good with balance just yet so don\u2019t knock me down!\u201d\u00a0 Joe laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you over to the wagon.\u00a0 Hoss why don\u2019t you take that chair over to Doc Martin\u2019s maybe he knows someone who can use it.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said relieved to know that Joe didn\u2019t need it any longer.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight, Pa.\u00a0 See you at home!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss called and lifted up the wheelchair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be home in a little while too.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled, giving both father and son time to be alone after such a long absence.<\/p>\n

Ben maintained a slow walk as he paced himself along with Joe.\u00a0 Still not faltering, Joe was glad to reach the buckboard and slowly made it up to the seat.\u00a0 Ben got up along side of him and sent the horses forward towards the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe it, Joseph\u2014I can\u2019t believe all you have done.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said proudly.<\/p>\n

Joe looked over at his father and sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not all healed\u2014Pa\u2014 I I stutter a lot more.\u00a0 I still don\u2019t talk like I did. I have to think about each word before I say it so it seems like I am either dumb or cautious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2014I always told you to think before you speak.\u00a0 I really don\u2019t think the fact that you talk slow is a bad thing.\u00a0 I just thank God that you can talk as well as you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy leg.\u00a0 It is still not all there.\u00a0 There\u2019s parts that are still numb.\u00a0 But, I can stand on it longer and if I am careful I don\u2019t fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled the reins and stopped the progress of the buckboard.\u00a0 He stared over at his son concerned.\u00a0 It seemed like Joe was apologizing for not coming back perfect.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph\u2014why are you telling me these things?\u201d\u00a0 He asked quietly.<\/p>\n

Joe hung his head and sadness took over his countenance.\u00a0 \u201cI wanted to come home normal, Pa.\u00a0 I have tried so\u2014so hard.\u201d\u00a0 Joe began to stutter and stopped talking.<\/p>\n

Ben turned Joe\u2019s face to get full eye contact with his son. \u201cNow, Joseph\u2014what in the world ever gave you the idea that you were EVER normal?\u201d\u00a0 He smiled.<\/p>\n

Joe laughed.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t the quirky laugh that he had always cut loose with in the past, but it was a laugh and it thrilled his father to hear it.\u00a0 \u201cYyy ou are right\u2014Pa\u2014III never was normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay then!\u201d\u00a0 Ben said and ruffled the boy\u2019s head of curls.\u00a0 \u201cBut, as far as what you have accomplished\u2014I am so very proud I could bust my buttons off this shirt.\u00a0 You have done an incredible job.\u00a0 And don\u2019t think I don\u2019t know how much work and pain it has taken you to get this far.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2014right now\u2014even if I can nnnever wwalk without a cane\u2014I will be happy.\u00a0 Faith helped me get to where II am now. It\u2019s good to be back. III missed you.\u201d\u00a0 Joe hugged his father this time and Ben held on.\u00a0 It was a moment in time they would both always remember.<\/p>\n

Pulling up in front of the house, Ben helped Joe out of the buckboard.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go get you inside. You have to be exhausted from the trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a minute\u2014-got to see Cochise.\u201d\u00a0 Joe insisted and, cane in hand, made his way over to the barn.\u00a0 Ben removed the baggage from the wagon and took them into the house.\u00a0 By the time he had returned outside he was met with the vision of Joe up in the saddle prancing his horse around the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joseph!\u201d\u00a0 Ben called moving closer.\u00a0 \u201cAre you supposed to be doing that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI figured I had better before I give you the letter from Harold.\u00a0 It has my orders in it, and I wasn\u2019t sure if there was something in there about riding.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t want to take a chance.\u201d\u00a0 Joe rode over to his father and drew out the letter from Doctor Peele.\u00a0 Ben shook his head.\u00a0 The disobedient son was definately back and up to the same old tricks.\u00a0 Ben scanned the letter and then called out.\u00a0 \u201cOh\u2014Joseph\u2014it says here he told you no riding for awhile.\u00a0 So get down!\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s voice was commanding now.<\/p>\n

\u201cShucks\u2014should have done to that letter what I used to do with my report cards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014and just what was that?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked suspiciously.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlter them.\u00a0 You don\u2019t really think I passed all of those classes now do you, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Joe laughed and carefully dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh is that so?\u00a0 Maybe I should talk to you about some days of restriction, Little Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Ben teased.\u00a0 Joe brought his cane down from Cochise and walked over to his father smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you don\u2019t\u2014the statute of limitations has run out on all my past dishonesty.\u201d Joe laughed and threw his arm around his father.\u00a0 \u201cHey\u2014what was life like without me to amuse you, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 He asked as they made their way into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuiet, Joseph\u2014very quiet!\u201d\u00a0 Ben sighed, trying to hide his amusement.<\/p>\n

Once inside, Joe couldn\u2019t make it over to the settee before Hop Sing was out there to greet him.\u00a0 A fast long sentence in Chinese and then the arms went around Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to see you too!\u201d\u00a0 Joe laughed and the cook smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBest supper ready for you soon!\u00a0 Look like you all back like Hop Sing knew you would be!\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing said with excitement in his broken English.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust about, Hop Sing.\u201d\u00a0 Joe nodded and then made his way over to the settee.\u00a0 It was then that his eyes fell on the Christmas tree.\u00a0 Joe closed his eyes and recalled the previous Christmas.\u00a0 He remembered it like it had just been a day ago.\u00a0 Thinking back to his gifts, he now remembered the faith his family had in him that he would be walking by this Christmas.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the best looking tree I\u2019ve ever seen. Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it\u2019s going to be the best Christmas ever, too, Son.\u00a0 Just having you back\u2014like you are has already been my best present ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe leaned back against the settee and tried to stretch out, but the coffee table blocked his legs.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead\u2014just this one time.\u00a0 I will refrain from yelling.\u201d\u00a0 Ben called over to Joe.<\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe brought up his legs and planted both feet on the coffee table.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be awfully glad to see me.\u201d\u00a0 Joe smiled, triumphant that at last he could do what he always wanted to do.\u00a0 Rest his feet on the off-limits coffee table.\u00a0 He was soon fast asleep.\u00a0 Ben walked over and placed the Indian blanket over his son. \u201cI am, Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 He whispered his response.<\/p>\n

It had turned out just as Ben had said it would.\u00a0 It was the best Christmas ever.\u00a0 So glad that they were at last all together now, each Cartwright valued that more than the beautiful decorations, the wonderful food not to mention all of the presents.\u00a0 It was the beginning of things at the ranch going back to normal now.\u00a0 It had been an extremely grueling year and through the efforts of all those who loved him, Joe had come back almost as he had been before.\u00a0 He knew he still had some limitations, but refused to let that stop him.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t take long for him to get his own way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After the winter had passed and the snows were all gone,<\/strong> Joe had been allowed to ride his horse. He was not the hasty young man that he had been before.\u00a0 He could no longer vault up into the saddle, but instead, slowly mounted.\u00a0 Joe knew he had a long road ahead still but his faith held tight.\u00a0 His speech became a bit more spontaneous, and his stuttering did not stop him from having his say so.\u00a0 There still were times when Joe\u2019s leg would almost seem useless.\u00a0 But, he would do his exercises and deal with it.<\/p>\n

Many times he would not let on to the others how bad his leg was and simply waited for a better day.\u00a0 He also practiced every day with his Colt revolver and had almost gotten the hang of the fancy twirling of it.\u00a0 His left hand continued to improve until it was almost to the strength that it had been before his stroke.<\/p>\n

Spring arrived and so did the annual Founder\u2019s Day celebration. This year, instead of the buckboard, Joe rode into town alongside his father and brothers.\u00a0 They dismounted in front of the saloon.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joseph.\u00a0 You want to go down to the mercantile and see if you can find your friend?\u201d\u00a0 Ben teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa\u2014to tell you the truth I\u2019d much rather you go and have another round with him\u2014I mean since you did it so well!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2014that race is gonna be held at noon!\u201d Hoss called over to Joe after reading the list of events.\u00a0 \u201cThat don\u2019t give us long to get over there and see who\u2019s running this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, let\u2019s go see.\u201d\u00a0 Joe nodded and they all walked down to the starting line.\u00a0 There was Mitch as always and Renny too.\u00a0 And about a dozen other runners.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa.\u00a0 I gotta talk to Sam for a minute.\u201d\u00a0 Joe said and made his way up the steps to the bandstand.\u00a0 After a couple of minutes Joe made his way back to his father and brothers, a big grin on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2014you gonna start the race again this year?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014here.\u201d\u00a0 Joe handed his cane over to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no you\u2019re not!\u201d\u00a0 Ben protested seeing the look on Joe\u2019s face and knowing what he was about to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014c\u2019mon, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got this!\u201d\u00a0 Joe took out the mustard seed from his pocket and showed it to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can just barely walk!\u00a0 How are you gonna run?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked his anger mounting with worry over Joe getting hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow will I run?\u201d\u00a0 Joe said amused at the question.\u00a0 \u201cPretty awful probably.\u00a0 But, remember what you said last year?\u00a0 You said you never remembered me turning down a challenge!\u201d\u00a0 Joe laughed and without another word limped over to the starting line.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe!\u00a0 You running with us?\u201d\u00a0 Renny asked full of excitement.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2014figured you and Mitch here needed some real competition.\u201d\u00a0 Joe winked over at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn your mark\u2014\u201d Sam called.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is crazy!\u201d Ben said to his two sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014it\u2019s just Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet set!\u201d\u00a0 Sam called again.<\/p>\n

Joe turned and waved toward his father and saw the grimace on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo!\u201d\u00a0 Sam shouted and off the runners went.<\/p>\n

It would come as no great surprise that Joe lagged behind the others all the way through the race.\u00a0 It would come as no surprise to anyone that Joe limped all the way.\u00a0 It would come as no surprise to anyone that all the other runners had crossed the finish line ten minutes before Joe made it in.\u00a0 But, it did come as a surprise to Joe that, for the first time in Virginia City\u2019s history, a blue ribbon was given out for both the first place winner and also the one runner who had come in dead last.\u00a0 Running that race, was proof to all who watched, that Joe Cartwright had won the race of a lifetime.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

September 27, 2001<\/p>\n

Next in the Whatever It Takes Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

To Help a Stranger<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\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.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:<\/strong> addiction, Family, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright, Recovery<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Paralyzed after suffering a rare stroke, Little Joe will need faith the size of a mustard seed in order to fully recover.\u00a0
\nRating T, WC 45,000
\nFourth in the Whatever it Takes series, links to all stories in the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140,"featured_media":64008,"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":[1015,23,1008,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","category-family","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2652,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot_20260330_010046_YouTube.jpg?fit=1460%2C1080&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15532,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15532","url_meta":{"origin":4324,"position":0},"title":"Fondue #1 – Marie, My Fondue (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"December 3, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe asks Ben about his mother, and learns more than he wanted to. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (980 words) Fondue Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4329,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4329","url_meta":{"origin":4324,"position":1},"title":"Whatever it Takes series – #2 – Absolute Faith (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"May 27, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Two men seek revenge on Little Joe by forcing him to use the medicine which had almost killed him before.\u00a0 Rating T, WC 32,000 The second in the \"Whatever It Takes\" series, links to stories in the series included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"Joe","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2001\/05\/Screenshot_20250511_224254_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=650%2C654&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2001\/05\/Screenshot_20250511_224254_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=650%2C654&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2001\/05\/Screenshot_20250511_224254_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=650%2C654&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4326,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4326","url_meta":{"origin":4324,"position":2},"title":"Whatever it Takes series – #3 – A Part of the Main (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"June 27, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Little Joe travels to San Francisco to help one of Dr. Peele's patients and encounters danger and a strange turn of events when Ben gets there.\u00a0 Rated T, WC 22,000 Third in the \"Whatever it Takes series\", links to all stories of this series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"Ben, Little Joe","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot_20260328_142919_YouTube.jpg?fit=1200%2C993&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot_20260328_142919_YouTube.jpg?fit=1200%2C993&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot_20260328_142919_YouTube.jpg?fit=1200%2C993&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot_20260328_142919_YouTube.jpg?fit=1200%2C993&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot_20260328_142919_YouTube.jpg?fit=1200%2C993&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13631,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13631","url_meta":{"origin":4324,"position":3},"title":"Freedom from Fear (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 14, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The aftermath of Joe's kidnapping and subsequent rescue. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (33,760) Due to the subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":4324,"position":4},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4330,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4330","url_meta":{"origin":4324,"position":5},"title":"Whatever it Takes – # 1 (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"April 20, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0When Joe is seriously injured, the remedy serves to be much more harsh than anyone expected. \u00a0 Rated: T \u00a0WC 22,000 Whatever It Takes Series, links to all stories of this series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Joe-Matter-of-Circumstance.jpg?fit=590%2C705&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Joe-Matter-of-Circumstance.jpg?fit=590%2C705&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Joe-Matter-of-Circumstance.jpg?fit=590%2C705&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4324","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\/140"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4324"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4324\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/64008"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}