{"id":5436,"date":"2010-06-01T15:33:57","date_gmt":"2010-06-01T19:33:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5436"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:49","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:49","slug":"forever-ben","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5436","title":{"rendered":"Forever Ben (by deansgirl)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>As Ben Cartwright lies dying his sons each recall a special moment that they shared with their father.\u00a0 A special Father’s Day story, the companion holiday story to A Rose For Marie.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (4,290 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Marie Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Rose for Marie<\/a>
\nForever Ben<\/a><\/p>\n

Forever Ben<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n

Ben Cartwright was dying.\u00a0<\/strong> There was no doubt about it.\u00a0 Doctor Martin, himself had come out after the accident and confirmed it.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam.\u201d He said softly, his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u00a0\u201cIs there no hope?\u201d Adam asked a lump in his throat so big that he could not swallow.<\/p>\n

Doctor Martin shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNone I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned his back to the doctor.\u00a0 He stood by his father\u2019s desk and looked at the papers scattered on it.\u00a0 \u201cCall me if you need help, Adam.\u201d Doctor Martin said walking toward the door.\u00a0 But Adam seemed not to hear him.\u00a0 The doctor shook his head and letting himself out he walked toward his buggy.\u00a0 This would be a hard blow for the Cartwright\u2019s to take.\u00a0 Very hard.\u00a0 \u201cI only hope they can survive it.\u201d Doctor Martin muttered as he drove away from the ranch house.\u00a0 The Cartwright boys were very close to their father.\u00a0 Maybe too close.\u00a0 Paul Martin shook his head as he pulled his carriage onto the road.\u00a0 He did not even notice Little Joe cutting over the pasture on Cochise as he made his way to the ranch house.<\/p>\n

Adam reached out his hand and carefully turned over one of the papers on his father\u2019s desk.\u00a0 It was a timber contract, one that Ben Cartwright had been glad to get.\u00a0 He would never see it used now.\u00a0 Adam thought about ripping up the contract, calling it void, selling the Ponderosa and leaving Nevada with his brothers.\u00a0 His stepmother Marie had been killed out here and now his father was dying, a result of a terrible accident.<\/p>\n

Adam could remember every moment of it.\u00a0 The scene would be burned in his memory forever.\u00a0 His father had rode gaily into the yard whistling a happy tune.\u00a0 He had just deposited a large sum of money in the bank and knew that the ranch would run smoothly for awhile now.\u00a0 Adam had come out of the house to talk to his father.\u00a0 He had seen Buck rear up, had heard his father\u2019s shout \u201cADAM!!!\u201d\u00a0 then saw his father hurled to the ground as Buck darted away from whatever had startled him.\u00a0 Adam had rushed to Ben\u2019s side calling \u201cHOSS!!\u201d\u00a0 then he knelt next to his father.\u00a0 Ben did not move.\u00a0 Hoss had come around the corner, then.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s the trouble, Adam?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss had asked.\u00a0 Adam looked up at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cPa\u2019s been hurt!\u00a0 You have to go into town and get Doc Martin!\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied.\u00a0 But first Hoss had helped Adam carry their father into the house and up the stairs as gently as possible.\u00a0 Ben groaned slightly as the boys gently laid him on his bed.\u00a0 Then the doctor had arrived.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d a voice broke into his thoughts.\u00a0 \u201cAdam was that the doctor I saw leaving?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned toward the voice.\u00a0 It was Joe, his youngest brother, standing by the door, removing his gun.\u00a0 Adam nodded slowly.\u00a0 His eyes stung and his throat burned with tears that would not fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what happened?\u201d Joe asked.\u00a0 In his eyes Adam saw fear, fear for their father, fear for Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa.\u201d Adam choked on the words.\u00a0 \u201cPa was in a terrible accident today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe clutched the door handle for support.\u00a0 \u201cBad?\u201d he managed to ask.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded again and this time was able to swallow the lump that had been bothering him since Doc Martin had told him the news.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, he\u2019s dying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDying!\u201d Joe gasped unable to believe his ears.<\/p>\n

Now the tears fell freely from the eldest Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cDoc Martin said his back is broken.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe had never seen his brother so moved.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t believe it!\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 \u201cJust this morning he was hale and hearty.\u00a0 How did it happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBuck threw him.\u201d Adam whispered, his voice cracking.\u00a0 He remembered the same incident with Marie, even if Little Joe did not.<\/p>\n

Joe stared at his brother for several seconds.\u00a0 He could remember slightly that his mother had died the same way.\u00a0 Was their father now to be taken, too?\u00a0 Then the tears fell from his eyes and Joe, forgetting his age and pride ran to his older brother for comfort at this time of sorrow.\u00a0 Adam put his arms around Joe as he had done when his brother was just a child.\u00a0 Joe was the only one with whom Adam ever showed that he had emotions and Joe returned his love now, by burying his face in Adam\u2019s shirt.\u00a0 \u201cDoes Hoss know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s upstairs with him now.\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up and wiped his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cLet…let\u2019s go up, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded, not trusting himself to speak.\u00a0 Together the two brothers walked up the stairs and into their father\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

He looked so pale, so still lying there between the white sheets.\u00a0 Just that morning he had been bright eyed and rosy cheeked eager to go to town and deposit the money, looking forward to a great day with his sons.\u00a0 For once, Joe remembered, he was going to work with them on the fences.\u00a0 Now, now, Joe sighed.\u00a0 Now he lay quiet, pale as death.\u00a0 And Adam realized that he had little time left.\u00a0 Hoss looked up as his brothers approached.\u00a0 His eyes were filled with tears and he searched Adam\u2019s face for comfort.\u00a0 Adam shook his head sadly.\u00a0 He wanted solace at this time, too.\u00a0 But there was none coming.\u00a0 All the boys could do was stand next to their dying father, watching him sadly.\u00a0 \u201cSo many memories.\u201d\u00a0 Adam whispered.\u00a0 \u201cSo many wonderful memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam<\/strong><\/p>\n

He had been just a young child.\u00a0 He never really had too much time to spend with his father since Ben was always looking for work.\u00a0 But this time his father had had the time to spend with his only son.\u00a0 They had walked down to the lake, Adam skipping and jumping ahead of his Pa.\u00a0 He was full of questions and now was the time to ask them.\u00a0 \u201cPa, why are the clouds blue?\u00a0 Why do birds fly?\u00a0 Pa, what would it be like to fly?\u00a0 What would you do if I spread my arms and flew away from you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had laughed and grabbed his son in his strong arms.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d fly after you and grab you tightly and bring you back to earth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked, gently patting his father\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I need you with me, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally.\u201d Ben promised.\u00a0 \u201cWould you like some lunch, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and Ben spread out their picnic lunch on the grass by the lake.\u00a0 He had packed a delicious lunch and Adam had enjoyed every bite of it.\u00a0 When they had finished Ben cleaned up while his son stood by the lake, throwing rocks in.\u00a0 \u201cWOW!\u201d he exclaimed his hazel eyes shining.\u00a0 \u201cDid you see that Pa?\u00a0 It really bounced far!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled.\u00a0 He really had to find more time to spend with his only son, Elizabeth\u2019s child.\u00a0 Then he watched as a passing butterfly diverted his son\u2019s attention.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Pa! It\u2019s so pretty!\u201d Adam exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cI want to see it better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood up and gathering the picnic basket he followed his son as Adam raced after the brightly colored butterfly.\u00a0 \u201cCatch it, Pa.\u201d He called gaily.\u00a0 \u201cI want to take it home\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed and joined in the chase.\u00a0 Together they ran around the park following the butterfly over the picnic grounds and up the hill.\u00a0 Finally, though Adam stopped.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t catch it, Pa!\u201d\u00a0 He breathed heavily.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s too fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son.\u00a0 \u201cJust like life, son.\u201d\u00a0 He replied never hesitating when a chance presented itself to teach his son more about life.\u00a0 \u201cIt goes by too quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam asked puzzled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry.\u201d\u00a0 Ben picked Adam up.\u00a0 \u201cSomeday you\u2019ll understand.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tears stung Adam\u2019s eyes and coursed down his cheek.\u00a0 \u201cI understand now, Pa.\u201d He whispered.\u00a0 He wished that he was young again and that his father was well enough to hold him again, to whisper words of comfort, to listen to him say his prayers, and then to tuck him in at night.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Pa!\u201d he murmured.\u00a0 \u201cPa! Pa!\u201d and for the first time since he was a small child Adam said it, \u201cPa, I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss heard his brother utter the words of affection that not even the loveliest of woman had ever heard him say with so much feeling.\u00a0 He reached out and grabbed Adam\u2019s hand tightly, reassuringly.\u00a0 This was a hard time for them all.\u00a0 Hoss watched his father\u2019s breath coming in short gasps, becoming more and more shallow.\u00a0 His big heart, so full of love for his father, felt as though it would burst.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t go yet, Pa.\u201d He begged silently.\u00a0 \u201cAh need more memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018Ah was young.\u2019 Hoss recalled.\u00a0 \u2018Do you \u2018member that day, Pa?\u00a0 We went walkin\u2019 just you an\u2019 me.\u00a0 Adam stayed at home \u2018cause he was more interested in his book learnin\u2019 anyway.\u00a0 Ah was glad to spend some time wit\u2019 you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Pa!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss had exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cSee what a beautiful lake!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had smiled.\u00a0 He remembered the day he had taken his eldest son, Adam, to a different lake in another part of the country.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Hoss.\u201d He smiled at his young son.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s very lovely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together the man and boy had walked along the bank, Hoss occasionally throwing a rock in and laughing when it hit the surface.\u00a0 Ben would smile then.\u00a0 How easy it was to be a boy.\u00a0 Free from the cares of the world around him, his son, Hoss, saw only the bright things to life.\u00a0 Then Ben picked up a rock and threw it into the lake.\u00a0 Hoss clapped his hands joyfully.\u00a0 \u201cPa, yours went real far!\u201d he exclaimed happily.\u00a0 And Ben had laughed and wrapped his arm around his son.<\/p>\n

They continued walking down the path together.\u00a0 Neither said a word.\u00a0 Hoss was enjoying nature with his father and Ben was just enjoying his strong, quiet son.\u00a0 Then the stillness was broken by Hoss who had cried out \u201cStop, Pa!\u00a0 Look!\u201d\u00a0 He pointed to the bushes bordering the lake.\u00a0 Shivering among the greenery was a little dog with a hurt paw.<\/p>\n

Hoss ran over to him and gathered the dog up in his arms.\u00a0 \u201cPor little pup.\u00a0 Pa, let\u2019s take \u2018im home and care for \u2018im.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben understood.\u00a0 His son was a kind boy, a gentle boy.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, son, we\u2019ll take him home.\u00a0 I\u2019ll teach you how to care for a suffering animal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had smiled and carried the dog home in his arms.\u00a0 He would comfort it often with words like, \u201cYou\u2019ll be all right, pup.\u00a0 My Pa\u2019s goin\u2019 fix you all up.\u201d\u00a0 And Ben had agreed.\u00a0 At the house Hoss gently laid the dog on the sofa and Ben brought water, towels, and salves for the animal.\u00a0 Ben gently took the pet\u2019s paw in his strong hands and looked at it.\u00a0 \u201cSee, son.\u201d He finally said.\u00a0 \u201cThe animal has a thorn in its paw.\u00a0 Now hold the puppy still and I\u2019ll pull it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had grabbed the puppy tightly and Ben carefully drew out the thorn.\u00a0 The puppy tried to get away but Hoss held him closer.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry.\u201d The boy had reassured the dog.\u00a0 \u201cEverything\u2019ll be all right.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son and wrapped the whimpering dog\u2019s paw in a bandage.\u00a0 Then he patted Hoss on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right, son.\u00a0 You\u2019re pup will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes lit up.\u00a0 \u201cMy pup?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Ben had laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYour pup, son, unless someone comes to claim him.\u201d\u00a0 Nobody ever did.<\/p>\n

Hoss had hugged the dog closely, then releasing the animal, he gave his father a big hug.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re the most wonderful Pa in the whole world!\u201d he had exclaimed and Ben had smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked his mind spinning with the memory.\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pressed his hand and shook his head.\u00a0 Their father made no sound.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 voice broke and his giant frame shook with tears.<\/p>\n

Joe understood why his brothers were so upset.\u00a0 His own eyes overflowed with tears and he felt as though his heart would break.\u00a0 \u201cOh, God.\u201d He begged quietly.\u00a0 \u201cGod, I\u2019m not much of a praying man.\u00a0 Mama tried to teach me how to pray but I\u2019ve forgotten so much since she died.\u00a0 I miss her terribly.\u00a0 I know my Pa would be happy to be with her again, but I still need him.\u00a0 And Adam and Hoss need him, too.\u00a0 Please, God, please don\u2019t take him away, yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached out and gently grabbed his father\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, God, let me build more memories with my Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018God, I was so young.\u2019 He whispered.\u00a0 \u2018Mama was still alive, too and we were all so happy together.\u00a0 But this particular day was my birthday and pa had a very special gift for me.\u00a0 My very own pony!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe wiped his eyes, discretely.\u00a0 \u2018I was thrilled!\u2019
\n\u201cOh, Pa!\u201d Little Joe had exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cCan I ride him? Can I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had nodded and Joe ran toward the little horse.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss reentered the house with Marie.\u00a0 They knew that their brother would have more fun learning with just his father alone, than with all his brothers around.<\/p>\n

Little Joe was wobbly and unsure in the beginning.\u00a0 But his father\u2019s voice was reassuring.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re doing fine, son! That\u2019s right! Move with the horse. Someday you\u2019ll be a better horse rider than me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe was proud.\u00a0 He rode with his head held high, the reins clasped tightly in his small hands.\u00a0 The he looked down at his father.\u00a0 Ben had been walking beside him, his arm holding the lad tightly.\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u201d he had asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I try it alone?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and smiled.\u00a0 He was proud of his son\u2019s independence.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, but be careful.\u201d\u00a0 He said releasing his son.<\/p>\n

Joe rode around the yard a few times, imaging himself a real cowboy like his older brother Adam.\u00a0 He imagined himself roping a wild steer and his father watching him proudly and explaining to all the ranch hands that it was his son who was able to so adeptly rope that wild bull.\u00a0 Then he heard his brother Adam call from the kitchen door.\u00a0 \u201cPa! Joe! Supper time!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go in now.\u00a0 You can ride more tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and tried to leap off his horse as he had seen his father and Adam do.\u00a0 But his foot got stuck in the stirrup and he fell to the ground.\u00a0 Ben had rushed up to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right, son?\u201d he had asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

Joe had nodded.\u00a0 But his father wanting to make sure picked Joe up and poked him carefully.\u00a0 \u201cNo broken bones?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNo broken bones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben hugged his son as he carried him into the house.\u00a0 \u201cI love you, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Joe had whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you too, Little Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Ben had replied.<\/p>\n

Joe could not hide the tears, nor did he want to.\u00a0 \u201cPlease God,\u201d he begged.\u00a0 \u201cPlease let him live.\u00a0 I love him so much.\u00a0 He\u2019s my father and I need him.\u00a0 Please, please.\u00a0 Give him another chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

His hand gently caressed his father\u2019s cheek and he looked up.\u00a0 \u201cMama,\u201d he whispered. \u201cYou always were an angel so you must be in heaven.\u00a0 Please don\u2019t take Pa from me yet.\u00a0 I know you want to be with him, but I need him, Mama.\u00a0 Please let Pa stay with us for a little while longer.\u00a0 Please, Mama, please!\u201d<\/p>\n

He felt a hand laid on his arm.\u00a0 He turned to look up at Adam.\u00a0 His older brother said nothing but he removed his arm and pointed to their father.\u00a0 The three boys held their breaths.\u00a0 It was so quiet in the room, so still.\u00a0 They listened, praying.\u00a0 There was no sound.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright was dead.<\/p>\n

Joe started crying audibly now and Adam buried his head in his hands.\u00a0 Hoss struggled to maintain his composure but giving that up as a hopeless task he wrapped his strong arms around his brothers.\u00a0 Together the three orphans stood weeping over the body of their dear departed father.<\/p>\n

Ben<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright knew that he was dying.\u00a0 The fall from his horse had sealed his fate.\u00a0 He lay still in the bed, his eyes closed.\u00a0 He heard Doctor Martin mutter, as the family friend looked him over.\u00a0 He could imagine the good doctor shaking his head and biting his lower lip as he often did.\u00a0 The he heard the terrible news.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam.\u201d Paul Martin said softly.\u00a0 \u201cYour father broke his back in that fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was sharp.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 The doctor repeated, placing his instruments back in his black bag.\u00a0 \u201cYour father is dying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben heard this declaration of his death but somehow it did not bother him.\u00a0 Nor was he afraid.\u00a0 He had lived a full life, he had three wonderful sons and now he was ready to go.\u00a0 He was ready to be with their mothers, his beloved wives who had died so long ago.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll walk downstairs with you.\u201d\u00a0 Ben heard Adam say.\u00a0 And somewhere in his subconscious Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

He loved his sons all of them.\u00a0 He had built up a mighty empire with them, he had suffered with them, had counseled them, had seen them fall in love, had helped them through broken hearts, had smiled with them, laughed with them, and built memories with them.<\/p>\n

Memories, he sighed inaudibly, so many wonderful, lovely memories.\u00a0 Adam, his eldest son, his right hand man.\u00a0 The memories he shared with Adam were sad ones.\u00a0 His mother had died so young and he led such a sad childhood.\u00a0 \u201cIf only I could have given you more, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 Ben thought.\u00a0 \u201cYou had such a sorry childhood.\u00a0 You never really got to dance and sing like other children.\u00a0 Then Inger died and Marie too.\u00a0 And you became a man before your time because I deserted you and left you with your younger brothers who you cared for so well.\u00a0 Oh, my poor son, I love you.\u00a0 I wish you could hear me now, Adam.\u00a0 If you could, son, I want you to know I love you.\u00a0 I love you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Then he heard Adam\u2019s voice.\u00a0 It was barely a whisper but he heard it and his heart leapt.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice was choked with tears and he said the words Ben so wanted to hear \u201cPa, I love you.\u201d\u00a0 And yet something inside Ben\u2019s heart cried.\u00a0 He would never be able to return the words of love his eldest son had spoken.<\/p>\n

Then he heard Hoss\u2019 voice.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t go yet, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss begged.\u00a0 \u201cAh need more memories.\u201d\u00a0 And Ben\u2019s eyes under his closed lashes filled with tears.\u00a0 Memories, what memories had he given Hoss?\u00a0 His childhood was rough, very rough.\u00a0 Born on the prairie his mother Inger was killed while he was still a baby.\u00a0 But Adam had cared for him and Hoss was Ben\u2019s quiet gentle son.\u00a0 He and Adam got along wonderfully.\u00a0 As for Hoss and Joe, well, they fought but they were great together.\u00a0 Ben knew that after he died Hoss would be the one to help his brother\u2019s get over their sorrow.\u00a0 \u201cPoor Hoss.\u201d Ben barely smiled.<\/p>\n

He heard his name called softly.\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u201d but he could not move.\u00a0 He wanted to, he wanted to call out to his son, to reassure him.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Hoss, yes I\u2019m here.\u201d\u00a0 But he could not speak.\u00a0 He lay silent unable to say what was in his heart and then he heard his strong son sob and Ben\u2019s heart cried along with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, God, let me build more memories with my Pa.\u201d\u00a0 That would be Joe\u2019s voice.\u00a0 Little Joe, his baby son.\u00a0 Memories, if anyone had happy memories it would be Little Joe.\u00a0 Joe was born on the ranch.\u00a0 Joe had never known the hardships of the frontier like Adam and Hoss had but he and his brothers got along wonderfully.\u00a0 Ben loved all his sons equally, don\u2019t let anyone tell you differently, but Little Joe, well, Little Joe was special.\u00a0 Ben would never admit it but he loved his youngest son\u2019s spirit, his temper.\u00a0 \u201cLike a wild untamed horse.\u201d\u00a0 Ben thought.\u00a0 \u201cI just wish I could stay around to help tame him.\u00a0 Rough, wild, untamed, precious colt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then Joe\u2019s voice broke into his thoughts. \u201cMama, you always were an angel so you must be in heaven.\u201d\u00a0 Ben sighed.\u00a0 It was becoming more and more difficult to breathe.\u00a0 He remembered another time that he was so sick and could hardly sit up.\u00a0 Marie had nursed him through his sickness and back to health.\u00a0 When he was well enough to speak he had smiled at her.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had smiled at him.\u00a0 \u201cYou had to get better, Ben.\u201d She had told him.\u00a0 \u201cYou have to care for my boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s breath grew more and more shallow.\u00a0 \u201cMarie, I failed.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry.\u201d\u00a0 He felt his son\u2019s cool hand rest gently on his hot face and the rest of Joe\u2019s prayer.\u00a0 \u201cPlease don\u2019t take Pa from me yet.\u00a0 I know you want to be with him, but I need him, Mama.\u00a0 Please let Pa stay with us for a little while longer.\u00a0 Please, Mama, please!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled sadly.\u00a0 He wanted to stay with his sons but his wives were calling him, beckoning to him.\u00a0 He drew one last breath, then nothing.\u00a0 Somewhere Ben saw a bright light and he knew he was dead.<\/p>\n

He heard singing, a lovely voice, a familiar voice.\u00a0 Then in front of the light Ben saw the figure of a woman he had thought he would never see again.\u00a0 She stopped singing and walked toward him.\u00a0 \u201cBen.\u201d She whispered.<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright stared at her for a moment then he ran to her and wrapped his arms around her, tenderly.\u00a0 \u201cLiz!\u201d he exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Liz! My Liz.\u201d He kissed her again and again.\u00a0 And she kissed him back gently.\u00a0 Then she left his arms and stepped back.\u00a0 Standing behind her were Inger and Marie.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes filled with tears as he looked at them.\u00a0 He gathered them both up in his arms and pressed them to his breast.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve missed you all so terribly.\u201d He whispered. \u201cI\u2019m so glad to be home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elizabeth, Inger, and Marie were crying.\u00a0 Then taking his hand Marie led him towards the light.\u00a0 \u201cLook, Mon amour.\u201d She whispered.<\/p>\n

Ben looked.\u00a0 He saw his bed and his body.\u00a0 He saw his son\u2019s weeping.\u00a0 Joe, with his hand still resting on his father\u2019s face; Adam, with his head buried in his hands; and Hoss, his arms wrapped around his brothers.\u00a0 \u201cPoor boys.\u201d\u00a0 He murmured.\u00a0 \u201cPoor dear boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elizabeth placed her hand gently on Ben\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cThey still need you, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Liz.\u201d He whispered.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m dead.\u00a0 The accident…\u201d<\/p>\n

Inger shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cYou can still choose, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d he asked searching her face for the answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cMarie\u2019s son uttered a prayer.\u201d\u00a0 Inger replied.\u00a0 \u201cYou are given a special choice, Ben.\u00a0 You can still choose whether you want to be with us or fulfill Joe\u2019s request by building more memories with your sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gazed at his three beloved wives.\u00a0 He did not want to leave them.\u00a0 Now he could spend all of eternity with them.\u00a0 But there, down there, were his sons and they needed him.\u00a0 His wives were happy now, they always would be.\u00a0 But his sons…\u00a0 Heaven or Earth, the thought rushed through his mind.\u00a0 Would he choose Heaven or Earth?<\/p>\n

\u201cMy sons needs you.\u201d\u00a0 Marie whispered softly.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth and Inger nodded.\u00a0 They did not want to see him leave but their sons, the children each had carried for nine months.\u00a0 Well, the love of a mother overcame the love of a wife.\u00a0 They were letting their husband go so that he could help bring their boys to them someday when they all could be happy together.<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and made up his mind.\u00a0 He held each of his wives in his arms for one last time.\u00a0 Then he kissed them and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cTake care of our sons, Ben.\u201d\u00a0 Elizabeth begged and Ben nodded not trusting himself to speak.<\/p>\n

Somewhere down on earth his body stirred.\u00a0 And while his spirit saw the last of his beloved wives, disappearing into the light, he opened his eyes.\u00a0 He was in pain, oh he’d be in pain for a long time, but his hand reached up and gently covered Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t cry, boys.\u201d He said softly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gasped.\u00a0 His hands dropped to his side and he looked at his father in surprise.\u00a0 \u201cPa, how?\u201d he stopped.<\/p>\n

His father was smiling.\u00a0 \u201cJoe,\u201d he replied with a faraway look in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou were right.\u00a0 Your mother is an angel.\u201d\u00a0 Then he smiled at Adam and Hoss \u201cAnd your mother\u2019s are too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked.\u00a0 \u201cDid you see Mama?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cShe sent you all her love.\u00a0 She sent me back to care for you.\u00a0 I love you boys.\u201d\u00a0 He held his arms out to them.<\/p>\n

Adam was the first to rush to his father.\u00a0 \u201cI love you, too, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 And Hoss and Joe following their brother\u2019s example ran into their father\u2019s arms with the words \u201cWe love you, Pa.\u00a0 We always will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Happy Father\u2019s Day.\u00a0 Thanks for all the wonderful memories.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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

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

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

Summary: \u00a0As Ben Cartwright lies dying his sons each recall a special moment that they shared with their father.\u00a0 A special Father’s Day story, the companion holiday story to A Rose For Marie. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K+ (4,290 words)<\/p>\n

Ben and Marie Series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":170,"featured_media":13072,"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":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5436","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1270,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Fathers-Day.jpg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5440,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5440","url_meta":{"origin":5436,"position":0},"title":"A Rose For Marie (by deansgirl)","author":"deansgirl","date":"May 1, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Adam finally learns to accept Marie as his mother.\u00a0 A special Mother's Day story, the companion story to Forever Ben Cartwright Rated:\u00a0K+ (2,850 words) Ben and Marie Series, links to all the stories within the series 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\/2014\/05\/Marie.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1697,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1697","url_meta":{"origin":5436,"position":1},"title":"One Special Night (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"December 20, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The Cartwrights await a VERY special delivery, leaving one of them to wonder what their future will hold. Rating:\u00a0 K (1,705 words)","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\/2014\/04\/frontporch.jpg?fit=439%2C305&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5396,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5396","url_meta":{"origin":5436,"position":2},"title":"Our Little Joe (by BnzaGal)","author":"BnzaGal","date":"November 3, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0\u00a0Written for the\u00a0Michael Landon's 2011 Birthday - Literary Exercise\u00a0where we had to put all the words of the song \"Be Patient with Me\" somewhere in our story. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K (1,295 words)","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\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14991,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14991","url_meta":{"origin":5436,"position":3},"title":"Second Chances (by Starlite)","author":"starlite","date":"September 14, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben brings Marie to the Ponderosa, and causes a rift between him and his young son. Will Adam ever forgive him? Rated:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (12,150 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Adam"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Adam","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1016"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5756,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5756","url_meta":{"origin":5436,"position":4},"title":"A New Pattern (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"June 2, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a08th story in The Battle of Wills series.\u00a0 The Cartwrights go into town so Marie can order baby furniture and Adam can get a haircut. Hoss goes shopping with Marie and, while in the store, he overhears her conversation with two elderly ladies about food cravings and whether the baby\u2026","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\/2014\/05\/blue-plate.jpg?fit=598%2C598&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/blue-plate.jpg?fit=598%2C598&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/blue-plate.jpg?fit=598%2C598&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1281,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1281","url_meta":{"origin":5436,"position":5},"title":"A Child’s First Christmas (by KateP)","author":"KateP","date":"December 20, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ben Recalls each of his sons' first Christmas Rated: K (620 words)","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\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&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\/5436","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\/170"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5436"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5436\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13072"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5436"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5436"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5436"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}