Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 This story is written in tribute to my eldest brother who was left severely mentally handicapped as a result of a smallpox injection when he was a child.<\/p>\n
Rated: K \u00a0WC \u00a09000<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A Special Child<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was Saturday afternoon<\/strong> when Ben made his way back to the ranch from Virginia City. It had been a very tiring morning and he was secretly hoping that he would have the house to himself. The boys usually took the opportunity to spend time with friends on Saturdays, after their chores were finished, and it was one of the few occasions that Ben allowed himself the luxury of putting his feet up in front of the fire to read a book and smoke his pipe in peace. But that morning his luck was out; as he rode into the yard he was surprised to see Cochise in the paddock. Ben frowned, if Adam or Hoss were home he could still look forward to a peaceful afternoon, but Little Joe, well that was a whole different matter. It wasn\u2019t that the boy meant any harm it was just he didn\u2019t know the meaning of the word quiet.<\/p>\n \u201cOh well\u201d thought Ben to himself, \u201cthere was always next weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n On entering the house the first thing Ben was aware of was Joe\u2019s feet hanging over the side of the settee. This sight brought a fleeting moment of panic to Ben\u2019s thoughts, and basing his reasoning on past experience, Ben quickly made his way forward; had Joe been hurt, what was he doing lying on the settee?<\/p>\n The sight that met Ben was not what he expected, Little Joe lay peacefully in sleep, snoring quietly, totally relaxed and with no sign of injury. Ben smiled to himself; at 16 Joe was really beginning to sprout, he looked like a young colt, all gangly legs and long arms. He had only been left school a short while and, although he would never admit it; working on the ranch was hard manual labour and Joe found it an effort keeping up some days. Joe\u2019s growing spurt was sapping his strength and that, together with the long days he was putting in on the ranch, was beginning to take its toll.<\/p>\n Ben stood gazing down at his sleeping son when he became aware of Adam standing behind him looking over his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been lying there for about an hour, completely dead to the world. I don\u2019t even think he stayed awake long enough to eat his lunch\u201d said Adam softly. \u201cNot that Hoss was complaining,\u201d he added with a chuckle.<\/p>\n Ben nodded \u201cI thought he would have been off with his friends this afternoon. It\u2019s not like he gets much time to spend with them since he left school. I think he\u2019s been overdoing it a bit these last few weeks, maybe working on the round up has been a bit much for him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes, thinking his father was making excuses for Little Joe once again. Ben noticed the look and defending his statement said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s at that age Adam, at the rate he\u2019s growing at the moment he probably needs more rest than he would normally do, and even though he would never admit it, he\u2019s still only a boy doing a man\u2019s job. I think maybe we should try and get him to ease up a bit this week and try and get his strength back. He was so poorly with that chest infection over the winter that if he carries on the way he has been, he\u2019s going to wear himself out and then he\u2019ll end up sick again.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded his head in agreement. He had to admit Joe had not been long recovered from his illness and he had certainly been pulling his weight over the last couple of weeks. Even he could see how it was taking it out of him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got just the thing,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI was riding past the Parson\u2019s old place this morning when I noticed that someone new was living there. I decided to go over and welcome them, and guess what Pa, a little old lady\u2019s moved in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s quite a big spread, is she on her own?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeemed to be. She said her name was Mrs Simpson and apparently she\u2019s a widow. Turns out she\u2019s Mr Parson\u2019s sister and he left the place to her in his will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell she\u2019ll never run that place without a man about, it\u2019s dropping to pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right about that, I had a look round whilst I was there and there\u2019s definitely a lot of work to be done. The roof leaks, a good part of the fence is down and the barn could almost do with being rebuilt. I said we would go over and give her a hand as soon as we could\u201d said Adam<\/p>\n \u201cAnd so we will son, but we have our hands full here at the moment, what with the round up just finishing and the branding still to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell I was just thinking, this might be just the job for Little Joe. He could spend a week or two with Mrs Simpson, the work wouldn\u2019t be too strenuous, and Joe is more than capable of doing the jobs that need doing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not a bad idea, Adam. We\u2019ll be starting the branding on Monday, so Joe could go over to Mrs Simpson then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe may not think it\u2019s such a good idea,\u201d gestured Adam to Joe \u201cbut you\u2019re right, brandings hard work for any man, let alone a half grown boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell that\u2019s settled,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s settled?\u201d came a sleepy voice from the settee.<\/p>\n Adam and Ben smiled at each other, that was just like Joe, he could always be relied on to hear the conversations you didn\u2019t want him to, but would suddenly become deaf if there was something you particularly wanted him to hear.<\/p>\n It was Monday morning and even though Joe had made a bit of a fuss about being excluded from the branding he had to admit, even if it was only too himself, that he was rather looking forward to going to the old Parson homestead to give Mrs Simpson a hand.<\/p>\n It was only an hour\u2019s ride from the ranch and Joe quite enjoyed the freedom of not being subjected to the ever-watching eyes of his Pa and brothers. When he rode into the yard he noticed a white haired old lady hanging out the washing. She stopped what she was doing and stood waiting for the young man to dismount.<\/p>\n Little Joe removed his hat and stepping forward said \u201cGood morning Ma\u2019am, my name\u2019s Joe Cartwright, I believe you met my brother Adam on Saturday. My Pa and Adam have asked me to come and offer my services to help do a few repairs around the place for you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell that\u2019s very kind of your Pa Joe, I certainly could do with a man about the place,\u201d said Mrs Simpson, smiling to herself as she noticed Joe stand taller at the reference to a his \u2018man\u2019 status.<\/p>\n Joe quickly appraised the repairs that needed to be done and began work in earnest. Mrs Simpson was very impressed with the slim young man with the chestnut curls and the dancing green eyes. It was almost lunchtime when she shouted to Joe to come to the house for lunch and Joe was glad to stop for his first break.<\/p>\n As Joe sat on the porch, eating his sandwiches and drinking lemonade, he became aware of a young man surveying him from the window of the house. It was only a fleeting glimpse, but Joe thought the boy probably was not much older than himself. He could only ponder as to what could be wrong with the young man for him to stay inside and also as to why he was not doing the repairs around the place himself. Mrs Simpson didn\u2019t volunteer any information and Joe didn\u2019t like to pry.<\/p>\n By the middle of the afternoon the young man in the house had made his way out onto the porch and stood shyly watching Joe work. Joe tried not to stare back at the boy, but he couldn\u2019t help but notice that there was something about him that wasn\u2019t quite right and that made Joe feel uncomfortable. When the end of the day came he was glad to be going home.<\/p>\n As Joe began to saddle Cochise he became aware of the boy standing behind him. Joe turned and said, \u201cHi my name\u2019s Little Joe, what\u2019s yours?\u201d<\/p>\n The boy stared back at Joe but didn\u2019t say a word. Joe wondered if maybe he was deaf or something. He didn\u2019t know anyone that was deaf, but old Mr Higgins was rather hard at hearing and he could be kinda strange at times.<\/p>\n Mrs Simpson came out onto the porch and smiling at Joe said, \u201cThis is Mikey, Mikey say hello to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHi \u201d said Mikey in a childlike fashion, sticking his fingers into his mouth as he spoke.<\/p>\n Mikey then turned and in a rather uncoordinated way ran back across the yard and into the house. Mrs Simpson turned to Joe and said,<\/p>\n \u201cMikey\u2019s not quite like other boys Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe thought \u201cyou can say that again\u201d but he remained silent.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s very shy, he doesn\u2019t meet many strangers, but he\u2019ll get used to you and you\u2019ll get used to him. Mikey doesn\u2019t always understand everything Little Joe, so just be patient with him.\u201d Mrs Simpson so wanted Joe to understand but was at a loss for words how to explain. If she went into too much detail she was afraid she would frighten Joe into thinking Mikey was completely crazy.<\/p>\n That night at supper Joe told his Pa and brothers about Mrs Simpson and Mikey.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think\u2019s wrong with him Pa\u201d asked Joe, with a mouth full of potato.<\/p>\n Ben glared at Joe before replying, \u201cWell some children are born that way Joe, no-one knows why, it\u2019s God\u2019s will I suppose, but it must be very hard for Mrs Simpson looking after Mikey on her own. It\u2019s hard enough looking after a normal child but from what you say it must be doubly hard for Mrs Simpson and by all accounts she\u2019s not a young woman.\u201d<\/p>\n Over the next couple of days Joe saw more of Mikey but a lot of the time he still remained aloof and kept indoors. Joe still couldn\u2019t make him out; it unnerved him the way Mikey would just stand staring at him not saying a word. Mrs Simpson often came out into the yard and insisted that Mikey use the outhouse, but on one occasion she was too late and to Joe\u2019s extreme embarrassment, Mikey stood there and peed his pants.<\/p>\n On the third day Joe made his way over to the porch to get a drink when he heard Mikey talking to someone inside the house. Joe was surprised as he had not seen anyone arrive and Mrs Simpson was out in the yard. Curiosity getting the better of him Joe stood listening outside the door to try and hear who it was, but to Joe\u2019s utter confusion, Mikey was having a conversation with himself.<\/p>\n The strain of the whole scenario was beginning to prey on Joe\u2019s nerves and by the fourth evening Joe announced to his family that he wasn\u2019t going back to the homestead.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Joe, is she working you too hard?\u201d teased Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cNo Adam, it\u2019s not that.\u201d Joe replied crossly.<\/p>\n \u201cWell what\u2019s wrong son?\u201d asked Ben trying to diffuse any argument between his eldest and youngest before it began.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Mikey\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cIs he the boy you were telling us about?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cYeh. He\u2019s really strange Pa,\u201d said Joe defensively. \u201cHe stares at me all the time and I sometimes hear him talking to himself. His Ma has to tell him when to go to the outhouse and if that isn\u2019t bad enough, he\u2019s started to follow me round everywhere I go. I don\u2019t like it, I don\u2019t want to go back.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took in a deep breath and went over and sat on the settee, \u201cCome here son and tell me what\u2019s really bothering you?\u201d Joe reluctantly sat down next to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know how to act round him Pa, I don\u2019t know what to say to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow about you tell me about him Joe, then maybe I\u2018ll understand\u201d said Ben<\/p>\n \u201cWell he\u2019s probably a bit taller than me, he\u2019s got fair hair and I guess he\u2019s maybe a little older than me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo Joe, that\u2019s not what I mean, don\u2019t tell me what he looks like, just tell me about Mikey himself. I want to try and understand what upsets you about the way he acts.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe closed his eyes \u201cWell he acts real dumb at times. Mrs Simpson says he\u2019s not keen on strangers until he gets to know them, but now he follows me round like a little puppy and when he talks he sounds a bit like a baby. He doesn\u2019t run too well, his co-ordination is way off and he finds silly things dead funny and starts giggling for nothing. When you talk to him you never know whether he\u2019s listening or not, cause he doesn\u2019t always answer, and even then he doesn\u2019t answer what you asked him.\u201d Joe stopped for a moment before adding, \u201cHe tries to touch me and I don\u2019t like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean he tries to touch you?\u201d Ben said trying not to sound alarmed, but quickly glancing at Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u201d began Joe feeling uncomfortable, \u201cwhen I go to leave the yard, he tries to grab hold of my hand. I mean how dumb is that, wanting to hold my hand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh I see,\u201d said Ben visibly relaxing. \u201cWell Joe I want you to pretend for a moment that you have never met Mikey. Now think about the person you have just described and tell me what that brings to mind?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sat thoughtful for a moment and then said, \u201cI guess I just described a little boy, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s it Joe. Mikey is a little boy trapped in a man\u2019s body, and from what you say Mikey will never grow up like other boys, he will always stay a child in his mind. So when you deal with Mikey, try to see beyond the person in front of you and just treat him as you would a little boy, a little boy who needs looking after and you won\u2019t go far wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pondered on his Pa\u2019s words and deep down he knew he was right and so he decided the very next day he would give it a try.<\/p>\n The following morning as Joe arrived at the Simpson place, Mikey came running out to meet him and smiled happily at Joe and said \u201cHi.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled back and thinking of his father\u2019s words of wisdom said \u201cHi yourself, how about you helping me with my chores today?\u201d<\/p>\n Mikey\u2019s face beamed with childlike enthusiasm and he jumped up and down with excitement. From that moment on a strange and unfathomable friendship built up between the two boys.<\/p>\n Mikey hero worshipped Joe and tried to copy everything that he did. At times Joe found his attentions a little daunting especially when, to Joe\u2019s extreme embarrassment, Mikey insisted on holding Joe\u2019s hand whenever they left the yard.<\/p>\n On one occasion Joe was trying to show Mikey how to stack the firewood at the side of the house. When he finally got the hang of it Joe clapped his hands and shouted, \u201cThat\u2019s great Mikey, well done. You\u2019re doing a great job.\u201d<\/p>\n Mikey was delighted with Joe\u2019s praise but Joe was totally unprepared for the bear hug that followed. \u201cHey come on Mikey, that\u2019s enough,\u201d shouted Joe trying to release himself from the strong grasp that Mikey had on him. These were the times when Joe was glad there was no one else around to witness Mikey\u2019s demonstrations of affection.<\/p>\n The one thing that Joe could not explain was Mikey\u2019s affinity with animals. Cochise did not take too kindly to strangers and could be skittish and troublesome, but around Mikey he became as gentle as a lamb.<\/p>\n When Mikey approached Cochise for the first time Joe was anxious for things to go well and he said, \u201cBe careful Mikey, just hold out your hand and let him smell you first.\u201d<\/p>\n Mikey began to giggle as he held out his hand and Cochise bent his head and sniffed inquisitively.<\/p>\n \u201cIt tickles,\u201d laughed Mikey, and then Joe watched in amazement as Cochise stood passively and allowed the boy to stroke his ears and hug his neck. This is something he would never have allowed from anyone other than Joe.<\/p>\n The relationship between boy and horse progressed until one day an idea came to Joe. \u201cHey Mikey, would you like to ride him?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n Mikey stood hugging the horse round the neck and his mouth dropped open in surprise and he nodded his head in excited anticipation.<\/p>\n \u201cOK\u201d said Joe \u201cI\u2019ll ask your Mama if it\u2019s all right, then if she says yes, I\u2019ll give you your first lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrs Simpson was reluctant, she didn\u2019t want Mikey doing anything dangerous, but when she saw the longing on Mikey\u2019s face she knew she couldn\u2019t refuse him. Some risks were just worth taking.<\/p>\n Joe tried to take things slowly but over the next few days he spent every minute he could teaching Mikey to ride. The amazing thing was that Mikey had no fear when he was on the horse, it was as if he had finally found something he could do well and he revelled in it. Joe had never seen him so animated and he seemed to actually listen and pay attention to what Joe was telling him for once.<\/p>\n On the flipside of the coin, Mikey could be very annoying and when one morning Mrs Simpson suggested that Joe and Mikey take the afternoon off to go fishing, Joe\u2019s patience was tested to the limit.<\/p>\n \u201cMikey go fish with Joe?\u201d said Mikey.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter lunch, Mikey, I just need to finish up here first,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cOK Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Five minutes later, \u201cMikey go fish with Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI need to finish my chores first Mikey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOK Joe. Mikey go fish with Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n This same scenario played out all morning and by lunchtime Joe was ready to throttle him. Why didn\u2019t he listen? If he asked him that same question one more time his head would explode. How did Mrs Simpson put up with him, he was driving Joe crazy?<\/p>\n It was on the third Saturday that Joe had been working for Mrs Simpson when Seth and a couple of the other boys rode up to the homestead and tracked down Joe. Joe and Mikey stood to watch the boys ride up,<\/p>\n \u201cWhere you been Little Joe, ain\u2019t seen you around for a couple of weeks?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been kinda busy, Seth\u201d said Joe, feeling more that a little uncomfortable as Mikey sidled up to him and linked his arm.<\/p>\n The other boys snickered and Joe shook himself free from Mikey\u2019s clawing grip.<\/p>\n \u201cThought you might fancy a bit of fishing this afternoon out at the lake. Bring your \u2018friend\u2019 if you want\u201d teased Dave Jewitt.<\/p>\n The other boys had heard rumours about the crazy kid living at the old Parson\u2019s place and were curious to see him for themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cYeh OK, I\u2019m just about finished up here. Mikey you run home now, I have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStay with Joe\u201d said Mikey stubbornly.<\/p>\n The other boys were openly laughing now and Joe\u2019s face reddened with embarrassment.<\/p>\n \u201cWell you can\u2019t come with me, now beat it and go home,\u201d snapped Joe, making his way over to Cochise who was tethered to a nearby fence.<\/p>\n It was only a short walk back to the house for Mikey and Joe jumped on his horse and rode off with the other boys.<\/p>\n When they arrived at the lake Joe felt rather guilty and a bit unsettled about the way he had treated Mikey, but made a show of hiding his feelings in front of his friends.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Joe, is it true what they say about that kid?\u201d asked Seth.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell everyone in town says he\u2019s crazy. That he should be locked up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not crazy. He\u2019s just a bit slow that\u2019s all,\u201d replied Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cWell you seem real friendly with him,\u201d Dave teased, winking at the other boys.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not that, I\u2019m just helping his mum get the placed fixed up. He just keeps following me round, nothing I can do about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe felt like Judas, he was betraying Mikey\u2019s friendship, but he couldn\u2019t lose face in front of his friends.<\/p>\n The other boys continued to make fun of Mikey and after a while Joe found himself joining in with the laughter. Seth screwed up his face and hunching his shoulders screeched \u201cI\u2019m Mikey, I\u2019m crazy aaaahhh\u201d, he then chased the other boys through the trees making them run in all directions to get away from him.<\/p>\n Joe had forgotten how much fun it was to be with his friends again. In the weeks since he had left school he had not had much time for larking around and it was a very happy boy that rode home that day.<\/p>\n It was almost suppertime that evening when Joe rode up to the ranch. As he entered quietly, hoping he wasn\u2019t late for supper, he was met by his father and brothers making preparations to leave.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Where\u2019re you going?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Mikey, Joe. He went missing this afternoon and Mrs Simpson is worried sick. We thought we would ride over there and look for him before it gets dark.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face turned ashen, \u201cIt\u2019s all my fault Pa\u201d said Joe in almost a whisper.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean, it\u2019s your fault, what happened?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cWell Seth and a couple of the guys came for me to go fishing. I told Mikey he couldn\u2019t go with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen it\u2019s hardly your fault Joe. Mikey must have wandered off,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it is my fault Pa. I was embarrassed about Mikey in front of the others and I wasn\u2019t very nice to him. Like you say Pa, he\u2019s just a little boy and, well, I sent him away and he really didn\u2019t understand why.\u201d Joe hung his head in shame.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about this later son,\u201d said Ben, placing a gentle hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder \u201clet\u2019s just find him.\u201d<\/p>\n As they made their way to the homestead Mrs Simpson, still looking for Mikey, met them halfway up the lane. Ben dismounted and making towards her he said,<\/p>\n \u201cNow Mrs Simpson why don\u2019t you go back to the house and wait in case he comes back. Don\u2019t worry we\u2019ll find him and have him home in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n In actual fact it was several hours before Mikey was found. After Joe and the boys had left, Mikey had tried to follow them and had become completely lost and disorientated. When he had become too tired to go on he had sat down where he was and remained put. When Ben and boys rode up he was still sitting there, rocking backwards and forwards humming to himself. By this time Mikey was wet, tired and hungry and was happy when he caught sight of Joe and knew he was going home. Mikey\u2019s obvious delight on seeing Joe caused Joe to feel even more ashamed of his behaviou. Mikey had trusted him and he had let him down.<\/p>\n It was a very subdued Cartwright family that returned to the Ponderosa that night. Little Joe was very quiet and he could hardly meet his father\u2019s gaze as they entered the house. He was about to make his way up the stairs when Ben asked him to come and sit on the settee.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, I know how bad you feel about this son, but at the end of the day, Mikey is going to be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat doesn\u2019t excuse me Pa? I\u2019ll never be able to face Mrs Simpson again after this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure she\u2019ll understand Joe,\u201d soothed Ben \u201cyou never meant for Mikey to come to any harm. Sometimes we learn our lessons the hard way, but when that happens we never forget them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes Pa,\u201d said Little Joe half-heartedly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what son, why don\u2019t we all go over to the Simpson\u2019s place tomorrow and make a start on rebuilding that barn? That way we can all get to know Mikey a little better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally Pa, Mrs Simpson would like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes really. Now off to bed young man, it\u2019s going to be a very busy day tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoodnight Pa, Adam, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoodnight Joe,\u201d they echoed.<\/p>\n Later that night Adam awoke with a start. He didn\u2019t know what had woken him but he sat up just the same. Getting out of bed he opened his door and stepped onto the landing. In his bare feet he made his way to his youngest brother\u2019s room and looked inside. As he suspected he found the bed empty and so he silently make his way to the top of the stair and looked down. Little Joe was sitting in his Pa\u2019s chair, his feet tucked under his nightshirt, staring into the dying embers of the fire.<\/p>\n With a sigh Adam made his way down the stairs. Looking up and seeing Adam, Joe pushed himself further back into the chair but didn\u2019t say anything.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat you doing down here Buddy,\u201d said Adam quietly, not wanting to disturb anyone else in the house.<\/p>\n Joe just shrugged his shoulders and continued looking at the fire. \u201cOh boy\u201d thought Adam \u201clooks like we are in for a long night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow about I make us a hot drink\u201d said Adam making his way into the kitchen. As Adam made the cocoa he wondered how he was going to get Joe to open up to him. Why did he always have to be so stubborn? As this thought passed through his mind Adam smiled to himself, \u201cGuess it runs in the family.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam handed Joe his drink then sat on the chair opposite,<\/p>\n \u201cWant to talk about it\u201d he said as he sipped his drink.<\/p>\n Joe again shrugged his shoulders but didn\u2019t appear inclined to talk.<\/p>\n \u201cLook Joe, I know you\u2019re upset about what happened this evening, but like Pa said, no harms done. Mikey will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeh, maybe. But if I hadn\u2019t been so mean, Mikey would never have run off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, we\u2019ve all done things we regret.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what if we hadn\u2019t found him Adam, it would have been all my fault?\u201d said Joe in a voice raw with emotion. Tiredness and feelings of guilt were beginning to take their toll and Adam could see that Little Joe was fighting hard to keep the tears at bay.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe buddy, I can understand how you feel, but I also know how hard it is to go up against your friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou would never have done that Adam, you would have known what was right and stuck to it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe now Joe,\u201d laughed Adam \u201cbut I was once 16 you know. It takes a bit of growing and a lot of time before you feel comfortable enough to stand up for the things you believe in, sometimes its easier just to go with the crowd. Once you\u2019ve sorted out in your own head what you feel is right it becomes a lot easier to stand-alone. No one wants you to be a sheep and just follow the others, but at the same time no one expects you to be perfect. Just don\u2019t be so hard on yourself Joe and you\u2019ll get there in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sat silent for a long time before saying \u201cAdam do you think the other kids are right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn what way Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell they said that Mikey\u2019s crazy and should be locked up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that what you think?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n Joe thought long and hard before replying, \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think he\u2019s crazy and I think it would be real cruel to lock him up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee\u201d said Adam \u201cyou\u2019re growing up and thinking for yourself already. But now it\u2019s time for bed, and I don\u2019t mind standing alone on that one buddy, so up you go.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe unfolded his legs from under his nightshirt and made his way up the stairs. Turning as he got to the top he whispered, \u201cThanks Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnytime buddy,\u201d replied Adam \u201cjust try not to make it 3am in the morning next time\u201d he added to himself under his breath.<\/p>\n Joe and his family arrived at the Simpson house bright and early the next morning. Mrs Simpson was delighted to see them and welcomed them immediately into her home for coffee. Encouraged by Ben, Joe stood hat in hand to apologise to Mrs Simpson and Mikey for his behaviour the day before. Mrs Simpson wouldn\u2019t hear of it \u201cDon\u2019t apologise Little Joe, it wasn\u2019t your fault. You have every right to go off with your friends, it\u2019s just Mikey sometimes doesn\u2019t quite understand. He\u2019s never really had a friend before and I think he\u2019s become a little bit possessive about you, he seems to think of you as a big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe had to smile at that, Mikey was at least 3 inches taller than him. But when he thought about it Hoss was the younger one but he was still a lot taller than Adam. Little Joe was determined that from that day forward he would make every effort to make up for his previous behaviour towards Mikey.<\/p>\n Throughout that day the Cartwrights worked side by side to get the job done. Ben enjoyed the closeness this brought, as it was a rare event that he had all three sons together at the same time, the ranch was vast and invariably he would be supervising one task whilst Adam was in charge of another. The nature of the work was such that the atmosphere was jovial and unpressured and they all made a special effort to include Mikey in what they were doing. As the family would have expected, Mikey was quick to build a relationship with Hoss. Hoss\u2019s easy going nature was like a magnet for Mikey and by the end of the day he had transferred his allegiance from Little Joe and now followed Hoss everywhere he went.<\/p>\n With the rebuilding of the barn it meant that Joe\u2019s chores for Mrs Simpson were now in effect finished. It was clear to Ben and the rest of the family that Mikey hero worshipped Joe and Ben felt obliged to put in place a system whereby Joe could still play a part in Mikey\u2019s life without neglecting his other responsibilities and friends.<\/p>\n After a family discussion it was decided that Hoss and Adam would cover some of Joe\u2019s chores a couple of times a week and leave Joe free to ride over to the Simpson ranch and spend time with Mikey and do any jobs that Mrs Simpson required.<\/p>\n At first Mikey missed Joe being there everyday and so he became very excited whenever he saw Joe approaching on his horse. The friendship that developed between the two boys was a strange one, most people would not have understood, but Joe was becoming very fond of the man-child and looked forward to his visits.<\/p>\n Joe still made time for his friends and was able to ignore their teasing about Mikey and laugh it off without getting offended or defensive about the friendship they shared.<\/p>\n As the weeks went by Mikey\u2019s riding skills improved and Joe was able to take him to visit the Ponderosa and in time the Cartwrights became a surrogate family for him. Mrs Simpson was overwhelmed at the generosity of the family, at the last town she had lived Mikey had been shunned by the townsfolk and it had been suggested to her on more than one occasion that Mikey should be locked away.<\/p>\n About three months after his first meeting with the Simpson\u2019s Joe was riding to the ranch when he was met on the trail by Mikey in a very distraught state. Joe dismounted and rushed towards him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it Mikey, what\u2019s happened?\u201d<\/p>\n Mikey did not reply and he was too upset to listen, he just kept pointing back at the ranch. Joe almost had to force Mikey up onto Cochise\u2019s back; he then climbed up behind him and rode straight to the house. Leaving Mikey in the yard Joe rushed forward calling out for Mrs Simpson. As he entered the lounge Joe stopped dead in his tracks, Mrs Simpson was lying on the floor in a pool of blood.<\/p>\n Joe was unsure at first what to do; he had never been faced with a situation like this before. He approached Mrs Simpson and reaching down took hold of her wrist to check for a pulse and breathed a sigh of relief when he found one, although it was faint and a bit erratic. The blood was coming from the back of Mrs Simpson\u2019s head and as Joe assessed the situation he kept telling himself not to panic. He tried to think what his father or Adam might do, should he move her or should he go for help. Joe decided his first priority was to try and stop the bleeding and then, if possible, lift her onto the settee. His mind was in a whirl as he rushed to the pump to fetch water and a cloth. His hands were shaking as he applied the towel to the back of her head and held it in place. It seemed to take forever, but eventually the bleeding stopped and Joe was able to tie a makeshift bandage around her head. Once the head injury was under control Joe checked Mrs Simpson for further injuries and was dismayed to find that her right arm appeared to be broken. Joe had no idea how to set bones and he was afraid that if he moved the arm too much he may do more harm than good. His next task was to try and lift her from the floor and Joe was glad that Mrs Simpson was very slight in stature.<\/p>\n With effort Joe was able to carry Mrs Simpson and lay her on the settee and cover her with a blanket. It was only when Joe had done all that he could for Mrs Simpson that he remembered Mikey. Rushing outside into the yard Mikey was nowhere to be found. Joe shouted out his name again and again and it was only when he passed the barn did he hear a soft cry coming from inside. Joe opened the door and on entering was met by the sight of Mikey curled up in the corner hugging his knees. Reminding himself that he was dealing with someone with the mind of a child and one that was probably scared half to death, he approached him very gently.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Mikey,\u201d he said, sitting down and putting an arm around his shoulders. \u201cYour Mama going to be just fine\u201d he soothed, \u201ccome with Joe and see.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pulled Mikey to his feet and led him reluctantly back to the house. Mrs Simpson was still unconscious and try as he might, Joe could not get Mikey to approach her. Fear shone in Mikey\u2019s eyes and Joe decided not to push him, it was obvious that he couldn\u2019t comprehend what had happened and all the blood had frightened him.<\/p>\n What was Joe to do now? Mrs Simpson obviously needed a doctor, but it was a two-hour ride into town and he couldn\u2019t leave Mikey on his own. At the same time he couldn\u2019t take him with him it would only slow him down. At a last resort Joe decided that his only option was to hitch up the buckboard and take Mrs Simpson and Mikey into town together. Joe quickly hitched up the team and padded out the buckboard with a mattress and blankets to make it as comfortable for Mrs Simpson as possible.<\/p>\n It was slow going and Joe was becoming increasingly concerned as Mrs Simpson\u2019s condition deteriorated. She had not regained consciousness and the bandage round her head was beginning to show signs that the wound had started bleeding again. Joe had tied a temporary splint around her right arm, but again it crossed his mind that he may have made things worse.<\/p>\n It was nearly three hours later that Joe pulled the buckboard up outside Dr Martin\u2019s surgery. Joe jumped down and yelled for the doctor to come outside. Dr Martin rushed outside to see what all the fuss was and quickly analysed the situation. Paul Martin took charge and instructed two passing men to carry Mrs Simpson into the back room so that he could immediately start treating her.<\/p>\n Joe leaned against the buckboard and closed his eyes, relief flooded through him as he was now able to pass the responsibility over to someone else. As the adrenaline ceased to flow through him, tiredness took over and he felt as if his knees would give out at any minute. It was only then that Joe became aware of the mutterings around him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was his mother they brought in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe kid\u2019s crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe probably attacked her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShould be locked up before he hurts someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe opened his eyes to look at the gathering crowd. Mikey was hunched in the back of the buckboard gazing out with the eyes of a frightened rabbit.<\/p>\n Before things could get out of hand Roy Coffee approached and on seeing him one of the men from the crowd shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cYou gonna lock that kid up Sheriff, he\u2019s crazy. They just brought his mama in, hurt real bad. I bet he had something to do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe, already on a knife-edge, saw red and leapt at the man with his fists flying in all directions. Roy quickly intervened and pulled Joe back. \u201cCalm down, Little Joe. That\u2019s not going to help anyone,\u201d said Roy, \u201cAnd as for you Mister, keep your opinions to yourself. You don\u2019t know the facts and that\u2019s all I\u2019m interested in.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy was having a job keeping hold of an angry Joe and he shook him harshly and said, \u201cCalm down Joe, now why don\u2019t you and Mikey come and have a coffee back at my office and you can fill me in on what has been happening at the Simpson place.\u201d<\/p>\n It took a lot of encouragement from Joe to get Mikey to leave the sanctuary of the wagon and as they walked down the street to the Sheriff\u2019s office some of the men jeered as Mikey passed.<\/p>\n Joe was heartbroken and angry for his friend. \u201cWhy do people behave like that, Sheriff Coffee? Mikey\u2019s never done nothing to them, why don\u2019t they leave him alone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPeople are afraid Little Joe. When there\u2019s something they don\u2019t understand, they become hostile, cause they don\u2019t know how else to react.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut they\u2019re wrong, Mikey wouldn\u2019t hurt anyone, least of all his Ma. He loves her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat maybe Little Joe. But some people only see what they want to see and to them Mikey is crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Mikey rested at the Sheriff\u2019s office for the rest of the afternoon, whilst Dr Martin attended to Mrs Simpson and Roy sent a messenger to inform Ben what had happened. Ben, Adam and Hoss arrived in town later that day.<\/p>\n Mrs Simpson had regained consciousness and with little prompting informed the doctor that the last thing she remembered was getting up from the settee and feeling dizzy; she must have fallen and hit her head. The angle, at which she had fell, together with her age, had resulted in her badly broken arm. Mrs Simpson was sorry for all the fuss she had caused and was particularly worried about the fact that Mikey had found her in that state.<\/p>\n It was nearing evening before the doctor decreed that Mrs Simpson was fit to travel and Ben decided it would be best if she and Mikey came to stay at the Ponderosa until she was well enough to return to her own home.<\/p>\n The hostility that the townsfolk showed towards Mikey as they prepared to leave upset the Cartwright family but Mrs Simpson completely ignored them.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has always been that way, Mr Cartwright. Ever since Mikey was born, people have been telling me to have him put in an institution. No-one ever takes the time to get to know children like Mikey and all they have to offer, they can\u2019t understand him and that\u2019s what frightens them.\u201d Mrs Simpson glanced at Joe and looking back at Ben said \u201cWell not everyone. Some people are different. You have a very special young man there, Mr Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked proudly at the way Joe was talking and reassuring Mikey despite the abuse of the nearby men. \u201cYes, I am very proud of him, he\u2019s turning into a very fine young man and I\u2019m pleased that Mikey came into his life. Joe has learned a lot about compassion and understanding from his dealings with Mikey and that will stay with him for always.\u201d Ben and Mrs Simpson shared a secret smile as they each looked at their offspring.<\/p>\n Over the next few weeks Ben and the rest of the family were able to appreciate the amount of looking after that Mikey needed. How on earth Mrs Simpson managed on her own to care for him was beyond them.<\/p>\n Probably due to her age Mrs Simpson\u2019s arm was taking a long time to heal. After one of Dr Martin\u2019s visits he asked Ben if he could have a word with him.<\/p>\n Ben and Dr Martin were sat in the great room talking when Little Joe and Mikey entered the house. As Hop Sing beckoned the boys to the table for a snack of milk and cookies, Ben and Paul kept on talking.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething has to be done Ben, Mrs Simpson needs someone looking after her. She is not going to be in any fit state to take care of the boy for a considerable time, if ever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand what you are saying Paul, but it really isn\u2019t our decision to make. Mrs Simpson is the one who must decide what is best for Mikey,\u201d replied Ben.<\/p>\n Little Joe stopped eating to eavesdrop on the conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve written to a doctor in San Francisco, who has had dealings with people like Mikey. I\u2019m sure he would be able to recommend somewhere suitable. We have to think of the long-term future Ben. This situation can\u2019t be allowed to continue.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe felt as if someone had kicked him. He jumped to his feet and rushed over to where Dr Martin was sitting.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re just like everyone else\u201d he shouted. \u201cYou want to lock Mikey away in one of them places.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was shocked at Joe\u2019s outburst and admonished, \u201cThat is enough Joseph, you will apologise to Dr Martin at once.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell him Pa,\u201d whined Joe ignoring his father\u2019s rebuke \u201ctell him to mind his own business. Mikey is not going away, he\u2019s going to stay here with us, and we\u2019ll look after him.\u201d<\/p>\n Taking in Joe\u2019s distressed state, Ben decided to allow his rude outburst to pass. \u201cDr Martin\u2019s just trying to do what\u2019s best for Mikey, Joe. He needs to be looked after and Mrs Simpson won\u2019t be able to do that for much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut she\u2019s always looked after him Pa. They\u2019ll be fine, I know they will. We\u2019ll help them, I can go over every day and help with the chores and things.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice began to rise as his emotions got the better of him.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph son,\u201d Ben began, reaching out to try and calm Joe down \u201cIt\u2019s going to get harder as Mikey gets older. His needs are changing and Mrs Simpson just won\u2019t be able to cope.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy Pa, why\u2019s it going to be harder?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben ran his hands through his hair in an effort to collect his thoughts \u201cWell it\u2019s the little things Joe. For one thing up to now Mikey hasn\u2019t needed to shave, but that day is fast approaching. That is something he can\u2019t do for himself. Mrs Simpson will need to do that every day. And what if Mikey has an accident or takes ill and is confined to bed, how will she cope Joe. It was different when he was little and she was younger. She could lift him and attend to his needs, but she couldn\u2019t do that now. Just think about it son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll help her Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what about when Mrs Simpson is not there anymore Joe, what will happen then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll look after him. Mikey can live with me,\u201d Joe said without thinking.<\/p>\n Joe was trying hard to reign in his feelings but with little success, tears threatened to fall and what little control he had was now gone. In a strangled voice he said,<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if it was me Pa? What if I\u2019d been born like Mikey? Would you lock me away in one of those places? Would you Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben didn\u2019t have an answer. It was an impossible question. His sons had all been born fit and healthy in both mind and body. It had been hard enough to raise three boys as it was. What would he have done? He didn\u2019t know. All he could do was thank the Lord that he hadn\u2019t tested him in that way. But how to answer Joe?<\/p>\n Ben need not have worried because before he could formulate a reply, Joe turned and fled from the room. The resounding bang of the front door slamming was all that broke the silence in the room.<\/p>\n Mikey sat at the table looking at Ben with obvious dismay in his eyes. He didn\u2019t understand what was going on, but he was aware of the raised voices and the obvious distress of his friend.<\/p>\n Ben went over to him and stroked his back, \u201cIt\u2019s OK Mikey, don\u2019t get upset, everything is going to be all right. Joe will be back soon. Don\u2019t worry.\u201d If only that were true.<\/p>\n Guilt swept over Ben, what did the future hold for this unfortunate boy; sometimes life could be so unfair. Could he have put one of his sons in an asylum? A shudder went down his spine at the thought and he couldn\u2019t bear to look Mikey in the face. Surely it was everyone\u2019s duty to help and care for people like Mikey. Ben\u2019s thoughts were in turmoil. Mikey was not his responsibility and he couldn\u2019t allow Little Joe to sacrifice his own life looking after him, because that was what was needed. It was a full time job looking after someone like Mikey and not many people would be willing to take it on. Joe was Ben\u2019s responsibility and even though he knew that Joe might end up hating him for it, Ben could not allow Joe to commit to such a task.<\/p>\n Ben turned to Dr Martin, \u201cI\u2019m sorry about that Paul. You know what Little Joe is like, his heart rules his head. I\u2019m sure when he calms down he will see sense.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can understand how he feels Ben, but I\u2019m afraid this is a problem that is not going to go away. When Mrs Simpson is well enough we are going to have to broach the subject.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed heavily and looked down into Mikey\u2019s upturned face. He stroked the side of the boy\u2019s cheek gently and said, \u201cI know Paul, but it will break her heart and Joe\u2019s.\u201d And what of Mikey, how would he feel? He wouldn\u2019t understand what was happening to him, his world would be turned upside down. Would it have been easier on Mikey if he had lived all his life in one of those places; how would he adapt now after having lived with his mother. Once again Ben pondered on how unfair life was, there was no easy answer.<\/p>\n It was a few days later when Dr Martin and Ben sat down with Mrs Simpson and broached the subject of Mikey\u2019s future.<\/p>\n Mrs Simpson raised her hand to silence them. \u201cThere really is no need to concern yourself gentlemen,\u201d she began. \u201cYou see Mikey doesn\u2019t have a future. Dr Martin if you examine Mikey you will find that he has a very bad heart condition. Apparently lots of children like Mikey are born with other abnormalities. With Mikey it just happens to be his heart. He has probably lived longer than any of the doctors back home ever anticipated, they always thought he would die as a child. I\u2019m surprised you haven\u2019t noticed the blueness round his mouth Dr Martin whenever Mikey exerts himself. He is easily out of breath and I have noticed his condition worsening over the last couple of months.\u201d<\/p>\n Mrs Simpson stopped to regain her composure. \u201cI have always known that I would only have Mikey for a short time, but I feel I have been blessed. He is one of God\u2019s own children, completely pure and innocent, and I feel privileged that the Lord entrusted him to me to look after until he was ready to take him back and I\u2019m afraid that day is ever drawing closer.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr Martin and Ben were at a loss for words, this woman made them feel very humble.<\/p>\n As Ben sat downstairs trying to think of a way to explain to Little Joe what was probably going to happen, the decision was taken from him. Joe burst into the room shouting at the top of his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, Pa, come quick, it\u2019s Mikey. He was all right one minute then he just fell down. Oh Pa I think he\u2019s dead,\u201d the last word came out as a sob as Joe flung himself into his father\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n Dr Martin ran down the stairs and quickly made his way outside but it was too late. Ben followed behind with Joe and crossing the yard he looked down on the figure of Mikey for all the world looking like he was asleep. Sitting down on the cold hard earth Ben let his own tears fall as he cradled his weeping son in one arm whilst supporting the now peaceful boy in his other.<\/p>\n After awhile Joe allowed Hoss and Adam to carry Mikey inside. Ben took Little Joe to his room and sat with the emotionally exhausted boy until he slept. He then had the awful task of telling a mother that her beloved child was gone.<\/p>\n Mrs Simpson tried to be stoic, after all she knew this day was coming, but her resolve broke and she cried as if her heart would break. Ben left her to her private grief; he just couldn\u2019t imagine what it would be like to bury your child. He had lost three wives and that was bad enough, but to outlive your children was something no parent envisaged.<\/p>\n The following morning as Ben took Mrs Simpson her breakfast she asked,<\/p>\n \u201cHow is Little Joe doing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell he\u2019s desperately upset. He keeps thinking that it is in someway his fault, that if he hadn\u2019t been running round the yard with Mikey it would never have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAsk him to come and see me, Mr Cartwright. I really would like to talk to him.\u201d<\/p>\n A red-eyed Joe made his way into Mrs Simpson\u2019s bedroom and sat down next to the bed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all my fault\u201d he began \u201che had a bad heart and I was chasing him round the yard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe,\u201d said Mrs Simpson \u201cit\u2019s not your fault, this was always going to happen. I always knew that Mikey was only with me for a short while.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s voice went up an octave, a sure sign of his distress. \u201cBut if I\u2019d known I could have made him take it easy and rest. I was always getting him to run about.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laid his head on the bed and began to cry. Mrs Simpson ran her hand through his curls and once again thanked the Lord for sending Joe Cartwright into her son\u2019s life.<\/p>\n \u201cMikey loved you Little Joe, you were the brother and friend to him that he had never had and for that I will be eternally grateful to you. This world is too harsh for someone like Mikey, Little Joe. He\u2019s at peace now where no one else can hurt him and it really is for the best. In time things might change and hopefully people will understand and help children like him, but that time hasn\u2019t arrived yet Joe. Now dry your eyes and don\u2019t mourn him. Mikey is in heaven and God will have made him whole, he\u2019ll be happy and just like every other boy. At least that is the way I like to think of him and I hope you will too.\u201d<\/p>\n Mikey was buried the following day. The only people at the funeral were Dr Martin, the Cartwrights and Mrs Simpson. As Dr Martin helped Mrs Simpson back to the house, Joe turned to his father and whispered,<\/p>\n \u201cYou never did answer my question Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked puzzled \u201cWhat question was that son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf it had been me, would you have put me in a place like that?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben never lied to his children and looking Joe in the eyes he swallowed before he answered truthfully, \u201cI don\u2019t know Joe, I really don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n