{"id":64455,"date":"2026-05-01T08:19:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T12:19:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=64455"},"modified":"2026-05-02T01:55:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T05:55:32","slug":"the-homecoming-by-jc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=64455","title":{"rendered":"The Homecoming — Requiem (by JC)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> All roads lead to home, in the end. (Final chapter of the More than a Memory<\/em> series, links to previous stories provided)<\/p>\n

Rating PG\u00a0 \u00a0Word Count:\u00a0 3711<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Author’s note:\u00a0 As stated in the summary, this is the last story of this series (spanning more than fifty years) so please consider reading the others first if you haven’t already, ideally in sequence.\u00a0 Continuity and context matter; while you may enjoy this one on its own, you’ll be missing a great deal without it. Thank you.<\/em><\/p>\n

More than a Memory series<\/strong><\/p>\n

More Than a Memory<\/a>
\nConvergence <\/a>
\nThese are the Days<\/a>
\nBitter, Sweet, Wonderful Everything<\/a>
\nThe Homecoming — Requiem<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“And what do all the great words come to in the end, but that? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I love you — I am at rest with you — I have come home.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

— Dorothy L. Sayers<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1911<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The house thrummed with the low murmur of voices without words, wisping through hallways like smoke, floating from corners where people had retreated. There was a clank of dishes in the kitchen where someone had assumed the task of washing up; the slow tick of an ancient clock on the mantel; the scrape of boots on the porch, the mournful creak of the sturdy front door as more family arrived.<\/p>\n

It had been some years since all the children were home at the same time; how many, Joe Cartwright couldn\u2019t remember. The house that had once held so much noise and laughter had grown quieter as each one left to make his way in the world. That was what they had been raised to do, and they had made their parents proud.<\/p>\n

Outside, Joe pushed himself up from the rocking chair to greet the last ones expected. He stuck out his hand. \u201cCommander Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jordy clasped it, pulling him into an embrace. \u201cUncle Joe.\u201d Drew did likewise. They had come together by train from Washington.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Pa?\u201d asked Drew.<\/p>\n

\u201cHolding steady, I\u2019d say. He had a pretty rough night earlier in the week, according to Adaline. Dan gave him something to help him sleep, but Adam said no more after that. He said he intended to be present.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish we could\u2019ve gotten here sooner,\u201d said Jordy.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything happened so fast. No one expected it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe followed them inside, where Adaline met them with tears. The three siblings stood in a tight circle, consoling one another. John Adam emerged from the main bedroom, along with Jamie, joining the somber reunion.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d Drew asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis lungs are clear, no sign of relapse of the pneumonia, though he\u2019s still pretty weak. He slept most of the morning, but he told Dan he wanted to be up when everyone came. It certainly has come in handy having a doctor in the family,\u201d said John Adam. \u201cHe and Jarrod have been with him most of the time since it happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdaline too of course,\u201d said Jamie, directing a sad smile toward their sister. \u201cAlways the mother hen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jarrod, a remarkable likeness of his father, owned the nearest ranch just a few miles away. Dr. Daniel Cartwright had an established medical practice in Reno. Adaline and her family lived in Carson City, as did John Adam and Jamie.<\/p>\n

Per his wishes, Adam was seated in the chair, though he didn\u2019t rise to greet them. Jordy and Drew each bent to kiss him. Joe blinked away tears as Jordy wept quietly with his father\u2019s hand on his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first time I saw your mother, she was up on a ladder, painting a house. I thought she was a mirage.\u201d A corner of Adam\u2019s mouth turned up, hinting at a smile. \u201cThat was forty eight years ago.\u201d He lifted his eyes toward the coffin on the bier in the corner, draped in a lace tablecloth Moira had made, and his voice softened. \u201cA man meets a woman like that once in his life, if he\u2019s lucky. And I was lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow,\u201d he addressed his children, \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re all here because I have some things to say and I only want to say them once. I know at least some of you are worried that I\u2019m going to give up now that your mother is gone. I have to admit the idea is tempting, but I also know how deeply that would disappoint her. So I intend to honor her memory and keep living what\u2019s left of my life, the best way I can. But, and I guess I\u2019m saying this mainly to you, Dan, still, I want the others to hear. Don\u2019t work too hard to keep me here. Let me go in my time. Understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dan looked over the top of his glasses and met his father\u2019s eyes, unsmiling. \u201cI hear you, Pa. But your time\u2019s not for a while yet, as long as you behave yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jarrod patted Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cBetter listen to him. He\u2019s the smart one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grunted. \u201cYou can all leave now. I\u2019d like to talk to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was reluctance in their slow departure. Adaline stopped to kiss her father and whisper something to him. He patted her hand but didn\u2019t look at her.<\/p>\n

Joe pulled a ladderback chair from the corner and sat down opposite Adam. \u201cWhat\u2019s on your mind, big brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing. Everything. I just needed to get out from under all those eyes.\u201d He choked out a bitter laugh. \u201cThey\u2019re watching me like a kettle of hawks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you can\u2019t blame them. They\u2019re worried about you. Especially after the other night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had been ill off and on since the winter, with two bouts of pneumonia, the second worst than the first. Moira had insisted on being his primary caregiver. It was what they both wanted, but it was taking a toll on her. Dan had finally convinced her to bring in a nurse, and the next day he ordered her to bed. It was distressing to Adam, though she assured him she was merely tired and needed rest. It was the last conversation they would ever have. Her death two days later stunned everyone, Adam most of all. Joe wasn\u2019t there, but Jarrod told him his father was inconsolable, to the point that Dan dosed him with chloral hydrate to settle him down and get him to sleep.<\/p>\n

Adam scrunched his brow at the memory of the night in question. The gun had been in the drawer of the bedside table, where he always kept it. \u201cI wasn\u2019t planning to use it, just removing the temptation. I was taking the bullets out when Adaline came in. You believe me, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they all think I\u2019m on the brink of suicide.\u201d He snorted, then swallowed a sob. \u201cI just keep asking myself over and over, how could we not have known something was so wrong until it was too late?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe had had a similar conversation with Dan, who was berating himself for being so focused on his father\u2019s health that he missed what was happening with his mother. \u201cMoira was never one to complain. You know that. Besides, there were a couple of times we thought we were gonna have to bury you, and that put you at the top of the list.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt should\u2019ve been that way. I always expected to go first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLife has a way of shattering expectations, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The pain etched in Adam\u2019s face told a story of grief unspoken.\u201cI never even got to say goodbye, Joe. That\u2019s what hurts the most right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, and I\u2019m sorry about that. But goodbye is just a word, Adam. You and Moira always seemed to understand each other without words. Between the two of you I can\u2019t see any room for regret for things unsaid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can’t help thinking about Pa. How on earth was he able to survive this three times?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t just survive, he thrived. The man was a giant in so many ways. The older I get, the more I\u2019m amazed at the life he lived. I\u2019m glad Adaline is finally writing that book she\u2019s talked about for so long. I just wish Pa could have been around to read it. Hoss, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo do I.\u201d<\/p>\n

Their father, active well into his eighties, had passed twenty years ago. Hoss had been gone close to ten, leaving a wife, a son and a daughter. Docia had remarried and moved to the Yakima Valley in Washington, where Althea and her family also lived. Josh had emigrated to Australia and was running a cattle station.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, she could write a book about your family alone. Seven kids and how many grandchildren?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwenty six or seven, Moira would know for sure. I can\u2019t keep up. And don\u2019t ask me their names. Some I\u2019ve never even met, and last I heard there were three more on the way. Adaline\u2019s a grandmother now, with two of her own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I always used to tell people, whenever Adam does something, it\u2019s always in a big way. You proved me right by raising a dynasty of jackrabbits. Thanks to you, there are Cartwrights popping out all over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we all thought that would be you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both brothers laughed before Joe turned serious. \u201cI know tomorrow is going to be a really tough day, and I don\u2019t expect you\u2019ve given much thought beyond that, but I was wondering if you\u2019re planning to stay here, or if you\u2019d even want to? It was a big house for two people, and you didn\u2019t use half of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, I haven\u2019t given much thought to anything except putting one foot in front of the other to do what I know I have to do. That\u2019s hard enough at the moment, believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand. And I know this is not a time for major decisions. But when you get a little clarity, I wish you\u2019d consider something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMoving back to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m dead serious. Look, Adam. It makes sense. You have a huge house you don\u2019t need, and your wonderful son, my brilliant nephew and his family are busting at the seams next door. Jarrod said he told you to name your price if you ever wanted to sell. He already owns most of your share of the Ponderosa anyway since Adaline and the boys sold him their part. All that\u2019s left are the few acres the house is on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve thought a lot about this, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does Annabelle think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can honestly say she thinks it\u2019s a great idea, because she thought of it first. But I would have if she hadn\u2019t. With Benj and Sarah gone, our little nest is empty too. So you\u2019d be doing us a favor. You could even have your old room back, if you wanted it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. His old room was the one he shared with Moira when he brought her to the Ponderosa as his wife. John Adam was born there. Long ago seemed liked yesterday.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a more than generous offer, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise me you\u2019ll think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise. Now, go home. You\u2019ve spent enough time here this week. Go home to your sweet, lovely wife and thank her for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe leaned forward. \u201cAdam, if there\u2019s anything\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I\u2019m all right, Joe. Besides, the troops are here.\u201d<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

The graveside service was brief, for the sake of the younger children as well as Adam. He had refused to use a cane but was anchored between Jamie and Jarrod in case he faltered. To everyone\u2019s relief, he didn\u2019t. Back at the house, he received family and friends with patriarchal benevolence and good humor. It was no surprise to Joe, just another reminder that Adam was very much their father\u2019s son.<\/p>\n

He and Annabelle were among the last to leave. In spite of his stoicism, Adam\u2019s eyes mirrored the pain of the day. Joe squeezed his shoulder an a gesture of affection. \u201cI\u2019ll see you tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing somewhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but you\u2019re staying home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are. You\u2019ve gone above and beyond the call of duty. I\u2019m going to try to send everyone else on their way soon, though it won\u2019t be easy with Adaline. Wes and the family have gone back to Carson, so I guess she plans to stay a while longer. I\u2019ll have to find her something to do so she won\u2019t be fussing over me the whole time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and begrudged him a wry grin. \u201cAll right, then. But don\u2019t forget what we talked about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Later that evening, Adam and his sons gathered in the great room for brandy while the women put the children to bed. They had grown into fine, strong men, every one of them, but today at their mother\u2019s grave, in a moment of silent reflection, Adam saw the faces of Moira\u2019s boys. She had given them life, and she had been so proud of them.<\/p>\n

John Adam cleared his throat and raised his glass. \u201cTo Mama, who taught us right from wrong, brought us up to be gentlemen, and who loved us unconditionally. How she survived our childhoods I\u2019ll never know, but I\u2019m forever grateful to be her son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo Mama,\u201d came the echo in chorus.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd to our father,\u201d said Jamie. \u201cWho taught us to stand up for what we believe in, that some things are worth fighting for, and who showed us every day, in every way, what it means to truly love a woman. To Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam acknowledged them with a dip of his head and a smile, because he knew he couldn\u2019t speak. His heart had flooded his throat with unshed tears. One by one his sons trickled out of the room on their way upstairs, embracing him as they took leave.<\/p>\n

Only Dan remained behind. He was facing away from Adam, head down, one hand at his side holding his glasses.<\/p>\n

\u201cDan?\u201d No answer. \u201cDaniel.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned, his eyes full of anguish. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor not being able to save her.\u201d<\/p>\n

In that moment, Adam saw through the man standing before him to the solemn little boy who took so much of the world to heart, whose mother formed its center.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think there was something more you could have done, given what you knew?\u201d He didn\u2019t wait for an answer. \u201cFrom what I understand, I think not. And your mother would never want you to blame yourself.\u201d He placed a hand on his youngest son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cDanny, you\u2019re a good doctor, but you\u2019re not God, and no one expects you to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

He buried his face in Adam\u2019s chest as they both wept.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

The house was quiet now, with shades drawn and the last of the lamp lights extinguished. Adam lay in bed, weary and unsettled. Though his initial instinct had been to gracefully reject Joe\u2019s idea, he made good on his promise to consider it. It was true about the house. Moira had even suggested turning it over to Jarrod and moving to the smaller ranch house that he and Adam had built together. It had ample space for the two of them, was well appointed and beautifully kept by their industrious daughter in law Maeve, in spite of three children, soon to be four. From that standpoint, it had made sense. And Adam could have lived anywhere as long as Moira was there.<\/p>\n

In forty-three years of marriage, he hadn\u2019t made a decision without consulting her first. He\u2019d trusted her advice and depended on it. She was his touchstone. Now she was the ache in his chest, a gaping, ragged hole where part of his heart used to be. Her absence permeated a house filled with people, haunting empty spaces that only he could see \u2013 the chair in the corner where she did her needlework, the vacant seat at the kitchen table, the cold side of the bed they had shared.<\/p>\n

He still found it hard to comprehend she was really gone, or how he could go on without her.<\/p>\n

Moira. I don\u2019t think I can do this.<\/i><\/p>\n

Yes, you can. And you will.<\/i><\/p>\n

How?<\/i><\/p>\n

Be still, Adam. What does your heart tell you?<\/i><\/p>\n

That I miss you so much I can barely breathe sometimes.<\/i><\/p>\n

Other than that.<\/i><\/p>\n

It\u2019s hard to hear anything else.<\/i><\/p>\n

I know, but give it time.\u00a0 Remember, you have a brother who loves you deeply. Did it ever occur to you that he might need you as much as you need him?<\/i><\/p>\n

He expelled a deep sigh, falling at last into slumber. <\/i><\/p>\n

I love you, Moira.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1915<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, here\u2019s some news.\u201d Joe held a letter in his hand. \u201cIt\u2019s from Josh. He\u2019s got twin boys now; that makes four for the Cartwrights down under.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cHoss would have loved that, wouldn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure would have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s one from Jordy. He\u2019s been promoted to Captain. He thinks it\u2019s only a matter of time until we\u2019re drawn into the war in Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grimaced \u201cLord, I hope not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he says Drew and Amy are expecting again. That makes seven.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat boy\u2019s a chip off the old block, isn\u2019t he? Finally caught up with his old man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smirked. \u201cNot that it\u2019s a race, but Benj seems to be doing a pretty good job keeping up with his cousins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter a late start, yeah, I\u2019d say so. It\u2019s just a shame they\u2019re so far away.\u201d Benj and Josie had moved to Denver several years ago and rarely made it back to Nevada, though Joe and Annabelle had visited them last year when their fourth child was born. After three boys, they finally had a girl, much to their delight. Benj\u2019s most recent letter announced the impending arrival of baby number five. Sarah and her husband were raising their three daughters in San Francisco.<\/p>\n

Joe shifted his weight in the rocking chair and stretched his legs out in front of him. \u201cI hear Jarrod\u2019s planning a grand swing with TJ next month. What do you think about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a little younger than other boys were, but he\u2019s been champing at the bit for the past year, and I don\u2019t think his Pa can put him off any longer.\u201d Adam chuckled. \u201cHe reminds me of another ten year old I used to know, thinking he\u2019s as big as his brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

TJ, born Timothy Joseph Cartwright, was his great uncle\u2019s namesake. \u201cWe figured we must be kindred spirits, which is why we\u2019re such good pals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike father, like son, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled. \u201cRight.\u201d Jarrod had also been his pal at that age, and time had only strengthened their bond. They were more than nephew and uncle; in spite of the thirty years separating them they were true friends who loved and respected one another, men who shared not only a family name and heritage but also ideals and principles, especially when it came to the land. Adam knew that, of course.<\/p>\n

The \u201cgrand swing\u201d around the Ponderosa originated in Joe\u2019s childhood, and each subsequent generation had their own version, depending on the participants. The most recent one had been four years ago, after Moira died. Jarrod had taken his two oldest sons and three nephews, ages 12-15, and Joe had stood in for Adam. This year might be the last, with TJ and Dan\u2019s son Morgan, also ten. There were others who hadn\u2019t made the swing, but they were either too young, lived too far away, or weren\u2019t interested.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you be up to going this year, for auld lang syne?\u201d<\/p>\n

The idea seemed to amuse Adam. \u201cOne last hurrah?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, it\u2019s easier than herding cattle. Besides, it would be three on two, so the odds would be in our favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

They both knew the answer, though Joe, bless him, liked to keep up the pretense. At eighty-five, Adam could count on one hand the number of times he\u2019d been on a horse in the past few years. Most of his days were spent as now, dozing on the porch, sifting through memories. Marking time.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Jarrod can handle it. I think I\u2019d rather stay home and let Annabelle beat me in cribbage every night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, suit yourself.\u201d Joe fell silent for a moment. \u201cAre you ever gonna tell her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, she already knows. To tell you the truth, she\u2019s gotten so good I\u2019d be worried to play it straight for fear she\u2019ll beat me on her own, and that would really hurt what\u2019 s left of my pride.\u201d Adam\u2019s laugh was chased by a plaguing cough. He cleared his throat. \u201cThat wife of yours is a peach, you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled. \u201cWe both got lucky, didn\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we did.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lowering sun leached ribbons of fire through the dusky clouds, brush strokes of crimson, vermilion and gold on a canvas of purple sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook at that sunset.\u201d Joe\u2019s murmur was tinged with wonder. \u201cHave you ever seen anything like it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce, a long time ago.\u201d Adam closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

R<\/i>emember, Moira?<\/i><\/p>\n

Of course I remember. How could I ever forget?<\/i><\/p>\n

It was the beginning of everything, from Adaline to the love story that became their life together.<\/p>\n

It was a wonderful life, wasn\u2019t it?<\/i><\/p>\n

Yes, my love. It most certainly was.<\/i><\/p>\n

Sweetheart, I\u2019ve missed you so much\u2026<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Annabelle stepped onto the porch. \u201cOh, what a glorious sunset.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up and smiled. \u201cYou almost missed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSupper\u2019s on the table, whenever you gentlemen are ready. Better give your brother a nudge; he\u2019s nodded off again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d It was a pattern of late. Adam was sleeping more and more. Dan said it was to be expected. Joe patted his shoulder. \u201cHey, rise and shine. Time to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

At no response, he knelt beside him. Adam\u2019s glasses were on the floor; Joe picked them up and squeezed his hand. \u201cAdam?\u201d Touching his brother\u2019s face, he repeated his name.<\/p>\n

Annabelle hovered anxiously next to him. \u201cOh, Joe…is he…?\u201d A sob caught in her throat when he nodded.<\/p>\n

The emotions fueling Joe’s tears were mixed. Adam had persevered, because that\u2019s what he had always done, no matter if life knocked him flat. But he had been so lonely even among people who loved him. Joe had thought that bringing him home to the Ponderosa would make a difference, that it might somehow bring the old Adam back. He\u2019d been wrong. This was not home. But Adam had indulged him, as he\u2019d done so many times in their lives. He\u2019d stayed for his little brother.<\/p>\n

Joe rested his head on Adam\u2019s knee and wept; for sorrow, for love. For gratitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cBless you, big brother. You\u2019re home now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“As I wake from a dream in the gold of day, <\/em><\/p>\n

through the air there’s a calling from far away.<\/em><\/p>\n

There’s a voice I can hear that will lead me home.” <\/em><\/p>\n

— Stephen Paulus, The Road Home<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Summary: All roads lead to home, in the end. (Final chapter of the More than a Memory series, links to previous stories provided)<\/p>\n

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