Summary: Life is like skipping stones, Sometimes you sail freely through it, Sometimes you bump and recover and Sometimes you simply falter. This story highlights all the Cartwrights on their journey through life and how they influence each other.<\/p>\n
Rating: K+ \u00a0WC \u00a03900 Skipping Stones<\/strong><\/p>\n Life is like skipping stones <\/p>\n This story is dedicated to my father, Paul King 1915-2010. I love you, dad, and I will carry you in my heart forever.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo it again, Pa? Do it again!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled over at his five year old son before bending down to scoop up another rock from the shoreline. He examined it closely as he rubbed it between his fingers, checking for smoothness.<\/p>\n \u201cThis one should work,\u201d he simply stated and then turned towards the open lake.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all in the wrist, son. You want to spin it and aim for the top of the water.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben then thrust his arm forward, sending the rock skimming across the surface.<\/p>\n \u201cOne… two…three…four…five…SIX! I counted six skips, Pa. That\u2019s the best one, yet!\u201d Adam jumped up and down with glee. \u201cCan I try, now?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben simply nodded and motioned for his son to step forward.<\/p>\n \u201cChoose your rock.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s face suddenly became serious as he scoured the beach. Ben watched as his determined son picked up rock after rock and examined each one carefully. He also chuckled as rock after rock fell disgustingly back down to shore; not at all meeting with his son\u2019s approval. The hunt continued for several moments before the perfect specimen was found. Adam scooped it up in his tiny hand and walked up to the shore.<\/p>\n \u201cNow remember what I told you… aim for the top of the water…\u201d<\/p>\n Adam thrust his arm forward with all his might and released the rock.<\/p>\n \u201cPlop!\u201d<\/p>\n The boy watched sadly as his rock sunk instantly.<\/p>\n Ben immediately approached Adam and put his arm around him.<\/p>\n \u201cThat wasn\u2019t bad at all, son. You just have to work on making sure to spin the rock as you release it. It takes time, Adam… and practice.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up at his Pa. \u201cI\u2019ll never be able to do it like you, Pa. Will you show me once more?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben patted his back. \u201cI think we best call it a day, son. There are still chores to do mind you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lowered his head and nodded. \u201cCan we come tomorrow then?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I think that can be arranged.\u201d Adam raised his head and smiled. \u201cI bet you\u2019ll at least get ten skips next time!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed. \u201cTen? Well, I\u2019ll try for ten if you\u2019ll at least try for one… deal?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hung his head. \u201cIt\u2019s more fun to watch you, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDeal?\u201d Ben repeated, unrelenting.<\/p>\n Adam paused a moment before answering. \u201cI guess.\u201d He knew full well that if he ever wanted to see his Pa skip stones again, he\u2019d have to at least try, too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Five years later:<\/strong><\/p>\n Adam sat deep in thought near the shore.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the worst day ever!\u201d<\/p>\n He picked up a smaller rock at his feet and skimmed it effortlessly across the water. He didn\u2019t notice his father approaching from behind.<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright\u2019s anger was masked with the relief of finding his son safe.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam! I\u2019ve been looking for you for over an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam instantly shot up from his seated position and turned to face the agitated voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m… I\u2019m… sorry, Pa. I… I… just needed some time to think.\u201d Ben softened his voice. \u201cWhat happened, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shot a nervous glance towards his father before suddenly bending down and scooping up a rock. He fiddled with it in his hands as he apprehensively answered his father\u2019s question.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething happened in school today, Pa, and I just don\u2019t know what to do about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned and thrust the rock out towards the water, watching it intently as it skimmed along the surface.<\/p>\n His father approached and joined him along the shore. He, too, suddenly felt a need to thrust a rock out into the open water, trying to reign in his anger. It seemed to work because, after a moment, he was able to speak more calmly.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019m sure whatever it is, we can work together towards a solution.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam did not respond. He just scooped up another rock and sent it on its journey.<\/p>\n Ben waited, allowing his boy some time.<\/p>\n Suddenly, Adam picked up a rock and shot it high up into the air. Father and son watched its decent as it plummeted instantly down into the water.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I was THAT rock, Pa. I wish I could just… disappear.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam bowed his head and turned to sit on a log near the shore.<\/p>\n Ben studied his boy for several moments as his mind pondered the question \u201cWhat could be troubling him so?\u201d<\/p>\n He quietly moved over to his son and sat down next to him. There was complete silence other than the soft sound the water makes as it laps at the shore.<\/p>\n \u201cSon, I\u2019ve had times in my life, too, where I just wanted to hide. I didn\u2019t want to face what I had done, or what had gone wrong. I wanted to be thrown out into the water where I could just disappear from sight. Do you know why?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam just shook his head no.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause it was easy… because it wouldn\u2019t require me to face what I had done. I could just disappear beneath the water and never have to answer for my actions.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben paused to allow his son time to reflect.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you know, Adam. It\u2019s not a solution. Think for a moment about that rock you just threw. Where is it now?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shot a puzzled look over towards his pa.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s at the bottom of the lake I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cYes, at the bottom… the very bottom with no where else to go. Now what?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know. At least it doesn\u2019t have to worry about anything anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn the contrary, Adam, that rock has not changed. It has simply moved places. You can\u2019t wash away your troubles by hiding from them.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben arose and walked towards the shore. He picked up a rock and skipped it across the water. Both sets of eyes followed its journey in silence.<\/p>\n A moment later, Ben reached down and picked up one more rock. He held it out towards his son.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, whatever is troubling you, whatever you have done… face it. Face it like that rock skipping across the water. Accept your wrongdoing, knowing there will be consequences for your actions. Face it… and move on.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben waggled the rock in his hand to indicate his desire for his son to step forward and grab hold. Adam hesitated before slowly rising and walking up to receive his father\u2019s gift. He rolled it around his fingers examining every inch of its exterior.<\/p>\n Ben waited and watched.<\/p>\n Adam heaved a huge sigh and apprehensively looked up at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re going to be mad…. and disappointed in me, Pa. I didn\u2019t mean for it to happen… it just happened.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled down at his son, reaching out to touch him on his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever it is, Adam. We can work through it… together.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled up at his Pa and turned towards the water. He released the rock and father and son stood silently watching. When it disappeared from sight, the two turned away from the shore and began walking the direction of home.<\/p>\n Adam only offered a simple \u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d as they pushed their way through the brush and disappeared amongst the tall pines.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Five years later:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cDadburnit, Adam. I just don\u2019t know how you do it,\u201d Hoss Cartwright stated in amazement. \u201cEvery time I try, the darn fool thing just plunks where it landed.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, little brother it takes time and practice. It\u2019s all in the wrist.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam picked up another rock and effortlessly skimmed it across the surface.<\/p>\n Hoss counted ten skips. Boy his brother was good. He just had to try again, so he bent down and picked up another rock. He looked down at it determined.<\/p>\n \u201cNow you listen here, Mr. Rock. I\u2019m gonna throw you towards the water and I expect ya to skip. Now I ain\u2019t gonna ask you again, so do as you are told.\u201d<\/p>\n With that scolding, Hoss turned towards the water and let the rock go.<\/p>\n \u201cPlunk!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, it\u2019s no use, Adam. I\u2019m just not any good.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled and walked over towards his dejected brother. The boy was just nine years old and he already stood eye to eye with him.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, you\u2019re not listening to what I\u2019m telling you to do. First of all, you\u2019re throwing it way too hard. You need to put more velocity on it….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVeloci…. what?\u201d Hoss interrupted.<\/p>\n \u201cSpeed, Hoss. Speed. You must put speed on it while spinning it at the same time. That way when it hits the surface of the water it will bounce back…. like a ball.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSpin it you say, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam patted his brother\u2019s back. \u201cNow try it again.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grabbed another rock and this time he didn\u2019t waste any breath on it. He just turned towards the water, took aim, and thrust that rock with all his might. The rock hit the surface and skipped ever so slightly before disappearing into the depths of the water.<\/p>\n \u201cWoo hooo! Did ya see that, Adam,? Did ya see it? It skipped. That fool rock skipped!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed out loud. \u201cThat it did, little brother… that it did. Now we best get ourselves back home to do our chores.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh…. but Adam I just started figurin\u2019 this out. Can\u2019t we stay and practice for a little while longer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow Hoss, you know that whining doesn\u2019t work with me… besides if you keep throwing those rocks so hard, you\u2019ll stretch every muscle out in your arm and pa won\u2019t like it if your arm is too sore to cut kindling.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked down towards the soft sand and kicked at it with his foot.<\/p>\n After a moment, he acknowledged, \u201cIt\u2019s already a tad bit sore.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed. \u201cWell, if you come along now, little brother, I think we can find some liniment to rub on that shoulder before you get to work on that wood pile.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked up and smiled. Then the two brothers turned, walking side by side towards home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Five years later:<\/strong><\/p>\n Hoss Cartwright sat festering over what had just happened between him and his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cDarn that Adam, can\u2019t he do one thing wrong..?\u201d<\/em>he thought to himself. He did not notice his brother approaching from behind.<\/p>\n Adam stood watching for a moment before making his presence known. He knew what was bothering his brother, but he wasn\u2019t quite sure how to solve the issue. Adam was leaving for college very soon and Hoss was worried about stepping up and filling his shoes. That past month had been a bumpy one for the two brothers. Hoss had been quite cantankerous and hard to deal with daily. Adam had been patient, but today his patience had reached its end as he finally let his temper rise. The result being both brothers exchanging blows.<\/p>\n Adam interrupted the silence with a distinct clearing of his throat.<\/p>\n Hoss glanced up, but after seeing who it was, he immediately turned away.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want anyway?\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, don\u2019t you think after that little incident in the barn a moment ago that we need to talk?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s there to talk about, Adam? What do you care anyhow? You\u2019ll be leaving us soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stepped by his brother and walked up to the shoreline. His eyes scanned the water, reflectively. Several moments passed in silence.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my leaving, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Adam turned and glanced at his brother over his shoulder.<\/p>\n Hoss immediately looked up stunned. Then the realization of his brother\u2019s words hit him full force and his true fears spilled forth.<\/p>\n \u201cPa relies on you so much, Adam. We all do. I can\u2019t ever take your place. I just can\u2019t. You\u2019re so smart and you help Pa with the books and all that….\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss hung his head as he reflected on their recent incident.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m… I\u2019m sorry I hit ya, Adam. It tweren\u2019t your fault. I\u2019m just in a foul mood today.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shot his brother a wry grin. \u201cToday?\u201d before adding, \u201cApology accepted, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Then he bent down and picked up a rock on the shore, thrusting it out towards the water and watching it skip along. This gave him an idea. He picked up another rock but this time he turned towards his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you been practicing?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Hoss watched his brother toss the rock up and down in his hand in a challenging sort of way.<\/p>\n Suddenly a broad gap-tooth grin appeared on his face. \u201cYou\u2019re on, Adam. You\u2019re on.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss eagerly arose and picked up a rock for himself. He stepped up alongside his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter you, mighty rock slinger of the Ponderosa,\u201d Hoss chided.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we should do it together, Hoss,\u201d Adam simply replied.<\/p>\n \u201cFair enough, brother. On the count of three…One…. two…. three!\u201d<\/p>\n Both rocks sailed through the air and began their rough journey along the surface. Adam could hear Hoss softly counting as his rock skimmed effortlessly alongside his own. Soon the dual was done and Hoss the mere victor.<\/p>\n Adam turned towards his brother and took a courtly bow. \u201cI crown thee the mighty rock slinger of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss let out a deep chuckle before turning serious. \u201cAdam…\u201d<\/p>\n His words were cut short by his brother grabbing hold of his shoulder and turning his attention out towards the water.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, think of those two rocks right now. Think of how they traveled, side by side, each not needing the other. You don\u2019t need me here, Hoss. You don\u2019t need me to hold your hand and guide you.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss hung his head as he absorbed his brother\u2019s words.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess… I guess I\u2019m just…\u201d His words trailed off as he swallowed hard.<\/p>\n \u201cScared?\u201d Adam stated before adding, \u201cWell, in all honesty Hoss, so am I…\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked over at his brother. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam simply nodded. \u201cRight now, I\u2019d just like to be that rock sitting peacefully at the bottom of the lake. But, you know what Pa has always told us. Face your problems, take action to resolve them. Ask for help and find a solution.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded in understanding. \u201cEvery problem has a solution… don\u2019t it, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd as Pa says, \u2018Make sure to find the good in every problem because actually, there really isn\u2019t any problems… only opportunities.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Adam extended his hand out towards his brother. \u201cI\u2019ll try to make the best of my opportunity, Hoss, if you promise to make the best out of yours. Deal?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss reached out and shook his brother\u2019s hand. \u201cDeal, Adam. It\u2019s a deal.\u201d<\/p>\n A moment later the two began to walk away from the shore. Adam placed his arm on his brother\u2019s shoulder and said, \u201cNow, have you figured out a solution for explaining the mess in the barn and this lovely shiner that\u2019s brewing on my face as we speak?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss reached over, placing his arm on his brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cNah. I\u2019ll leave that up to you, Adam. You\u2019re much better at explaining things to Pa than I am.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Five years later:<\/strong><\/p>\n Hoss Cartwright came out of the brush looking for his brother. He paused in disgust as he found him escorting yet another young girl along the water. The two were walking hand in hand and chattering away without a care in the world.<\/p>\n \u201cDadburnit, Joe,\u201d Hoss muttered under his breath. \u201cI can\u2019t believe he\u2019s at this game again. It\u2019s the third girl this week!\u201d<\/p>\n He then heaved a huge sigh and started heading towards the two lovebirds, unbeknownst to them. But suddenly, he stopped. The two lovebirds strolled a few steps further before Joe stopped and turned his young girlfriend towards the water.<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t beautiful here?\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s one of my favorite places.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it is beautiful, Joe,\u201d Sarah answered shyly.<\/p>\n Suddenly, Joe turned to face the young girl. He looked deep into her eyes and softly told her, \u201cYour eyes are as deep blue as this water. They sparkle so.\u201d<\/p>\n The girl nervously looked down and giggled. \u201cOh, Joe,\u201d was all she managed to reply.<\/p>\n \u201cYour hair is as golden as the sun and your lips…\u201d Joe\u2019s words trailed off leaving his thoughts to the imagination.<\/p>\n Hoss had to do all he could not to burst out laughing. For thirteen years old, his brother sure had an eye for the ladies. He stifled his laugh by covering his mouth. Then he leaned forward, trying to hear more of his brother\u2019s romantic verbiage.<\/p>\n The girl turned away. \u201cJoe, I don\u2019t think we should…\u201d<\/p>\n Joe quickly moved around to face her. He raised her chin to make eye contact. \u201cNo one will know… except us, Sarah. In fact, it may not happen at all. Remember I have to skip the rock ten times along the surface in order to kiss you. Otherwise, I lose.\u201d<\/p>\n Sarah glanced nervously out towards the water. \u201c…And you promise if you lose you\u2019ll help me every day with my math for a week after school?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a man of my word, Sarah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA man…\u201d Hoss muttered under his breath as he continued to watch.<\/p>\n After a moment, Sarah nodded her head slightly and said, \u201cOkay, Joe, but just one kiss if you win.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe clapped his hands together in excitement. Now he had to find the perfect rock. His eyes quickly scanned the shoreline. Soon they fell upon the object they were looking for and Joe immediately bent down to pick it up. He rolled it in his fingers a moment to dislodge the sticking sand. Then he turned towards Sarah. \u201cReady?\u201d<\/p>\n Sarah again nodded. Joe brought the rock to his lips and gave it a good luck kiss. He winked at Sarah before turning and sending the rock across the water. Both counted in silence.<\/p>\n When the rock sunk beneath the surface it had traveled twelve skips. Joe had won and Sarah owed him that kiss.<\/p>\n He walked up to the now nervous young lady and gently turned her to face him. \u201cAre you ready?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust about as ready as I\u2019ll ever be, Joe Cartwright.\u201d She then closed her eyes and puckered her lips.<\/p>\n Joe smiled. \u201cNow where was I… Oh, yes, your hair is as golden as the sun and your lips…\u201d Joe began to lean into Sarah when, all of a sudden, a well known voice spoke out behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd your bottoms are going to be as deep red as THAT sunset!\u201d<\/p>\n The young couple instantly separated and turned to face their unwelcomed guest.<\/p>\n \u201cPa!?\u201d Joe managed to spew as his eyes widened. He grimaced at the expression seen on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n Sarah was too shocked to speak. She just stood there with her mouth wide open in amazement.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss! Hoss! Get out from behind that fool rock and get over here right now,\u201d Ben Cartwright\u2019s voice bellowed.<\/p>\n Hoss immediately popped up, stunned, but quickly complied and came over to stand next to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cI want you to take Miss Sarah home immediately. Give her a chance to explain to her father what has just transpired. If she chooses to not tell him the full story, instruct him that I will be over later this evening to fill him in on the details.\u201d<\/p>\n Sarah swallowed hard as the tears began to appear in her eyes. \u201cCome on, Sarah. We best get this over with as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n The two turned and walked ever so grimly away.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes immediately found a grain of sand to focus on as shame cascaded through his body.<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright waited until Hoss and Sarah were out of sight before continuing his conversation with his son.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph! I cannot believe what my eyes just witnessed here…my son taking advantage of a young lady!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s head instantly shot up. \u201cI didn\u2019t take advantage of her, Pa, honest. She agreed to allow me to kiss her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what exactly did you use as a means for gaining that kiss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was just a game of chance, Pa. If I could skip a rock ten times across the surface she\u2019d have to kiss me is all. I didn\u2019t see any harm in that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, you don\u2019t, huh? Well, let me see if I can put this in perspective for you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben reached down and picked up a rock. He held it up to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to make a deal with you. The number of times this rock skips along the surface is the number of licks you get!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut pa, everyone knows that you can skip a rock across the surface at least…\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s words fell silent as realization set in.<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright waited for his words to take effect.<\/p>\n Soon tears began to well in Joe\u2019s eyes as he realized just how unfair his little bet had been.<\/p>\n He only managed a soft, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d as he waited for his father to skip that rock across the water.<\/p>\n Ben had made his point. He fiddled with the object in his hand for a few moments before letting it fall to the sand at his feet. Joe looked up at his father, stunned.<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright walked over and put his arm around his son. The two started heading for some nearby brush. Both knew what was coming next. As the two entered the secluded area, Joe\u2019s mind was only focused on one thing… that sunset. He unknowingly reached back to rub his bottom, thinking to himself, \u201cI hope it only turns a pale pink.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 30 years later<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cDo it again, Grandpa? Do it again!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled over at his five year old grandson before bending down to scoop up another rock from the shoreline. He examined it closely as he rubbed it between his fingers, checking for smoothness.<\/p>\n \u201cThis one should work,\u201d he simply stated and then turned towards the open lake.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all in the wrist, Eric. You want to spin it and aim for the top of the water.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben then thrust his arm forward, sending the rock skimming across the surface.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nSometimes you sail freely through it
\nSometimes you bump and recover and
\nSometimes you simply falter.
\nBut what\u2019s most important is whether you can rebound
\nRebound and keep going
\nOn and on and on …
\nCounting your blessings, enjoying each day
\nUntil that time comes
\nWhen you are not able to, nor can you,
\nfind the strength to rebound anymore
\nIt is only then that you sink peacefully beneath the surface
\nReflecting on the memories of that journey across the water.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nBen could tell his boy was obviously upset about something for it surely was out of character for him not to show up on time for his chores.<\/p>\n
\n\u201c…Just one thing?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u201cOh, I might as well let him have his fun before Pa lays into him,\u201d<\/em> he thought. Hoss quietly veered his path and ducked behind a big rock to watch his brother at work.<\/p>\n
\nHoss moved ever so kindly over to her and took her by the arm.<\/p>\n