Even If They Don't Ride Horses Anymore
Just Like He Said He Would. Episode 14.
“Jake, you want to help me fix Grampa’s window so it will be fine when he gets home? I could use your help.”
“Sure Daddy, I promised Grampa I’d take care of things and I think that would be takin’ care of things.”
And off they went, across the fields to Jacob’s place. It looked a bit different with no one having lived there for a while. Like the life had gone out of it. It was just a house now and nothing special anymore. Willie sensed it and Jake did too as he told Willie, “I reckon it’s good I left teddy bear inside or this house would be so lonesome it would have tears coming out the windows. But it looks sad anyway, don’t it Daddy?”
“Grampa’s gone, that’s why it’s sad, son.”
“Like us, right Daddy?”
“Yes, like us Jake, just like us. But he’ll be back soon, we’ll see. Let’s get this window fixed before he does.”
It was a pretty early fall day in that part of Kansas. The air still held onto summer for a little longer, not yet willing to let it go. The sky was Kansas blue. The days Pa loved most, Willie thought, and the days I miss him the most.
After working an hour or so, Willie decided the window was more work than he thought and he asked Jake if he were ready for lunch. They decided to keep working for a bit and then head to the restaurant for the stuff Betty Lou and Miss Morgan were cookin’ up that day. And then they heard a noise, a familiar noise, one they had heard so many times before. Boots on the porch. Willie and Jake looked at each other and Jake yelled, “It’s Grampa! He’s back! Grampa!” And so it was.
“You didn’t forget me Jake?” Jacob beamed from ear to ear as Jake jumped into his outstretched arms.
“Oh no Grampa! I missed you so much! Don’t ever leave me again!”
“Did you take care of things like I asked you to?”
“Yes, sir! I think I done real good! You’ll be proud!”
“Pa! So glad you’re back! Missed you so!”
“Missed you too, son, so very much!”
With tears in their eyes, Jacob and Willie embraced.
Jake didn’t quite understand. “Why are you crying? Aren’t you happy? Grampa’s back! It’s a happy day!”
Jacob and Willie couldn’t help but laugh. “Reckon it is that!” Jacob answered. “A most very happy day!”
Apparently Jake was satisfied and continued on, “Grampa! Betty Lou and I wrote you letters, about how much we love you and missed you and some of the stuff that happened here so you can read and keep them things forever and never forget us no matter what!”
“I have so much to tell you all, but first I have to go surprise Betty Lou too. Can you all keep a secret until I do? I’ll be right back after I’m done surprisin’ her.”
“Come on Jake, let’s finish up this window. Hurry back Pa. We want to hear all about what you did when you were gone.”
The road was still dusty as Jacob walked slowly into town to surprise Betty Lou. Betty Lou must have looked down that road more times than she could count since he’d been gone. And then she saw him. And she had to smile. For years she had looked down that road waiting for Jason and he had never come back. But there was Jacob, he had come back. Just like he said he would.
Previous Episodes. Even If They Don’t Ride Horses Anymore
Aunt Daisy & Caleb. Episode 1
July 4th, 1900. Episode 2
Keepsakes. Episode 3
A Better Way. Episode 4
Unfinished Business. Episode 5
Looking Down That Road. Episode 6
Not Looking Back Any More. Episode 7
The Wheels of Time Turn. Episode 8
The Blue Box. Episode 9
It’s Time to “Bring It.”Episode 10
Another Day Far From Home. Episode 11
Time Marches On. Episode 12
Getting Ready to Go Home Again. Episode 13
