I do NOT own the characters of Hyrum Baker or Charles Ingalls. (I think I best get back to my other story. I don't like crying.).
His Family
"Good to see you," the man known and loved by all his friends as Dr. Hyrum Baker lay on his bed and smiled up at his visitor, "Nice to see you but why do you look so sad? Maybe, it's because you heard I am dying as a result of an accident involving the stagecoah I was traveling on? Why cry over that? Look at my life! I've been so blessed. Oh, sure, you think but I've been alone all these years. No one to stand by my side, raise my children, laugh with me and all the things people are 'supposed to do'. My dear friend sit and listen to me. I HAVE had a WONDERFUL life. I have had many GOOD friends throughout my life, I have been able to serve those friends, and some aquaintances, to the best of my ability. No, I haven't been able to save everyone but I DID save more than I lost. Those children you say I never had...who do you think made sure I had to keep the candy jar full in my office at all times? It sure wasn't the grown ups! No, you may not realize it but more than once a boy or girl would come int 'just to talk'," Dr. Baker paused and smiled towards the window, "They still come. Do you know that? They stand by the window and talk to me. That's why I keep it open...won't let nobody shut it either. Never shut the children out my friend. They keep you alive. They keep you smiling. I may never have married or had fathered my own children but," his voice grew weak and his eyes closed, "I think I had the biggest family in town though."
"I think you are right my friend," Charles let his tears fall as he watched the old man leave, "and I bet you that candy jar of yours stays full in heaven too."