Little John – Part 1

John Cannon looked around at the log walls of the meeting hall. He was in this building nearly every day as it was the same building that served as the community church and school but tonight was different. John's eyes strayed to the men gathered around talking loudly about things that he couldn't quite understand. He wished he was at home with Ma, but she was very sick and Pa said John must come with him to the meeting.

John was tall for a seven-year-old, but he felt very small sitting on the bench beside his father, surrounded by all those other men. His father must have sensed his unease, because he placed an arm around John's shoulders. John happily leaned into his father's side where he could block some of the voices by burrowing his head into the sleeve of Pa's heavy coat. His mind soon began to drift back to another time Pa took him from the house when Ma was very sick. They'd visited a neighbor until word was received that they could return home. Anxious to see Ma again, John was confused when they found her crying and holding a very tiny little baby. She'd spoken often about wanting a baby in the house now that John was such a big boy, but she was so pale and so sad. The next morning, John stood with Pa near a small hole where they had buried the baby. Ma stayed in bed and cried for the better part of a week. John thought his heart would break and he was scared that his mother would go away like his friend, Tom. Tom got sick and then John wasn't allowed to see him anymore, then they stood by a grave to say goodbye to Tom.

Ma hadn't mentioned a baby since then, but John had heard Ma and Pa talking late one night about a baby and Ma had knitted some very small stockings and blankets. That wasn't unusual since most of the ladies knitted things for babies born into the community, but John was pretty sure this was for their baby. He closed his eyes and prayed that God would give Ma that baby she wanted. He was sure Ma would want a girl, but he was hoping for a little brother that he could play with. Looking up, John noticed that Pa's head was down, his eyes closed, and his hands clasped together in his lap. He noticed how Pa looked very tired and worried and he couldn't help pressing just a little closer. The prayer and closeness must have made Pa feel better because he opened his eyes and smiled down at John.

John started to ask Pa when they could go back home when another man approached, picked John up in a big bear hug, then spoke to Pa. "Will? Let me take Johnny with me so that you can go back to Marta. Anna and I would be happy to have him as long as necessary." While John wanted to go home with Grandpa, he didn't want to leave Pa alone and sad. He leaned back to look into his grandfather's face and said, "Grandpa, I'm not sure I should leave Pa alone. He's very sad because Ma's sick." Grandpa smiled back and pulled John back into a firm hug. "Johnny, you are always taking care of everyone. That's too much for a little boy, even one so mature as yourself. If you come to stay with Grandma and me tonight, it'll give your father some time to help your mother feel better." Looking back at Pa, Grandpa asked, "How about that Will? You just send word when you are ready for company."

Pa had stood up by now and looked sadly at John. It made John want to cry and he reached for Pa. Pa took John into his arms and held him tight. Kissing his cheek, Pa spoke gently. "John, it would help your mother and me if you would go with your grandfather until we send for you. Your uncle Peter is always happy when you visit." John looked at his Uncle Peter who was Pa's youngest brother. He was seventeen now and was a big man like Pa and Grandpa.

Peter taught John things like making ropes and carving animals out of wood scraps. John looked back at Pa and nodded. He figured that Pa was right – he could be of most help to him by being out of the way.

The meeting finally over, John said goodbye to Pa and walked home with Grandpa and Uncle Peter. John loved to visit Grandma Anna and Grandpa John. Grandpa told him stories and took him fishing. Grandma always insisted he was too thin and then she'd fix him his favorite foods. John was sure that Grandma was the best cook in the whole country. John suddenly felt very tired. Grandpa must have noticed because John found himself being lifted up and snuggled into Grandpa's coat. He felt warm and safe there and soon fell asleep.