~*~ Hold on to Joy: A Christy fic ~*~
Part 11--
Neil heard the approaching footsteps as he continued working outside in his 'medical' garden.
"You know, I never cease to be amazed at how God works in my life," Dan Scott commented as he moved to stand beside the doctor. He cast a quick glance at Neil, waiting for a reaction, but Neil kept right on working.
Dan continued.
"I mean, just being able to come to Cutter Gap was due to God's hand. Then when I got here, I wasn't sure if I'd be stayin' very long-- but He worked that out too."
"No, I believe Christy Huddleston is the one to thank for that. She convinced me to take you on." The doctor's snappy response assured Dan that he had been right about what had been on Neil's mind.
"Now, I know Miss Huddleston would disagree with you on that one. Sure, she tried to talk to ya, but, as I recall, you didn't listen. Nope, it wasn't until that scarlet fever epidemic came that you accepted me. And you can't give Christy the credit for that." Dan tried to sound light and not too serious just yet.
"Yes, I can see God working in everyone's life if I really take a good look. Why, even your life, Dr. MacNeill, is being guided by the Almighty."
At this, Neil opened his mouth to contradict, but Dan didn't give him the chance.
"Now, I know you believe that God doesn't bother with you, but I just don't agree. Think about it... those doctors who came here to hunt when you were younger, the ones who later paid for your schooling... surely you can't believe that were just a coincidence, Doctor. Then you came back here to Cutter Gap where you've done a lot with very little. Then you married Margaret---"
Neil could no longer hold his tongue.
"And how does that mistake show God working in my life, pray tell?"
Dan knew he had to pick his words carefully if he wanted to reach the doctor.
"Hear me out, now. You bring Margaret here, and who follows?--- Miss Alice. And then Miss Alice brings Miss Huddleston." The look on Neil's face was one of embarrassment and a tinge of sorrow.
"Doctor, I know, even in my short time here, that she has had a great impact on your life and many others. Do you honestly think it has all happened simply by chance?" Dan searched Neil's confused face. "God is working in your life, Doctor, because he cares about you. And even if you can't see it right now, He's working it all out according to his master plan. All you have to do is believe and receive Him, then you would know what I know and have a peace in your heart where now there is turmoil."
Neil remained silent, drinking in Dan's words. Dan prayed that Neil would not be able to rest until he made his peace with God. Knowing he had said enough to start the doctor thinking, Dan quietly slipped away back into the woods.
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Throughout the rest of the day, Neil could not stop thinking about what Dan had said. Despite his usual scientific outlook, Dan's words had made sense to Neil. When he stopped to analyze the major events of his life, he couldn't quite convince himself they were all due to pure chance. He didn't really even want to believe that his life was shaped by random luck.
That night, Neil tossed and turned as sleep evaded him. He kept hearing Dan's words over and over in his mind.
"....God cares about you...He's workin' it all out.... all you have to do is receive Him and have peace....."
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The inhabitants of the mission were up early as usual. For the first time in several days, the sun was peeking out from behind the clouds and filling each person with a fresh batch of energy. Ruby Mae had prepared breakfast, and to everyone's relief, no possum was involved. Thankfully, however, the longer she stayed at the mission, the better her cooking became.
Sitting around the table, the four began to discuss their plans for the day. Christy went first.
"Well, I've decided to go visit Opal. It's been a while since I've seen her or baby Iris, and babies always lift my spirits." Christy fondly recalled how she had cared for the abandoned baby before giving it to the McHone's to adopt.
"What about you, David? How are you going to use this fine day God has given us?" Miss Alice inquired.
"There are a few leaks on the mission roof that need mending. After that is finished, I'm not too sure what I'll find to occupy my time."
"I reckon I'll be startin' on dinner early today. I got me this idea for a new way to fix possum. I just know you all will love it!" Ruby Mae's face was beaming with excitement. The girl failed to notice the looks of desperation on the faces of her companions.
Just then, the telephone rang causing all four to jolt in their seats. Ruby Mae, always full of extra energy and desire for gossip, jumped up to answer the call. "I'll get it!" David shot Christy and Alice a glance of relief at not having to endure anymore gory details about dinner.
"Cutter Gap Mission, Ruby Mae Morrison speakin'... Yeah, she's here." Ruby Mae put her hand over the receiver and turned to the table. "Miss Alice, it's for you." The look of excitement on the redhead's face had quickly turned to one of solemn concern. Alice walked to the phone and picked up the receiver. Her heart always seemed to stop when the phone was for her. Thoughts of Margaret flooded her mind as she began to speak.
"This is Alice Henderson." Christy's heart went out to her mentor. She knew that Alice had been waiting to hear bad news about her daughter any day. Miss Alice listened intently to the voice on the other end for several minutes. The tears welling in her eyes answered Christy's unspoken question---- it was about Margaret.
Finally, Miss Alice said goodbye and hung up the phone. She stood silently with all eyes on her.
"That was a Dr. Franklin from the Atlanta Health Clinic. It's Margaret." With those last words, Christy ran to put her arms around her friend just as the older woman began to weep. Several minutes passed where the only sounds heard were Alice's sobs of grief. After Alice felt she could cry no more she began to explain more to the young people around her.
"A nurse from the clinic will be accompanying Margaret's.... body here to Cutter Gap in a couple of days. Margaret had been at the clinic for some time, but would never disclose the whereabouts of her family- until last night.... soon before she.... passed. The nurse will give me more details."
No one knew quite what to say. David came over and placed a strong hand on Alice's shoulder. Christy embraced the woman fiercely as she began to cry new tears.
"I'm so sorry, Miss Alice, so sorry." Christy's heart ached for her friend and for Neil. How would he take the news? As if reading her thoughts, David spoke up.
"Alice, what about Dr. MacNeill? Don't you think someone should tell him?"
"Yes, David. He needs to know," Alice replied, wiping her eyes.
"I'll go, Miss Alice," Christy immediately volunteered.
"No, Miss Huddleston." Miss Alice's blunt refusal was unexpected, and Christy felt wounded. "I just think it would be best if I am the one to tell Neil. Thank you, though, for thy offer. David, would thee saddle up my horse? The sooner I do this, the better."
"Sure, Miss Alice. It'll only take a few minutes. Are you sure you want to ride alone?"
"Alone, Reverend? I'll not be alone. God is with me, even now." Miss Alice was a marvel even under such stress, Christy thought. Now, she could have closure concerning the relationship with her daughter. But what about Neil? Christy longed to be there when he found out about his wife's death. She wanted to be the one to console him, but Miss Alice had already spoken, and Christy would not go against that decision.
Part: 12
The ride to Neil's cabin seemed extremely long to Alice. It did give her plenty of time to think of what to say to him, but as the cabin came into view, those words fled like a thief in the night. Neil was fishing by his stream, trying to relax despite his restless night. He heard the neigh of an approaching horse and turned to see Alice dismounting by the porch. She began walking towards him, a tell-all look on her face. Without her saying a word, Neil knew why Alice was here.
"It's Margaret, isn't it?" It was more a statement than a question. Unable to speak, Alice simply nodded her head in affirmation. Neil returned to his fishing as Alice moved to his side.
"I knew it would happen sooner or later. She was already so sick when she left here. Where is she now?"
What a loaded question, Alice thought to herself, but knew Neil was only referring to Margaret's body.
"Atlanta. A nurse will be bringing her body here by train. They should be here day after tomorrow." Silence descended between the two for several minutes. The babbling of the river was all that could be heard. Finally , Neil stopped, put his pole down and wrapped his arms around his mother-in- law. It was a first, but neither felt awkward.
"I'm sorry, Alice," Neil whispered. Then once again she began to weep.
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Christy waited eagerly for Alice's return, hoping to hear of Neil. Eventually, Alice rode up to the mission, her eyes red and puffy from crying. Christy met her on the porch.
"Are you all right, Miss Alice?" Christy asked sincerely. The concern on the young woman's face brought a small smile to Alice's face.
"Thee needn't worry so about me, Christy. I am going to be just fine. I have you and David...and the Lord to lean on. No, it is Dr. MacNeill I am worried about. I believe he is in a sort of shock right now. We must pray for him to find peace, Miss Huddleston."
Alice's words stayed with Christy on into the next days. She and David helped Alice prepare for Margaret's final return. David built a coffin and dug the grave, while Christy helped Alice pick out funeral garb for the deceased. Finally the time came for the body to arrive. David hitched up the wagon, and Neil met the others at the El Pano station. Christy noticed the emptiness on Neil's face as he stood watching the train pull to a stop. She wanted to go to him, but felt something telling her to wait.
A woman approached the foursome and asked for Alice Henderson. "I am Alice Henderson."
"Good. I'm glad I found you so quickly. My name is Anna Thomas, from the Atlanta Health Clinic." Christy guessed that Anna as in her early forties since a tinge of gray highlighted her light brown hair. She had some wrinkles on her kind, plain face.
"I'm so sorry to have to meet under these circumstances...Which one of you is Dr. MacNeill?" she asked, looking at Neil and David.
"I am," Neil answered lowly.
"Mr. MacNeill, I am going to need to have you sign a few forms before we can claim your wife's body from the train. Please come with me." Neil and Anna walked off to the train office while the others remained on the platform. After several minutes, Neil and Anna returned, and soon they were all on their way back to Cutter Gap.
Neil rode in front, alone on his horse. Christy, seated by David in the wagon, was puzzled over what appeared to be Neil's indifferent attitude. Miss Alice, with Anna Thomas, sat in the back next to the box, which contained Margaret's remains. Anna had been Margaret's nurse during her stay at the clinic. She told about Margaret's bitterness towards life, which she witnessed firsthand. Anna, being a Christian, had taken it upon herself to care for this lost sheep.
She recalled the many conversations she had had with Margaret. Early in the stay, Margaret had blamed everyone else for her life's state. She would not even reveal her whereabouts to her family, no matter what, just for spite. However, as her condition worsened to the point of not return, Margaret had softened and started to regret choices in her life. She finally shared the location of her relatives with Nurse Thomas on the eve before her death.
"She knew her time was near. It was then that she regretted not having any loved ones around. I witnessed to Margaret every chance I got, Miss Henderson. She told me I reminded her of her mother. She never did want to listen to what I had to say... until that night... Your soul can rest at ease, ma'am, because your daughter is with the Lord."
These words hit Alice with such force that she nearly jumped off the wagon! Quickly, she regained her composure with a huge smile spreading across her face. "Hallelujah!" she exclaimed.
"Praise God," said David who had heard the whole conversation and was now rejoicing with Christy. Then Christy's eyes drifted to Neil, that lone figure up ahead. Would he ever find peace? She offered up a silent prayer for his salvation, not knowing how close it was.
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Part 11--
Neil heard the approaching footsteps as he continued working outside in his 'medical' garden.
"You know, I never cease to be amazed at how God works in my life," Dan Scott commented as he moved to stand beside the doctor. He cast a quick glance at Neil, waiting for a reaction, but Neil kept right on working.
Dan continued.
"I mean, just being able to come to Cutter Gap was due to God's hand. Then when I got here, I wasn't sure if I'd be stayin' very long-- but He worked that out too."
"No, I believe Christy Huddleston is the one to thank for that. She convinced me to take you on." The doctor's snappy response assured Dan that he had been right about what had been on Neil's mind.
"Now, I know Miss Huddleston would disagree with you on that one. Sure, she tried to talk to ya, but, as I recall, you didn't listen. Nope, it wasn't until that scarlet fever epidemic came that you accepted me. And you can't give Christy the credit for that." Dan tried to sound light and not too serious just yet.
"Yes, I can see God working in everyone's life if I really take a good look. Why, even your life, Dr. MacNeill, is being guided by the Almighty."
At this, Neil opened his mouth to contradict, but Dan didn't give him the chance.
"Now, I know you believe that God doesn't bother with you, but I just don't agree. Think about it... those doctors who came here to hunt when you were younger, the ones who later paid for your schooling... surely you can't believe that were just a coincidence, Doctor. Then you came back here to Cutter Gap where you've done a lot with very little. Then you married Margaret---"
Neil could no longer hold his tongue.
"And how does that mistake show God working in my life, pray tell?"
Dan knew he had to pick his words carefully if he wanted to reach the doctor.
"Hear me out, now. You bring Margaret here, and who follows?--- Miss Alice. And then Miss Alice brings Miss Huddleston." The look on Neil's face was one of embarrassment and a tinge of sorrow.
"Doctor, I know, even in my short time here, that she has had a great impact on your life and many others. Do you honestly think it has all happened simply by chance?" Dan searched Neil's confused face. "God is working in your life, Doctor, because he cares about you. And even if you can't see it right now, He's working it all out according to his master plan. All you have to do is believe and receive Him, then you would know what I know and have a peace in your heart where now there is turmoil."
Neil remained silent, drinking in Dan's words. Dan prayed that Neil would not be able to rest until he made his peace with God. Knowing he had said enough to start the doctor thinking, Dan quietly slipped away back into the woods.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Throughout the rest of the day, Neil could not stop thinking about what Dan had said. Despite his usual scientific outlook, Dan's words had made sense to Neil. When he stopped to analyze the major events of his life, he couldn't quite convince himself they were all due to pure chance. He didn't really even want to believe that his life was shaped by random luck.
That night, Neil tossed and turned as sleep evaded him. He kept hearing Dan's words over and over in his mind.
"....God cares about you...He's workin' it all out.... all you have to do is receive Him and have peace....."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The inhabitants of the mission were up early as usual. For the first time in several days, the sun was peeking out from behind the clouds and filling each person with a fresh batch of energy. Ruby Mae had prepared breakfast, and to everyone's relief, no possum was involved. Thankfully, however, the longer she stayed at the mission, the better her cooking became.
Sitting around the table, the four began to discuss their plans for the day. Christy went first.
"Well, I've decided to go visit Opal. It's been a while since I've seen her or baby Iris, and babies always lift my spirits." Christy fondly recalled how she had cared for the abandoned baby before giving it to the McHone's to adopt.
"What about you, David? How are you going to use this fine day God has given us?" Miss Alice inquired.
"There are a few leaks on the mission roof that need mending. After that is finished, I'm not too sure what I'll find to occupy my time."
"I reckon I'll be startin' on dinner early today. I got me this idea for a new way to fix possum. I just know you all will love it!" Ruby Mae's face was beaming with excitement. The girl failed to notice the looks of desperation on the faces of her companions.
Just then, the telephone rang causing all four to jolt in their seats. Ruby Mae, always full of extra energy and desire for gossip, jumped up to answer the call. "I'll get it!" David shot Christy and Alice a glance of relief at not having to endure anymore gory details about dinner.
"Cutter Gap Mission, Ruby Mae Morrison speakin'... Yeah, she's here." Ruby Mae put her hand over the receiver and turned to the table. "Miss Alice, it's for you." The look of excitement on the redhead's face had quickly turned to one of solemn concern. Alice walked to the phone and picked up the receiver. Her heart always seemed to stop when the phone was for her. Thoughts of Margaret flooded her mind as she began to speak.
"This is Alice Henderson." Christy's heart went out to her mentor. She knew that Alice had been waiting to hear bad news about her daughter any day. Miss Alice listened intently to the voice on the other end for several minutes. The tears welling in her eyes answered Christy's unspoken question---- it was about Margaret.
Finally, Miss Alice said goodbye and hung up the phone. She stood silently with all eyes on her.
"That was a Dr. Franklin from the Atlanta Health Clinic. It's Margaret." With those last words, Christy ran to put her arms around her friend just as the older woman began to weep. Several minutes passed where the only sounds heard were Alice's sobs of grief. After Alice felt she could cry no more she began to explain more to the young people around her.
"A nurse from the clinic will be accompanying Margaret's.... body here to Cutter Gap in a couple of days. Margaret had been at the clinic for some time, but would never disclose the whereabouts of her family- until last night.... soon before she.... passed. The nurse will give me more details."
No one knew quite what to say. David came over and placed a strong hand on Alice's shoulder. Christy embraced the woman fiercely as she began to cry new tears.
"I'm so sorry, Miss Alice, so sorry." Christy's heart ached for her friend and for Neil. How would he take the news? As if reading her thoughts, David spoke up.
"Alice, what about Dr. MacNeill? Don't you think someone should tell him?"
"Yes, David. He needs to know," Alice replied, wiping her eyes.
"I'll go, Miss Alice," Christy immediately volunteered.
"No, Miss Huddleston." Miss Alice's blunt refusal was unexpected, and Christy felt wounded. "I just think it would be best if I am the one to tell Neil. Thank you, though, for thy offer. David, would thee saddle up my horse? The sooner I do this, the better."
"Sure, Miss Alice. It'll only take a few minutes. Are you sure you want to ride alone?"
"Alone, Reverend? I'll not be alone. God is with me, even now." Miss Alice was a marvel even under such stress, Christy thought. Now, she could have closure concerning the relationship with her daughter. But what about Neil? Christy longed to be there when he found out about his wife's death. She wanted to be the one to console him, but Miss Alice had already spoken, and Christy would not go against that decision.
Part: 12
The ride to Neil's cabin seemed extremely long to Alice. It did give her plenty of time to think of what to say to him, but as the cabin came into view, those words fled like a thief in the night. Neil was fishing by his stream, trying to relax despite his restless night. He heard the neigh of an approaching horse and turned to see Alice dismounting by the porch. She began walking towards him, a tell-all look on her face. Without her saying a word, Neil knew why Alice was here.
"It's Margaret, isn't it?" It was more a statement than a question. Unable to speak, Alice simply nodded her head in affirmation. Neil returned to his fishing as Alice moved to his side.
"I knew it would happen sooner or later. She was already so sick when she left here. Where is she now?"
What a loaded question, Alice thought to herself, but knew Neil was only referring to Margaret's body.
"Atlanta. A nurse will be bringing her body here by train. They should be here day after tomorrow." Silence descended between the two for several minutes. The babbling of the river was all that could be heard. Finally , Neil stopped, put his pole down and wrapped his arms around his mother-in- law. It was a first, but neither felt awkward.
"I'm sorry, Alice," Neil whispered. Then once again she began to weep.
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Christy waited eagerly for Alice's return, hoping to hear of Neil. Eventually, Alice rode up to the mission, her eyes red and puffy from crying. Christy met her on the porch.
"Are you all right, Miss Alice?" Christy asked sincerely. The concern on the young woman's face brought a small smile to Alice's face.
"Thee needn't worry so about me, Christy. I am going to be just fine. I have you and David...and the Lord to lean on. No, it is Dr. MacNeill I am worried about. I believe he is in a sort of shock right now. We must pray for him to find peace, Miss Huddleston."
Alice's words stayed with Christy on into the next days. She and David helped Alice prepare for Margaret's final return. David built a coffin and dug the grave, while Christy helped Alice pick out funeral garb for the deceased. Finally the time came for the body to arrive. David hitched up the wagon, and Neil met the others at the El Pano station. Christy noticed the emptiness on Neil's face as he stood watching the train pull to a stop. She wanted to go to him, but felt something telling her to wait.
A woman approached the foursome and asked for Alice Henderson. "I am Alice Henderson."
"Good. I'm glad I found you so quickly. My name is Anna Thomas, from the Atlanta Health Clinic." Christy guessed that Anna as in her early forties since a tinge of gray highlighted her light brown hair. She had some wrinkles on her kind, plain face.
"I'm so sorry to have to meet under these circumstances...Which one of you is Dr. MacNeill?" she asked, looking at Neil and David.
"I am," Neil answered lowly.
"Mr. MacNeill, I am going to need to have you sign a few forms before we can claim your wife's body from the train. Please come with me." Neil and Anna walked off to the train office while the others remained on the platform. After several minutes, Neil and Anna returned, and soon they were all on their way back to Cutter Gap.
Neil rode in front, alone on his horse. Christy, seated by David in the wagon, was puzzled over what appeared to be Neil's indifferent attitude. Miss Alice, with Anna Thomas, sat in the back next to the box, which contained Margaret's remains. Anna had been Margaret's nurse during her stay at the clinic. She told about Margaret's bitterness towards life, which she witnessed firsthand. Anna, being a Christian, had taken it upon herself to care for this lost sheep.
She recalled the many conversations she had had with Margaret. Early in the stay, Margaret had blamed everyone else for her life's state. She would not even reveal her whereabouts to her family, no matter what, just for spite. However, as her condition worsened to the point of not return, Margaret had softened and started to regret choices in her life. She finally shared the location of her relatives with Nurse Thomas on the eve before her death.
"She knew her time was near. It was then that she regretted not having any loved ones around. I witnessed to Margaret every chance I got, Miss Henderson. She told me I reminded her of her mother. She never did want to listen to what I had to say... until that night... Your soul can rest at ease, ma'am, because your daughter is with the Lord."
These words hit Alice with such force that she nearly jumped off the wagon! Quickly, she regained her composure with a huge smile spreading across her face. "Hallelujah!" she exclaimed.
"Praise God," said David who had heard the whole conversation and was now rejoicing with Christy. Then Christy's eyes drifted to Neil, that lone figure up ahead. Would he ever find peace? She offered up a silent prayer for his salvation, not knowing how close it was.
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