Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 8, Part 3, Page 50

Dee arrived for Allie's lesson happier than usual, if that's possible. Allie was so glad to see her that when she told Allie and Emily about her brother, Walter being back home from the war, she went over to her without hesitation and gave her a big hug. Dee was surprised but delighted and hugged her tightly. "How is Walter doing now?" Emily asked.

"He's being cared for and spoiled rotten by my parents. Mom is doting on him at his every beck and call!" Dee rolled her eyes. "Walter is very lucky that he didn't have more injuries. What he suffered was minimal compared to what he told us about others."

"How did he get hurt?" Allie asked.

"He was in the foxhole when bullets were flying all around him. He was really scared and has had a few nightmares." Dee explained.

"War is evil, so wrong in so many ways," Emily shook her head. "These soldiers left as boys and came home men. We need to pray for their recovery and help any way we can. I'm hoping we can have Walter and your folks over for dinner sometime soon!"

"That would be lovely, once Walter's face is healed." Dee smiled. "Now, let's get to work Allie. I have a new song, it's "Keep on Smiling". I'll sing it so you hear the melody." As Allie and Dee worked together, Emily was enjoying every minute of it. Emily loved to hear music and when she sang church hymns, she remembered that Saint Augustine said that singing counts for praying twice.

The dogs were barking so Emily got up to see why. It was Dr. Herrmann, the veterinarian coming to check on Barrett, Ella, the pups, and Berta. "Good day Mrs. Grant!" he greeted. "Guten Tag! Wait until you see our puppies!" Emily exclaimed as they walked to the barn.

Inside Allie asked Dee what her mom and Nathan were like when they were little.

Dee recalled the carefree times the five of them shared. The 3 girls, Colleen, Dorothy and Dee and the 3 boys Nathan and Walter were usually found playing together. When Allie told her about swimming in the pond and seeing the soldiers, Dee knew exactly where she had been. "All of us used to swim there in the summertime or you would catch your dad or Walter fishing together. Sometimes, I'd join them, but I wouldn't put the worm on the hook!"

"That's no big deal." Allie looked at Dee "I bet you hung out with the girls though, if you were afraid of worms" teased Allie.

"I'll never forget those days. I'm so glad to see your Dad again!" Dee confirmed.

Back in Hope Valley, Mayor Fiona confirmed that the soldiers would be arriving in the next day or so. Those who were able to go home to recuperate were the majority, but there would be several who needed Dr. Faith nearby to tend to their wounds. Those that were ambulatory would stay at Billee's. Luckily there were just a few who would need more physical help, they would stay out at Henry's cabin.

Nathan had two Mounties and one recruit coming tomorrow. The two Mounties would stay with Bill. Bill thought he most likely knew them and it would be great to have some company. The recruit was going to stay with Nathan woth Allie gone, he had room and he could keep an eye on him.

Consulting with Bill they decided that the Mounties were trained in first aide and would be best helping out with those men who were badly injured and recuperating at Henry's. Dr. Faith would ride out there on an every other day basis. If needed one of the Mounties would ride into town to pick her up and go back for any emergencies. They also would pick up the food from the Cafe or Billee's and take it back with them.

The recruit would help out with the soldiers staying at Billees. He would also assist Sam with cooking food and bringing water, linens, and towels to them.

Rosemary had put the article in the Valley Voice asking for any donations or food and was overwhelmed with a generous amount of volunteers who would bring what their gardens grew, or to cook the meals, or even chop up vegetables, and make bakery yummies!

"Well Bill, looks like we have a very giving and loving little town that steps up to the plate every time and hits a home run! With a little grace from above, we should be doing okay." Nathan nodded.

"Tomorrow the soldiers and Mounties will be here. Hope Valley will make sure they get a warm welcome!" Bill declared.