Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 9, Part 1, Page 54

Life at Emily's house was going along just as great as could be for Allie. She was enjoying most all her new experiences, her new friend, Karen, guitar lessons with Dee, babysitting Nicholas, learning to cook and bake with Oma, gathering eggs from all the chicks, helping with Berta, and enjoying playing with the puppies! The summer with Oma was perfect but going so fast.

There were days when she was alone swinging on the swing and thought about her dad and Hope Valley. Today she received a surprise letter that came in the mail from Mrs. Thornton. When she went out to the backyard, she had the unopened letter with her. She was still feeling badly about what happened with her teacher and her dad. Actually, she was mad that Mrs. Thornton hurt her dad and it made her feel sad and angry at the same time. But she remembered how Oma had told her, "It's better not to hold a grudge angel, that's not what our good Lord wants."

So, with that she opened the letter. Mrs. Thornton had liked her idea to have a music teacher as Allie had written about Dee. She also said that because there were so many students that already have an interest in singing or playing instruments, that would be a great addition. Elizabeth reassured Allie that she would talk to the Superintendent Mr. Landis, couldn't promise anything, but would give it her best. Before she ended, she told Allie how happy she was to hear that she was enjoying playing guitar, and that she missed her. With that Allie smiled and felt better towards Mrs. Thornton. It wouldn't be that much longer and she would be back to Hope Valley.

Bill, Christopher, and John were enjoying their time together after spending the days out at the cabin caring for the wounded. One soldier had a bullet that was removed from his leg. Another soldier was suffering with a broken arm and shoulder, and one with a head injury and they weren't sure if he was going to lose one eye. Carson was treating them cleaning their wounds daily and helping with pain control. Bill and his comrades stayed with them to help them sit up, eat, get clean and dressed. "Faith and I truly appreciate you men helping out here," Carson thanked them.

Once they were in bed for the night, the Mounties went back to Bill's for the night, but once during the night, they each took turns rotating by riding out to the cabin to check on the soldiers, and so far no problems. "It's been great having you guys here to play cards or give me a hard time about the food cooking over at Billees. I really appreciate your stepping up and coming here."

Ned and Florence had to handle the food demand and were busy keeping the supply available and delivering mail. Greetings from far away friends and family were the highlight of the day for these soldiers bringing smiles and cheer.

Minnie was also helping making food at the cafe, and Clare pitched in when her morning sickness allowed her, but by lunch time she was usually available.

Of course, Fiona pitched in by giving the soldiers a hair cut and shave. It helped too to see a pretty face coming by with her big smile.

Joseph Canfield was visiting the soldiers to pray and counsel them. His visits meant so much to them as they often felt comfortable talking with him about what they saw and the horrors of war. Almost all of them suffered from nightmares and they needed time to cry and to pray. He even introduced one soldier to God and soon had a bible study with any soldier who wanted to, and most did. During the week, he had a special prayer night for all the townsfolk to pray for those who were hurt or injured in the war or suffered from the Spanish flu. Most of the time healing of the soul was needed more than the body.

Lee and Rosemary were very busy overseeing Billee's and the soldiers staying there. Faith would oversee their care. Rosemary loved visiting with the men and singing them songs from the stage while they ate their meals. Sam and Andy were always busy cooking, cleaning and doing laundry. The parents or older siblings would come to see their son or sibling and pitch in with whatever they could, or bring in food from their garden or a chicken to cook. The soldiers were getting the Hope Valley royal treatment.

When Nathan was sitting at his desk at the NWMP, he was somewhat startled when there was a knock on his door. When he opened the door, he was shocked to see Archie Grant standing there.