Chapter Twenty-seven
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The Fathers' Heart
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Bill Avery opened the devotional while still in bed. The light that streamed in between the shade and the window casing was enough to illuminate the pages. He found the October date and read.

'TREASURES

Like glittering, gold coins
tumbling from a treasure chest, the trees
release the wealth of the Autumn harvest sending,
abandoning, trusting it all to the dancing winds.
Shouldn't they hold onto their colorful, warm cloaks,
knowing winter's cold winds will soon be blowing?
Yet, year after year, they let go and wave farewell to their prized,
their beautiful and their best. Offended, my practicality resists this annual waste,
this Fall.
But God built wisdom into the cycle of the seasons—when the winter storms bring snow
and ice to coat the barren branches of the trees, they will be preserved for yet another year.
Once, I learned this painful lesson in an early October storm. At first, I awoke welcoming
the surprise. I stood awed with that first snowfall, listening to the white silence,
admiring the out-of-season beauty. But heavy, wet snow fell on leaf and fruit-laden branches,
burdening them with a weight they could not bear. Suddenly trees and limbs broke
with violent rifle shots, eerie cracks that pierced the snow's silence while piercing
my heart.
Does God also intend the abundant fruit—beyond the gathered harvest overflowing
the barns or squirreled away in hidden nests—to fall and rot, wasted on the ground?
Yes.
God reveals his design below the melting snow. Old fruit fertilizes the soil
with rich nutrients and seeds the earth with the promise of new life.
Now humbled,
my protests
are silenced.
Scarred, but
enlightened,
I appreciate
the falling
leaves and
fruits that
end the
Autumn
and, when
tempted to
resist the
loss of beauty
and bounty
or to believe my
practical solutions,
I remember God in his wisdom
and wait for the treasures of Spring.' (EMH)

Bill stopped and looked towards the light at the window, pondering. 'So many life lessons. Such wisdom.'

He continued reading at the bottom of the page.

'Prayer for today: Lord God, You have made everything for a season. Your plans are perfect and generous and good. Thank you for your provisions of color, beauty, sustenance and shelter. Yet even if we are waiting for the promised spring, may we learn October's lessons and give thanks. Amen.'

Marveling at the thoughts Nathan had written, Bill had an overwhelming feeling of sadness, of missing Nathan and Allie, his family. As he rose from bed, Bill made a decision. He was going to Regina!


Nathan opened the morning mail and began to read.

'Dear Nathan,

I hope this finds you well and happy? I know there is a delay in the postal service at such a distance, but I do hope a letter is on its way? Your mother and I are so curious about your new life!

How is Allie? She is such a crackerjack that I imagine she has taken her new school by storm, made lots of friends and is already revealing her bright mind to her teachers. Please give her a hug from me? I would love to give her one myself.

How is the new job? Is it what you expected? I hope it is far more than you expected, Son, and hope you really enjoy it. No question, you'll do well though. Your brilliant mind has oft gone unnoticed due to your more reserved personality, but I believe you are now being recognized as you ought to be. I am proud of you, Son. A Staff Sergeant Major! My son!

In spite of my struggles and not being present in so many important ways, you have become an admirable man, father and Mountie. I believe I have your mother and God to thank for that and I hope you are continuing to forgive me?

Your mother and I are well, although she has had some struggles with her knees lately. She is still the best cook in the land and she is not giving up, even if she has to sit on a stool while cooking. I am thankful! As you know, this little cottage is ideal because she doesn't have to walk far for anything so, with a cane, she is managing. We wish we could visit, but maybe next spring? My job is fine and I should qualify for a longer holiday by then so we can travel.

Thank you for visiting us this summer. It meant a lot!

I'm sorry there is no exciting news to tell you. You and Allie are living the more interesting life! Please write when you can.

Oh, did they ever give you a farewell party in Hope Valley? I know you left in a hurry, but, I hope they recognized you in some way.

We pray for you and Allie every day.
I will say goodbye for now, Son.

All our love to you and our girl,
Dad, for Mom too'

Nathan stared out the window before rereading his father's letter. There was so much for which he was thankful, and even amazed. He glanced down and reread the words of affirmation. He was grateful that he and Allie had posted a letter on Monday morning and thought it would get to Calgary by today. 'We need to write a longer letter this weekend because there is so much more to share! Especially for Allie!' Nathan smiled as he folded the letter and placed it in his inside pocket, patting his chest. This is one he would keep.


Elizabeth had been journaling faithfully since she had returned home, but when Dr. Ben and Joseph had suggested she write her thoughts as letters to the people she needed to apologize to it had struck a chord. She poured out her heart, but carefully chose the right words, unlike recording her personal thoughts in her journal. The only problem was that she could hardly stop the flow of words when she wrote her imaginary letter to Nathan. Her letter to him was filled with sorrow and regret and longing and the more she wrote the more she realized she needed to write. Only because Dr. Ben had instructed her to stop after two hours of journaling and get a good night's sleep had she put down her pen last night.

She opened her journal as she waited for the pastor and doctor to arrive. Elizabeth had labeled each page with the name of someone she had neglected or hurt. On some pages, like Rosemary's, she began a list of things she needed to confess. On another page for young Jack, she confessed her neglect and relinquishing of parenting to Laura and Rosemary and Lee. On the page with Jack's name, she had begun writing how much she missed him and how unfair it was that he had been taken. When she pondered the word she had inadvertently chosen, she suddenly wondered. 'Taken by whom?' It was a thought she didn't want to consider so she had left that page and had not continued.


William Thatcher shifted as he sat in the chair opposite her, his eyes closed. Elizabeth wondered if he was praying? He had asked to meet with them all this morning and Elizabeth hoped for some answers to his change in attitude towards her. She turned to the journal page with her father's name. It was blank.

Pastor Joseph and Dr. Ben entered the apartment together and the doctor offered the first greeting. "Good morning. Elizabeth. William. Grace. Thank you for allowing our joint session to be this morning. Pastor Joseph understandably reserves his Friday afternoon for sermon preparation. Let's begin."

Joseph spoke up. "Yes, thank you. But before we begin, shall I ask the Lord to guide our conversation and make clear what we all need to understand?" As everyone nodded and bowed their heads, Joseph led a prayer as he had suggested, closing with, "And we know this is a process Lord, and we are just beginning, but give us insights that will clarify the path going forward. Ultimately we commit ourselves to You, that we would show Your love and shine Your light to others around us. We ask with thanksgiving, Amen."

Joseph then asked William to open with the concerns he had asked to express.

"Thank you, Joseph." William turned towards Elizabeth and began. "In business I have often encountered greedy people, strong and belligerent. Their agendas do not match up with my own. Because of that I have had hateful words spewed upon me more than once. I have tried to ignore the offending person or walk away or dismiss them from my office. I have always tried not to react and infuriate them further and gotten my revenge by withdrawing from any business dealings with them."

"That strategy worked until a particularly arrogant young man angered me a couple months ago. He did not like the offer on the table and, I confess, I did not like him so I was just as glad he disapproved. I was caught off guard by his accusations and curses though and my anger rose. What I would have done if he had been tall I don't know, but he was short and stocky and I rose to my full height, got up close and, pointing my arm, told him to get out and don't come back again. That only enraged him more and he had to be escorted out of my office, even as he continued to spout obscenities in my direction."

"As I observed him depart his demeanor suddenly changed when he neared my secretery and he was silent, almost shocked. He left the outer office subdued and I was astonished. I called my secretary in to my office and asked him what had just happened." William pulled a folded page from his pocket and unfolded it then looked up at his listeners. "James explained that he had been praying and blessing the young man when he heard the outburst. He then handed me this piece of paper. Let me read this to you? It is a poem entitled 'Speaking Peace.'"

'Like the burning sting of a slap on the face
the fiery curse bursts forth—
a blast of poisonous words
that shock, threaten, and blacken the air with hate.
Sparking a flash of fear, the curse ignites
an ever-lengthening wick of vengeful anger.

Suddenly
a blessing is spoken
from a forgiving heart!
Undeserved, unexpected words
break through the chain of reactions,
"Peace to you. I bless you in the name of the Lord."

Instantly,
a heavenly breath,
a fresh, fragrant gentle breeze,
permeates the air, encircling the blessed.
From above, the Wind of Mercy whispers
a message of love, offering healing to the hurting heart.

Powerless and diffused,
the foul curse shrivels and dies,
evaporating in the face of grace.' (EMH)

William was silent after the poem concluded. He cleared his throat and looked at each one present. "I was immediately convicted by God. I had always tried. I had always handled differences and offences on my own. I'm ashamed to admit I was proud to be able to 'put people in their place' and to intimidate those who tried to manipulate me. But it was in my own strength and the story I just told you shows what a failure I was. I didn't turn the other cheek like Jesus instructs us to do. I didn't bless the one who cursed me. I got angry and the situation escalated."

William took a deep breath. "James, my secretary, told me about a book from which that poem was copied and I acquired a copy. God has gently used that volume to show me myself and show me a better way, and lead me to know God better. And that is why I wanted to talk with you today, dear Elizabeth."

"I know our interactions were not as violent or vulgar as the one I described, but we have had our moments and I have used intimidation on you and your sisters. When I didn't agree with your choices, I allowed no other opinion to be expressed but my own and I am so sorry. I was very un-fatherly, to coin a word. I was not loving or patient or supportive, for I now realize supporting someone you love is listening and getting to know them and finding areas of agreement. Can you forgive me for not being the father I ought to have been, Elizabeth?"

Stunned by all she was hearing, Elizabeth only quietly said. "I guess so."

"Dear daughter. There is more. When I read the book from which this poem originated, I found this." William turned the paper over and began to read. "Forgiving."

'Like the sweep of a broom,
of wind blowing dirt away
or wave twirling sand
round a seashell,
truth reveals.
As I see, I remember
and choose to forgive.
Like a receding tide I weep,
washing away the evidence of pain.
Forgiving heals
and the tide of holy peace flows in.
I forgive again and yet again
until, when remembered,
there is neither twinge nor tear.' (EMH)

"This is what I am asking, Elizabeth. For you to choose to and continue to forgive me again and again." William paused. "When you left to come here, I was not happy with your decision or with you leaving home when you knew that wasn't what I wanted for your life. When you were engaged to Jack, I was not supportive. He wasn't what I wanted for you and I was afraid if you married him you would never return to Hamilton. I didn't hear you out and although it is too late to ask Jack's forgiveness, I do ask for yours?"

There was silence so William added softly. "If you need time, I understand Elizabeth. You may come to me when you are ready. But I want you to know your mother and I have longed to visit you, but were not sure we would be welcome. So, as difficult as this trial is for you, we find God's hand at work and are grateful to be here with you now." William cleared his throat. "I love you, Sweetheart."

Tears were spilling down Elizabeth's cheeks and she let them, looking at her father with watery blue eyes. She leaned over to place her journal on the floor, but before she could stand, William Thatcher was on his knees before his daughter encircling her in his arms. They both let tears fall unheeded until William excused himself and, backing away with an embarrassed chuckle, explained. "I am not as young as I once was, Elizabeth. I cannot kneel any longer!" He struggled, but stood and lifted her face to look at him. "Take the time you need, but please consider forgiving me?"

Elizabeth nodded. "I will, Father. I just need to absorb all this. It is a lot…"

"It is, but thank you for hearing me out." William bent to kiss her forehead then turned to his chair. "There actually is one more thing to mention. I only learned from Bill that you know the author of that book, those poems. When I met with Bill, I saw it on his desk and pointed it out mentioning that it had meant a lot to me. He informed me that the author is Nathan Grant." He paused then reemphasized, "Nathan, Elizabeth."

Shock registered on Elizabeth's face as she inhaled sharply. She whispered, "Nathan?"

"Yes, Elizabeth." Joseph interjected. "Nathan has written two books. Deep and good ones, I might add."

She whipped her head around to look at Joseph. "You knew?"

Joseph nodded. "A few of his close friends have known for a while. I have even used a couple poems and phrases in my sermons. I just promised Nathan I would not reveal their source."

"How did I not know this?"

Quietly, Joseph said her name. "Elizabeth. You have had your mind on other things. The books have been in the library for a couple years because Nathan donated them. But no one knew they were his because he published under a pseudonym."

William offered. "I mistakenly left my copy in Hamilton, so I ordered them and can lend you my copy if you wish, Elizabeth?"

Still struggling to speak, Elizabeth only nodded her 'yes.'

"Elizabeth?" Dr. Ben spoke gently. "Are you okay to continue or should we take a short break and get you some coffee or tea?"

"I think I'm okay." She wiped her eyes but kept the wadded handkerchief in her grip.

Today had been the day to discuss Jack Thornton, but plans changed and the questions centered around Elizabeth's youth and relationships with her parents and sisters. It was a day for healing to begin.


Allie was excited for Home Ec. class. Giggling with the other three in their quartet of friends, Sally, Katie and Naomi, Allie signed the roster and then took her seat. This was the day they were making refreshments for the Faculty Tea and there was a heightened excitement.

Having thought about how she wanted to decorate the tea sandwiches and platters Allie was anxious to get started. She hoped Mrs. Evans would allow her to have a helper or two to cut up the vegetables for garnish so she determined, if not offered, she would ask.

Soon the room was filled with busy young women preparing the High Tea. There were stations for trimming crusts and buttering bread, groups assigned to spread cheese, others to layer ham and then chutney, and others to layer thin turkey and paper thin apple slices. Earlier Mrs. Evans had carefully supervised the senior students as they used the mandolin slicer to cut the apples then set them in lemon water until this class arrived.

Naomi and Sally had been assigned to assist Allie in cutting tiny pieces of red and green peppers, carrots and radish peels in addition to clipping watercress and parsley for garnishes. Katie prepared carrot curls and radish roses while Allie formed roses from carrot peels. They would adorn the platters.

As Mrs. Evans circulated among the students, she was very grateful she had chosen Allie Grant for the decorating. The teacher made sure to compliment and encourage all her students as she walked around the stations, but kept her effusive praise of Allie to herself! She was impressed.

By the end of the class, platters and platters were beautifully arranged and decorated and stacked in rolling carts that Mrs. Evans had borrowed from the cafeteria. Having removed their aprons and straightened their uniforms, and of course their hair, the young ladies proudly marched down the hallway pushing carts and carefully carrying trays to the Academy's Library. There they arranged the linen-clad tables that had been placed around the center section, leaving open space for the guests to circulate. Allie noted the floral arrangements that the senior class had created and admired the table arrangements with china teacups, silver spoons and diminutive linen napkins. Some of the sandwich-laden plates were fit into the plate stands and, together with cake stands, Allie noted how the differing heights added visual interest.

'Oh how I wish I could be here to see Dad's reaction! This is so beautiful.' Allie looked longingly at the beautiful tables and was surprised when Mrs. Evans waved her over to where she was standing with Sally.

Whispering, Mrs. Evans conspired. "Allie and Sally? I cannot have everyone participate, but would you like to assist this afternoon? You would be responsible for removing partially empty plates and replenishing the tables with full plates. Allie, if you could rearrange the platters throughout the event? I have a table hidden in the reference section. I prefer that you not circulate among the guests as you may be the subject of conversations, but if you remain in the background you can watch when you are not occupied." Observing the wide-eyed excitement of the two pretty young ladies before her, Mrs. Evans, questioned. "What do you think? Would you like to do that?"

Both heads nodding in unison, the girls whispered together, "Yes! Thank you!"

Giggling at their duet, Allie nodded. "We'd love to!"

"Good and thank you! Now, go directly to the Principal's office to call your parents and arrange for your pick-ups to be cancelled or delayed, okay? Tell Mrs. Ashley I said you may use the office telephone. Then after freshening up, please return directly here and meet in the reference section." Mrs. Evans grinned as she waved them away to make preparations.


Nathan opened his pay cheque, gasped and whistled low. 'Is this correct? This is far more than I expected!' Glancing at the clock he figured he had time before he had to leave for St. Anne's so he commented to his officemate. "Wes, I am heading to the finance office. If anyone needs me, I'll be back shortly."

Having observed Nathan's reaction as he opened the envelope, Wes inquired. "Is everything okay, Nathan?"

"I don't know, but if this is correct, then yes, everything is more than okay!" Nathan waved the paper in his hand as he departed his office.

Wes watched with a wide grin on his face. "Oh everything is definitely okay, my friend!"


Nathan entered the Finance Office and was greeted by a stunning blonde woman seated at the closest desk. "How may I help you, Sergeant?" Her cheeks flushed involuntarily even though she was far too old for such a catch.

Nathan didn't even notice. "Hello. I am Staff Sergeant Nathan Grant and this is my first pay cheque. To whom can I speak to be certain this is correct? I really think there may have been an error."

"I would be glad to assist you, Sir. What is the problem?"

"This," Nathan pointed to the amount, "Is far more than I expected!"

"I am Miss Adeline Foster, Sir. Let me take a look." She reached for the cheque then sat down again at her desk. Opening a file cabinet, she retrieved a folder and twirled in her chair to open it on her desk. After a few moments Miss Foster looked up and handed it back to Nathan. "This is correct. Didn't anyone discuss the salary that accompanies your rank, Sir? I see you were promoted from Constab…" Miss Foster's face paled as she saw Nathan's record. Her blush then returned as she raised her eyes to Nathan. "You were in Hope Valley?"

"Yes, Ma'am. I just relocated from Hope Valley. You know of it?" Nathan asked curiously.

"Ah… Yes, I know of it." She took a breath. "I've been there and knew some people there in the past." Miss Foster admitted as her blush deepened.

"Oh? Tell me. Who do you know? I served there for four years so am familiar with everyone who lived there during that time."

Miss Foster looked down at her hands, now gripped tightly in her lap. As she lifted her head she resolved to find out what she could, so she confessed. "I know Sheriff Bill Avery, Sir. And Abigail Stanton," She added hastily.

"You know Bill? What are the chances? He's the Judge now and one of my closest friends! Actually Bill is a mentor and like a father to me! Wait until I tell him I've met someone he knows." Nathan paused and sensed hesitancy. "Is that okay… if I tell him I have met you? Does he know you are working here?" Nathan glanced at her left hand and seeing no ring, hoped it was acceptable to inform his friend.

"Ahh…" Hardly believing this was possible, Miss Foster responded, nodding her head. "You may tell him and please send my greetings? We parted under less than ideal circumstances, so I don't know how he will respond, but please do tell him."

"I will do so as soon as I can." Smiling warmly, Nathan reached out to shake her hand. "Lovely to meet you Miss Adeline Foster. Please call me Nathan? A friend of a friend is a friend of mine."

"Thank you, Nathan. You may call me Adeline, please? But Bill would better recognize me as A.J. although I haven't used that nickname in many years." She shook Nathan's outstretched hand then, wanting to prevent the conversation from revealing more, pointed to his pay cheque. "That Sergea… Nathan, is correct and congratulations on your new position. Welcome to Depot."

"Mmmm." Nathan looked back at the cheque. "Thank you. For all! And wonderful to meet you, Adeline Foster." Nathan gave his hat tip salute and turned, smiling as he closed the door.

As the latch clicked, Adeline let out a long, slow breath and clutched her neck. "Oh my goodness…"


Back in his office Wes informed Nathan that Allie had called and didn't need the Cooks to meet her after school but could ride home after the Tea with him. "She said she would call Gramma Carol and let her know?" Wes figured there was a story here so added. "You have family here in Regina, Nathan?"

As he lifted the telephone to call Carol himself, he shook his head and put up his hand. After being assured by Carol that Allie had gotten through to her and that Allie would see him at the Tea, Nathan confirmed their Friday night dinner together and hung up the receiver with a thank you.

Turning to Wes, Nathan explained. "No. No family by blood. Allie has made Aunts and Uncles of many of our friends, but since the Commissioner and his wife call me 'Son' she decided that they should be given the names of grandparents. Since they have no children I think it works for all of them!"

"And Allie is a teenager?" At Nathan's nod, Wes commented. "You are remarkably blessed, Nathan. She sounds delightful!"

"I know I am blessed and she is delightful. But, if I want to remain in her good graces, I had better head over to the Academy for the Faculty Tea!" Nathan checked his hair in the mirror, then grabbed his hat off the hook. "Have a great weekend, Wes."

"You too! Enjoy the 'Tea!'"

Nathan could hear Wes's laughter as he walked down the hallway.


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(EMH) 'Treasures,' 'Speaking Peace' and 'Forgiving' are all original poems by E.M. Hunter. Self-published in 'Illuminations,' Copyright 2014

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Author's Note:

Because of the ads on this website you may not realize but the poem 'Treasures' is shaped like a tree! This explains the unusual line breaks. I love the visual although it probably won't translate well into FanFiction.

Also, I wrote this poem after an extremely heavy October 4th snow storm that caused major damage on all the trees because they still retained their leaves. In the stillness of the falling snow, branches snapped like rifle shots and limbs and entire trees thudded to the ground. Our area was without electricity for weeks and the damage was visible for years thereafter. The snow was incredibly beautiful though, and it got me thinking! EMH