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Chapter Forty-six

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An Evening for Notes

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Elizabeth brought a cup of tea to her desk, sat and smoothed her bathrobe. She laid some note pages and envelopes on the desktop and took up her pen. It was past time for some thank you notes.

She began with notes of thanks to Faith, Fiona and Molly knowing they had cared for her so faithfully when she had first collapsed. She asked forgiveness for any neglect she had exhibited and shared her desire to be a better friend to them. Especially thanking Faith and Fiona for the lovely lunch they had shared together, she closed their notes with the sentiment, 'You made me feel so special and I am grateful. Yours, Elizabeth'

From there she composed a note to Joseph and Minnie, thanking them for their many prayers, for the hours Joseph had devoted to her recovery and for the meals that Minnie had sent to the Infirmary that first week. Elizabeth expressed her gratitude that they had settled in Hope Valley and how they were woven into the fabric of the town and belonged. She requested they give her love to Angela and Cooper, stating, 'I do miss seeing the children, but when I feel sufficiently recovered to answer the probing questions that young people may have, I would like to visit! I cannot thank you both enough and covet continued prayers as I have some particularly difficult letters and conversations ahead. All God's blessings, Elizabeth'

Her next note was to Lee. Elizabeth explained her sorrow for how she had neglected true friendship with Rosemary and how that must have pained him to watch. She thanked him for always stepping up to care for Jack, and especially while she was in the Infirmary for that long week. She thanked him for his continued thoughtfulness over the years, driving her places and watching out for her woodpile. 'I am sorry to have interrupted so many of your times with Rosemary because of my need or Jack's. You have been a most patient man and a faithful friend, Lee, and I am so thankful you are Jack's guardians. I couldn't have asked for better. God bless you beyond your dreams, Elizabeth'

Wanting to address her gratitude to Florence and Ned, Elizabeth composed a note recognizing their important role in Hope Valley, including Florence's diligence with the switchboard and Ned's quiet confidentiality with telegrams and mail deliveries. 'Hope Valley owes a lot to both of you, but I want to thank you for your part in my life as well. Thank you for your faithful understanding and support. Every blessing, Elizabeth'

Writing to the Yosts reminded Elizabeth she needed to thank Katie for taking over the school so suddenly and for doing such a wonderful job with the children. 'I completely trust their education in your hands, Katie, and I hope that you remain for a very long time. Fondly, Elizabeth (no longer Mrs. T to you!)'

Addressing a note to Cat Montgomery, Elizabeth thanked her for so readily and willingly serving as a substitute teacher over the years. 'Being ill or unable to perform my duties was less of a burden for me, knowing you could step in so skillfully. Thank you for your support and prayers, Cat. May God bless you richly, Elizabeth'

To Laura, Elizabeth wrote her thanks for the wonderful care she had given Jack over the past years. 'You know you have my glowing reference when you approach your graduation and certification, Laura. It has been a joy to watch you learn and grow and I know you will make a wonderful teacher, and someday a wonderful mother as well. I hope you know how much Jack and I both love you. Always, Elizabeth'

'Dr. Ben, I know our sessions are not yet completed, but I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your wise counsel, your patience and your support throughout this healing journey. My father was right to invite you here to Hope Valley, and although Hamilton may miss you, I hope you might find a way to make your home in Hope Valley. You are gifted and needed! Your grateful patient, and maybe someday your friend, Elizabeth.'

Knowing that Bill would be returning soon, Elizabeth wrote to thank him for being the mail carrier of her note to Nathan, and for his care and support of both Nathan and Allie. 'I am grateful that they have had your faithful and dependable support when I was so negligent. Thank you for the many risks you have taken as you assisted Jack and then Nathan on behalf of Hope Valley. Thank you for braving my selfish and thoughtless behavior to do what was best for my son when I was blinded to his needs. You have been a consistent and loving presence throughout his life and I am grateful, Bill. I truly love you, my friend, Elizabeth'

Finally, Elizabeth sat with a blank page before her. She knew who she needed to write, yet glancing at the clock she realized how late it had become. She decided that maybe tomorrow, after a good night's sleep, she could face this note, wondering if it was the most important one she had to write. Capping the pen, she banked the fire and carried the lamp upstairs to prepare for bed. As she laid in the dark with her quilt pulled up under her chin, Elizabeth gave thanks for each one to whom she had written this evening and then committed Nathan and Allie into God's loving care. She hummed softly as she drifted off to sleep and the words of the fourth verse of 'All through the Night' danced through her mind and into her dreams.

'Star of Faith the dark adorning, All through the night;
Leads us fearless toward the morning, All through the night.
Though our hearts be wrapped in sorrow, From the home of dawn we borrow,
Promise of a glad tomorrow, All through the night.'
(*17)


After dinner and clean-up, Bill, Nathan and Allie had enjoyed some folksongs and hymns with the guitar. Bill returned to the main house and Allie retreated to her room to read before bed.

Nathan pulled his desk chair to the desk, after retrieving some notepaper and his fountain pen, having decided it was time to write some notes to their Hope Valley friends. Talking to Joseph had made him long for those that had meant so much to him and to Allie over their years there. At times he wished he could transport all of them to Regina to keep them close!

He looked at the list he had noted after completing his earlier call with Joseph. First, Lee.

In his neat cursive, Nathan began to explain his appreciation for Lee, for all he did for Hope Valley and for his support of Nathan's work in law enforcement and keeping the townspeople safe. Nathan reminisced about recovering the payroll that first day Nathan was in town, laughing as he remembered Lee's assessment that Nathan didn't say much! 'It took a while for Hope Valley to accept me and for me to open up to them, but I thank you for your persistence, Lee. You have become a good friend.'

'Thank you for loving Allie and becoming one of her uncles and caregivers when I had to be out-of-town, as well as agreeing to the role of guardianship. You and Rosemary have been such a blessing! There are times when I wish that Regina and Hope Valley were much closer or that I could relocate some of you!'

'Thank you for caring for Elizabeth and Jack. May the Lord reward you for your faithfulness, in spite of attitudes that didn't always welcome your concern or care. You did what was right.'

'Life in Regina is exciting! Allie is thriving in school with opportunities afforded by a larger city and school. She loves Home Economics and Art and Music, and is preparing for a solo in the Christmas concert. She'll be singing in Latin! She is also taking Latin II and I had to navigate some resistance to continuing that class. God worked though, and she seems accepting of the class now. Maybe someday, as an adult, she can tell me what changed? For now, I am just grateful. Although she is always my responsibility, I am also grateful for a relationship that is building with the Commissioner's wife, Carol, who is an unofficial Gramma to Allie. You know how she likes to expand her family!'

'I am enjoying the work at the Academy. I supervise the instructors in my areas of expertise, give input on the curriculum and exercises, teach as a guest instructor and am writing and rewriting training manuals. All of these tasks seem to fit me and I am grateful. I have found some friends amongst the faculty, including a family who have two daughters, one Allie's age and her best friend, and the other a year older who is helping Allie with her Latin studies. Oh, they also have a son who relishes any exciting Mountie stories! We have established a tradition of Sunday dinners after church and afternoons relaxing before the girls go back to church for Youth Group. That is another privilege for Allie!'

'It has been wonderful to see Bill and I will let him tell you all about his visit. I am sure he will want to share! Seriously, ask him!'

'I know there are other things I might share with you in person, but for now let me close this missive with my gratitude to you, Lee, and my prayers for all God's best. Nathan'

'P. S. Please allow Rosemary to read this so I don't have to repeat everything? Thanks.'

After composing a note to Joseph thanking him for his call and his years of friendship, support and prayers, Nathan wrote a short note of thanks to Rosemary.

He shared how happy he was for Rosemary's restored friendship with Elizabeth and thanked her for her loving care in spite of times of rejection or lack of interest. 'Please ask Lee to share my letter to him so I don't have to repeat everything about Allie and me settling-in here in Regina? Thanks. I miss you and always welcome your newsy notes! You had me laughing out loud with your announcement of the new Hotel, amidst copious exclamation points and stars! You are one-of-a-kind, Rosemary, and a true delight! Sometimes, you remind me of my sister, Colleen, and that is a compliment!'

'Thank you for your friendship to me and to Allie. Fondly, Nathan'

'P.S. When you sent all those copies of the VV article to people here is Regina, my ability to forgive you for your bold move was because Colleen would have done the same thing, bragging on her little brother!'

Folding the letters he had written so far, he considered what to write to Faith, wondering if he might add comments at the end of the letter for Faith to share with Fiona.


"Dad?" Allie popped her head around the corner. "I'm ready for bed."

As Nathan followed her down the hallway, Allie inquired about what he was doing.

"I am writing long overdue notes of thanks and appreciation to our Hope Valley friends. I'm going to have Uncle Bill deliver them next week. Are there any you want him to bring as well?"

"Maybe yes? I can't think about it tonight though. I mean tomorrow is my birthday, remember." Allie pulled the quilt up under her chin, grinning.

"Oh? Really? I almost forgot!" Nathan tweaked her nose as he sat on the edge of the bed. His eyes suddenly glistened. "Oh, Allie-girl. What a blessing you have been to me. You have enriched my life immensely and I cannot even imagine life without you. You are my girl and always will be, even though we are marking off the years with your birthdays! Give me a hug, please?"

"I love you, Dad. And you are the one who has blessed me." She squeezed him tightly.

Once he could speak, Nathan prayed for the good Lord to be with his dear Allie all through the night and into her special day and the year to come. "Thank you for this sweet gift you gave me, Lord. Continue to guide her, keep her, teach her and love her as only you can. I am grateful beyond words for my sweet girl, soon-to-be fifteen-year-old young lady! I commit her into your care and pray she will sleep peacefully tonight, with your angels guarding her. Amen."

Nathan squeezed her again and when he backed away, he lifted her chin and looked into her sparkling brown eyes. "I love you, Honey." He kissed her forehead and tucked the quilt back under her chin as she laid back down. "Sweet dreams!"


Back at his desk, Nathan wrote a note to Faith, hoping she was well. 'I heard from Bill how you had to care for Elizabeth after I left. I am so sorry. It was probably very stressful to handle that, as we both know that psychological issues are not as easily diagnosed or as quickly treated as physical cuts and bruises! It sounds as though you and Joseph did just what was necessary though and I thank you for protecting Elizabeth from Lucas and even other curious townspeople. I imagine you were strong even under pressure and sourced all the training you had to do your best for her. Thank you.'

'Hope Valley is blessed to have you, Faith. A female doctor brings an understanding and compassion that goes beyond all the scientific knowledge you have acquired. I hope you are continuing to move on from Carson and maybe even finding someone special again? That is my prayer for you, my friend. You are too special to remain single forever. Whoever God has will respect your calling to medicine and love you because of it. Never let anyone treat you less than you deserve. I miss our talks and would welcome an update if you get a chance.'

'Life in Regina is exciting, eventful and surprisingly satisfying. I am enjoying my responsibilities and feel as though they fit me well.'

'Allie is thriving in her Academy for Girls. She especially loves Home Economics, Art, Music, Chorus (with a Christmas concert solo in the works) and Youth Group at our church. She has found a circle of special friends with whom she will be celebrating her fifteenth birthday tomorrow. I know! Already! She is in bed, sleeping I hope, otherwise she would send her love I'm sure.'

'Thank you, Faith, for your friendship and listening ear and doctoring, a few times over the past year. I appreciate you. All God's best to you, Nathan'

Realizing that this was a private letter to Faith, Nathan pulled out a new page and wrote a note to Fiona thanking her for her friendship with him and especially with Allie. He explained Allie's excitement for her new school subjects, new friends, and the extra activities of chorus and youth group. 'As you know, having lived in San Francisco, there are many more opportunities in the larger schools. We felt no lack in Hope Valley and it offered peace, security and friendships I was grateful Allie experienced, but there is new excitement and interest here in Regina. We are finding our place!'

'Bill told me how kind you were to Elizabeth after I left. Thank you so much for sacrificing sleep to care for her. God bless you for that.'

'Allie is already in bed, but I want to thank you for the hairstyling lessons you gave me some months ago. I know she needs to look her age and you were so helpful! Allie styles her own hair more often than not, but there are certain times the little girl is still visible in the teenager, so when she asks me to assist, I can offer her more than a style that looks like a fishing lure! That memory always makes me smile! Did I ever thank you for coming to the rescue? If not, thank you!'

'I hope this note finds you well and finding fulfillment? You are a strong and brave woman and I imagine you are thriving in whatever endeavor you get involved. You brought a spark of joy and fun, as well as style, to Hope Valley when you arrived. I wish you all the best, Nathan'

Finally, Nathan composed a note of thanks and appreciation to Bill for his friendship, collaboration in keeping Hope Valley safe and his love for Allie and himself. 'It has always meant a lot when you called me 'Son' and now I thank you for including Zach in that family endearment. What surprises God has for us, eh? Who would have thought of where we would be now considering how we began with throwing me in jail and then fighting over the use of my desk. (Notice I said 'my!')'

'How special it has been to have you visit in Regina! For many reasons it was God-ordained that you be here for Allie, Zach and me as well as for yourself and dear Adeli! I promise we will continue to include her in our family when you return to Hope Valley. Just let me know when you will return again as I expect it won't be too long in the future! Adeli is a good match for you, Bill, and it is obvious that she loves you. Take this second chance from the Lord's hand, Bill, and don't wait too long!'

'(Don't you love how I can give advice with so little experience to back it up?)'

'Thanks for bringing the notes and letters back with you. I probably owe you postage costs for personal deliveries!'

You will remain in my daily prayers and I am always grateful for you, dear Bill!

God bless you above what you can ask or think or even dream of!

Nathan'

After re-reading his letter to Elizabeth, Nathan sealed the envelope and added it to the pile that had accumulated on his desk. As he dressed for bed he prayed for all those in his concern, Allie, his Mom and Dad, Zach, Bill, Adeli, Elizabeth, Jack, Gabe and the friends to whom he had written this evening. When he laid in bed and shut his eyes, Nathan had a hymn on his heart as he drifted asleep.

'The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended, the darkness falls at your request'
To you our morning hymns ascended, your praise shall sanctify our rest…

As over continent and island each dawn leads to another day,
the voice of prayer is never silent, nor do the praises die away…'(*18)


(*17) All Through the Night, T. Oliphant, 1862, Public Domain

(*18) The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended, John Ellerton, 1870, Public Domain

Author's Note: Due to my family visiting for the first week of September, I may not be able to post next week. So sorry, but thank you for following and commenting on this story. Nathan and Allie's lives are full and happy. Elizabeth is healing and gaining more peace, and letters are in the works! The process is slow, but moving forward! Enjoy the journey, not just the destination!

Take care and 'See you in September...' Cue music! (Yes, I am that old! LOL)