Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 13, Part 3, Page 83

Jack Thornton School was getting noticed by Superintendent Landis and he informed Elizabeth and Dee that he would sit and observe, sometime the following week. He was vague, so they weren't sure when he'd show up. But nonetheless, they were doing just fine and thought he could come anytime and find the students learning and progressing. They all enjoyed the little jingles that Dee made up to compliment with Elizabeth's lessons. That made the mundane subjects fun and they were sure Mr. Landis would acknowledge this new help as clever.

Elizabeth's passion for writing flowed into the student's essays. When returning to school they reported on what they did over the summer and each one took a turn reading out loud their adventures which made for a lot of laughter and joking, and even a tear. Children from the farms and ranches had stories of baby calves, lambs, and ponies, and donkeys born in the late spring and the tedious chore of milking cows early in the morning. Planting crops, constant weeding, and praying for rain was the focus of some. They had long days in the summer and now they were busy harvesting and canning. No doubt about it, they had a hard life. One little girl had a baby lamb that didn't make it and everyone was silent as she shared her sorrow. Yet at the same time they enjoyed playing in the hayloft and taking care of the baby animals, sometimes even bottle feeding a few.

Allie talked about being in Brook Springs and of course her Oma. She was all too happy to tell them about Ella's babies and how she brought home little Ginger. "If you haven't met Ginger, just come over!" Allie invited. She described how Berta was no longer producing milk, but Oma was keeping her anyways, and about collecting eggs from the chicks and that a coyote had gone after them, but they were safe because of Barrett.

She and Karen both described how they were swimming in the pond when they heard the soldiers coming back home from war and that they stood at attention as they walked past the girls. Of course, Karen excitedly shared how her mom and dad adopted her from New Hope Orphanage in Brookfield, "I lost both my parents as they were sick with the Spanish flu, and I had no where to go. But, Lillian and Grace were so kind and took me in as well as a few of my friends. I miss my parents every single day, but I have new parents now, and they told me they were so grateful to God to find me," and with that Karen had a few tears. So when they moved to Hope Springs, had met Miss Dee who gave her voice lessons and now her dad has a new job working for Mr. Coulter!

The rest of the summer time stories were a great way to catch up on what everyone had been doing and rekindled friendships. Their next assignment was book reports on the books that Mrs. Thornton has given them to read over the summer. A few sighs were heard among the murmuring.

Dee handed out information on playing instruments, cost, practice times, and programs that would be required attendance. Also, voice lessons as to what it entailed, like those who wanted to play instruments, with required practices and performances. All of them had to keep up a C or better grade on all their other subjects. Others who had farm duties, she would work around a schedule with the parents as best as possible so they would not miss out.

After school was dismissed, Dee asked Elizabeth, "Do you think one of the farmers' could hitch up a trailer to bring home all the children to a centrally located area, so they wouldn't have to walk so far?"

"That's a thought," Elizabeth pondered, "I've been thinking about this too Dee, and I'll ask Superintendent Landis what he suggests about this. Right now, I have a date with my horse!" she laughed.

Dee looked at her puzzled as she watched her leave. Sam was outside waiting for her as promised. "How are you today?" he asked.

"We had a fun day sharing stories about summer. So, I'm in a good mood!" Elizabeth answered. Do you want to still go riding?"

"Yes, I do, I've been waiting all day. I'm borrowing Bill's horse and Bill is getting him saddled up right now. So, I'll go and get him, and come for you in a few minutes so you can change and get LJ ready." Sam informed.

Dee and Elizabeth walked together back to the houses. "Seems like you are having a date with more than your horse." Dee smiled.

"Oh, it's just a ride, Sam says he would like to be friends." Elizabeth calmly replied.

"Uh-huh, okay." was all Dee said.

Dee walked to Faith's house as Elizabeth went inside hers. "There's my little man!" she said as she grabbed LJ for a mamma bear hug. "It's time for a horsey ride on daddy's horse, Sargent!" she told him. "Laura, how has he been? I've been teaching only 2 days, but I think of him all the time?"

"Just fine Mrs. Thornton. He ate, played, took a nap and seems happy." Laura answered.

"I'm going to go upstairs and change, then I'll be back down so you can go. We're going on a horsey ride!" she called as she ran up the stairs.

In just a few minutes, Sam came and had Sargent with him too all ready to ride. Laura left and Elizabeth went outside with LJ. "Howdy cowboy!" Sam said to LJ.

"Horsey!" LJ squealed with delight.

"Yes, horsey time!" Elizabeth told him. Sam helped Elizabeth up on Sargent. As she got herself settled in she looked around and grinned. "This is going to be so fun Sam!" With that Sam lifted LJ up to Elizabeth who put him tightly in the saddle with her. "We can't go fast Sam." she warned.

"Oh, I know, we'll just mosey around like good cowboys do." he tipped his hat. "Let's just take this smooth easy path out and take our time." Sam led the way.