A missing scene from Chapter 6 of my Adam and Cecily story (Things That Matter) about a week after Cecily's death. A letter was written by Ben and Adam responds to it.


A Father's Concern

Son,

When I built this ranch, I had a dream that it would be a place where my sons could live their lives and have a safe place to raise their own families. It would be my legacy to the future generations of Cartwrights. Of course, you fulfilled that dream of having a family, but life has stung you terribly. You say everything is fine, but I know you better than that. I can see you're hurting and are struggling to stay afloat. Your children need you to be present in their lives. Please don't make the same mistakes I did when Marie passed and shut the world out. I trust you know I, and even your brothers, are here to help. All you have to do is ask. What I'm asking is that you give me a chance to show you that I love you, I trust you, and I do believe in you. Please give me a chance to show you that all those things are true. You're not alone in this.

Your father,

Ben Cartwright


Dear Pa,

I appreciate the concern but I'm handling everything just fine. You're letter makes it sound like I'm falling apart at the seams. You say you trust me and believe in me, but this letter makes me think otherwise. If you really want to show me all those things, you need to let me and my children work it out without you meddling in my affairs.

You know I'm a thinker and an introspective person in general. It may seem to you on the outside that I'm not coping with everything, but you have no idea what is going on inside my head. Unbeknownst to you, I have an entire plan all etched out in my mind. I believe I have it all worked out and it will just take a little time to get settled into our new normal without Cecily.

Please trust me enough to put my plan in action. I remember all too well the sting and hurt of your isolation from Hoss, Joe, and myself after Marie died. There's no way I'd want to put my own children through that feeling of abandonment.

Once again, I do value your concern for me and your grandchildren, but please just give us a little time to get things back on track. In the meantime, if you're open to it, we could never pass up a visit with you or supper on Sunday evening. I just ask you to not to interfere with how I'm handling things.

Please send word in advance whether Sunday works for supper with us or not and what time you'd be over so we can be prepared.

Your son,

Adam

PS… The children request that if you come for supper, to please bring some of Hop Sing's famous Thumbprint cookies with strawberry jam in the center for dessert!