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Chapter One Hundred thirty-nine
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A Family Sunday
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Nathan was grateful that he could sit with his family this first Sunday of the New Year. He was surrounded, loved and grateful.
Completing the Advent and Christmas Services, with the exception of Epiphany the following week, Reverend Huntley had requested that Nathan recite a poem that was now particularly meaningful after Elizabeth's, Allie's and his New Year's Eve underneath the stars. When invited up to the pulpit, Nathan read, 'Aurora Borealis (Heavenly Lights.)'
"Upon the floor of heaven
stars and near and distant worlds are scattered,
sprinkled like sparkling dust
across the expanse—a rich depth of blue darkness,
of midnight, cobalt and indigo.
And when He passes by,
celestial winds wave the hem of His robe
as folds of light across the northern night.
Luminous designs dance and colors dazzle
in gossamer ribbons of amethyst,
ruby, amber, gold, emerald and sapphire—
the Aurora Borealis, the northern dawn.
From below I only glimpse His grandeur
as the wind of His holy breath
trembles body and soul with wonder and worship.
Bright amongst the intricate patterns of light is Polaris,
true north, the North Star upon which the sailor
fixes his compass and around which other stars circle
from an earthly point of view.
Yet long ago another star
shined bright in midnight's blue,
as Light and Truth shed holy robes to touch the shadowed earth.
A heavenly sign to mark the Incarnation
—an event, a fixed point, a person, Emmanuel—
around whom all history, creation and time would circle evermore.
And so I fix my compass on the Light of heaven,
—Emmanuel, my true north,
the center around which I navigate my life—
and I worship." (*EMH)
Quite a few parishioners gathered around Nathan as the service concluded, thanking him for all the beautiful words he had shared over the past weeks. Waving their bulletins, many mentioned that they intended to purchase a copy of his book of poetry now that the title and author information had been published.
Quietly stating "Thank you," or "I am glad the words resonated with you," or "I hope you are blessed," Nathan was grateful to be rescued by Jack tugging on his trouser leg and lifting his arms. With a few final "Happy New Year" greetings, Nathan and Jack joined the family in the parking lot.
Speaking to the Samuels, Nathan apologized. "I am so sorry to postpone our return to our Sunday dinners again. I just think we all need to finish some leftovers and collapse on the sofa for an afternoon nap! Yesterday, well truly the entire week has been full. Delightful, but full! Thanks for all your assistance and your understanding."
"Of course, Nathan. No need to apologize as we were there! We know how busy it was and can imagine how relieved you are to have a quiet unscheduled day before your parents depart." Jon agreed.
Jane added, "The Open House was lovely and we enjoyed participating! We'll find our new normal soon enough. Have a true Sabbath and rest!"
After farewell hugs were exchanged between the elder Grants, the Samuels family and various other friends, promises were made to see each other in just a couple of months for another time of celebration.
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Sunday dinner was a time to debrief and discuss the party, guests' comments and to thank the Collins's for hosting, and the Thatchers, Hudson, and elder Grants for all their hard work.
Nathan continued, "Thank you, Bill, for your many contributions to our veritable feasts and thank you, Adeli, for being our photographer yesterday and for some Christmas gifts as well! This was truly a group effort and each one of you made our engagement party memorable by your presence and your labors! We are indebted."
"The celebration isn't over, Son." Peter reached down and lifted a basket of envelopes. "I know we requested no gifts when we invited everyone, but most of the guests brought what I assume to be cards! There is no hurry to open these today, as you probably need a nap as much as the rest of us, but these envelopes are for you two."
"Really? I didn't even see people bring cards. Where was this basket?" Elizabeth inquired.
"We actually had two! One in the bedroom with the coats, to which David added envelopes as people entered and shed their garments, and the other was tucked under the piano near our harpist! Glad you didn't see them and get distracted!" Peter grinned.
"Well, it was kind of people to give us cards." Nathan glanced at Elizabeth, shrugging his shoulders and commenting, "For now though, we need to clean-up the kitchen and then I wondered if we could begin a game of Dominoes or something? We could also break out a puzzle since the surfaces are more available now. Any takers?"
"We also need to relocate the train to surround the Christmas tree!" Grinning, William looked at Archie, Peter, Hudson and Bill. "Can't forget that!"
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"Now I have my list," Ruth explained. "I know I need to find your father's cousins' addresses and forward my family's addresses. Are there family items you want us to bring back with us, Nathan?"
"I wouldn't know without looking at items as it has been so long since I lived with you, Mom. If there is something that belonged to Colleen, my grandparents or came from the old country you may ship it to me here. I can't promise we will display everything, but we can always keep things for Allie, right?"
"Of course. It's just that this is the first time you have settled in a permanent home and I want you to have that which connects you to our family in your possession."
"There is one thing that I have always loved, Mom. You know that Irish crystal bowl you used to keep on the dining table? The thick one with really sharp cuts and Celtic knots? That is something I would treasure although I have no idea how to transport it! It's too heavy to carry on a train!"
"Maybe we can talk to my father about that, Nathan?" Elizabeth offered, "Remember he is in shipping and familiar with transporting valuables. Actually, you could pack a crate of family treasures for him to ship."
"Would you want any of the Grant tartans we still have?" Archie spoke thoughtfully. "I probably should divide them and bequeath some to each of you boys."
"Only if you don't want to keep them, Dad. I am sure Allie could even fashion scraps into something like a pillow. She doesn't have it displayed, but she made a lovely pillow for me from my old ties. She loved it so much that I gave it back to her!"
Archie gave his wife a wide-eyed glance with raised eyebrows as they both had some ideas to discuss.
"What colors are in the Grant tartan, Honey?" Elizabeth inquired as she played with Nathan's fingers.
Increasingly aware that they were joining two families together, Nathan explained, "My favorite is the Grant Ancient Hunting Tartan of light blue, light bluish-green and black."
"Imagine the blue of Nathan's eyes, Sweetheart. It is a beautiful, subtle tartan." Ruth continued, "I also have a small book of traditional recipes from my mother, but I think that would be best handed-down to Allie. I'll have to find that."
"Do you have family heirlooms, Elizabeth?" Nathan nudged her arm as he asked quietly. "I was never in your row house long enough to really see your belongings."
"I didn't bring much to Hope Valley, Honey, although Mother sent the christening gown Jack wore, along with some linens and family lace. Someday, when we visit Hamilton together we can ask if you are interested. I confess I left those connections behind years ago."
"We do have the trunk of Colleen's things that you should probably go through with Allie, Mom, now that she is old enough to care about their provenance. Is that the correct word?"
"I am surprised you know that word, Nathan!" Elizabeth giggled, complimenting him. "You did use it correctly!"
Chuckling, Nathan explained with eyes twinkling, "What can I say? I read!"
"So much has fallen into place so quickly, do you have any ideas for your honeymoon trip?" Archie inquired. "I regret that I didn't have the funds to treat your mother to travel far for ours. In the beginning, we saved every penny for our ranch. You can take Elizabeth somewhere special, Nathan, even if you only take a brief trip in March and a distant one in better weather."
"I've been thinking along those lines. Is there anywhere you have always wanted to go, Lisbeth? Within reason, of course! I can't afford the European tour about which we read in classic literature!" Nathan chuckled.
"I wouldn't be interested to be honest. I could have visited Viola in England, but had no desire to do so, so you can breathe, Honey!"
Laughter filled the room as each one thought of Nathan's frugal nature!
"I would love to see the ocean, and to see Prince Edward Island someday, but that needn't be a honeymoon because Allie would also be enthralled to visit the places that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery!" Elizabeth entwined her fingers with Nathan's, adding, "I really don't care, Honey. Wherever I am with you is enough for me."
"Oh? That's easy then. I can arrange to stay at Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle for a few nights, and it's not too far from Depot either." Nathan grinned as he waited for his bride-to-be's reaction.
"Uh… A little further from home than that, please?"
Abruptly changing the subject, Nathan addressed his parents. "Are you okay staying in the apartment when you return for Zach's graduation and our wedding? It is yours for the taking."
"We were hoping we could stay here, yes, although we don't want to interfere with all your plans." Archie leaned forward to continue, "We can always help with last minute details and meals and childcare…"
"Much appreciated, Dad." With a teasing smile, Elizabeth added, "He just volunteered you, Mom!"
"Oh, get used to it, Honey. Shakespeare's phrase 'What is mine is yours and what is yours is mine' is very true! You tend to think for both of you!" (*91)
"I have a measure of understanding with Allie!" Nathan chuckled. "I would welcome your assistance, as we are praying that the house is completed and we are moved in before Zach's graduation. In addition, I know you'll want time with Zachary."
"I wish we knew where he will be assigned, the dear boy." Ruth's voice was sad. "It must be hard for him if it is difficult for us not knowing his future."
"Right now his concentration is on his training and finishing well. That is imperative!" Nathan explained. "We all have to go through the uncertainty and trust God for His will to be done."
"True. He seems to fit in so well in the family, doesn't he?" Ruth shared her observations. "I noticed he was talking to that Blake young man too."
"Ah… I didn't notice but I'm glad to hear that. They are only four or five years apart. Please don't mention this to Allie or anyone? We are aware of Jared's interest in Allie so we plan to have some game night get-togethers with the Blakes to offer them time to get to know each other in a group setting. God's will be done."
"Wise idea," approved Archie. "They are young, but God may be working there and he seems like a nice boy."
"By the way, did you see that the Barrows were chatting with Zachary?" Ruth inquired. "I asked him about it later and he said they invited him to assist if he can!"
"And here she is! Come sit beside me, Allie? I can't believe we'll be departing this evening. It has been so wonderful to spend so much time here, eh?" Archie opened his arm and pulled his granddaughter close. "Grandma and I are going to miss you!"
Looking up at Archie, Allie had tears in her eyes. "I really don't like to say goodbye to you and Grandma even if we know you are coming back in February. I wish you could move here."
"In many ways, we do too, Sweetheart. Make it a matter of prayer and maybe God will surprise us all, okay?" Archie held Ruth's gaze before continuing, "I do think this time you will have a lot to keep you busy since there is so much to anticipate. Keep those letters coming, Allie!"
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At supper, William questioned, "After we get Julie to the station tomorrow morning, what are your plans for the extended holiday, Nathan?"
"Tomorrow is moving day! We have to get Elizabeth and Jack settled into the Hotel apartment and move Bill there for a few more days, then help Carol and Peter with whatever we can. The RCMP is moving them, but we need to help pack what they will keep here in Regina." Nathan looked at the Collins's to verify, "I think your official moving date is the third weekend of January, right?"
"It is," Peter confirmed. "I'm afraid every room will soon contain a pile of moving cartons for a while. We'll have to work around them, but the first order of business is emptying the bedrooms and bath so the construction crew can begin later this week." Peter explained.
"Why don't we bring supper over then? I think that we still have leftovers for lunch, but we can cook and that's one less thing for you to do. I know you and Peter must return to work on Tuesday." William explained.
"I'll be working with David on Tuesday, so we will all get settled into a new routine. If you would like, we can dismantle the Christmas tree here tomorrow? I doubt you want to keep it up with all the demolition and dust!"
"Excellent idea! You'll let us help you with that won't you, Carol? Peter, we'll just need your storage boxes." Grace offered gratefully. "You have done so much for all of us, please let us return the favor in this small way? We'll also have you over for some meals although they may be more simple fare!"
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After taking Adeli home for supper, Bill returned in Nathan's car in time for dessert and to say farewell to the Grants. "So thankful you had the entire week, Archie and Ruth! I enjoyed your company."
"And we enjoyed your company and your cooking!" Archie laughed and took another cookie. "At least I go home with a wonderful cook!"
"Thank you, Mom, for all your contributions and especially the traditional Grant treats! They added to the great memories for me." Nathan's eyes twinkled as he spoke. "I will mine the memories of this week for a long time to come!"
Glancing at the clock, Archie pushed back his chair. "I think it is time for the last minute double checks and then our goodbyes. You are bringing the children to the station, correct?"
"We are. Seeing a train at night will be exciting for a certain little train-lover!" Nathan winked at Jack.
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Bill and Nathan loaded the Grant luggage into Peter's car so the family could enjoy the last drive together with Bill explaining that he would meet them at the station.
The Collinses, Thatchers and Hudson hugged and then waved their farewells before the two cars left the property. Inside the Grant car, the atmosphere was subdued and a few sniffles were heard from Allie, Ruth and Elizabeth.
Parking near the departures area, the men unloaded the luggage onto a wagon and instructed the porter as Archie headed inside to collect the awaiting tickets.
Bill hugged and said his goodbyes, then excused himself to return to the Collins's home.
"Now you sleep as the train gets moving so you are awake enough for work tomorrow, Dad. Thank you both for coming and we'll see you in a few weeks." Huskily, Nathan admonished as he hugged each of his parents tightly. "I love you so much."
"We love you all, Dears!" Ruth called out from the top step of the railroad car, blowing kisses and waving her handkerchief before disappearing onto the train, quickly followed by an emotional Archie.
As the family huddled in the cold air, Nathan prayed aloud, "Lord? Please keep them safe and well and return them to us soon. And may I be bold enough to ask that you work a miracle to move them to Regina permanently."
"Amen," whispered Nathan, Elizabeth, and Allie. Belatedly, Jack added his "Amen!"
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(*EMH) 'Aurora Borealis (Heavenly Lights)' Original Poem by E.M. Hunter, published in Illuminations, Copyright 2014.
(*91) From 'Measure for Measure,' by William Shakespeare, Public Domain
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