. .
Chapter One hundred Forty-six
. .
Grateful Prayers and Expressions of Love
. .
Before he had headed to bed on Saturday morning, Wes Murphy had called Jon Samuels and asked him to spread the news and request prayer for Nathan. Immediately the telephone lines were filled with requests for prayer and Johanna Blake began a roster for supplying meals to the Grants over the next couple of weeks.
. .
As Allie sat between Sally Samuels and Grandmom Grace, she was surprised at the special prayer request voiced by Reverend Huntley before his pastoral prayer. "This morning we give thanks for God's protection on our Staff Sergeant Major, Nathan Grant. Due to a fire in the Collins's stable in the wee hours of Saturday morning, Nathan rescued all the horses, but sustained an injury to his shoulder…"
Gasps circulated around the sanctuary as many congregants learned this distressing news.
"Nathan is home and recovering although he must rest for at least a week and requires a sling, along with painkillers right now. So I ask you to join me in prayer for his swift and thorough recovery. If you are able to provide a meal for the Grants, please contact Johanna Blake to schedule a day and time. As Nathan is recovering, we don't want to inundate him with visitors, but I know that meals and prayers will be helpful. Thank you all and let us pray."
With eyes filled with tears, Allie looked at her Grandmom who reached for her hand and squeezed it tightly as they bowed their heads.
As the 'Amens' of agreement resounded around the sanctuary, Reverend Huntley opened a folded page, addressing the church family again, "In honor of Nathan, I will read another of his poems this morning. It is fascinating how it seems to fit! The Almighty truly sees and hears us, knowing every detail of our lives. Please listen to 'Perspectives.'"
"In night's darkness…
beyond the candles in the windows of home and the fading lights of town,
past the orbit of the shining moon, toward the vast galaxy I gaze.
I close my eyes, open my heart and imagine turning, looking back.
to moon and sun and Earth, that beautiful blue globe.
Then eyes wide open and looking to the stars again
I am compelled to consider how small, how insignificant I am-
yet God knows my name, counts a falling eyelash and catches a tiny tear-
I need to comprehend how immense God is…
to be in awe of His magnificence,
to wonder in reverent worship,
to see the brilliance of the distant stars,
to admire the depth of midnight's blue,
to contemplate The One who dispels darkness,
Jesus, our Savior, the Light of the world.
I am compelled to understand that
-though I am like a tiny speck of sand along the shore-
both stars and sand can shine His light and tell of the Glory of God." (EMH)
. .
Zach surprised everyone when he arrived to see Nathan, having been brought by Tim Stewart after church!
"We both needed to see you in-person, Nathan, to be sure of your condition. How are you today?" Zach leaned over to give Nathan a hug, although it was awkward due to avoiding his arm in the sling. "Are you in a lot of pain?"
As Zach hugged Elizabeth, Nathan exclaimed, "This is great! Thanks so much for coming, Zach, and thanks for bringing him too, Tim! Have a seat. The others haven't returned from church yet. However, to answer your question, the pain is present, but managed with ice and regular doses of aspirin. Naps help too."
Welcoming Jack's hug, Zachary lifted the boy to nuzzle his neck and bring out Jack's ready giggles then sat with Jack on his lap.
"I attended Chapel at Depot this morning, so we met up there and came for a quick visit since I don't know your dinner plans," Tim sat and leaned forward, observing Nathan closely. "Has anyone offered to bring meals?"
"My parents are bringing our meal today, so we are all set. I'm sure we'll be fine now that we are all well-rested. Thank you though," Explained Elizabeth, offering, "Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?"
"Thank you, but we are not staying long. Just a quick check on you," Tim responded.
"I wanted to report on Sergeant," Zach interjected, "after you left yesterday, he and Newton were nuzzling noses, every once in a while. Sergeant would restlessly move about the stall, then come to the door, look over for Newton and neigh to call him. Maybe he was trying to be sure he was there? I don't know."
"I brushed, watered and fed him later, but Sergeant Moore said he would sedate him again so he would sleep overnight. This morning Sergeant seemed groggy, at least compared with Newton, but it was very early. Will you return again sometime today? I think your voice works magic."
With a quick glance at Nathan, Elizabeth answered in the affirmative. "Maybe after our mid-day meal? I am sure that Hudson will be willing to go with me. Maybe even Jack would enjoy the excursion. Both horses know him, so Jack might be helpful."
"I was observing you. Where did you learn to calm a horse like that?" Zach queried.
"My first husband taught me to ride, so I observed his treatment of Sergeant. Yet, mostly it was Nathan who encouraged me yesterday. He reminded me to talk and pet the horse as I would my son and it worked. I imagine you have calmed many a horse in your lifetime, right Nathan?"
"Having been raised on a horse ranch, it is a skill quickly learned for the safety of the horses and yourself. You've learned some techniques by now too, haven't you Zach?"
"I guess so, but more than the horsemanship class I think I learned a lot from you, Elizabeth!"
"It's accurate that observation is one of our greatest instructors and you are seeing Sergeant's need right now too so it not just theory. I am glad that Instructor Moore assigned you the task of caring for Sergeant. Keeping it in the family, eh?" Tim chuckled, "Nathan, I told Wes you are on leave for the coming week, but I will discuss the next steps with both of you towards the weekend. You need to do all you can to recover by your wedding and honeymoon!"
"That's true and that is why I welcome all prayers!" Nathan agreed.
"The Chaplain included you in this morning's prayer, Brother, so the Mounties are standing behind you!" Zach was pleased to announce this as the front door opened to reveal Allie, Grace, William and Hudson, with the men carrying loaded baskets.
"Uncle Zach! Hi!" Allie hurried to engulf her uncle in a warm hug. "Are you here for lunch?"
"Hi there, Allie! No, the Chief Superintendent brought me for a quick visit, but I must return for Sunday dinner."
"Oh! Sir! I am sorry I didn't see you. Hello and thank you for bringing my uncle to see Dad," Allie extended her hand as she confessed.
"Lovely to see you again, Allie, and with two men as striking as your Dad and your Uncle, I'm not surprised you didn't see me!" Tim Stewart shook Allie's hand and winked.
Allie turned to her father on the sofa, speaking lovingly as she reached over to kiss his cheek, "Hi, Dad. Did you have a good morning? We missed you at church, but guess what? Reverend Huntley prayed for you, and even read one of your poems!"
With widening eyes, Nathan questioned, "He did? What poem?"
"One about God's bigness and about our smallness, yet God knows when we lose an eyelash. I remember that part."
Nathan raised his eyebrows and caught Elizabeth's smiling gaze.
William Thatcher spoke up, remembering the poem, "it was entitled, 'Perspectives,' Nathan, and it was appropriate too! '
As he turned to Tim Stewart, William held out his hand, "Pleased to see you again, Sir." He moved to Zachary, "And you, Son. Can you stay for dinner? I am certain we have plenty."
"Yes, please!" Grace held Zach around the waist after a hug. It is so wonderful to see you, young man!"
"I wish we could, Grace, William, but I must get back to Depot for dinner. I'm not on official leave as the Commander just came and whisked me away after Chapel!"
"Yes, being in charge has its advantages, but I must get home to my wife. I try to reserve the weekends for us to do things together and we didn't worship together this morning, so I should return soon! We should go, Cadet Grant. Nathan? Grateful to see you and I'll check in again in a few days, giving you time to rest and recover. Elizabeth? Lovely to see you and grateful you are taking care of our man and your horse!"
Zachary quickly hugged, Grace, Allie, Elizabeth and his brother, then nodded farewell to William and Hudson. "Good day to you all."
"Good bye, Zach. Thank you for stopping over. Thanks, Tim." Nathan stayed seated as his shoulder was beginning to make its presence known.
Noticing Nathan's expression, Grace lifted the warm icepack and pointed to the jar of aspirin. "It looks as though it is time for your pill, Son. I'll refill this for you."
. .
Entering the Cottage quietly after she and Hudson returned from Depot, Elizabeth tip-toed to Nathan's side, hoping not to disturb him, but Jack's presence was hard to miss.
Whispering, Elizabeth greeted Nathan, "Sorry to awaken you, Honey. Please go right back to sleep?"
Wiping his hand over his eyes and blinking, Nathan responded, "No. I had enough of a nap for now. How did it go at Depot?"
"It went well. Sergeant still wasn't calm, but he responded to my voice and the carrots!" Elizabeth laughed. "Having Jack there was really helpful though as I could tell that both Newton and Sergeant were excited to see him. They nuzzled him and took a piece of carrot from his hand and let him pet their manes after a while. I noticed that Sergeant was oft times looking towards Newton, so I think that was a good move."
"Glad to hear this. Did you go inside the stall?" Nathan questioned.
"While Hudson held Jack, I was able to approach Sergeant and wrap my arms around his neck. He laid his head on my shoulder for a few moments. Maybe tomorrow I can take him into the paddock for a walk. Instructor Dunne was pleased and thinks that might be a possibility."
"Great progress, Honey!" Nathan patted her hand.
"Where are Mother and Father?" Elizabeth's eyes widened in concern, "Oh, Nathan! We need to call your parents!"
"I called them right after you left and reassured them that I am recovering and the injury is not major." Nathan noticed Elizabeth's frown, responding, "Well it isn't, Honey! It will just take time for me to recover. Mom and Dad send their love, by the way."
"Maybe we can call them again in a few days so I can talk to them?" Elizabeth requested, sorry to have missed the call.
"Of course. Oh, and William and Grace retreated to nap on my bed since Allie fell asleep reading in the armchair. I guess this fire took a lot out of all of us. Jack can come snuggle between us now and you can sleep too, Honey. It's nice and quiet with only the fire to listen to. Hudson? If you want to nap on top of Allie's bed, you are welcome to do so."
"Thank you, but I am fine in this chair! If I do sleep, please don't be quiet on my account!"
. .
Dozing briefly, Hudson opened his eyes to see Nathan who was quietly glancing from Elizabeth to Jack to Allie, a look of adoration on his face.
Hudson whispered, "Do you want us to take down your Christmas tree, Nathan? You can't do it now and it won't take us long if you tell me where the cartons are located. Please let us help?"
"Thank you! That's a great idea. The needles are falling on the side closest to the fireplace and it is about time!" Nathan whispered, "The crates are marked 'Grant' and are under the tarp on the back porch of the main house."
"Great! I'll fetch them right away!" Hudson liked to have something to do so was happy he had thought of this.
. .
Although Nathan was frustrated to not be able to participate, he contributed fun stories and explanations of various ornaments. Within a couple hours, the tree was bare and the ornaments carefully boxed. Hudson and William carried the crates to the sun porch once again after removing the empty tree and setting it against the side of the house..
Sweeping up the dropped needles, Elizabeth allowed Jack to move the dustpan and 'help' while Grace and Allie carefully wrapped the delicate, hand-carved star and boxed Nathan's carved Nativity. "This box we keep in my mother's trunk for safe-keeping. Do you want your cardinal ornaments in this box, Miss Bess? Dad?"
Nathan shared his opinion, "Actually I would like them to sit on the mantelpiece or in the bookcase over there. They carry meaning beyond Christmas to me. Is that okay, Elizabeth?"
"I adore those little cardinals so, yes, let's keep them out this year!" Elizabeth admitted. "Allie? Where would you like to place them for now?"
. .
"Can I help?" Jack hurried to Allie.
Handing Jack the two ornaments, Allie lifted him to reach the mantle. "Whoa, Jack! You are too big for me to lift you anymore! When did you grow up, eh?"
"Mommy says I grow up every day!"
"Mommy speaks the truth, Son. You are more grown-up since you arrived a few weeks ago! Our big, little man!"
"Yes, he is growing, but I've delayed as long as I can and I need to get Jack a dark blue suit for the wedding. Maybe we can go shopping with Grandmommy this week, while Daddy naps?"
"Will I look like Daddy's uniform?" Jack crawled up next to his Daddy.
"That's an idea! Maybe we can have brass buttons on your suit like Daddy's! That might be cute!" Elizabeth enthused.
"Is Daddy cute in his uniform?"
. .
(EMH) 'Perspectives' Original Poem by E.M. Hunter, Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.
. .
.