Authors: Judith Mccoy; Miller
The children returned home that first day, each clutching a paper with their part for the Christmas pageant. Delphinia quickly realized the evenings would be spent with the children practicing elocution and memorization. Tessie was to portray Mary but had detailed instructions that her red hair was to be completely tucked under a scarf.
“Why’d they pick her if they didn’t want a redhead? It’s not like she’s the prettiest girl in class,” Josh commented, tiring of the discussion of how to best cover Tessie’s hair.
“They picked me because I’m the best actress in the school,” Tessie retorted.
“I must be one of the smartest since the teacher picked me to be one of the wise men,” Josh bantered back.
By this time, Joey was totally confused. “How come they picked me to be a shepherd, Granny?” he inquired. “Does that mean I have to take a sheep with me to school?”
Everyone broke into gales of laughter at his remark as he stood there with a look of bewilderment on his face.
“No, sweet thing, you don’t need any sheep,” Granny replied. “But I think you all better get busy learning your lines instead of telling us how wise and talented you are.”
After school the next day, Miss Sanders arrived to request that Nate or Nettie portray the baby Jesus in the pageant. Just as Delphinia was beginning to explain that neither of them would hold still long enough for a stage production, both twins came toddling into the room. Squealing in delight and their hands smeared with jelly, they headed directly for the visitor. Delphinia was unable to head off the attack, and Miss Sanders left soon after with jelly stains on the front of her dress and a withdrawal of her request for a baby Jesus from the Wilshire home.
Granny, Jonathan, and Delphinia had been making plans for months, hoping the upcoming holiday would be a special time, since this was the first Christmas the children, as well as Delphinia, would be without their parents.
“I want it to be a good Christmas, one we’ll all remember fondly,” Granny kept reminding them.
Jonathan made several trips to town for special purchases, and while the children were at school, gifts were ordered through the mail or made by the women. Oranges, a rare treat for all of them, were poked full of cloves, and tins of dried apricots and candied fruits arrived. Gingerbread men were baked with the distinctive spice Granny ordered from back East, and the children delighted in helping cut and bake them the Saturday before Christmas. Even Tessie seemed to enjoy the preparations, helping the younger children make decorations.
The day before Christmas Jonathan and the two older boys went in search of a tree with instructions from Granny that it not be too large. They came back with a somewhat scraggly cedar and placed it in the corner. The homemade garland and strings of popcorn were placed on the branches, and Delphinia hung ornaments and a star that she had brought from home. The tin candleholders were clipped onto the tree, with a promise that the candles would be lit Christmas morning.
The day went by in a stir of confusion, and soon everyone scurried to get ready for the Christmas pageant being held at the church. Jonathan worried the weather would be too hard on Granny, but she insisted on going. Dressed in her heaviest woolen dress and winter coat, Jonathan wrapped her frail figure in blankets, carried her to the wagon, and placing her on a mattress stuffed with corn husks, tucked a twin on either side. Finally, he covered all of them with a feather comforter. The rest of the children piled into the back, all snuggling together to gain warmth from each other. Jonathan helped Delphinia to the seat beside him. Starting down the road, he pulled her closer with the admonition she would certainly be too cold sitting so far away. She did not resist, nor did she respond, but his touch caused her cheeks to feel fiery in the frosty night air.
The program was enchanting with each of the children performing admirably. The audience gave its enthusiastic approval, and the evening ended with the group of delighted parents and relatives sharing cocoa and cookies. Miss Sanders proudly presented each of the children with a stick of peppermint candy as a gift for their hard work.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been out to see you,” George told Delphinia, offering her a cup of cocoa. “The weather has made it impossible, but I hope to come by again soon,” he told her.
“We always look forward to your visits, George. I’m sorry I’ve missed you the last few times you’ve come to call,” came Jonathan’s reply from behind Delphinia. “You just come on out anytime. I’ll make a point to be watching for you,” he continued. “We’re getting ready to leave, Phiney,” he stated, holding out her coat and giving her a wink, sure that George would notice.
“Pastor Martin plans on coming out to visit soon,” Delphinia informed Granny on the trip home.
“I think he’s more interested in visiting Phiney than the rest of us, but I told him we’d be happy to have him anytime,” Jonathan stated. “You two be sure and let me know when he comes calling so I don’t miss another visit,” he instructed and was disappointed when Delphinia did not give one of her quick retorts.
Once home, the children were soon tucked into bed, anxious for morning to arrive. Granny was quick to admit that she, too, needed her rest and apologetically requested that Delphinia complete the Christmas preparations. Before retiring, the older woman instructed Delphinia where everything had been hidden, fearful that a gift or two might be forgotten. Smiling and placing a kiss on her cheek, Delphinia reassured her that all would be ready by morning.
Christmas Day was a joyous event of sparkling eyes and joyous laughter. The children were in good spirits, the tree was beautiful, and the gifts well received. Jonathan had gone hunting the morning before and returned with a wild turkey, which was the main attraction of the festive holiday meal. After dinner, Granny read the Christmas story from the Bible while the family sat in a circle around her listening intently, even the young twins. When she finished, Jonathan began to sing “Silent Night,” and the others joined in. One by one, they sang all the Christmas carols they could remember until Jonathan declared it was bedtime for the children. Not long after, Granny bid them good night, thanking them both for all they had done to make it such a wonderful day. “Don’t stay up too long,” she admonished, always in charge.
“We won’t, Granny,” answered Jonathan, smiling back at her.
As the burning candles flickered, Jonathan reached into his pocket, pulled out a small package, and handed it to Delphinia. Her face registered surprise.
“What’s this for?” she inquired.
“It’s a Christmas gift from me to you. I didn’t want to give it to you in front of the others.”
“You shouldn’t have, Jonathan,” she chided as she slowly untied the ribbon and removed the wrapping to reveal a beautiful gold thimble on which the initials DEH had been engraved. Her face radiated as she examined it and placed it on her finger. “It’s beautiful, Jonathan. I love it. How did you ever happen to choose a thimble?” she inquired.
“Granny told me about the quilt you and your mother stitched and how special it was to you. I figured sewing was important to you, and I’d never seen you using a thimble when you were sewing. Granny said she didn’t think you had one. The initials were Granny’s idea.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t have it engraved P-E-H instead of D-E-H.”
“To tell the truth, I wanted to have it engraved with P-H-I-N-E-Y, but Granny wouldn’t hear of it, and the engraver said it was too many letters for such a small piece.” He laughed.
“I’d better be getting over to my place. It’s getting late, and Granny will have my hide if I’m not out of here soon,” he said, rising from his chair.
At the door he reached down and placed his hand alongside her face and lightly kissed her on the lips. “Merry Christmas, Phiney. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said and headed toward his cabin.
Delphinia sat on the edge of her bed staring at the golden thimble and remembering Jonathan’s kiss, still unsure she should trust any man again.
If I were to trust someone, George would probably be the safest choice
, she thought.
D
elphinia sat in the rocker, Nettie on one arm, Nathan on the other, watching their eyes slowly close in readiness for a nap. They had developed a real sense of independence, seldom wanting to be rocked anymore, except at bedtime. It was hard to believe that almost a year had passed since she’d left home. The birds were once again singing, and the aroma of blooming honeysuckle gave notice of spring’s arrival. New life had begun to appear in everything except Granny. Her health fell in rapid decline throughout the winter, and she lost the will to battle her debilitating illness any longer. It had been only a few weeks since her death, but life had taken a turn for the worse since her departure. Delphinia’s sense of loss was extraordinary. Tessie had grown more sullen and less helpful, the boys seemed rowdier, the twins fussier, and Jonathan tried to cheer all of them, with sadness showing in his own eyes.
Delphinia thought of Granny’s final words the morning she lay dying. “Remember I love you like a daughter, and the Lord loves you even more. Never turn from Him, Delphinia. I can see the peace you’ve gained since coming here, and I don’t want you to lose it. Nothing would make me sadder than to think my death would cause you to stumble in your faith.
“One more thing, my dear. Jonathan loves you, and you love him. I’m not sure either of you realizes it yet, but I’m sure God has wonderful plans for the two of you. You’ve learned well, and there’s nothing to fear. Jonathan will be close at hand whenever you need him,” the dying woman had said as she reached up and wiped the tears from Delphinia’s cheeks.
Shortly thereafter, she summoned Jonathan, and, in hushed murmurs, they said their final good-byes.
The services were held at the church, and everyone in the surrounding area came to pay their tribute. Granny would have been pleased, not because they came to honor her, but because some of them hadn’t been inside the church since it had been built!
Several days after the funeral, Pastor Martin came to visit and confided that the services had been planned by Granny. She had known it might be the only opportunity the minister would have to preach the plan of salvation to some of the homesteaders. Determined her death might provide eternal life for at least one of those settlers if they heard the message of God’s love, she had ordered, “Don’t talk about me, tell them about the precious Savior I’ve gone to join.”
There had been no flowery eulogies, no words of praise about her many acts of charity, or sentimental stories about her life. Pastor Martin had given an eloquent sermon based on Romans 10:9–13 telling all those assembled that Granny’s deepest desire had been consistent with that of her Lord. She wanted them to have the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. She wanted them to experience the joy of serving a Lord who would be with them in the times of happiness as well as sorrow. She wanted them to know the pure joy and peace that could be attained in service to the living God. Yes, he pointed out, there would still be sorrow, even while faithfully serving the Lord. He told them there was no promise made that their lives would be free of unhappiness and grief but, he added, the Word of God does say we will not be alone at those times. We have comfort through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
“That is what Jesus wanted you to know, and that is what Granny wanted you to know,” he had said as he finished the message.
The service ended more like a revival meeting than a funeral. The pastor explained to those attending that if they had not received Jesus as their Savior, nothing would make Granny happier than to use this opportunity to take that step of commitment at her funeral. When two men and one young girl stepped forward, Delphinia was sure the angels in heaven were singing and that Granny was probably leading the chorus!
It had been a unique experience for all of them. The burial had taken place, followed by a baptism at the river, and everyone had then returned to the church for dinner and visiting afterward.
Granny would have loved it!
The twins stirred in Delphinia’s arms, and carefully she placed them in bed, hoping they would not awaken. Hearing the sound of a horse coming toward the house, she walked to the porch and watched as George Martin approached, quickly returning his smile and wave. “It’s good to see you, George,” she welcomed as he climbed down from the horse. “Come in and I’ll pour you some coffee.”
“It’s good to see you, too. Coffee sounds good. I hope you have some time so we can visit privately,” he stated as they walked into the house.
“It appears you’re in luck. The twins are napping, Tessie’s gone to pick berries, and the older boys are with Jonathan,” she answered.
“I really don’t know how to begin,” he stammered, taking a sip of coffee, “so I guess I’ll just get to the heart of the matter.”
“That’s usually best,” she encouraged, leaning forward.
“Delphinia, I don’t know if you realize that I’ve come to care for you a great deal. We don’t know each other well… I don’t really think we could ever get to know each other very well as long as Jonathan’s around. Anyway, I’ve been called to another church and must leave here by the end of the month. I’d like you to come with me…as my wife, of course,” he stated.
“George…I don’t know what to say. You’ve taken me by surprise,” she said, her voice faltering. “You’re a wonderful man, but I don’t think I could marry unless I was sure I loved you. I don’t think a few weeks would assure us of that. Furthermore, I couldn’t just leave the children. That’s why I’m here—to care for them. I have an obligation to the bargain that was made, even if I wasn’t a part of it,” she stated, sadness evident in her voice.
“I’m not worried about the fact that you’re not in love with me. I think our love for each other will grow once we’re married. Your feeling of obligation to the Wilshires is admirable, and I certainly don’t want to see the children left without someone to help, but I’m sure we can overcome that problem. That is, if you really want to,” he said in a questioning manner.