Sanctuary

by Alene Adele Roy

  “I’m Pastor Albert, and that’s a great service to others, Viola and Aggie. I’ll help you. By the way, for those of you who don’t know, Aggie is my sister. I’m devoted to my family, friends, and our community, so I’ll have to help with this project. The father of twins, Minnie and Quinny, I often find myself busy with other peoples’ needs. Yet, my mission is not to neglect my wife, children, or sisters, Amber and Aggie. As for a secret mission, I share one with Emma. Together, we work in wood. The Emerys’ have generously blessed us with ends and pieces from their mill, castoffs, to create toys, gifts, signs, and wooden bowls, with serving forks and spoons, for friends or to donate. So, now, my New Year’s resolution will be to plant a large, new garden to grow food for Viola and Aggie’s Soup Kitchen.”

  “I’m Emma Hoover, pastor’s wife, and I’ll help in the kitchen, too. As a pastor’s wife, I am friendly, outgoing, compassionate, and a wonderful wife, mother, and friend,” she laughed. “As you can tell, I share my sister-in-law, Aggie’s, sense of humor. My hobby is woodworking in my spare time. I also have a passion to write, to make sure our community newspaper makes its flexible deadlines, and be hostess to those who come to help with it, and at church. So, my New Year’s resolution will be the same as all of yours ~ to help our thriving nation grow.” She smiled warmly and glanced at the friends around her.

  “I am Callie Emerson, the head cook here at Magnolia Gardens, where I’ve been since long before becoming a young widow. I love the herb garden, feeding birds, quilting, and trying new recipes. Perhaps a day will come when I’ll leave this manor, or have a grandchild of my own, and then I’ll know what my new mission will be. But for now, I’ll enjoy the time spent with you, my friends, and also watching John’s daughter, Lily, grow and learn. My resolution is writing an herbal remedy manual with Mr. Charles Earl.”

  After applause ended, her friend explained, “I am Charles, cook and gardener for Lieutenant Monty Graham of Fernhaven. I have a mission to use my culinary and gardening skills there, at community gatherings, and to bring meals to the ill or anyone. I ask Pastor and Emma Hoover each Sunday if there is anyone in need. Any of you would be welcome to accompany me or to receive a meal. Miss Callie has joined me in this quest and has generously provided part of those meals and desserts. We sometimes even have a little friendly rivalry going on, yet, she always wins. A new interest we engage in is collecting herbs for the gardens or medicinal uses. Since she has already mentioned it, I guess it is appropriate for me to tell you that our New Year’s resolution is to write a volume titled, ‘Herbal Remedies And Culinary Uses.’” Applause resounded.

  “I’m Callie’s son, Crane Emerson, employed with Dr. John and Rachael Davis, as butler, gardener, and animal tender. I also work part time at Emerys’ Sawmill. My New Year’s resolution, besides being a good groom to my new bride, Mariah, is to help drill wells. Of course, I don’t actually drill them. Instead, I’m planning to help financially, to provide water wherever Mrs. Davis deems necessary. This has been kept secret, except to our spouses, a good partnership amongst true friends.”

  “I’m Mariah, now happily married to Crane. My resolution is to earn money toward a home of our own. For now, we reside at the lovely Magnolia Gardens and love it here. I do housekeeping chores and light gardening with Crane. Lately, I’ve also done child care, in order to add to our funds, with the blessings of Dr. John, Rachael, and Crane. Sometimes, I take care of little Lily Davis, which we all delight in. I’ve known the child from birth, and adore her. It is fun watching her grow and learn. At other times, I tend the Hoover twins, Quinny and Minnie, while their parents are busy helping other people with certain needs or doing other things like their wonderful woodworking creations. Crane and I learned about their secret hobby after receiving a beautiful wooden salad bowl with its large serving spoon and fork for a wedding gift from Pastor Albert and Emma. They helped spread the news about ‘Mariah Emerson’s Child Tending Service,’ and other parents now come to me for help. Those times of care giving make me think of having children of our own someday. When I’m not doing housekeeping or tending children, I write poetry, which Mrs. Davis sometimes places in the newspaper; or I rest, for childrearing is a very physically and emotionally demanding task. Still, I love it all, and all of you.”

  “Lily loves animals, especially the horses ~ Butterscotch and Chocolate, our cat, Hope, and her kittens. She talked to them and was a very gentle friend. The kitties often came to her for affection. She also loves her Dolly Molly, created by my bride, and the stories Rachael, Mariah, and I read or create for her, songs, and snow,” her proud father, John Davis happily explained to the group.

  “I’m Quinny. I play with my wooden toys Daddy made for me and put them on the windowsill at night when I sleep. I find flowers for Minnie or Lily, when she visits our family, unless there’s snow. I like wedding cake, Christmas, and birthdays, and I want to drive a choo choo.”

  “He also loves music and hums to hymns in church, in case you haven’t heard him. So, beware, Aggie. He may become our next choir director in a few years,” his father explained with a chuckle.

  “I’m Minnie. I love dolls and books. I want to write like Mommy.”

  “I’m Hattie Davis, John’s paternal grandmother. We were staying with our son and daughter-in-law since my stroke a year ago. But you changed all of that. Now, we are back home at Black Woods Castle, thanks to all of you. Therefore, our New Year’s resolutions are to entertain you, family and friends, as if our home is your sanctuary, to keep The Indigo, which is now more colorful than ever, a beautiful, restful haven for guests, birds, butterflies, and ourselves to enjoy. We will also try to host one fundraiser a year, all with help, of course.”

  “I’m John Davis and I resolve to put in a new rose garden in the new year for everyone to enjoy.”

  “I’m Anthony Lightfoot, John’s maternal grandfather. Our mission has always been horses. So, John has come by his love of the animals naturally. We’ve rescued a few when owners could no longer care for them during the war and in these hard times. Those animals came to a loving home, a warm barn in inclement weather, and plenty of good food to help heal their bodies. So, if you ever know of a horse that needs tending, please let us know. We ride often, thus, our neighbors probably have seen us slowly meandering the flower-lined path known as Quail Egg Run in Daisy Hollow, or galloping across the countryside. My resolution is to go with Buddy to meet the new president and invite him to John and Rachael’s next horse show. But I’d better ask them first, hadn’t I?” Polite applause showed the group’s delight and approval.

  “My name is Andrea Lightfoot and I enjoy making dolls and collecting wildflowers. Those continue to be my resolutions, with my newest one being helping with the newspaper.”

  “I, John Davis the second, and my wife, Cloie, are John’s parents. We love horses, too. Our new resolution is helping with upcoming horse shows at Magnolia Gardens, in John’s barn. At those shows we plan to try to teach children or anyone else who wants to learn to ride. Another resolution is to be the best mayor I can be until you vote me out.” Applause, cheers, and whistles approved his speech.

  “I’m Cloie Davis, John’s wife, and my resolution is to teach reading or arithmetic at the new library, and also have a wonderful garden tea for all of the residents next summer, where we can exchange plants. I’d certainly like to speak with you about that later, Amber, since you have a similar idea.”

  “I’m Arthur, John and Cloie’s gardener and Cloie’s uncle. I live at Sunset Place with them and enjoy gardening and reading. My mission and New Year’s resolution is to see sunny Mexico.”

  “I am Daisy Weatherly, the mother of the late Rose Marie Davis. My New Year’s resolution is to honor our daughter, mother of Lily. We planted a rose garden in Town Square this summer, as a remembrance of her, and will host some gatherings there and in Blue Slough Park in the future. We also treasure times with our granddaughter, Lily, and we sha
ll stay, always, in her life.”

  “My name is Westley Weatherly. Daisy Hollow is named for my wife, and we have yet another resolution and mission in mind, which is to collect wildflower seed there and scatter it as we ride our horses along the trails. We often ride with the Davises. We’d like to share some seeds with the young lady who is interested in wildflowers, just as we are, or anyone who wishes some.”

  “I’m Grandmother Rachael, Viola, Rachael, Phoebe, Robert, and Wren’s grandmother, and that’s my resolution, to take care of my Hathaway grandchildren.” People cheered warmly.

  “I’m Doc Evans, a confirmed bachelor, and my resolution is to retire in the New Year and search diligently for the love of my life, while volunteering in free meal kitchens and with the Red Cross.”

  “I’m Grandmother Rachael’s sister, Millie, and I’m going to invest in my nieces and nephew’s projects, volunteer in Viola and Aggie’s free meal kitchen when I visit, and learn where I can help the Red Cross.”

  “I’m Jay, speaking for Jason and Joshua, too. Our mission was to find jobs, and we did. Then, soon after hearing of Miss Hathaway’s plan to drill wells, we also wanted to become well drillers. So, we reported to work for Mrs. Davis, trained with an expert on the job, and were able to ride the snagpuller to and from our work. We were also offered employment on that vessel, the Snagpuller North, at Emerys’ Sawmill, and at some farms along Mousefield Road. We rent rooms in Otter House from the Emery Davis family, yet still return often to the land of our ancestors, visiting Chief Morning Star and other family members. Our resolutions are to work hard, to celebrate the love of family and friends, carry on our tribal traditions, help at powwows, and someday find wives to share our dreams.”

  “My name is Chief Morning Star. My resolution is the pow wow. My words were that I would try to keep my family traditions alive by passing down the stories, wisdom, and work which has been given to me by the elders. I will also do that at a yearly pow wow. My other hope and dream, as Medicine Man, is to help, heal, and protect whenever I can, using herbs, good food, and water, and potions given to us by Mother Earth. Dream catchers to all of you who visit our people.”

  “I am Morning Dove, wife of our chief. My resolution is to become a friend to all.”

  “I’m Bradley Cunningham and I’m your banker. I hope to uphold a tradition of quality service for our customers, with a New Year’s resolution to hold a gathering at the bank sometime in the near future, and a mission to work in the lunch kitchen, which I hope will open soon.” Applause praised his words.

  “I am Larry Croft, and we just moved here. I am a beekeeper and railroad worker. My resolution is to start a farm.”

  “I am a teacher. My name is Candy Croft. My resolutions are to join the choir and work in the free meal kitchen.”

  “I am Sheriff Joe Turner, as most of you know, and my resolution is to stay a lawman, and to eat oriental food often in the New Year. I can highly recommend The Orient Gardens in Bower.” He winked at Swan, which caused a small stir, including one in the surprised Wren Hathaway.

  “This is Hope, our Siamese cat that John gave me when I first arrived here,” Rachael then began again. “She surprisingly found her own mission, when she met Chester in Indigo Gardens this summer after the cotillion when John was ill and I took her over to Black Woods Castle. Together, they produced a fine litter of four. With our approval, Lily blessed each of the Hoover twins with a kitten for Christmas, and gave one to Cousin Emery and Amber, her godparents, who had been begging for one for sometime. The last one went to Monty and Phoebe Graham, her other godparents, and it now has the run of Fernhaven. Hope doesn’t know the parts she has played in comforting me, saving John when he was very ill by pouncing upon me in the middle of the night to alert me, and by bringing so much joy just by being here, plus, giving us four beautiful kittens. Animals are wonderful. Our horses also saved our lives. Now, I’d like to teach you a new Christmas song I wrote especially for this wonderful occasion, because you have included me in your lives, and, indeed, made me feel at home and loved here at Magnolia Gardens, just as you said you would do, and the animals did, too, with tidings.”

  Tidings

  Tidings are in the air,

  On the wind everywhere,

  Bringing our hearts a song ~

  To help Christmas along.

  Tidings have a glad ring,

  Making our voices sing,

  With happiness for all ~

  May only joy befall.

  Tidings are meant for now.

  So, make resolutions ~ how?

  Think, dream, and wish for good ~

  Your wish is understood.

  Tidings and resolutions,

  Are how this season runs,

  Not always an easy task ~

  Spread joy is all we ask.

  Tidings to those you know,

  Also, those unknown, though,

  Send, since we need sweet sound ~

  Pleasant the world around.

  Tidings, like sweet birdsong,

  In all our lives belong.

  Our true mission should be ~

  A world sanctuary.

  Epilogue

  On Christmas Day, the three couples, John and Rachael, Monty and Phoebe, and Emery and Amber, left for their honeymoon at Blackberry Inn. This was a restful time for the group, after a busy holiday season, guests, entertaining, and their triple wedding. During the welcome holiday after their marriage ceremony, they especially enjoyed the leisurely time shared together, meals in each others company, sightseeing, a sleigh ride, and strolls throughout Blackberry Inn Eden, the gardens surrounding the inn.

  To their delight, a surprising honeymoon highlight appeared one night in the evening sky ~ the beautiful, aurora borealis or northern lights. These lifted into spectacular displays of color ~ reds, greens, yellow-green, orange-red, violet, light or smoky-grey, and greenish-white. Brightest near the horizon, the illuminating fingers and arches of light were seen in the northern sky, reaching high into the atmosphere.

  “To me, this is a sign for us, and a clue to the beauty of our friendships. May it also mean that we have bright and colorful futures ahead, and that our missions and resolutions will be acceptable in causing our world to become a sanctuary,” Rachael declared to the others in their party. Later that evening, she sat with pen and paper to write the words which would describe her feelings, as fast as they came to her, for she had been inspired.

  Upon their return from their wonderful honeymoon, John and Rachael were surprised to find two beautifully wrapped gifts under their Christmas tree. Unexpected, they opened them carefully. One would further explain Chief Morning Star’s surprise appearance and interest at the Archaeological Seminar at their hotel, where scientists and guests alike deemed him Director of Discussions and Artifact Display. Seated next to John and Rachael that day, he lunched with them, as John explained their plans to learn more about ancient artifacts, and open The Treasure Trunk Museum of the Ancients at Magnolia Gardens. But the other gift was a puzzle to them.

  Snowfall began, as together, the newlyweds unwrapped those packages on New Years Eve. At the same time, the light show started, not at midnight, but at the dusk of twilight time, as if in celebration of the newlyweds, and so all could see The End Of Year Festival Of Lights, in case the storm brought a whiteout later this evening. Fireworks illuminated The Treasure Map of 1818 lying on John’s desk, as they learned of their gifts from Chief Morning Star and his family and one from Wren.

  “He’s given us back the fish and dragonfly fossils, to help a dream,” declared Rachael.

  Next, they opened the other gift. “It’s an octagon window,” the amazed bridegroom told his bride. “How very strange this is.”

  Rachael laughed. “Wren told me there was one in his store, yet I never dreamed he would give it to us. I wonder why he’s done that. Time will
tell. Perhaps it is to make a dream come true, too.”

  “We’ll have to ask him,” John announced, as an amused expression transformed his face. “I’m sure there’s a good reason. But, we can make good use of it. We shall place it into the house, somewhere.”

  Rachael then took her groom’s hand. “John, I have to tell you that there is another gift for you. Wood has been donated by the Snagpuller North and by my family from fallen trees at Blueberry Bog. Labor came from our friends, family, and neighbors. Antonio Bradshaw’s horses pulled logs to Emerys’ Sawmill, and he and others cut lumber there, which all played a part in this.”

  “They played a part in all of what?” John questioned.

  “The inside projects were created by Grandmother, Aunt Millie, Mother, Viola, Phoebe, and Swan. Monty supplied the roof and doors. Wren gave the windows. Come here and see. There is your Museum of The Ancients and Medical Sanctuary.” Rachael pointed through a frosty window to the completed, snow-covered building, and Dr. John Davis The Third held back tears of joy as his dream came true, much sooner than he ever expected.

  “I can’t believe it. Thank you. Thank all of you,” he called in a raised voice, as if everyone responsible for it could hear him. Perhaps they did.