Editor’s Note: This is an ongoing series which runs each Thursday morning titled the Richland Chronicles, by author Paul Lintern. It is set in the 1860s and tells the story of Richland County through the eyes of young people. The books are available from Lintern for $25 a set, tax and shipping included. Each book is about 120 pages written for intermediate readers (4th grade) with local illustrations. Volume I is Amelia Changes Her Tune. Volume II is Isaac and Wolf Paw Find Their Home. Volume III is Autumn Keeps Her Secret. Volume IV is Mr. Gamble Starts a School. Volume V is Jacob Blows his Horn. Volume VI is Cassie Fights the War.
“Winny, you ninny,” Emilene said to her persistent goat, who had just chewed through yet another rope and now was feasting on Maggie’s hay at the edge of her stall, while Maggie snorted in protest.
“At least you didn’t make it to Mrs. McLaughlin’s garden.”
“I can’t wait until Winny is about four years older,” Jacob said, surprising Emilene with his entrance.
“Four years? Why?” she asked.
“Because then I will have moved out and will never have to see — or hear — that goat again.”
“Oh, but Winny is just starting to take a shine to you,” Emilene smiled.
“A shine or a whine?” he retorted.
Emilene smiled.
I hope he doesn’t really know how much I like him.
Jacob cleared his throat, as he did whenever he was trying to be serious.
“I am sorry about Jed and what he did.”
“They say the doctor thinks he might lose his foot!” Emilene said.
“I guess, but you know that is not what I mean. You and the little ones should never have had to go through that.”
“Jacob, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing in Grace. She just stood there. I thought it was from being afraid, but I think it was her facing her fear. Does that make sense?
“It’s like she knew what she was doing.”
“Maybe she has had to face that before,” Jacob said.
“Why are people so mean?” Emilene asked.
“I don’t know, but I am tired of it. It just keeps going on and on, so I suppose it never stops.”
“Just don’t let the mean people win,” she said.
“I won’t. I’m going to try to be nice to everyone from now on,” Jacob said.
“Wonderful.”
“Except maybe this goat,” he joked as he left.
Grace was sitting next to Mama on the back porch when Emilene went back in. They were husking corn, to get them ready for supper. David was sitting on the lowest branch of Jacob’s tree.
“May I climb the tree, Miss Mama?” David asked.
“You are the first boy to ask permission to climb that tree,” Autumn said to him. “Yes, you may climb it, carefully and not very high.”
“What do you mean the first? I’ve seen Jacob climb it many times,” Emilene said.
“But he’s never asked permission,” Mama said.
Emilene joined in the corn husking.
“Grace, can I ask you a question?” Emilene said.
“Sounds like you already did,” she replied.
“How did you stand so still when Jed was swinging that axe?”
“Papa told me never look away from your troubles or fears.”
“But he was swinging an axe at you,” Emilene said.
“And he didn’t know where it would land, but the Lawd did. I let Him push me the right way.”
Emilene shook her head.
“I couldn’t have done that.”
“Maybe the Lawd shoved you down so you wouldn’t have to,” Grace said.
“Do you think the Lord was pushing bullets and cannonballs around all the battlefields?” Emilene asked.
I really want to know.
“Beats me. I only know He pushed me today.” Mama sighed.
“Your brothers still talk about wondering why so many men next to them were hurt or killed and they came back complete,” she said. “And Nate even wonders why he only lost a leg, when so many others, well…”
“Like my father, “And Jed’s father,” Emilene said.
“And all those poor boys on the Sultana,” Mama said. “To be stuck in that horrible prison, then released to come home, then to die on that boat and never make it home. Terrible.”
“When does it stop hurting, Mama?” Emilene asked.
Grace looked up at Autumn, too.
Another sigh.
“It never stops completely, I’m sorry to say.
“But it does start to feel better, a little at a time, and if we help it along.”
“How do we do that?” Emilene asked.
“Each day. Just take on that day, and leave the rest behind. That’s what Grandpappy Zeiters taught me. A day is not good or bad by itself; it just is a day full of life, your life.
“Be thankful for the people in your life; be helpful to them. “Be thankful of the people that used to be in your life and honor them.
“Be thankful for the opportunities you have and use them for something good.
“I promise it will get better.”
The corn huskers were quiet a bit longer.
“You have already taken a big step, you know, Emilene.”
“What is that, Mama?”
“You call me Mama.”
