Love Bears All: Home Grown in Bear Town

By Kal James

Our greatest battle is the war within us. A land of paradise, a world of wonder, buried deep in the enchanted forest, nestled at the foothills of the mountains, a dream came true. A vision his grandfather had for quite some time of such a beautiful and bountiful place, one to call home. This is a story of family and friends that shared the sweetness of love and touched the hard core of survival. As a cub, Little Guh experienced fun and adventure as well as growing pains. He was stricken with hardship at a young age that placed him in a dismal state of mind, with his biggest challenge yet to come. He now had a critical choice to make, one that would impact everyone around him. Life lessons taught him well to love and hope, whether he understood or not; to be kind; to press on and persevere against the odds; turn weakness to strength; and search to find the things that make a difference. He learned in its truest form that life stood still for no one. Little Guh found what mattered most was to face his fears. To overcome and conquer and answer the calling was the difference in life or death. He found that not all things were taught, but some things would come as a gift from deep inside. The truth in his heart would set him free and strengthen his love for family, friends, and home. It is best expressed in his grandfather's words: "the roar of a bear is the roar of truth," A season of love will last forever. Love Bears All

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781645694175

Book preview

Love Bears All

Home Grown in Bear Town

Kal James

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

ISBN 978-1-64569-416-8 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64569-418-2 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-64569-417-5 (digital)

Copyright © 2019 by Kal James

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher and Author Kal James. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

An Inspiration of Art shared with love

Cover Art by

Kimberly Bond

Interior Illustrations by

Kim West

Mom and Dad

For all the hope, encouragement, support, and creativity shown in love to all of us. Love you, Mom and Dad. Thank you for the encouraging words to write. Hope this brings a big sunshine smile to your heavenly home. Miss you, Mom.

Family is the heart of love. A true friend is a treasure, and home is more than just a place. It’s all truly a gracious plenty.

Love Bears All

Love bears all things,

believes all things,

hopes all things,

endures all things.

—1 Corinthians 13:7

(ESV)

Foreword

If you are looking to increase your faith in your fellow man and reestablish in your heart life values and the importance of love for family, friends, and home, then this book is a must read for you. The author, Kal James, has created this classic story from the depth of his heart, as well as from life, family experiences, along with his desire to touch and change lives for the better.

—Dr. Joe M. Elrod

Author, Reversing Fibromyalgia

Preface

My friends, have you ever had a dream, one that seemed so real you felt like you were a part of it? Sometimes, words can’t express how we feel. Or can they?

In this book, I hope you will find encouragement in life’s ups and downs. One word leads to another, like one step in a journey, finding our way as we go. Plant a good seed and let it grow in love. Turn negatives to positives, weaknesses to strengths, and defeats to triumphs. Make a better way and a brighter day by overcoming life’s trials and meeting its challenges to face the giants in life.

Little Guh and his friends had many adventures of their own. Fun was the name of the game. Fun they had, but along with that came the hard knocks of life. As they grew with family and friends, they learned to have respect for their elders, good manners, knowing what was right or wrong, and helping others. They always strove to do their best, building good character and using their talents to grow. They stood for what they believed in and never gave up on love.

Each day brought something different, and growing pains sometimes left them in their tracks wondering what had happened. But in the course of time, they often found their greatest battle was the war within them. But somehow, some way, the cubs would find the hope and courage to conquer and persevere through the hard times and make the good times even better.

The cubs had many experiences as they grew. Some came as tradition, like everyone sitting at the tables on Puddin Hill enjoying some honey bread, berry jam, and puddin’ while sharing each other’s company. Others came by exploring new paths, and many by way of helping each other, making the most of life. A season of learning they would never forget.

Hope and encouragement come in so many ways. From perseverance in the present to reaching out for what lies ahead, some just being a whim away. In this story is pain and hardships, but it also shares the life lessons of reaching deep down inside and finding the gifts that bring out something bigger than oneself, and the experience of joy to grow on. Plant a seed and let it grow. And when life knocks you down, get up one more time, for there is a reason, something greater to gain (in oneself, in life), and grow with others in a positive way.

Now that you have heard a little of the story, sit back, relax, read from your electronic device or moisten your thumb and finger and turn the pages as the story unfolds before you. Enjoy your own adventure and meet your new friends in Love Bears All—Homegrown in Bear Town.

Happy reading—friends forever.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I thank God for all His blessings, for putting all the people and things in place to make this book possible to touch others. All things are possible through Him.

I thank Holly, Sarah, and the rest of the team at Christian Faith Publishing for the vessel of hope that’s extended in all the help and support, resulting in true professionalism and producing such a product of quality.

I am so thankful to my family for the love, support, and believing in me from day one with all the encouragement to keep writing. My children and their spouses Danielle and Brandon, Kala and Levi and Julia; and grandchildren Lausen, Costner, Joseph, Stella Grace, Benjamin, and Tave have always been there in so many ways. I could never count all the blessings. Thanks for the inspiration for just being you. My dad and mom, Lynn and Betty James (wish she were here to read this), thanks for always being there for me. My siblings and their spouses Saralyn and Dell, Randy and LeeAnn, Kim and Mike, and Becky and Gary, through all the good times, growing pains, and grandchildren. To all of them, I could never express enough appreciation and love. The bucket is filled with blessings.

I would also like to thank Dr. Joe Elrod and J. Patterson for their friendship, time, and effort to go the extra mile on such an amazing journey. Having many adventures ourselves, the path ran true to its travels, bringing a story to be shared by all. I truly express my appreciation to them for being there every step of the way.

To Serena, thank you for being such a true friend and never giving up on me writing this book. For having the gift of patience to listen to the story as it progressed, for lighting a light when things seemed dim, and for the gifts given in a smile for a vote of confidence and perseverance when needed. I can’t express my appreciation enough; it means the world to me. A true friend is a treasure.

Thanks to Tonya Holly at Cypress Moon Studios for the insight given through her own knowledge and experiences.

To Tommy Fell, Courtney, and the rest of the crew at Alabama Film Office, I thank you for all your efforts to help make dreams come true.

Thanks to all the people and coworkers at Chick-fil-A and the State Motor Pool for all the support and encouragement given along the way.

To my friends Harry Poole, Tim Craig, Ward Thigpen, Mark Macon, Rett Allen, Reyn Norman, David Gledhill, Gary Schaub, Greg and Gayle Miller, Robbie Davis, Jeff Smith, Joel Sowells, Jimmy Walker, Michael Nimmer just to name a few, thanks for all the support.

Thank you Dr. Frank Parsons for the encouragement and motivation to reach a goal that is so meaningful to many.

To all the teachers who have been patient and have persevered to make a breakthrough, thank you so much. And especially to Mr. Dickey, arguably the best English Literature teacher, wishing he were here to read this as well. I did my homework this time or as best I could.

And thanks to those at the gym, and of course, all that I have not mentioned that deserve a pat on the back, and especially those who have planted a seed and let it grow in love. Love endures when nothing else can—the light of forever.

Prologue

In the midst of silence, there came an awakening deep in the forest. Nightfall weakens at the edge of dawn while the enchanted forest begins to fester and take its form. The morning whispers greetings, and the echoes of sounds begin to multiply as the subtleness begins to emerge with energy. A brilliance of communication expands, expressing the rousing of the daybreak as nature shows its face.

The birds chirp lightly, bringing a sweet melody as they play their tune. The golden rays of sunlight peek gently over the mountainside, piercing through the treetops, making its way to the drops of dew that mellowed on the grass. The sprinkles of mist covered the ground like a blanket of silk immersed in serenity. The flowers flourished in the fields as they danced candidly in the gentle breeze. The trees stand tall, like pillars of strength that reach the sky. The air is fresh with a bit of fragrance that delighted the senses, while the skies dressed with shades of blue and a line of silver. The twin rivers run free off the mountains, finding their way to the waterfalls, then to rest peacefully at the still waters.

The animals made their way to the christening dawn with the freshness of water inviting everyone to share in an early morning quenching. A beautiful blend of nature seemed to migrate endlessly with promise, as if a vision had become real. The forest was full of life, with everything taking its place in harmony, fitting comfortably in its own accord. A day had been born along with the birth of a dream, all nestled in the foothills of the mountains.

There was a drip, then another. Drops shivered through the vines, making their way downward. He shakes his head, then runs his paw across his face to remove the tickle. He looks on, meditating and bonding as the gender of the day appears before him. Golden Guh had come with a purpose and found what he was looking for, knowing it wouldn’t be easy but knew it was worth fighting for.

And that’s exactly what he did. He fought for what he believed in. His purpose was simple but strong: the roar of a bear is the roar of truth, which meant a family is the heart of love, a true friend is a treasure, and home is more than just a place. It’s all truly a gracious plenty.

To merit his dream meant to be persistent and stand strong to pass it on to the next generations. All were invited that came for its goodness, protection, perseverance, and bonding of love and friendship. Holding these values in his heart, he passed them on indeed to Papa Guh, then to Little Guh as the story begins to unfold in Bear Town.

Papa Guh followed the footsteps of Golden Guh. Watching his papa and growing in his likeness, he began to understand why he did the things he did. The way he cherished and loved his mate, Bertha, the words he spoke, and the willingness to help others were strong in his character. He set a good example for all to see.

Papa Guh looked at his mate, Zurie, the same way. Brave Wolf and Breeze with their wolf pack made their home in Bear Town along with Mr. Owl and Ruffles. The beavers, Paddle Wheel and Otto, among others, did the same. It was a happy place full of goodness in every way, until one day tragedy struck. Golden Guh finds it best to leave Papa Guh to oversee Bear Town until the day of his return.

At a young age, Little Guh faces obstacles that present themselves long before he was ready. His growing pains scared him deeply, not knowing if he could survive the mysteries that burden him. He longed for comfort, for answers, to find the positive in life’s overwhelming challenges. Where is the promise of the words that meant so much in truth and would give him strength when he needed it most? He had no clue to what lay ahead, giving all he had to fate itself.

Chapter 1

The Charm: Stream of Friends

One day, Little Guh ventured out into the forest with hopes of finding something he had lost. He played his stick flute with a tune his grandmother had taught him and for good reason. The tune was light and soothing yet carried a cherished meaning with a heaviness that haunted him. One of his greatest challenges that gripped and plagued his thoughts gave way each day to find an answer to the pervasiveness that invaded his heart. He would play the tune sounding his message, sometimes fighting back his emotions, with a longing to one day bring joy.

Through his search, he also found a need to discover something deep inside, something bigger than himself, to overcome and conquer as he shared his ups and downs with family and friends growing as a young cub to take his place. Most days were full of adventure and fun, but some came with a price. He learned to walk, to find his way through the battles that were seeded from his past.

On this particular venture, Little Guh approached the edge of a stream like he had done so many times before. But this time, things seemed unusually different. He ignored his instincts at first, but his attention was prompted again. Something inside was nudging and telling him to look closer.

He noticed his surroundings. The stream was clear and flowing with trickles of water that filtered its way through the rocks. It was pleasing to the ears along with the beautiful setting of trees that was surrounded by an admirable undergrowth. The flowers grew fervently with colorful petals and stood alongside the straws that were tinted in tans. The grasse thrived in green, growing naturally to the water’s edge.

It was a memorable moment, bringing to mind the big sunshine smile of his sister, Kimber. Some of his fondest and best memories were laughing and playing with her and their grandmother, Maw Bertha. Sometimes while Golden Guh, Papa Guh, and Zurie would find food and do other chores, Maw Bertha would babysit the twins. She not only had fun with them but taught them many things as well. A couple of these things were playing their stick flute that Papa Guh had made for them and gathering berries for a snack. They loved the sound the flute made and soon put together a little tune they both enjoyed. The tune became known as the tune of hope. It brought a smile to his face.

It’s like sweet honey, bellowed Little Guh after playing his stick flute. Do you think she’ll hear it? He reaches out to a vine, pulling off a pawful, then bends down and places them on a log. There. He began to play his flute again.

Did you hear that? Buster asked Bubba as the sound of a sweet melody rang through the forest.

Little Guh puts the stick flute down and begins to talk to his friend. This looks like a good place. What do you think, Dink? Little Guh looks around with his arms open wide, expressing himself to his imaginary friend Dink while Buster and Bubba watch him from the other side of the stream.

Who is he talking to? Bubba questioned.

Wow! I’ve never seen a bear like that. Look, Bubba, at the size of those paws and that golden curly hair! as Buster stared at Little Guh, hearing Bubba subconsciously.

Bubba sees some frogs and perks up a bit. He loved catching frogs; it was one of his favorite pastimes. He chased after them as they leaped into the water, making a big splash. Splash, splash, splash. The frogs go into the stream one by one.

Little Guh noticed two cubs, which were Buster and Bubba, on the other side of the stream and growled at them as they growled back, being unfamiliar with each other.

Immediately, Little Guh’s attention was drawn back to the stream. A tadpole was fighting his way as he swam right toward him. Buster and Bubba noticed the tadpole as well. There was something mysterious going on. The tadpole was acting different as he stirred through the water. The moment became intense as they looked on with anticipation, not knowing what to expect. There was more movement, a bigger stir, a change, a jump, then a frog! How can it be a frog?

Wow! Did you see that? said Little Guh excitedly.

How did he do that? exclaimed Buster.

He must have bumped his head, proclaimed Bubba sarcastically. Bubba’s sense of humor brought out the comedian in him. He loved to joke and carry on with others, usually finding a bright spot with his comical personality.

No, it’s more to it than that, said Buster.

He got up on the wrong side of the stream? questioned Bubba as he scratched his head.

No, it’s a miracle! He turned into a frog! Little Guh said amazedly as he began to realize there was something really special about this frog.

Wow, right before our eyes! Buster said intently. Buster took life a little more seriously than Bubba but still liked having fun.

That was amazing. First, he’s one thing, then another. Can I do that? asked Bubba, being funny and loving games, especially when it came to frogs. He was always trying to put them into his pouch.

Go ahead and try. See if you can change, said Little Guh, urging him on but knowing he couldn’t change into a frog.

Big Green on the way! shouted Buster while cupping his paws to his mouth and acting like an announcer.

Bubba was up for the challenge. He crouched down and put his paws over his head and made all kinds of noises. His determination was expressed in the dramatic faces he was making as it turned different shades of red. He made a big groaning sound, Groan… Nothing happened. What next? he mutters to himself as he brings his arms down by his side. Bubba looks to Little Guh and Buster for affirmation. Maybe I need to get in the water?

So Bubba got into the water with some deep meditation and pretended to know what he was doing. He stared at the little frog as if to say, If you can do it, I can too. He starts going round and round, stirring the water up like the little green frog. Then he puts his paws on his head again and made some more noises and faces. By this time, Buster had joined Little Guh rolling on the ground laughing. They couldn’t believe Bubba was trying to change into something else like the little green frog had done.

Well, it worked for him, whaled Bubba disgustedly.

Then Little Guh reached down, and the little green frog jumps into his paws. The frog’s eyes were big for its little body and had a glowing effect to them. He gleamed at Little Guh and let out a little croak. The cubs stared at the little green frog with a moment of meditation, not fully grasping what had happened, but knew it was something really special.

At that moment, a bonding had occurred that changed their lives forever. A day of friendship had happened right before their eyes. A loss for an explanation passed quickly as they came to acceptance of their little new friend. They didn’t know, but in time they would realize that small things make a big difference in life.

The little green frog jumps up on Little Guh’s shoulder and lets out a bigger croak.

Croak! says the little green frog.

Listen to that, Dink, said Little Guh, talking to his imaginary friend.

Who’s Dink? Where’s Dink? said Buster, looking around in confusion. Buster and Bubba didn’t know Little Guh had an imaginary friend.

He kinda grows on ya, doesn’t he? Want to put him in my pouch? asked Bubba. He had made himself a pouch that he used to carry berries, flowers, honey, frogs, or anything else he wanted to tote.

You’re pouch? Who, Dink? questioned Little Guh.

No, the frog, explained Buster.

Well he’s a little green around the ears, better put him back for now, said Little Guh, thinking he was too young to leave the stream.

Don’t think he’ll get any greener, said Bubba, expressing his humor.

The little green frog jumps down and looks at Little Guh, smiling like he was expressing his acceptance of their friendship.

Hmm, I think I’ll call him Tadler. What do you think? asked Little Guh.

Yeah, I like that name, Little Guh, proclaimed Buster.

Bubba turns his head and looks at the surroundings. He couldn’t believe the beautiful setting in this part of the forest. This place is like an enchanted forest, one I’ve always dreamed of, and I think I’ll call you guys ‘Bear One’ and ‘Bear Two.’ That makes me Three, Bubba said, being funny as he pointed to them.

Is he always like this? Little Guh asks Buster.

Does a bear live in the…oh never mind, said Buster, shrugging his shoulders.

The woods, like a comedian, Bubba said sarcastically and admitting his humor.

Then Tadler began to croak repeatedly as he jumped toward the water. His actions changed, as if he was trying to alert them. He turns back around and looks at Little Guh, then makes one last leap into the water. He submerges to the bottom of the stream and swims around a bit, then lodges on an object. The cubs watch him intently at his every move. Tadler’s intensions were obvious, like he knew what was down at the bottom. But how and what did he know? His dramatic difference in behavior piqued the cubs’ attention even further.

I think he’s trying to tell us something, said Little Guh.

The cubs moved up and down the side of the bank, trying to get in a better position to see Tadler.

Smart fellow, isn’t he? asked Bubba.

Shhhh. Let’s see what he does next, as Buster protested for silence. The cubs looked on quietly for a moment, trying to figure out what was going on at the bottom of the stream.

What is it, Tadler? questioned Little Guh.

He’s on to something, said Buster.

"Ah, or up to something. What’s he going to turn into