Grace's Journey

By Edith Young

Grace's Journey follows a young couple, who may have inherited a farm, and the lady who helps them. "I wonder if Uncle Davis still owned the farm when he passed away?" "If he did and you inherit it, what are we going to do? We don't know the first thing about farming." Denise questioned. Little did they know what lay in store for them, nor what twists and turns their journey would lead them on. Even though this book is fiction, there is one incident that really did happen - Have fun guessing which one!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098044251

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Grace's Journey

Edith Young

Copyright © 2020 by Edith Young

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. 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

Table of Contents

The Inheritance

Grace Takes Over

Grace Leads the Way

Happy or Sad, Life Goes On

Special Guests

From School Days to a Happy Time

Company’s Here

A Few Surprises

Here We Go Again

Busy Days Ahead

An Education for All

The Trip

A City Slicker

A Hidden Treasure

A Christmas to Remember

This book is almost all fiction. I came up with an idea and let my imagination run wild. I added a lot of twists and turns to it. As I started writing this book over twenty years ago, if you happen to see your name in it, it is just coincidence because I used names that were commonly used back then or ones I just pulled out of the air, and some of the town names were made up as well. There was something that really did happen to this author, so have fun guessing what it was.

To my son, Ronald G. Young Jr., born December 17, 1974,

who was killed in a car accident in New York State on September 1, 1998

Also to my best friend, Shirley Jo Johnson, from West Virginia,

born June 10, 1947, who passed away on May 14, 2018

I love and miss you both so very much.

Acknowledgment

I wish to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for helping and guiding me through all of my trials and all the mistakes that I have made over the years. To my church families from New York State and West Virginia for making me feel like I belonged and praying for me through all the rough times. And to my son-in-law and daughter—John and Elsie Deeds—and grandchildren Jonathan, Jathan, and Anna Deeds, whom I love dearly.

To the rest of my family and friends living and those who have passed on who stuck by me through thick and thin over the years, thank you.

List of Characters

Main Characters

Edward (Ted) Shackle

Denise (De De) Shackle

Grace Chriss

Ruth Grissem

Josh Parks

Supporting Characters

James (Jim) Strait

Mary Strait

Bradly Denson

Running Bear

Barbie

Governor George Watermen

June Watermen

Donald White

Lucy White

Susan White

Delbert White

Trudy Waite

George Trainer

Chapter 1

The Inheritance

Honey, I’m home, Edward said as he walked through the door.

His wife greeted him at the door with a kiss.

De De, what’s that letter in your hand? Edward asked his wife after giving her a kiss.

It’s a letter from a lawyer’s office in Mountain Crest, Missouri, she answered.

Why would a lawyer from Missouri be writing to me? Edward wondered as Denise hands him the letter.

There’s only one way to find out, Denise answered. Open it.

He opened the letter and read it out loud.

Bradly Denson

Attorney at Law

24 West Fairmont Drive

Mountain Crest. Missouri 65960

1-804-555-1670

Dear Mr. Edward Shackle:

It is my unfortunate duty to inform you that on June 8, 1994, your uncle Davis Shackle passed away. I realize this letter will arrive too late for you to attend his funeral.

As you are his closest living relative, you are requested to come to Mountain Crest for the reading of Mr. Shackle’s will, which will take place in my office on July 1,1994, at 1:00 p.m.

Please call my office at your earliest convenience to inform me if you will be able to attend.

Yours respectfully,

Brady Denson

Attorney at Law

I don’t remember you ever mentioning anything about having an uncle? Denise questioned him after Edward finished reading the letter.

No one in our family ever talked much about him. I guess he was the black sheep. I do, however, remember my father being upset when my uncle took the farm away from my grandfather when he became ill. But my father always said he was glad he left the farm and his brother Davis after grandfather passed away, Edward told her, then wondered out loud, I wonder if Uncle Davis still owned the farm when he passed away.

Little did they know what lay in store for them when they reached Mountain Crest—or what headaches were waiting for them.

If he did and you inherit it, what are we going to do? We don’t know the first thing about farming, Denise questioned.

I don’t really know, Edward replied, then added, I guess if we do inherit it and we decide to go, we may have to either find someone to go with us or try to find someone down there to help us.

Maybe we should try and find someone who could at least tell us what farming is all about and if it would pay for itself, Denise said. I have an idea. What if we ask at church Sunday morning for help at prayer request?

Great idea, honey. That way, we may almost be certain of finding a Christian, Edward responded.

They talked some more about the letter and the possibility of a farm existing until they retired for the night.

As Sunday rolled around, they were still debating on whether or not to ask for help. Not knowing if the farm still existed left them wondering. And asking for prayer and help in front of a lot of strangers made them feel a little apprehensive. They were both very nervous as they arrived at Community Free Church.

They sat through the announcements and the singing; then the minister asked for prayer requests. After a few requests were made, Edward slowly stood up then spoke, I realize we are new here. But we need to ask for your prayers as we need Gods strength and guidance as we may have inherited a farm and know nothing about farming. We also need his guidance in finding someone who knows about farming who could help us. Thank you. He sat back down.

After more requests were made, the minister lead them in prayer. Then he started his sermon, but poor Edward and Denise just couldn’t seem to concentrate on it as they were still thinking and praying about the farm.

After the service was over, Edward and Denise walked up to the minister and shook hands with him. Then the minister spoke up, I think there is a lady whom you ought to talk to. She wasn’t here today because she went out of town to be at her son’s wedding. Her name is Grace Chriss. She, along with her husband, ran a farm until he was killed in a farming accident. If she gets back today, she’ll be at the service tonight. Would you like to meet her then?

Yes, Edward answered. We would.

Edward and Denise then left and headed for their car and went home.

After dinner, they talked about the events of the last few days.

I wonder if anyone else will approach us tonight at church? Denise was asking.

I don’t know, Edward answered. I think if there had been anyone else, Reverend Forth would’ve said so.

I guess you’re right, Denise said. Grace must know a great deal about farming, or Reverend Forth wouldn’t have mentioned her name.

I wonder if she’s a Christian, Edward wondered out loud.

I believe she is, Denise guessed. Anyway, we’ll find out tonight if she is there. As an afterthought, Denise went on, You know, we have less than two weeks before we have to leave, and if we try to advertise for help, we may not get a response until after we leave.

You’re probably right, Edward replied. Anyway, I’ll have to talk to my supervisor tomorrow to see if I can get some time off.

Denise then left to prepare a lite meal for them.

After they ate, Denise cleared the table and put the dishes in the dishwasher. She was wondering to herself, Could we really handle running a farm? Coming from a big city as she did, it was hard for her to adjust to small-town life as it was. She was young and knew she had plenty of time to learn.

She was a very pretty lady with long blonde hair and bright-blue eyes. She was approximately five feet and eight inches tall and weighed about 135 pounds.

Meanwhile, Edward went into the living room to relax. while Denise was in the kitchen. He too was wondering if he could handle running a farm as he was also from a big city. He knew he was young and strong, but he also knew it took more. It took a knowledge he wondered if he possessed. He was about six feet tall, a little on the thin side but real handsome with brown hair and dark eyes. They both knew they wanted to start a family someday and always thought the country was a good place to raise a family.

They went to church that evening with a lot of apprehension.

As they sat through the evening service, they were both full of a lot of questions. They also did a lot of praying. After the service, as they headed toward the door, they saw Reverend Forth and noticed a lady standing beside him. When they walked up to them, Reverend Forth introduced Grace Chriss to them.

Hello, they all said as they shook hands. The three of them were nervous as they stood there silently for a few moments.

Reverend Forth broke the silence and spoke up, How would you folks like to meet at the parsonage so you could talk things over more privately?

That sounds like a good idea. Thank you, Edward replied.

Sounds good to me as well, Grace also replied.

It’s getting late. Why don’t you come over on Tuesday evening, around 7:00 p.m.? Reverend Forth asked, then added, If that works out all right for you

That will be perfect for us, Edward replied.

That will work out for me as well, Grace also said.

Good, see you all Tuesday night, Reverend Forth said as he shook hands with the Shackles and Grace. Then they all went their own separate ways.

On Monday morning, Edward left early so he could go in to talk with his supervisor before going to work.

Mr. Taylor, may I speak with you a moment? Edward asked as he saw his supervisor heading for his office.

Sure thing, come on in. Please have a seat, Mr. Taylor replied as he pointed to a chair in front of his desk.

As they both sat down, Edward noticed his supervisor looked a little sad. Mr. Taylor was a short man and a few pounds overweight with sandy-red hair and dark-gray eyes.

What can I do for you, Edward? Mr. Taylor asked.

Well… Edward was nervous, so he hesitated for a moment. My uncle passed away a couple of weeks ago, and as I am his closest living relative, I need to go to Missouri for the reading of his will.

Oh. I am sorry to hear about your uncle, Mr. Taylor said. When will you have to leave?

Thank you, Edward replied. I’ll have to be there on July 1, so I’ll have to leave before then.

Mr. Taylor was very thoughtful for a few moments before replying to Edward’s request for some time off. I am supposed to wait until Friday to tell everyone this, but I’ll tell you now so you can plan for your trip. The plant is closing its doors for good on Friday, June 24, and laying everyone off. But please don’t tell anyone else. It is my unfortunate duty to do so, Mr. Taylor requested as he finished speaking.

I promise I won’t tell anyone else, but I thought it was just a rumor that has been going around, Edward said.

It is no rumor. It’s true, Mr. Taylor sadly replied.

Edward left Mr. Taylor’s office with a lot on his mind. He just couldn’t seem to concentrate on work, thinking about the shutdown and the possibility of inheriting a farm. He was glad when the day had finally ended so he could head for home.

When Edward reached home, he headed for the door. Honey, I’m home, he greeted his wife as he entered the house.

Hi, Ted, Denise said as she greeted him with a kiss. What’s wrong? Denise asked her husband as she sensed something was bothering him.

Let’s go and sit down, Edward said as he headed for the living room. Denise followed him in, and they both sat down.

I asked Mr. Taylor for some time off this morning as I had planned. But he gave me a surprise—and please don’t tell anyone about it. Promise! Edward pleaded.

I promise not to tell anyone. Please tell me what happened, Denise demanded as she sensed he was upset.

Well, Edward started, they are closing down the plant and laying everyone off this Friday the twenty-fourth—and after they transferred me here only a few months ago, Edward finished angrily.

God does work in mysterious ways. When one door closes, another one opens. I really do believe now that the farm does exist, Denise reflected, trying to ease her husband’s anger.

You may be right, De De, Edward reflected as he calmed down. Then he apologized to his wife, I’m so sorry I sounded angry just then. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.

It’s all right, dear. I understand how you feel, Denise said as she accepted his apology. Then she thought out loud, I wonder what Jim and Mary are going to do now.

That’s right. Jim will be laid off too, Edward reflected sadly.

As Tuesday night rolled around, Edward and Denise headed for Reverend Forth’s house. When they reached the house, they got out and headed for the front door. Edward knocked. Reverend Forth opened the door and invited them in.

Hello, come on in. Grace is already here, Reverend Forth said. He led them through the hallway and into a large living room. The house was built with very large rooms as the first minister had a very large family. As Reverend Forth didn’t have that large a family, his few belongings looked rather out of place in such a large a room.

Reverend Forth was a handsome man of approximately five feet ten inches tall with just the right amount of weight for his height. He had light-brown hair and pretty blue eyes. He motioned for them to sit on the couch. Grace was seated on a comfortable-looking recliner that was also a rocker.

Hello, Grace greeted them with a smile as Reverend Forth reintroduced them. Then he sat down on the remaining overstuffed chair.

Hello, Edward and Denise also greeted her.

They were all a little nervous at first, so there was an uncomfortable silence. Edward and Denise could see that the years had been hard on Grace. She looked as if she had spent a lot of time outdoors and had worked hard. She was maybe a half foot shorter than Edward and with the right amount of weight for her height. Although she had salt-and-pepper-colored hair, her eyebrows and eyelashes were still brown, and her eyes were a gray green in color.

Edward finally broke the silence by asking, Grace? Reverend Forth told us on Sunday that you had owned a farm.

Yes, Grace replied. What would you like to know?

Well, Edward thought for a moment, then answered with a question, I guess we would like to know if it is possible to make a farm pay for itself.

It is possible if you have everything paid for or at least not go too far into debt, Grace replied, then added, And like everything else, it has to be run like a business.

Sounds complicated, Denise thought out loud.

It is rather involved, Grace said, then asked, Do you know if it is a dairy, beef, or a grain farm?

I think it was a dairy farm, but I’m not even sure it still exists, Edward replied.

Would you like to wait until you find out, or would you like to know now what’s involved in running a farm? Grace asked.

I guess we would like to know now. That way, if it does exist, we would have some idea of what we would be facing, Edward answered.

There is quite a lot to learn if it is a dairy farm. First you’ll have to learn how to milk the cows. Also you’ll have to decide whether to use a bull or do it artificially.

Isn’t it dangerous to use a bull? Denise interrupted, asking the same question that was on both men’s minds as well.

It can be. One thing that you must never do is show fear. If they sense fear, you’ll never be able to handle them. It is safer to do it artificially, but you have to know how to tell when the cows are in heat so you can call the breeder to come to breed it. You’ll just have to weigh the pros and cons as far as cost, safety, and health of the herd before deciding which way to go. Next you’ll have to know how many acres of land you own. Is it enough to grow your own hay and grain, or will you need to buy any or all of it? If you do have to grow your own, you’ll need to know what kinds, how much, and when to plant it.

"Wow, there sure is a lot to know in running a farm," Denise put in as Grace paused.

Oh, there is more, Grace continued. Now comes the fun part, the part I never liked but has to be done—bookwork! You have to keep track of everything. There are records to be kept on what you have to buy such as medicine, feed, hay, and seeds. Then there are repairs and any parts you’ll need to repair buildings, machinery, fences, etc. Also hired help if needed, such as how much time they put in, how much you pay them, plus the taxes and insurance you’ll have to pay on them. Then there are the taxes and insurance on the farm, as well as your own, just to name a few. Records on everything are to be kept for at least six years. After that time, they can be destroyed. But I always keep all of the copies of the tax papers that were sent in no matter how old they were, Grace finished.

Edward and Denise looked at each other, wondering now more than ever if they could handle running a farm.

Seeing the questioning looks that they were giving each other, Grace spoke up, Don’t be too worried. I was a city girl before I was married. And I was able to muddle through. You both are young, intelligent, and look strong enough to handle it. And you have God on your side. He’ll never give you more than you can handle. Plus, He’ll walk beside you all the way.

You are right, of course, Edward said. We haven’t been Christians for very long, and I guess we are worrying needlessly.

Reverend Forth was silently listening but now spoke up, That’s what sets us apart from other people who worry themselves sick. We know that God will walk with us and help us make it through any difficulty if we will just put our trust in Him.

Everyone was deep in thought for a few moments.

Grace broke the silence by asking, Is there anything else you would like to know?

I think you covered just about everything we needed to know about farming. But—and I just don’t feel I should be asking you this—but we were wondering if you would be able to go with us and help us if the farm does exist and we decide to stay?

Yes, I could go, Grace replied, then added, Although I think it would be a good idea to find out if the farm does exist first.

I guess we should find out before making any definite plans, Edward said. I’ll have Denise call tomorrow and see what she can find out, then let you know.

Then I’ll wait for your call, and we can meet again if a farm does exist, Grace said as she wrote down her phone number where they could reach her.

After Reverend Forth prayed with them, Grace and the Shackles said their goodbyes. The Shackles then left, and Reverend Forth took Grace home.

I am sure glad we came to the meeting tonight, Denise observed as she and Edward walked to their car. I sure learned a lot. I like Grace and believe we can grow as Christians with her helping us.

Me too, Edward agreed as they got in their car and drove home.

* * * * *

De De, please remember to call the lawyer’s office today. Edward reminded his wife: as he left for work the next day.

Don’t worry, I will, Denise promised.

Later that day, Denise called the lawyer’s office.

Hello, this is Mr. Denson’s office. How may I help you? his secretary asked as she answered the phone.

Hello, my name is Denise Shackle, Edward Shackle’s wife. I am calling in reply to a letter we received concerning his uncle Davis Shackle.

Oh yes. Mr. Shackle’s will, the secretary put in.

Yes, I am calling to let Mr. Denson know that we will be able to make it to the reading of his will, Denise said. My husband remembered that his uncle used to own a farm, and we were wondering if he still owned it when he passed away and if it is part of the estate.

I cannot tell you anything about what’s included in the estate, but it is common knowledge that he did own a farm, the secretary told Denise. Is there anything else I can help you with? the secretary asked.

We were wondering if you could recommend a place to stay when we arrive, Denise asked.

Yes, I can give you the name, address, and phone number of a good bed-and-breakfast here in town.

Denise wrote down the information as the secretary gave it to her.

Goodbye and thank you, Denise said.

You’re welcome, the secretary said as they both hung up.

When Edward got home that evening, Denise told him all she learned from Mr. Denson’s secretary.

Well, a farm really does exist, Edward remarked. I think I’ll call Grace right now and let her know.

Why not ask her to come over Friday night for supper? Denise suggested.

Good idea, honey, Edward replied as he headed for the phone to make the call.

Edward came into the kitchen where his wife was putting the finishing touches on supper and informed her that Grace told him she would be able to come Friday night.

Wonderful, Denise said, smiling. I like her, and it will give us a chance to get to know her better.

Thursday moved along slowly and uneventful.

Then on Friday, Mr. Taylor went around to the different departments requesting that everyone come to the cafeteria for a plant-wide meeting.

When everyone came into the cafeteria and were seated, Mr. Taylor announced, I know that all of you heard rumors floating around about the plant closing its doors and laying everyone off. Well, I’m afraid it is true. You all will be receiving your layoff slips with your checks before you leave today. Then you will receive your last check in the mail.

Everyone started talking about the layoffs as Mr. Taylor left the room. Edward really hadn’t made too many friends in the short time he had been at the plant, but he still felt sorry for everyone who just lost their jobs and had to find another one in an area where jobs were so few and far in between.

Edward greeted his wife with a kiss as he walked through the door that afternoon.

Denise was starting supper, so Edward went into the living room to read the paper while he waited for Grace to arrive for supper.

When Grace arrived, they all headed for the kitchen and then sat down to a delicious meal. After they had eaten, Grace offered to help clean up.

That won’t be necessary, Edward and Denise replied at the same time. But Grace insisted and finally won out. So Edward went into the living room to wait for the women to join him.

As the women left the kitchen, the doorbell rang. Denise went to answer it. When she opened it, she discovered it was her next-door neighbors standing there.

Oh, we’re sorry. We didn’t know you had company, the man apologized as he saw Grace standing alongside Denise. We didn’t see a car parked in your driveway, he added.

Grace spoke up as Denise looked her way, I gave my son my car to use until he can get one of his own. Reverend Forth was kind enough to bring me and will pick me up later.

Forgive my manners, Denise said when Grace finished. Please come in.

That’s all right. We’ll come back some other time. We don’t want to intrude, the man said.

You’re not intruding. Please do come in, Edward insisted as he reached the door. Let’s all go into the living room and sit down, Edward added as he led the way.

They all followed him into the living room. Please have a seat, Edward insisted as he sat down in his own favorite chair.

Grace picked out the rocker and sat down. The man and the lady sat on the sofa, and Denise sat down beside them. There was a large coffee table in the center of the room, with the sofa and chairs flanking three sides of it.

James and Mary Strait, this is Grace Chriss, Edward said by way of introducing them.

Grace is the lady we told you about, Denise put in.

Oh, the one who is going to help you with the farm, Mr. Strait replied, then added jokingly, And you’ll need lots of help.

Thank you, Edward replied good-naturedly. Now what brings you to our door?

You tell them, Mary, Mr. Strait instructed his wife.

Well, we would like to invite you over to our house tomorrow afternoon for two reasons. First, to celebrate the Fourth as you won’t be here, and we’ll miss you by the way.

And we will miss you as well, Denise broke in.

And second, Mary continued, I have just received my Real Estate license and will be working for Century Twenty One first thing next week.

Oh, that is wonderful news, Denise said as she hugged her friend.

Mr. Strait spoke up, Grace, although we just met you, we would be pleased if you would come as well. If you would tell us where you live, I am sure we could pick you up and take you home after.

Thank you, I would like to come, but I don’t want to put you out any, Grace replied.

You would not be putting us out any. Please come, Mary insisted.

Thank you. I live in Cork at 3798 Wood Drive. I rent a small apartment there, Grace replied.

I know where that is as we’ll be handling the sale of the property next week, Mary informed them.

Denise looked at Grace and asked her, Did you know about the sale?

Yes, I did. And until your offer came along, I was worried that I might have to live with one of my children, and I felt that they have enough to do to take care of their own families. And well, I have always loved working on the farm, so that is why I agreed to go along with you, Grace answered.

God’s timing sure is something, Denise remarked as she looked at Grace.

Why do you say that? Mr. Strait asked, interrupting her thoughts.

The Straits didn’t know God the way the Shackles did. They were always finding some sort of excuse not to attend church with them, but Edward and Denise never gave up. They would ask them every week.

Well, Jim, it all started when Ted’s uncle passed away. Then we found out that we may have inherited a farm. We found Grace to go with us, and now we find out she will have to move. The plant shut its doors. Then Mary receives her Real Estate license just in time. I just feel that God has been heading it all in one direction, Denise finished.

Of course, you know that we don’t believe as you do, but I am beginning to think you are on the right path, Jim said. We have been watching you these past few months and have talked about the way you have lived your lives. And, well, we would like to go to church with you this coming Sunday, if that’s all right?

That will be wonderful! Denise replied, very happy that their friends finally wanted to go with them.

Even shy Grace smiled at the news.

Jim caught the smile and asked, I suppose you are one of them as well.

Yes. I am also a Christian, she answered.

As a matter of fact, she attends the same church we do, Denise spoke up.

Oh no, three against two. That really isn’t fair, Jim said good-naturedly.

Everyone broke out laughing, which helped Grace feel more at ease around these strangers. Grace noticed that Jim was about her height and weight, with red sandy hair, and his eyes had a reddish tint which sparkled when he laughed. Mary was a couple of inches shorter, with dark hair and eyes. She was very thin and very strong-looking. Grace guessed them to be in their early forties.

After the laughter stopped, Jim spoke up, I think we should be going home now. You probably have a lot of things to discuss about your trip.

No, please don’t leave. We would like you to stay. You may think of something to ask that we haven’t even thought about, Edward pleaded.

If you’re sure we wouldn’t be intruding, Mary replied.

No, you wouldn’t be, Denise insisted.

Okay, you don’t have to twist our arms. We’d be glad to stay, Jim replied jokingly.

Everyone smiled at his joke.

When do you think would be a good time to leave for Missouri? Edward asked Grace.

Well, that all depends on how close you want to get to the reading of the will, Grace answered, then asked, Do you want some time to sight see first, or do you want to wait until after the reading of the will?

Edward and Denise discussed it for a few moments. Then Edward spoke, I guess we would like to get there at least the day before and look around a little.

Are you planning on flying down, or will you be driving? Grace then asked.

We hadn’t even thought about that, Edward answered.

Well, may I make a suggestion? Grace asked.

Yes! Edward answered.

I suggest we drive down, Grace replied. It would take about a day and a half. And if you were to fly down, it would be quicker, I grant you. But if you wanted to drive around, you would have to rent a car, and that could get very expensive, depending upon how long you decided to stay.

Yes, you have a point. And plane fares aren’t cheap anymore either, Edward added.

And I hate to admit it, but neither one of us are any good at reading maps. We had an awful time finding Clearwater as it was, Denise chimed in.

Boy, you two sure do need lots of help, Jim said, smiling.

I have no problem reading maps, Grace informed them. I have a friend who lives in Missouri and have traveled there a few times."

Will you be driving straight through, or are you planning on staying somewhere overnight? Jim asked.

Well—Edward thought a moment—I guess if the three of us took turns, we could drive straight through, with stops along the way for gas and meals.

In that case, we could leave early Wednesday morning, and we would arrive sometime Thursday afternoon. Would that be early enough? Grace asked.

Yes, I think that would give us enough time to look around a little, Edward replied.

Now do you have a map for your trip? Jim then asked.

No, I never thought of that either, Edward replied. It may be a good idea to map out a route ahead of time.

I brought a map with me, Grace said as she brought it out and laid it out on the coffee table in front of them.

Just like a woman, come prepared for anything, Jim teased.

Everyone smiled, then Grace asked, Exactly where do you have to go in Missouri?

"Oh, I forgot to mention where we have to go, Edward replied. We have to go to Mountain Crest."

Grace looked it up on the map, then spoke, It looks like where you have to go isn’t too far from where my friend lives, so there shouldn’t be any problem in finding it.

I think the only problem you’ll have is keeping these two headed in the right direction, Jim said, joking with his neighbors.

I guess you’re right, Edward said, taking the joke good-naturedly.

They all looked at the map as Grace traced with her finger along the route she had taken before; then she stopped at Mountain Crest.

That does look like the simplest and straightest route to follow, Jim said.

So Denise went and found a marker, returned, and with Grace’s help, traced the route on the map.

I can get this far without too much of a problem, Edward spoke up.

Well, we’ll let you start out then, Grace said. I think we should only drive a couple of hours at a time. That long of a trip can make you very sleepy if you tried to drive any longer than that. I know by experience.

I agree, Jim put in. I also think it would be a good idea to get out and stretch as often as you can.

I am planning on doing just that as it bothers me to drive or ride that far. I will get very stiff if I don’t, Grace said.

I’ll take the second turn to drive, Denise put in.

I’ll read the map and tell you which routes to follow until it’s my turn to drive, Grace said.

Well, that part is all settled. We’ll decide on what we want to see and do when we get to Missouri, Edward said.

I have another question. Jim put in. What are you going to do about your mail?

That’s right, Edward replied. I didn’t even think about it. I guess we could have the post office hold it for us for a while.

What about the house? Denise asked.

That’s something else we should take into consideration as well, Edward said. Then Denise and Edward decided they would talk it over among themselves. When they finished, Edward spoke up, Jim and Mary, would you be able to watch our house for us until we decide what we are going to do? Then we will let you know.

We would be more than honored to help you, Jim answered.

Thank you both so very much, Denise said very gratefully. Well, I think we have covered all we can for tonight, and as it is getting late, I believe I should call Reverend Forth to come and pick me up, Grace said.

Oh, please don’t bother Reverend Forth. We would be more than happy to take you home. And besides, it’ll give me a chance to look at the house, Mary begged.

I guess that’ll be all right. I’ll just call him and let him know, Grace said.

I’ll call Reverend Forth for you, Edward put in.

Thank you," Grace said.

They said their goodbyes. Then the Straits took Grace home.

It was dark out as they arrived at the house, but the streetlight shone bright enough so Mary could get a good look at the house as Grace got out of the car and walked to the side door. Then she entered her small apartment.

As Saturday rolled around, the sun was shining brightly and was very warm. The Straits headed out to pick up Grace and bring her back to their house for the party they had planned. After picking her up, they traveled through some beautiful countryside to get back to Clearwater. As they drove along, Grace saw the farm that once belonged to them. She was remembering the good times and the hard times they went through raising their family there. She was thinking about how much she would miss this place she’d lived in for so long. But she was also looking forward to a new beginning in a new state, especially with people who needed her help as much as the Shackles did.

As they finally arrived at the Straits, the Shackles met them in their driveway. The Straits and Grace got out of the car; then they all walked around the house and went into the backyard.

Grace had a good time and enjoyed Mr. Strait’s teasing ways. Although she was still a little shy; she felt comfortable around them, so much so that she felt that they were no longer strangers.

They enjoyed the day and pretended it was the Fourth. They had a good cook-out, partied all afternoon, and had a good time together. Just as it started to get dark, they even set off some sparklers.

When they had finished, Edward spoke up, Grace, would you mind if we took you home tonight? That way, we could see where you lived, and then we could pick you up for church tomorrow morning.

That sounds like a very good idea to me, if it doesn’t take you out of your way any, Grace replied.

It’s not, Edward reassured her.

Okay, it’s fine with me, Grace said. Then the Shackles took her home.

The next morning, the Shackles left to pick up Grace, then returned and picked up the Straits and went on to church.

After church was over and as the Straits walked out, Grace could tell that they had been moved by the service and could see that God had touched their hearts. She said a little prayer that they would continue to go to church and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

After dropping the Straits off at their house, Edward asked, Grace, would you be able to spend the afternoon with us? We haven’t had much time to just talk and get to know each other.

Yes, I can, and I think that is a good idea, Grace answered.

When they reached the driveway, they all got out and headed for the backyard. Edward and Grace sat down and started talking while Denise went into the house to finish cooking the lite meal that she started earlier in the day.

Edward and Grace were trying to make small talk about the weather, small-town living, and city living, but were just getting tired and bored. So when Denise called to them to come and help her, they jumped at the chance to get up and do something. They went and helped Denise carry the food out to the picnic table. They then sat down to a delicious meal. Then Grace helped Denise clean up and they returned to the back porch where Edward was waiting for them.

They sat there for a while in silence, just enjoying the peace and quietness of the day.

Then Denise broke the silence by asking, Grace, you mentioned having children but didn’t mention how many.

I have four, two boys and two girls. They are all married now. Also I have five grandchildren, Grace answered, then asked, Are you planning on having any of your own soon?

Yes, we are hoping very soon, Edward answered wishfully.

Denise then asked, Are your parents still living?

No, my parents were killed in a car accident when I was fourteen. My older sister had just gotten married to a wonderful man, and they took me in until I turned eighteen and graduated from high school, Grace sadly replied.

Oh, we’re so sorry to hear that, Denise remarked sadly, then added, But it sure was kind of your sister and brother-in-law to take you in.

I will always be grateful to God for giving my sister such a wonderful husband, Grace responded, then asked, What about your parents?

Edward answered first, Like you, my parents were killed in a car accident, but it was only three years ago.

Oh, I… I’m so sorry to hear that, Grace said sympathetically. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

No, I was an only child, Edward answered.

That’s a shame, Grace said again sympathetically.

Denise waited until they were finished talking, then spoke up, My parents are still living. I have a younger brother and sister living with my parents in Philadelphia. Now you don’t have to answer my next question if you don’t feel up to it.

I believe I know what your question is going to be, Grace said. So ask away.

What happened to your husband?

Well, our silo had too much grain in it, so he started to pile the rest of it on the ground beside the silo. We would use that up first. Then he would use a different tractor to pack it down. Well, he got the pile a little too steep. The tractor tipped up and rolled over backward on top of him, killing him instantly, Grace finished sadly.

Oh, we’re so sorry, Edward and Denise both said at the same time.

Although it is still fresh on my heart, it happened four years ago. The children and I tried to keep the farm going, but their spouses didn’t really like farmlife, so one by one my children and their spouses left to go on with their own lives. Then my youngest son and I tried but just couldn’t find decent help so we gave up and sold the farm.

There was an uncomfortable silence as they were deep in their own thoughts and not really knowing what to say next.

After what seemed like a long time, Edward finally broke the silence and said, I have an idea. What if we rent a U-Haul trailer so we could pick up Grace’s belongings to take with us.

That sounds like a good idea, Denise agreed, then added, But what happens if we decide not to stay?

Well—Edward thought for a few moments—she’ll have to find another place to live anyway. And if we decide not to stay, we’ll come back here, and Grace could stay with us until she found another place to live, if it would be all right with her. Edward looked at Grace as he waited for an answer.

Packing my belongings into a U-Haul sounds like a very good idea to me. But if we have to come back here, it would seem like a lot of trouble, and I really wouldn’t want to impose on you nice folks, Grace replied.

"You really wouldn’t be imposing. We have plenty of room and