The Sticks and Stones of Hannah Jones

By Elizabeth Kathleen

Life isn't always fair. Some seem to skate through without a care, while others work from sunup to sundown barely keeping their head above water. Still, life is what you make it. Hard times aren't to be feared and good times aren't to be coveted. Hard times are exercises for faith and good times peaceful reposes. But, if we had nothing but ease, it would atrophy our spirits like too much sugar rots our teeth. Trials make us able to stand in the storm trusting God to bring us through. Hannah Jones and her family had hard times as a close neighbor in their home in the hollows of post-Depression West Virginia, but they refused to give in or give up. They refused to let coal dust and poverty wipe away their joy. They took each day as it came and looked for the hidden gems. In this story, her story, you will find that "" life is God's gift no matter what!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645694229

Book preview

Chapter 1

Iwish I could’ve have chosen my own name. I love being named Hannah, but I could happily live without Mae.

I’m named after my grandmothers. Since Delores Jane is two years older, I’m glad they didn’t name her Hannah, but I’d sell her Grandma Smith’s name for two bent pins and an old piece of chewing gum.

Being Grandma Jones’ only namesake is a gift I treasure. She’s from Virginia and the most wonderful lady I know. She talks with a gentleness that makes me think of quiet afternoons with soft breezes that blow across my cheek.

I make every excuse I can to be with her. She lives with Uncle Manse in the home Grandpa Jones built when they moved here forty-five years ago.

I never met Grandpa Jones. He died before I was born, but Grandma tells me so many stories about him I almost feel like I know him. She’s the best storyteller I know. When she tells one about being young, I almost feel like I’m dressed in calico, running along beside her. If it’s about when they moved here, I can almost smell the smoke and taste coal dust like I’m riding on the railroad car with her.

Seeing our peach trees in bloom and smelling their honey-like fragrance reminds me of when she and I were peeling peaches on their back porch and I begged her to tell me the bear story.

Oh, dahlin’, you must’ve heard that a hundred times by now.

Please tell me again.

But I don’t want to be wearin’ your ears out.

My ears aren’t tired, I laughed.

"Well, all right, but remember you asked for it. My brothers had gone to cut wood and didn’t come back when Momma rang the dinner bell. She thought they must’ve gotten themselves busy and lost track of time, so she sent me to fetch them. I knew the area where they were workin’ and headed out that way.

"It was a beautiful day with the sun shinin’ in a sky as blue as a robin’s egg. All that sunlight only heightened the beauty of the wildflowers growin’ all around. Their colors shouted out to be noticed and I certainly did. I got so caught up in lookin’ at them that I didn’t pay attention where I was goin’.

"When I finally did look up, I didn’t know where I was. Nothin’ was familiar. I was off the path and in a part of the woods I’d never been in before.

"The woods aren’t always a friendly place. There are all sorts of animals that could do a big man harm much less a little girl armed with nothin’ more’n a handful of posies. I set the flowers on the ground, put my hands ’round my mouth and dug air from the deepest part of my belly then called out as loud as I could, ‘James, Frank, Henry! Where are you?’ But, no one returned my cry.

"I walked a few more minutes then cried out again. At that point, I didn’t care if it was my brothers who answered me or not. I just wanted someone, anyone to hear me. When I realized I was lost and alone in the deep woods, I thought that was the worst thing that could happen. I was soon to realize, however, that bein’ alone was better than bein’ with the company I was fixin’ to have.

"I heard a rumble in the brush and looked toward the sound. Hope rose in my heart at the thought of bein’ rescued, but it melted like butter on hot biscuits when I heard a growl. When you’re in the deep woods, a growl is never a good thing.

"I wanted to turn and run, but Frank and James had told me over and over again if I was ever in a situation where I was facin’ a wild animal, I shouldn’t make any sudden moves. I started backin’ up slowly. I hadn’t seen what was in the bush, but I knew squirrels didn’t growl and on that premise I wasn’t sure I really wanted to know.

"The bush shook a couple more times while I was backin’ up, then to my horror, a bear as big as a pony came lumberin’ out. It wasn’t fifteen feet from me and scary as anythin’ I’d ever seen in all my life. He had tiny eyes and a huge head that was covered in thick fur as black as midnight. His nose reminded me of the packed dirt floor inside our cabin. The first look I had of him paralyzed me. All I could do was stand and stare, and while I was starin’, that bear opened his mouth and yawned. I didn’t know bears yawned, but this one did and he opened his mouth so wide I could see his teeth and almost feel his nasty breath.

"Now I’ve lived through some bad times in my life, darlin’, but not many were like bein’ eight years old, stuck still as a post, and starin’ a black bear in the eye! And, I think I might still be standin’ there if that bear hadn’t stood up on his hind legs, stroked his paw through the air and growled. The minute his paw moved, so did my feet.

"No matter what the boys said about not makin’ any sudden moves, once my feet woke up, I turned and ran fast as I could. I ran without takin’ notice where I was goin’; I zigzagged and I ran straight, I hopped over logs and almost into trees. I’d never run so fast in all my life, but I could hear that bear gainin’ on me. I was runnin’ so fast I felt like my feet could’ve caught the grass on fire, but I still couldn’t outrun him.

"I was beginnin’ to think as sure as the sun would rise in the mornin’ that I wouldn’t be around to see it when I spied a log on the ground. I prayed it was hollow as I ran toward it since it was my only hope. Imagine my relief when I saw daylight comin’ from the other end. As I crawled inside, my shoulders scraped across the rough wood, but I didn’t care. A ruined dress, some cuts and splinters here and there were nothin’ compared to what that bear was wantin’ to give me.

"No sooner had I crawled into the log than his awful head came in right behind me. My heart beat so fast I thought it might bust right out of my chest as he snarled and growled tryin’ to reach me. I screamed and cried ’til my throat burned and lungs ached. I don’t know how long this went on, but when he finally pulled his head out, I hoped beyond hope he was givin’ up. Before I had the chance to feel relieved, though, he started shakin’ that log back and forth. My head hit the inside so hard I saw stars in front of my eyes. The more he shook, the more my head banged back and forth. I couldn’t think for the pain. Finally, he stopped shakin’ the log, and I lay there weak as a rabbit wonderin’ what he was gonna do next. As I gave way to the quiver in my bottom lip, I felt hot tears run down my cheeks. I closed my eyes and prayed the most earnest prayer I’d ever prayed, ‘Thank You Lord for this log. My momma says You can do anythin’. Please get me home and make this terrible bear go away in Jesus’ name.’

"I lay there listenin’ for what that bear would do next, but I didn’t hear any sounds from it. All I could hear was singin’ birds and water dancin’ over rocks. It sounded so peaceful and calm, like a song. I didn’t know how the same forest that harbored an animal as nasty as that bear could also be home to such friendly sounds. After ten minutes or so, I hadn’t heard anythin’ more from that bear and pure relief wasn’t enough to say what I felt. God had answered my prayer. I felt like Daniel in the lion’s den, except my problem was a bear.

"All that fear must’ve taken its toll ’cause I woke up, I don’t know how much later, to my name bein’ called. My head struck somethin’ when I tried to move, but when I went to rub the sore spot, my arms couldn’t move. I couldn’t figure out why then it all came back to me in horrible detail. I was inside a hollow log hidin’ from a bear. My head was spinnin’ like a hive of bees, but when I heard my name again, I knew nobody was gonna find me inside that log and I almost went into a panic. I started shoutin’ for all I was worth while I wiggled out.

"The sun must’ve gone down while I was asleep ’cause when I was finally free from that log, it was dark all around. I yelled, but I was afraid no one could hear me with how scratchy my voice sounded. Then I saw the beautiful glow of lantern light shinin’ just a few yards away. I yelled again as loud as I could. The light got brighter and the voices I recognized as my brothers grew louder. Then that light shone right in front of me stingin’ my eyes.

"‘Hannah, were you inside that log?’ Frank asked, but before I could respond, James started givin’ orders like he always did, ‘I got the lantern. You pick her up and carry her home.’

"I was wobbly as a newborn colt and thankful when Frank picked me up. When we got close to the cabin, I could see Momma standin’ on the porch by the light comin’ from inside. James called out, ‘It’s all right, Momma. We found her. She’s safe.’

"She fell to her knees cryin’, ‘Thank You, Lord! Thank You, Lord for bringin’ my baby home!’

"Frank took me inside and laid me down on the bed while Momma rang the dinner bell to let Daddy know they’d found me. Then she came back inside and fussed over me like a mother hen, ‘When the boys came back without you and said they hadn’t seen you, I took to worryin’ somethin’ awful. You’d been gone so long, and the creek was up, I was afraid you’d fallen in. Your daddy said that wasn’t possible ’cause there wasn’t any water to cross where you were goin’, but we’ve been lookin’ for hours. I’d thought up all sorts of terrible things, but my worst fear was an animal had gotten you.’

"When I told my story, she turned white as rice and said, ‘I knew somethin’ was wrong! Your daddy can accuse me of bein’ a worrisome woman, but a Mother knows things. I keep tellin’ him it’s somethin’ God puts in us.’ Then she declared I was gonna stay in that bed and that’s what I did for seven days straight. I wasn’t even allowed to walk to the privy. Momma said since I’d taken such a beatin’ I needed to do nothin’ but rest. I could just use the necessary jug durin’ the day.

I can tell you dahlin’ the next time I went into the woods I didn’t go far or stay long. I’d had enough adventure to last me a long time.

After hearing a story like that, I didn’t just want to be named after her, I wanted to be her, or at least as much like her as possible.

She looked down at the bowls in our laps and said, ‘Well child, I’m afraid we’re slowin’ your Aunt Erma’s cannin’ work with all my storytellin’. We’d best pick up our pace and start peelin’ these peaches faster or your Aunt Erma will have no choice but to tell us to stop chattin’.

I didn’t even realize I’d stopped until I looked at my empty bowl. I didn’t want anything getting in the way of talking to Grandma, so I began peeling peaches like I was getting paid for it.

Grandma smiled at my pace and said, ‘Well, if you’re gonna work that fast, then there’s no reason why I can’t tell you another story or two.’

That was one of the most wonderful, but tiring days I’d ever had. Uncle Manse told Mother he’d bring me home when we were finished, and I got home right as everyone was getting ready for bed. Mother asked how many quarts we put up. I told her I lost count at one hundred.

I don’t know how long it would’ve taken if Aunt Erma wasn’t so organized. She made canning an art form and assigned each of us specific jobs to do. Grandma and I peeled and when we filled a bowl, I’d carry it into the kitchen for Aunt Erma, Peggie, and Wanda’s part.

Peggie was at the sink up to her elbows in soapy water washing jars. After rinsing, she put them in a number 2 galvanized tub full of hot water to keep them warm until Wanda and Aunt Erma needed them.

I love all of them, but Peggie’s my favorite. Grandma says that’s because she was my best birthday present. She wasn’t supposed to be born until March but came on my first birthday instead.

She was so tiny that Uncle Manse’s wedding ring fit all the way up her arm. The first time Uncle Manse saw her he declared, Why, I’ve seen newborn kittens bigger’n this baby!

He didn’t have a chance to say more because Grandma told me she pushed him out of the room saying, Mansefield, I do declare sometimes you say the most ridiculous things! There is nothin’ in all the world the matter with this baby! She’s a present from God. Why you know what I just realized, she might be four days early for Christmas, but today’s Hannah Mae’s birthday. Now I don’t call that a mistake at all! You come along with me, and help me make my beautiful new granddaughter a bed of her own.

Grandma made a perfect-sized bed out of a Quaker oat container. They kept it on the oven door with a small fire burning inside to keep her tiny body warm. She’s big as the rest of us now and feisty as a summer colt. Her tiny beginning didn’t stop or slow her down one bit. If anything, it gave her more gumption. She’s the brains behind most of the things we get into and not all of it is easy, but she’s always ready for a challenge.

While Peggie’s job was to wash the jars, Wanda’s job was to fill them with peaches then cover them with syrup. I watched as she poured hot, sticky syrup without spilling any.

When I complimented her, Aunt Erma said, Experience’s a great teacher, Hannah Mae. She wasn’t quite as accurate earlier, but after missin’ the jar and hittin’ her hand a couple times, she’s a dead aim now.

I’ll bet it smarted when that hot syrup hit your skin, I said.

Didn’t just smart, she said, it felt like liquid fire and I got me a blister comin’ up where it hit.

Like I said, Aunt Erma repeated, experience’s a great teacher.

I headed back out to the porch glad all Grandma and I had to do was peel.

Things are so hot in there, Grandma. Peggie looks like she’s gonna melt. Wanda’s face’s red as a tomato and Aunt Erma’s hair’s curlin’ up all ’round her head.

I wouldn’t be surprised, child, if we don’t have it best out here. All we have to do is worry ’bout how much peach juice’ll run down our arms or make our fingers stick together. Besides, if we start feelin’ tired, we can always eat some of the peaches we’re peelin’ to keep up our strength, she said as she smiled and popped a piece in her mouth.

Chapter 2

When Uncle Manse dropped me off that night, I was worn clean through and looking forward to bed. For the first time in my life I could’ve won a race to see who’d fall asleep fastest, but just as I was heading to get my nightgown, I remembered what Grandma told me when I asked her why her face wasn’t wrinkled like Grandma Smith and the other ladies around Utah Hollow.

I rinse my face in cold spring water every night before I go to bed and that keeps those nasty wrinkles away.

Here was a chance I had to do something just like her. When Mother wasn’t looking, I took the dipper out of the drinking bucket, stepped outside and splashed it on my face. The water wasn’t as cold as straight from the spring, but I figured something was better than nothing.

If Mother had seen me, she would’ve scolded me for wasting time and drinking water, but she didn’t see me and that’s what mattered.

After I put my nightgown on, I was surprised to find I wasn’t tired anymore. I’d been exhausted five minutes before, but now I was ready to go again. No matter how awake I might’ve felt, though, when mother says go to bed she brokers no arguments; not that I would be brave enough to try. So, I did as she said and walked into the other room. When I crawled into the bed Delores Jane and I share, the others seemed to be already asleep.

I laid my head down, closed my eyes, but couldn’t fall asleep. I rolled onto my left side and hit my pillow four or five times, but that was no good. I tried my right side, but all I did then was look at Delores Jane. By the light coming from the kitchen I could see how funny she looked with bobby pins sticking out this way and that all over her head. It was all I could do to keep from laughing. I don’t know how she can sleep with those bobby pins. They had to be poking her in the head, but she asks Mother to make spit curls for her every night. I don’t know why. School’s not even in session right now. I guess she wants to look her best for when she slops the hogs.

I got tired of looking at her and sat up to look at the rest of the family. Jerry’s hand was on William’s face. Timmy looked just about ready to fall off the bed because Johnny’s arms and legs were all over the place. Mother and Daddy’s bed was empty since they were in the kitchen talking.