As the Train carried her westward to her new life Grey wondered again about Chance Davis, What sort of man was he? She had read all the letter's he had written to her aunt but could not get a sense of the man. Had she been rash and made a mistake? What would she find upon her arrival? She smoothed her skirt down closed her eyes and tried to sleep she could hear a baby crying a few rows ahead of her. Babies Would this man want babies. He sounded like an older man so perhaps this would not be a worry. She had no idea if this man had family. Uncle Ottis had shared that Aunt Lily had said she had a good feeling about the man.

The man in question was working with a young horse. Slowly and carefully unlike some of his friends he believed in a firm but Gentle touch with young horses, Sometimes going slow and easy paid off. He released the colt into the corral just as the dinner bell was being rung.

His Ma had been cooking up a storm a sure sign that she had something on her mind. Fried Chicken mashed potatoes. biscuits and honey. green beans. Sitting with his folks at the table he took a couple bites then stopped. Okay Ma what is going on this looks like a meal fit for company? Well Son you know how your ma loves to cook, Just then they heard the Jingle of horse harness. I will just go see who is here, as his mother left the table Chance got that feeling in his belly. The same feeling when he would work with a horse that he thought was learning the ropes when you would be loping for miles and all the sudden the horse would start bucking, usually right before the first buck you would get a little signal to hold tight. That was just how he was afeeln right then. Looking at his pa he knew the feelin was right .

He heard her and sensed her before he ever laid eyes on her. The bright perfume the tinkling laugh, Miranda they all called her Randa the woman who played with him like a toy and discarded him for a newer fancier one. Good mannners and upbringing prevailed and he rose to his feet when she approched the table. She was almost as tall as him still just as beautiful with Dark hair Green eyes. Hello Chance darlin How are you? Papa Davis so good to see you again.
Randa you are amongst family have a seat and help yourself. As the woman was helping herself to a dainty bit of food. Chance wondered What have i done to deserve this. I guess you are right surprized to see me ? Chance Looked at her with raised eyebrows but said nothing. Son I had a letter from Randa and well I got to thinking that you did not seem at all interested in the young ladies i had been trying to introduce you too and then I heard from Randa well she sounded so home sick that i thought visit might perk her up . Chance studied the face he knew so well. She was more beautiful than ever. She did not look wilted or in need of a thing, Her dark hair gleemed and her green eyes danced.

Well you must make yourself at home Randa of course. It is good that you are here ma is going to need some company. What do you mean son his ma said with a smile. Well now ma you know i told you I would be moving to my house when i was ready, his ma laughed no son you said when you found the right woman you would be moving. That is just it I have found her and she is on her way, Randa almost fell off her chair though his ma remained composed if silent, That so son his pa had a smile on his face.

Morning light streamed through the windows and Grey rose quickly to begin the days chores still heavy hearted and unsure of what she would do. She cooked breakfast for her uncle he ate little and said nothing. Once he was gone to work in his store she cleaned the kitchen . Did a quick Inventory of the food in the house Sandwiches would do if her uncle came home for lunch. She collected the Laundry and bed linens and went outside to set up the washing pail. The Sun was shining and she soon became warm with the excertion of her efforts. Once the laundry was washed and rinsed she hung it on the bushes and fence to dry. Then she went to the barn, feeding the chickens and collecting eggs, She heard the jingle of horse harness and walked out of the barn. It Was Ada. Hello Grey have i interrupted your chores? I was just collecting the eggs we have more than enough would you like to to take some home? Well maybe a few but you know you can always sell the extra's in town. The two women headed to the house How bout some lemonaid Ada I am hot and thristy. Both of the women were pale with shadows beneath there eyes I guess neither of us got much sleep last night, Not much Grey agreed but it will get better Aunt Lilly would switch us both if we did not get on with it, well she wouldn't spank us but she would get that worried look and frown if we did not cheer up. It seems a tall order thought Grey. Ada straightened her spine I promised Pa i would clear ma's things out of the bedroom, He wants it all gone clothes books, nick nacks So I best get to it I have a trunk i can use anything you specially want? Grey thought for a moment. If know one wants it I would like a Hanky and maybe a small vase just some little rememberance.



Do you want me to help you Ada? No Grey It will be easier if i just do this but thank you Maybe some tea afterwords. Ada went into her mother and fathers room the bed had been striped but all her mother's things were on her bedside table. Her bible her books a small skein of wool waiting to be knitted, Tears welled in Ada's eyes " Oh ma I miss you so already" Once these few things were in the trunk then she quickly added the undergarments from the chesterdrawers then the Dresses in the wardrobe. She closed the trunk so few things for a life that was so well lived.

As Ada walked into the kitchen Grey poured the hot water over the tea waiting for it to steep. Her cousins weepy eyes told the story of how hard it was to rid the room of her mother few things that had made the room warm and cozy. Here Have some tea. They sat together for a bit sipping tea lost in their own thoughts of the woman who had loved and cared for them both. Ada I have decided to see if Mr Davis responds to Aunt Lilly's letter and if he ask me i am gonna go west to meet him. If not I will see if you Pa would let me work at the store and stay in the back room. Oh Grey are you sure really you could come stay with me and Bobby, No Ada I am sure I will miss you and Uncle Ottis but it is so hard being here now I can only hope that I will hear something soon .

Chance Davis had been having some sleepless nights himself, He was a hardworking man no doubt and he did not lack physical courage but one thing that could set his teeth on edge was his Mama she had it in her head that it was past time for her son to marry the other boys had and Chance needed to fall in line so she started talking to all her lady friends trotting out daughters, neices why there were giggly girls all over the place it seemed. This had at first been slightly funny but when he realized his ma wasn't joking he got plum ornery . Clara Davis was strong willed and stubborn and she fiqured in time her son would give in a pick a bride.

Chance had read all of Miss Lilly's letters the woman had been fairly regular in her correspondence to him the letters had stopped and he wondered had she lost the battle with her failing heart. What would happen to the girl named Grey. He wasn't sure why he cared . He had never seen her she wasn't his problem. Still that nagging feeling was with him. So he decided he would write the girl If she responded he would deal with his mama. He wasn't sure that she would even respond.


Dear Miss Hollister.
Your Aunt Lilly had been writing me hoping that at some time we might be introduced and joined in marriage. She had shared with me that her health was failing and that she felt her time on this earth was soon to be concluded Since it has been awhile since i have heard from her I can only believe that either she has passed away or that she had told you of her plans and you have rejected them . If you are interested in a New start I am prepared to offer you a home with me. Your Aunt said you are a hard worker useful and sturdy, Those are mighty good qualities to have out here.

I feel it is only fair that i tell you about myself. I have never been married, I have a small place with cattle, horses my home is small but neat it is not a fancy place. should you wish to join me i can send you a train ticket. My parents are both living and you would stay at there place until we met and married or we could stop at the preachers straight away. I look forward to hearing from you. I hope this letter finds your Aunt is better.
Chance Davis



Grey Hollister Read her letter again. Here was her answer she could accept this offer and go to a place far away from her cousin and uncle and the rest of her kin. She could stay and move into the back room at her uncle's store Staying at the house was almost unbareable, She continued to do her chores and her Aunts Chores but her Uncle was deep in his grief for his wife and while he would try to talk most evennings he sat outside lost in thoughts or in his barn. The next morning Ada came by on her way to town. Looking pale and a little green around the gills Grey was concerned for her cousin. I think everything is fine I am almost sure that it is. I will stop back by when i have got my shopping done . Are you needing anything? No can't think of a thing see you when you come back by. Grey had just finished churning the cream into butter. when she heard Ada's wagon pull up. Her Cousin still looked pale but no longer green around the gills as before, I can't stop Grey I have to get home I have to talk to bobby a blush crept on ada's cheeks we have plans to make. Grey could not help but think how excited her Aunt would have been another Grandchild to add to the brood. She smiled and Waved you head home and we will talk another day.

That night over supper Grey decided to ask her Uncle his advice it would be a hard conversation to get the man to talk but he was a good man with sound judgement. Uncle Ottis I have to make a decison and I just am not sure what i should do which way to go. How do you know you are making the right decison, I usually chew on it awhile, the older man grunted and usually aftersome thought i make my mind up and get to work.

Uncle Ottis what would you do for help out here if i moved away? You mean if you answered the letter from the Davis fella? I have thought about that and you know the Allen family ? Well since they have been having some hard times I have been giving them a little credit at the store and as it turns out. Ms Allen said Kitty and Callie could come out after Schcool and do the chores and such it would help me and them too.


Grey sat at her Aunt's desk and after a bit she began to write. Mr. Davis, I would be agreeable to join you and as to marriage I being a Good and useful sort of gal would just as soon go to preacher upon my arrival i seek a new situation for myself . I await your reply.

Chance was surprized at the brevity of Grey's letter but pleased that she would marry with out all the fuss and feathers and now he would be able to inform his ma that the parade of eligible ladies could stop. That in it's self was worth the train ticket.


Uncle Ottis had insisted that he send some of her Aunt's Chicken's with Grey on the train the crate was safely stowed in the baggage car. The older man's eyes were misting up and his voice was tight, Remember Grey you have Lilly's blood running through you veins you have her courage. You make sure and Bring Mr. Davis for a visit when you can. With a hard hug. The conductor called all aboard. Grey Hollister boarded the Train and Headed west to a Man she had never met with her few possesions and a clutch of her dead Aunt's laying hens.

No Ottic I didnot know that she made you promise but knowing Lilly I am not surprized she was a woman of great depth of understanding. Yep Doc that is true enough. So how long you gonna hide out in your Barn? Doc I raised my family with Lilly buried our parents had good times and bad. Do you honestly think those folks have a clue of what we shared, They loved her too Ottis as she was a good neighbor to so many of them. Tell you the truth Ottic Let's make an appearance check on Ada and Grey and then let's go fishing what do you say. Of Course that set the townsfolks tongues awaggin but as soon as Ottis saw a few of the throng gathered saw that his Daughter and neice we managing that was just what he and the old doc did they went fishing.

Hours later Ada and Grey sat at the kitchen table sipping hot coffee. Ada with a water smile said I bet you my best quilt ma asked Doc to take pa fishing she knew he would not be able to handle the crowd. Your Mama was always looking out for folks, she had a way of seeing a need and know just how to get it filled. Hard to believe that she is gone Ada's voice wobbled a bit as she spoke I knew she was sick but i just didn't think she would go so fast. Grey reached out and held Ada's hand giving it a gentle squeeze Her blue eyes saying more than her words could.

Ada swallowed hard . Grey what are your plans? You gonna stay here with Pa Run the store? You could if you got your heart set on it but Bobby and I we would love to have you live with us.
Ada raised her brows I know i am gonna have to move somewhere Ada I am just not sure where yet. While most folks though Ottis was a gruff if fair bussiness man, His wife and children knew the truth the big man was painfully shy as a result he did not let most folks know him well. He was interested in the goings on of his grown children and his young grandchildren but Grey would suffer for company with just ottis and now with a broken heart he would retreat further into himself for awhile.

Well you could stay with us for a bit and sort your plans out I could use the help at home, living as far out as we do I get plum lonesome. Ada you are too kind but you and Bobby are newlyweds and the last thing you need is a house guest. I wonder if your Pa and Doc have caught any fish ?

The two men sat fishing long silences between them at times They had caught one fish each but judging them too small had released the catch. Doc I would like your thoughts on something
. It is about Grey the doc smiled to himself He had know Grey most of her life had been friends with her folks. Well it is like this Lilly had this plan to find a fella for Grey she had been writin letters to this fella I am just not sure how she would take to the idea. Well ottis She is a funny thing She is a hard worker to be sure she just has a bit of reserve much like her ma. Yeah that is true She will gather the eggs milk the cows but she can't hardly bear to wring a chickens neck.
She is kindhearted but not the sort that would do for a nurse i suppose. Doc smiled again at that remembering when a boy a school broke his arm a nasty break how Grey had sent for help kept everybody calm only to be sick after it was all over an done with.

You know Ottis She might warm up to meeting the fella if she knew that Lilly thought it was best. I am surprized Lilly did not already have it arranged. You mean like she did today having you take me fishing cause she knew How crazy i would be listening to folks and trying to come up with words for them, As it turned out Lilly had written Letters one last one to Chance Davis and a first one to Grey,


Dear Mr Davis.

As i have told you my heart is failing and my time will soon be at hand. I am not sure that my letter's have fully shown my neice to her best advantage. She is a kindhearted intelligent girl . She has not form any deep attachements to any of the few young men here in our small town. Her father was my baby brother and when he and his wife died she came to live with us. I count her as one of my own, Unknown to her there is a small legacy that will be hers when she reaches 21 years of age, I share this with you so that if you should meet and not think that you could build a life with her she is not without resources, I wish for her what my own daughter Ada has found a loving kind husband and a home of her own. I know from your letters that you have a small place of your own and a home that could use a woman's touch . Your last letter when you learned of my illness your tone was kind please consider that kindness would not be wasted on Grey . I must inform her of our correspondence I pray that she will hear from you.

Ada turned to Grey and said with a tremble in her voice Well if you don't want to come and live with me and Bobby Maybe this will help you make your plans. She pulled a letter out of her pocket. I haven't opened it Mama told me to give it to you.

Grey opened the letter and began to read,

Dear Grey,

I have so many thoughts that i wish i could share them all with you and Ada i come toward the end of my life knowing that I have loved and been loved trusting in God's goodness. For sometime now i have known that i would be going home ahead of the rest of you. My dear friend Millie has always had a fondness for Ottis and i think in time they might find each other, I know that Ottis will be fine, I was so happy on Ada's Wedding day to see her joined with Bobby I know that their a challenges ahead but they will meet them together with God's help. It was my heart's wish that you would would find a partner and to this end I started writing a fella telling him about you, Now before you have a tizzy fit Grey remember that your Ma and Pa was joined as a mail order bride and while they were only together for a short while , They were happy. For What ever reason you have never been interested in the local young men not that there are many to chose from. MR, Davis is a Farmer he has Cattle and a small home he is a little older than you. Has never been married , From his letters i have learned that he can write and read and has a good if dry sense of humor. know that I have loved you from the time you came to be with us an that i wanted you to have a chance to have a home and family of your own, Have an open mind Grey If Chance Davis writes again it will be addressed to you. You are stronger than you know.


Grey Did not speak for a full five minutes finally Ada said I knew Ma was up to something but i never thought she was playing match maker again. I just am shocked Ada Whatever was she thinkingGrey's voice sqeaked with emotion. Well if i know one thing about my ma Ada smiled Pa is in on this and i bet he knows where this Chance Davis's letter are you could read them and Wait and see if he writes back.

The girls heard a wagon it was Ada's husband Bobby He had taken some of the neighbors home and had come back to fetch his wife.I gotta go Grey I am gonna get Bobby to stop by and check on pa and Doc at the pond. I will see you in the morning.

That night Grey tossed and turned in her bed she had managed to get uncle ottis to drink a little broth and when she brought up the letter that her aunt lilly had left her he had smiled so she took care of explaining it for me. She did not know what to do Her aunts illness and death had left a hole in her heart and now her mind was a in a whirl What should she do. Who was this Chance Davis. He must be much older What if he wrote what if he did not, She loved Ada but she knew that she did not belong in her cousins home with her new husband. Uncle Ottis would not insist on her moving but already the absence of her aunt was keenly felt by them both and conversation was strained and slow. What should i do Oh Lord help me to do the right things.

Chance Sat by the brook listening to the birds singing in the tree's he opened the packet of letters yet again.Reading the words there praying that what he was doing was not a mistake. It had started as a lark Looking for a mai order bride and then he started getting letters some funny some sad but the letters from Lilly had captured His attention Right away. My niece is a sensitive young woman with Character. Chance thought okay so she is plain and cries easy. She would make a good wife and in time a good mother for your children. She has lived with us since my brother and his wife died. doubtless you are wondering why i write for my neice she is not witless by any means , she is loyal to a fault . A loyal woman that would be different Chance thought to himself, The lettter went on to explain that Lilly feared that Grey would be wasted waiting on customers for her husband Running the household . Ms Lilly then proceeded to tell Chance that she had known for awhile that she had a bad heart and that it would soon fail . There are more women here then men so If my Ottis wants to remarry it won't be hard for him. He is a gruff person on the outside but inside he is kind. Should something happen I have advised him of my letters to you . Dear Grey knows nothing of them.

Grey thought Chance what kinda woman is called Grey? Folks milled about her Aunt's house and Grey and Ada were busy serving coffee , Cake and tea. Uncle Ottis was out in the barn . DR. Cooley had come in the old doctor had done all he could to help Lilly and just as others greived he did too the woman had the best outlook strong willed and positive to the end. I have come to pay respects to your pa Ada where is He? Aw Doc he is in the barn feeding ma's chickens It is alright Ada I will go out to him. Ottis doc called as he walked into the neat barn. The two men shook hands , Ottis i am sorry about LillyI know you are doc you did all you could do. Lill made me promise that I would forgive you for her death did you know that? No Ottic

The smells of the damp earth filled her nose wind blowing in the tree's She kept holding on to the lace hanky in her hands. Ashes to ashes dust to dust the pastor spoke the words over the grave . What ever would she do now? Her Aunt had been her greatest champion they had forged a bond that at times had annoyed her uncle and cousins. Her Uncle was deep in grief and her Cousin's all married with families of there own. Her uncle Ottis standing head bent shoulders shaking perhaps he would let her help him with the store. Grey was a middle sized person not the dainty sortbut not oversized either with dark brown hair and blue eyes a straight nose full and generous lips. Wiping her tears away she focused on the small gathering. Her Aunt had been well loved by the townsfolk and her uncle was respected if feared for he was a gruff man. Ada her oldest cousin touched her hand breaking into her thoughts " Come on she whispered it is time to go " With feet that felt like they were in cased in lead she moved away from the graveside.



They sat in the Wagon waiting on Uncle Ottis, he stood alone at his wife's grave lost in his own thoughts which would have surprized his family had they known what they were. " I was so luckey to have you as my wife lilly nobody ever understood me the way you did. The only time you have ever disappointed me is today I wanted to go first" Jamming his hat on his head he turned to go walking toward the wagon that held His oldest daughter and his niece.

Once upon a time

Things have been rolling on and I have learned more what i thought was a curse losing the office job not being able to cope with the nursing home the depression and the rebellion from Lucy . Has been a blessing I am now sure that God is opened a window for me that i never thought he would . I am in Pt 3 times a week and still seeing the wonderful Dr Christine. Lucy is working on making up her mind if she will get a job go back to shcool or move out. Wayne is the bright spot of the whole thing he is going to church reading the bible Just amazing how God is showing up in his life! I am going to do something that i have always wanted to do . Learn to quilt and i am going to start writing something that i thought i would have to wait to do. Well Now is the time!

Still struggle with weight but maybe i am making progress so Once upon a time!

So much going on!

So much is going on I have changed doctors and that was so hard but so neccessary and i have completed a fast that was good brought me closer to the lord, I am waiting to see what is around the corner, still having some issues with my boundaries and not snapping at folks but that will come, following the fast i am going back to the WW program and have started back on PT and taking a quilting class soon, One of my projects is to declutter and make the house nicer, Working on my relationship with Wayne and it is getting better, More later much to do!