FOLLOWING THE HEART
It was late in the year
and the sun was setting earlier and the chill was in the air and I felt no
reason to move from my comfortable spot next to a warm wood stove. Then came
the call from our neighbor there was as family stranded on the road and the
Father had walked to the nearest house which was about a half mile away. We had older folks next to us so they had
called for us to help out. Charlie was a mechanic and I could help out so we
got into our pickup which already had a tool box and tools plus a flash light and
went to see what we could do. Our cabin was far enough off the road but at
night you could see the lights from the main road. Apparently they were
travelling north to Fort St John and their car had quit on them. The timing was
unfortunate as the traffic was sparse and they had pulled over and had sat for
a time trying to get someone’s attention, the cold was settling in and the
Father had decided he had better go for help.
There were five of them: A ten year old son and two twin girls. Charlie
looked over the situation and decided he could not fix the car as the parts he
needed were not available until morning. The generator had failed and the
battery had lost its power.
The Father, whose name
was John Russel, and he introduced his wife Mary, his son Benjamin and twin
daughters Rose and Maple. We discussed what best to do and we made the
suggestion they come home with us and we would put them up for the night. They
were at first hesitant but we soon convinced them it was best and had them
bring their suitcases with them. We all piled into the back of the truck and
headed for the cabin. Charlie drove and John and Mary sat in the front and I
got in the back of the truck with the twins and Benjamin.
We were soon at the
cabin and one could hear the generator running and we explained that’s because
we had no running water; just an outhouse and a wood stove.
The cabin was three
bedrooms. We put John and Mary in one room, the twins in another and Benjamin
could sleep on the floor with his sisters. Charlie and I took the other room
and laid our sleeping bags out and the extra one for Benjamin. Once we settled
in I made some hot chocolate. The cabin was warm and the talk turned to the
reason they were on the road. John was a brand inspector and had been offered a
job with the BC government and would be headquartered in Fort St. John. He
wanted to check out the area and just generally get a feel for the people and
conditions. He understood the weather would be colder than southern Alberta and
generally the living conditions would be a little more rugged. His family
chimed in, “That’s for sure.” It seemed the twins were reluctant to leave their
friends but Benjamin liked the challenge as he smiled at his dad and added, “It’s
a chance to learn to homestead and Mom hasn’t baked bread or other dishes on a
wood stove.” The twins groaned and Mary looked at John and said, “It would
probably be good for all of us.”
I hadn’t given my name
yet and Charlie, knowing I was little bashful, said: “Tipper is his full name
and of course we call him Tip.” I smiled
and noticed Rose smiling back. It was time to go to bed so we said our good
nights and Charlie set the alarm for 7AM seeing it was a Friday Night. The
following morning came quickly and we soon got busy loading the wood stove and
preparing breakfast: Eggs, bacon, toast and hot chocolate. The guests had
stirred earlier and made use of the outhouse. Maple made a wry remark saying
I’m sure glad the wind wasn’t blowing. We all laughed and I said: “We had a
fire in the bathroom last fall but thank goodness it didn’t reach the house.”
Benjamin had a good laugh at that and Charlie interrupted saying John and I
best get to town and pick up the parts we need. He suggested we all relax until
he got back. It was a 45 minute trip to town and probably an hour and a half to
replace the generator. He told me to take my car and take the battery out of
John’s car and charge it. Benjamin volunteered to come with me and we set out
to complete the task. We hooked the charger to power at the cabin and set the
charger on high. It was ready an hour later and we returned to hook it back up.
We no sooner got done
when John and Charlie drove up. He had the parts and I didn’t take long to get
them installed. Charlie started up the vehicle, John grinned, got in and
started for the cabin. Charlie jumped in the truck and followed. We followed
and soon we were helping the Russel’s get their suitcases loaded. John wanted
to pay Charlie for his time but Charlie would not hear of it. We said our good
byes and they left. I thought it was a nice interruption. Charlie agreed and said he wouldn’t mind
seeing Maple again. I grinned and Charlie said, “What?” I laughed and said, “The
twins were noticeable, right?”
It was Saturday night
and we were looking at our assignment at church. Charlie was 1st
counselor and I was second in the Branch Presidency. We were Mormons and held
our meetings in a rented hall in Dawson Creek.
Our area encompassed Fort Saint John and Taylor flats. The Branch President
was away that week so we were house sitting until he got back and Charlie was
taking care of the meetings. I was assigned to speak and there were about
twenty members there. We were about to start Sacrament meeting when in walked
the Russel’s. We were caught flatfooted. Charlie got to welcome them and we
soon were introducing them. When the meeting was over John suggested we go out
to eat and it would be his treat. We were sure being Sabbath breakers would be
OK. I winked at Rose and said, “What a welcome surprise to find out you were
LDS for it sure was nice to know we had been on our best behavior.” John and
Mary smiled and Mary said: “It could not be a better day. John has accepted the
job. We have found a rental in Fort St John and we will be moving in as soon as
possible. The Branch is big enough to be workable and we are sure we will be ok
here.”
Rose was sitting next
to me at dinner and I said to her folks, “We could come and help in the evening
or a Saturday whatever works for you to help with the moving.” Mary said that
was great and thought this coming Saturday at noon would work. She wrote down
the address and handed it to Charlie. I leaned over and said to Rose. “Are you
happy about this move? She said she was now and my heart skipped a beat. I
leaned over to Rose and said quietly: “It’s great that you’re staying and how
happy that makes me.” She looked at me for a moment and said, “It pleases me
also.” So it was that Charlie and I began to see the twins; but none of us were
aware of the trials to come. Our relationship with the twins was progressing.
They were twenty years old and Charlie and I were twenty four. His birthday in
January and mine in August. Charlie talked about Maple and said she was so sure
of herself. He liked the way she took hold of life and her ability to be at
ease with him. He said he was so eager to see her and was finding himself
happier than he could remember.
Rose, on the other hand,
was positive in her approach to people also. She was a little withdrawn but in
a sweet and caring way. She was slow to anger and was generally happy. Charlie
and I liked the twins just the way they were and proof of it was we both were
sure we could change some to accommodate these two great gals. Several weeks
went by and we had had several dates and now we had broken off in pairs. The
following news came three days later. Mary and Benjamin had been in a car
accident. They were T-boned by a drunk driver and their injuries were quiet
severe. Benjamin had a broken leg and arm plus a gash in his left side.
Mary was in critical
condition. She had a severe head injury - two broken ribs and a black eye.
Charlie and I arrived at the hospital that evening and were greeted by John and
the twins. I was asked, along with Charlie, to give Mary and Benjamin a
blessing and we agreed. Mary was unconscious and I needed time to take a deep
breath and say a silent prayer so I asked for a minute.
I was to seal the
anointing and give the blessing. “Mary Russel, having the authority of the holy
Melchizedek priesthood, we bless you with the spirit of the Holy Ghost to be your
comforter. You will suffer from your injuries but have the promise of recovery.
You will regain a sound mind in time and your family’s prayers and faith will
be a shelter of protection for you and them. Mary, while you are unconscious we
promise you that you will be aware of the Lord’s presence and He will hold you
close and bring the healing balm that is so needed. All will be well and you
will awake and be chosen of the Lord.
In the name of Jesus’ Christ. Amen”
I anointed Benjamin and
Charlie sealed the anointment and pronounced a blessing.
“Brother Benjamin
Russel, by the authority of the Holy Melchizedek priesthood, I seal this anointing and bless you with the knowledge
that your Savior is here and is watching over you. Your time on earth is
extended and always remember to thank your heavenly Father for His gift of life
at this time. You will recover and be granted insight as you follow the Savior.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen”
Charlie and I hung
around the hospital until visiting hours were over. The immediate family could
stay. Rose hugged me and said “I’m glad you’re here.” Charlie was comforting
Maple and gave her a hug. We visited every night for a week and Mary had not
opened her eyes. The following day she looked up and called John’s name. He had
tears in his eyes while saying, “I’m here Mary”. She reached for his hand and
said, “Benjamin is he ok?” The conversation continued as Mary cleared away the
fuzz and was current with what happened. The doctor was called and ushered John
and the twins out of the room while he examined Mary. Pretty soon the doctor
came out and said she will have quite a bruise for a while but she will be Ok.
Later when Charlie and I were on the scene, we learned that the twins had
erupted in tears. The week had taken its toll on their emotions and now that
their mother was OK, the strain of almost losing her was almost two much. They had
hugged the doctor and he was so happy for them. Rose looked over and signaled
for me to come with her. We went out to the waiting room and she said: “You
were there all the way for us. It will be another week before the doctor
releases mom and Benjamin but I want you to know you have become very special
to me.” Then she put her arms around me, kissed me, then put her head on my
shoulder and cried quietly. We went back and talked to Benjamin who was
delighted with the news of his mother but could not move round. His leg was in
a cast, his arm was in a cast, and the gash in his side was taped and healing.
Maple and Charlie came
over holding hands and John interrupted, saying: “Why don’t you kids take a
break and go out and eat.” John said he would stay and be with Mary and
Benjamin. We found a restaurant nearby and once seated the conversation turned
to the accident. Charlie had learned that the drunk who caused the accident was
in custody and had insurance. He was a young man with no record but had been
driving under the influence. The hospital bills would be handled by his
insurance plus other costs. We talked about other things but ended up with
Maple saying she was going to take the sacrament with more reverence and
thought. There was full agreement.
Rose and I had little
chance to be alone as all of our time was concentrated on the well-being of
Mary and Benjamin. Over time Benjamin and Mary fully recovered and meanwhile
Charlie and I continued to see the twins. Finally one evening when Rose and I
were alone I was acting differently and Rose said, “Tip, what is happening.” I
looked at her, swallowed hard and said: “You know I like being with you right?”
She nodded and said, “You also know I have steady job with the government.” She
nodded again. “Well, do you remember the times when I hung around a bit
longer?” She nodded again and I said, “You know last night I hugged you extra
tight and kissed you quickly and left?” This time she said. “Why are you
telling me this?” I looked at her for a moment and said, “Because I am in love
with you and I want you for my wife and have this engagement ring.” I took a
deep breath for a moment and the next thing I knew she was in my arms saying,
“I thought you would never get around to it.” I was about to say something when
she whispered in my ear, “You big dope. I gave you enough hints.” Then she
excitedly pulled me to her and said: “I am so happy and don’t you dare leave
early.” It was a sound struggling from my throat and I said: “Rose, tell me
once again that you love me for I’m about to throw my hat off and holler but
I’m afraid your folks will come out to see what the trouble is.” Rose said.
“I’ll holler with you. I can hardly wait
to tell them.” So, we shouted and were soon telling her folks the news. I was
welcomed into the family and an exchange of good wishes interrupted for Charlie
and Maple were bursting through the door with their equally good news. We all
stood there and it was Charlie that said: “Well, if that don’t beat all.” We
all laughed and said, “Benjamin, where are you?” A voice came from upstairs
saying: “I knew it all along.”
