Do you know what day this is, darling? asked Meg as she placed a mug of hot black coffee in front of Wilson and sank into the chair beside him at the table.
I do. Its Wednesday and its rainy and it has been raining for three days and
Wilson! Think a minute. It was just three years ago today that I called you and
Ah, yes. It was the day my life began, he smiled and laid his hand on top of hers. You called and said, Wilson, this is Meg and
And then I asked you to come over because I had something special to show and tell you
And I grabbed my hat and rain coat
And forgot your boots and your feet were soaking wet when you arrived!
But you put my shoes in front of the fire and gave me a towel and invited me to sit downright here at this table, as a matter of fact.
Wilson turned to Meg and touched the tear that was sliding down her cheek. He whispered, and you showed me our past and we learned the truth of so much that had been puzzling us. Meg, it was the happiest and most satisfying day of my life. Also the most astonishing, wondrous, extraordinary, miraculouswell, I think you know what I mean, and he laughed and hugged her close.
Wilson, you dont know how many times Ive looked back into our youth when you were my teacher and I was in love with you but you were courting my sister Trish, and
But remember, that was only because you were still one of my students and she had graduated and that was the only way I could see you outside the school room! Oh, Meg, how I loved you, and how I ached when you went away to New York, and
Meg rose from the table and went to the door of the kitchen and peered through the curtain. She exclaimed, I thought I heard something. Its Jack. In all this rain. I wonder what he wants.
Meg pulled open the door and stepped back as Jack, the older son of Wilson and Trish, came stomping into the kitchen. He laughed, Please scuse my sudden and wet appearance.
Jack, stop right there and take off those shoes! insisted Meg with a smile.
Okay, Mother Meg. My good wife Julie gave me the same orders when I came home for lunch.
What brings you out in this weather, son?
Jack Baltimore left his shoes on the rug and came to hug his father and Meg. You dont know how great it is to have you two here to drop in on.
Have a seat and some coffee, Jack, said Meg, and pray tell where else do you think wed be?
When you two love birds were married we all feared you might move into town and then we
Never! Meg put a mug of coffee down for Jack and touched Wilsons shoulder. This is our home, forever. This is where it all began and this is where it will all end. We still walk by the little school and recall our days there, she laughed, and when your father substitutes for the teacher there now, he pretends Im still sitting at my desk!
Well, son, whats new at the farm? asked Wilson.
Were getting a dozen black angus on Monday and I have to be out of town. I was wondering if you could oversee the delivery.
Be glad to. Where you headed for this time?
Napa, California, and itll be a two-week seminar.
Napa? Jack, what an opportunity for you to see that part of the country! Arent you excited?
I sure am, Meg. I never anticipated all this travel when I enrolled in that course for agricultural engineering. Think it would have been a lot easier if I had just stayed an ordinary Illinois crop and animal farmer!
Well, were proud of you, son, and when you are all finished I know youll make a difference around here. Now, when do you leave?
Early tomorrow morning. I want to stop in and see brother Chet. His busy wife Aileen is over at my spread giving Julie a pep talk on how to get along without a husband for two weeks, hoping shell never have to. She has her kids with her so that will keep Julies mind off of it for awhile.
How Julie loves children. I do hope thatwell, there are enough nieces and nephews to keep her stepping!
How are Todd and Gretchen? asked Meg. I havent seen them since church last Sunday.
They looked okay to me as I was leaving just now and Aileen was bringing them in. Oh, Aileen and Julie will talk all afternoon and play with the kids andwell, Im real glad they are such good friends, dad.
And so are we. Theres been enough drama played out in this family to last for several more generations.
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