The stocky little woman leaned on her cane as she picked her way gingerly toward the graves under the mesquites. She lay a few wildflowers on three rock-covered graves, one unmarked, one marked for Joe, and a third for their boy, Johnny. “I’ll be here sleeping beside you soon’s I can, Joe. I’m tired and the folks can get by easy without me now.” She thought back on the last eight years since Joe collapsed one morning at his milking. They’d had more than forty years and six children together. It wasn’t enough.
Little Joe had married and stayed on to farm with Joe. The cabin had become a seven room house over the years, filled first with their children, then Little Joe’s. Sally had married a a farmer and lived on the next section. She was so sweet, Anya couldn’t help being partial to her. Rose Anya had taught school till she married a storekeeper in Talco. Her boy Jules was a preacher. Rose Anya had wanted her mother to come live with her in town after her pa died, but Anya couldn’t bear to leave the farm. Betsy come along just a year after Sally and married Emma’s grandson, making them truly family. The twins didn’t come along for five years. One of them farmed the hundred sixty acres Joe bought a few years after they married and the other was a lawyer in Dallas. He didn’t get home but a couple of times a year. Johnny, the one they lost came when she thought she was past child-bearing had struggled to breathe for three long days. Losing him nearly killed Joe.
Anya’s mind was fuzzy and she lived more in the past than present. It pained her knowing all she was good for was rocking babies, stringing beans, and peeling potatoes, though Joe’s wife, Mary, tried to fool her into thinking she was useful. Whenever she could, she slipped out to talk to Joe.
As she stood talking to Joe, Mary caught up with her. “Mama, you had me worried to death. I didn’t know where you’d got off to. You had me worried to death. It’s blazing hot out here. Come out of the sun and let me git you a drink.”
“Joe’s gonna be in for supper at four. I better git in and make him some biscuits. He always did love my biscuits.” Anya told Mary.
“You don’t have to get started just yet. Let’s get you a cool drink.” Mary said, leading Anya to a rocker in the shade of the porch. “Just sit here and cool off and I’ll be right back with your drink.”
” I git so tired of her fussing.” Anya said to Mary’s big backside, watching her head for the kitchen. In no time at all she was nodding.
“Anya girl, ain’t you gonna cook me no supper?” Joe laughed as he touched her shoulder. He looked as he did when she first knew him, well-muscled and lean with a full head of hair.
“Oh no, I ain’t even started! You are early.” Anya told him.
“I’d say I’m right on time. Come on along with me.” The years fell away as Anya took his hand and stepped lively as a girl.
It ended well, though somewhat sad as well. Thank you for indulging my imagination and giving me something to look forward to every day. You are such a great storyteller
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Thanks for letting me know you liked it.
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What a wonderful end to a wonderful story, Linda. I loved reading it! Thank you so much.
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So glad you liked. Another to start at midnight. I would love your input.
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Awesome! Looking forward to it!
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Thanks.
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well done and a happy ending too-thank you so much for this series! I hope you are working on another one,
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Started another. May get Part 1 later today.
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New one to post at midnight. Let me know what you think.
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Sorry to see it end! Loved this Linda. Can’t wait to see what you have next!
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Ruminating next one now
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What a treat this story was for all of us. I look forward to your next one.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. :o)
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Thanks, you too. Did you read my Miss Laura Mae series?
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NO, but I will. I want to read your book “Everything Tastes Like Poke Salad” that has been sitting in my Kindle library for weeks, along with many other books that I want to get to. Now I want to read all your books.
I thought I would get to some reading but between watching the grand children and school plays and Christmas parties I am lucky that I have time for my blog. Did you read my Mrs. Hardworths – David yet? I actually got the part 1,2,3 etc. from you. I hope that’s alright with you.
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If you read my book, I’d be thrilled if you did a review. It’salways fine to borrow from me.
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I will certainly leave a review, I can almost leave it now without even reading it. I know it is going to be fabulous but I will read it first and then leave my review, I promise. Can’t wait to start it. :o)
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I hope you like it. Working on my own story now.
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That’s good stuff. I loved it.
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Did u read this series?
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Very touching, Ibeth.
Leslie
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Thanks
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I agree with SuzieShy45, Linda – Get this story published in a book – it will be a great addition to your published portfolio 👍🐵
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I think I will. Thanks.
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👍😃
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This is an excellent ending to a powerful story. You are a wizard. Thank you for a heartwarming tale. ❤ ❤ ❤
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I appreciate that.
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You are welcome, Linda. 🙂
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Really enjoyed the journey! It is really heartwarming when two good people find each other through hardship and live to have a good life together. So many times good people find each other and tragedy happens. The only thing that would make this story better would be if it were a true story, because you know that truth is stranger than fiction. But Yes, publish it as a short story just the way it is. If you expand it into a longer novel be careful not to lose the charm. Kudos Linda on a great read and you kept me coming back for more everyday! Now that’s marketing!
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Just because it’s fiction doesn’t mean it’s not truth.
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If you say so! 😉
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Reblogged this on lynz real cooking and commented:
A heart warming story that made me want more each day! A story of hardship, love and life!
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Thanks, Lynn.
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I truly love this story, beginning to end! A wonderful job developing these warm and lovely characters and keeping us all waiting for each new twist! Please write another one!! xxx
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I am thinking of started one about an indentured servant.
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Can’t wait!
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I’ve not been so captivated in ages. ❤ Thank you for sharing your talent. ❤
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So kind of you to say that.
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So sweet! I loved reading this story! It is sad that it has ended. But it had a sweet, heart touching ending.
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I loved writing it.
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Can we look forward to more?
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Maybe.
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Linda, this was a very special tale. I feel like you gave me a Christmas present. See you Thursday.😘
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I can’t wait
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Can’t wait.
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Such a perfect, bittersweet ending… to their lives and to your heartwarming story. Well done, Miss LInda. You have a gift for this storytelling. Proud of you. ❤️ 💛 💙 💜
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Thank you. Fiction works you hard.
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I read the entire story today from start to finish and I enjoyed it- you need to publish it, Linda.
I loved it- it is simple and a very heartening story( if that’s the word I want) and its not too long either.
Looking forward to another one.
Susie
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I am glad you did. Have an idea in mind for next one.
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Oh Linda ….. what a wonderful life you gave them. Thank you SO much for creating them, and sharing it. ❤
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I am so glad you went along ng for the ride.
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Me too Linda. Such an amazing story. I think it says a lot that after reading, I have found myself thinking of them. That’s a huge compliment to your writing.
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You comment means so much to me. I am still thinking about them, too. How do they do that.
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They’re real in your head. ANd now in ours. 🙂 It happened with the very first story I wrote. I still think about them. 🙂 Well done, Writer.
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What was it.
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It was a story about a young man, growing up, dealing with loss and growing up, lost and found again love. I wrote it DECADES ago. It’s been near as long since I read it. I should look at it again and see how it feels. (Thank you for asking!)
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Love to read it.
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I so appreciate you saying that. It has been packed away for years. I should dig it out and edit it.
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this has been wonderful and what a perfect ending –
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Thanks.
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Fantastic story. I really enjoyed the whole series. 🙂
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Thanks. That means a lot. I am enjoying yours and can’t imagine where it’s going. Do you know for sure? I didn’t know how mine was headed sometimes,
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I sort of let it write itself. 😉
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That’s what I did.
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So sweet – love it !! A fitting finale.
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So glad
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Please follow me
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Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
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Thanks
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I love the whole story and the ending is perfect. I hope you do get to publish it.
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I may give it a shot. Thanks.
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What a sweet ending!! I hope that’s how it’ll be for me one day. I’m so glad they each finally got someone they could trust and love. Great ending.
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Me too. Thanks
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Aww, sad, but good in the end, 😌
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Thanks.
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This was a truly beautiful way to bring the story to a close, Linda. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks.
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A perfect ending Linda. I really loved the whole story from start to finish. 🙂
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Thanks.
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