Ben's Family Journal

Arnold put his arm around  Darcey’s shoulder , and said come brother wipe that look of gloom off , and get a smile back on that handsome face.

He did come up with a weak grin , as he looked from one to the other and said you really think she will let us  go ?

Allen said , Darcey you are not a child any longer that you need her permission , and we are here to help her see that .

I know that we don’t need her permission , Darcey said , all we wanted was for her to send us off with a prayer and her blessing .  Instead when we told her , she made us feel like we were doing this terrible thing to her if we go .

That will soon change , said Allen .   Come help me groom down the team before we get called to dinner .

The dinner was enjoyed by all and the talk was about everything except the trip west , until the young ladies rose to clear away and sever dessert .

Willie asked to be served first so he could get back to work .

Emma looked at Willie and then at each of her other children as she said , I have something I wish to say before any one leaves the table , so hurry girls with dessert .

As soon as they sat down , Emma said ,  First off I want to ask Willie and Darcey to forgive me for the terrible time I have put them through , before I let the Lord speak to my heart .

God has helped me to see that each of my children are a blessing from Him .   And  God has kept us all safe down through our life , because of our faith and trust in Him .  And no matter where my children go in life , I still need to trust them to His care .  Last night I renewed my vow to trust Him in every part of my life .

So now Darcey and Willie I want you both to follow your dream .  Go as Gods men on what ever path you feel you should take , if it be to the west then go with my blessing , prayers and love .  With a smile for all , she sat down .

They both came around to her , and Willie hugged her as he said mother we never meant to hurt you .  Then Darcey hugged her as he said he is right all we wanted was your blessing , and now we can go in peace , mother I love and thank you .

Allen said , I knew you would send them forth with your blessing  because you are prefect Christian mother , and you have always done what is best for each of us .   And mother I thank you .

Everyone at the table had to dry tears from their eyes .

Emma says , no I am not a prefect mother but I have tried to raise this family by looking to God for guidance .   Even when Allen and Arnold had to run away , I trusted that it was right even though it nearly broke my heart .    I prayed daily that God would protect them .    And praise God He did , and blessed them beyond my fondest dreams , has brought them back with wonderful families .   And once again I am committing all my family back into His care .   Even your father , that God will be merciful to him , she says looking first at Allen and then at Arnold .

Allen says , Mother I speak for both of us when I tell you that we forgave father years ago for how he treated us , and we pray for him daily .   I must tell you all , that a letter we had from Abbey helped us see that our hate was not for father the person , but the deeds he did and the way he mistreated all of us .