For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people in Israel.”
–Luke 2:30-32 (NIV)
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Rev. Chapman was waiting at the entrance to the church. As was his custom he stood by the door to greet and if need be pray with those who came by. He always had his hand out ready to shake, and Betty, his wife was there by his side with a smile.
“I heard about your accident,” he said to me. I could see that he wanted to smile, but he managed a straight face. “Looks like a catamount really worked you over.”
“Preacher you done let loose with a fine sermon, now don’t be overdoin’ it out here,” I tried to look mean as I said it, but who knows how I looked. At least my eyes were open now, well, one was still partially shut. I was still in quite some pain and moving mighty slow.
Betty elbowed her husband, then gave me a smile. “Miles, I am so sorry. Is there anything we can do?”
“Talk with Molly. If’n there’s anything she could tell you.”
The preacher put his hand on my shoulder, then looked straight at me. “Seriously, Miles, if there’s anything we can do.”
I nodded, then put on my hat. “I know Parson.”
Molly held me by the arm and we moved slowly and surely down the steps and on down the hill. I was hurting by the time we reached the road. Looking out before me, I found myself shaking my head. It was five blocks on down to the diner, or about the same up on and around the hill to the cabin.
“Hey, old man! You need a ride somewhere?”
Doc came up with his buggy. “Jump in! I’ll get you home. Edith is staying with the Chapmans for dinner. They are planning something for the kids next week.”
He was smiling. If he wasn’t my close friend I could be angry. “Doc you don’t have to be so cheerful about my condition,” I said as I attempted to climb into the buggy. “Give me a boost Molly.”
She didn’t bother to look around to see if anyone was looking but put both hands on my behind and gave me a good shove. Oh, did that hurt, but I was in the buggy and trying to get situated.
“Come on Molly, there’s enough room for you. We’re not going that far,” remarked Doc. I grabbed onto her arm, as she put her foot on the step and moved into the buggy. She looked at me, and I could see that she was worried about sitting on my legs. One of them had taken quite a beating and there were several lacerations on it.
I gave a half smile, “Sit lightly.”
When Doc saw that we were settled, he gave a click on his tongue and snapped the reins. The old horse of his started plodding down the road then up the hill and around the curve. I wouldn’t have made it to the cabin if I had to walk it.
Molly jumped off when he stopped at the cabin door, then reached to help me down. Kinda of embarrassing, to say the least. She was in my customary position to aid her.
“Miles, you have a week and a half to heal and be ready for Christmas,” barked Doc, but not unkindly. “I’ll come by when I pick up Edith and check on those wounds. You rest, those ribs won’t mend if you keep moving around.”
“Thanks for the ride, Doc. Now, if you’d quit flappin’ your jaws, Molly could get me inside where I could rest,” I snapped right back at him. Then I gave him, or attempted to give him a smile. “The coffee’ll be on.”
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P.S. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Miles and Molly. There most likely will not be another segment of the Saga until 2025. Until then, you be happy, walk with the Lord and be alert. Be on the lookout for my new novel — Lawman. It is about the life of Miles Forrest.