My Whole World. Episode 14.
My Whole World is the sixth series in the Dusty Town original historical fiction sequence written by Mary Ann DiLorenzo. Set in rural Kansas just prior to the turn of the century and continuing through the early 1900s, the series follows the Strong family through the challenges and joys of life in Midwest America.
Finally, Word from Decatur. Episode 14.
The painted sky sunsets followed day after day after day. Each more beautiful than the evening before it seemed, yet filled with sadness and concern, each and every one of them, as Jacob and Betty Lou waited for a word from Willie.
“It was quite a day at the restaurant, Jacob! You should have seen all those cowboys and all the talk of a rodeo comin’ to our little town! Can you believe it! Wait until Jake finds out!” It was too late, Betty Lou said it and couldn’t take it back.
“I’m sorry, Jacob. I didn’t mean, well, when is Willie gonna let us know how everything is? If he made it to Georgia, of all places? And his family, how they all are?”
Jacob looked at Betty Lou and smiled.
“Well, what’s gotten into Willie? Doesn’t he know we’d be worried sick about him?”
“Reckon he does, Betty Lou. And I know that because this came in the mail today.” He showed Betty Lou an envelope written in Willie’s hand addressed to them both.
“I didn’t open it yet, bein’ as it was addressed to us both.” Jacob just kept looking at her and smiling.
“Why didn’t you stop me, Jacob?”
“What, and miss out on some fun?” And with that Jacob ducked just before Betty Lou’s nearly perfect aim of the evening newspaper would have hit its mark.
“Oh, Jacob! Shame on you!” as Jacob picked up the newspaper and pretended to throw it back at her, stopping just before hurling it at her.
“Jacob, read the letter now. Let’s see what it says. And no more foolishness, ya hear!”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jacob opened the envelope and began to read.
June 30, 1906
Georgia
Dear Pa and Betty Lou,
On the trip here I met another son of that old man you used to see at the battlefield. He was headed to Stone Mountain for a Confederate reunion. A nice man and we got to talkin’ as the miles went by.
The trip itself was smooth, with no problems. Sue’s brother picked me up at the station and drove me in his new automobile to their home. I was a bit anxious not knowin’ what I’d find. Everything seemed the same with Sue and the young’uns, like before Sue got hankerin’ to leave. She is almost all healed up and had left the hospital a few days before I arrived.
Let Miss Morgan know I told Jake about the cowboy and the rodeo comin’ to town there and he was over the moon! All the young’uns are well and happy and are glad to have me around again. I do believe Sue is too!
I love you both,
Willie
Jacob simply said, “Hmmm.” Then he handed the letter to Betty Lou. Jacob couldn’t help but wonder in his heart if his boy Willie, his whole world, had left Kansas for good.
Previous Episodes of My Whole World
And Just Like That, Everything’s Changed. Episode 1.
Feeling a Glimmer of Hope. Episode 2.
Uncertain About Everything. Episode 3.
“Don’t Forget Me Dad.” Episode 4.
The Weight of Jake’s Letter. Episode 5.
Months Go By. Episode 6.
Time to Act. Episodes 7 & 8.
Leaving. Episode 9.
Moving Forward. Episode 10.
I’ve Been in Your Shoes. Episode 11.
Meeting John Devan. Episode 12.
Remembering. Episode 13.
