My Whole World. Episode 17.

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.

A Cold Winter Night. Episode 17.

Five Years Later, Winter 1911

“I’m so cold! When are we going home? I want to go home!”

Jacob sat at the kitchen table opposite Betty Lou that cold winter night five years after Willie had gone to Georgia. It was the latest of similar outbursts that Betty Lou had been witnessing over the past year. Jacob seemed incoherent, unsure of his surroundings, uninhibited in what he said. Jacob was sick and would not get any better. The doctor had told them both though Jacob would no longer even remember.

“And when are my boys and my wife going to come in from the snowstorm? It’s bitter cold in here. Saddle my horse! I want to go home!”

And then as if he had worn himself out completely, Jacob began to nod and Betty Lou gently walked him to his chair by the fire, once again that night, as she had done many nights before. That night as he fell asleep in front of the fire, Betty Lou knew it was time, and she began to write.

January 23, 1911

Our sweet Willie,

Your pa has had a real bad spell lately and I think it’s time for you to come home. Please bring Jake. He was always Jacob’s little man and he loved him so. The weather is expected to be warmer than usual for winter in these parts and it would be best you and Jake come soon.

Love, Betty Lou

“Madeline, Madeline! Come here Madeline! I can’t find the newspaper. Did you hide it on me?”

“Coming Jacob,” Betty Lou replied.

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.
Finally, Word from Decatur. Episode 14.
Life Goes Full Circle. Episode 15.
Making Sense of it All. Episode 16.