My Whole World. Episode 20. Finale.

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.

Life is a Rodeo. Episode 20.

Willie and Jake stayed for a time helping Betty Lou and spending the last days with Jacob. There were a few moments when Jacob remembered them all and the days gone by, and those were moments they would cherish.

Those last months, Jake would ride his old horse in the yard of their farmhouse, pretending he was in a rodeo arena. Jacob would sit out on the porch with Betty Lou and Willie and they would applaud Jake’s efforts. Every day, like Jake said, they would do their best to make sure Jacob felt loved and cared for, no matter how difficult the days would be.

The rodeo folks and cowboys Miss Morgan had become acquainted with would come by. Not only would Jake help out with getting things ready for the real rodeo that would be coming to their neck of the woods, but he would be learning to become a rodeo athlete from real rodeo cowboys themselves. Rodeo had become a bright light for all of them during those dark days of Jacob’s sickness.

Jacob died in the spring of 1911. They buried him next to Madeline back behind the Strong farmhouse that, together with the accompanying fields, had been in their family by then for several generations. The townspeople came to say goodbye to Jacob, the cowboys too, and then it was just Betty Lou, Willie, and Jake left at the graveside.

As Willie looked over their small family graveyard, he realized another link to past generations of the Strong family was now gone. And he remembered the book.

“Stay here a minute,” he said, and ran back into the farmhouse. He returned with a book in his hand, the book Jacob had written about his family so it would always be remembered. He handed Jake the book. Jake opened it and began to read its pages over Jacob’s fresh grave. As Jake read, Willie thought of days gone by and those who were gone, and of the future still to come for those who yet remained.

Jake was Willie’s whole world, like Willie had been Jacob’s whole world, and on it would go through the future generations Willie reckoned. After a while, Jake stopped reading and handed the book back to Willie. Jake, Willie, and Betty Lou turned toward the house and headed back to it in silence as the beautiful Kansas sunset was painting the sky with the colors they had always known in that rural part of Kansas.

Author’s note: One may imagine this song, Leavin’ by playing Don Williams, as they quietly walked back to the house. Some sadness and yet some hope. Some goodbye and some carrying on. And a bit of cowboy too. Listen here.

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.
A Cold Winter Night. Episode 17.
The End is Near. Episode 18.
“I’ll be there Soon.” Episode 19.