My Whole World. Episode 9.

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.

Leaving. Episode 9.

Robert replied back to Willie quickly and the middle of April 1906, shortly before Willie’s 40th birthday and Jacob’s 73rd, Willie was fixing to go reunite with his family.

On the night before he left, Willie, Jacob, and Betty Lou spent some time together on the porch of the old Strong family farm homestead. And like they had done for so many years, they lost themselves in the vivid and comforting colors of their rural Kansas sunset. It never changed and it was a part of their lives that ran deep.

“I’m sure gonna miss all this, all the colors of our sunsets and our sittin’ when the day’s through, and the company of the two people I love so much.” Willie continued, “I’ve been thinkiin’. I’ve never left this place since I got here when I was a little boy. Remember, when we came on the stage that day? Never wanted to be anywhere else. And now I’ll be headed halfway across the country…” His voice trailed off then as the lump in his throat overcame him.

“Well,” Betty Lou began, “Think of it as an adventure, like when I went to New York. It was fun, but I found my heart was here and this is where I belonged. We somehow know just where our heart belongs. You will too, Willie.”

It was hard for Jacob to think past his boy leaving him in the morning, maybe for good. His whole world. “I left here too son when I was young, wanted to find adventure. Your grandma called me back, and you all came, and we stayed. I won’t lie to you and say I won’t miss you. Know I’ll be counting the days until you come back.  Yet, if you don’t come back, and your heart is called to be somewhere else, I’ll always love you as much as I do today and as I always have. You are my whole world, always will be. Do you understand son?”

“I do Pa. I love you so much Pa. It breaks my heart to leave, but I reckon I have to, I just have to.”

“You go son, do what you have to do. We’ll be here loving you through it all.” Jacob stood up then, went over to Willie, and shook his hand. They hugged then, fighting back tears.

“You know it’s okay to cry boys,” Betty Lou said to them. “Reckon I’ll be crying soon myself.”

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.