“Pie Loving” is in the Genes”. Episode 3.
Set in rural Kansas just prior to the turn of the century and continuing through the early 1900s, this series follows the Strong family through the challenges and joys of life in Midwest America. Still Riding Horses is the seventh series in the Dusty Town sequence, original historical fiction by Mary Ann DiLorenzo.
“Pie Loving” is in the Genes. Episode 3.
Betty Lou was awakened the next morning to the sounds of Jake practicing roping in the front yard of the main house. He was getting ready for one of Lula Belle’s cowboy friends to stop by and give him some more lessons. Betty Lou looked across the land to where he was and said to Jake’s old teddy bear, “You know Teddy, Jake is getting mighty fine with that rope. I reckon he’ll make us proud one day!”
Looking forward to heading to the restaurant and getting her mind off things, Betty Lou got washed up and dressed quickly, and then was on her way to town. When she got to the bend in the dirt road where for so many years she had looked for Jason, even after he had been killed in the War, because she always had. And then it was Jacob she would watch for. And now too, he was gone. So many memories, so many! Yet, she went forward, forcing herself to not look back.
Betty Lou saw many townspeople that day to pay their respects in addition to eating a meal with all the country fixings. The special dessert of the day was pie. Somehow it wasn’t the same knowing Jacob wouldn’t be able to enjoy it. Right about then, deep in those thoughts, Betty Lou was surprised by Willie and Jake who came just to have some pie. Betty Lou realized each new day is a connection to days gone by, family and friends now gone, yet remembered. The new day brings the same kind of feeling, she thought, comforting in a way, however, different pieces of life come to replace those that have been lost to us. Betty Lou hugged Willie and Jake, smiled, and thanked them for coming to see her, how she was getting on.
Willie smiled and joked, “Now, you know Ma, I’ve always loved your pies, since the times when you would make some special just for me. Those were some dark days. I remember how you brought some light back to Pa and me. Your kindness and your love meant everything to us you know. You’re a special lady, Ma, a real special lady.”
As the tears fell down Betty Lou’s cheeks, she looked over at Jake devouring that slice of pie just like Willie had done at his age. Willie read her thoughts and the faraway look in her eyes, and said quietly, “I had thought in those dark days that life was over. It wasn’t. You helped us see that and reach for what was ahead. Now, it’s our turn to help you.”
“You’re a fine man, Willie, a fine man, and a good son to me. Thank you for your kind words of love. Your pa was always so proud of you. I reckon he’s even more proud of you now.”
Willie smiled, gave Betty Lou a soft kiss on the forehead. As Willie and Jake left the restaurant to get back to their chores, Betty Lou caught herself looking down that same road she had always looked down, first to see Jason and then to see Jacob. Her son Willie knew, and he turned back toward her and waved. Betty Lou waved back and smiled.
Prior Episodes of Still Riding Horses
A Living Legacy. Episode 1.
Tattered and Worn. Episode 2.
