Title: Rediscovering Christmas Author: Lisa3 Rediscovering Christmas December 23, 1914 6:30am This will mark my second Christmas here in the Cove. Ben Pentland brought Momma and Daddy’s packages yesterday. As well as my gifts, which I will open Christmas morning, there were presents for the children. More books, new slates, an endless supply of chalk, a large wall map of the United States. But the best present of all is that each child will get a pad of paper and two pencils. How thoughtful of my parents, especially as I know that Mother is not too happy with my decision not to go back to Asheville for the holidays. I think, at long last, that Mother is realizing that Cutter Gap is my home now, however much I love them and miss them. When I woke up this morning, I discovered it was snowing! Our first real snowfall of the season. There is already a good three inches on the ground, which will mean I’ll have a time keeping the children’s attention on their lessons and not the snow. Combine that with the fact that this is the last day of classes for the holidays and I’ll have my hands full, I’m sure. But they’re such wonderful children! They lift me up and fill my life with joy! I can just imagine their tired eyes shining as I present each child with their very own paper and pencils. This is going to be a wonderful Christmas, I just know it! Christy Huddleston hastily put her journal away, wanting enough time to gather the generous gift of paper and pencils on her way to school. She made a point of getting to the schoolhouse early to start the pot bellied wood stove, wanting to take the chill out of the building by the time the children arrived. ~~~~~~~~ An hour later, Christy had to fight the smile, for the children were indeed reluctant to leave the fresh snow, no matter that half of them were barefoot. It still broke her heart everytime she saw those raw from the cold feet of her children. But things were slowly improving, one step at a time. “All right, children! It’s time to come in now!” Christy yelled above the shrieks and infectious laughter. “But Teacher, the first snow is special.” Implored a reticent Little Burl. Christ schooched down to be eye level with her student. “I know it is, Little Burl, but this is our last day of classes before the holidays and I have a surprise for all of you. You wouldn’t want to miss it, would you?” Burl’s eyes lit up, even as he took one last look at the pristine whiteness that covered the Cove. “No, ma’am. I reckon I don’t.” “No, teacher, we wouldn’t.” Chimed in Sam Houston. “But it shor is mighty hard to git our minds off ‘n all this here purty snow.” The two boys went into the school as Christy shook her head with amusement. Taking one last look at the view of the mountains topped with freshly fallen snow, the teacher followed her reluctant students into the building. ~~~~~~~~ As Christy had envisioned, the day was a success. The children were so excited with their presents from the Huddleston’s. Christy had made each child a Christmas card. She had started two months ago, for on every card she had patiently hand drawn a sketch of each child amongst a backdrop that was of special meaning to that child. For instance, Mountie’s picture was of the child standing in front of the class, reciting her poem at last year’s recitation day. The children clung to their cards in some form or another all day, holding them close as the treasured gift they were intended to be. Though they did not need proof, those cards expressed to each one just how special their beloved teacher thought they were. The next day dawned in a flurry of activity at the Mission. All were busily preparing for the Christmas social, the Mission’s first, taking place the following day. It was an attempt to ensure that all would eat a good meal on Christmas. Miss Alice had come up with the idea, and everyone had agreed, despite the look of disapproval on Miss Ida’s face. Even Dr. MacNeill had joined in, volunteering to give the children rides on Charlie. Christmas Day arrived bright and beautiful, the chill in the air only adding to the feeling of Christmas. After a hurried breakfast of oatmeal, the Mission staff started the last minute preparations before the entire Cove arrived for the Christmas sermon, then everyone would gather at the mission for the noon pot luck meal. David’s sermon was inspiring and uplifting, as it should be. His words brought home the true meaning of this holiday. He told of the first Christmas, of the babe born in a manger. “So, my friends,” David paused, looking at these people with his heart full, “in conclusion, I ask that we pray together. Pray for those less fortunate than us, for we know bounty in the truest sense, because we have love. I can honestly say…” There was a gasp in the back of the room that quickly engulfed the entire church. For there, at the entrance, was Bird’s Eye Taylor. Reverend Grantland and the grizzled mountain man made eye contact for a few intense moments. “Bird’s Eye, you are most welcome here. Please, won’t you join us.” Bird’s Eye surveyed the room slowly, noting some suspicious looks from the Alan’s, incredulous looks from others, and a small few who gave him encouraging nods. Miss Christy and Miss Alice even smiled at him. With a hesitant hand, the man took off his grubby hat and shuffled to the right side of the room, standing at the back, his head straight, not looking left nor right. Slowly, the congregation looked towards Reverend Grantland, who was trying to surprises a smile, afraid to scare off the new comer. “As I was saying, I can honestly say that I’ve never…” The preacher trailed off, his eyes widened as another person entered his church. Once again, there was a collective gasp from the back of the room as all heads turned, for there, standing in the doorway was Dr. Neil MacNeill. Looking even more hesitant than Bird’s Eye, he scanned the room and was only met with hopeful glances. He spied Christy at the end of an isle. As if searching for and finding a safe haven, he headed for the petite woman like an arrow. Well, thought the doctor, I may as well shock Cutter Gap even more by sitting on the ladies side of the room. As he approached Christy, his courage doubled in strength as he saw in her eyes a light shining so bright, it nearly blinded him. “Miss Huddleston, may I?” “Yes, doctor, you may.” Said Christy, unable to keep the happiness from her voice. Neil was here, in church! And this reminded her, in an instant, that Neil was from these mountains, and as such was slow to change as the next. This was a big step for him and she cautioned her heart to take this one day at a time. But she couldn’t help herself and sent up a prayer to God, thanking Him for this miracle. A miracle that brought both Bird’s Eye and Dr. MacNeill to church on this holy day. Christy moved over as Neil slid into the pew next to her. Once again, all eyes turned towards the Reverend. But his eyes did not meet theirs, for his head was bowed. And when he did finally lift his head, tears shone in his eyes for the glorious gift of God they had all witnessed this day, of two sheep returning to the fold. Clearing his throat that was clogged with emotion, David continued from where he was so delightfully interrupted. “I can honestly say that I’ve never seen a community come together as this one has. You have shown me that good can come of evil and that God does answer prayers as He sees fit. Don’t be afraid to let Him into your heart, for each and everyone of you are surely in His. Praise be to God!” David paused, his whole being, this church, was surely surrounded by the presence of the Lord. “Let us pray.” And as they bowed their heads, two hands met as Miss Alice and Christy smiled sideways at each other. This was indeed a day of miracles. ~~~~~~~~ Parlor furniture was pushed to the wall to make room for tables that were now lined with food. The Mission was filled to capacity and everyone was having a grand time. Children were running in between adults, adults were laughing and talking, even Miss Ida. Bird’s Eye had stayed for the food, then departed quickly. But, as Christy watched him walk away from the porch, she reiterated her earlier thought; one day at a time. A shall was gently draped around her shoulders and she turned to see Dr. MacNeill had joined her. Their eyes met for a moment, and then each turned to gaze at the majestic mountains capped with snow. There was a debate warring inside the teacher. Should she or shouldn’t she? Then, deciding to go with her gut instinct, she drew in a deep breath. “Neil, for whatever reasons you joined us today, I just want to say that I’m proud of you.” Neil glanced down at the teacher, so young, so beautiful. “I can’t say what’s in the future, lass. I’ve been thinking on this for quite some time and I’ve even started reading the Bible.” “Oh, Neil!” Christy tried to contain her joy, but she was literally shaking from the inside out. She didn’t want to be over zealous and scare off this newly acquired, budding faith in this man. But she couldn’t help herself. She reached up and softly moved a lock of his curly hair out off his forehead. Apparently this gesture didn’t faze the doctor, for he continued speaking. “I must admit, most of it perplexes me.” He turned towards her, and this time held her eyes. His heart was pounding. Had she really touched his hair? “Maybe we could discuss certain issues sometime?” Christy’s eyes crinkled with the broadest smile as her heart filled with unsurpassed joy. “Neil, I’m no preacher, and I’m sure David would love to discuss anything with you, but yes, I’d be delighted to talk to you. About anything. Anytime.” And then she blushed, realizing what she said. She turned her face away as Neil chuckled, even more embarrassed. Neil’s callused hand reached up and gently brought her face around. “A conversation with you is a delight, anytime, Lass.” Just then, the music from Aunt Hattie’s dulcimer was heard, then Jeb’s fiddle and John’s harmonica joined in, and the strands of Shady Grove began. Dr. MacNeill offered the teacher his arm. “Would you care to dance, Miss Huddleston?” Said Neil, looking down upon the beautiful face of…his future? Christy, adapting a teasing tone, “Why, doctor, I’d be delighted. Shall we?” The two walked back inside the Mission just as Miss Sissle began Green Sleeves. Late that night… December 25, 1914 10:30 pm Well, this has been a most unexpected, yet joyous Christmas. Today, at church service, not only did Bird’s Eye Taylor attend, but also, to my secret heart’s delight, did Neil MacNeill! Thank you, God, for making this Christmas so special, from the children, to the Mission’s first social to having two of your lost children rediscover their way home. May God bless everyone. Christy Huddleston The End!