“But Da was there for me too. I think I saw Da as God’s representative on earth. Although I couldn’t see God, I could see my earthly father and knew that I was safe and cared for. Now Da will be gone, and I don’t know what will happen, Charlie. What if I walk away from God?”
“Do you really think that’s possible? God has chosen you for His own. He knew that you would accept Him and choose Him in return. Do you suppose He’ll let you just walk away now?”
“But people do. They leave the church and forget about God.”
“Yes, but God doesn’t forget about them. I’ve seen those people too. God doesn’t just let them flounder out there alone. He’s always speaking to them, wooing them to return home—to hear His voice and obey. They sometimes don’t even know that it’s God, but they know there’s something familiar to it. They can’t leave it or ignore it. You’ll never forget God, Melody. You love Him too dearly. It wasn’t your da who saved you. It was Jesus. And it was Jesus shining through your father that made him so loving and compelling to you. You might not see it right now, but you will in time. Trust God, Melody. He will never let you down. And He will never die.”
18
Melody woke up to the sound of moaning. At first the gut-wrenching sounds seemed far off, beyond the tent, but then the sound came again. This time much louder. She jumped up off her cot, pulling on her robe as she made her way to the other side of the curtain.
She found her father writhing. “Da, let me give you some medicine,” she said, grabbing the bottle.
Her father groaned and twisted, barely able to speak. “It’s time I be ... be goin’ to ... the hospital.”
She was surprised by this. Da had said nothing about being taken to the hospital. He hated being fussed over. She gave him his medicine, then recorked the bottle before coming back to his side.
“Are you certain you want to go to the hospital, Da?”
“Aye. ’Tis what I want. I don’t ... don’t wanna...” He stopped speaking and grabbed his midsection. The pain was so intense that Melody felt herself tense as her father cried out. She had no idea what she could do.
Da reached out to take her hand. “I don’t wanna die here. Get me to the railroad hospital.”
She nodded. “I’ll get dressed and get help.”
Without waiting for a response, she hurried to pull on her clothes and boots. Da continued to toss and turn. She prayed for God to ease his pain, knowing the only real healing would be in death. Once dressed, Melody was uncertain where to go. It wasn’t that far to Marybeth and Edward’s house. Of course, there were people in the tent community who would gladly help her. But it was Charlie she wanted. Charlie she needed.
“I’m going to get help, Da. Will you be all right?” she asked, knowing she was really asking if he’d still be alive when she returned.
He seemed to sense this and gave a weak smile. “For sure, I’ll be here.”
She nodded and ran from the tent, making her way to Mr. and Mrs. Cooper’s boardinghouse. Faith Cooper was in the kitchen working on breakfast when Melody burst in through the back door, her sandy-brown hair flying out behind her.
“Da has ... taken bad ... needs to get to the hospital,” she said, panting for breath. “I need Charlie.”
“You wait here. I’ll get Mr. Cooper to fetch him.” The older woman left the kitchen and was only gone a few minutes. “Mr. Cooper can hitch the wagon and come along too. The men can carry your father to the wagon and drive him to the hospital.”
“Thank you.” Melody had regained her breath, but her heart continued to race. She knew the end was near, and it was hard to think of what would come next.
“Sit and have a cup of coffee.” Mrs. Cooper poured a cup and put an ample amount of cream in as well. “This should help a bit.”
Melody sipped the hot liquid, but it did nothing to easeher fears. She tried to pray, but the words failed to come. Finally, all she could do was silently beg God to help.
Mrs. Cooper disappeared for a moment, and when she returned, she held a hairbrush and piece of ribbon. She didn’t even ask Melody if she wanted help but went to her and began to brush her long hair.
“I’m sorry that you and your father must go through this,” Mrs. Cooper said in a soothing manner as she continued to draw the brush through Melody’s hair. “This is no doubt one of the hardest things you’ve had to face. Be assured, however, God is here with you. He will never leave you.”
Melody found strange comfort in the rhythmic strokes of the brush, as well as Mrs. Cooper’s encouraging words. After a moment, Mrs. Cooper began to braid Melody’s hair into a single plait down the middle of her back, putting order to chaos. Oh, that she might be able to do the same thing with Melody’s mind and spirit.
Charlie was there in no time at all. He went to her side as Mrs. Cooper finished tying off Melody’s braid. “Mr. Cooper said he’d meet us outside just beyond the garden.” He helped Melody to her feet.
“Thank you, Mrs. Cooper,” Melody said, searching the older woman’s face. “For everything.”
Charlie led her outside, his arm around her shoulder. “What happened?” he asked.
“I woke up to Da crying out. The pain was so intense he could scarcely draw breath. I gave him medicine, but I doubt it’s helping much. He asked to go to the hospital, so I know it’s not good. He doesn’t want to die in our home.”
Charlie nodded. “I’m glad you came to get me.”
