She was alone.
Even these sweet boys would most likely leave her soon.
Tears started to roll down her cheeks, but she let them fall.
And fall.
And fall, as she clung tight to both boys’ hands.
“Ahh,” little Rhuben groaned. Levi’s arms twitched.
“It will be all right,” she said to them both. “I love you and your family loves you and most of all, God loves you. He is watching over you. And if it’s time to go to heaven soon, it is a wonderful place and God needs you there.”
Rhuben turned his head toward her, but his eyes remained closed. She didn’t know if either boy could even register her voice, but she wanted them to feel loved.
She glanced toward the door, but their parents were yet to come.
They were alone.
So bitterly alone.
Then the words she’d spoken came back to her, this time as if someone else were speaking them.
Most of all,the voice said,God loves you.
And then the voice spoke to Ann’s heart and added more.I am here, with you, when you are all alone. Do not doubt this journey. Do not doubt me.
Ann’s eyes focused on the warm glow of the candlelight casting shadows against the walls. The light was soft and faint, but just like she could not deny its presence, she could not deny the words that entered her heart.
The words weren’t just for the boys. They were for her too.
God loved her, knew her, and wanted her here. Wanted her to continue. Ann closed her eyes, reliving the words again.
In the silence she pledged, no matter what, that she wouldn’t forget this moment.
She watched as each boy struggled a little more, and then, at almost the same moment, she felt each boy take in a deep breath, much deeper than they had managed for days. Then their bodies went still, and Ann knew they’d both been called back home.
God’s mercy had allowed them to go home together.
Ann couldn’t keep back her tears. At the doorway stood their mother and father. Ann gently let go of each boys’ hands and motioned for the parents to take her spot.
She retreated to the corridor to give the family time alone.
Through her tears, the voice came once more.
Carry on, my child.
And shewould carry on. For Levi and Rhuben. And Addy.
And for God.
April 13, 1854
51 days at sea
Ann stood on the deck, cold as ice. Though crowded with people, the deck hung with a chilled silence as all gathered for the funeral of both Davies boys.
No amount of preparation could have steeled Ann’s emotions for the terrible sight. Her eyes darted to the side as she recalled them running about the deck, getting into mischief. For one moment she could recall them crouching behind a barrel, hiding from their sister. That sister stood next to Ann now, waiting silently for the sermon to commence.
