David C. McLavic - 30. Chapter 30

I was getting ready to go to Mrs. Cummings for the night when Uncle Joe said we should stay here. “The night will talk to you as well as the day. We need to listen to the night.”

So I went to the jeep and brought up the bedrolls that we used on the first trip we took. I had never removed them from the cart. I wondered if Bobby was going to stay as well. I asked him, but he said he had a warm bed at home.

That night after Bobby left us, the quiet was broken by the sound of the stream. It was a soothing sound one to which I hadn’t paid any attention. Now in the quiet and purposefully listening, the soothing sound lulled us to sleep.

We woke as the sun broke over the mountain. It wasn’t long before we headed to the Lodge for breakfast. There we met Bobby. Uncle Joe stayed with me for several days, teaching me about the trees and the other plants that grew on the hillside. We had company and on the last day before I took Uncle Joe home, Bobby did stay with us.

That morning heading home, Uncle Joe was quiet. I wondered what was he thinking. I knew the outdoors wasn’t the cause of his quiet since there were many nights we slept outside at home.

“Uncle Joe, what is wrong? You are very quiet?”

“I was thinking. Home won’t be the same without you. Beth Ann will be leaving, you will be gone and your dad will be on trips.”

“Uncle Joe, we will still see each other just not as often. Dad will probably take you on some of his expeditions.”

“Yes, you are probably right.” But I don’t believe Uncle Joe bought what I said. He has been in my life from the moment I was born and now I won’t be there all the time. I need to remember that I must not forget to go home often.

Arriving home, Dad met us as we turned into our driveway. “Welcome back. Well, Uncle Joe, what do you think?”

My ears popped up, I was interested in what Uncle Joe had to say. He was important to me and his comments were valuable.

“The mountain is protected by the trees. The Great Father in the Sky has smiled on the mountain. He will be happy there.”

I listened to the words and heard the emotions behind them. I need to make sure Uncle Joe visits me often and I visit home as well.