Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 13 - Difficult Communications

Sunday evening at the mountain house was very subdued. Their numbers went from twenty-six the night before to half that for their last night in the house. Greg and his family spent the time packing. Julie and Mrs. Abernathy helped with the laundry, before preparing a final supper of left overs to serve to those who were there. Susan called just after they ate, reporting she, Matt and Melody were home. They were tired, but everyone, including Melody was okay.

"How's her color, Susan?" Greg asked over the phone while they waited for dessert.

"About the same. She slept on the plane, so I thought she might look better by the time we got here, but it hasn't improved," Susan shared.

Greg said nothing for a moment or two. He wanted to say something encouraging, but it was just too hard to do. They both had the sense Melody wasn't destined to be with them long, but this seemed entirely too soon for heaven to take her.

"I understand," Susan said finally when the silence continued. "I'm worried too. Pray, Greg. The Lord will be with you on the way home."

"He will also be with you," Greg said.

"I know. Call me when you leave," Susan requested. "I want to know when you're on the road."

"I will," Greg promised.

There didn't seem to be much more to say. He knew they would be talking many times the next day, so they said goodbye and Greg hung up the phone. There was the last of the Christmas fudge to consume before he went home.

c

Considering nobody was skiing on Monday, those staying at the mountain house were up very early that morning ... earlier than they would have been if they'd planned to ski that day. Alan and Cindy were ready to leave before breakfast. They said goodbye while it was still dark, saying they planned to stop for brunch somewhere along the way, on their way home.

"Call us when you know something about Melody," Alan told his dad.

"I will," Greg promised. "Somebody will let you know."

Ruth, Reuben and Mr. Simms were next to leave. They stayed long enough to have breakfast with Greg, Zack, Jessie, Julie and her family, and Mrs. Abernathy. Ruth made sure their linens were in the washing machine, and moved Alan and Cindy's to the dryer before they said goodbye.

"Our beds are all made," Ruth told her daughter.

"I think our linens are the last ones to do," Julie said.

"Can you get the boys to help you?" Ruth suggested.

"Except for the laundry, there isn't that much to do, Mom," Julie said. "I've stripped and remade our beds according to the instructions. We have the linens we did yesterday already put away. We have another three to four loads to do though before we can leave."

"What are you going to do all that time?" Ruth asked.

"I thought we'd watch the kids play in the snow," Julie said. "It might be good if they were tired by the time we left."

"Just as long as you and Elliot don't get too tired to drive," Ruth told her daughter.

"Our plan is to caravan back to Los Angeles together, Ruth," Greg said. "We have more drivers among us that way, so we can trade off if we have to."

"That is probably a good plan," Reuben said. "Good luck, Greg. I'll be praying for you."

"You know I will be too," Mr. Simms said.

"Thank you Bobby. Let us know how your appointments go. We'll have to give some thought for when you can come visit us again," Greg said.

He and Julie walked Ruth, Reuben and Mr. Simms out, helping them get their things in their car. It was still very early, just barely light as they pulled away and Greg sighed.