Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 49 - Making a Memory

There were twenty people going down into the Abernathy's cave on the Friday after Thanksgiving that year. In contrast to the previous year, this excursion was going to be entirely recreational. No one had a motive for going that was particularly spiritual, with the possible exception of Mr. Simms.

"How do we do this, Dad?" Alan asked as they gathered at the top of the shaft in the cave. Already the lights that could be lit from the top were on.

"Very carefully," Greg said. "I'm going to go first with Neil. He and Rosemary are going to go ahead to turn on the lights. We'll meet up again at the bottom of the shaft."

"We're going to be slow. What are you going to do while you are waiting for us?" Alan asked curiously.

"Research," Neil told him. "For me, today is an opportunity to gather more data for my paper ... in addition to helping all of you."

"Yeah, okay," Alan agreed. "Who's next?"

"I want Bob to come directly after me, after you and Reuben pass down some of the chairs," Greg said.

"Why do you want me first?" Mr. Simms asked.

"You are going to sit down and rest at the bottom of this first ladder while others are coming down, until we are ready to move you again," Greg said. "I expect the most strenuous parts for you are going to be the ladders. I want you to rest as much as possible in between."

"That makes a certain amount of sense, Bob," Reuben said.

"Yes, I suppose it does," Mr. Simms agreed.

"Who do you want after that?" Alan asked.

"It doesn't much matter," Greg said. "Just make sure we intersperse the adults with the young people. And whoever is carrying the babies down should be preceded and followed by an adult."

Based on Greg's guidance, those on the ledge above the first ladder arranged themselves as best they could. When they were ready, one by one they began to go down, descending into the shaft. Greg helped Mr. Simms from the ladder when he reached the bottom of the first one, directing him to sit out of the way while a few more of their party came down. The old man felt rested enough by the time a half-dozen of their party joined them, he was ready to move on. Greg directed Reuben and Ruth to walk with him along the ledge in the direction of the next ladder along the path.

"Take your time. Don't hurry. Wait for a few more of us to gather at the top when you get there," Greg said.

"Will do, Greg," Reuben said.

Zack and Kelly weren't far behind them. Neither were Julie, Alan, and Cindy. With Alan carrying Olivia on his back, the foursome followed after the faster young people who were rapidly catching up with Mr. Simms, Ruth, and Reuben. Susan's brother Stephen and his family were behind them, looking in awe down into the shaft.

"How do you know where this goes?" Stephen asked Susan, after she descended the ladder behind him with Melody in her backpack.

Stephen lifted the baby carrier from Susan's shoulders as soon as she was safely on the ledge, watching as Susan set little Melody on her feet again. He'd wondered about the wisdom of bringing a toddler on this adventure while they were at the top, but now he could see Melody was effectively on a leash. Susan was holding a cord which at the other end was tied to the back of Melody's overall style pants. In addition, she also insisted the little girl hold her hand.

"We've been down here before," Susan assured him.

"Yeah Dad," Chris said. "Who do you think built all these ladders and things?"