THAT’S MY MAMAW…STORY TIME IN FIRST GRADE

I have wanted to write and share about a wonderful day, meeting some very special people.   Tuesday I was made welcome by my grandson’s teacher and first grade class to read the children’s book and speak to his class. 

You would not think that would make me nervous since I have told the story for years to so many children and always had such fun doing it.  As the day and time drew near I felt some apprehension.  This was not just a time for fun…it was a time that created so many emotions whirling within me.   I wanted the children to have fun and enjoy the story.  I wanted them to be inspired enough to feel the desire to share their own thoughts, fears, feelings, ideas and more.  I wanted to be able to share with them the idea that what they learn is so much more than the grades they might make.  Education is a gift to last a lifetime and open doors to the world.

This was my grandson’s class.  If the children did not like me or what I had to say or thought it was dumb…would it be something that reflected in reactions to him?  What about his teacher?  I had never met her but she was nice enough to allow me to come and share this with her class.  I did not want to let her down by doing something that would be disappointing to her class.  I am not an experienced public speaker although I have on numerous times spoken in public.  I usually just go with the moment and have fun.

I did have fun.  I had so much fun.  As I drove home, I tell you that it seemed even the sun shone brighter and the Fall colors seemed to glow.

When I arrived at the school it is so beautiful and cheerful.  The people there are friendly and told me where to find the class.  I had arrived early and thought it might give me time to rest from the drive and walk into the school, but they told me to go right on down to the class.  When they told me where the class was I wondered if there was anyway I could get there.  If you had to pick a place that was the farthest from the door, that was it.  I was lucky that they had benches placed along the way and I could take breaks.  That was how I made it.  One little walk at a time and then rest a bit.

When I got to the class I did not want to interrupt but there was no bench down there and I had to sit.    When I knocked on the door one of the little boys got excited telling his teacher there was some lady at their door.  She was so welcoming and invited me to come in.  I explained that I knew I was there early and did not mind waiting but she was so nice offering to begin and introduced me to the class.  All little eyes were upon me and I felt that moment of apprehension.  Would I be able to do this?  Would I forget the words to the story I had written.  How should I read it and share the pictures at the same time? 

She had me sit at her desk and the students gathered together in front of me on a big rug they use for story time.  My grandson made my heart fill with emotion as he seemed so proud.  He was my helper…a lot.  I handed books to the students so that they could look at the pictures and maybe follow along but in first grade, patience is not a strong point and they got so excited they looked at each and every picture.  As I watched the young faces I was delighted to see interest and delight with some of the pictures.  They were excited and gathered head to head smiling and pointing and speaking in excited tones. 

We started out talking about what it takes to make what you write into a book.  That part threw me for a moment.  Usually when I talk about writing and what I went through before I could hold something that I had written in my hand as a book, it is to older people.  Every eye was upon me and there was no giggling or talking.  They were so interested and attentive.  They were alive with the wonders seen only through the eyes of a child and this was a chance to try to fire their imaginations for the things that they could do and accomplish.  This was a chance to help them to realize that all of the lessons and papers and tests were not just things they had to do, but accomplishments they had the ability to do because of the wonderful teachers and all that they had learned.  Would I be able and good enough to reach out and touch them?  I was going to try.

I would love to tell you how inspiring I was but the truth is that I was the one that was inspired.  They were so wonderful.  Each and every little face showed such emotion, enthusiasm, intelligence and wonder as we talked of many things.  Their questions were direct and showed they were thinking of many things that they could do and would do.  When I looked at those faces I was looking into the future.  I could see that each and everyone would have so many things in life ahead of them and who knows what all they may accomplish?  They are so precious.

My grandson was by my side and helped adding his thoughts, memories and ideas.  He has so many ideas on his own.  The next children’s book is one I am co-writing with a 6 year old.  I do not mean that I am writing it and letting him help.  The new story that continues is his own idea.  One day after he had asked me to read it to him he smiled and said he could not wait and we needed to do the next one together.  I mentioned we had to think of a story first.  We have come up with dozens of little stories together through the years.  It is fun and I think helps them to develop creative thinking and problem solving as they find their simple plots and story lines.

He looked so serious and said  “This one is about when they follow the path through the pumpkin field and go out into the woods.  The pumpkins go with the boy because they are his friends, but he only thinks they are.  One of them just acts like a friend but he is sneaky and mean.  There will be a lot of other stuff too and things he sees and meets but it will be a good story.”

WOW!  What an idea and from a 6 year old at that.  I could already hear the words and see the story coming together.  All we have to do now is polish it up finish it up and do a whole lot of art work.  I would not mind sharing credit for that book with him.  It is his idea.  We really are going to do it and he was so proud as he told his class.  I could tell by the looks on their faces they had their doubts.

I explained his story idea and their expressions changed.  Their surprise at what he could do reflects the idea that they could too.  There is no limit to what we can do but the limits we place on ourselves.  There may be some things we can not do, but we just have to find ways to keep going and do other things even better.  What we can not do one way we try to find a way to do it another way.

It came time to begin the story.  I was only nervous for a moment.  I have told that story so many times and always had the same result.  The children have always sat patiently, even intently listening to the very end.  There is always such a range of expressions and emotions cross their little faces.  I want to tell it so that it is interesting and they can almost see and feel it but not to the point that they stay frightened.  There is a fine line there and these are some young children but we did have fun.

When I started with the very first line there was not a sound from them.  Their eyes were as big as mine, thinking about what I had said…..”It was the dark of night………..but the moon shone bright……casting shadows on things below.  What was the cause……..the reason for it all……even with time we may never know.”  I had long pauses and spoke slowly as the words created the feeling and the pictures showed the rest.  I love it when a story comes to life.

As the story went on and at the end it suggests it was only a dream….or was it…..be careful and watch out for the moon.  I hoped it had been more fun than scary so we began to talk about the story it’s self.  We discussed the beginning and I asked if it really was dark at night.  They all agreed it was and I mentioned about the bright moon and beautiful stars that sparkle like diamonds in the sky.  There is so much light if you really look that you can see your own shadow…..”The moon casting shadows on things below”…It did not sound so scary that way.  We talked about the witches and how if things are different that does not always make them bad.  Maybe the witch was just an old, ugly, woman who dressed weird.  One mentioned that the one that flew across the sky silhouetted by the moon was a witch.  I asked him if he was really sure.  If you were scared of the dark and all alone and something whizzed by in the dark might you just think it was a witch because that is what you were afraid you might see.  Sometimes we see what we look for.  If might have been a black bird that you did not get a chance to really see clearly.

One little boy proudly announce, “I wasn’t afraid.”  Another answered, “I WAS… but I’m not anymore.”  Then they all began to share thought and feelings.

We talked of many things.  I could not find words then or now to say how wonderful it was.  I noticed other things.  Their teacher was so welcoming and helpful in keeping the event going smoothly adding interesting points and helping me to find things to talk about that related to their studies.  It is amazing how much they learn at that age.

This woman clearly has a bond with her students.  You could see by the way the acted and reacted with one another that she is someone special in each of their lives.  We do not always take the time to stop and realize what an impact these people make in not only the education of the children but the very lives they have before them.  People like this woman, inspire these children to believe in themselves and then teaches them providing them the tools to succeed.  As you watch her with the students you see order and organization but you also see the interest she has and by the reaction of the children you can see the love and respect they have for her.  Those are not things that just come with the job.  Those are a result of a personal relationship that involves care and that something special, allowing one person to reach out and touch another sharing and giving to them. 

When we talk about teachers….they are so much more than a person who instructs.  They are out there inspiring and offering gifts for the future to a whole generation of children and adults alike.  Their jobs are difficult but I think we should take the time to let them know how much we appreciate all that they do.

This was a wonderful day for me in so many ways.  I do think the sun shone a little brighter.  I think they colors did almost glow around me.  I am so thankful for being allowed to share such a special time with these wonderful students and their teacher and to be able to do it with my grandson at my side.  He makes me smile and gives me hope in life.   Every time he said “That’s my Mamaw.”  ( He calls me Mamaw instead of Grandma) It made me feel so proud.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and take the time to hug the kids and thank the teachers.  I thank Beth Stricker who is the first grade teacher where I read the book and  Green County Tech School.  People like her make a difference and touch not only the lives of her students but their families and futures.

The Pumpkin Field may be found at   https://www.createspace.com/3588264

http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317667781&sr=1-4

US http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=la_B004PVDVR4_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144457&sr=1-2


UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144536&sr=8-1

CANADA
http://www.amazon.ca/Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144594&sr=8-1

GERMANY
http://www.amazon.de/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144653&sr=8-1

FRANCE
http://www.amazon.fr/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144882&sr=8-1

ITALY
http://www.amazon.it/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/275-0366104-0601261?__mk_it_IT=%C5M%C5Z%D5%D1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Pumpkin+Field+linda+nance

SPAIN
http://www.amazon.es/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350145104&sr=8-1

IT WAS THE DARK OF THE NIGHT…

IT WAS THE DARK OF THE NIGHT…

It was the dark of the night, but the moon shone bright

Casting shadows on things below

What was the cause, the reason for it all?

Even with time, we may never know.

I have talked before about when I first wrote this little poem that is now a book I hope will reach out and touch others.  I explained how we had two little boys who came home from school one day complaining that all poetry was awful.

I tried to tell them that that was not true.  Poetry could do wonderful things.  It was so much more than simply some words that rhymed.  They laughed and said, “sure…love poetry…yuck.”  They were young enough they had not discovered girls were anything more than irritating.

I could see that they had already made up their minds about all poetry.  I told them it could be like a secrete code.  A secrete code is something that tells more than it appears and only certain people could figure it out to understand all that it said.  What if poetry could be like that?  What if it could tell more than just what the words said?

They gave me one of their special looks that says, “Sure Mom….” Without words.  I told them that I was going to write them a poem myself.

The Pumpkin Field is what I wrote so many years ago.  I wanted to write something that could do as I had promised and be like a code they could work to figure out.  I wanted to be able to write something they would like when they first heard it but also every time there after.  I wanted something they could see more and be inspired to think about as the years passed.  I wanted it to have a long reach through all of the years and to all who read it.

One thing that many people seem to enjoy is a scary story.  It may be about a ghost or a haunted place.  It may be about a time or certain person but many people love a scary story or one with the unknown factor.  I did not want it to cause nightmares in the young or increase fears they may have but to still be interesting.  I wanted it to be one that held the interest but also might make them think or share their thoughts and feelings.

The Pumpkin Field is a magic place where anyone can go.  It is a place of mystery and adventure and finding some things that are special.

It was the dark of the night, but the moon shone bright casting shadows on things below.  What was the cause, the reason for it all?

Even with time, we may never know.

Many children fear the dark, the unknown, things that are different, dreams, and many more things they do not always have the words to communicate. I we ask if it is dark at night the answer will be yes. How dark is dark? If there is fear of the dark, we may need to take a closer look and discover what it is that we are afraid of.

There have been many times I have gone outside when there was a full beautiful moon and shown those same children the dark of night.  We talked about how the heavens were filled with the beautiful light of the night in the moon and stars that sparkled like diamonds in the night sky.  I showed them their own shadows and that it was nothing to fear.

Older people often realized more from the same phrase or found other thoughts that came to mind.  I believe by using this brief tale it allows us to open countless avenues encouraging discussions, thoughts, teaching new things, observing, and sharing.

Every time I have read it, the kids love it and never seem to tire of it…but no matter how many times we read it there is always more for them to talk about and share that it instigates.  It starts out with “It was the dark of night but the moon shone bright, casting shadows on things below…..That sounds ominous but allows us to share later with the child.

 I can remember going outside at night with a clear sky and full moon many times.  When I ask them if it is dark at night their eyes get big and the answer is immediately,,,,YES.  What is dark?  We gaze up at the beautiful night sky lit by the soft moon light and sparkling stars across the heavens.  We could talk for hours, right there and then.  I show them how the moon shines enough light to make shadows and they realize no matter how dark we think it is, there are different lights.  It can be related in so many ways depending on the age of the person involved in the discussion or their own needs.  You would not believe how many adults have talked for hours about these things.  A child filled with fear of the dark often finds a new understanding and release from such fear.

There have been a few occasions when we had gathered with family or friends that I had conversations with adults who had overheard the viewing of the night with the children.  The same simple statement brought other emotions and thoughts to mind and offered a way to find expression.  There are as many thoughts, feelings fears and emotions as there are individuals, but it is often hard to find ways to recognize things that are deep with in and even harder to find a way to deal with them or express them.  It is amazing how often this little poem opens doors.

More than once “the dark of night” has been related to a person’s life.  The voice was soft but the words were from the heart.  “It is odd, but when you said the dark of night, I thought of how dark it sometimes feels in my life.  I have actually felt as if there was no light left….kind of lost…  But there are stars and light..I guess?  ..even if it is still far away and not that bright.”

Another individual related to the darkness instead of the light.  “It makes you realize there really are shadows in the darkness.  You may have some light but who knows what all there might be out there in the night in the shadows?”

There have been so many reactions from the one simple line.  I would like to tell you exactly what it does mean but I do not have all of the answers to life’s questions.  There are times that we can only discover the answers for ourselves…not what someone else tells you they are.  This little story can not tell all of the answers to life but it can be something enjoyed and shared. 

I think that one of the greatest fears in life is the unknown.  We often have great fear and apprehension of the unknown.  If we are afraid of snakes we may be very afraid but we might avoid them, or run away from them or not go in areas where they might be found.  It is a fear but one that we understand.  If we are afraid of high places we might not climb to the top of a ladder or choose rock climbing as our favorite sport.  If there are things in our lives that we do not understand or that are hidden from us through any number of things such as lies, deception, or even evil intent….we have no defense from what we do not understand.  The unknown might be the shadows the light has not yet lit…but there is light.  Even in our darkest hours we are not alone.  I believe…I really believe there is light to show us the way in our lives.  Our paths may not be easy and the way may be filled with detours but we can not give up.  Even in the darkest hours….the moon shone bright and we can walk with our shadows until the dawn.

I will be back soon to share more thoughts and more from my little book with the big reach.  I hope all of your days have light to show you the path and stars to sparkle brightly.  

 US
http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=la_B004PVDVR4_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144457&sr=1-2

UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144536&sr=8-1

CANADA
http://www.amazon.ca/Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144594&sr=8-1

GERMANY
http://www.amazon.de/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144653&sr=8-1


FRANCE
http://www.amazon.fr/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144882&sr=8-1

ITALY
http://www.amazon.it/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/275-0366104-0601261?__mk_it_IT=%C5M%C5Z%D5%D1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Pumpkin+Field+linda+nance

SPAIN
http://www.amazon.es/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350145104&sr=8-1

Sharing The Pumpkin Field and more

I would like to take the time to introduce myself and share with you. My name is Linda Nance and I live in Arkansas. I have always loved to write. I want to be remembered if I can reach out and touch another with my words. I want to tell a story that interests the reader but more than that. I want to be able to allow you to see, feel, hear, and be there too. With each book that I publish I want people to see it as a dream to come true. I do not want to give up. I want others to know that they can make their dreams come true too if they are will to work hard, believe and not give up. I did not only the writing but the art work for the covers and illustrations. I wanted to be able with each book to share something special from cover to cover. This is the first children’s book but there are many more to come.

  http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=la_B004PVDVR4_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1347995172&sr=1-4

As the years have passed I have found, that a person is many things. They may be what their profession is and they receive monetary compensation for doing. They may also be what they are required to do or assume the responsibility to do. I am a mother. I am a wife. I am a daughter, sister, cousin, neighbor, friend, homemaker, grandmother {I really like that one} and many other things. Who am I? What am I? I would like to tell you that I have figured all of that out and know exactly who and what I am but I would be a liar. I have no idea. All I know for sure is that I have tried my best through my life, and will continue to try to do and be the best I can be and help where I can. I hope that the things that I write will be things that are enjoyed by others. I hope they receive more than just a story to entertain. I want to be able to reach out to others in many ways.

When our children were young our little boys came home from school complaining that all poetry was awful. I tried to explain that poetry can tell stories and be wonderful. They looked doubtful and expressed their steadfast opinions that they hated poetry.

Every child I have ever met loves a scary story as do most adults. What if a poem could tell a story even these two little boys would love and make them want to join in and talk about what they thought and felt too? I wanted to do it in a way that would allow discussions with the individ­ual child in a variety of applications to teach and communicates as well as entertain.

When a person has a dream or something else exceptional or strange occurs they often tell others the tale as they share their story. The person reading this book is telling the story. It becomes their story as they read on and it becomes ‘their tale.’ The story progresses describing what is and what is seen or heard and how it changes. The fantastic characters that puzzle, excite or even frighten occur. The ordinary such as the scarecrow or the pumpkins in the field come to life. The witch is seen causing freight in the distance but when her ugly sister is confronted face to face it is more than a person could stand….

This story concludes asking a question…Was it real or only a dream? Not all things in life have answers but in asking questions we often find more understanding. Children often fear many things especially if they do not develop an understanding of the things that they fear.

Many children fear the dark, the unknown, things that are different, dreams, and many more things they do not always have the words to communicate. I we ask if it is dark at night the answer will be yes. How dark is dark? If there is fear of the dark, we may need to take a closer look and discover what it is that we are afraid of. I believe by using this brief tale it allows us to open countless avenues encouraging discussions, thoughts, teaching new things, observing, and sharing,.. People young and old love a spooky story. I believe that people of different ages will find different things in the same story here. The last statement asks the question…Was it a dream? It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? For children as they read or hear this book they often open up sharing their own thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams.

It allows a fun time shared with a story that ignites the imagination and opens doors of communication from the beginning to end. It starts with an ominous air or mystery and suspense that ends with the question that makes a story in the story…Was it a dream?

This may be a seasonal story wonderful for Halloween but most people including children love a scary story any time of the year. Through the years as I have told or read this story the children sit motionless listening to every word. I have never had them lose interest even if they had heard it over and over. Even the adults smile and listen to the end. When the story is over it is only beginning as the questions flood forth about all dif­ferent things from the different children. It is a scary story but one with­ out the feeling of dread or apprehension that could haunt a young mind. I see more emotions relating to excitement, curiosity and a desire even for the shy one of the bunch to share their thoughts, feelings, experiences and questions.

On this journey through the pumpkin field there are strange. Ominous, mysterious, and even magical things occur and culminate in the confron­tation with the old, ugly witch. Was it real or was it a dream? Could that be why it is requested even now into a new generation? The State Park used it for years with their Halloween special they had for the children. One year I was even the witch and read the story to one group after an­other. It was a wonderful time shared by all. Children that had heard it back when our children were young now bring their children to me to tell the story. Now I want you all to have it and the joy it brings sharing and talking and getting to know their little dreams, hopes and fears.

I hope that my illustrations will bring this tale to life and just as my children and grandchildren and so many others have loved this tale, it will bring a special smile and create memories shared by all who read or receive it. This book is my gift to be passed on and shared, that can live on and reach out beyond the pages leaving delighted smiles. The Pumpkin Field is a little book with a big reach. I hope each and every one a very happy Halloween and special memories shared.

I will come back and tell more about when I did the art work for this book.  I will be doing a poster soon for several displays where the book will be featured.  I also hope to post some of the sketches for the children to be able to use as coloring pages.  Who knows what stories they may come up with for their own little books or the decorations they may make.  I hope to share many things here and hope you will enjoy sharing it with me.  I will be back soon.


US
http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=la_B004PVDVR4_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144457&sr=1-2

UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144536&sr=8-1

CANADA
http://www.amazon.ca/Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144594&sr=8-1

GERMANY
http://www.amazon.de/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144653&sr=8-1

FRANCE
http://www.amazon.fr/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144882&sr=8-1

ITALY
http://www.amazon.it/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/275-0366104-0601261?__mk_it_IT=%C5M%C5Z%D5%D1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Pumpkin+Field+linda+nance

SPAIN
http://www.amazon.es/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350145104&sr=8-1

I WON AND THE LEGEND LIVES ON....PART 9

I WON AND THE LEGEND LIVES ON…PART 9

I am back and have so much more that I want to share but also other things by the dozens I would like to tell…but one step at a time and I often move a little slow so here I go again…..

I told about the wonderful class that I attended at ASU.  At the end of the class we received a notice or invitation to enter a short story in competition.  People from all over the nation could enter and 10 to 15 would be chosen.  The winners would be allowed to attend as special function there at ASU and part of it included a workshop/critique with Cary Holladay there in person.

My instructor encouraged me to enter.  I had never entered any short story or writing competition but did decide to submit one of my stories.  When I wrote The Legend Lives On I wanted to write something special that could involve the reader in the story.  The instructor said that he loved the story but wanted me to try to re-write it and explain it in a more traditional way so it would not confuse the reader.  He was afraid as I had written it might be something most readers would miss or not fully understand.

Most readers?  He might be right.  I think he might underestimate people but did as he asked.  I did not like it that way so when I entered the competition I submitted my version and thought that the chances I would win would be small considering how many people might enter.

I was shocked and surprised when I received the notice that I had won and was invited to attend the event.  I actually won.

I arrived there early and as the other people began to appear I was amazed that I was the only one from here and some had paid transportation and expenses to stay and attend from all over the country.

The excitement and anticipation grew as the time neared for the event to begin.  We were led to the area and beautiful refreshments were served.  The whole thing seemed unreal to me.  ASU had done a wonderful job of creating a welcoming and warm atmosphere for the writers.

Cary Holladay was delightful, inspirational, and so talented.  I can not say enough to describe what an honor it was to participate and meet such a person.  She has been so encouraging to me and even kept in contact and answered any questions I have had to this day.  She commented on my story to the whole group and loved my version.  People like here not only write wonderful stories and books, teach others to do and be more, but are an inspiration in themselves.

Halloween will soon be here and I want to take the time to share this story.  It is not exactly a Halloween story but if you think of a haunted church…..I hope you like it and can not wait to hear what you think.   Here it is….The Legend Lives On………

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            *    The Legend Lives On    *      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

            The historic church sat among giant, old oak trees, towering proudly with their twisted and gnarled limbs swaying in the breeze.  These trees were some of the oldest in the area and still stood proudly in the decades of passing time.  Storm clouds had gathered making the evening hour gloomy, with thunder rumbling in the distance.  The wind swept currents of leaves, fluttering and whispering along the stone paths that wound between the old church and behind, to the historic cemetery nestled amid the growth of bushes and more trees.

             As far as the eye could see in all directions that secluded spot was surrounded by highways, buildings, and more people.  This one small area stood protected from the growth of civilization near St. Louis Mo.  It had been built long before Saint Louis was a city, and still stood stout of timber with every stone in place surviving the ravages of time.

            Darkness was not far away as a small group of children gathered on the stone steps leading into the church.  A fourteen year old girl named Jenny, glowed with enthusiasm as she found the door unlocked, and no one but them in sight.  She paused before entering, as if considering some troubling thought, before she spoke softly to the other children gathered closely on the weathered steps. 

            “I know you all know the real story of this old church,…. but every time I come here,….. it comes to my mind so strongly,….. I can just see it, ….as if it were happening

all over again…..  I can’t imagine the horror of what it must have been like, way back then.  The modern church never admits to what really happened, because they’re afraid of scaring away tourist and making their church look bad.  You’ll never hear them mention or even admit it was possible, they had a haunted church, but considering what happened on this very spot,……. who knows what could be?”                                                                                                                                                                The other four children listened intently, and moved to stand even closer.  Silence                                                                                                                                                                                                                           prevailed as each of them gazed at the dark wooden beams and stones of the walls before them.  One small voice of the ten year old brother of Jenny, tentatively found the courage                   

to speak, barely above a whisper. 

            “How come I never heard anything about the old church being haunted or bad things happening here?  You’re making it all up, just to scare us.”  He was more than a head shorter than Jenny and had his hair cut short for the summer with ears sticking out on each side of his round little face.

            Jenny glared at him and shook her head.  “Of course you’ve never heard anything about it.  You’ve always been such a baby; Mom and Dad probably figure you’d keep them up all night having night mares, if you heard even part of it.  I know you’ve grown

up a lot now, so we won’t tell them I let you know about it or came with us here to see it.

After all, you’re my brother and we’re all good friends that grew up together.  I can’t believe you guys didn’t know.  Grown ups never tell us the good stuff.  This old church is in books and a historical registry, so it‘s easier for them to just ignore it all and pretend it never really happened.  They even named this silly town with some Indian name. 

Can you believe that, after what happened to begin with?  Cahokia’s an Indian word.”

            Terry and Sherry stepped forward together, with heads held high.  They wore matching yellow shorts and tops, with matching hair styles, matching shoes, and matching mirror images of one another.  The twelve year old twins even had the habit of finishing each other’s sentences.  Only family members of the girls, and close friends could tell them apart.

            “We’re not afraid of any old ghost….”Sherry boldly stated.

            “….or afraid to go in this old church.”  Both of them nodded their heads in agreement as first one, then the other finished what they had to say.  Thunder rumbled in the distance with a low resounding growl,  a little closer then it had before.  All heads turned, looking at the slowly churning and ominous clouds building in the evening sky.  They shivered slightly in the damp and chilly breeze as it rustled and whispered through the trees and fallen leaves.  A whispering sound was heard as the breeze swept the densely vegetated area.  It wasn’t a sound they heard often growing up in the crowded

subdivisions of houses near by, with one tree per yard if they were lucky.

            Kathy and Jenny had been school mates and friends for as long as either of them

could remember.  Kathy moved from the side of the group to stand next to Jenny.   A basic part of the relationship between Kathy and Jenny, involved a constant rivalry, making it impossible for Kathy to allow Jenny to know something she had not known first. 

“I think I do remember something about this old church…..  It‘s been so long ago, I just can’t quite remember all of the details.”  Kathy wanted to make sure the whole group knew there was nothing Jenny knew, that she didn‘t know.

            Another clap of thunder startled the group, as Jenny slowly pulled the heavy wooden door open on the rusted thick metal hinges and brackets.  The door made an eerie creaking sound and hollow groan.

            “We’d better go inside before it starts to get dark, or we won’t be able to see at all.  There’s no electric lights inside,….. and I want to be able to see in every corner when I go in. …..That is, if you are all sure we want to do this?…… I can tell you all the details inside, for the ones who don’t know what really happen, on this very spot so long ago and  Kathy can fill in on any thing I forget or leave out,….. when we get inside.”

            Slowly the five children entered the dark and shadowy interior of the old building.  The moment they entered, the door swung closed behind them. Four of the five children stared in apprehension as if unseen hands had pushed it closed. The dank musky smell of

the ancient structure was thick in the air.  The entry had a low wooden ceiling of big heavy timbers, making them feel close and confined.  The ceiling of the entry was actually the floor of the narrow choir loft above.  The darkened heavy wooden timbers that supported the choir loft framed the walkway entering the worship area. 

             Taking slow and cautious steps they moved as a group into the interior of the small historic church.  Jenny stopped in the lead, and cleared her throat as she gazed warily all around at the rows of pews on each side of the isle, behind them, up into the shadowed recesses of the choir loft, and the narrow steep steps that led up into the recess above nestled under the main ceiling of wooden timbers high above the group.

             Slowly she turned facing the altar.  Alcoves flanked each side of the altar.  A sculptured figure of Mother Mary stood in the one on the left, staring blankly with outstretched hands, dressed in a flowing blue robe looking worn and faded with small chipped areas about the edges. The other alcove held rows of small candles each held in ruby colored glasses.  An arched doorway was nestled behind the alcove with Mother Mary that exited from the side of the altar area leading to the priest’s area.  It was only a niche in size that held a small desk, chair, three shelves mounted to the wall over the desk and a row of pegs to hang coats or robes nest to the arched doorway.  The small desk stood with its roll top closed and locked. A tiny door from the priest’s area exited the back, into the cemetery they had seen behind the church as they had walked up earlier. 

            Each of the children peered intently, following Jenny’s gaze of their surroundings as they stood in the center of the rows of pews in the church.  What light there was filtered in multicolored rays through stained glass windows in recessed areas of the thick walls.  Tall narrow windows fashioned scenes in vibrant colors.  Seen in the ruby, emerald, golden and azure streams of light, small leather bound books sat neatly in their places with their fragile yellowed pages still intact, resting neatly in the wooden racks on the back of each pew.

            As Jenny began to speak, her voice had a strange hollow sound under the high ceiling and thick walls surrounding them in the dim and shadowy interior.  It was not quite an echo, but held a timber not normally heard.  “I almost feel like I’ve walked into the past,……. and am waiting for them to come back here, where they belong…..  It was so long ago, but this is the way it happened…….

            A small group of French Settlers viewed the peaceful little valley beside the Mississippi River, and determined they could build homes for them and their generations to come.  The area abounded with trees and natural resources to provide all they needed.  They began to carve out an area in a well chosen spot, this very spot we stand on now, using the huge trees cleared to build sturdy homes for the winter to come.  The determination of the group was unparalleled in history. 

            They built a church with large hand cut timbers, fashioned to endure through

generations of worship, they imagined to be their future……  If only they could have known what that future would be.

            “We studied about all of this in school.  Most of them were fur traders and stuff like that.  They were French.”  Kathy proudly related the facts she knew.  “Our books say they got along great with the Indians.”

            Jenny smiled and agreed with Kathy as she silently wished Kathy would stay out of her story.  She tried not to let her irritation show at the interruption as she responded.  “That’s very true.  Most of the settlers and the French settlements got along fine, but what the books don’t tell are the rare times small bands of renegade and hostile Indians passed through and what really happened then.  History books don’t tell everything.  There is a lot the books leave out…..Like what happened right here.”

            Jenny’s little brother had big blue eyes that seemed even larger than usual.  He had been silently listening as he moved closer to Jenny.  “Go on and tell us what happened.”

            “All right.  This is how it was.  It was a beautiful Sunday morning, when they had

gathered from all around the area, where each family had settled and built their own homes.  The richest family sat in the first pew and was proud of the mansion they built not far from the church and all of the land they claimed and owned.  The old mansion still stands down the road we walked down to get here, and they say it’s just as haunted or more than this old church.  There are a lot of stories about them, and all that went on there with the old family and the way they treated their slaves, and everything else for all the years after, that went on in that place.  The foundation is still in the ground behind the mansion where the slave quarters were, but that building fell down a long time ago.

            Sherry interrupted Jenny in telling the story, and asked a question that as usual was finished by her sister Terry.  “This isn’t way down South……..”

            “So how come they had slaves?”  As Terry finished the question, the whole group waited for Jenny to explain.

            “This area was known as a border state.  A lot of people didn’t want slavery but a lot did.  They even held slave auctions on the old court house steps.  They also had an underground railway to help slaves escape to farther up North.  That’s a whole other story.  This bunch here, had brought their slaves with them.  If you’ve got servants that don’t get paid, then that makes them slaves in my book.  Do you want to know about this old church, or not?”           

            Jenny’s little brother Dave wanted to hear what he had been to little to know before.  He was always being told he was too little for something.  “This place gives me the creeps, but I want to know.  Tell us.”

            “All right.  I’ll tell it…..   They thought they had it made.  They never saw it coming. All the people from miles around had gathered together to worship.  A lot of the people there lived farther out and only saw each other on Sundays…  They never saw it

coming…..  The doors flew open…… The windows were forced open……   A tide of rampaging Indians swarmed the church, just as the choir was softly singing a special song, featuring a duet of the only twin girls in the settlement.”

            Jenny paused and stared blankly at the rafters in the high ceiling above, inhaling the dank, musty smell of the past.  No sounds issued from the others in the group, but the twins gazed into the choir loft, as if they could see the twins of long ago.  A low rolling growl of thunder from the storm approaching seemed to rumble and echo in the church.

            “There were twins that lived that long ago…”  Sherry half asked

            “That sang in the choir?”  Terry finished asking

            Jenny turned her attention to Sherry and Terry.  “They not only sang in the choir, but sang the special duet that started each church service.  They were two of the three children of that rich family that lived down the road.  Their Mother, Father, little brother and Grandparents sat right there in that first pew.  The twins were trapped up there in that choir loft you can see above us.”  Jenny stood pointing to the empty choir loft shrouded in deep shadows above them as she continued her story.

            “The screams echoed from the roof top, as the Indians swiftly massacred the entire congregation.  The people lay dieing and bloody as friends, family, and people they loved, lay gruesomely dieing along side them, in the church they had lovingly built.  One of the twins screamed as she tried to fight before being thrown from the choir loft, and the other died quickly as the savages tore through the people.  None of them even had a chance.  Even the priest was slaughtered right here on the altar.  They say he fell to his knees, held up his hands and begged the savages.  He pleaded but it did no good, because here is the very spot he died,…… none the less.”

             Jenny advanced to the front of the church and reached out toward the beautiful altar, edged in bronze with a large life like image of Christ on the cross behind.  It had blood shown flowing from the side, and on his head, and hands and feet.  The Christ like image hung staring blankly toward the children.  The others gathered around her silently looking and listening, with every fiber of their being.  The darkness and shadows

had increased with the dimming light outside.  Some areas inside were almost totally dark in shadows.  The air hung heavy with the odor of the ancient place, as well as with the tension and fear of the children as they visualized the past. 

            She continued telling her story.  “Word got out about what had happened to the settlement, and all the people.  You can look in the history books to see how things went,…. but I can tell you what really happened,….. right here in this very spot where we stand…..  The main church was so grieved by what the Indians had done, that they buried the old priest right here under this very altar as a testament to the sacrifice he had made.”……In some ways it feels like they are all still here waiting to start their church service, in their church…..caught in time and waiting……It feels like this is their   place  and they are still here………..waiting.

            Several of the children stepped back away from the altar with looks of surprise and shock.  The twins looked back down the isle to the shadowy area of the door and then above the door to the empty choir loft.  Jenny walked forward and tightly pressed her fingers tips to the altar and closed her eyes.

            “The body of the long dead priest lays right below where I stand.”  The strengthening wind outside howled and wined.  A swift gust rattled the windows and made whispering and wining sounds of tress and limbs outside.  Jenny spoke almost in a whispered voice, as if in reverence.  “If you listen closely, you can almost hear the soft high voices of the twins singing the last song, of their young lives. They stood side by side there above us. They say if you press your fingers to the altar like this, you can some times feel the heartbeat of the dead priest.  Try it, unless you’re afraid to.”

            Kathy boldly stepped up and pressed her finger tips tightly to the altar, as did one by one, each of the others.  A look of shock and surprise blazed across each young face as they too felt the beating of a heart.  The lightening cracked above the tiny church as if it were going to split the sky and open the heavens.  Thunder roared, and the flash of light lit the dim recesses in the tiny church flashing in vibrant colors through the stained glass windows.  A stream of crimson color flooded the alter area in it’s momentary glow.

            Fear filled their faces as the beating heart pulsed in their finger tips.  Dark shadows surrounded.  The air felt too thick to breath.  Four of the five children pulled their hands back from the altar, and turned running down the narrow isle between the mutely empty rows of pews.  Jenny removed her hands from the altar last and followed, walking swiftly as her brother and friends ran in near panic out the door and down the road to their homes.  Huge rain drops were beginning to fall, and the night would be remembered by each and every one of them, for as long as they lived.

            Thirty-five years had past since that time so long ago, with the small group of friends gathered in a time of their youth.  Kathy and Jenny happened to reunite at their high school class reunion and reminisced about the old days, and all of the things done and shared.  Kathy had invited Jenny to come to her home and meet her family.

            Kathy’s grown daughter came into the room with her own daughter.  The little girl reminded Jenny of how her friend Kathy had looked in their youth. The little girl had the same dark hair and russet brown eyes Kathy had had in her younger days.  Kathy lovingly put her arm around the child as she ran to her grandmother smiling with a dimple on each side of her rosy cheeks.

             The little girl looked at her mother and eagerly asked, “Is this the lady that was with grandma when they felt the dead priest’s heart, beating through the altar?  A bunch of us at school were talking about the history of the old church the other day.”

            Kathy lovingly put her arm a little tighter around her grand-daughter and smiled as she thought back through the years.  “It sure is, and it’s a day I’ll always remember.  The legend of the old church….”  She paused deep in thought.  “To this very day the church denies it ever happened, but everyone who grows up here knows the legend.”

            Jenny was smiling at all three of them in secrete amusement all her own.  She had her own memories of that time.  She found humor that the legend lives on.  Jenny’s

memory of the time at the haunted church varied from the memory of the others.

*****  

Since I’ve told you the story of all that happened back then, I’ll stop here to tell you a little about myself.  I was a mischievous child, in the days long ago.  I had learned something new to me, and believed you should try to use the new things you learn.  I was also aggravated with my little brother always tagging along everywhere I wanted to go.  My best friend had a way of always trying to be the best, and in the process could be demeaning and even snotty at times.  Did I mention, I can at times have a warped sense of humor?  I learned if you press you finger tips tightly to any hard surface you will feel your own heartbeat.  There should be some use for new things learned.

            I can understand the children believing the ghosts of the past, on an evening in a spooky old building, thunder rolling and all.  I can’t believe that three generations later the legend of the massacre at the old church is still told and believed.  I was just being ornery and having fun, seeing if I could scare the willies out of the other kids. Everyone loves a good ghost story.  I could think up some good ones.   I think the heartbeat with the finger tips pressed tightly against the brass edge of the altar really helped.  I could try to tell Kathy the truth, but she would never believe me……….  after all of these years, she still knows everything.

My name is Jenny.  

By

Linda (Williams, Brown) Nance

I hope that you liked it.  I will be back soon to share some more things old and new.