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Chapter One Hundred Sixty-eight

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Blessings All Around

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Archie and Ruth Grant settled in the Cottage over Friday and by Saturday the place felt like home, although they spent most of the day in the main house. They had joined the conversation in the living room before assisting with baking and preparations for the weekend and family dinner to celebrate Zachary's graduation.

While the cake baked, Allie retreated to her room to finish one banner that said, "Welcome to the Family!" and another that read, "Welcome Home!" Nathan promised to hang them later Saturday night and, if asked, they would just say it was a surprise until after church.

Jake had offered to take Carol to the train station to meet Peter late Saturday afternoon while Irma and Elizabeth took over the kitchen to prepare the evening meal.

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"Peter! Welcome back!" Nathan opened his arms to hug his Commissioner and dear friend, "How was your journey?"

"Hello, Son!" Peter moved to welcome Nathan's hug, then turned back to place his arm around his wife as he chuckled, "It was fine, but not fast enough to get me here to all of you!"

"Grampa Peter!" Allie hurried down the hallway, trailed by Jack.

"Hi Grampa! Did you take the train?" Jack hugged Peter's knees on the side while Allie's arms enveloped his waist.

"Now, this is a welcome home! I've missed you all so much!"

"Hello Peter." Elizabeth gave him a half hug and a kiss on his cheek, commenting, "It is so wonderful to see you after these past weeks. Carol has missed you the most, but don't despair, all of us have missed you and frequently discussed how soon you would return. And now you are here!"

Around the corner from the front room, the elder Grants appeared, followed by the Kinslows. After more hugs, kisses, and introductions were exchanged the family began to move back towards the living room.

"Oh! Would you look at this." Peter exclaimed approvingly, "You have made this your home and it looks wonderful and welcoming. Who is the decorator to compliment?"

"Elizabeth had the vision and chose colors and patterns, and I believe Allie, Carol and Grace assisted in the decision-making process as well as some sewing, ironing and placement. I think it all looks wonderful and I am amazed how everything both fits in the space and somehow coordinates in spite of a few different furniture styles and types of wood!"

"That's because the pillows and throws unify the space, Dad. I learned that in art class."

Proudly Nathan agreed, "Well it all works!" Noticing a little boy fairly hopping up and down, Nathan inquired. "Jack? Would you like to show Grampa your new bedroom?"

"Yeah!" Excitedly grabbing Peter's hand, Jack pulled him down the bedroom hallway, "Wait till you see! I have trains and lots of red and…"

"You don't say!" Entering, Peter was happy to see the space and complimented, "Jack, you have a handsome room and I can see it was designed just for you!"

After applauding all the items special to Jack, Peter noticed Allie in the doorway, "Sweetheart, are you ready to give me a tour of your new room too?"

"I am!" Happy to show off her window seat, built-in cabinets, fabrics, and newly placed artwork, Allie walked Peter through her room.

"You have a beautiful, grown-up, young-lady room, Allie, and it suits you! Great job!"

Blushing with the praise, Allie admitted, "Well, Miss Bess surprised me with the cushions and pillows, and the drapes, but I arranged everything else myself."

"Lovely, Honey. So, who will show me the rest of the new bedrooms? It is fun to see how the renovation plans have come to fruition," Following Allie, Jack, and then accompanied by Elizabeth and Nathan, the group investigated the next couple bedrooms, circling around to see the nursery and main bathroom.

"This is perfect. The bedrooms are still large by many standards, but the space is now well-used and not wasted. Good job, Nathan, and everyone! Are there any changes to the dining room?"

"Paint, paintings, photos, and dishware in the cupboards. We decided to keep your dining table and chairs since they work for entertaining our extended family," Elizabeth explained.

"Yes, thank you both for leaving the set behind! We have a few special meals and events planned, so the furniture is as much a blessing as the house," Nathan held Peter and Carol's gaze and reiterated, "I can't thank you enough."

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Having requested that Bill make sure to sit with them during the Sunday service at Knox, Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack encircled him at the end of the service as Nathan spoke, "Bill, would you please join us in the Pastor's office for a few moments now? We have some things to discuss before we head home for dinner."

"Oh? What things? Wedding plans?" Bill inquired, suspicious.

Taking Bill's hand, Allie explained, "I think it affects the wedding, so yes, Uncle Bill. Come with me and I'll show you the office."

Won by Allie's endearing smile, Bill allowed himself to be led into a wood-paneled office with tall gothic windows, the lower portions of which were clear, beveled glass. The upper sections were stained glass depictions of Christian symbols of the faith, an anchor, a grapevine, a rowboat, loaves of bread and a basket of fish, a palm branch, a crown of thorns, an Easter lily, a golden, gem-encrusted Kingly crown, a lamb and the head of a majestic lion to name a few. Biblical lessons could be taught just by viewing the colorful glass. Because of the angle of the sun, colored patches of light fell on the large desk, chairs, and rug that filled the room, leaving no doubt of the office's location.

While the family stood, admiring the windows and observing the bookshelves full of study texts and Bibles, Reverend Huntley entered his office, still dressed in his black, velvet-paneled robe.

"Good morning, my friends! What a special day this is, eh? Mr. Avery good to see you join us this morning. Children? May I offer you a stick of gum while we proceed?"

From his desk drawer the Pastor retrieved a packet of clove gum and a stack of linen handkerchiefs. Then from under the desk he lifted out a picture frame, and paper turned upside down, setting them on his desk blotter.

Allie gripped Bill's hand tightly, while, Jack contentedly leaned again his Mother's knees as his Daddy kept a loose arm around Elizabeth's waist.

Clearing his throat, Rev. Huntley began, "This week I received a most unusual but beautiful request which is why you are all gathered here at this time. Allie Grant wanted to remedy a wrong when she learned that adults were not adopted, and has arranged for this ceremony, Judge Avery, to adopt you into the Grant family and make your position in this family official."

Bill's jaw dropped, while his eyes grew wide and began to fill with tears. He gulped and looked down at a smiling Allie who was watching him carefully.

"Before I read the certificate, I have a few questions to ask. Nathan and Elizabeth, do you promise to include, love, and care for Bill for all of your days?"

Holding hands, they both spoke, "We do," in unison.

"Allie and Jack, do you both promise to continue to love and honor your Uncle Bill for all of your days?"

Although Elizabeth was holding Jack's hands, he vigorously nodded his blond head as Allie spoke for them both, "We do."

Not wanting to miss out, Jack piped up, "I love Uncle Bill too!"

"I am glad to hear that, young man," the Pastor smiled indulgently.

"Bill? Will you accept this inclusion in the Grant family and reciprocate with your love and continued care for each of them?"

Nodding yet barely able to speak, Bill croaked out, "I… Ahem, I do."

"Good. Now, we have here an official certificate, official before God and in the eyes of this church anyway, to confirm this very special adoption," The Pastor turned over the beautifully lettered certificate and read from the top.

"'On the occasion of the Adoption of William Avery
on Sunday, the 27th of February in the year of our Lord, 1921
in Regina, Saskatchewan,
this certificate is presented to this candidate, William Avery,
as he is officially joined to the Nathan Thomas Grant family
that at this time includes Elizabeth, Allison, and Jack, Junior.
All rights and privileges are certified with the following signatures…'"

"There are lines on which each of you four Grant family members can write your names, then I will sign and we will frame this and officially present the certificate to you, Bill."

From a tray of pens, the Pastor chose a fountain pen and handed it first to Nathan who signed, then gave the pen to Elizabeth. After Allie had signed, Elizabeth placed the pen in Jack's hand and helped him trace his first name before returning it to the Pastor. Reverend Huntley solemnly signed the certificate and capped the pen.

Meanwhile Bill remained speechless throughout the entire ceremony, his vision blurry and he frequently used the extra handkerchiefs provided to wipe his eyes.

Reverend Huntley joined the circle and suggested, "While the ink dries for a moment, shall we join hands and offer a prayer?"

"Heavenly Father,
You are well-acquainted with the adoption of Your children into Your family. You also say that You place the solitary in families. (*99) We have a visual example of that today and we are so grateful.

Thank you for Allie's concern and desire to officially adopt and include her Uncle Bill in the Grant family.

Thank you that this family is familiar with the joys of joining their hearts and lives together in adoption and in the upcoming wedding. I understand that Elizabeth has been like a daughter to Bill and that Jack is his Godson, so this is fitting to celebrate today.

Lord, thank you for Bill and for his coming alongside Elizabeth during difficult years, for his fathering role as a godfather to Jack; for his friendship, closeness, and encouragement to Nathan, and his special love and appreciation of Allie. I pray a special blessing on Bill as he settles in to this new-found place here in Regina and with these dear ones. I can see that love abounds in each of these relationships and we pray that will continue and deepen.

Where there is pain from the past, and loved ones who are missed, I pray you will comfort and heal and that you would pour out blessings upon blessings. I cannot but think that this family has much to accomplish for your Kingdom, not the least of which is as a living example of God's great love.

It is a privilege to come before you today to give thanks and to celebrate that love extended to Bill.

In Your holy Name we pray together, saying,
"Amen!'"

After blotting the signatures, Reverend Huntley carefully placed the certificate and backing into the frame and tightened the nails.

Extending his right hand to shake Bill's he handed him the framed piece, "Congratulations, Bill!"

Nathan was next to offer a hug and a word, "Bill, we all love you and are grateful to welcome you officially as a part of us. You belong. You are in our family now."

As Bill tried to control his tears, Allie sidled up to Bill's side and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love you, Uncle Bill."

She was quickly followed by Elizabeth who laid her head on Bill's shoulder and spoke softly, "Bill, I don't know what I would have done without you so many times. You have been a blessing and I hope that this inclusion will be a blessing to you too. You always have a place at our table and a place in our hearts."

Bill gripped her in a strong hug, partly to try and control his weeping. They broke their hug when Jack tugged on his Uncle's trouser leg. When Bill crouched down to hug Jack, the little boy, placed his hands on both sides of Bill's weathered cheeks and contemplated him with somber eyes, "You shouldn't cry now, Uncle Bill, you belong to us."

With that declaration there wasn't a dry eye in the room, but hugs and handshakes were exchanged by all.

"Thank you, Ellwood. You have no idea just how much this means to each one of us. I appreciate you preparing such a beautiful certificate and leading us through this little ceremony."

"It has been my privilege and pleasure. God bless you all."

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Concerned about his currently blurry vision, Bill asked Gabriel to drive Bill's vehicle to the Grant home where Bill immediately disappeared to splash cold water on his face.

Nathan had hung the two banners in the dining room earlier in the morning and Allie had set the table with Elizabeth's pretty china. The Collins's, the elder Grants, the Kinslows, Bill, Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack were seated after washing up, following a revised seating plan that now had Nathan at the head of the table.

"If I may have your attention please?" Nathan requested as he stood behind his chair at the dining table. "Thank you. We have a couple of things to celebrate today. One is to welcome back our dear Grampa Peter!" Nathan led as everyone clapped for Peter.

"We also are celebrating the very special occasion of the official adoption of Bill Avery into our Grant family. Let's please give him a round of applause?"

"Let me bless the food so we can begin our meal and explanations will be forthcoming…" Nathan offered.

After the "Amen" Archie spoke up as the food was being passed around the table, "Tell us about this adoption, Bill."

Still struggling with his emotions, Bill looked at Allie, "Do you want to explain, Allie?"

"Sure." Allie glanced around the table then shared, "I wanted Uncle Bill to be officially part of our family and he said that adults don't get adopted. So I had the idea to give him a certificate to prove he was in our family. When Dad called Reverend Huntley to ask about buying a certificate and arranging for a time to sign it, he offered one from the church office. From there it just happened and we signed it after church. Reverend Huntley asked us to promise to love and care for each other, then he prayed and now Uncle Bill officially belongs to us."

Bill set his fork on his plate and cleared his throat, looking from Nathan to Allie, "I have something to confess. Only Nathan knows this, but I lived in an orphanage after my parents died and…" He paused when he heard people gasp.

Everyone was silent, watching Bill and holding their breath.

"When I ran away, I was found by a Policeman in Halifax who toke me in and raised me."

"Oh Bill!" Tears trailed down Elizabeth's face, "No wonder you have loved Jack, and even Allie, so much. You understand the loss…"

At this point Allie had risen from her seat and enveloped Bill in a hug, her arms holding him tightly as she sobbed into his shoulder. Pushing back his chair he brought her to his side and held her close. "It's okay, Allie. I always knew I was in your family, but today made that even more true and special. Thank you, Sweetheart. I love you, dear girl."

Always following Allie's lead, Jack circled the table to wrap his little arms around his Uncle Bill and simply state, "I love you too."

"So did this policeman adopt you, Bill?" Elizabeth asked softly as she wiped away her tears.

"Not officially, but he became a father and a mentor to me. He taught me, clothed, fed and sheltered me, and he raised me in the church," Bill gulped, "When he died, I took his surname as my own and travelled west to join the Mounties."

"What was your given name and Mr. Avery's full name, Bill?" Peter inquired.

Swallowing hard, Bill shared, "William McNeill. His was Nathaniel Avery."

"Oh!" Ruth, Archie and Carol exclaimed in unison, looking from Bill to Nathan and back.

"I know, Nathan and Allie just fit with me so well…" Once again Bill extracted his handkerchief to dab his eyes. "Excuse me for getting so emotional… We better get back to our food before it gets too cold. I'm sorry…"

As the family resumed their meal they marveled at how wonderful it was that God brought Bill, then Elizabeth, then Nathan and Allie to Hope Valley to complete their family. Elizabeth explained how Bill had worked with Jack Senior and had considered him like a son. The conversation then veered to Nathan's arrival and subsequently being thrown in jail, then their competition over the office and desk. Bill confessed that Nathan became another son to him, then told everyone about his first meeting with Allie and how she had extended her hand and reported that her uncle had reported that Bill had been "sorta nice."

Much laughter surrounded these reminiscences and when it was time for dessert, Allie carried in the Cranberry Carrot Cake, proudly placing it in front of Bill.

On the spur of the moment, Peter began to sing, "For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow which nobody can deny..." (*100)

"Please let me cut the cake, Bill? I believe there is a gift for you to open," Elizabeth nodded to a wrapped package that Nathan was placing on the table.

"The surprises just continue today. Now what is this?" Bill unwrapped the gift to find a thick, leather-bound journal.

He glanced at Nathan who nodded at the book, saying, "Open it."

Finding the inscription on the first page, Bill read aloud, "To Bill, On the occasion of your adoption and with a request for you to record your fascinating life story for us, your family. It is our hope that this will be a legacy..." His voice faltering, Bill took a moment to recover and complete the sentence, "...a legacy that you can pass along to your godson someday. With love from the Grants."

Nathan handed Bill a stack of brand new handkerchiefs, embroidered with a pale blue "G" and tied with a matching ribbon. "You commented that we would need crates of handkerchiefs for all the Grant family gatherings, so here is your own personal supply!"

Extracting one of the linen squares, Bill chuckled as he wiped his eyes once again, commenting, "Thanks, I need these, but excuse my tears! This has been quite a day..."

"Bill, please don't be concerned," Gabe smiled and softly reassured the Judge. "Lillian and I, indeed all of us, are privileged to know you better after so many years and to see how God has brought you into the Thornton-Grant family. What a blessing all around!"

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(*99) Paraphrase of the beginning of Psalm 68: 6, The Holy Bible.

(*100) A French folksong allegedly composed in 1709, the lyrics differ in the UK and America. The American version is quoted above. Public Domain.

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