We know we’re not supposed to make snap judgements about people when we first meet them, though we sometimes do it anyway. If you’re tempted to do so when you meet Rowena’s new mother, Ida Carlson, in today’s First Acquaintance post, I’d suggest holding back. You might be surprised by something you learn in the following excerpt and also in my closing note.
There was no doubt in Jason Carlson’s mind…From the moment he first tucked his new daughter into bed, he was her captive. The pathetic need of the frightened child at the depot, had moved him deeply; but, as he gazed down at the tiny creature sleeping so peacefully, he was overcome. Tears filled his eyes, and he reached hesitantly for Ida’s hand.
“Our little girl, Idee.” He squeezed the unresponsive hand. “It’ll be wonderful. It’s gonna be easier for us, just you…”
For an instant, he had sensed response, then it was gone, and the hand lay cold and motionless in his.
Ida nodded sternly. “It isn’t going to be easy, Jason. The child has been bad hurt. She could be spoiled awful, if we’re too easy on her. A child’s gotta have security, but it needs discipline, too.”
“And love.” Jason added softly.
Again, Ida’s authoritative nod spoke only of partial agreement. “If she’s cared for, and brought up proper she’ll know she’s loved.”
Jason lowered his eyes, allowed the hand to slip from his grasp, and Ida moved into the hall. I’ll leave a lamp on the hall table for her,” she said. “You comin’?”
The big man sighed and nodded. “In a minute.”
So— there would be no miracle. Ida would not be transformed into a tender, loving person. She would be for her daughter as she was for her husband: A friend, helper and, with the child, a teacher, but aloof and distant. Why? He wondered, and bent to kiss the soft cheek.
The salt of her dried tears lingered on his lips as he straightened. “Don’t you worry, little one, there’ll be love, all you will ever need!”
Again, he sighed. How wonderful it would be if Ida could feel as he did. He shrugged helplessly, a sad smile playing across his lips. “Well, we’ll just have to do the best we can. Good night, little girl— God bless you.”
Turning to leave, Jason paused to look once more at the sleeping child. Barely visible, she nestled deep in the down of the new feather bed, snug and warm beneath the gaily colored comforter. Those, Ida had seen to.
From the moment they were certain that Rowena was coming, Ida had been up every night, often past midnight, working on the comforter, robe and nightgown. This Rowena would never know of, unless he told her. Certainly, it represented love…Jason lifted his eyes: “Lord, please, let it be; let there be love— from both of us.”
This woman, who agreed to take and raise a child as her own, was a distant cousin of Rowena’s mother and, like her new daughter, also lost her mother at a young age. In Ida’s case, it was at her own birth.
There’s lots more to learn about this lady and her family in “Rowena”, and the book is now available as a free download. You’ll find the full story excerpted here on page 6. Hope you’ll check it out.
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