The Promise Land

Before they climbed into the wagon, old man Tucker pulled Ben aside under the pretense of reminding him to grease the wheel hubs and keep his powder horn dry. He also advised him to plant his rows north-to-south for the best results and to sow the seeds in groups of three, using the old saying, “One for the good, one for the crow, and one to grow.” Growing up on a farm, Ben already knew these things; however, he listened respectfully to his father-in-law, knowing that he was working his way up to what was truly on his mind. When he was ready, old man Tucker laid it out plainly. “Son, Cynthy Ann means the world to her Ma and me. She’s a gentle, kindhearted girl with a pleasant disposition and a sweet spirit. Any fool can see that you love her…why, it’s written all over your face. But love ain’t always enough when the going gets tough. Sometimes, all the love in the world can’t make the field soft enough to plow, or make the rain come when the crop needs it. Love don’t pay the doctor’s bill when the baby’s sick, or when the roof’s leaking, and the well has gone dry. Whether we like it or not, son, sometimes life is all beans and no bacon. I believe you and Cynthy Ann will work through the hard times just like her Ma and me did. All I ask is that you be fair with our girl, and don’t raise your voice to her or lift a hand in anger. And above all, son…pray. Marriages need God in the good times as well as the bad.” When he finished, the old man handed Ben something wrapped in a handkerchief. When Ben opened it, he saw it was an apple core. “Now, son, you keep that apple core wrapped in the handkerchief until you get to Oregon, then plant the seeds from it on your land. It’ll take a good long while, but eventually, it’ll mature and bear fruit.” Ben looked Mr. Tucker in the eye. “Thank you, sir. I’ll be sure to plant these seeds as soon as we’re settled. And, sir…you have no reason to worry about Cynthy Ann. I would never raise my hand to her…not ever. I’ll take good care of her all my days, and if it gives you peace of mind, just know that as long as I’ve got a biscuit, she’ll always have half.” Old man Tucker believed Ben was sincere and meant what he said. He placed a calloused hand on Ben’s shoulder and added, “One more word of advice, son. If you remember these three things, they’ll serve you well in the years to come. When it comes to women, they like to hear thank you, I’m sorry, and I love you. They’ll go a long way in keeping your wife in good spirits.” Ben replied, “Yes, sir,” and then, with nothing more to say, they shook hands. While the men talked privately, Cynthy Ann’s Ma took the opportunity to share some last-minute advice and wisdom with her daughter. She reminded her how she and Pa raised all their children with the Good Book as their guide, teaching them morals, decency, and a strong belief in God. She had trained all her girls to cook, sew, care for children, respect others, honor family, and create a home for a man, just as her own Ma had done for her. But she also wanted them to understand that it was just as important for a woman to save a little something for herself, even if it was only a heart full of hopes and dreams. Ma knew her precious girl was ready to follow her destiny, and all Virgie could do was wish her well and then let her go. There was a moment of sadness when Cynthy Ann and her Ma said their final goodbyes. The thought of never seeing her again on this side of heaven suddenly became a sobering reality for the girl. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her chin began to quiver as she fell into her Ma’s arms. “Oh, Ma! I don’t want to leave you! I can’t leave you,” Cynthy Ann bawled. Virgie thought her heart would break as she struggled to hold back her own emotions. She knew that later, alone in her bedroom, she would cry a river of tears, but for now, she had to be strong. Taking her daughter by the shoulders, she looked at her tear-stained face, which had suddenly turned pale. Virgie gently scolded her, saying, “Cynthy Ann! Now, you hush up, girl, and quit acting like a child. Pull yourself together! Your husband’s a good, decent, God-fearing man. He will do right by you, and he’s expecting you to do right by him. You’ve got a long way to go before the sun goes down, so you'd best get goin’. You’re a wife now, Cynthy Ann. You can’t stay here, and I can’t go with you. My life is here with your Pa and your little sisters, and yours is with your husband. But you can take my love with you, and know that I’ll be praying for you and Ben every day. Now, don’t keep Ben a-waitin’. Kiss me goodbye and climb up in that wagon. While sniffling back a tear, Cynthy Ann dutifully did as she was told and answered, “Yes-um.” The last image of home in the girl’s mind was of her parents waving as they stood in front of the log cabin they had built by hand, with Faith and Emma clinging to Ma’s apron.