1970

Dawn is breaking over the mountains as Candace and Josey emerge from the earth.  The ranch house is a smoldering black frame.  Ash floats around the woman and the girl as they walk in a dream towards the sun.

Candace starts Critter’s truck.  The engine coughs to life along with the radio.  It emits a constant static.  She begins to cry.

Josey takes her hand and holds it tight.

Together, they begin their journey down the mountain road.  As they approach town, they pick up a signal.  Clear as a ball, a gospel choir sings a hymn from Candace’s youth.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

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1901

The baby room is much brighter than when Sunday first saw it, twelve years before.  The mural now circles the walls.  It tells her story, but it also tells of the birth of three children and how they’ve grown.  She can hear them now, outside the hacienda, laughing and playing with her husband.

She steps outside to join them, her beautiful daughters and the good man who is their father.

The Story