Horseback Librarian

In last month’s installment, Lanette’s letter let us know that her cousin, Maisie, visited Miracle. This is the same cousin she has been writing letters to all this time. She thoroughly enjoyed the visit, but is still deciding what to do and where to go by the end of summer. Will we finally learn if she’s made a decision?

Chapter Seventeen

August 7, 1935

Dear Maisie,

The entire month of July I fretted about what to do. I didn’t want to leave, but knew I would be out of a job if I stayed. Then by a stroke of luck, or perhaps a miracle, someone presented a new opportunity for me. As a result of this, I have at last made a decision. I’m sure it will not be what you expected. Neither do I think I would have made this choice a year ago. Once I tell you, I hope you will agree that this is for the best. I’m happy about my decision anyway and that’s all that matters right?

The schoolteacher here abruptly moved away, so as to take care of her father back home in Baltimore. Miracle needs a teacher within a month’s time. Since they knew I had some education in that field and an interest in becoming a teacher they asked me if I’d be willing to take the job. This came as a surprise to me, for I thought they would have tried to hire someone with more experience or at least a full-fledged degree. Part of me wonders if they just don’t want me to leave. I’ve already told you that I have little desire to go anywhere else. At least at this point in time.

Maisie, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to go back to college to finish my degree with the way the times are. I haven’t been to a big city or town in a long time, but I still read the papers and know jobs are scarce. Something better shape up soon, or we will be facing poverty for the rest of our lives. That kind of struggle wears on a person and a country.

Well the school board gave me a week to think about the matter and I’ve chosen to take the job. I’m going to be a teacher! They are aware that I do not have a degree, but they said that if I could acquire a Teacher’s Certificate by spring that they would be pleased enough. I think I can manage that, don’t you? As far as I’m aware a certificate does not cost as much as tuition at a college. Someone in Lexington will send me a few papers for me to fill out over the course of this school year and then I will know by next August if I’m eligible for a certificate or not.

Please do not fret. This choice feels right to me. By doing this I don’t feel as if I’m leaving anyone behind and I get to do what my heart is called to do. Surely you can’t fault me for that? I mean, I get to work with all these wonderful kids I’ve gotten to know over these few months! That right there is what truly makes my heart happy.

This past year has been one exciting and tumultuous, but I treasure every moment. I’ve grown as a person from these experiences and discovered things about myself I had not previously known before.

I’m thankful for the Lancings who have given me a home and welcomed me into this community. They made me feel comfortable and at ease.

Mrs. Dukater was always fun to visit with and read to. She was a good companion and made me realize that you can make yourself a home anywhere. No matter if you live alone and in the “sticks.” She also taught me that even with a disability you can keep living the life you love.

The Coltons have been wonderful friends. They allowed me to keep practicing my skills as a teacher-in-training. They’ve given me so much joy.

I will forever be grateful to Mr. Fordwick for finding me and giving me shelter in the coldest of winter. His good humor and music have inspired me in the worst of times. You’ll be happy to know that they are going to publish a collection of the lyrics from his songs by January!

Thad Clay may still be a very new person in my life, but he has been there when I needed him. He brings a joy to my life I did not realize I was missing.

And of course all the other people around here who have made a difference in my life…I will always cherish them. Precisely why I’m glad I’m not leaving them.

This year has been a rocky journey, but I wouldn’t trade any moment of it. I wonder what the next year will bring? Miss you, as always.

Love,

Lanette

Letter from the Author

Hello, everyone! This is an announcement to tell you that this is the end of Horseback Librarian. I am so honored to have been able to share this story with you over the course of two years. Taking this first step to sharing my writing with a community was scary at first. Nevertheless, I grew to look forward to sending in a new installment every month. Definitely has been a learning experience. Neither did I actually think I would add my own illustrations, too!

I appreciate all the support and encouragement on this project. I know that this story is small, but any step counts to get to where I want to be as a writer. This may be the end of one story, yet I hope to continue providing you with more content. If Billy allows me, that is! So, I ask that you stay tuned for another story within the next few months or so. Thank you, fellow readers, from the bottom of my heart!

Sincerely,

Deanna Twedt