New Pages From DeerLake

It was back in 1902, four years after Grandpa had homesteaded in 1898,
‘Twas then he was remembering things left behind and about their fate.
Back in Pennsylvania, horse-drawn wagons and buggies he had made.
When he sold his venture, he left behind instructions as part of the trade.

The years had past most quickly and he knew he soon had to do his part.
Now Grandpa had somethin’ special planned for his dearest sweetheart.
Their 30th weddin’ anniversary would be upcomin' in the month of June.
He wanted Granny to go back in time and remember their weddin’ tune.

One day after the New Year, Grandpa went and dug out his hidden stash.
At a neighborin’ telegraph office, he laid out his long stowed-away cash.
He sent a wire back to Pennsylvania to the new owner of his old venture.
Grandpa stated the item could be shipped and all costs he would assure.

Well, Grandpa trekked back home knowin’ his special mission was done.
He’d known that it would take months for this particular order to come.
And yes, Grandpa quite liked doin’ the unique for his dearest sweetheart.
Why, he’d known he was an old codger and Granny had done her part.

On the wooden porch swing as the weather permitted and work was done,
They’d both be there a sittin’, holdin’ hand’s, ‘n watchin’ the old settin’ sun.
Granny would talk about past times, sometimes gettin’ a tear in her eyes.
‘Cause what she missed was the two of ‘em goin’ on horse ‘n buggy rides.

Back in Pennsylvania, they’d taken rides each night pert near year ‘round.
Under a blanket they’d snuggle close even when snow was on the ground.
She regularly talked about that old buggy and asked Grandpa ‘bout its fate
‘Cause they had left it behind comin’ west to set up the homestead in 1898.

Grandpa did his best to console her; with his handkerchief her tears he dried.
And like Granny, he had to admit he also missed those horse ‘n buggy rides.
Grandpa knew there’d be a day a’comin’, he simply couldn’t say just when
That together he ‘n his sweetheart would be goin’ horse ‘n buggy ridin’ again.

A messenger came ridin’ from the neighborin’ railroad office one day in May.
Quickly Grandpa saddled up his mare Maggie and the two of them rode away.
Well, Granny had watched Grandpa ride away and how her heart did grieve
For he’d not even said, “Good-bye, Dearest Love”, before he took his leave.

Granny set herself down on the wooden porch swing; she rocked to and fro.
She knew since Grandpa had quit his drinkin’ into town he’d rarely ever go.
Granny fretted more and worried that something awful had taken him there.
While that old swing was creakin’, off into the horizon Granny did sit ‘n stare.

As she sat there a starin', on the horizon Granny watched dust begin to rise.
She watched as a horse ‘n buggy came ridin’ up, right before her very eyes.
Granny recognized the horse; ‘twas Grandpa’s own Maggie, struttin’ her pride.
She heard Grandpa holler: “Come my Love, it’s time for a horse’ n buggy ride.”

Well from that day forward until years later in 1925 upon Grandpa’s demise,
The two of ‘em, as weather permitted, ‘round the homestead would take a ride.
And just what made that buggy so special and subsequently a part of their life?
It was in that old buggy when Grandpa asked, “Anna, would please be my wife?”

NOTE: Grandpa Walter was a German immigrant as was Granny Anna and they were married in Pennsylvania in 1872. As a wagon and buggy builder, Grandpa was one of the best. He also built their Conestoga wagon, which brought their families out to the west. After Grandpa’s demise in 1925 and until her own in 1930, Granny Anna could often be found sittin’ alone in the buggy and in this place of quiet, watch the settin’ sun go down. Notes are from Tales 'Round the Campfire, self-published e-book by Kay A Davis.