by
Arkangel
Disclaimer:
The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the
creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without
permission. No copyright infringement
is intended by the author. The ideas
expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.
These hands have
done much in the many years of ranch work they've seen. They've dug fence posts
till the calluses bore calluses, they've stretched wire till it cut into bare
flesh. They've branded, herded and birthed many a cow and calf. They've held a
loved one close and smoothed the fear of the unknown. They've caressed the hand
of the one held close to his heart as they passed on to rejoice in the presence
of God. They have wiped tears of joy and of pain, they've given support when
all seemed lost.
These hands have
greeted those who where strangers, and have battled those who have threatened.
They've dealt harshly the punishments warranted with the acts of betrayal,
prejudice and hatred. They've protected his family, his land and his heart.
They've been judge, jury and executioner when given no other choices. They've
held a gun, a drink, a heart … a life, they've held all the cards and have
folded.
Now these hands hold
a tool, one they've used many times but not for this purpose. They sense the
end and are hesitant to continue. They ache with the exertion and the fear that
once the job is done, and the final movement made they will be cursed for
having to do such a necessary service.
These hands move
with the strength bore from many years of love and loss. They throb with the
knowing that this act, though simple, would count the end of a joy held deep in
the heart of their owner. The pain etched into the face of the one who carries
these hands runs deep. The task done, those hands help the body from the depths
of despair, pulling him up the six feet to rest along the edge.
These hands had
promised to take on the task, had vowed that they would be the ones to do this
deed. The heart is saddened for what the hands have done. They support the
owner as he crawls toward the stone, standing monument over the soon to be
final resting place of a soul he held dear. "I will remember you,
always." The owner of the hands wept, "I love you brother."
THE END