Jaredite Stories

Isaac the Warrior Part 4

The details of our plan were discussed, debated and then decided upon. The biggest detail we needed to work out was what were we going to do with all the people; there would be a few hundred people at the banquet. We had plenty of rope to tie them, there was more rope at the palace, and there were also some linen bags at the palace that we could put over some heads, but where to put everyone? Thankfully, there would be many more of us than of them.

Paco talked to another guard that he trusted and this guard suggested that while the people were asleep, we unarm them and move them into various rooms in the palace with guards at each door. We would have plenty of men to guard everyone, especially since they would be unarmed and tied up.

My father suggested that we hold trials immediately, starting with Shim and his closest associates, with execution by hanging for those who would not repent and swear with an oath that they would support the previous laws. My mother gasped at this proposal and tears flooded her eyes. Even though Shim committed many atrocities, he was still her son. My father held her close as tears also flooded his eyes. My mother pulled back, looked at my father in his eyes and told him to do whatever he needed to do, even if it was putting her son to death. She had to give him to God and let God take care of him.

Everyone, especially the men, in our village knew exactly what needed to be done. As many details and scenarios as possible were well thought out. The men were organized into groups of ten to twenty men and each group had a specific assignment, a specific place to go in the palace, a specific room to guard. Those groups were organized into larger groups of about 100 men. There were leaders for each group, all ultimately reporting to me, Paco, and my father.

During this time of planning our escape, Paco and I redeveloped the bond we once had when we were small children. I finally could completely forgive him for what he did to me and my family. I knew his repentance was sincere and complete. I knew he was right with God and that God had forgiven him. Paco was doing all he could to make amends to me, my family, and our people. His transformation was miraculous.

The day finally came for Shim’s banquet. Shim wanted his guards and taskmasters to have one of the best banquets of their lives. The decorations were elaborate. The food was exquisite; much of the food coming from our people. The scantily dressed women were beautiful. The wine was a bit stronger in its potency–just enough to be strong, but not noticeable to those who drank it. The winemaker had the juice that Esther prepared and put it in all the jars of wine.

We were given a strict curfew and were told that if any of us left our huts and tents after sunset, we would be taken prisoner. I was concerned about the curfew and the guards that would be guarding us, but Paco assured me that all the guards were defectors. And besides, there would not be as many guards as there should have been. Paco talked Shim into having fewer guards, but some of his best and strongest guards, so more could attend the banquet. Besides, we had the strict curfew.

The banquet time arrived. The soldiers and guards, dressed in their finest apparel, headed to the palace. We were able to see a few before the sun set. As the sun set, we went into our huts, awaiting the word from the guard Paco had in the palace. This guard was to come and tell us when everyone had fallen asleep.

Paco recounted to us what happened. The feast was amazing. There were many different types of meats, breads, cheeses, and fruits. However, before the guests began eating the food, Paco made sure that everyone had wine. He offered a tribute to King Shim! He offered tributes to the guards. Others began to offer tributes! Some tributes were even for the women who were there for entertainment. Many of the guards quickly became quite infatuated with the women and began to drink more wine. They gave the women more wine, as many had high hopes to appease their infatuations later that night.

About 30 minutes after the first tribute, all in the banquet room become drunk and very sleepy. They enjoyed the festive atmosphere, but one-by-one dignitaries, guards, and entertainers fell asleep. All fell asleep except those who knew about the wine; those whom Paco trusted.

Paco quickly sent the messenger to us. Those who were on guard helped us to retrieve our weapons and ropes. Most all the men, some of the older boys, and a few women headed to the palace in anticipation. My father led the way, walking side-by-side with his wife and sons, me, and Paco.

We walked directly into the banquet room as Paco assured all guards at the palace also received wine. Everyone went straight to their assignments. We tied everyone up and put the linen bags over Shim, his associates, and as many of the high ranking guards as we had bags for. They were so well tied that we knew there would be no way to escape. Our people moved many of the prisoners to their various rooms while Paco and I led our father and mother back to his throne where they both wept. They knelt down and prayed aloud, prayed mightily in thanksgiving to God for their deliverance. We all knelt down and prayed, thanking our God for delivering us out of the captivity of Shim. We then sat down and enjoyed the feast! We let all who came with us enjoy the amazing food that Shim had prepared. The winemaker brought us weak wine that had not be tainted with the juice for us to drink.

Because of the strength of the wine, Shim and those who drank the wine took longer to wake up than it did for me and the other volunteers. But, we were ready for them! Knowing how I felt when I woke up, feeling exhilarated, we wanted to be sure that Shim and his people, if they woke up feeling the same way, would not be able to over take us.

After close to 24 hours from the time they took the first sip of wine, some began to wake up. As they awoke, they were disoriented, feeling like they had a hangover. We figured that the disoriented feeling was due to the strength of the wine. We were grateful for this as most did not have the desire to fight. While the banquet attendees were waking up in the various rooms, our people told them what happened and how my father was back on his throne. Many, even in their weakened state, shouted for joy! We did not realize there were so many who opposed Shim! Unfortunately there were some who cursed us, but those were not as many as we expected.

We gave Shim and his associates and all those who attended the banquet time to become more coherent so they would comprehend the trial they would face. Shim was first. He was brought to face our father and his bag taken off of his head. Father asked Shim if he was willing to give up his nefarious ways and follow the commandments of the land. Shim looked away from him and said that he could never do that, then spat on the floor. Father reminded Shim of the testimony that he had when he was young. Shim, with hate and evil in his eyes, said that he never had a testimony and there is no such thing as God. Father reminded him that the punishment for the atrocities that he committed was hanging. Shim dared our father to hang him. With tears in his eyes, he sent Shim to be hung.

There were several conducting the trials as we had so many people to go through. Father took care of Shim and his closest associates. There was only one of them who wanted to change and follow the laws of the land. He gave his word that he would never rebel against the king again and would follow the laws of the land. He was let free, but all the others were hung. We wept for the loss of life. Too many were hung that week. Many who were not closely associated with Shim gave us their oath that they would support my father and support the laws of the land; we were grateful for that.

It took time, many months in fact, for our society to return to normal. We had a lot of trauma that needed to be healed. Even some who originally followed Shim had trauma that needed healing. We again began to be prosperous, always remembering from whom our prosperity came from.

 

Com was a Jaredite gardener. Not a farmer with fields or orchards or flocks, but a gardener. He grew herbs, vegetables, and flowers for his family and to sell at the local market. He lived during a peaceful time, yet trained for warfare, as did all the Jaredite men, and even some women. He didn’t hunt much, but traded produce from his garden for meat.

Com was born to parents who loved to garden. Com’s father, David, grew fruit and nut trees as well as vegetables. Jerusha, Com’s mother, grew amazingly beautiful flowers and herbs. Both his parents sold their products in the local market. There were times when they took their produce to neighboring cities because of its excellent quality. People came from all over to purchase Jerusha’s flowers; she grew a fantastic variety, including several different types and colors of roses and medicinal herbal flowers. Her favorite customers were young men buying flowers to impress a young woman. Ahh…the delights of young love!

Com was the oldest of 5 children. From the time Com was born, he was with his parents in the garden. Before he could crawl, Jerusha would wrap him in her scarf and hold him while she worked in her flower beds. Once he was able to sit up, Com would sit in the garden and play in the dirt. He loved playing with the dirt and squishing it between his fingers!

When he started crawling and walking, David and Jerusha created a small fenced in play area to put him in to prevent him from digging up seeds and plants, which he loved to do! Com had plenty of dirt and grass to play with in his play area and was usually quite content there. As he grew older, he learned how to plant seeds, handle the plants gently, and distinguish between desirable plants and weeds.

When Com was about 5 years old, his parents gave him his own little garden space, along with a small shovel made out of fine steel with the handle being made from a type of hard wood. Com loved his shovel; he felt so grown up! He used it to dig holes to plants the seeds that he chose to grow. He used the shovel to help him weed his garden. He even used it to dig holes where he was not supposed to dig holes – even in his neighbors’ yards!

Com’s first little garden was quite a success, much to his delight. He grew radishes and lettuce because they were easy to grow, and green beans because they were some of his favorite food! After saving some plants to turn to seed for his next garden, he took his produce to the market with his father and actually made a little bit of money. He parents taught him to save most of what he earned to purchase seeds and supplies for his next garden.

When the next growing season arrived, Com was eager to start his next garden. He pleaded with his parents to have a bigger space so he could grow more plants. He wanted to grow more green beans, radishes, and lettuce, and he also wanted to grow some pumpkins. He saw big pumpkins at the market and really wanted to grow some of his own. He also chose to grow a couple of tomato plants and some marigold flowers.

David, thinking that would be a lot for a 6-year old boy, had a heart-to-heart with Com, explaining the time maintaining his garden would take. He wanted to be sure that Com understood the responsibility of a larger garden. Com assured his father that he really wanted a bigger garden and told him that he would work hard at maintaining the garden. David then agreed to allow Com to have the bigger garden.

Com took his saved up money to the market to purchase the seeds he needed to add to the seeds he saved from the previous year.

Finally, planting day arrived. The weather had been warm enough for long enough that David and Jerusha were confident that it would not freeze again. Com grabbed his shovel and began digging the proper holes to plant his seeds. He also used his shovel to create a small mound for his pumpkins seeds, then carefully planted them.

The first thing Com did after waking up each morning was to run outside to check his garden. He checked the soil to be sure it had the right amount of moisture for the seeds. He pulled any weeks that started to grow. He carefully watched for the first signs of his seeds beginning to sprout. Com loved his garden!

After about a week from the time Com planted his seeds, when he went outside to check his garden, he discovered sprouts. He was so excited, he ran back into his house, woke up his parents and begged them to come outside with him. It was a very happy day for Com.

One week later, Com’s parents were outside intently talking with Jerusha’s brother, with his two younger siblings, Leah who was 2 years old and Rebekah who was about 1 month old. Com was at his school class for the morning, learning how to read and write as that was important for the Jaredite people. Suddenly, Rebekah became fussy so Jerusha took her inside to feed her. David continued talking to Jerusha’s brother, focusing on the conversation and not paying attention to little Leah.

Leah, who absolutely adored Com, was exploring the gardens, and decided she wanted to play with the small plants in Com’s garden. While playing, she pulled most of them out! Com came home at about that time, saw his plants laying on the ground, and became very upset. He yelled, screamed, and cried. David, realized what happened and felt bad for not watching Leah more closely, took Com into his arms and apologized. He and Com looked at the pulled-out plants, observed that they were unharmed and thought they would be able to successfully replant them.

David took Leah inside the house, came back out with Com’s shovel and they proceeded to replant all the small plants. After planting, Com retrieved water from their well and carefully watered all the plants. Thankfully, all but one of the plants survived and continued to grow and produce many vegetables. Com did forgive Leah as she was very sorry for what happened.

For Com’s 11th birthday, David presented him with a full-sized shovel. He loved his new shovel as much as he’d loved the little one when he turned five. It was made of the finest steel. The handle was also of the same steel with a layer of hardwood attached to the steel. His name was carved into the wood along with a tree, signifying the Tree of Life.

He continue to expand his garden and the fruits, flowers, and vegetables that he raised. He experimented with different growing techniques, different placements of plants, cross-pollinating, among other techniques. He learned much from his experimentation. His gardens flourished!

Com became renowned for his gardening skills. Many wanted to know and learn his techniques so he taught many different gardening classes. Jerusha would teach with Com, sharing her vast knowledge of flowers.

Most years, there was plenty of rain for the gardens and fields where Com lived. For the most part, the people in his community followed the commandments of God and so were richly blessed. There were a few years where rain was not as plentiful. It was not because the people were any less righteous, it was part of their life experience. During these times of drought, Com and the other farmers pulled water from the wells to water their gardens and crops. It was tedious work, but worth the effort as the people needed their crops to survive. Many in the community came together to help each other water the crops.

One day, as many in the community came together to help water a farmer’s cops, Com’s fun-loving, happy personality longed to help lift the sober mood. It was a very warm and dry day, and they were about finished watering. Everyone was sweating because of the heat. He was now married with two children of his own, and decided that his wife, Paza, needed a little cooling off. He took one of the buckets of fresh, sweet well water and threw it on her!

Paza looked at him in amazement. He’d never done anything like that before. The others watched closely, wondering if she would be angry at Com. She acted angry, took a bucket of water to Com, who stood still, wondering what she was going to do. Then, with a big smile, she threw the bucket of water on him! Com reached for another full bucket, but Paza ran from him. Com chased her, water spilling out of the bucket, and threw the remaining water on her, and splashed water of others in the process! Soon, it became a huge water fight! Just about everyone joined in on the fun. Because of the stresses of the drought and the continued hot temperatures, the water fight helped to cool everyone off and helped the community to relax and find enjoyment.

Com and Paza continued gardening and teaching others about gardening their entire lives. They passed their skills to their seven children who continued the family tradition of gardening, working hard… and having fun, too.

Isaac the Warrior Part 1

Isaac the Warrior Part 2

Isaac the Warrior Part 3

We spent much time in council debating the best way to overthrow Shim from his throne. We preferred to do that with as little bloodshed as possible. Too many lives were already lost; we did not want to lose any more of our loved ones. We discussed gathering the hidden weapons and fighting our way to Shim and his associates. The problem was that we did not have armor and Shim’s guards and army had the armor to protect their vital organs. We feared we would lose too many of our people and our chances of conquering Shim would be slim.

We knew we needed to focus on Shim’s weaknesses. From what Paco and other guards told us, there were many who were dissatisfied with Shim and wanted to rebel against him. That inner resistance could be powerful leverage, but the difficulty for us knowing who we could trust. We were still careful of what we told guards to came to us in secret because we were uncertain if any of them were sent by Shim.

One guard who came regularly who we knew we could trust, reminded us of how Shim like to celebrate and throw elaborate banquets for his guests. The banquets always included wine and women. The guard suggested that someone give Shim the idea to host a banquet for all the guards and taskmasters that watched over our people, to celebrate their successes. My father inquired more about this idea. Soon, we were all discussing all the possibilities that could come from this. We actually felt the Lord’s spirit as we discussed plans for our freedom.

Paco was the one who presented the idea to Shim. At first Shim strongly opposed the idea, which Paco expected. Shim did not want to take any chances of our people trying to escape. Paco assured him that there would still be guards to watch over our people. In fact, Paco would choose the best guards to watch over us that night. Also, they could create a curfew for that night, all in captivity would have to be in their huts at sundown; anyone caught outside their hut would be taken for execution. Paco reminded Shim that the guards felt wearied and the banquet would help their morale and strengthen their desire to protect him. Shim, knowing that some of his guards and army were unhappy, said he would consider the idea.

Paco reported to us about his meeting with Shim. We all prayed for the softening of Shim’s heart. We prayed mightily in our minds and hearts. We felt peace and assurance that a way would be opened for us to escape our bondage.

Shim finally agreed to host the banquet. He decided to make it a grand affair; after all, he and his associates had the wealth to treat their guards like royalty. Most of the guards were invited to attend, except those Paco entrusted to guard us; guards Paco handpicked. Guards we felt we could trust. Guards who secretly expressed displeasure with Shim. Guards who outwardly expressed absolute loyalty to Shim, yet were ready to defect.

As the preparations for the feast were being made, we also prepared. We carefully retrieved as many of our hidden weapons as we could. We knew the guards we could trust, so we retrieved as many as we could while under their watchful eyes. We carefully hid the weapons in our tents and huts so they would not be found. Some guards secretly brought us weapons as well.

Esther, our healer, came to my father and the prophet and told them she had a vision about a plant that would put anyone who partook of the juice of the plant to sleep without any negative or permanent effects. She said that they could easy collect enough of this plant, extract the juices from it, then have someone put it in the wine for the feast. It would take about one hour for the juice to take effect. We considered that a blessing from Heaven! If this worked, it would mean we would be able to capture Shim and his men with very little bloodshed!

Following the directions from her vision, Esther collected the plant, boiled it, then strained it. She asked for a couple volunteers to try it out. She assured that the effects of the plant would not cause long-lasting or permanent effects. I volunteered. I felt I would be fine and we really needed to see what the plant did. Three others also volunteered.

Before partaking of any of the juice, we inwardly prayed for protection. Others in our village, who knew about the plant prayed for us. When the sun was high in the sky, Esther put a drop of the juice in some weak wine and we drank it. We went about our day, however staying close to our homes, we felt really good. After about 45 minutes, the results of the juice began to affect us. I gradually became exceptionally sleepy, and it was just past mid-day. I hardly ever felt tired in the middle of the day. I tried talking with my wife, but soon was not able to focus. I went into my bedchamber, laid down on my mat and fell asleep. The others fell asleep about the same time.

Thankfully, the day we tried the juice was a day where some who were guarding us were sympathetic to our cause and were actually helping us. They kept watch over us, sending the other guards to other places in our village.

The next morning, shortly before the sun rose, I finally woke up. Actually, I felt very well rested and felt like I could take on the world! It was an exhilarating feeling. The others who tested the juice felt the same way. We were grateful that the results of the juice were positive and would work with Shim and those who attended his banquet. We wondered what the effects would be if taken with strong wine, but decided not to test that as we did not want to become drunk. We trusted Esther’s vision that the juice would put Shim and his followers into a nice, deep, sound sleep.

Our plans of escape were coming together. We told Paco about the juice and discussed different ways to get it into the wine for the banquet. Paco told us about one of the winemakers who was annoyed with Shim and who was a bit too open about his displeasures with the government. Paco felt that this man could be trusted to make the wine stronger than usual and then to put the juice into the wine. Rather than talk to the winemaker himself, Paco found a trusted guard and who knew the winemaker personally. He asked the guard to give him just enough information to find out if he would be willing to help, not too much information in case the winemaker talked too much.

The guard reported to Shim that the winemaker was more than happy to create stronger wine for the banquet and to put the juice in it. The winemaker was sworn to secrecy, with the little information he was given, since there were many who were still very loyal to Shim.

(To be continued…)

 

 

Esther was a beautiful Jaredite woman with fair skin, light brown hair, and green eyes. Esther married young and bore 5 children, all of whom grew to adulthood and blessed her with many grandchildren. She lived during the time of Isaac (Isaac the Warrior Part 1) and Shim. Her husband fought and was severely injured in the battle when Shim took over the government. As a powerful healer, Esther helped many warriors heal from their wounds, including her husband and the king.

Shim, also wounded from the battle, heard of Esther’s healing abilities and sent for her. Esther was angry at him for causing so much bloodshed and death and the captivity of thousands of her people—and feared for her safety knowing Shim’s penchant for beautiful women. Although she did not want to go to Shim and definitely did not want to heal him—she was given a blessing of protection from the king and the prophet. She did go to Shim, used herbs, energy, and the power of God to heal his wounds and the wounds of many of his warriors.

During the time Esther lived in captivity, life was hard. Shim and his people took at least half of their flocks, herds, and crops for themselves, not leaving them much to live on. However, because of their faithfulness and obedience, the Lord strengthened them and blessed their lives so their afflictions seemed light, easy to bear. The people, their crops, herds, and flocks were multiplied with Heaven’s help. They did not require as much food to obtain the nutrition that they needed. They were strong and healthy. They were flooded with new revelations and new technologies to be used when it was time to reclaim their freedom.

After holding them in captivity for just a few months, Shim decided that he did not want to try control and manage the thousands of people he held in captivity, even though he obtained food and clothing from them; he wanted them gone, dead. He did not want to give them a chance of ever coming together to defeat him and remove him from his throne. He sent his guards to poison their only source of water. The captive Jaredites lived in a barren place, so their only water supply was vital to their survival.

Thankfully, only a few people actually drank the poisonous water; once a few of the people saw the effects of those who drank the water, no one else was allowed to drink or even touch the water. The prophet immediately learned what happened and began to pray in his heart and mind for those affected by the poison. Word spread fast and soon all in captivity prayed in their hearts and minds for the survival of their friends and for their water.

Esther and another healer were immediately called to help those who were dying from the poison. Shim’s guards attempted to prevent Esther from using her herbs initially. Miraculously, they changed their minds and allowed her to administer the herbs to those affected by the poison; they thought there was no way they would survive the effects of the poison. Because of Esther’s knowledge of herbs, energy, and the prayers of the faithful, she reversed the effects of the poison causing it to become beneficial for those who were affected. Unbelievably, those inflicted with the poison enjoyed better health and lived longer and healthier than most of the other Jaredites.

Once Shim discovered what happened, he was livid. He sent guards to capture Esther; however one of her daughters, a dreamer, was warned in a vivid dream that they were coming to take her mom. She woke Esther and her husband and told her that she needed to leave. Esther’s initial reaction was fear since Shim’s guards were everywhere, even at night. Her daughter told her that in her dream, all the guards were asleep. Esther, filled with faith, quickly left the village under the cloak of a dark, moonless night, and hid in a known, well-concealed cave. This cave was only known to a few people and had been purposely set up as a hiding place. It was well-stocked with food, water and weapons.

Sadly, the guards took their anger out on her family and others in the village; many were beaten and whipped that day. Esther felt the beatings from her hiding place in the cave, especially the beatings and abuses of her family. It tore her heart apart, knowing it happened because of her, because she left. She desperately wanted to go back to the village and turn herself over to Shim, knowing the atrocities that would happen to her; she just wanted the beatings and abuses to stop and she wanted to protect her family.

As Esther was about to leave the cave, Jesus came to her in a vision and told her that it was Him that sent her to the cave and He wanted her to stay in the protection of the cave until it was time to go back. Jesus told her that He would help her heal her family and all those who were injured from the beatings. He also gave her instructions how to heal the water supply, even from a distance, so the people would have all the water they needed. Jesus also told her that she would be needed for future events and that was why He preserved her life. It was a very sweet experience for Esther as she saw Jesus Christ and felt his love for her, her family, and her people.

Esther remained in the cave for about one week, when her husband secretly came to her and told her it was safe to come back.

Esther was also a beautiful weaver. She wove beautiful fabric to clothe the people. Her fabric was always sought after by many Jaredites. Even Shim and his associates came to her to acquire fabric. Of course, she didn’t receive compensation from them, they simply demanded the fabric; but she was blessed in other ways. She and her family always had their needs taken care of.

One day, the daughter of one of Shim’s closest advisors was suddenly taken very ill; almost on the verge of dying. Shim’s advisor and his wife were grief-stricken and were trying everything they knew to help her. They summoned their healer, but he was unable to help their daughter. One of the guards reminded the advisor about Esther and her healing powers. However, Shim would not allow them to seek Esther or take the girl to her. The parents, out of desperation, disobeyed Shim’s orders and took their daughter to Esther, knowing there could be severe consequences. Using the gift of her healing hands and herbs, Esther healed the girl within minutes. The parents were astonished and very grateful.

As the family traveled back to their home, they were met by Shim and his guards and told they were no longer welcome in their village. As far as Shim was concerned, the advisor was a traitor and was cast out of his court and their village. They went back to Esther and the people in captivity and were welcomed with open arms. They felt love and acceptance, a greater love and acceptance than they had felt since Shim took control of the government. They lived joyfully in captivity with the righteous Jaredites until the time of their deliverance.

The faith the Jaredites expressed in captivity was astonishing! Because of their faith, they were richly blessed. Shim and his followers abused these people by trying to prevent them from praying, worshipping together, and paying tithing, among other things to show their reverence to God, but this group of people prayed in their hearts, discretely worshipped as families, built each other up when they saw each other while working out in the fields, tending the flocks, or working on the other trades that they did.

While Esther and her husband enjoyed their children and the beginning of grandchildren while in captivity, her husband quietly passed away. Although Esther was a healer, she was not able to save her husband, as his time on earth was complete and he was needed in the spirit world. Esther deeply missed her husband, but gratefully continued her mission of helping others, and helping others heal.

 

When Madeline was about 5 years old, her cousin’s dog had a litter of five puppies. Madeline loved animals and could hardly wait to see the puppies.

When she finally was able to visit the puppies, she noticed that one of the puppies was smaller than the others and did not seem as active and alert as the others. It was a little girl, black with some white spots. Madeline picked up the little puppy and put it by her mother so she could eat. The other puppies immediately tried to crowd out the small puppy, but Madeline moved them away so the small puppy could eat and receive needed nourishment.

Madeline immediately fell in love with that puppy and asked her mother if she could keep the puppy. Madeline’s aunt warned her that the puppy may not survive, but she could have the puppy if she did. Madeline’s mother agreed.

Madeline immediately took charge of the puppy, even at her young age. She spent much of her time at her cousin’s home tending the puppy. She made sure that the puppy was able to nurse from her mother. At times, she needed to move the other puppies so hers would have an unobstructed ability to eat. The puppy quickly began to gain strength and size; though not as big as the others.

Madeline decided upon the name Rocky for her puppy; because she was tough like rocks and her black coat with white spots reminded her of one of her favorite rocks.

Once Rocky was able to walk and get around, she followed Madeline everywhere she went. When it was time for her to go home, Rocky would cry and not eat until Madeline came back the next morning. When Rocky saw Madeline, she would run as fast as her ponderous puppy legs would allow her to run! Then Madeline would be sure her puppy ate from her momma.

Finally, the day came when Madeline could bring her puppy home! Everyone was excited, especially Madeline’s aunt! She was grateful that the puppies were weaned and going to their new forever homes. Her father gave Rocky a beautiful leather collar with three small pink crystals embedded into the leather, one that he had specially made for Rocky. Madeline squealed with delight when she saw the collar! She put it on Rocky; Rocky seemed pleased and felt like she was all grown up.

Rocky continued to follow Madeline wherever she went. When she needed to go to her classes and church, she had to tie Rocky to a long rope; she wasn’t allowed in classes and church and was still too young to be wandering by herself. Rocky was ecstatic whenever Madeline came home; she would jump all over Madeline and lick her face! As Rocky grew older and was trained, she was trusted to wait outside of Madeline’s classes until she was done. Rocky would lay outside the hut where Madeline attended class and eagerly greet her when she came outside.

As Rocky grew older and became full-grown, she was still smaller than the rest of the litter; nevertheless, her feistiness made up for her lack of size. Rocky was Madeline’s self-proclaimed protector and would stand between Madeline and anyone she did not know. One day while Madeline and Rocky were walking through a field of grass and flowers, Rocky suddenly tugged on the back of Madeline’s tunic and promptly pulled her back. Madeline was shocked that Rocky would do that and was about to scold her; then, she heard it. The scary sound of a rattlesnake rattle. The snake laid curled up directly in front of Madeline. If Rocky had not pulled her back, she would have walked right onto the snake. Madeline and Rocky quickly and quietly walked backwards, watching the snake as they stealthily moved. Once they were several feet away, they ran back home. Madeline told her parents what Rocky did. Rocky received many extra hugs and treats for saving Madeline from the snake.

When Rocky was about two years old, Madeline noticed her belly getting larger and realized that Rocky would be having her own puppies! Madeline was excited! She ran to tell all her family and friends. Knowing what a good dog Rocky was, several expressed interest in having one of Rocky’s puppies.

The anticipated day finally came. Rocky went into labor. It was a very hard labor. Something was wrong. Madeline had seen enough animals born to know that Rocky struggled. She began to panic and her mother sent for the animal healer. Once the healer came, she helped Rocky give birth to the first puppy. The puppy did not breath. Rocky licked and licked her, but he would not breathe. The healer worked on the puppy, but he would not breathe. Madeline cried! Seeing the lifeless puppy tore her apart. Then the next puppy was born. The healer gave the puppy to Rocky to clean up. Happy tears of joy flowed from Madeline as the puppy began crying. Rocky also perked up as she seemed to happily clean her puppy. Then, one more puppy came; this one delivered much easier than the other two. This puppy came out crying! Madeline and her family were excited! Two cute little puppies, both black with white spots, just like their momma!

Rocky was an amazing momma dog. She watched over her puppies with her protective eye. She played with them as they opened their eyes and became more mobile. She had plenty of milk for the two puppies so they quickly grew strong and healthy. The time soon came when the puppies were weaned and needed to go to new homes. Madeline was sad not to have the puppies around all the time, but was grateful that her cousin took one puppy and a good friend of hers took the other puppy. She and Rocky could visit them whenever they wanted.

Because of the difficulties in the births, sadly, Rocky was never able to have anymore puppies.

Rocky continued to be Madeline’s best friend as she grew into adulthood. Rocky was especially concerned when young men began to visit Madeline. She would quietly growl at the young men, eying them warily. It became well-known that to court Madeline, you would need the approval of her dog!

Rocky was getting old and slowing down, but that did not stop her from continuing to always be with Madeline and to be her protector. One day, a handsome young man with dark hair and eyes came to visit Madeline. This was someone Rocky had not met or seen before. Madeline expected Rocky to do the usual growl, but this time, Rocky licked the young man. Madeline was shocked! The young man was also surprised as he had heard about Rocky! Rocky immediately gave her approval for this young man to court Madeline. Shortly after that, the young man and Madeline were betrothed, then married.

It seemed that Rocky knew that Madeline now had someone to love her and protect her. It wasn’t long after their marriage that Rocky became ill and passed away. Madeline was heartbroken. Rocky had been at Madeline’s side for years. Rocky was her best friend, her protector.

After a time of grieving, Madeline had her own child, a baby girl. Then, Madeline discovered that one of Rocky’s grand puppies just gave birth to a litter of six puppies! Madeline, with her husband and new baby girl, went to look at the puppies. There was one little girl who looked just like Rocky. Madeline knew this puppy was for her and her new family.

This puppy, although different in personality and larger than Rocky, grew to be a strong family protector and provided Madeline’s family with endless joy!