Woodcutter's Revival by Jerry Slauter

up the pieces.
    â€œWe must continually make people less dependent upon ourselves. Then, if they choose to be with us, it is not because they have to be. If we force people into anything, they will look for ways out, even if they do what is required, they will do it only minimally – their hearts will not be in it.
    â€œSo, giving me that crutch is an example of what I am talking about. Nobody has said you have to stay here and help me. You have decided to because you value life and I think you might have some respect for me. I like that. Instead of choosing to be needed, which is a strong motivation for a lot of people; you have attempted to help me stand on my own.
    â€œEventually, I will put that thing on a mantle with other trophies. I know you well enough to know you will not be hurt when I no longer choose to use your gift. In fact, you will rejoice with me because I have overcome my infirmity. We have shared authority. I have some age on you. You have physical capacity I need. Through mutual respect, we both benefit. We understand and accept our strength and limitations without excuse or regret.”
    â€œMichael, I might have saved your life, but you have given me so much life. I feel I am indebted to you,” Stewart said with a tear in his eye and a strain in his voice.
    â€œStewart, you have made this the best Thanksgiving I have ever had. That only reminds me, you never know what life holds in store for you. I was laying on the trail, near dead, just two months ago, and now I have gained the best friend I have ever had.”
    â€œSo have I.”

Chapter Nine

RAYMOND GOES
TO WELLSPRING
    R aymond was asked to spend Thanksgiving at the Thomases. He would have to leave for Wellspring on Saturday morning on the “Ten-Fifty-Five” in order to be settled in for classes on Monday morning. There would not be much to pack as he only had his old clothes and the new pants and shirts Mr. Thomas told him to purchase. As he folded, unfolded and refolded the clothes, mostly out of nervousness, he thought it curious that he should be present at the Thomas house again.
    He listened over and over to the voices in his head – the voices of Mr. Thomas, Victoria and his own - rethinking the logical reasons offered why he was chosen to be foreman. Still, he wondered why he should progress to that position so rapidly.
    What might Stewart be doing? Had he found a place in Wellspring? Had he found a job? Would it be difficult to find him? He remembered that his altered plans included catching a train about this time. He thought to himself, “Who knows, if I am able to find Stewart, maybe I’ll just write the Thomases a thank note for all they have done and stay in Wellspring as I intended.”
    He could not admit to himself, although the feeling was at the back of his mind, that he might stay up here forever. He knew it was just a job. What had been offered to him was an excellent opportunity, but he was young enough to believe, with some more schooling, he would probably be able to create positive situations in the future. He knew he would not stay here just for a job.
    He was able to admit to himself that the only reason he would stay here was the remotest possibility to win Victoria’s heart. He figured the personal aspects would develop. After all, she had to be the one who mentioned to Mr. Thomas that he would be a good candidate for foreman.
    As Raymond walked through town, he could see the last visible signs of autumn. There were very few leaves remaining on the aspens. The sky took on a dark gray pallor. A light snow began to fall. Winter was beginning to dominate the scene. He was surprised how much earlier the mountains yielded to the demands of winter than his prairie farm. The unpaved streets in Discovery were muddy and the buildings were dirty.
    Back on the farm, the roads or lanes could handle the amount of traffic without getting too muddy, except in the rainy season. They had