It Is Well

 by Micaiah C. 

Chapter 1:

 Elizabeth Carter looked up from the bread dough she was kneading, as her daughter, 5-year-old Andrea  ran into the kitchen.

“Hi mother!” she said, “Father said I could go with him today! I’m going to rope a golden horse!”

Elizabeth laughed, “Go along before they leave without you."

Andi ran out the door, “Father!”

Elizabeth laughed again and went back to her kneading.

 

**A few hours later**

 

Time to sweep the floor, thought Elizabeth as she went to get the carpet sweeper. She heard a commotion outside, and went to look out the window. 

Mitch galloped into the yard on Chase, with Andrea sitting in front of him. She ran outside. She could tell something was wrong. As she got closer, she saw tears running down Andrea’s face. “What’s wrong?” she asked alarmed.

Andrea ran into her arms. “Oh mother!”

Elizabeth looked up at Mitch, “What happened Mitch?” She asked.

“I think we should go into the house and sit down.” He replied.

“What is it?” she asked again, “Where’s your father?”

“He’s, he’s…”

“Tell me, Mitch!”

“He had an accident.”

“How bad is he?” she asked, “Bring him back to the house.”

“It’s not what you think.” Replied Mitch, “He’s--”

“He’s not waking up mother!” exclaimed Andrea.

“What does she mean?” asked Elizabeth.

“He’s dead, mother. I’m sorry!”

“No, no…” Elizabeth’s face paled. She stood there shocked. She half heard Mitch call for the ranch hands to help her inside. Mitch took her arm and helped her inside.

**A few days later**

 For the next few days relatives came and went. Elizabeth hardly noticed.

James’s sister, Rebecca didn’t help any, “Now Elizabeth, you must move in with me now. I know you must miss James, so it’s better if you get away.” She clucked her tongue.

“Now, Aunt Rebecca,” said Justin as he walked in the room, “I don’t think we’re going to move. I believe mother just needs rest.”

“Justin, let go of my arm. He was my brother, and it is my duty to look after his family…”

It faded as Justin brought Rebecca out of the room.

Why? Elizabeth wondered, why did this have to happen? He will never get to give Andrea a horse, or her locket on her 10^th Birthday. He will never be able to reconcile with Katherine. Will Katherine never know? Would she even care if she did? 

These thoughts and many others swirled around inside her head. She would hardly eat or sleep. Everyone was worried, but she didn’t care. Nothing mattered anymore. But wait, something did matter! What about Andrea, Melinda, her sons. They needed her! Help me LORD!

                                       **After the funeral the next day**

 Elizabeth looked up from where she was kneeling at her husband’s grave. Why did this have to happen LORD? Why? She thought. She couldn’t help it where was the peace she needed? She wondered.

Andrea came over to where she sat, and put her arms around her mother and let out a sob, “Oh mother! I want father!”

“I know Andrea.” She said, gathering her on her lap, “I want your father too!” she began to weep, and kept thinking angry thoughts.

The minister came over to them, “Now Elizabeth,” he said, “If your family ever needs anything just ask.”

“Thank you.” She said through her tears, “We will.”

Just then Rebecca walked over, “Oh Elizabeth,” she started, “I pity you! Let me take Melinda, and Andre---“

“I don’t want your pity!” Elizabeth cut her off, “I don’t want anyone’s pity!”

“Well, I never!” exclaimed Rebecca, as Chad came over.

“I think we should let mother be alone for a minute before they lower the casket.” He said, “That means you too Andi.”

Andi sighed, and got up, “Okay Chad.” 

Elizabeth was alone, she lifted her eyes, “Oh LORD! Help me be strong for my children! They need me!” she cried, “Give me peace!” 

**A few minutes later**

 As the casket was lowered into the ground, and the dirt began to cover it, Elizabeth, surrounded by her children, was filled with overwhelming peace. It is well with my soul! 

“In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he answered me.”

Psalm 120:1

 

Behind the hymn, ‘It Is Well’ by Horatio G Spafford:

The hymn ‘It Is Well’ was written by Horatio G Spafford, a wealthy Lawyer. He wrote it during many tragic events in his life. First, his properties burned down in the Great Chicago Fire, which ruined him financially. A little later, all four of his daughters, Annie age 12, Maggie age 7, Bessie age 4, and an 18-month old baby were killed in a shipwreck. In all this tragedy, he was still able to praise God and write these moving words we know so well. They came to him as he was passing over were his daughters met their death.

Refrain

It is well, (it is well),

With my soul, (with my soul)

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

 Later in life Spafford was blessed with three more children, Horatio Goertner, Bertha Hedges, and Grace. On February 11, 1880, his son Horatio, age 3, died from scarlet fever. This was the end to many great tragedies.

The music was composed by Philip Bliss. The song was completed in 1876.

 Note: The music to this song was finished 2 years after James Carter would have died, which is why I never used the actual song in the story, but I thought I would put the history behind the song, and the chorus at the end.