John Todd was born in Rutledge, Vermont, into a family of several children. They
later moved to the village of Killingsworth back in the early 1800s. And there,
at a very young age, both John's parents died.
The relatives wondered what they would do with so many children, how they could
parcel them out to other friends and relatives. One dear and loving aunt said
she would take little John. The aunt sent a horse and a slave to get John, who
was only six at the time.
The slave, Caesar, came and put the little boy on the back of the horse. On the
way back an endearing conversation took place:
John: Will she be there? Caesar: Oh, yes, she'll be there waiting up for you.
John: Will I like living with her? Caesar: My son, you fall into good hands.
John: Will she love me? Caesar: Ah, she has a big heart. John: Will I have my
own room? Will she let me have a puppy? Caesar: She's got everything all set,
son. I think she has some surprises, too. John: Do you think she'll go to bed
before we get there? Caesar: Oh, no! She'll be sure to wait up for you. You'll
see when we get out of these woods. You'll see her candle shining in the window.
When they got to the clearing, sure enough, there was a candle in the window and
she was standing in the doorway. She reached down, kissed him, and said "Welcome
home!" She fed him supper, took him to his room, and waited until he fell
asleep. John Todd grew up to be a great minister of the gospel. But it was there
at his aunt's, his new mother, that he grew up. It was always a place of
enchantment because of his aunt. It awed him that she had given him a second
home. She had become a second mother to him.
Years later, long after he had moved away, his aunt wrote to tell him of her
impending death. Her health was failing and she wondered what was to become of
her. This is what John Todd wrote her:
"My Dear Aunt, Years ago I left a house of death not knowing where I was to go,
whether anyone cared, whether it was the end of me. The ride was long but the
slave encouraged me. Finally, he pointed out your candle to me, and there we
were in the yard and you embraced me and took me by the hand into my own room
that you had made up. After all these years I still can't believe it--how you
did all that for me! I was expected; I felt safe in that room--so welcomed. It
was my room. Now it's your turn to go, and as one who has tried it out, I'm
writing to let you know that Someone is waiting up. Your room is all ready, the
light is on, the door is open, and as you ride into the yard--don't worry,
Auntie. You're expected! I know. I once saw God standing in your doorway--long
go!"
Author unknown. If anyone has a proprietary interest in this story please
authenticate and I will be happy to credit, or remove, as the circumstances
dictate.
Send by K. Troxel ktroxel@hotmail.com
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.