It’s pouring rain, gloomy and there’s a chance of snow. The geese must know; flocks overhead are heading for a warmer place.
And here I sit, anticipating another winter. Somehow my heart is not in it this year. The older I get, the more of a chore it becomes to get enthused about snow and cold.
Suddenly the clouds separate and the sun peeks through. I notice the golden beech leaves fluttering in the breeze hanging tough to the trees as if in defiance to the season.
I guess I’ll make it after all!
The pumpkins on the steps smile at me as I walk out to the yard to gather some wood for my evening fire.
With an armful of split wood, I turn back to the house and I see a man standing by my steps.
He is tall and sinewy, dressed in work clothes, old green suspenders over his plaid shirt and shoulders.
I’m startled by his sudden appearance and almost lose my load of wood. But he gently steps forward to help steady me as I recover my balance.
He doesn’t speak, but with a gentle smile he turns to go to his vehicle that is parked by the roadside
It is a very old Ford farm truck and his big dog is hanging halfway out the window, panting, waiting for his master to return.
My newfound friend bids a goodbye wave and drives off in his vintage truck which is surprisingly quiet for its age.
Gosh, what a strange encounter, but so nice to meet such a caring and helpful stranger.
Not thinking anymore about my day or my unusual visitor, I sit by my warm fire with my nightly glass of wine, as I read one of my favorite books on Adirondack lore.
The stories are fascinating accounts of the people who lived and died in these great woods many years ago.
One of the short stories catches my eye, and as I read it relays the tale of Josh Henry who was a local jack of all trades in the Hatch Mountain area.
He was a good-hearted soul, always ready to help someone in time of need. As I turned the page I was riveted by a photograph from 1933.
There was the exact truck that had parked in front of my house and standing next to it was the very man I had met with his old dog earlier in the day.
I am sure he is long gone from this time and place, but on this special day, Halloween, he made a spiritual journey to help someone as he passed through.
What a privilege to have encountered him along his way.
Thank you, Josh Henry.
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Bernie Green of Old Forge has been sharing her fictional Halloween stories with Weekly Adirondack readers for the past nine years.