CATHARINE’S GRACE
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me. Your rod and staff, they comfort me.
Mrs. Catharine Thompson Baker heard the words of Psalm 23 as she slowly regained consciousness. The voice beyond her grasp continued in prayer and it sounded so familiar, yet recognition seemed just beyond her grasp. Other indistinguishable voices echoed in the large Victorian-style bedroom.
Her body ached terribly, and her head throbbed with excruciating pain. Thoughts swirled in her head and she accepted that she may have gone to be with the Lord, or this was a horrible nightmare. The goose-feather bed was uncomfortable and dreadfully hot. Catharine gathered enough strength to bring her hand to her pained head. The soft blonde curls she always kept in a beautiful Scottish knot were stuck to her damp forehead. The white nightdress she wore matched her current complexion.
Her eyes slowly opened, and Catharine focused on the three cloudy figures hovering over the bed. Was this vocal group actually angels waiting in the wings to take her home to heaven? Momentarily, her vision adjusted and she recognized her sister Mary, Dr. Olsen, and Reverend Jones from the Dimock Baptist Church. Questions quickly manifested in her mind. Words finally formed on her lips: “My little angels, Howard and Adrian, where are they? I want to see my boys and make sure they are safe and healthy. They must be worried sick. Is my William here? Mary, why is he not here with me?”
As soon as the words passed her cool, dry lips, she remembered exactly why her husband William was not here with her. In the spring of 1850, William Baker made the decision to travel from their home in Dimock, Pennsylvania, to southwest Missouri. Catharine was displeased that William thought it best to leave his wife alone with their two little boys. He’d left almost exactly a year ago, and he sent letters and gifts for the boys that routinely arrived, but did not make up for his absence. The family should have stayed together, and Catharine regretted not voicing her opinion more adamantly.
Catharine always encouraged and supported her husband, maybe to a fault. She prided herself on being a dutiful wife and loving mother to Howard and Adrian. She loved her family more than anything and devoted her life to their happiness.
William had needed to prove that he was just as successful as his older brothers. His father, Richard Baker, was a distinguished farmer and very prosperous businessman. High expectations arose for all of the Baker sons. William told Catharine on rare occasions that he felt his accomplishments were not acknowledged because his father had not been pleased with William’s academic career achievements.
The last telegraph Catharine received from William stated that he had purchased a very large, partially established farm in Barton County, Missouri. This announcement
delighted Catharine; she pictured her beautiful family living a wonderful life together and the promise of happiness to come.
Catharine’s thoughts drifted to the evening of the Susquehanna Harvest Festival of 1842. It was clear in her mind, as if it was yesterday. The dress she wore that night was new, golden brown in color with a beautiful deep-blue velvet trim. Catharine loved the way she felt wearing it, especially the way the skirt shifted as she walked. Her mother transformed her hair into a sophisticated Scottish knot. That night, she felt herself emerge into a young woman; even her father commented on the sparkle in her eyes.
Catharine’s family surrounded her as they walked into the crowded festival. Her eyes wandered around the room as she absorbed the delightful decorations and beautiful flower arrangements everywhere. The fragrance from the flowers, as well as the love and laughter of the townspeople created a magical atmosphere that night.
Out from the crowd appeared William. He walked straight toward the Thompson family. Catharine found him so handsome and intriguing; he displayed a confident and refined demeanor. William was a true gentleman, and he asked her father for permission to dance with her. Nerves shot through her body as she took his arm. William gently led her onto the dance floor with the other young couples. They danced and enjoyed each other’s company throughout the entire evening. Entranced in his presence, she felt protected, proud, and adored. This was what she’d been waiting for — a love that would last a lifetime.
Catharine’s feelings for William never diminished over the years of their marriage. The birth of her two precious sons, whom she loved and adored more than anything, deepened her devotion to her husband. Catharine felt so incredibly blessed and loved as she reminisced over the beautiful memories of her glorious life. She quietly recited to herself, “The grace of the Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” Catharine let the fear and pain wash away as she heard in the distance, “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” | RB
