Orville was a six-year...
Illustration
Orville was a six-year-old boy, the last of several children born and raised in this farm house. His father affectionately called him the youngest man in the house. Orville loved the lambs and cared for them tenderly. Physically large for his years and very strong, he could carry even heavy things that were needed for the sheep and he'd keep the sheepfold clean. One black night a storm cut through that part of Michigan and the farm buildings shook badly. Shingles flew through the air, trees crashed down, the dogs howled wildly, the horses pitifully whinnied their cry. The wind, the lightning and thunder had lasted a long time. The parents had gotten out of bed, lit kerosene lamps and moved about inside their house. They found it safe but suddenly realized that Orville had not come downstairs. "He must be shaking with fear," said the father, and up the stairs he flew and into Orville's bedroom. He wasn't there. "We'll search the house." But there was no Orville. "I'll go to the barn, and you (to his wife) go to the milk house and the tool shed." Out they went with heavy misgiving. Orville was safe; he was in the sheepfold lying on the ground in a curled position. Three small lambs had been gathered close to his body for their protection. "I couldn't stay away from them, Father. Could I?" -- Hoornstra
