The Mission Bell [Writer's Cramp Entry]

The Mission Bell

Jacob and Ursula were chatting in the shaded courtyard when they heard a commotion.  A clamoring group was headed toward the mission. 

Getting up, Jacob met them at the front gate, “What’s this?” Jacob asked, scrutinizing the shifting, energetic mob. 

“We came to talk to you about the bell," replied Jesus Ortega, the village’s mayor.

“The bell?" said Jacob, as a perplexed expression spread across his face. “Everyone knows the bell is broken,” he added.

“Exactly!” exclaimed Jesus.  His hand swept the crowd and he continued on, “We want to fix it.”

“What?” asked Jacob shaking his head in disbelief.  “It has been seven years and now you want to fix it?  Why now?” he inquired.

Jesus expanded, “We have been talking about it.  We miss it.  When Alejandro gets married he wants the bell to ring out the glad tidings.  When Rosa Madras has her child in the spring, she wants the bell to summon everyone to the christening.  When old Papa dies, he wants the bell to toll for him.  We have all agreed,” he ended with conviction in his voice.

Jacob and Ursula looked at each other in surprise; tears sprung to their eyes.  They had wanted to get the bell repaired but there was never enough money left over after paying the bills at the mission.  There was food for the orphanage, medical bills for the children and livestock that needed to be cared for and fed.

“Well,” inquired the mayor, “What do you need, how much does it cost, do you know?” he rattled off quickly.

Jacob scratched his balding head, after some thought answered, “I’m not certain.  We should ask the blacksmith if it can be repaired.  If he can’t do it I suppose we will need to get a new bell," his voice trailed off.

Everyone looked at everyone else. Their faces bore a kaleidoscope of questions and concern.  Mumbling and discontent broke out amongst the gathering.

The mayor put up his hand in a gesture to halt the crowd.  His voice was forceful as he announced, “We will not be swayed.  The village needs a bell and the mission who is charged with our Christian instruction needs the blessing of the bell.  It calls us to church on Sunday.  It warns us of danger and invites us together in times of joy.  We ‘will have a bell,’ no matter what!”

In the meantime Jose, one of the boys from the orphanage had begun to mingle throughout the crowd, passing a hat for donations.  The villagers were tossing in coins.  The village was poor, however they gave with their hearts with what they had to give.

The mayor noticed what was happening and suggested, “Why don’t we trade the work?  The carpenter can do the repairs on the bell tower, no?  The mason can help to rework the stucco and the baker can donate the bread for a day or two to the mission so the money the mission gets from the charities fund can help to pay for the bell.  Does anyone have a chicken to add to the pot?  Come on everyone, lets think of how we can work together to make it better for everyone, all around.”

Jacob said, “We’ll start with the hat for today.  Ursula will see to the bills.  Let’s get the blacksmith to look at the bell and go from there, do you agree?”

The mayor turned to the crowd and thanked them for their donations.  He handed the hat to Jacob.

Ursula spoke up for the first time since the event began, “I hope you will trust me.  I have been doing the books for the mission for fifteen years.  I will see where we can cut out some expenses as long as the townspeople are willing to pitch in.”

Sylvia Dias, the town’s crony spoke up, “What about the market in the city?  We could all go together to sell our wares on Saturday during the festival and give half to the mission, no?”

“We can use my wagon, I don’t need a lot of room for my vegetables,” offered William Salas.  “Who wants to go with me?” he asked the crowd.

She’d wanted to go the city for ages but had never had the opportunity until now.  Gertrude Morales held up her hand in reply, “I do!  I only have a basket of doilies and knitted baby clothes.  I don’t need much room,” her voice was surprisingly strong and she jumped up and down with excitement and possibilities.

There was more discussion and agreement.  Everyone went home excited about the project and also realized for the first time in a long time they were all friends and neighbors.  It felt good to be part of ‘something’ again.

Ursula and Jacob could hardly contain their pleasure of knowing the bell would be repaired or replaced.  They held hands that night as they walked the promenade.

Six weeks later when Rosa’s baby was born, the bell rang out loud and clear to announce the birth of her sixth son, Miguel.  In July, Alejandro and Sophie were married and the bell pealed the wedding march on a bright Saturday afternoon.  In December dear old Pappa died and the bell tolled every hour on the hour for every year that he had lived in this world.

Henceforth, the villagers went about their daily affairs and when they heard the bell mark the events in their lives, they were happy or sad but always remembered how much closer they now were.  Not separated in the same fashion they had been during the last seven years of the bell's silence.  Their community prospered and the children at the orphanage found homes amongst the villagers.

Jacob and Ursula had time to work in the garden, to sun in the courtyard and maintain the mission grounds so the timeless celebrations of life and death could be held in happiness and in grace.

[996 words]