Lynchburg, Virginia

July 1857

Rebekah Ann Sanchez walked down Main Street of Lynchburg, Virginia which was bustling with activity. Having just traveled by train from Bedford on a hot summer day, she was exhausted. But she was on a mission; she wasn't going to let a little dust and sweat stop her now. Three months alone in this world was all she could take. She needed to find out where she was from. With a starting place in mind she continued on.

'Te encontramos a (we found you at) Liberty Orphanage in Lynchburg, Virginia. Estuve (It was) where we first laid eyes on you. Ellos told us tu madre (they told us your mother) was but a teen and gave you up at birth. If you want to find her we will not stop you. We love you hija (daughter). We always have; we always will. No matter what your decision, we will always be here for you.'

One of the last serious conversations with her parents replayed in her head. It was only a month later when both of them died in a house fire. Rebekah Ann had been away at boarding school and did not receive the telegram until the next day.

Growing up she had had a feeling deep down that there was something different about her. Her cousins shunned her. They looked different and would not play with her. Now it did not bother her, she knew God loved her, but it’s harder for a child. Finally, on her seventeenth birthday, Rebekah's parents explained that she was adopted. This announcement was just the beginning of the dishevelment of her world.

Only a month later, the only parents she had known her entire life would be taken from her in a house fire. It was proved an accident, and it did not take the entire house, but it didn’t stop the ache in Rebekah’s heart.

With the money her parents left, she sought out to find her mother. One problem though. She was all alone in a huge town and didn't know how to get to the orphanage. She stepped inside the post office.

Surely someone in there knows how to get to Liberty, she thought.

"May I help you ma'am?" asked an elderly man standing behind a large wooden counter.

"Yes. I'm looking for Liberty Orphanage. Could you possibly give me directions?"

"I sure can ma'am"

"I'm headed out there now. I'd be happy to give you a ride."

Rebekah turned to face a handsome young man. Broad and tan, he looked as though he had spent his entire life working the family farm. His short brown hair had been lightened by long hours in the sun.

"If it is no bother."

"It's no problem, no problem at tall. I have business there. Come on, my wagon's out front. By the way my name is Brian Talley."

"I'm Rebekah Ann Sanchez."

The two walked outside. Right in front of the boardwalk was a farm wagon led by two beautiful, brown mares. Brian helped her unto the wagon then climbed up and sat beside her.

"I wouldn't have thought you were Spanish," Brian said once they were down the road a ways.

"I'm not, that I know of. My parents were, but I was adopted."

"Oh, so that's why you're headed to the orphanage."

"You're nosy aren't you?"

"I'm sorry."

"I was just joking. Yes, that is why I'm trying to get to the Liberty Orphanage; I'm trying to find mi madre."

"Your mother?"

"Yes. Sorry. I was raised bilingual, and I use the two together without realizing it."

A few minutes later they arrived in front of a large brick mansion. The lawn was an image of green velvet. There was a sign by the walk reading 'Liberty Orphanage Est. 1820'.

Brian led Rebekah through the large front door of solid oak. Directly inside was a set of stairs. To the right was an office, and to the left another door. There was also a hallway leading in three directions. Brian led her through the door on the right.

Bookshelves lined the walls. Notebooks filled the shelves recording every child ever under the care of the orphanage. A bright stream of afternoon light flowed through a window landing on a small, middle-aged lady with gray hair. A pair of half-moon spectacles rested atop her thin, pointy nose.

  

Jean Oakley had been the secretary at Liberty Orphanage for over twenty years. She had seen many children come and go, and her photographic memory allowed her to remember several faces of both children and parents.

Hearing the door open, Jean looked up from her swarm of paperwork to see Liberty's most beloved benefactor and a young lady. With beautiful, chestnut-brown curls, she looked very familiar to Jean. Where had she seen that frightened face before? It had to have been at least fifteen years ago.

"Hello, Brian. How have you been? The children really enjoyed your visit last week."

"I'm fine, thank you. Were James and Nelly placed?"

"Yes, they were. They are Dunns now and live on a dairy farm."

"That's wonderful. Jean, this is Rebekah Ann Sanchez. Miss Sanchez, this is Jean Oakley. If anyone can tell you who your mother is, Jean's the woman."

"You're too kind, Brian. Miss Sanchez, I would be happy to help you. When is your birthday?"

"March 23, 1840."

Jean walked to a bookshelf, picking out a large book with the title January April 1840. Quickly thumbing through the handwritten pages, Jean reached Rebekah Ann Williams. It all became clear. Miss Sanchez is a mirror image of her mother who gave up the baby seventeen years ago.

"Rebekah Ann Williams," she read. "Born to Bethany Ann Williams on March twenty-third, 1840. Father, unknown. Grandparents are Andrew and Beverly Williams. Arrived at Liberty Orphanage on April 30, 1840. Adopted by Antonio and Ana Sanchez on April 5, 1841."

  

Rebekah did not know what to do. She just stood there in shock. This is what she was looking for, her mother. Maybe now she can find where she belongs. Ever since Mamá and Papí died, she hadn't felt as if she belonged anywhere.

"Where is she from?" Rebekah asked, finally coming out of her daze.

"It says here that Bethany is a resident of Alta Vista, Virginia. What's this?" Jean asked examining a letter behind the page. "This is addressed to you, Miss Sanchez."

With trembling hands Rebekah unfolded it and began to read. Tears filled her eyes as she realized it was from her mother.

My precious Rebekah Ann,

Please do not hate me for giving you up for adoption. I didn't want to. I truly didn't, but I am only fourteen, unmarried, and in no way fit to provide for you. I love you Rebekah Ann. I love you so much. Please remember that.

Your mother,

Bethany Williams

  

Growing up in a large, loving, Christian family with both a mother and a father, it was hard for Brian to understand what this beautiful, young lady was going through. He didn't know the pain of not knowing his real parents or feeling alone in the world. Even when his father passed away five years ago, right after his eighteenth birthday, it didn't leave him with as much sadness as he now felt for Rebekah.

His heart swelled for this beauty with a heart-shaped birthmark on the side of her neck. Her long chestnut brown hair was pulled back in a leather strap, but wisps had fallen around her face and were now plastered with tears. He put his arms around her trembling body. Through the corner of his eye he saw Jean slip out. On the desk she left a note for Rebekah.

Oh how Rebekah fit so perfectly in his arms. He just wanted to hold her and never let go. Her hair smelled of sweet honeysuckle. Brian felt as though he could stay like this forever.

Brian! Stop this. She needs a friend, someone to listen to her and be there for her, not some love-sick, puppy dog, he thought to himself.

Brian waited until Rebekah stopped crying. As she wiped her eyes, Brian walked over to the desk, picking up the note. Extending it out to Rebekah, he said, "Jean wrote this before leaving the room.

In the note Jean had written:

Bethany Ann Williams of Alta Vista, Virginia would be thirty-three. She looks much like you. God be with you.

"I've got to get some things out of the wagon. Would you be all right for a minute?"

"I'll come with you," Rebekah replied placing both notes in her pocket.

Together they carried baskets of fruits and vegetables to the kitchen then headed back to town.

"Where are you staying at?"

"The Madison Hotel."

"It's getting late. Would you care to join me for supper, Miss Sanchez?"

"That is very kind of you Mr. Talley. I would love to.”

  

After the savory meal provided by the hotel cook, Brian and Rebekah conversed over a cup of coffee.

"So what do you do?" Rebekah inquired.

"My brother, Jack, and I work the Talley farm. We give a lot of our food to the orphanage."

"Do you go there often?"

"Very. Whenever Jack will let me get away. I love working with the children. What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Anything, everything. Where are you from? What do you do?"

"I'm from Bedford, Virginia. I've lived there ever since I was adopted. Both of my parents were Spanish immigrants and traveled over as children. I was raised speaking both English and Spanish. I prefer Spanish, but I have to use English most often. Me encantaría ir a España para un viaje. I would love to go to Spain for a while. My parents were from financially well-off families. My father was the bank owner, but I'm not a spoiled brat. They refused to hire any servants, and we grew a lot of our own food. I graduated top of my class just this past May. Is that what you wanted to know?"

"It was. Thank you. Is there anything else you want to ask me about?"

"Do you know of a good church I can attend tomorrow?"

"I'm a member of Thatcher Rd. Baptist Church. Pastor Brown is a wonderful preacher. I can come by after breakfast to give you a ride."

"Thank you, Mr. Talley."

"Please call me Brian, Miss Sanchez."

"Only if you will stop calling me Señorita Sanchez."

"What do you want me to call you?"

"I've been called Rebekah, Rebekah Ann, and even Bekah. You choose."

"Okay then. I choose Miss Rebekah."

"Buenas noches, Brian," Rebekah said shaking her head in defeat. She then stood up to head for her room.

"Good night, Rebekah. I'll see you in the morning." Good night my darling, sleep tight. Brian rode home with his head in the clouds.

  

The next morning Rebekah awoke with a start. Since the death of her parents, most nights were spent in large rooms full of people. Sometimes it was a ballroom, or a train station, and other times a school orientation. No matter the situation, Rebekah Ann knew not a single person. She would push through the crowds searching for a familiar face only to receive disgruntled looks of hatred. Searching for love; but none came; loneliness filled her heart. Where did she belong? Didn't anyone love her?

However, this time the dream ended differently. Just when she thought all was lost, she heard someone call her name. She twirled around to see Brian standing there with his arms open wide.

Now Rebekah walked to the window. Reflecting over the past day she stared down at the empty street. The sun was just peeking over the horizon and few people were in the street.

Lord, I just met Brian. Surely I can't be in love with him. I don't believe in love at first sight. Brian is so kind, but I want to find mi madre primero. Then I can try to find the husband you have for me. Ayúdame, Lord, to find my mother. Give me the strength to continue on. Guide me to her, Father. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

With a clear mind, Bekah got ready and went down for breakfast.