"It will probably be dry enough to start planting by the end of the week," Pa said.  

It was the first time in over a week that Freddy had seen his father smile.  

"I'll help with the milking," said Ma.   "We'll get it done quicker if we both do it."  

Freddy was tired when he fell into bed that night.   Ma came to tuck him in.   As she bent to kiss him goodnight, Freddy whispered.  

"I prayed God would make the rain stop and it did.   God answered my prayer, Ma."  

"He always does, Buddy.   Sometimes it's not always the answer we want, sometimes it takes a while, but God knows best and He always hears our prayers."  

Ma walked to his bedroom door and turned off the light.   "Sleep tight, Freddy."  

Freddy rolled onto his left side.   He thought about every fun thing he had done that day.   He was getting bigger every day.   Someday...soon, he'd be big enough to help Pa with all the chores.  

Freddy loved the farm.  

He remembered a time when Pa talked to him about the farm.   "My grandpa gave this land to my Pa and my Pa gave it to me and someday...I'll pass it on to you. The land is important Son, take good care of it."  

On that day, Freddy had answered his Pa, "I promise I will take good care of the land, Pa."  

"I promise, God," whispered Freddy as his eyes closed in sleep.