Chapter 19 Goodbye Until We Meet Again Is it really you, dear child?
Grandmama said as she approached the hut.
Your cheeks have grown round and rosy.
Can that be you, Clara?
Grandmama nearly ran toward the two girls sitting on the bench.
Why aren't you in your chair, Clara?
You could fall from that.
Heidi and Clara looked at each other and then got up from the bench.
The two children began walking toward the surprised woman.
Clara, my Clara, you are walking.
Laughing and crying, Grandmama ran to the girls, hugging first Clara and then Heidi.
All at once, she caught sight of Grandfather standing by the seat.
She ran to him and gave the dear old man a hug.
How much I have to thank you for.
This is all your doing.
It happened because of your care.
And God's good son and mountain heir.
He added, smiling.
Clara explained how Grandfather had worked with her through the past weeks.
She also described how Heidi had spent every minute of her day finding things for them to do.
Clara was having the most wonderful time of her life.
Grandmama couldn't believe the changes that had taken place.
They were still talking about them when they saw a figure coming up the hill.
It wasn't until he got closer that Clara realized who it was.
"'Papa!' she shouted, totally surprised to see him.
Mr. Sessemon stopped suddenly, staring at the two children before him.
All at once, his eyes filled with tears.
What memories arose in his heart.
In his Clara's face, he could see the woman he had married.
Clara had always been too thin, but now she was healthy and looked just like her mother.
Mr. Sessemon didn't know if he was awake or dreaming.
You know me, Papa, Clara called to him.
She was bursting with happiness.
Am I so changed since you last saw me?
Mr. Sessemon ran to his child and clasped her in his arms.
Yes, you are indeed changed.
How is it possible?
Is it true what I see?
The delighted father stepped back to look at her again.
He hoped that the sight of her wouldn't disappear before his eyes.
Are you my little Clara?
Really, my little Clara, he kept saying.
Grandmama came up now, anxious to see her son.
You have given us quite a surprise in coming here, but I think we have given you a better one.
Mr Sessomon told them that he had gone home, only to find that his mother and Clara had left for their visit to the mountain.
He thought that it would be a wonderful idea to join them.
He had met Peter along the way, and the boy had brought him up the mountain.
How glad he was to be there!
This was one of the best days of his life!
His little girl was actually walking!'
The rest of the afternoon brought much happiness for everyone.
Clara and her family wanted to show their thanks for all the kindness they had received.
Peter, you have shared your Heidi with us long enough, Grandmama said.
Peter had felt ashamed earlier and told Grandfather and Grandmama about the chair when he explained how lonely he had been, they had forgiven him right away.
After all, this miracle never would have happened had Clara still had her chair.
You need something pleasant to remember us by, Grandmama said to the boy.
I know we will give you money to spend each week.
For the rest of my life, the boy asked quickly.
Yes, for the rest of your life, Grandmama answered.
Mr. Sessemon nodded in agreement and shook the boy's hand.
Peter ran off leaping and jumping for joy.
Dear friend, Mr Sessemon, said to Grandfather you have given us a gift far greater than we can ever repay.
Surely there must be something we can do for you.
Grandfather thought for a moment.
I am growing old, he began.
I shall not be here much longer.
I need to know that my Heidi will be cared for after I am gone should not even be a worry.
My friend Mr Sessomon answered.
I will look upon the child as my own.
We will never allow her to be left in anyone else's care.
Grandfather smiled his thanks.
And what about you, Heidi?
Is there anything you wish for?
Grandmama asked.
Heidi thought for a long time before she answered.
"'Yes,' she said firmly.
"'I want to have my bed from Frankfurt sent to Grandmother.
That way she won't have to lie with her head downhill and she will be warm enough on even the coldest night'.
"'How good of you to think of others,' Grandmama said with a hug.
"'Of course we can do that, and I shall like to meet this wonderful Grandmother.'
The visit to Grandmother brought more joy to the old woman than Heidi had ever thought possible.
Just knowing that her Heidi would not be leaving her again was wonderful enough, but to know that she had friends who truly cared about her warmed her heart to no end.
The next morning Clara had to say goodbye to the beautiful mountain, but the summer would come again and by then Clara would be walking better than ever.
Her next visit to the mountain would be even more wonderful.
Heidi ran to the far edge of the slope and waved her hand to Clara until the last glimpse of the girl disappeared.
The bed arrived from Frankfurt a few days later.
For the first time in many years, Grandmother had a sound night of sleep.
She continued to sleep on the bed and grew stronger with each passing day.
Peter and Heidi sat by grandmother's side and told her tales from the summer.
They also described the beauty of the mountainside in the spring, for there is no better place on earth to be.
The doctor came back to town, this time to stay.
He fixed up an old house in Dorfli and lived there with Heidi and grandfather.
The house even had a warm stall out back for the two goats to pass the winter months in comfort.
As for the little girl who was brought to the mountain all those years ago, she vowed never to leave its splendor, for Heidi had all the happiness she needed right there on the mountain.
Grandfather had given her more than a home when he took her in.
He had given her a life. filled with love, warmth, and care.
It was now her pleasure to share these things with others for, as she knew deep down in her heart, everything always works out in the end.
