A REVELATION in AUTUMN

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Susan bobbed her head in agreement. “How’d Eddie’s therapy session go yesterday?” she asked.

  “Real well. He’s gained back most of his mobility, but as you know, none of his memory has returned. I hate to say this, but maybe it never will.”

  Susan sighed, remembering how last night after supper she and Eddie had taken a walk to a nearby park. They’d visited, laughed, and strolled hand in hand. Susan felt like a teenage girl when Eddie pushed her on one of the swings. She was beginning to form a strong attachment to him and thought he might be starting to care for her, too. But nothing could come of it unless he regained his memory. He might be married, and until she knew for sure that he was single, she couldn’t allow herself to fantasize too much about having a permanent relationship with Eddie.

  “Say, I have an idea,” Anne said, nudging Susan’s arm.

  “What’s that?”

  “Why don’t the two of us take Eddie on a little outing to see the hot air balloons in Paoli?” Anne suggested.

  Susan shook her head. “It’s too warm out for that. Besides, we won’t have the same days off until the first week of September.”

  “That’s okay. I was thinking early September. It’ll be better if we go when the weather’s a bit cooler.”

  Susan considered the proposal then said, “I think that might be a good idea. It’ll be fun for all three of us.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Bird-in-Hand

  Harebscht is definitely upon us,” Jonah said, blowing warmth into his hands as he and his dad worked together in the buggy shop on the first Saturday of September. “Can’t ya just feel the chill in the air?”

  “Jah, fall is one of my favorite times of year, and the heat from the woodstove sure makes The shop feel good this morning,” Dad said, reaching for a safety triangle to apply to the back of the Amish buggy they’d just repaired. The rig had been in an accident a few weeks ago, but they’d made it look good as new. Fortunately, the Amish family who’d been in the buggy when it had been hit by a car hadn’t been seriously hurt. Many Amish involved in buggy accidents weren’t so lucky.

  Jonah was happy to be working with his dad again—especially since they were a bit behind. He’d only been able to help in the shop a little during the time his ankle had been broken. It wasn’t fun being laid up, but they were catching up with things now. Last week, he’d been able to begin work on an antique carriage for an Englishman who lived in the area, and that task had been keeping him busy as well. The only downside was that he hadn’t been able to spend as much time with Meredith and the baby lately. He’d seen them at church last Sunday, though, and noticed that little Levi was growing like a weed. It was hard to believe he was two months old already.

  When Jonah had stopped to see Meredith a few weeks ago, the baby, while lying in Meredith’s arms, had actually looked up at him and smiled. Jonah’s heart had melted when the little guy did that, and he knew it would be hard to hide the mounting attachment he felt each time he saw Meredith and Levi. There was no stopping the images in his mind of Meredith and her son becoming a part of his family one day. Those thoughts were close to the surface almost every waking hour, not to mention the recurring dream that had recently filled his nights with hopes of the future.

  Levi’s going to need a daed, Jonah thought. And Meredith needs a husband to love, nurture, and take care of her. I don’t know how much longer I can wait before expressing my feelings to her.

  Darby

  Eddie woke to the fresh smell of coffee and bacon. As he hurried to get dressed, he grinned, thinking if he stayed with the Baileys too much longer, he’d probably gain weight from Norma’s good cooking.

  That’s okay, though, he thought, patting his flat stomach. It probably wouldn’t hurt for me to put on a few extra pounds. As he bent his arm and made a fist, Eddie decided that he liked the larger muscles he’d recently noticed. It was wonderful to be healing and feeling better every day. Likewise, it was satisfying for Eddie to have a routine, even though things weren’t altogether perfect. Until he regained his memory, he would enjoy each day as it came. This feeling of contentment was something new for him. Or maybe he’d never experienced it before.

  He yawned and stretched his arms over his head, already missing the comfort of his warm bed. If not for the aroma of breakfast pulling him from his slumber, he’d probably still be cuddled down under the cozy blankets. He’d slept so soundly last night that the chirping of birds outside his bedroom window hadn’t wakened him like it usually did.

  Guess I needed the extra sleep, he thought, ’cause today’s gonna be an exciting day. Susan would be taking him to see the hot air balloons in Paoli. Anne was supposed to go along, but she’d come down with a bad cold and thought it would be best if she stayed home and rested. Henry and Norma had been invited to go, too, but they had a church bazaar to attend. So it would just be Eddie and Susan, but that was okay with him. Susan was a lot of fun to be with, and he looked forward to spending the day together, just the two of them. It was good to feel so lighthearted and full of anticipation. He was having more and more of those kinds of days lately, and he liked it.

  Halting his thoughts, Eddie pulled open the curtains to let the morning sunlight in. The room immediately transformed, draped in the day’s golden warmth, not just from the sun but also from the trees right outside the window. the autumn brilliance from their yellow leaves made his bedroom glow. Before too long, the trees would be bare, and he’d be raking up the leaves. But he looked forward to that. He enjoyed doing anything in the fresh air.

  I wonder if I liked being outside before I lost my memory. Did I have a job working outdoors, or was I just a bum living on the streets?

  Eddie hated the fact that he still had no memory of his past, and each day that came and went without a glimmer of his memory returning made him feel more discouraged that it might never return. If not for the warm welcome he’d received from the Baileys, he’d probably have fallen victim to depression.

  Eddie’s stomach growled, interrupting his thoughts. He needed to get some breakfast, and soon after that, he and Susan would head out for the day. He’d probably have so much fun he wouldn’t even think about his memory loss.

  Bird-in-Hand

  “Are you ready for a little outing?” Meredith leaned over Levi’s crib, wrapped a blanket around his squirming body, and picked him up. “We’re going to see some animals at the zoo, precious baby.”

  Levi nuzzled her neck while she gently patted his back. He was such a good baby and a comfort to her, as well. Meredith knew it would be difficult to raise him alone, but she was determined to do it. She’d been managing financially so far, but real estate taxes would be due next spring, and that worried her. She was making enough money selling head coverings to pay for food and their basic expenses, but she wasn’t sure how she could put enough extra in the bank to pay taxes.

  As much as Meredith dreaded doing it, she might have to rent the house out and move in with her folks. Selling the place would be her last resort, because if she did that, she’d have no place to come back to if she found a way to make more money. Meredith didn’t want to look for work outside the home until Levi had been weaned, so renting out the house might be her only option if things got any worse.

  A horn honked outside, interrupting Meredith’s thoughts. Dorine and her driver were there, so it was time to head for the zoo.

  Meredith grabbed her lightweight jacket along with Levi’s diaper bag and headed out the door.

  “Are you ready for a fun day?” Dorine asked as Meredith climbed into Marsha Hubert’s van.

  Meredith nodded. “I don’t think Levi will get much out of it, but I’m sure looking forward to this time we can be together.”

  Dorine gestured to Merle and Cathy. “My two kinner are excited about seeing the animals at the zoo, and I’m also looking forward to watching the hot air balloons in Paoli.”

  “You’re not planning to take a ride in one of them are you?” Meredith que
stioned.

  Dorine shook her head vigorously. “Ach, no! I just want to watch awhile, and then we can be on our way to the zoo.”

  “I’ve been to these hot air balloon displays before,” Marsha told them. “Some of the rides you can take float you from one place to a totally new location. But if you just want to experience what it’s like to go up in one, then I recommend taking a tethered ride.”

  “What’s that?” Meredith and Dorine asked in unison.

  “It’s a ride that takes you up high in the balloon, but you don’t really go anywhere. There’s a rope that’s tied from the ground up to the balloon, securing it in place,” their driver explained. “I can tell you from personal experience that the view up there is breathtaking.”

  “That sounds exciting, but I think I’ll just observe,” Dorine said. “I’d be too scared to go way up there.”

  “I agree. All I want to do is watch.” Meredith buckled Levi into a car seat then settled back for the one-hour drive.

  Paoli, Pennsylvania

  “Would ya just look at all those colorful balloons?” Eddie pointed upward with the exuberant look of a child opening gifts on Christmas morning.

  Susan smiled. “Would you like to take a ride in one of them?”

  Eddie’s turquoise eyes widened. “Would that be possible? I think it’d be expensive.”

  “We can buy a ticket for one of the tethered rides. Those don’t cost as much.”

  “But I don’t have any money,” he said.

  “I’ll buy your ticket. And then I’ll take your picture when you go up in the balloon.”

  “I can’t let you do that.”

  “Why not?”

  “I wouldn’t feel right about you paying, but if you’re gonna buy a ticket, then you should be the one takin’ the balloon ride.”

  Susan shook her head. “Not me. I’m keeping both of my feet planted firmly on the ground.”

  “Then I won’t go either.” Eddie tipped his head and stared up at the balloons. “I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to fly. Least, I think I have. I can’t remember actually saying that, but way down deep inside I feel like I have.”

  Susan touched his arm. “Then I insist that you take a balloon ride. It might spark some special memory for you.”

  “You really think so?”

  “It’s worth a try, don’t you think?”

  He bobbed his head, grinning from ear to ear. “You’re a nice person, Susan, and I’ll always be grateful for everything you’ve done to help me.” He reached for her hand and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze.

  Heat flooded Susan’s cheeks. It was great being with Eddie like this—away from the hospital and away from the house for a few hours. It was almost like they were on a date—just the two of them having fun and getting to know each other better.

  “Guck emol dutt! Have you ever seen so many balloons all in one place?” Dorine asked when they stepped out of the van in Paoli.

  Meredith shielded her eyes from the glare of the morning sun. “I am looking at that, and I see so many beautiful colors it’s hard to believe!” Some of the balloons were checkered with bright yellows and reds. Others were solid, brilliant colors. But seeing them all together made it look like a rainbow of shades.

  Dorine laughed as she motioned to her children, who were busy pointing and giggling. “Cathy and Merle seem to like them, too.”

  “I’ll bet they’d like to take a ride.”

  “Maybe someday,” Dorine said, “but right now they’re too little for something like that.”

  “I have no desire to soar up in the air like a bird.” A lump formed in Meredith’s throat. “But I remember how Luke said many times that he wished he could fly.”

  It seemed like only yesterday that Luke had grinned and pointed skyward when a plane flew over. Meredith had always smiled at his boyish reaction. Luke had also gotten excited during geese migration. He’d mentioned many times that he wondered what it would be like to fly with those birds, as they’d watched them depart every autumn in their V-formation, heading south for the winter. Meredith, enjoying springtime like she did, became excited as she heard the distant honking, signaling the geese’s return. But she had no desire to be up there flying with them.

  Dorine slipped her arm around Meredith’s waist, bringing her back to the present. “You still miss him something awful, don’t you?”

  Meredith nodded as she stroked the top of Levi’s head. “But I’m thankful for this little guy who reminds me so much of his daadi.”

  Dorine smiled. “He definitely has his daddy’s white-blond hair, but he gets his pale blue eyes from you, Meredith.”

  Meredith was about to respond, when a young woman with straight dark hair walked up to them. “Didn’t I meet you at the Bird-in-Hand Farmers’ Market in the spring?” she asked, smiling at Meredith.

  Meredith tipped her head and studied the woman. “I–I’m not sure. My sister sells her homemade faceless dolls there. Could you have met her?”

  “Is her name Laurie King?” the woman asked.

  Meredith nodded. “So you’ve met her?”

  “Yes. I bought one of her dolls, and while we were talking, you and an older woman came by the stand. I was with my sister, and we spoke to you for a few minutes.”

  Meredith smiled. “Oh, yes, now I remember. You were asking some questions about our Amish way of life.”

  “That’s right.” The young woman extended her hand. “My name’s Susan Bailey.”

  “I’m Meredith, and this is my son, Levi.” Meredith kissed the top of the baby’s head.

  “He’s a beautiful boy.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll bet he’s the apple of his daddy’s eye.”

  Meredith blinked to keep tears from spilling over. “My husband passed away in January.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Susan said sincerely. Then she glanced up and said, “Are you here to take a balloon ride?”

  “Oh, no,” Meredith was quick to say. “My friend Dorine and I are taking our children to the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown today, and we decided to stop by on our way to see all the colorful hot air balloons.”

  “I’m with a friend today, too.” Susan pointed to a red-and-blue balloon that was tethered to the ground and had just lifted off. “See that young man wearing the red ball cap and sunglasses, leaning over the edge of the basket, waving to everyone?”

  “I—I think so,” Meredith said. “But the balloon’s getting higher, and it’s hard to see the people inside.”

  “Well, my friend Eddie is taking what I believe is his first hot air balloon ride.” Susan smiled and snapped a picture with the camera she held. “I’m pretty sure he’s having a wonderful time.”

  Meredith stood watching the balloon lift higher and saw Susan’s friend waving to the people on the ground. She could only imagine what it must feel like to be up there so high. That man sure looked like he was having fun. For a split second, she thought about taking a ride, too. After all, that particular balloon was somewhat stationary, being tethered safely to the ground. From up there, it would surely give a beautiful view of Lancaster County. But the baby started to cry, so she dismissed her thoughts.

  “I think Levi is hungry, so we’d better go,” Meredith whispered to Dorine.

  “That’s fine with me, if you’re sure you’ve seen enough,” her friend replied.

  “Yes, I believe so.” Meredith turned to Susan and said, “It was nice seeing you again. I hope you and your friend will enjoy the rest of your day.”

  “You, too,” Susan said, before taking another picture of her friend in the balloon. She certainly seemed excited about seeing him up there.

  Meredith turned and followed Dorine back to the van, where their driver sat slurping on the last of the milk shake she’d bought from a nearby vendor. Meredith looked back one last time and giggled when the man in the balloon, slowly drifting to its highest point, waved again. She realized he’d been waving to ev
eryone, and he probably wasn’t even looking at her, but she waved back anyway. She wished she could stay and watch the balloons a few more minutes, but Levi, who’d started crying even louder, couldn’t wait any longer to eat. Besides, they really needed to be on their way to the zoo.

  Eddie leaned over the edge of the basket, grinning like a child. He couldn’t believe how high he was. It felt like he could see for miles and miles. The countryside was so beautiful, and the trees were awesome in their autumn glory. If Norma had come, she’d probably say that God had painted this perfect picture.

  Looking out over the vibrant reds, blazing oranges, and sensational yellows that stood in contrast to the green grass and wheat-colored fields made it look as if a colorful quilt were blanketing the earth.

  When the tether got to its highest point, the balloon just floated where it stopped. It seemed to Eddie as if everything else had disappeared. He could hear the other people who’d ridden up with him in the basket talking, but it was like hearing voices that were far away. At this very moment, up there in the bird’s atmosphere, he felt free.

  Eddie inhaled deeply. The air felt so pure; it smelled like the wind. He felt alive and at the same time incredibly grateful that he’d had the opportunity to take this ride. This seemed like a dream come true, only he couldn’t remember ever wanting to do it before.

  He closed his eyes briefly, thanking God for this special day, which he knew he’d remember for a long time to come.

  “So what do you think, son?” the middle-aged balloon pilot asked, clasping Eddie’s shoulder.

  “I—I think it’s great being up here so high.” Eddie looked down. He could see several cars and trucks on the roads below, winding through all that color. “Everything seems so small from way up here,” he murmured. “It’s pretty amazing.”

  “You’re right about that.” The pilot pointed to the ground. “Everyone down there looks like tiny specks.”

  Eddie nodded. The people reminded him of the little ants he’d seen scurrying back and forth across the Baileys’ porch steps.