His Amish Teacher

by Patricia Davids

  “I mentioned my family has Amish ancestors. I’m sure you know CCH is one of the more common types of dwarfism among the Amish. I wish Brandon could meet Amanda. He loves children, especially little-people children. He and his wife have adopted two children with dwarfism. He’s a professor of agriculture at Ohio Central University. I know that sounds like a stuffy job, but he’s not a bit stuffy.”

  Her father spoke quietly in Pennsylvania Dutch. “I’m going into town. Your mother said you needed something.”

  “Ja, I have two library books that are due back today. Can you drop them off for me?” It would save her a long walk this evening. Bless her mother for thinking of it.

  “Fetch them quickly.”

  She put Amanda down, hurried to her desk and returned with both volumes. “Danki.”

  He scanned the titles and frowned. “Are these proper reading for an Amish woman?”

  Lillian was glad he’d kept the conversation in Pennsylvania Deitsch. It stung that he didn’t trust her judgment, but as a minister of the church, he had to make sure his family obeyed the Ordnung, the rules of the church. The books were teaching guides for elementary science, a subject she struggled to understand and teach. “They were recommended to me at the last teachers’ conference I attended. What’s wrong, Daed?”

  He tucked the books under his arm. “I received a letter today from my sister in Wisconsin. My onkel Albert is gravely ill and wishes to see me. We are leaving tonight. I must speak with the bishop and let him know I won’t be preaching with him on Sunday.”

  “I’m so sorry. Is Amanda going with you?”

  “Nee, your mother and I think it best she stay at home with you and Jeremiah. Can she spend the rest of the afternoon with you today?”

  Lillian winked at Amanda. “She isn’t old enough to start school.”

  “If it is a problem, she can come with me to the bishop’s home,” he said.

  Amanda’s eyes widened, and she shook her head. The bishop was a kindly man, but his stern countenance and booming voice had frightened the child once and she remained leery of him.

  Planting her hands on her hips, Lillian pretended to consider the situation, then finally nodded and smiled. “Ja, she can stay with me.”

  After her father left, Debra took a tentative step closer. “Is something wrong?”

  Realizing Debra hadn’t understood their exchange, Lillian explained. “My father has been called to his uncle’s deathbed in Wisconsin. He and my mother must make arrangements to travel there as soon as possible.”

  “They can’t go that far by horse and buggy, can they?”

  “They will hire a driver to take them. We are not allowed to own cars, but we are not forbidden to ride in them. Many local people earn extra money by driving their Amish neighbors when there is a need.”

  “I see. I’m sorry your father’s uncle is so ill.” Debra laid a hand on Lillian’s shoulder. Lillian was surprised by the sincere sympathy in her eyes.

  “He has lived a long full life.” Lillian recalled with fondness her great-uncle’s gnarled hands and his toothless grin. He kept a tall glass jar by his chair and he always had a licorice twist to share with her and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was sad to think of his passing, but she knew he was ready to go home.

  Debra stepped back. “I should get to work. Will the children have trouble understanding me? I know you speak a different language.”

  “Only the youngest will have trouble. Start with the upper grades today. They have all had eye exams before.”

  Lillian settled Amanda on a seat by her desk and gave her several picture books to look at while she finished grading the spelling tests from the day before. Debra was only halfway through the eye exams when it was time to dismiss for the day.

  Lillian looked out over the classroom. “Put your books away and quietly get your coats.”

  Abe and Gabriel rushed to the cloakroom and then dashed out the door before she could stop them. She couldn’t very well chase after them. She would have to deal with their disrespectful attitude tomorrow. This couldn’t continue.

  She walked to the door and held it open. “Children, you are dismissed.”

  The rest of the children filed outside in an orderly manner that lasted only until they reached the final step on the porch. After that, they bolted like young colts being let out to pasture. Childish laughter and shouts filled the air as they said goodbye to each other and to her. For Lillian, there was always a sense of relief followed by a small letdown when they were gone from her sight. They were hers for seven hours each day, but none of them belonged to her.

  Thankfully, she had Amanda. Her baby sister was as close as Lillian would ever come to having a child of her own. She looked toward her desk and saw Amanda was sharing her picture book with Debra.

  “What is this?” Debra asked, pointing to the page. She had taken a seat on the floor by the child’s chair.

  Amanda said, “Dess ist ein gaul.”

  “Gaul. That must mean horse. Am I right?” Debra looked to Lillian for confirmation. She nodded.

  “And this?” Debra pointed to the page again.

  “Hund.”

  “So dog is hund.”

  Amanda grinned and turned the page. She pointed and said, “Hohna.”

  “Chicken is hohna.” Debra giggled as she stumbled over the unfamiliar word.

  “Hohna means rooster.” Lillian sat in her chair and scooted closer to Amanda so she could see the pictures, too.

  Amanda pointed to the drawing of a hen sitting on a nest of straw. “Glukk.”

  “That has got to mean chicken.” Debra glanced at Lillian.

  “Not exactly. It means a sitting hen, one who lays eggs.”

  “Goot, glukk, hohna, hund, gaul. Good, sitting hen, rooster, dog, horse. I’ve learned a pocketful of new words today. Thank you, Amanda. I shall thoroughly impress Mr. Bowman with my new vocabulary when I see him tomorrow.”

  Lillian’s smile faded. She spoke quietly in Deitsch to her sister. “Put your things away. You may go outside and play on the swings until I’m ready to go home.”

  The child got up without further prompting. She put her colors and book away, and headed out the door.

  “She’s very sweet,” Debra said.

  “She is a great blessing to me and to my entire family.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say that. Children with special needs aren’t always seen as a blessing.” Debra’s tone held a touch of bitterness that surprised Lillian.

  “The Amish believe handicapped children are extraordinary gifts from God. A family with such a child faces difficulties, yes, but they know God has smiled upon them in a very special way.”

  “I wish my family held such a belief. My father saw my brother as a burden and wondered what he had done wrong to be cursed with a deformed son.”

  “I’m sorry for your father. I pray he comes to see the error in his way of thinking.”

  “He passed away a few years ago. I think in the end he came to accept Brandon as a gift, but growing up, my brother faced prejudices from inside and outside of our home. I’m amazed he has turned out as normal and happy as he seems to be.”

  “We have a proverb about our children. The more a child is valued, the better his values will be.”

  “You are making me sorry my great-great-grandfather left the Amish. May I ask you something personal?”

  Lillian thought their conversation was already personal, but she nodded.

  “I had the feeling that you were upset after my arrival today. Did I do something wrong? I don’t want to alienate you or others in this community. If I did do something unacceptable, please tell me. I won’t be offended. I plan to begin teaching adult education classes in this area on health and food safety later this fa
ll, and I know I need to learn more about your Amish ways if I’m to be effective.”

  Lillian looked down at her hands. “I was upset, and I beg your forgiveness for that. It wasn’t your behavior, so much as the behavior of Timothy Bowman that upset me.”

  “His behavior? I found him incredibly friendly and very sweet. What did he do that upset you? He’s a bit of a flirt, but that’s harmless. Oh, unless you two are dating or something? That would put a totally different spin on it.”

  “Timothy and I are simply friends,” she said quickly. Maybe too quickly. A hint of speculation widened Debra’s eyes.

  “He’s a nice-looking fellow. Is he married?”

  “Timothy is single.”

  “I notice you aren’t wearing a wedding band. I take it you’re single, too?”

  “Amish women do not wear jewelry, even wedding rings, but I am single and I shall remain so. If I were to marry I would have to give up teaching.”

  “Really? That’s very old-fashioned.”

  “We are an old-fashioned people. Becoming a wife and a mother is a sacred duty that must come before all else. Very few married Amish women work outside the home.”

  As an outsider, Lillian wasn’t sure Debra would understand, but if she was going to be working in their community, she had to become informed about what was and was not acceptable. “You may have seen Timothy’s behavior as harmless, but our church would take a very different view. We are to be meek before God and man, never drawing attention to ourselves or putting ourselves above others. We call it demut, humbleness.”

  “I think I see. I wouldn’t consider Timothy’s behavior humble, but it wasn’t offensive.”

  “Timothy has a sweet nature, but his outgoing personality draws attention and that is frowned upon.”

  “I was told the Amish were cold and unwelcoming. I’m happy to say I have not found that to be true. Thank you for explaining this to me. I’ll ignore Timothy’s winsome ways and practice being modest and humble.” Debra leaned toward Lillian and grinned. “I’m afraid that will be a hard task for me to master.”

  Lillian decided she liked this outsider. “We have another proverb that may help. You can tell when you’re on the right track because it’s usually uphill.”

  * * *

  “Care to share with us, bruder Timothy?”

  Timothy looked up from contemplating the coffee in his white mug to find his brother Luke staring at him. He glanced around and found his little brother Noah, his mother and his father all staring at him as if waiting for him to speak. He had no idea what they had been discussing. Lillian’s accusation had been the only thing on his mind since he left the school yesterday afternoon. Why had she accused him of flirting with the English lady? Her lack of trust chafed at his mind.

  Knowing only she could answer his questions, he forced his attention back to his family. “I’m sorry. What were you talking about?”

  Luke chuckled. “Who put a knot in your tail?”

  Timothy knew better than to ignore Luke’s teasing. It would only get worse if he did. “No one has put a knot in my tail. I was thinking about my fire safety class and how I could improve things.” It wasn’t the whole truth, but he hoped it would satisfy his sharp-eyed brother.

  “I asked you how it went.” His mother refilled his coffee cup from the pot sitting on a hot pad near her elbow and offered him the last cinnamon roll in the pan. Ana Bowman was happiest when she was feeding someone. He was surprised that they weren’t all as plump as bullfrogs.

  He nodded his thanks for the refill but passed on the roll. “I think it went well. For the most part, the children paid close attention. They sure are a bright bunch. No wonder Lillian enjoys teaching them.”

  Ana put the pan aside. “You impressed Hannah. She told me all about it when she came home yesterday. I’m dying to know who Lillian’s boyfriend is. Do you know?”

  Timothy cringed. He would be in hot water with Lillian now for sure. “She isn’t seeing anyone. I made up a story about her having a boyfriend to show how she might become distracted, and...never mind. I can’t believe Hannah repeated that. Lillian doesn’t have a beau.”

  “Told you she didn’t.” Luke stuffed his last bite of cinnamon roll in his mouth and reached for the pan. “If Lillian was seeing someone, Emma would know.”

  “But would Emma tell you?” Mamm asked.

  Their father pushed away from the table. “If we are done gossiping about our neighbors, perhaps we can get some work done today.”

  His sons heeded the annoyance in his tone and quickly finished their coffee. They followed him out the door and across the graveled yard to the woodworking shop. The sun was just peeking over the horizon. It promised to be another warm day. One of the horses whinnied at them from the corral. The cattle and horses in the big red barn had been fed well before the men sat down to breakfast.

  In the large workshop, they were joined by several other carpenters. Timothy’s oldest brother, Samuel, moved to stand beside their father with a clipboard in his hand. Everyone gathered around him awaiting instructions for the day.

  Samuel flipped through the sheets of paper on his board. “We’ve received a new order for sixteen beds with carved headboards and footboards.”

  “Must be an order from an Amish family if they need sixteen beds,” Noah said under his breath to Luke and Timothy.

  Timothy choked on a laugh. Luke nudged their little brother with his elbow. “The Amish aren’t the only ones with big families.”

  Noah elbowed him back. “Tell that to Mamm. She expects us to give her a dozen grandchildren each. Or more.”

  A grin twitched at the corner of Samuel’s mouth. “I’m doing my part.”

  He and his wife had welcomed a baby boy in May to the delight of everyone, especially Ana Bowman.

  “This order comes from an inn being built in upstate New York,” Daed said, clearly struggling to keep from laughing. They all knew Noah spoke the truth.

  Timothy thought of his conversation with Lillian about children. He did want a big family. He wanted a devout wife to be his helpmate, to share his burdens and his joys. A woman who was bright and quick-thinking. Someone who loved bringing out the best in others the way Lillian did. While there were a few nice women he could date, none of them ignited the spark he expected to feel when the right woman came along.

  “We are blessed to have the quality of our work recognized by someone so far away.” Samuel pointed to Timothy. “You and Luke select the wood to be used. They want oak and walnut with pine as a secondary wood. You know the kind of lumber we need.”

  “Straight with no knots in it.” Timothy was already thinking of the boards that were stacked beneath tarps behind the shop. The last delivery of locally cut walnut had been above average quality.

  Samuel nodded. “Exactly. Joshua and Noah, I want you to work on creating sixteen different but coordinated designs for the headboards. Each one has to represent an animal native to the northern woods. We have a list. Deer, moose, bobcat, bear, ducks, geese, raccoon, you get the idea.” He handed the paper to Joshua.

  “How about a skunk?” Noah suggested.

  Samuel shook his head. “Are you ever serious?”

  “Rarely.”

  Timothy spoke up. “I’m sure we can come up with sixteen that will satisfy the customer. How much time do we have to complete the order?”

  Samuel flipped a paper over. “Ten weeks.”

  “Finally, an Englisch customer who isn’t in a flat-out rush,” Noah said.

  His comment reminded Timothy that he had promised to show Debra around the shop after she was done at the school today. He had been happy to extend the invitation yesterday, but now he wished he hadn’t. Lillian was sure to be upset if he spent more time with the pretty Englisch nurse.

  Samuel hande
d Timothy a sheet of paper with the dimensions for the beds. He and Luke headed for the back door of the shop. A low beep made Luke stop and pull his fire department pager from his waistband. “Is it your turn to be on call or should I give it to Noah?”

  “It’s my turn. Does it need to be charged?” The family had a diesel generator to run the electric equipment in their business. A single outlet in their father’s office was the only place the brothers could charge their pagers when the generators were running.

  “Ja, it does. Wouldn’t want you to miss a call. How many times have we gone out this month?”

  “Eight.” Twice as many as usual. Mostly rubbish fires that had gotten out of hand, but one had been a large hay fire that threatened a house and barn. Fortunately, no one had been injured and the blaze had been contained.

  Luke glanced out the door. “This warm weather and lack of rain has left the land as dry as tinder. I pray it rains soon.”

  “Amen to that.” Timothy followed him outside and around the back of the building where a covered shed housed their lumber.

  Once they were outside, Luke faced Timothy and planted his hands on his hips. “Now that no one else in the family is listening, what’s really bothering you?”

  So he hadn’t fooled his eagle-eyed brother. “If you must know, Lillian accused me of flirting with the visiting nurse who came to the school yesterday. I wasn’t flirting. I was being nice to the woman.”

  “Was this nurse a pretty woman?”

  “I guess you could say that.”

  “And Lillian became upset because you were being nice to a pretty woman.”

  “Ja.”

  “Well, that explains a lot.”

  Timothy scowled at Luke. “Not to me, it doesn’t. What do you know that I don’t?”

  “She’s jealous.”

  “Lillian? You can’t be serious. Nee, that isn’t it.”

  “You and she are friends. Close friends. Right?”

  “Since we were in third grade. Everyone knows that. So?”

  “She has had your undivided devotion for years. Maybe she saw for the first time that she might not always be the center of your life. You two aren’t children anymore.”