A Cousin's Promise

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “There was no one inside the buggy,” Brian said when he and Wayne returned a few minutes later. “I’m guessing whoever was in the buggy probably got out and ran for cover as soon as they saw that funnel cloud coming.”

  Wayne nodded. “That’s what Jake did. He jumped into a ditch, covered his head, and waited out the storm.” He looked out the window and scanned the area. There wasn’t a soul in sight. “Whoever was in the buggy probably headed for home on foot as soon as they knew it was safe.”

  “I think you’re probably right about that,” Brian said as he pulled back onto the road.

  They’d only gone a short ways when Loraine spotted three Amish people walking along the side of the road—an elderly woman, a younger woman, and a young man.

  “Isn’t that Sara Bontrager?” Loraine asked, looking at Wayne.

  He nodded. “And that’s Fern and Freeman walking with her.”

  “We’d better stop and see if they need any help,” Brian said over his shoulder.

  Loraine knew they were doing the right thing by stopping, but she was anxious to get to her house and wished they could keep on going. What if something had happened to Mom and Dad? She’d had a disagreement with Mom this afternoon. She needed to make things right—needed to explain about her and Wayne getting back together.

  When Brian pulled over, Marge rolled down her window again. “Do you folks need some help?” she asked.

  Sara nodded but seemed unable to find her voice.

  “We were heading home from Shipshewana when the tornado struck, and we had to take cover in a ditch by the side of the road,” Freeman said. “Our buggy’s wrecked, and our horse is missing, so we were on our way home on foot.”

  “We’ve got room for three more,” Brian said. “So if you’d like to get in, we’ll give you a lift.”

  “We’d be grateful for the ride.” Fern motioned to her grandmother. “It’s a long walk to Grandma’s house, and she’s already tired and pretty well shaken up by the unexpected storm.”

  Brian hopped out of the van and went around to open the back door. Fern and Freeman climbed into the seat at the very back of the van, and Sara sat on the seat beside Loraine and Wayne.

  “How are things at your place?” Fern asked, tapping Wayne’s shoulder.

  “Not so good.” He slowly shook his head. “The house and barn are gone.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Sara clutched Wayne’s arm. “Where are your folks? Are they okay?”

  “I hope so,” Wayne replied. “Pop took Mom to the hospital in Goshen after she fell down the basement stairs, so unless the tornado hit there, they should be okay.”

  Sara looked over at Loraine. “How about your folks?”

  “I ... I don’t know. We’re on our way there now to see.” Loraine’s voice cracked on the last word.

  Just then, they came across another buggy going in the opposite direction, a horse being led behind it.

  “That’s Ella and her daed!” Wayne shouted. “We’d better stop and check on them, too.”

  Loraine was tempted to argue, since Uncle Rueben’s buggy looked perfectly fine; but he or Ella might have information to give them about Loraine’s folks, so she didn’t give a word of argument when Brian pulled alongside the buggy and signaled it to stop. “Are you folks okay?” he asked. “Did the tornado do much damage to your place?”

  Uncle Rueben shook his head. “We’re all fine. Nothing at our place was even touched.” He and Ella stepped down from the buggy and came over to the van.

  “We were heading to the Lambrights’ to check on them and found this horse running along the side of the road,” Uncle Rueben said. “Do any of you recognize it?”

  “I think that’s Jake’s horse,” Loraine said, looking out the window.

  “I believe you’re right.” Wayne opened the door of the van and quickly told Ella and her father what had happened at their place and ended by saying, “We dropped Jake off at his house and were relieved to see that everything there looked all right.”

  “Have you heard anything about my folks?” Loraine called to Ella.

  Ella shook her head. “We were going to go there after we stopped by the Lambrights’ place.”

  “I’ll tell you what,” Uncle Rueben said, looking at Loraine, “Ella can ride with you over to Loraine’s house, while I take Jake’s horse over to him. Then when I’m done, I’ll swing over to check on things at your place and pick Ella up.”

  Wayne opened the door, and Ella climbed in beside Loraine. “What a horrible day this has turned out to be,” she said with a catch in her voice. “On the way here, we saw so many houses and barns that had been leveled. It will take a lot of rebuilding to get things back to the way they used to be.”

  “The community will work together,” Wayne said.

  “That’s right,” Freeman agreed from the backseat. “That’s how it was for us in Ohio when several places were flooded out last year. Everyone pulled together.”

  “I’m sure a lot of the English men in our area will help with the rebuilding, too,” Marge put in.

  Brian nodded. “And I’ll be one of them.”

  Ella nudged Loraine’s arm. “How come you’re holding Wayne’s hand?” she whispered.

  Loraine explained about being trapped in the cellar with Wayne, and said that even though they were scared, it had given them the time they needed to talk things through. “Wayne and I realize now that we’ve never stopped loving each other,” she said.

  “I’m so happy for you.” Ella squeezed Loraine’s hand. “I always did think you and Wayne belonged together.”

  “We both know that with God’s help, we can work things out.” Loraine’s eyes misted. “I just hope that—”

  “Hey, that’s my daed’s driver, Stan Burnet.” Wayne leaned over the seat and tapped Brian’s shoulder. “Would you stop and see if that’s my folks he has with him?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  Loraine gripped the edge of her seat. She was anxious to see if Ada and Crist were okay, but every stop they made meant it was that much longer before she knew how her folks were doing. All she could do was to wait, hope for the best, and pray.

  Brian honked his horn and motioned for Stan to pull over. Once both vehicles had stopped, Wayne climbed out and hurried to the other car.

  Loraine watched as the backseat window rolled down and Crist stuck his head out.

  “Looks like it is Wayne’s folks,” Marge said. “From what I can tell, they seem to be okay.”

  Loraine breathed a sigh of relief.

  A few minutes later, Wayne climbed back into the van. “Dad said they were at the hospital when they heard about the tornado, but it didn’t strike in Goshen at all.”

  “What about your mamm?” Loraine asked. “Is she doing okay?”

  Wayne nodded and smiled. “I guess she suffered a mild concussion, and that cut on her head required a few stitches.” He glanced down at Loraine’s leg. “Looks like the bleeding has stopped on your leg. Does it hurt much?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.” Her forehead wrinkled. “I am worried about Mom and Dad, though. Could we go there now?”

  “Jah, sure.” Wayne reached for her hand again. “I told my folks where we’re headed and what to expect when they get to our place. Dad said he wants to see things for himself, and then they’ll be over to your folks’ right after that.”

  “We’d better get going then.” Brian pulled onto the road again, and Loraine tried to relax.

  When they finally pulled into her folks’ driveway, her mouth went dry. Several big trees were down, the roof of the barn was gone, and the house was damaged extensively.

  As soon as the van stopped, she jerked open the door and stepped out. She scanned the yard, and seeing no one, dashed across the grass, and was about to step onto what was left of the porch, when she heard Dad call, “Loraine! We’re over here!”

  She whirled around and was relieved to see Mo
m and Dad come around the side of the house. She rushed forward and grabbed them both in a hug.

  “Are you all right?” they asked at the same time.

  Loraine nodded. “How about you?”

  “We’re fine,” Dad said. “When the tornado hit, we took cover in the basement.”

  Loraine quickly told them what had happened to her and Wayne, and how he’d saved her life by getting her into the root cellar.

  “I’m so relieved.” Mom’s eyes filled with tears. “I’ve been feeling so bad about the disagreement we had earlier and have been praying that I’d get the chance to say how sorry I am for upsetting you like that.”

  Loraine clung to her mother, as tears splashed onto her cheeks. “I’m sorry for my part in all of it, too.”

  Wayne stepped up to them then, and Dad clasped Wayne’s shoulder. “Danki for saving our daughter’s life.”

  Wayne’s face turned red. “No thanks is needed, Amos. I would have done anything to save the life of my future wife.”

  Loraine held her breath as she waited for her mother’s response.

  The minutes ticked by as Mom stood staring at Loraine in disbelief. Then she looked over at Wayne and said, “It does my heart good to see my daughter looking so happy, and I want you to know that I’d be real pleased to have someone as devoted as you for my son-in-law.”

  Wayne’s smile stretched wide. “Danki. And I’ll be real pleased to become part of your family.”

  As Loraine stood in the yard, holding Wayne’s hand, she thought about Psalm 37:4, the verse that had been attached to the loaf of friendship bread Ella had given her several months ago—the same verse she’d read the other night. She realized now that God had truly given her the desire of her heart, and she determined that she would remember to pray for Jake in the days ahead.

  Loraine inhaled deeply, feeling peace enter her like the fragrance of fresh roses. She wasn’t sure exactly when she and Wayne would be married or where they would live, but she knew she’d be keeping the promise she’d made to Wayne last spring. For the moment, that was all she needed to know.

  LORAINE’S FAVORITE CHICKEN

  6 chicken breasts, skinned and boneless

  1 (8 ounces) whipped carton cream cheese with onion and chives

  1 tablespoon butter

  Salt and pepper to taste

  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Flatten chicken to 1/2 inch thickness. Spread 3 tablespoons cream cheese over each. Dot each with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes or until juice runs clear.

  NORTHERN INDIANA AMISH

  In 1841, four Amish families moved from Pennsylvania to northern Indiana. In the succeeding years, that Amish community grew rapidly. Now, more than twenty thousand Amish live in Elkhart and LaGrange counties, making this area the third-largest Amish settlement in the United States. The population doubles about every twenty years.

  While the majority of northern Indiana’s Amish live on farms, few Amish men farm full-time anymore. In order to support their families, most Amish men either work in factories, a variety of stores, workshops, or in home-based businesses.

  Elkhart and LaGrange counties have a large variety of Amish businesses, including quilt shops, buggy shops, furniture stores, bulk food stores, variety stores, window manufacturing, horseshoeing, bicycle shops, and numerous other stores. The Midwest’s largest flea market is held in Shipshewana, where many Amish and English go to buy and sell their wares. A favorite place for tourists to stop when they travel to the area is Menno-Hof, a Mennonite-Amish interpretative center, also in Shipshewana. There, one can learn about the Amish and Mennonite way of life and discover how and when the Plain People came to America as they fled persecution.

  The Old Order Amish living in northern Indiana use bicycles and horses and buggies for their transportation when traveling locally. The larger buggies are referred to as “queen buggies.” For longer trips, they hire an English driver. While telephones and electricity are not permitted in their homes, the Amish make use of phone sheds and, in some cases, they use cell phones or have telephones in their places of business.

  Amish young people in Elkhart and LaGrange counties often have Saturday get-togethers, where they play volleyball or table games. Some groups of young Amish women raise money for people in need by having candle parties or volleyball tournaments. Some meet to make things for Christian Aid Ministries.

  Ice cream suppers are a tradition among the northern Indiana Amish. They fellowship with one another as they share a casserole dish or hot dog meal that is furnished by the hostess. Others who come to the supper bring things like chips, fruit, cookies, and cake. The evening is ended with servings of ice cream.

  The Amish of northern Indiana strive to maintain their heritage. They believe it’s important for Christians to be separate from the world, which is reflected in their dress, their language, their form of worship, and their minimal use of technology. They value hard work, simplicity, and a closeness to God, as well as to their families.

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. A tragic accident can change the course of a person’s life. Of the six people who survived the van accident in this story, whose lives do you think were the most affected?

  2. A lot of blame was spread around after the accident. Was Loraine justified in blaming herself for suggesting that she and her friends take a trip to Hershey Park? Was her guilt self-inflicted, or did it come about because of the comments Wayne’s mother made?

  3. At times in people’s lives, they become consumed with guilt over something they think they should or shouldn’t have done. What are some ways we can work through such guilt? How can we help someone who is riddled with guilt and blames themselves unnecessarily for something that happened?

  4. When Wayne learned that he’d lost a leg as a result of the accident, he fell into depression and called off his wedding, thinking he was less of a man and could no longer provide for a wife and a family. What, if anything, did Wayne’s friends and family do to help him come to grips with his loss?

  5. Some people might have a tendency to overprotect or smother someone who has gone through a tragedy such as Wayne did. What are some things that Wayne’s mother could have done differently to help Wayne deal with his loss?

  6. Even though Wayne seemed determined to push Loraine away, she was equally determined to keep her promise to marry him. Do you think this was a result of her guilt over the accident, or did she love Wayne unconditionally and want to be his wife despite his disability?

  7. When Jake Beechy, Loraine’s old boyfriend, returned to Indiana, she felt comforted, yet confused. She’d been in love with Jake once and wondered if she could love him again, yet she still had feelings for Wayne. The more Wayne pushed Loraine away, the closer she got to Jake and the guiltier she felt. Were Loraine’s feelings for Jake deep enough that she should have been able to let go of the promise she’d made to Wayne? Or should Loraine have kept her promise to Wayne despite her past feelings for Jake?

  8. If Loraine decided to choose Wayne because she felt sorry for him, how do you think her motivation might have affected their future?

  9. Is there ever a time when it’s all right to break a promise you’ve made? If so, what are some examples of when it might be all right?

  10. Was Loraine’s mother right in thinking that Wayne would be a burden to Loraine if she married him? How might Priscilla have been more supportive to her daughter during such a difficult time?

  11. Loraine’s cousin Ella was opposed to Loraine going out with Jake. What were her reasons and were they justified? How did Ella’s attitude toward Jake affect her relationship with Loraine? How might Ella have been more supportive?

  12. What life lessons did you learn from reading A Cousin’s Promise, and which scripture verses from the story spoke to your heart the most?

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Figure I

  WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER enjoys writing a
bout the Amish because they live a peaceful, simple life. Wanda’s interest in the Amish and other Plain communities began when she married her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church in Pennsylvania. Learning about her Anabaptist great-great grandparents increased Wanda’s interest in the Plain People. Wanda has made numerous trips to Lancaster County and has several friends and family members living near that area. She and her husband have also traveled to other parts of the country, meeting various Amish families and getting to know them personally. She hopes her readers will learn to love the wonderful Amish people as much as she does.

  Wanda and her husband have been married over forty years. They have two grown children and six grandchildren. In her spare time, Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, reading, stamping, and having fun with her family.

  In addition to her novels, Wanda has written an Amish cookbook, an Amish devotional, several novellas, stories, articles, poems, and puppet scripts.

  Visit Wanda’s Web site at www.wandabrunstetter.com and feel free to e-mail her at wanda@wandabrunstetter.com.

  OTHER BOOKS BY WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER:

  DAUGHTERS OF LANCASTER COUNTY SERIES

  The Storekeeper’s Daughter

  The Quilter’s Daughter

  The Bishop’s Daughter

  BRIDES OF LANCASTER COUNTY SERIES

  A Merry Heart

  Looking for a Miracle

  Plain and Fancy

  The Hope Chest

  SISTERS OF HOLMES COUNTY SERIES

  A Sister’s Secret

  A Sister’s Test

  A Sister’s Hope