The Restoration

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The Restoration Page 15

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ;


  Adam shook his head. “Jared’s doing okay physically, but he seems kind of down today.”

  I doubt I’ll be able to cheer him up, Cora thought, but she didn’t speak the words. Instead, she moved to stand at the foot of Jared’s bed. “How are you feeling, son? Is there anything I can do for you?”

  With his gaze fixed on the ceiling, Jared grunted. “It’s a little late for that.”

  Cora winced. Apparently this was going to be a repeat of her last visit, with Jared making snide remarks or giving her the cold shoulder.

  “Don’t you think this has gone on long enough?” Adam touched Jared’s arm. “Your mom has taken good care of you. I can tell she loves you very much.”

  Jared made no reply.

  “If you remain angry at your mother, it won’t change a thing. It’ll only fester like an unremoved splinter, causing you nothing but pain. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about.”

  Jared remained silent.

  “It’s all right, Adam,” Cora said. “If you need to get to work, you’d better go.”

  He shook his head. “I’m not leaving till Jared listens to me.”

  “I can hear ya just fine.” Jared turned his head toward Adam. “I don’t need no lectures today.”

  “Admit it, Jared, you do.” Adam scooted his chair closer to the bed. “Look, if I could forgive your mother for what she did when I was a boy, then don’t you think you should be able to forgive her as well?”

  Jared blinked a couple of times but gave no verbal response.

  Cora stood motionless, trying to keep her emotions in check. Please, Lord, please let Adam get through to his brother.

  “Jared, do you believe in God?” Adam prompted.

  “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “The Bible is God’s Word, and in Matthew 6:14 it says that Jesus said, ‘If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.’” Adam paused, glanced at Cora, then back at Jared. “It took a long time for that verse to penetrate my heart. When it did, I was able to forgive. Then I felt a heavy burden being lifted from my shoulders. We’ve all made mistakes we wish we hadn’t, and it’s not our place to judge others. What I’m trying to say is, God spared your life, and you’ve been given a second chance. Don’t ruin it by cutting your mother—our mother—out of your life.”

  Tears welled in Cora’s eyes, and she nearly choked on the sob rising in her throat. Hearing Adam refer to her as his mother was healing balm to her soul.

  “It’s going to take time, Jared,” Adam continued, “but with God’s help, we can all learn to love each other and get along. We need to put the past behind us and look to the future. Do you agree?”

  Jared nodded as tears slipped from his eyes and splashed onto his cheeks. “I’m glad I have a brother.” He looked at Cora then and gave her a weak smile. “I forgive you, Mom. Will you forgive me?”

  The tears let loose, coursing down her cheeks. Cora rushed to the side of Jared’s bed. “Of course I forgive you, Jared.” As much as she would have liked it to be, everything would not be perfect. No doubt there would be some troublesome days ahead, but from this moment on, she would try to be a good mother to both of her sons.

  “Priscilla, have you seen my favorite scrubby? I can’t do the dishes without it.”

  Priscilla brought more of the breakfast dishes to the sink and handed them to her mother. “Sorry, Mom, but I haven’t seen it. Would you like me to look in one of the drawers for another scrubby?”

  “None of the others are as big as that one.” Mom squinted at Priscilla over the top of her glasses. “Did you know most Amish women would walk half a mile to buy a good scrubby like mine?”

  Priscilla chuckled. “I’ll keep looking, Mom.”

  She went through every drawer and cupboard, but still the large scrubby wasn’t found. “Sorry, Mom, it doesn’t seem to be here. Do you think maybe Dad may have taken it?”

  “I don’t know why he would. He certainly won’t be washing dishes out in his shop. Things don’t just vanish, though.” Mom’s brows furrowed. “I surely wish I knew where it was.”

  Priscilla didn’t understand why Mom was making such a fuss over the missing scrubby when a lot worse was happening in the world, even right here in Arthur.

  “I’ll tell you what,” Priscilla said, “I’ll get my horse and buggy out and go to the store. I’m sure I can find another big scrubby.”

  “No, that’s okay. It’s too cold out to go anywhere today.” Mom grabbed a dishcloth and started washing the dishes.

  “I really don’t mind. I was planning to go see David anyway.”

  Mom frowned deeply. “Again? Seems like you’re always with David.”

  “I haven’t seen him for over a week. The last I stopped by the Morgans’ David said he’d be getting his cast off this Monday. I’m anxious to see how it went.”

  “I really think you’re seeing too much of David.” Mom turned on the warm water and rinsed a glass. “You’re being courted by Elam, and it doesn’t look right for you to spend time alone with David.”

  Priscilla sighed. “David and I aren’t usually alone—his grandparents have been there. Besides, Elam’s working a lot these days. I doubt he cares what I do in my free time.”

  “You’re wrong about that,” Mom argued. “Any man who loves a woman cares about what she does and who she sees socially.”

  “If Elam loves me so much, then why hasn’t he proposed? We’ve been courting long enough.”

  Mom pursed her lips. “You need to stop worrying about it. I’m sure Elam will ask in good time.”

  “We’ll see.” Priscilla laid the dish towel down and grabbed a tissue to wipe her nose. For some reason, it had started to run all of a sudden. Could she be allergic to the new dishwashing liquid Mom was using?

  Priscilla lifted the lid on the garbage can to throw the tissue away but stopped short. Inside was Mom’s large scrubby. “Well, for goodness’ sake.”

  “What is it, Priscilla?” Mom asked.

  Priscilla pulled out the scrubby, holding it up for Mom to see.

  “Ach, my!” Mom’s eyes widened. “How on earth did it get in there?”

  “Maybe Dad tossed it out, thinking it had seen better days. It has had a lot of wear.”

  Mom crinkled her nose. “It’s too full of germs to use now. Just toss it back into the garbage. The next time I’m out running errands I’ll get a new one.”

  “I’ll get one for you today, after I’ve seen David.”

  Mom didn’t argue, but Priscilla could tell by the firm set of her mother’s jaw that she was none too happy about it.

  She really has nothing to worry about.

  “Sure is nice to have my cast off and be able to move around easily on my own.” David took a seat at his grandmother’s breakfast table.

  She gave a nod. “Your grandpa and I are pleased about that, too. Aren’t we, Walt?”

  “Yep. Sure are.” Gramps smiled at David from across the table.

  “Course, I’ll be going to physical therapy twice a week until my leg’s moving better.” David reached for his glass of milk and took a drink. “Oops!” He set it back down. “I forgot to pray.” Closing his eyes, he bowed his head and offered a silent prayer. When David opened his eyes, he noticed Gramps staring at him. “What’s wrong?” David asked.

  “Are you still practicing to be Amish?” Gramps tipped his head, looking at David curiously.

  “I’m not practicing. Just doing what will soon be expected of me.”

  Gramps leaned his elbows on the table, looking right at David. “Want to know what I think?”

  “Sure.” David drank the rest of his milk.

  “I think becoming Amish is just your way of getting under your dad’s skin.”

  David shook his head. “No, it’s not.”

  Gram placed a plate of scrambled eggs on the table, along with some sausage links, before pulling out a chair to join them at the table. “Can we please eat breakfast peace
fully and not talk about this right now?”

  “Yep, it’s fine by me.” David forked two sausages onto his plate and passed the platter to Gramps. “What would you like to talk about, Gram?”

  “I don’t know.” She took some eggs and passed the plate to David. “We could talk about the weather, I suppose.”

  “Humph! The weather we’ve been having is not much to talk about. There’s still too much snow on the ground to suit me,” Gramps mumbled.

  Gram gave a nod. “Yes, and unless it warms up considerably, the snow will probably stay on the ground for several more weeks.”

  “I forgot to tell you, Daniel Hershberger came by the other day and asked if we’d like another dog.” Gramps smiled at Gram. “Said he was willing to get us one but wanted to ask first.”

  She shook her head. “He doesn’t have to get us a dog. Besides, I’m not sure I want one—at least not yet.”

  “I’ve been thinking the same thing but wasn’t sure how you felt about it.”

  David ate silently while his grandparents discussed the situation. He’d just finished his breakfast when someone knocked on the door.

  “I’ll get it,” he said. “It’s easier for me now, since I’m not using crutches.”

  When David opened the back door, he was pleased to see Priscilla on the porch.

  “Hey, look at you.” She smiled up at him. “No crutches and you got your cast off.”

  He grinned. “I feel like a new man.”

  “I’ll bet you do.”

  “I’m glad you came by.” David motioned for her to step inside. “I’m planning to see your bishop today, and I’d like you to go along.”

  “You’re really serious about joining the Amish church?”

  “Absolutely! The sooner the better.”

  CHAPTER 24

  Two more weeks went by before Cora brought Jared home. Last evening he’d been released from the hospital, and as soon as she’d gotten him settled, she’d called Adam, as well as Evan. No doubt Adam would either call or come by in the morning, but Cora wasn’t sure about Evan. He’d called a few times to check on Jared’s progress but hadn’t come to see him since New Year’s Day. What was going on back there in Chicago? Surely Dr. Evan Finley couldn’t be that busy.

  Cora was grateful for Evan’s good insurance, knowing it would cover most of Jared’s hospital bills. She certainly could not have paid them on her own, even with the sale of her house. The money, when she got it, would be used to buy a home here in Arthur. If any was left, it would go into the bank for Jared’s future schooling.

  This morning, Cora had awakened early and tiptoed into Jared’s room to check on him. The sun was up and reflected on the far wall of his room. She was glad he was still asleep, because he needed to rest as much as possible right now. She closed the curtains before leaving his room. Maybe later they’d put on their coats and sit outside for some fresh air. A little sun therapy couldn’t hurt.

  Cora had taken some time off work, since Jared wasn’t strong enough to return to school yet. She certainly wouldn’t leave him at home alone. The clinic hired a temporary nurse to take Cora’s place but assured Cora that her job would be there when she returned.

  After taking a seat at the kitchen table, Cora reflected on her last visit with Adam. He’d gone to the hospital to visit Jared again, and after Jared fell asleep, he and Cora went to the waiting room to talk. Adam had said she was welcome to come by his house to meet her granddaughters whenever she felt ready. However, he suggested they not tell the girls any details about Cora abandoning her husband and children. He felt they were too young to hear it right now. Adam thought it would be best to simply introduce Cora as their grandmother and say she used to be Amish. When the children were older, if they raised any questions, he’d explain whatever details he thought were necessary. Cora looked forward to getting to know her granddaughters. Their first meeting wouldn’t happen, though, until Jared was stronger.

  When the telephone rang, Cora dashed across the room to answer it before Jared woke up.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey, Cora, it’s me.”

  “I’m glad you called, Evan. Did you get my message saying I’d brought Jared home from the hospital?”

  “Yeah, that’s great news.”

  Cora waited as Evan became silent. Was that all he had to say? Wasn’t he going to ask how Jared was doing?

  “Listen, Cora, there’s something we need to discuss. Can I come down there this weekend so we can talk?”

  “About what?”

  “I’d rather not discuss this over the phone. It’s better to do it in person.” Once more, Evan paused. “Oh, and I want to see my boy. I’m glad he’s well enough to be home.”

  Shifting the receiver to her other ear, Cora said, “What day were you thinking?”

  “How about Sunday? Will that work?”

  “I suppose, but if Jared’s feeling up to it, we’ll go to church in the morning.”

  “Since when did you start going to church?”

  “Since I made things right with God.”

  “Humph! Interesting.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Nothing. Forget it, Cora.” Evan cleared his throat. “What time on Sunday should I arrive?”

  “Would one o’clock work for you?”

  “I guess so. See you then. Oh, and tell Jared I’m looking forward to seeing him.” Evan hung up before Cora could respond.

  I wonder what Evan wants to talk about. She moved back to the kitchen. He seemed insistent on coming here. I hope he won’t start any trouble.

  Leah’s stomach gave a lurch as she stood at the stove making scrambled eggs for breakfast. The smell of eggs cooking had never made her nauseous before. Could I be coming down with the flu? I hope not, she fretted. I have too many responsibilities to be sick right now.

  In addition to taking care of Carrie, while Linda and Amy were in school, Leah had scheduled two people for reflexology treatments today. One was her friend Elaine, who’d be coming by this afternoon. And their bishop’s wife, Margaret Kauffman, had an appointment at ten o’clock this morning. Leah didn’t want to disappoint either woman and hoped by the time they got here she’d feel better.

  “Guder mariye.” Adam stepped up to Leah. “I see you’re making scrambled eggs for breakfast.”

  She nodded, and another wave of nauseous coursed through her stomach.

  “Are you okay?” he asked with a look of concern. “You look kind of pale this morning.”

  “Just feeling a little queasy is all. I hope I’m not coming down with the flu.”

  Adam touched her forehead. “You don’t seem to be running a fever. Do you feel achy or chilled?”

  She shook her head. “Just nauseous.”

  He tipped her chin so she was looking into his eyes. “Are you im familye umschtende, Leah?”

  Leah blinked rapidly as his question sank in. “I suppose I could be expecting a boppli.” Her monthly was often off, so until now, she hadn’t given it much thought. Now wouldn’t that be something?

  A wide smile stretched across Adam’s face, and he slipped his arms around her waist. “If you are carrying our child, it would be wunderbaar, Leah.”

  “Jah, it surely would.” Leah smiled, glancing at the calendar on the wall. She had missed her monthly in December and hadn’t had it this month, either. Perhaps the nausea she felt was actually morning sickness. “I’ll make an appointment to see the doctor. Then we’ll know for sure.”

  “I’m nervous,” David said from the passenger’s seat in Priscilla’s buggy.

  “About what?”

  “When I talked to your bishop the first time, he gave me a lot to think about. I hope he believes I truly want to become Amish. Last time, he may have thought it was just a passing fancy.” David pulled his fingers through the sides of his hair.

  “You didn’t seem nervous when we went there.”

  “That’s because I didn’t have much time to think about it. No
w I’ve had two full weeks to ponder everything he told me.”

  Priscilla let go of the reins with one hand and reached over to touch David’s arm.

  “Are you having second thoughts about joining the Amish church?”

  He shook his head. “No second thoughts. I’m just not sure I can do everything expected of me.”

  “Anything specific?”

  “Learning the language, for one thing. Then there’s the matter of driving a horse.” David sighed. “I know you said you would teach me, but I’ve never been good with horses. Truthfully, they make me naerfich.”

  Priscilla smiled. “That’s one Pennsylvania Dutch word you’ve learned well.” She sobered. “All kidding aside, if becoming Amish is something you really want to do, then everything will fall into place—including learning to handle a horse and buggy.”

  His face seemed to relax. “You’re a good friend. I appreciate your support, because I’m sure not getting any from my folks these days. When I told them what I was planning to do, Mom started to cry and Dad called me crazy.”

  “I’m sorry, David. I was hoping they would understand.”

  “Yeah, me, too.” David folded his arms. “Do you have any idea what the bishop might want to talk to me about today?”

  “When you spoke to him two weeks ago and expressed your interest in becoming Amish, he didn’t go into much detail about everything you’d need to do. So he will probably give you more information during your meeting with him today.”

  “Yeah. Last time he mostly talked about Amish values and said I should take some time to think more about my decision before deciding if becoming Amish is what I truly want to do.” David’s lips compressed. “I just hope he won’t give me the third degree.”

  Priscilla snickered. “I doubt that very much.”

  “Since I’ve visited this area several times I already know some things about the Amish life. But I guess there are still plenty of things I don’t know. Can you enlightened me any?”

  “Is there something specific you’re curious about?” she questioned.

  David gave a slow nod. “Jah—that’s how you say yes, am I right?”

 

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