The Decision

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Jonah’s thoughts came to a halt when he caught sight of a young Amish boy chasing a butterfly in a field near the road. The child looked like Sara Stutzman’s little boy. But if that were the case, where was Sara, and why would Mark be out here by himself?

  Jonah guided his horse to the side of the road, secured him to a tree, and sprinted into the field, calling the boy’s name. He hadn’t seen any lightning yet. Only the sound of thunder in the distance, and for that, Jonah was grateful. He felt confident time was on his side.

  When the butterfly landed on the stem of a wildflower, the child stopped chasing it. Then, turning to Jonah with a grin, he pointed and said, “Die fleddermaus.”

  Jonah nodded and said in Pennsylvania-Dutch, “Jah, Mark, that’s a butterfly, but where is your mamm?”

  “Schlaeferich,” Mark replied, grinning up at him.

  Jonah frowned. If the boy thought his mom was a sleepyhead, was Sara at home in bed? Could she be sick, and had Mark been wandering around her place unattended? Jonah hoped not. While Sara had been at her in-laws, taking care of Betty after she’d broken her leg, he’d heard that Betty was better now, so Sara had gone home. And this field bordered Sara’s place, so if Mark had meandered off by himself, he easily could have ended up here. With no hesitation, Jonah decided to get Mark home right away, especially in light of the approaching storm. The wind had started to pick up, and dark clouds nearly blocked out the sun.

  “Kumme,” Jonah said, urging the boy to come to him. “Come now, I need to take you home.”

  When Mark didn’t resist, Jonah bent down and picked him up. He was almost to his buggy when he heard Sara screaming in the distance, calling her son’s name.

  “That sounds like your mamm.” Jonah smiled as little Mark pointed in the direction of Sara’s voice.

  “He’s here, in the field!” Jonah shouted. “Stay where you are, and I’ll bring him to you.”

  Sara’s heart pounded as she stood near the edge of her property. Had she imagined it, or had someone shouted that he’d found Mark in a field and was bringing him home?

  With heart pounding and legs trembling, she waited. Dear Lord, please let it be that I heard someone, she prayed as a few drops of rain mixed with her tears.

  Several minutes went by, and then she heard the distinctive sound of a horse and buggy approaching. When it drew within sight, she knew immediately that it belonged to Jonah, and she could see inside the buggy that Mark was with him.

  “Oh, thank the Lord,” Sara cried as the buggy pulled up alongside of her. Happy tears welled in her eyes as Jonah handed Sara her son. “Where did you find him?” she asked, clinging tightly to Mark. It felt so good to have her son back where he belonged, held in the safety of her arms.

  “In the field on the other side of the wooded area that borders your property,” Jonah replied. “He was chasing a fleddermaus. When I asked where his mamm was, he said you were a sleepyhead, so I was worried that you might be sick in bed.”

  Sara shook her head, pointing. “I took Mark for a picnic out there by the trees, and after we’d eaten and taken a short walk, he fell asleep on the blanket. I foolishly laid down beside him and went to sleep.” She paused and kissed her son’s head. “When I woke up, he was gone. I was so afraid. I called Mark’s name over and over, with no response, and of course, I prayed and asked God to help me find my son. Danki, Jonah, for bringing my precious boy back to me.” Sara grabbed Jonah’s hand and squeezed his fingers; she was ever so grateful.

  “No thanks is needed.” Jonah smiled. “I’m sure God must have directed me to head down this road on my way to see Elaine at just the right time so your prayers would be answered.

  “Come on,” he suggested. “Hop in the buggy and I’ll take you and Mark back to your house before the rain really lets loose.”

  Sara nodded in agreement, appreciative of his offer.

  Because they had a little time yet to beat the storm, Jonah asked Sara where her picnic things were so she could take them home. As they headed to the grove of trees to retrieve the blanket and picnic basket, she was tempted to tell Jonah about hearing Harley’s voice in a dream, telling her to wake up, but she didn’t say anything, thinking he might not understand. Truth was, she didn’t understand it, either, but was thankful that it happened. If she hadn’t woken up when she had, there was no telling what might have happened to Mark. Of course, Jonah most likely still would have found him, but from now on, Sara would try to keep a closer watch on her boy and make sure she never fell asleep unless they were inside the house with the doors closed and locked.

  Elaine sat beside Grandma’s hospital bed, thanking God that she was all right. They’d given her the insulin she needed and gotten her blood sugar stabilized, but they wanted to keep Grandma overnight for observation, since she’d hit her head on the floor when she’d passed out. Outside the window, Elaine could see a downpour from a thunderstorm. What if Grandma had been trying to get home in the buggy during this storm? Elaine thought. She was thankful that Grandma was safe at the hospital, although she wished Grandma had remembered to take her medicine and hadn’t gotten ill to begin with.

  “How are you feeling?” Elaine asked, taking Grandma’s hand.

  “Other than feeling foolish for passing out at the restaurant this morning, I’m fine.” Grandma offered Elaine a weak smile.

  “What about your head? Does it hurt?”

  Grandma reached up and touched her head. “Jah, just a bit. I don’t see why I can’t go home with you right now. Didn’t you say Leah and her driver are still in the waiting room?”

  “They are, but the doctor wants to keep you overnight, just to make sure your blood sugar remains stable and there are no problems from your head injury. There may be a few more tests to run as well.”

  Grandma wrinkled her nose. “I don’t like all the prodding and poking they’ve already done to me.”

  Elaine gently patted Grandma’s arm. “I know, but I’m sure you’ll be able to come home tomorrow morning.”

  “I hope so, because I don’t like hospitals one bit. Your grandpa didn’t like them, either.”

  “I understand, but this is where you need to be right now.” Elaine sat quietly with Grandma until a nurse came in to take vitals.

  “I think I’d better tell Leah and her driver they can go now,” Elaine said, rising from her chair. She was relieved when Leah had said that her brother had gone and taken Grandma’s horse and buggy back to their house.

  “You should go with them,” Grandma said. “There’s nothing you can do here but sit and hold my hand.”

  “Which is exactly what I want to do.”

  “But really, there’s no need—”

  Grandma’s words were cut off by the nurse placing a thermometer under her tongue.

  “I’ll be back soon,” Elaine called over her shoulder as she hurried from the room. No way was she going home until she knew the results of all Grandma’s tests.

  CHAPTER 19

  When Jonah headed back down the road in the direction of Elaine and Edna’s place, he thought about Sara and her grief at losing her husband. It was a shame little Mark would never know his father. Life could sure be hard sometimes. But Jonah knew firsthand that when faced with adversity, with the strength, help, and guidance of the Lord, a person had to pick themselves up and move on, rather than giving in to grief and despair. It appeared that Sara had done that, although Jonah was sure it hadn’t been easy. Probably the support she’d received from her husband’s parents had a lot to do with her being able to cope. He wondered once more why she hadn’t moved back to Indiana to be close to her own parents. Must be a good reason, he rationalized. Besides, it’s really none of my business.

  Jonah held on tight as a car sped past, spraying water on his horse and buggy. “It’s okay, boy,” Jonah said softly to Sassy, trying to calm him down after the inconsiderate driver flew farther down the road.

  Sassy nickered as if he understood.

  “What’s
wrong with that guy, driving like there’s no tomorrow?” Jonah shook his head, muttering under his breath. “If he’s not careful, he’s likely to hurt someone, and it could be himself or some innocent victim.” How people could drive like that, when it was raining so hard, was beyond Jonah’s comprehension. Didn’t that fellow have a family or worry about hurting someone else’s family? Families were important, which was why Jonah was thankful he lived near his twin sister. If anything were to happen to Jonah’s parents, his sister, or anyone in her family, he didn’t know what he would do.

  Jonah really wished his folks would move to Arthur so they’d all be in the same area. Now that he’d gotten busier with his buggy business, it would be nice if he and Dad could be partners again. Jonah had always worked well with Dad, and if things had turned out differently for Jonah back in Pennsylvania, they most likely still would be working together in Dad’s buggy shop.

  Maybe I can talk Dad into moving, Jonah thought as he turned his horse and buggy up the Schrocks’ driveway. He hadn’t spoken to his parents in a while and decided he needed to call them soon. In the meantime, I’ll keep training Timothy and be thankful for the help he’s giving me.

  Jonah guided Sassy up to the hitching rack and secured him. Then he sprinted through the wet grass, which he noticed was getting a bit too long, and stepped onto the porch, making a mental note to see about cutting the grass for Edna. The rain had lingered, falling steadily after the initial storm had passed, but Jonah was grateful to have gotten Sara and Mark home before it really cut loose.

  As Jonah waited, a siren wailed in the distance; then the sound grew louder as the rescue vehicle raced down the road. Jonah couldn’t help wondering if the car that had passed him moments ago might have been in an accident. Of course, with the slick roads, it could have been some other vehicle in an accident.

  Quickly, Jonah offered up a prayer. Thank You, Lord, for being with me and Sassy and for getting us here safely. Please be with the driver of the rescue vehicle, and also with whoever was involved in an accident.

  After several knocks on the door, with no response, Jonah determined that Elaine and Edna must not be home. Since he had a pen and tablet in his pocket, he wrote a quick note and placed it inside the screen door, letting them know that he would be back sometime tomorrow, at which time he would cut the grass. Hopefully the lawn would have a chance to dry out by then.

  Whistling, Jonah hurried back to his horse and buggy and headed for home, where his own chores awaited.

  Sara gently stroked her son’s silky head as she sat in the living room, rocking him to sleep. She was ever so thankful that Jonah had come along when he did. What if Mark had gotten out in the road? He could have been hit by a car, especially with that storm making visibility difficult for drivers. Heavenly Father, You were surely watching over my boy, she prayed. Thank You.

  “Mama will never be so careless again,” Sara murmured as Mark’s eyelids grew heavy and he closed his eyes.

  The sound of the rain gently falling against the window was soothing. Once she was sure that Mark was sleeping soundly, Sara rose to her feet and carried him down the hall toward his room. Maybe I should move Mark’s crib into my room, she thought. Think I’d feel better if he slept closer to me.

  First, Sara entered her room and placed Mark in the middle of the bed. Then she rolled the crib across the hall and into her room. Once she had it in place against the wall adjacent to her bed, she picked up her son and laid him in the crib. “Sleep well, precious boy,” Sara whispered, covering him with a sheet.

  The rain was coming straight down, so she could lower the top window a little, allowing some fresh air to drift in and clear the stuffiness in the room.

  Sara yawned, and after she’d changed into her nightgown and brushed her hair, she stretched out on the bed. The sound of rain made her feel relaxed and sleepy. Not only did she love hearing rain, but Sara liked the smell of it, and how clean everything looked afterward. Even though it was only eight o’clock, she was exhausted and more than ready for bed. She’d left their supper dishes soaking in the sink, but they could wait until morning. Right now, all she wanted to do was sleep. Tomorrow was another day, and maybe when she awoke she would have more energy.

  Sara’s last thought before falling to sleep was a prayer that Jonah had arrived safely at the Schrocks’.

  Elaine’s frustration mounted as she sat beside Grandma’s hospital bed waiting for all the test results. What in the world could be taking so long? It’s getting late, and if we don’t hear something soon, we probably won’t know anything until tomorrow morning.

  She glanced at Grandma, sleeping peacefully after she’d been given something for the pain in her head. The doctor had determined that there was no concussion, so there wasn’t any danger in Grandma going to sleep now. Several tests had been run before Elaine had gotten to the hospital, and more were done while she’d gone to the hospital cafeteria to eat supper. What Elaine couldn’t figure out was what the other tests were about. They knew Grandma had diabetes, her blood sugar had been stabilized, and her head injury wasn’t serious, so what else could there be?

  She stood and began to pace the floor. Waiting had never come easily for her, and especially now, when she was worried about Grandma and wanted to take her home. When they’d said Grandma should be kept overnight, Elaine had decided that she would stay at the hospital and sleep in the reclining chair beside Grandma’s bed. Leah had offered to stay with her, but Elaine had insisted she would be fine by herself. As she became more frustrated, however, she wished she’d agreed to let Leah stay. She could have used the company, not to mention some moral support.

  Elaine jumped when the door to Grandma’s room opened and a middle-age doctor with thinning blond hair stepped in. “I’m glad you’re still here. I’d like to speak to you, if I may,” he said, glancing briefly at Grandma, then back at Elaine.

  “Yes, of course. My grandma’s sleeping right now. Should I wake her?” Elaine questioned.

  He shook his head. “There’s no one in the waiting room right now. Let’s go in there so we can talk privately.”

  Elaine didn’t like the sound of that. Seeing the doctor’s furrowed brows, she feared he might have bad news, but she nodded and said, “The waiting room will be fine.” She followed the doctor down the hall.

  Once they were seated in the waiting room, he cleared his throat and got right to the point. “When you first got here, you were asked some basic questions about your grandmother’s health history. Is that correct?”

  Elaine nodded.

  “Well, besides needing to know that, we tested Edna’s cognitive skills.”

  “Why did you feel that was necessary?” Elaine asked, feeling a bit agitated. Did they, like some other people she’d met, think Grandma was uneducated because the Amish only go through eight years of schooling?

  “Because when one of the nurses asked your grandma some questions during her initial examination, she gave many unclear answers.”

  Elaine leaned slightly forward in her chair. “What do you mean?”

  “She couldn’t remember certain things. Things that were important. Answers to questions that most people would know right away. Edna also kept asking some of the nurses the same question about why she was here.”

  “Grandma was probably confused and scared. She doesn’t care much for hospitals.”

  He shook his head. “We thought it was more than that, so we did a few more tests.”

  “What other tests?” Elaine clutched her arms to her chest.

  “For one thing, we did some reasoning and perceptive tests, where Edna was asked several questions, for which she either had no answers or the ones she gave didn’t make sense.”

  Elaine opened her mouth to say something more, but the doctor rushed on. “We also did some blood work, and after your grandmother gave us her written permission, we did advanced brain imaging.”

  Elaine sat in stunned silence as the doctor gave her the worst possible
news. Grandma was in the early stages of dementia, and there was no cure for the disease.

  “Dementia is a progressive illness, and each person experiences it in their own way,” the doctor said. “Your grandmother’s ability to remember, understand, communicate, and reason will decline as time goes on. It will probably be gradual at first, but in some cases, a person may lose their memory very quickly. Now, if you are caring for someone with dementia, there is a lot you can do in the early stages to help that person maintain their independence and be able to cope for as long as possible. I will go over all of that with you before Edna is released from the hospital tomorrow, as well as a list of things to watch for as she progresses to the middle and final stages of the disease.”

  He paused for a few minutes, as though knowing Elaine had a lot to digest. “And I think it would be good if you would attend a support group we have here at the hospital for caregivers of patients with dementia,” he added, lightly touching her arm.

  Speechless, Elaine slumped in her chair. Diabetes they could deal with, but this? No, the news the doctor had just given her was impossible to accept. If there was no cure for dementia, then Grandma would need Elaine more than ever. They faced some tough decisions.

  Elaine gripped the arms of her chair. Oh, Lord, what am I going to do? How will I ever tell Grandma this horrible news?

  A still, small voice seemed to say, Trust Me. I will see you through.

  CHAPTER 20

  It’s good to be home,” Grandma said, smiling at Elaine as they settled themselves on the sofa the following day. “No more poking and prodding, with doctors and nurses asking me a bunch of silly questions when they wouldn’t answer any of mine. Now we can get busy working in the garden and planning the menu for the dinner we’ll be hosting tonight.”

  “No, Grandma, that’s not tonight,” Elaine corrected. “Our next big dinner isn’t scheduled until two weeks from this Friday.”