The Decision
Page 29
I did the best I could, Elaine thought. I only wish I could have done more.
Bishop Levi asked the congregation to pray the Lord’s Prayer silently and concluded the graveside service. It was time to head back to Grandma’s house for the funeral meal her friends and neighbors had prepared. Eating at their table wouldn’t seem right without Grandma to share in the meal. Elaine would miss all the times she and Grandma had together—even on Grandma’s bad days—but somehow she must learn to cope.
As all the people turned from the grave site and began walking back to their buggies, Elaine made a decision. She would try to make the best of her situation and look to God for answers concerning her future. She would claim and cling to His promises to help get her through the grieving process. And she would call upon her special friends, Priscilla and Leah, whenever she had a need. No more trying to do everything in her own strength, for she had tried that and failed. Elaine could count on her dear friends—not just for today, but in the days ahead. And someday, if the Lord willed it, she might meet someone special, fall in love, and get married. But until then, she would put her trust in the Lord.
EPILOGUE
Six months later
How are you feeling today?” Jonah asked, stepping behind Sara as she stood at the sink, washing their breakfast dishes.
“I’m good. In fact, I feel better than I have in a long time.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“And remember, the doctor said there is no evidence that MS is linked to any problems with pregnancy.” Sara leaned her head against Jonah’s chest. “He also said that most women experience relief from many or even all of their MS symptoms during pregnancy, and I’m happy to say that I seem to be one of those women.”
Jonah slipped his arms around Sara’s waist and gently patted her slightly protruding stomach. They had only been married two months when Sara became pregnant. At first, Jonah had been concerned for Sara’s health because of her MS, but Sara had been feeling quite well, for which he was thankful. Their child would be born in November, and Jonah could hardly wait to introduce Mark, who was now three, to his baby brother or sister. Life was good for Jonah, and he was happier than he’d been in a long time.
To add to his joy, the last time Mom and Dad came to visit, Dad had informed Jonah that he was going to sell his buggy shop in Pennsylvania and move to Illinois to be partners with Jonah. Mom and Dad were even going to buy Sara’s old house. They would also see that the barn was rebuilt once they’d moved in, but other than that, not much else needed to be done. Having his parents living closer would make Jonah’s life complete. Without question, he’d made the right decision when he’d moved to Arthur. At first, he’d thought his future would be with Elaine, but the Lord had other plans for Jonah, and every day he thanked God for bringing him and Sara together.
As Elaine sat on the old swing Grandpa had hung for her when she was a girl, she looked up at the crystal-clear June sky and thought of all the changes that had taken place during the past year. She’d lost both of her grandparents, inherited their house, and with the help of her friends, had learned how to cope with the changes.
In addition to hosting dinners for tourists again with the help of a neighbor girl, Elaine now had a suitor, Ben Otto, who was a cousin of Melvin’s wife, Sharon. Ben and his family had moved from Sullivan to Arthur a few months ago. Elaine wasn’t sure what she felt for Ben was strong enough to develop into anything serious, but she enjoyed his company, and it was nice to go out to supper with him once in a while.
Hearing a bird chirp overhead, Elaine looked up and saw a bright yellow finch sitting on one of the feeders. She didn’t know why, but the beautiful golden bird made her think of Grandma’s parakeet, Millie. Grandma had been so upset after the bird had first disappeared. But after Elaine had given Grandma the painted parakeet rock, Grandma became convinced that Millie had come back. It was nice to know that a simple little thing like that rock could have brought Grandma happiness during her last days on earth.
Elaine still missed her grandparents, but she had learned to take one day at a time and be content. Life was full of disappointments, but there were lots of good things, too. Elaine looked forward to seeing what the future held for her, and as she continued to watch the finch, she whispered a prayer. “Heavenly Father, may Your will be done in my life. Please give me the wisdom to make good decisions in all things.”
RECIPES
ELAINE’S SUGAR-FREE APPLE PIE
Ingredients:
8 cups peeled and sliced Yellow Delicious apples (or other sweet variety)
1 (12 ounce) can frozen apple juice concentrate
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
4 tablespoons tapioca
1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked
In a saucepan, cook apples with frozen apple juice concentrate. Add butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and tapioca. When apples are tender, pour into baked pie shell. Cool and serve with whipped topping or ice cream.
GRANDMA’S SOUR-CREAM PEACH PIE
Ingredients:
1 egg, beaten
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sour cream
¾ cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
2½ cups sliced fresh peaches
1 (9 inch) pie shell, unbaked
Topping:
½ cup butter
1⁄3 cup sugar
1⁄3 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a saucepan, combine egg, salt, vanilla, sour cream, sugar, and flour; add peaches and stir. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake for 30 minutes or until pie is slightly brown. Remove pie from oven. Combine topping ingredients and spread on top of pie. Bake for 15 minutes.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Elaine felt that the care of her grandmother was her responsibility, so she had trouble accepting help from others at first. Have you ever been in a situation where you needed help but tried to do everything on your own? How did you feel when someone stepped in to help?
2. When Edna first learned that she had dementia, she was in denial. Have you or someone you know ever been told by a doctor that something was seriously wrong? If so, how did you deal with it?
3. Elaine told Jonah a lie when she said she didn’t love him. Is there ever a time when it’s okay to lie?
4. When Sara began having health issues, she put off going to the doctor, using the cost as an excuse. Have you or someone you know ever avoided going to the doctor due to lack of money? Was Sara right in neglecting her health, or should she have asked someone for the money she needed? By not going to the doctor sooner, was Sara putting her son at risk?
5. Edna knew she was losing her memory, and her biggest concern was that she wouldn’t remember any of her family or friends. If you suffered from memory loss, what would you do to help remember those who are closest to you?
6. Elaine’s closest friends, Leah and Priscilla, helped her deal with the sorrowful events that came her way. What are some ways we can help a friend who is going through a difficult time?
7. Jonah had been hurt by two women and was afraid to take another chance. Have you or someone you know ever been fearful of entering a new relationship because of past failures? If so, how did you or your friend deal with those fears?
8. Elaine’s friends often gave her advice. When should we listen to a friend’s recommendations, and when should we choose to ignore them?
9. Elaine waited too long to tell her grandma about her illness, and Grandma ended up hearing it from someone else. If you knew someone in your family had been diagnosed with a serious illness, would you tell them right away, or would it be better to keep it from them?
10. Do you think Jonah gave up too quickly on Elaine, even though she said she didn’t love him? Should Jonah have tried harder to assure Elaine of his love for her and his willingness to help during her time of need?
11. Do you think Elaine was being overprotective of her grandmother? As a caregiver to a relative with dementia, how would you handle things?
12. While reading this story, what did you learn about the Amish community of Arthur, Illinois?
13. Did any passages of scripture mentioned in the book specifically speak to you? If so, in what way?
14. Does reading about the Amish influence you to simplify your life? What are some ways we can simplify?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish way of life when she first visited her husband’s Mennonite relatives living in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband, Richard, live in Washington State but take every opportunity to visit Amish settlements throughout the States, where they have many Amish friends. Wanda and Richard have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In her spare time, Wanda enjoys beachcombing, ventriloquism, gardening, photography, knitting, and having fun with her family.
To learn more about Wanda,
visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
OTHER BOOKS BY
WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER
Adult Fiction
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
The Tattered Quilt
The Healing Quilt
The Discovery Saga
Goodbye to Yesterday
The Silence of Winter
The Hope of Spring
The Pieces of Summer
A Revelation in Autumn
A Vow for Always
Kentucky Brothers Series
The Journey
The Healing
The Struggle
Brides of Lehigh Canal Series
Kelly’s Chance
Betsy’s Return
Sarah’s Choice
Indiana Cousins Series
A Cousin’s Promise
A Cousin’s Prayer
A Cousin’s Challenge
Sisters of Holmes County Series
A Sister’s Secret
A Sister’s Test
A Sister’s Hope
Brides of Webster County Series
Going Home
Dear to Me
On Her Own
Allison’s Journey
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
Amish White Christmas Pie
Lydia’s Charm
Love Finds a Home
Love Finds a Way
Woman of Courage
Children’s Fiction
Double Trouble
What a Pair!
Bumpy Ride Ahead
Bubble Troubles
Green Fever
Humble Pie
Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere 8-Book Series
The Wisdom of Solomon
Nonfiction
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook Vol. 2
The Best of Amish Friends Cookbook Collection
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Desserts Cookbook
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Christmas Cookbook
The Simple Life Devotional
A Celebration of the Simple Life Devotional
Portrait of Amish Life–with Richard Brunstetter
Simple Life Perpetual Calendar–with Richard Brunstetter
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