Life of Joy

by Amy Clipston

  Lindsay flipped through a magazine in Trisha’s orthopedist’s waiting room. She glanced at the clock on the wall and found that it had been forty-five minutes since Trisha had been called back to the examination room.

  Out of her peripheral vision, Lindsay spotted a young woman about her age staring at her. Lindsay assumed it was due to her attire, and she absently smoothed the skirt of her jumper over her legs. The young woman wore shorts and a tank top while her leg was encased in a calf-high cast.

  The door leading to the examination rooms opened, and Trisha hobbled out, her crutches thumping on the tan carpet. Frank held the door for Trisha and then moved to the counter, where he spoke to the receptionist.

  With her face twisted in a grimace, Trisha slowly made her way to Lindsay.

  Lindsay stood and met Trisha halfway across the waiting room. She touched Trisha’s arm. “Are you okay?”

  Trisha sighed. “Two more weeks.”

  “Until what?” Lindsay asked.

  “Until I find out if I can get a walking cast and start really walking.” Trisha balanced her crutches in one hand and scratched her nose with the other. “Why is it that every time I try to walk with crutches my nose gets itchy? Is it Murphy’s Law?” She put her crutches back under her arms. “But the good news is that a physical therapist is going to come to the house beginning tomorrow and start teaching me exercises that will help strengthen my leg.”

  “That is good news, Trisha,” Lindsay said with a smile. “You’re getting better.”

  “Yeah, I am.” Trisha forced a smile. “But it’s not happening soon enough.”

  “Okay, ladies,” Frank said as he approached. “Where to next?”

  “The bookstore is right up the street,” Trisha said, starting her trek toward the door. “How about we go there and then go to lunch?”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Frank said, holding the door open for Trisha.

  Lindsay munched on a chip covered in salsa while they sat in Frank’s favorite Mexican restaurant. “It’s been so long since I’ve had Mexican food. It’s so delicious.”

  Frank grinned. “I guess you don’t cook tacos for your aunt and uncle, huh?”

  Lindsay chuckled. “No, I don’t think Onkel Daniel would like tacos or even chips and salsa.” She placed the GED Study Guide, which was more like a catalog than a book, on the table and flipped through it, her stomach twisting at the thought of trying to learn and memorize all of the information contained in it.

  “You’ll do fine,” Trisha said as if reading her mind.

  Lindsay looked up at her. “You think so?”

  “I know so.” Trisha touched Lindsay’s shoulder. “We’re so proud of you for taking this on.”

  Frank nodded while munching chips. “Yes, we are.”

  The waitress appeared with their lunch and placed the chicken fajita special in front of Lindsay. She bowed her head in silent prayer, thanking God for all of her blessings, and then began filling a tortilla with the chicken strips and vegetables.

  Frank dug into his grande beef burrito, and Trisha picked at her taco salad.

  “The doctor said that your physical therapy starts tomorrow?” Lindsay asked between bites of her fajita.

  Trisha nodded. “The therapist will be at the house around ten.”

  “Are you excited?” Lindsay asked.

  Trisha shrugged. “I guess so. It’s going to be a lot of work, and I’m already exhausted from schlepping around with the crutches.”

  “You’ll do great and quickly regain your strength,” Frank told her as he lifted his glass of Coke. “You worry too much, but you’ve been strong throughout this whole ordeal.”

  Trisha stabbed at her taco salad. “So, Lindsay. You’ve been stuck in the house with me too long. Where do you want to go next?”

  “Where do you guys want to go?” Lindsay asked.

  “I asked you, Lindsay,” Trisha said.

  Lindsay fiddled with her napkin on her lap. “I would really like to go by the nursing home and ask about volunteering on Saturdays. Aunt Trisha is getting better, and I’d love to do more while I’m here. I’m used to always being busy and working a lot back home in Pennsylvania. Would that be okay?”

  Trisha smiled. “Of course it’s okay. We’ll go there next.”

  “Great.” Lindsay made another fajita.

  Lindsay’s stomach fluttered as she stepped through the front door of the Sandbridge Beach Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She cleared her throat and then touched her hair, making sure her ponytail was still neat and tidy.

  Crossing to a long reception desk, she smiled at a nurse who was talking on the phone.

  The nurse hung up and gave Lindsay a curious expression. “May I help you?”

  “Yes.” Lindsay clasped her hands together in order to try to stop them from trembling. “I wanted to talk to someone about volunteer opportunities.”

  “Oh.” The nurse stood and came around the desk. “Come with me. I’ll introduce you to the social worker.”

  Lindsay followed the nurse around the corner from the front desk to an office where a young woman sat at a desk, typing on a computer.

  “Janice,” the nurse said. “This young lady would like to discuss volunteering.”

  Janice looked up. “Come in.” She gestured toward a chair in front of the desk. “Have a seat.”

  While the nurse disappeared from the office, Lindsay sank into the chair and forced a smile, despite her frayed nerves. “Hi,” she said.

  “Hello.” Janice leaned across the desk and shook Lindsay’s hand. “What’s your name?”

  “Lindsay Bedford.”

  Janice sat back in her chair. “Tell me why you’d like to volunteer here.”

  “Andrea Clark is in my Sunday school class, and she said she volunteers here on Tuesdays,” Lindsay said.

  “I know Andrea,” Janice said. “She’s a nice girl.”

  “Yes, she is. I’ve always wanted to help out in a nursing home because my grandfather was in one in Williamsburg when I was little, and I felt sorry for the people who didn’t have anyone come visit them.” Lindsay absently played with the hem of her jumper. “I would like to visit the people who don’t have family members or help someone read a letter or even write a letter.”

  Steepling her fingers, Janice nodded and smiled. “That’s very admirable of you.”

  “Thank you,” Lindsay said with a modest smile. “It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do. I grew up here, but I’ve been living with my aunt in Pennsylvania since my parents died four years ago.”

  Frowning with sympathy, Janice shook her head. “I’m so sorry for all you’ve been through. You’re a very mature young lady.”

  “Thank you,” Lindsay said.

  “Are you back in town visiting friends?” Janice asked.

  “Actually, I’m helping my aunt Trisha recover from an accident,” Lindsay explained. “She broke her leg after a bad fall, but she’s been doing a lot better now.”

  “That’s good to hear,” Janice said, folding her hands on the desk. “What else have you been doing while you’re in town?”

  “I’ve been having fun walking on the beach since I don’t get to see the beach anymore in Pennsylvania,” Lindsay said, while absently smoothing the skirt of her jumper. “I’ve also visited some old school friends. I’m planning on getting my GED too. In fact, I just picked up my study guide today.”

  “That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Janice stood. “Let me show you around.”

  Janice showed Lindsay the facility and introduced her to a few of the nurses. Lindsay couldn’t stop smiling while she thought of how much good she could do if she were able to help the patients. She couldn’t wait to tell Rebecca about this opportunity. She hoped that Rebecca would be proud to hear that Lindsay was going to volunteer her time in order to help others.

  While moving down a long hallway, she glanced into a room and thought she spotted a woman wearing a prayer covering. She stopped an
d considered stepping in to see the woman, but Janice called to a nurse who came over to meet Lindsay.

  After the tour, they moved back to Janice’s office, where Janice explained that she would have to do a background check before allowing Lindsay to volunteer. Lindsay filled out the paperwork and then shook Janice’s hand.

  “You seem like a very nice young lady,” Janice said. “I’ll get in touch with you as soon as I get this paperwork back.”

  “Wonderful,” Lindsay said as they walked to the doorway together.

  “Did you have a particular schedule in mind to work?” Janice asked.

  “I think Saturdays would work best for me,” Lindsay explained. “My uncle Frank is home on Saturdays and can take care of my aunt Trisha, so I can come here and help out.”

  “That sounds good,” Janice said.

  “Great,” Lindsay said with a wide smile. “I hope to see you soon.”

  “Me too.” Janice patted Lindsay’s shoulder.

  Later that evening, Lindsay sat on the sofa and powered up Frank’s laptop. With her heart thumping in her chest, she found her way to the website and registered for the GED test.

  “I did it,” she said. “There’s no turning back now.”

  “What’s that?” Frank said while flipping channels.

  “I just signed up for the test.” Lindsay closed the laptop and blew out a deep sigh. “Let’s hope I pass it.”

  “You will.” He nodded toward the kitchen. “I forgot to tell you that a letter came for you today. It’s on the counter.”

  Lindsay hurried into the kitchen, wondering if she would find a letter from Matthew. She picked up the envelope and found that the return address was from Katie.

  She grabbed a can of Coke and then headed to her room. Sitting on her bed, she opened Katie’s letter. She immediately recognized Katie’s neat script writing:

  Dear Lindsay,

  Wie geht’s! How are you? I hope you’re having fun in Virginia, but not too much fun.

  How’s Trisha doing? I pray she’s continuing to heal well as you mentioned in your last letter. How’s Frank?

  Are you still enjoying the beach? I can’t imagine what it’s like to live in a house that is on the beach! I would assume that the waves sing you to sleep at night. I hope I can see the ocean someday. I’ve always dreamt of walking barefoot in the sand and watching the sun set.

  Have you heard from your sister? I hope she is doing well and being safe in New York City.

  How was your visit with your old school friends?

  I suppose I have asked you enough questions. Things are the same as usual here. However, things don’t seem as fun without you. Lizzie Anne and I miss you very much, but of course we wish you well.

  I’ve been working in the bakery every day, and it’s very busy with nonstop tourists. We can’t seem to bake fast enough for them! Mammi Elizabeth is happy that we’re busy, and she never gets excited or stressed out. She hired two women from our district to help with the baking. They’re very nice and they’re good bakers, but it’s not the same without you. Kathryn said she misses talking with you and Beth Anne misses your laugh. Don’t forget us at the bakery, ya?

  We had a couple of youth events since you left. Matthew looked like he was moping at the singing. I asked Samuel if Matthew has asked about you, and he said he hasn’t. But that doesn’t mean Matthew doesn’t miss you! You know how buwe are—they aren’t very good at expressing their feelings.

  Mammi and I visited Rebecca, and she seemed very tired. She said she was fine, but I don’t believe she was telling the whole truth. I offered to come and help her since we have new bakers working at the bakery to help carry the summer load. Since my parents gave me permission, I’m going to start helping her this coming week. I’ll let you know how she is.

  I just heard my mamm calling me to come and share devotions with my siblings before we go to bed. Write me soon! I miss you.

  Love,

  Katie

  Lindsay reread the letter and tears filled her eyes. She missed her family back in Lancaster. Worry filled her as she thought of Rebecca. She prayed that Rebecca was tired from the pregnancy and not experiencing complications. She also hoped that Rebecca or Katie would tell her if Rebecca needed Lindsay to come home sooner than planned.

  She stared at the news about Matthew and how he behaved at the last singing. Did he miss her or did something else make him melancholy?

  Yanking her pad from her nightstand, she turned to a new page, grabbed a pen, and began to write.

  Dear Katie,

  Wie geht’s! How are you doing? Thank you for your letter. I’m glad to hear that everyone is well.

  Please keep me posted on Aenti Rebecca and how she’s feeling. I’m so happy that you’re going to help her. Give her a hug for me.

  That’s interesting that Matthew wasn’t himself at the last singing. Tell him that I said hello.

  How wonderful that Mammi Elizabeth hired a couple of new bakers to help keep up with the tourists. I miss everyone too. Again, tell them hello!

  I’m doing well and staying busy. Trisha is still progressing well with her healing and will start physical therapy at home this week. She’s anxious to get off the crutches and into a walking cast, but it may be a few weeks before she does.

  We attended my former church on Sunday and I participated in the young adult Sunday school class. The class has taken on volunteer projects in the community, and I’ve signed up to help out at a nursing home near the house. I’m excited because my grandpa was in a nursing facility until he died, and I feel like I’m honoring his memory by helping others in the same situation.

  Lindsay glanced over at the GED Study Guide on her dresser and considered telling Katie that she was going to take the test. Would Katie approve of Lindsay’s decision to pursue an educational certification? Lindsay loved her best friend and knew that Katie had an open mind. After all, Katie accepted Lindsay as a family member even though she wasn’t a true Kauffman. But would Katie understand why Lindsay wanted to prove to her sister that she could get her GED?

  Lindsay pondered that question for a moment. Was she only trying to get her GED to prove something to her sister or was she doing it for herself? She flopped back onto the bed and stared at the ceiling while the crash of the waves echoed from beyond her window.

  Her gaze moved back to the book on the dresser and she sighed. She knew she wanted to prove that she could get her GED. However, she didn’t expect Katie to understand why she was doing it.

  Lindsay wished she could share the news with Katie, but she thought it best to keep it to herself for the time being. Katie had grown up in a traditional Amish household, and education beyond eighth grade wasn’t expected, nor was it encouraged or approved by the church. If Lindsay shared that she was pursuing her GED, Katie might feel awkward, akin to how Lindsay felt when she was with her friends at the pool party and they discussed their college plans. Lindsay decided it was best to keep that information to herself for now.

  Sitting up, Lindsay crossed her legs and continued her letter.

  I walk on the beach every day, and I love hearing the waves and feeling the sand between my toes. It helps me think and relax. Maybe someday you and I can visit Frank and Trisha together, and you can live your dream of walking barefoot on the beach at sunset. It would be so fun if we could get a group together and come and visit for a week. Maybe we’ll discuss that when I get home. Do you think your parents would let you go on a trip to Virginia Beach?

  My sister and I talk about once a week, and she’s doing well in New York City. From the stories she’s shared, I believe she’s only working and not spending much time having fun. She reported that her friend Kim has a new boyfriend who is a graduate student working for a law firm. I think Jessica misses Jake, but she hasn’t admitted it to me. Have you seen or talked to him? Would you ask Matthew how Jake is doing? Jessica is too stubborn to give him a call herself, but I can give her a report.

  I had fun visit
ing my school friends. I’m hoping to see them again soon. Even though they’re getting ready to go to college and our lives are different, we had a nice time talking and getting caught up again.

  Lindsay chewed the end of her pen as her eyes moved back to the study guide. She needed to start studying if she was going to pass that test in about a month.

  I should close for now. It’s late and I need to get up early tomorrow. Please give Aenti Rebecca, Junior, and Emma a kiss for me and tell Aenti Rebecca to take good care of herself. Tell Lizzie Anne I miss her too!

  I look forward to seeing you all again.

  Write soon.

  Love,

  Lindsay

  She addressed and stamped the envelope and then slipped the folded letter inside. She wrote similar letters to Rebecca and Lizzie Anne and also addressed their envelopes. After changing into her pajamas, Lindsay curled up on the bed with the book and began studying.

  Kaffee Kuchen (Coffee Cake)

  For the sponge:

  ½cup yeast

  1/3 cup lukewarm water

  1 cup milk

  ¼ tsp salt

  2 cups sifted flour

  Crumble and soak yeast 25 minutes in lukewarm water. Scald milk, add salt, and let cool. Add yeast to lukewarm milk and mix enough flour to make thick batter. Beat smooth. Cover and let rise in warm place overnight.

  For dough:

  ½cup milk

  ½cup butter

  1 cup sugar

  ¾ tsp salt

  2 eggs

  4 cups flour

  Scald and cook milk. Cream butter, salt, and sugar. Add beaten eggs. Mix sponge in lukewarm water milk, then add butter mixture and enough flour to make soft dough. Knead by hand. Let dough rise until doubled. When light, turn on floured board and roll out gently until ½-inch thick. Place in buttered pans. Brush top with melted butter. Let rise until double. Sprinkle with sugar or cinnamon and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.