The Forbidden

by Beverly Lewis

  With the dawning of February eleventh, nearly one hundred and fifty people withdrew from the Honey Brook Old Order church, forming two new distinct local congregations. Word has it, according to Dat, that almost a hundred Lancaster County families have left for the New Order, which is beginning to spread to other states, too. I can’t help but wonder about the courting couples sure to be caught betwixt and between, as Caleb and I sadly were.

  Such a splintering of families and relationships. It’s hard to understand how the grace of God can both mend hearts and break them. Belonging to Jesus is often a thorny road.

  Mamma is heartsick because Rhoda’s taken a second job as a waitress at the Honey Brook Restaurant. Seems my sister needs more money than the Kraybills are able to pay, although Rhoda’s still there three days a week. By the looks of her, wearing fancy clothes more often than not, I’d guess she’s got herself an English beau, though she’s mum on that.

  Nan and I have become ever so close, sharing nearly everything, as she used to with Rhoda . . . and I with Suzy. Nan knows Caleb wanted me to run off with him. She knows my answer, as well. There are times when I miss him nearly more than I can bear, until I remember his adamant stand against saving grace, and the Scripture warning against being unequally yoked comes to mind. Such a splintering apart it would be had I agreed—our marriage torn in two directions, our children ferhoodled between their mamma’s faith and their Dat’s Old Ways.

  Thankfully Rosanna had the wisdom to see that little Eli and Rosie did not experience a similarly traumatic separation. Tears spring to her eyes when I visit nearly every week, though. Rosanna’s quilt sales are thriving once again, and I daresay she has no time for raising babies. She and Elias will get through this murky, painful tunnel, but for now it is one step at a time.

  Here lately Preacher Manny’s church is jam-packed every Sunday. It’s so nice having Rosanna there. She’s confided that Elias hasn’t talked further about tractors recently, not since his conversion. Wish that were true of my brothers, but Thomas and Jeremiah are planning to get one to share, of all things. When word reached his ears, Dat groaned and said, “Where’s all this goin’ to end?”

  I’d say it’s better to soak up Scripture and share a tractor with your twin than to plow behind a mule team and be in bondage to the Ordnung.

  There’s much to be thankful for, even though my greatest regret, when I consider it now, is my failure with Caleb.

  I know I’m forgiven, but I gave away my first-ever kisses to him . . . and he saw my hair down, too. There’s no way to ever forget that.

  I can only wonder how he’s doing since our final encounter at Nellie’s Simple Sweets. The grapevine’s tendrils haven’t reached my ears, so evidently he’s still in Honey Brook working for his Dawdi.

  Occasionally I’ve wandered down to Cambridge Road and the woodsy atmosphere of the old mill—Caleb’s and my private haven. Right or wrong, I allow myself to relive our courtship days . . . and pray the Lord will call him to the truth.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Along this journey, I’ve met a number of lovely people— research assistants who tirelessly gave of their knowledge, their memories, and their own unique stories. Several who contributed time and energy, digging for hard answers, are the following: Dale and Barbara Birch, Dave and Janet Buch-walter, Frank Casatelli, Nick Curtachio, Fay Landis, Jake and Ruth Bare, and Priscilla Stoltzfus. I am so grateful.

  Sincerest appreciation to my first-class editors—David Horton, Julie Klassen, and Rochelle Glöege—and to all of the Bethany House team.

  Ongoing gratitude to my husband, Dave, who helps plot every story and makes my writing days less lonely. And to our daughter Julie, who reads the first draft with enthusiasm.

  To the people that time forgot, I offer my earnest thanks.

  With joy, I offer up this story to the greatest storyteller of all, our Lord Jesus Christ.

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