The Healing Jar

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

“Grandma made up some cabbage rolls in the tangy tomato sauce earlier today. They’re in the refrigerator. All I have to do is put them in the roasting pan and pop it into the oven.”

  “Mmm … that young man of yours is in for a tasty treat. My mamm’s a good cook, and you’re fortunate to be living here with her. Bet she’s taught you a lot about cooking.”

  Lenore folded her arms as she released a puff of air. “Dad, I knew how to cook when I moved in with Grandma. As you already know, I’ve been working in the kitchen with Mom since I was a girl.”

  “Of course you have. I only meant that …” He waved his words aside. “Oh, never mind. I’m just glad you agreed to live with my mamm, because I never would have stood for her living here all alone.”

  “I’m well aware.” Lenore gave her dad a hug. “I’m sure Grandma appreciates the concern you feel for her too.”

  “Has Jesse taken you out lately?”

  “There hasn’t been a lot of time to do that.”

  “Well, I’d best get going.” Dad picked up the box. “Tell Jesse I said hello, and I’m sorry I can’t stay around to say it myself.”

  “I’ll give him the message.”

  “Jesse seems like a nice fellow.” He leaned close to Lenore. “But if you ever have any problems with him, just let me know.”

  Lenore lifted her gaze to the ceiling. “Don’t worry, Dad, everything’s going just fine between me and Jesse.”

  “Good to hear.” He bent down and kissed her cheek. “I really do need to go. You all have a good evening.” He turned and headed for the back door.

  “Tell Mom I said hello,” Lenore called to his retreating form.

  After the door clicked shut, Lenore left the kitchen and peeked into the living room. It had gotten awfully quiet in there, and she wondered if Grandma might have fallen asleep.

  Stepping into the room, Lenore realized quickly that Grandma was wide-awake. She sat in Grandpa’s old recliner with his Bible in her lap. Cindy lay on the floor with her eyes closed and her thumb in her mouth.

  “Isn’t she cute?” Lenore whispered when she caught Grandma’s eye.

  “Jah, Cindy is adorable. Children are a blessing to their parents’ lives. It says so right here in the Bible.” Grandma lifted the book toward Lenore.

  Lenore nodded and smiled. I can’t wait to be able to say that in the future, hopefully as Jesse’s wife.

  “Something sure smells mighty good in here,” Jesse said when he entered Mary Ruth’s house and found Lenore on the floor playing peekaboo with Cindy.

  “That would be my grandma’s tasty cabbage rolls.” Lenore pointed toward the kitchen. “They’re keeping warm in the oven while Grandma takes a shower. We’ll eat as soon as she comes out of the bathroom.”

  Jesse smiled when Cindy reached her hands out to him. “How’s my little girl today?” he asked, going down on his knees beside Lenore and scooping Cindy into his arms.

  “Well, I haven’t been here all that long, but from what Grandma said earlier, she and Cindy got along real well today.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  Cindy squealed when Jesse rubbed noses with her, then tickled her belly.

  “She sure is a happy baby,” Lenore said.

  “Jah, except for when her diaper needs changing or she just wants to be held.”

  Jesse was on the verge of asking Lenore a question when Mary Ruth entered the room. “Oh, good, I’m glad you’re here, Jesse. If you’re ready to eat supper, we can all go out to the kitchen now.”

  He didn’t have to be asked twice. Putting Cindy over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, Jesse rose to his feet and followed the women to the kitchen.

  “Why don’t you sit here this evening?” Mary Ruth pointed to the chair at the head of the table. “That used to be where Willis sat, and I’m tired of seeing it empty.”

  Jesse hesitated at first, but after he put Cindy in her high chair, he did as Mary Ruth suggested.

  They bowed their heads for silent prayer, and when everyone had finished praying Lenore passed Jesse the casserole dish filled with steaming-hot cabbage rolls covered in herbed tomato sauce.

  He put two on his plate and passed the dish to Mary Ruth.

  “There’s also coleslaw, mashed potatoes, pickled beets, and some carrot sticks to go with the main dish.” Lenore gestured to the other bowls. “Would you like me to pass those to you, Jesse?”

  “I’ll try some of each shortly, but right now I’m gonna sink my teeth into one of these ‘bound to be special’ cabbage rolls.” Jesse took his first bite and smacked his lips. “These are the best I’ve ever tasted.”

  “Danki. Feel free to have as many as you like.” Mary Ruth pointed to the dish sitting between her and Lenore. “As you can see, I made plenty, so I’d be pleased to send some home with you as well.”

  He grinned and gave his belly a thump. “I won’t say no to that.”

  Jesse looked over at Lenore. She hadn’t said more than a few words since they’d been seated at the table and said their silent prayer. “How was your day at school?”

  “It went well, but I’m looking forward to having the next two days off.” She handed him the bowl of mashed potatoes. “Would you like some?”

  Jesse obliged, and after he’d added a couple of spoonfuls to his plate, he passed the dish on to Mary Ruth. “Your job must be very rewarding, Lenore.”

  She nodded, then turned her focus on Cindy playing happily with the finger food on her high chair tray. “As much as I enjoy teaching, I have to admit, I miss spending my days with your daughter.”

  “I think Cindy misses you too,” Mary Ruth spoke up. “She does well enough for me,” she added, “but Cindy doesn’t light up when I come into the room the way she does when she sees you, Lenore.”

  Lenore’s cheeks flushed as she rubbed some food off Cindy’s chin. “And I think the world of her.”

  Jesse almost had to bite his tongue to keep from asking Lenore right then if she would marry him. He was more certain than ever before that Lenore would make a good mother for Cindy. But this was not the time or place for a proposal. He needed to give their relationship more time before asking that question.

  Chapter 22

  By the end of September, evidence of fall could be seen throughout Lancaster County. As Lenore guided her horse toward the schoolhouse Friday morning, the scent of smoky air coming from people’s chimneys drifted into her buggy. Thanks to several days of heavy winds, the heat and humidity of summer were definitely gone, and due to the chillier weather, some trees were already dropping their leaves.

  Grandma’s apple trees had done well this year, and Lenore’s father would be coming over this evening with his cider press. Lenore looked forward to drinking fresh cider and nibbling on popcorn as she and her family sat around the bonfire that would no doubt be built.

  The whole family would be there, as well as Ezekiel and Michelle. Jesse had also been invited to join them, which pleased Lenore, but Grandpa would be sorely missed. This would be the first year he hadn’t been involved in making fresh cider. His absence was bound to affect dear Grandma most of all. Lenore would continue to pray for her grandma, as well as the rest of her family, and she hoped to keep a positive attitude.

  As the crisp, cool air wafted into the buggy, she shivered. Even though I do miss Grandpa, I’m adjusting to his absence more easily than Grandma is. I think it’s because I’ve got the school curriculum to plan every week and students to keep my thoughts occupied during workdays. Her face warmed. Jesse was consuming her thoughts during the day too, and adorable little Cindy was becoming increasingly important to her.

  Lenore held firmly to the reins when her horse decided to pick up speed. “Whoa, Dolly—slow down.”

  Lenore was glad Grandma had Cindy to keep her occupied these days. She couldn’t help feeling a bit envious though. Truth was, even though Lenore loved to teach, this year the stress of being responsible for so many children had become more difficult for her
to manage. Lenore didn’t feel cut out to be a schoolteacher anymore. Even little things, like finding a mouse under her desk the other morning, were setting her nerves on edge. What Lenore really wanted and couldn’t stop thinking about was to be a wife and have children of her own.

  Did I feel this discontented before I met Jesse and Cindy? Lenore wondered. I need to be patient. Jesse and I seem to be getting closer. Perhaps in time he will propose marriage. But if he doesn’t, I must learn to be content with whatever the Lord has planned for my life.

  When Sara entered the flower shop, she found Misty already hard at work in the back room, putting together a large autumn floral arrangement.

  “That’s looking really nice, Misty. I love the fall colors.”

  “Thank you.” She added some greenery and stood back, eyeing it. “We’ve got a busy day ahead with orders.”

  Sara put her lunch away in the refrigerator and looked at the list of orders going out for today. “Yep, another full one. How’s it going so far?”

  “Good. I have one arrangement already done and in the cooler.” Misty remained focused on her job.

  “All right then. I’ll let you keep working.” Sara left the room and went to her desk to check phone messages. A few minutes later, her cell phone rang. Seeing it was Brad, she answered immediately.

  “Hi, hon. Are you busy right now?”

  “Nothing that can’t wait.” Sara pushed her invoice book aside and reached for a writing tablet. There’d been some tension between her and Brad this morning when she brought up the hot dog roast and apple cider pressing at her grandma’s tonight. The trouble started when he reminded Sara that this evening was Bible study, so they wouldn’t be able to attend her family gathering.

  “Can’t we cancel this one?” Sara had asked. “I don’t want to miss sampling Uncle Ivan’s fresh-squeezed apple cider and saying goodbye to Michelle and Ezekiel. They’ll be moving tomorrow, you know.”

  Brad had said he didn’t feel right about canceling the Bible study, but thought they might get done early enough that they could go to Strasburg for an hour or so.

  “Are you still there, Sara?”

  Brad’s question drew her from her musings. “Yes, I’m here. What did you call about?”

  “I wanted to let you know that I’d like you to go ahead to your grandma’s place when you get off work. I’ll join you there as soon as the Bible study is over.”

  “Are you sure?” Sara shifted the phone to her other ear. “Aren’t you worried about how it will look to those attending the class if I’m not there?”

  “Nope, not at all. I think they’ll understand when I explain why you’re not there.”

  Sighing, Sara pressed a palm to her chest. “Thanks, Brad, for being so considerate of my feelings.”

  “You’d do the same for me if the sandal was on the other foot.”

  Sara laughed. “I doubt anyone would be wearing sandals this time of year, but I get your meaning.”

  He chuckled too. “I’ll make sure the study is done on time tonight, and then I’ll see you at Mary Ruth’s.”

  “Thanks, Brad. Have a good day.”

  “You too, Sara.”

  After Sara hung up, she bowed her head. Thank You, Lord, for the loving, sensitive husband You have blessed me with.

  That evening after Jesse arrived at Mary Ruth’s, he secured his horse at the hitching rail and went up to the house, eager to see his daughter. Mary Ruth greeted him at the door. “Welcome, Jesse. How was your day?”

  “It went well, but I’m kind of tired. It seemed like there was more work than usual at the furniture store.” He stepped into the entryway.

  “Well, we’re glad you could join us tonight, and hopefully after some food and tasty cider, you’ll feel revived.”

  “I’m glad to be here. I bet my daughter is too. How’d she do for you today?”

  “Just fine. Cindy and I always get along well.” Mary Ruth gestured toward the living room. “Yvonne, Sara, and Lenore are keeping her entertained in there.”

  He grinned. “I bet they are.” Jesse took a few steps toward the door. “I was going to say hi to Cindy, but it sounds like she’s in good hands, so I think I’ll head back outside and put Restless away.”

  “Not a problem.” Mary Ruth headed off to the living room.

  Jesse stepped off the porch and walked back to his buggy to unhook his horse. Then he led the gelding over to the corral gate and put him in with the other horses.

  A good-sized group of family milled around on the lawn. His gaze came to rest on Lenore’s father talking to one of the men. Jesse couldn’t shake the awkward feeling he had at times in Ivan’s presence. Lenore’s dad didn’t talk to Jesse as much these days as he had before he and Lenore started courting. Lately when Ivan came by Mary Ruth’s house and Jesse was there, he mostly chatted with his mother and Lenore. It almost seemed as if Ivan had a sense about how Jesse felt toward his daughter. Does Ivan realize I’m not in love with Lenore and that I only want to marry her for convenience’ sake? I wonder how Ivan might react if things don’t go the way his daughter wants.

  Shaking aside his concerns, Jesse brushed at a smudge on his trousers and walked back to the house. He spotted Lenore near the entrance of the kitchen and smiled.

  She stepped over to him, wearing a jacket with a woolen scarf tied over her white head covering. “Grandma is getting Cindy bundled up pretty well so she’ll stay nice and warm outside.”

  “That’s good. It’s kinda nippy out this evening, jah?”

  Lenore nodded. “I’m about done helping in here, so we can head outside if you’d like.”

  “Sure, that will be good.”

  They passed Ivan at the door as they were headed out. He smiled briefly as he looked over at Jesse. “Glad you could be here for the family gathering.”

  “Danki, I’m glad I could be here too.” He followed Lenore out to the chairs.

  Almost as soon as they picked out their seats, Jesse noticed the bags of marshmallows on the picnic table. “I can’t wait to roast some of those.” He pointed to them.

  “Me too. I’ve been thinking about this off and on all day.” Lenore picked out a skewer and grabbed a marshmallow. Jesse did the same.

  They returned to their chairs and scooted them closer to the fire. Jesse put his skewer into the flame, and in no time it began to burn. “Oh no! Would you just look at my marshmallow? I don’t think I’m gonna eat this one. It’s a little too overdone for my taste.”

  Lenore leaned closer to him. “Why don’t you get a new one?”

  Jesse wiggled his brows. “Good idea.” He grabbed another marshmallow, put it on a stick this time, and held it over the fire. It didn’t take long before this one burned too.

  “Oh, great. Not again.” He grunted as it fell off and burned up in the flames. Jesse squinted as he glanced over at Lenore; he could hardly believe his eyes. She had roasted a perfectly brown marshmallow without a speck of black on it. “I don’t know how you did that. What’s your secret anyway?”

  She lifted her shoulders in a quick shrug before giving a dimpled smile. “Here you go, Jesse.” Lenore handed him her skewer.

  He shook his head. “No, that’s okay. You did a good job roasting your marshmallow, so you should be the one to eat it.”

  “All right, if you insist.” Lenore popped the creamy morsel into her mouth. Chuckling, she smacked her lips. “Would you like me to roast you one, sir?”

  Jesse felt like an incompetent fool, but as much as he enjoyed marshmallows, he couldn’t say no. “Sure, if you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t mind at all.”

  He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, watching Lenore roast another perfect-looking puffy treat. When it was just the right shade of brown, she handed him the skewer. “Thanks, Lenore.” Jesse wasted no time in eating it and didn’t even care when he ended up with sticky goo all over his lips.

  Lenore laughed and handed him a napkin.

  After J
esse wiped off his face, he looked toward the house and saw Mary Ruth, Sara, and Yvonne coming across the yard with his daughter. Cindy was crying, and when the women joined them at the bonfire, Lenore offered to take Cindy.

  As she sat quietly on her folding chair, holding Cindy in her lap, Jesse couldn’t help noticing Lenore’s tender expression as she patted his daughter’s back and spoke soothingly to the child. Not more than two minutes ago, Cindy had been fussing, but as soon as Lenore took her, all crying ceased. As much as Jesse loved Cindy, he didn’t have the ability to soothe her the way Lenore always did. One more reason his daughter needed Lenore as her mother.

  He scratched his head. What should I do—pretend to be in love with Lenore so she’ll marry me, or ask her to be my wife in name only, which she’d probably never agree to?

  Esther’s death had put Jesse in a tight spot, and he didn’t know which way to turn.

  Mary Ruth had just entered the kitchen to make some popcorn when Michelle came into the room. “What can I do to help?” she asked.

  “You can get out the coconut oil while I get the popping corn and kettle.” Mary Ruth smiled.

  “Sure, no problem.” Michelle took the jar of oil down from the cupboard, and when she placed it on the counter near the stove, her eyes misted. “I can’t believe Ezekiel and I will be moving tomorrow. We’ll both miss you so much, as well as our other friends and family.”

  Mary Ruth set the items she’d gathered on the counter and gave Michelle a hug. “We shall miss you too, but you’ll be back for visits, right?”

  “Jah, but not often enough.” Stepping out of Mary Ruth’s embrace, Michelle swiped at the tears trickling down her cheeks. “Ezekiel’s family said they’ll come visit us in New York, and my brothers said they will too. Even so, it’s going to be hard to start over in a place where we don’t know anyone. I don’t even know what our new house looks like. When Ezekiel made the trip up to New York to look the place over and talk with the owner, I stayed home to work in the greenhouse because they were so busy and needed the extra help.” She paused and blotted her face with the palm of her hand. “I wonder how Ezekiel’s folks are going to get along without us.”