Henry pressed a fist against his mouth as his cheeks puffed out. “I ain’t …” He paused and looked at his mother. “I mean, I’m not ever getting married.”
Michelle chuckled at the seriousness in his tone.
“Never say never, little brother,” Ezekiel put in. “When I was your age, I didn’t think I’d ever grow up and get married.” He reached over and clasped Michelle’s hand. “But look at me now. I’m not only a married man, but also a soon-to-be father.”
Michelle stared at her plate of unfinished food. I wish we could be here when I give birth to our baby, but it doesn’t look like Ezekiel will change his mind and move back home. In an effort not to give in to self-pity and ruin the evening, Michelle thought about the fun they would have when they went over to see Mary Ruth and Lenore sometime on Christmas Day.
“Where’s Herschel?” Jesse asked when he and Cindy arrived at Vera and Milton’s house for a Christmas Eve supper.
“He’ll be here,” Vera replied. “He’s probably running behind because things were busy at the bulk-food store today. That does happen sometimes—especially when folks are out buying things at the last minute before Christmas Day.” She looked at Cindy and clicked her tongue. “Goodness gracious, this little girl seems more grown up every time I see her.” Her brows furrowed as she looked at Jesse. “Which isn’t often enough, I might add.”
“Sorry about that. Between work and running Cindy over to the Lapps’ five days a week, there isn’t much time for socializing.”
“That’s not what I heard,” Milton put in as he joined them in the hallway where Jesse was removing Cindy’s jacket.
Jesse looked at the older man. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve heard talk around that you’re courting the schoolteacher, Lenore Lapp.”
Vera looked at Jesse through her thick-lensed glasses. “Is it true?”
Jesse’s ears burned. He hadn’t told Esther’s great-aunt and great-uncle that he’d begun courting Lenore because he was afraid of their reaction. They might think he was being untrue to his deceased wife. And I am, Jesse told himself. Which is why I can’t allow myself to fall in love with Lenore. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Should I tell them that the reason behind my decision to court Lenore is to give Cindy a mother? Would they understand or say I’m wrong to pursue a relationship where there is no love? His jaw clenched. No, it’s best not to say anything—at least not right now.
“Jesse, did you hear what I said?” Vera prompted.
He licked his lips. “Umm … jah, Lenore and I have been spending more time together.” He moved into the living room and placed Cindy on the floor with a stuffed, floppy-eared puppy he’d brought along for her. It was a Christmas present, but he’d given it to her early. Of course, in order to avoid a lecture, he wouldn’t mention it to Vera. She could be a stickler about certain things.
“It’s hard to believe my daughter will be a year old so soon.” Jesse hoped this new topic would take some pressure off him and get the conversation going in another direction.
“Jah, it sure is, and I’m surprised she’s not walking yet.” Vera took a seat in one of the overstuffed chairs. “Have you been working with her on that, Jesse?”
“She’s getting close.” Jesse tousled his daughter’s hair, avoiding a direct answer to Vera’s question. “She pulls herself up to things and walks when you’re holding her hands, but she hasn’t taken any steps on her own yet.”
“All kinner walk at their own pace.” Milton took a seat in the chair beside his wife. “Cindy will take off whenever she’s ready.”
Jesse had just settled himself on the couch when Herschel showed up. The poor man looked exhausted as he sagged into a chair. “Sorry for showing up late, but it was busier than usual at the store all day. Everyone seemed to be shopping with a frenzy.”
“It’s okay. You’re here now, Son, so that’s all that matters.” Vera rose from her chair. “I’ll get supper on the table, and then we can eat.”
Jesse jumped up and followed her to the kitchen. “What can I do to help?”
She waved her hand. “No need for that. You’ve been working most of the day too.”
“It’s okay. I’m more than happy to help.” Jesse grabbed a potholder, took the kettle of green beans off the stove, drained off the water, and poured them into a serving bowl.
Vera smiled. “Danki. You’re such a helpful young man.”
“When I lived at home with my folks, I helped out with whatever needed to be done. ’Course, I never learned to cook that well, despite helping my mamm in the kitchen.”
“It must be hard for you now, having to fend for yourself, plus take care of Cindy’s needs.”
“Jah, but on the days Mary Ruth watches Cindy, I usually stay for supper, so that helps a lot.”
“You’re welcome to eat with us here anytime, you know.”
“I appreciate that.” Seeing a kettle of cut-up potatoes cooking on the stove, Jesse grabbed a fork and gave them a poke. “These are done. Did you want me to mash them while you cut the ham, or would you prefer that I do the cutting?”
“I’ll mash and you can cut. Milton likes his spuds fixed a certain way, so I’d better make sure they’re just the way he likes them.”
“Okay, no problem.” Jesse took the ham from the oven, and while he sliced it, his thoughts went to Lenore. He and Cindy had been invited to eat with Mary Ruth and her family on Christmas Day, and he looked forward not only to the meal, but also to spending the day with them.
Lenore sat off to one side as her scholars presented the much anticipated Christmas program for their families and close friends. She was glad her back was feeling better and she’d been able to return to her teaching position a week ago. It had given her some time to work with the children, but Eva Riehl, the woman who had taken over for her, along with Lenore’s assistant, Viola, had done most of the preparation for this special Christmas Eve event. Tonight, all three of them would prompt and support the students participating in the program with poems, songs, and skits.
The children’s parents and other family members crowded into the schoolhouse, many doubling up and sitting at school desks. The overflow crowd sat on backless benches that had been set up at the back and sides of the room.
Lenore’s heart swelled with joy when it came time for her older students to act out a short skit representing the birth of Jesus. What a blessed event it must have been to witness God’s Son being carefully laid in a manger and the glory of the Lord shining around the shepherds in the fields as the angels announced the Savior’s birth.
Lenore reflected on Luke 2:10–12, being quoted by the young boy playing the part of one of the shepherds. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
How wonderful it was to have the assurance that because Jesus came to die for the sins of the world, those who accepted Him and believed on His name would be saved.
Lenore thought once more about her dear grandfather and the many sermons he’d preached while ministering in their church. Grandpa was a strong believer in preaching God’s Word in a way people understood. He often quoted verses on faith, hope, and spiritual blessings that would uplift hearts filled with despair and offer peace during difficult times. Grandpa also stressed the importance of being “filled with all the fulness of God” and remembering to praise and thank Him for all things.
As the program came to a close after the group sang several Christmas carols, Lenore closed her eyes and offered a brief prayer. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus, the Savior of the world. Please bless each of my students, as well as all those who came out tonight to share in the joy of the Christmas miracle.
Lenore looked forward to spending Christmas Day wit
h her family, along with seeing Jesse and Cindy again. Michelle and Ezekiel would also be dropping by for a short time, and she was eager to see them as well. But tonight Lenore’s thoughts would be focused on the joy she saw on each scholar’s face as they shared the good news of the Savior’s birth with their family and friends.
Chapter 30
The scholars did a good job with the program last night, don’t you think?” Lenore asked as she and Mary Ruth began laying things out for their Christmas dinner.
“Uh-huh.” Mary Ruth reached into the pantry for a stack of napkins and placed them on the counter next to the plates and silverware.
“I was so glad I could be there, because for a while I didn’t think I would be up to going back to teach school in time to work with the kinner on their parts for the program.”
Mary Ruth nodded slowly.
“Are you okay, Grandma?” Lenore touched Mary Ruth’s arm. “You’ve been awfully quiet all morning.”
“I’ll be okay. I am just missing your grandpa more than ever today. This is the first Christmas since we got married that I’ve spent without him.” She sighed heavily. “It’s ever so strange.”
Lenore slipped her arms around Mary Ruth and gave her a hug. “I know, Grandma. I miss him too, and I’m sure the rest of the family does as well.”
Mary Ruth sniffed, attempting to hold back tears. She’d been trying to remain strong since Willis’s death, but the holidays made it harder. “I’ll be all right. Just need to keep busy and focus on others today,” she said. “When I’m feeling discouraged, I have to remind myself that there are so many other people in more difficult situations. I am grateful for each of my family members and friends, for without them I would be terribly lonely.”
“Jah,” Lenore agreed, gently patting Mary Ruth’s back. “I can’t imagine how it must be for people who have no one to spend the holidays with or be there to encourage them during times of distress.”
Mary Ruth nodded as she slowly pulled away from her granddaughter’s loving embrace. “Well, I need to get busy. There is still a lot to do before all our company arrives.” She moved across the room. “Maybe you could get the potatoes cut up while I go down to the basement to get a few jars of pickled beets.”
“Okay, but please be careful on the steps and make sure the battery-operated light at the top of the stairs is turned on before you head down,” Lenore called.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure I have enough light, and I’ll be extra cautious on the stairs.” Mary Ruth had gone up and down her basement steps many times over the years and had never fallen, but she appreciated the reminder to be careful nonetheless. It was one more proof of how much her granddaughter cared about her.
Mary Ruth stepped into the hall and opened the basement door. After turning on the battery-operated light, she descended the stairs, making sure to hold on to the railing. When she reached the bottom, she turned on another lamp powered by batteries and went to the shelves where her home-canned fruits and vegetables were stored, along with all the empty, clean jars that would be used when they put up produce from their garden next summer.
Mary Ruth paused and stared up at the jar full of folded papers on the top shelf. I wonder what the future holds for me. How long can I remain living in this house that Willis and I shared for so many years?
She couldn’t expect Lenore to live with her indefinitely. She’d be getting married someday—possibly to Jesse—and would want a home of her own.
Mary Ruth decided to take down the prayer jar and read some more of the messages her daughter had written before she’d run away. She thought somehow it might make her feel closer to Rhoda.
She positioned the step stool in front of the shelves and climbed up to retrieve the jar. It’s kind of silly to leave the jar way up here, she told herself, but since this is where Rhoda hid it, maybe it’s best to keep it where it was originally found.
After taking a seat on a folding chair, Mary Ruth reached inside the jar and pulled out a slip of paper with a prayer written on it: “Dear Lord, help me to trust You in all things.”
“That’s a good prayer for everyone,” Mary Ruth whispered. “Sometimes we need to remind ourselves.”
The second paper Mary Ruth pulled out contained the words of Philippians 4:19. “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Guess I need to stop fretting about what the future holds for me and trust the Lord with each new day. When the time comes for Lenore to move out, I may take Ivan up on his offer and move in with him and Yvonne.
With renewed determination to leave her future in God’s hands, Mary Ruth put the prayer jar away and trudged back up the stairs.
A sense of peace came over Sara as soon as she and Brad, along with Brad’s parents, stepped onto her grandmother’s porch. She had hoped that Kenny could join them today, but he’d chosen to spend the holiday with his girlfriend and her parents.
As they entered the house, the delicious aroma of roasted turkey greeted them, along with Grandma’s welcoming smile and hug.
“I’d like you to meet my parents, Clarence and Jean.” Brad gestured to them as they all stood in the hallway entrance.
Grandma and Lenore shook both of their hands, welcoming them into their home. “Thank you for inviting us to join you today.” Brad’s mother smiled. “Clarence and I have heard so much about you.”
“That’s right,” Brad’s father agreed. “We feel like we know you already.”
“We are so glad you could join us.” Lenore took everyone’s coats and hung them up while Grandma led the way to the living room and invited them all to take a seat. Lenore joined them a few minutes later. Jean and Clarence found seats on the couch, and Grandma sat in her rocker.
“How was your Christmas Eve?” Lenore asked, taking a seat next to Sara.
“Very nice. We held a beautiful Christmas Eve candlelight communion service at our church last night.” Sara spoke in a bubbly tone. “We also sang Christmas carols, and Brad preached a short sermon, reflecting on scriptures from Luke.”
Lenore placed her hand on Sara’s arm. “In the skit some of my older students did during the school play last night, some verses from Luke were mentioned too.”
“How did the program go?” Brad asked.
“Very well, and I’m thankful my back had healed enough that I could attend. As their teacher, I felt it was important for me to be there.”
Jean leaned forward with her head tilted to one side, and Grandma explained about Lenore’s accident that had kept her from the one-room schoolhouse until a week ago.
“I’m glad you’re doing better.” Sara clasped Lenore’s hand and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze.
“Tell us about your role as teacher in a one-room schoolhouse.” Jean looked at Lenore expectantly.
Sara was pleased to see how relaxed Brad’s parents seemed to be, especially since this was their first time visiting an Amish home. They didn’t appear to be the least bit uncomfortable talking to Grandma and Lenore, or sitting in a room with gas-generated lights and only basic furnishings. Of course her in-laws’ home in Harrisburg, although lovely, wasn’t overdone with a lot of expensive furniture or fancy decorations. She was thankful that Jean and Clarence were Christians and down-to-earth. Grandma and Lenore probably sensed that too.
While Lenore explained how she’d begun teaching, Sara caught Grandma’s eye. “Is there something I can do to help you in the kitchen?” she asked.
“As a matter of fact, there is.”
Sara left her seat and followed Grandma to the kitchen. “How are you doing? I’m sure you must be missing Grandpa today.”
Grandma nodded. “But I’m thankful to have my family around me. You’re all a blessing, and I appreciate each of you so much.”
“We appreciate you too.” Sara gave Grandma a hug. “Without your love and support, I wouldn’t be where I am now, spiritually or emotionally.” She swiped at a few tears trickling down h
er cheeks. “If it hadn’t been for that letter in Mama’s Bible, I never would have met you.”
“So true. And knowing you has brought great joy into my life, as it did your grandpa’s.” Grandma sniffed and reached under her glasses to blot at her tears. “I only wish Rhoda and Willis could be here today.”
“I would have liked that too, but at least we have each other.”
“Jah, and you know what?”
“What’s that, Grandma?”
“I just heard a horse and buggy pulling in, so I’m guessing your uncle Ivan and his family have arrived.”
When Lenore looked out the window and saw her parents’ horse and buggy at the hitching rail, she got up and went to answer the door. Her youngest brother, Peter, was with them, but she didn’t see any sign of Ben. Then she remembered that he’d been invited to spend Christmas with his girlfriend’s family. Lenore figured it wouldn’t be long before her brother would be getting married. She had always thought, since she was the oldest sibling, that she’d be the first one to get married. But from the way things were going with her and Jesse, it didn’t seem likely. He hadn’t mentioned marriage, and even though they were courting, he hadn’t even held her hand.
Maybe we’re not really courting, Lenore thought as she stood at the front door waiting for her parents and brother to make their way up to the house in the snow.
While there wasn’t as much white stuff on the ground as there had been on Thanksgiving, it could be slippery in places. Early this morning, Lenore had gone outside and made sure the porch and walkway were free of ice and compacted snow. She didn’t want anyone to fall and get injured, the way she had a month ago.
After Lenore’s family had entered the house and taken off their outer garments, she invited them into the living room and made introductions. While everyone visited, she went to the kitchen to help Grandma and Sara get dinner on the table.
“I see your folks have arrived,” Grandma said. “It’s so nice to have our whole family here today.”
The Healing Jar Page 19