A Blessing for Miriam

by Jerry S. Eicher

  “That’s enough now.” Mamm’s quiet voice stopped Daett’s. “Shirley must rest now.”

  Shirley couldn’t see Daett’s face through her tears, but he must have agreed with Mamm because his form faded from sight. Her hand tightened on Mamm’s. “Tell me, Mamm. How bad is it?”

  “I’m not sure.” Mamm hesitated. “There are bandages over most of your face. You were in surgery for a few hours.”

  They both knew that meant it couldn’t be good.

  Another question formed in Shirley’s mind. “Where’s Jonas? Is he all right?”

  Mamm glanced in Daett’s direction before she answered. “Jonas came in with his parents earlier while you were in surgery. He’s bruised and sore but all right. We asked them to leave.”

  “It was best that way,” Daett spoke up. “That part of your life is over.”

  “But it wasn’t Jonas’s fault,” Shirley choked out. “The deer ran across the road in front of the car. He couldn’t stop in time.”

  Daett didn’t look at all sympathetic. “We will stand with you, and we’re all the family you need.” He reached over to his hat sitting on a table. “I have errands. The cows must be tended to. Mamm will stay with you until you’re released.”

  “How will you get home? I was told a trooper would bring you here.”

  Daett looked away. “Jonas had someone stay to take us home. One of their church people, I think. They’ll drive Mamm and you home too.”

  You won’t let me see Jonas? Shirley managed to strangle the cry before it could be heard. Protests wouldn’t help right now.

  Daett stopped by Shirley’s bedside for a moment, but he didn’t say anything more.

  Shirley decided she must appear properly contrite under the bandages. Perhaps she’d feel repentant eventually. If she was indeed permanently scarred, maybe she would be able to straighten up her life. Besides, if she was no longer gut looking, Jonas wouldn’t want a relationship with her. Daett was correct on that part. It was over.

  Shirley clung to Mamm’s hand. She cried softly.

  Mamm stroked her daughter’s hair.

  “Mamm, I don’t think I can handle looking…looking, well, looking not pretty. I don’t think I’ve been vain, Mamm, but looks were all I had. Will the Lord ask me to go through life ugly? Isn’t that too much to ask of any girl? And especially of me? I have no other redeeming qualities—not like Miriam. How will I find a boyfriend? And what about Jonas?” Shirley’s questions ended in racking sobs.

  “Perhaps this will help develop character in you that has value in the Lord’s eyes.”

  Mamm meant to comfort, but her words didn’t. Mamm was on Daett’s side. What Shirley wanted was assurance that things would return to normal. She wanted to walk out of here the same Shirley she’d been when Jonas picked her up at home.

  “The Lord knows what’s best,” Mamm comforted again.

  Tears burned in Shirley’s eyes.

  Chapter Nine

  Ivan looked up at the overcast, Saturday-morning sky as he walked in from his early morning chores. There would be rain soon—yah, and it fit his present gray mood just fine. It was his day off, and he’d looked forward to working outside in the sunshine. His job indoors at Beachy’s furniture had given him a pale complexion and made him weary in heart. Now it looked like he’d be in the barn all day—or the house. He wasn’t sure which was the right choice. Laura would have something for him to do if he stayed inside. She sure was grouchy with her morning sickness. That mood had been on full display last night when he’d returned home. So much so that he hadn’t talked much—and neither had she. He’d gone to bed without telling her about the accident.

  Ivan pushed open the mud-room door of the small house and entered to kick off his boots. He stuck his head through the kitchen doorway and said a forced, “Gut morning.”

  Laura stood at the stove and didn’t turn around. “You already said that.”

  Ivan came all the way inside and grumbled, “There’s nothing wrong with two gut mornings, is there?”

  Laura didn’t answer as she plopped the egg plate down on the table. “Breakfast is ready.”

  “That’s gut,” he said as he sat down.

  Laura glared at him. “Did you see the weather outside?”

  He shrugged. “It’s going to rain, so I’ll work inside.”

  Her face brightened a little. “Then maybe there is something gut about the morning. You can fix that shelf in the basement I’ll need for my summer canning. And you can add a few extra shelves while you’re at it. No woman has too many shelves for her canning.”

  Ivan didn’t say anything as he stared at the plate with two eggs. “You know I like three eggs. There are only two. One for you and one for me.”

  Laura’s face darkened again. “Three eggs aren’t gut for you.”

  Ivan took a deep breath and held in his negativity. “At least there’s plenty of oatmeal.”

  A smile played on Laura’s face. “You need to think of your health now that a bobbli is on its way.”

  He choked back a response and bowed his head in silent prayer. Laura still had her head bowed when he lifted his.

  She finally looked up. “You didn’t pray very long.”

  Ivan pulled his one egg on his plate and avoided her gaze.

  Laura still looked at him. “You need to pray our prayers out loud like my daett used to. I like to hear them at mealtimes and during devotions. With the bobbli coming, it’s something you need to do.” Laura touched his arm. “I thought I’d help, so I bought a prayer book. It’s on the desk in the living room.”

  Ivan blinked. “I’m not ready for that yet. And some Amish men never pray aloud.”

  Laura’s fingers tightened on his arm. “But you will, won’t you? I want our children to grow up like I did—with their daett’s voice leading out in spiritual matters. It’s important to me.”

  Ivan didn’t look at her. Laura had said enough on the subject, and it was time to speak of something else. In the end he’d give in, but for now he’d put up a display of resistance.

  “There was an accident on the way home last night,” he said.

  Laura wasn’t distracted. “You shouldn’t change the subject just because you don’t like it.”

  Ivan ignored her. “I think Shirley Yoder was with Jonas Beachy, and they wrecked on 39.”

  “Eli Yoder’s daughter?” Laura leaned forward.

  “Yah, I think so.”

  “How bad was the accident?” The single egg still lay on Laura’s plate.

  Ivan shrugged. “I’m not a doctor, but a deer went through the windshield. Shirley’s head and face looked cut up. There was a lot of blood.”

  “And you didn’t tell me this last night when you got home?” Rebuke was in her voice.

  “I had other things on my mind,” Ivan said. “You didn’t have much to say last night either, you know.”

  “But this was your boss, Ivan. And Shirley is Miriam’s sister. She meant something to you…at one time, anyway.”

  “Miriam Yoder means nothing to me now.”

  Laura gave him a long glare before continuing. “Tell me about the accident. How did it happen?”

  “Right after Jonas passed me, going pretty fast, a line of deer chose to cross 39. When Jonas saw the deer, he must have braked and swerved, but he still hit one.”

  “If Shirley was hurt, it might bring Miriam home for a while,” Laura mused.

  “Could be,” Ivan allowed.

  A smile spread across Laura’s face. “This might be Esther’s chance to get Wayne. With Miriam gone for more than a week Esther could state her affections for Wayne without interference.”

  His spoon stopped halfway to the sugar bowl. “The two of you are shameless.”

  Laura giggled. “It worked for me, and I don’t see you complaining.” She glanced at the swell of her stomach. “You don’t have regrets, do you?”

  Ivan didn’t hesitate. “Of course not. But still—”


  “Then don’t complain,” she said, cutting him off. “Miriam’s not married to Wayne, and it’s probably her farm that’s drawing him into her net anyway. That girl couldn’t get a decent man to date her until she had bait to offer. I say Esther is doing Wayne a great favor. He’ll see it eventually, just like you did. And aren’t you glad, Ivan?”

  “Yah, of course,” he repeated.

  Laura reached for Ivan’s arm and squeezed it. “I’m glad you didn’t fall for Miriam’s farm. I do love you, and our child is a blessing from the Lord. How could it be otherwise? He won’t be tainted by the things of this world.”

  He swallowed quickly. “Are you saying the bobbli’s a boy?”

  Her face glowed. “I don’t know, Ivan. I’m just making my point that Esther is doing the right thing. We should help her where we can.”

  Protest died in his throat. What could he say? She’d only turn his objections around somehow.

  “I’m glad you agree with me.” Laura smiled as she pulled her hand back and started on her egg.

  Ivan gulped the last of his oatmeal. Let Laura think she’d won the argument. He rose and walked to the kitchen window. Outside the clouds had opened up with a deluge. He would have to work in the basement on Laura’s shelves. He’d tinker in the barn after the rain had let up—if it ever did.

  Laura’s voice called to him. “I’m finished eating and ready to give thanks again.”

  He returned to the table and bowed his head. Silence filled the room. How he’d ever get the words of prayer out of this mouth, he wasn’t sure. Maybe he should begin trying sooner rather than later. Postponement wouldn’t help, and Laura had purchased the prayer book. She was trying to help, and he should be grateful. He opened his mouth and managed to get a few words out. “Dear Lord in heaven, forgive us our sins and help us live righteous lives. Thank You for the food we’ve eaten, and Laura for her hard work in preparing it. Amen.” Ivan waited a long time before he lifted his head.

  Laura appeared pleased as she led the way into the living room.

  Ivan picked up the Bible on the desk before he joined Laura on the couch. Laura had wanted to place two hickory rockers in the living room right after the wedding, but he’d put his foot down. Rockers were for old people—or maybe for couples with children. With their child now on the way, he figured the rockers would soon appear. He’d cope, Ivan decided as he opened the Bible. He read from the marked place where he’d stopped yesterday morning—Ephesians, chapter five, verse six: “Let no man deceive you with vain words…” He listened to the sound of his own voice and glanced at Laura. She seemed to be listening as well. Why was he hesitant to speak aloud prayers to the Lord? Likely because it involved speech with the Almighty, Ivan told himself. That was something he needed to get over now that he was a married man and the head of his own household.

  Ivan closed the Bible and reached for the prayer book Laura had purchased. Without a sideways glance at Laura, he knelt and waited for her to join him. Then he read the words of the first prayer: “Now he who without thanks and prayer, from morning sleep arises. And he who can forget God’s praises, how sorrowfully he begins the day…” Ivan continued until the end. It was a long prayer, and he said every word with care. He liked speaking prayer aloud, now that he’d begun. This was how things were supposed to be. He was the head of his family, and soon there would be children. And Laura had led him to do this. He ought to thank the Lord especially for her. He had a wife who was not only beautiful, but spiritual enough to guide him to what he needed.

  Ivan stood and closed the book.

  Laura got up also and took his hand. “That was so wunderbah, Ivan. I knew you could do it.”

  “Thanks for the encouragement,” he said quietly. “Now for your shelves.”

  She glowed. “Make them strong, Ivan. Just like our home will be with the Lord’s help.”

  He looked away. “Yah, I will.” Her praise was unwarranted. Laura deserved more credit than he did, but why say so? He’d savor this bright moment on this dark-and-dreary morning. Hopefully Miriam would be able to hold on to this Wayne Yutzy of hers. He wished her all of life’s happiness and joy. But he wasn’t about to mention that to Laura.

  Chapter Ten

  Miriam listened as Wayne told the story at the kitchen table with great expression. “We were in the barn that evening for our chores, and Joy had this bunch of little kittens who were just beginning to stagger about. They’d already learned that we give them fresh milk during chore time, so they’re out waiting with their mother for their treat. Of course, they can’t sit still—and even more so with the sleepy spring flies buzzing around. At first they only snapped at them, but soon they got to swatting with their little paws, followed by tumbles over each other. Esther and Joy couldn’t stop giggling, and I had to join in myself. It was that funny.”

  Miriam looked away from Wayne’s face as the story continued on. Wayne was here for lunch, and somehow the subject of kittens had come up. Wayne had jumped in with this story, but at the mention of Esther’s name, Miriam flinched. At least Esther had only been on the sidelines. Miriam tried to put the image of Esther and Wayne laughing over kittens out of her mind. There was no reason she should be jealous. She had vowed she wouldn’t be.

  “They are the cutest things, I must admit,” Wayne concluded.

  There were chuckles all around the table. Even Uncle William seemed to have enjoyed the tale.

  Moments later a knock came from the front door and silence fell in the kitchen, except for Uncle William. He started to get up, muttering, “I wonder who that is in the middle of the day?”

  Aunt Fannie motioned for him to sit. “I’ll get the door.” She rose and disappeared into the living room.

  Whoever had arrived couldn’t be a big deal. Not much happened in Oklahoma on Saturdays. Everyone moved slower as they got their work done and prepared for Sunday services. Today, even the Englisha had slowed down, as business in the nursery had been light all morning. Miriam had helped out a few hours and then returned to the house to work in the kitchen. The row of pecan pies on the counter was a testament to her morning’s labor. They looked delicious, but she hadn’t dared taste one. She noticed Wayne’s gaze drift toward the waiting pies too.

  “I hope they’re gut.” Miriam wrinkled up her nose. “I had to rush.”

  “I know they’ll be gut!” Uncle William declared without hesitation.

  “You can be sure of that,” Wayne echoed William’s sentiment.

  Miriam stared at the line of pies. “Looks can be deceiving, you know.”

  “They weren’t with you,” Wayne teased.

  Miriam gave Wayne a grateful smile. She’d written Mamm this week about the proposed wedding in October. She was sure Mamm wouldn’t turn her down, so the matter was settled. She was Wayne’s promised one, and she would soon be a married woman. She took a deep breath and thought of Wayne’s kiss the other Friday night. Wayne wasn’t plentiful with his kisses, but he would be once they were married. She was sure of that.

  Wayne nudged Miriam under the table. “What are you thinking?”

  Heat rushed into Miriam’s face.

  Thankfully Aunt Fannie saved the moment when she reappeared at the kitchen doorway. “It’s for you, Miriam, and it sounds serious. You’re to call home at once.”

  Miriam jumped to her feet. The flaming in her face turning icy cold. “Why? Is something wrong?”

  “I don’t know.” Aunt Fannie appeared worried. “Young Leroy found the message down at the phone shack that had been left early this morning. There weren’t any details.”

  “This morning?” Uncle William sounded puzzled. “And no one found it before now?”

  Aunt Fannie gave him a sharp glance. “Well, it’s not like the community’s hopping with activity on a Saturday morning.” Aunt Fannie wrung her hands for a moment. “Go call back, Miriam, and leave a message if no one answers the phone in Possum Valley.”

  “I’ll do that.” Miriam was at the kit
chen doorway. “And don’t wait for me on the pecan pie.”

  “Should someone go with Miriam?” Aunt Fannie suggested.

  “I’ll go.” Wayne was already on his feet.

  Miriam spoke over her shoulder. “You don’t have to. I’ll go alone.”

  Before Wayne could protest, she’d rushed out the door. Leroy lingered on the steps and greeted her with a warm smile.

  “Hi, Leroy.” Miriam smiled back. “Thanks for bringing the message up.”

  “You’re welcome.” He trailed after her on the walk down the road. When she gave him a quick glance, he shrugged.

  “I’m going that way,” he explained.

  That was true, Miriam figured, but she noticed he waited outside the phone shack while she stood inside and dialed the number. News from Possum Valley was a big deal, and Leroy didn’t intend to return home until he was up-to-date. She couldn’t blame him. He was a normal, curious boy.

  Miriam tensed as the rings sounded in the receiver. The answering machine was set for six rings, the same as the one by the Bylers’ in Oklahoma. That gave anyone who was near time for a dash to the phone. The shack was a quarter mile down the road from her parents’ place, but someone else might hear.

  “Come on answer!” Miriam whispered as ring four passed. She was ready to hang up when the phone clicked.

  “Hello,” a female voice sounded hesitant.

  The words came out in a rush. “This is Miriam Yoder. I’m calling from Oklahoma.”

  “Oh, yah, Miriam. This is Betsy Mast. I was walking past and didn’t know whether I should answer.”

  “I’m glad you did.” Miriam took a deep breath. “Do you know why my parents would want to contact me?”

  There was a long pause. “Maybe about your sister Shirley’s accident last night.”