A Blessing for Miriam

by Jerry S. Eicher

  What a mess. Daett had spoken so kindly to her after the funeral, but he had strong feelings about money, and he might not easily overlook her keeping this knowledge from him. What a relief it would be once he’d been told. He’d decide what to do with it after that. Wasn’t giving to help rebuild the community a chance of a lifetime? And for such a decent cause, the Lord must have played a part in the matter. Help was desperately needed in this time of sorrow.

  Miriam sighed and turned her thoughts elsewhere. Daett and Mamm had told her some gut news this week. Mamm claimed Shirley was doing much better lately, and that a nice, young, Amish man by the name of Glen Weaver had started paying her attention at the rumspringa gatherings. That was gut news indeed.

  Miriam pulled Sally to a stop at Highway 48. She looked both ways before she guided Sally north. Daett would have to be faced tonight. She would always have regrets if she didn’t speak with him while he was in Oklahoma. He’d be busy again tomorrow, and there was a potluck supper in Clarita for everyone in the evening. That had also been Katie’s idea—to show appreciation for the help with the cleanup everyone had given, but especially for the men from the community. The Englisha people would also participate. Due to the entire ruckus, the picnic for the last day of school had been postponed until next week. Hopefully things would calm down a bit by then.

  Through it all, Katie had been a jewel. If someday she could only be half the frau that Katie was…But why think about that now? Wayne was gone. Miriam bit her lower lip. Perhaps she would never be a frau. It was in the Lord’s hands, and she would trust Him. That she could do.

  Miriam pulled into her driveway and drove past the empty space where the greenhouse had been. The few sections still standing would be pulled down. Uncle William thought that was the best plan, and the other workers had agreed. The whole building would be rebuilt soon—once most of the immediately needed cleanups in the area had been addressed.

  Miriam stopped by the barn and climbed out of the buggy. She unhitched as another thought raced through her mind. Uncle William would have to raise the money for his greenhouse by some other means if she didn’t contribute what he needed. He probably hadn’t even considered that she had money available. He was too decent a man to let his personal needs influence her financial decisions. She pushed open the barn door and led Sally inside. With a groan, Miriam pulled off the harness and put it on its hooks. She placed Sally in her stall. A quick glance around showed her that Uncle William had left the outside door open where fresh grass was available. Uncle William didn’t want the horses fed oats, he’d told her again this week. There were nutrients enough in the open fields. Sally, though, waited by the grain box and nickered.

  Miriam reached in to pat her neck. “You’ll be okay. Just go outside to eat.”

  Sally tossed her head and looked out the open door, as if she understood.

  With a final pat, Miriam left the horse and walked to the house. Aunt Fannie and Mamm had most of the supper dishes on the table. They greeted Miriam with smiles tinged with sorrow.

  “Working late, I see,” Aunt Fannie said.

  “Yah, but I’m here now.” Miriam returned their smiles. “What can I do to help?”

  “We’re almost finished.” Mamm glanced out of the kitchen window. “And here come the men now. Sit down and fill us in on school news.”

  Miriam did so and straightened the edge of the tablecloth with one hand. “I can do something and talk at the same time. Besides there’s not much news—just the same stuff under more difficult circumstances. You both know how things are in school. Katie goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. I’m very thankful for her help. She even had her husband get Sally hitched-up for me tonight.”

  “Everyone is trying to help,” Aunt Fannie agreed. She placed the last dish on the table and sat down.

  Mamm joined them. “Something’s troubling you, Miriam,” Mamm said matter-of-factly. “Are you still thinking of Wayne?”

  “Yah.” Miriam produced a crooked smile. “But I also need to speak with Daett and you about something important tonight. I need to confess to something I should have brought up a long time ago.”

  Aunt Fannie sighed but nodded approvingly.

  Mamm looked at Miriam with alarm. “What is it, Miriam?”

  “I want to wait until Daett is here so I only have to explain once. I’ve done something wrong,” Miriam said.

  “I wouldn’t say it quite like that.” Aunt Fannie reached over to squeeze Miriam’s arm. “It’s not life-threatening, you know. I do agree you need to let your mamm and daett know.”

  There was a rattle at the washroom door and then came the sounds the men made as they cleaned up. Miriam took the next few moments to ponder how best to tell her parents. She still hadn’t decided when the men came in and sat at the table. They looked weary.

  “So much damage,” Uncle William admitted. “But the Lord has given us the strength to work, and we are grateful for that.”

  “I agree,” Daett added. “We have much we can be thankful for, even when tragedy strikes.”

  “Let us pray now.” Uncle William bowed his head and led out in prayer.

  When the “Amen” came, everyone raised their heads. Silence settled over the table as the food was passed around. Even Aunt Fannie, who usually had something to say, was quiet. Aunt Fannie nodded to Miriam.

  She took a deep breath. Now was the time to speak up. With food in front of him, perhaps Daett’s reaction might be less severe. And the presence of Uncle William and Aunt Fannie wouldn’t hurt either. Miriam passed the mashed potatoes and took another deep breath. “I have something I want to speak with you about, Daett and Mamm.”

  “Oh?” Daett said without looking up.

  Miriam spoke quickly. “Yah. It’s something I should have told you a long time ago.” She paused. That was an understatement, but she had to begin her confession somewhere.

  Daett dipped out two big scoops of mashed potatoes onto his plate. “You have done something wrong?”

  “Not really,” Aunt Fannie interjected. She fell silent after Daett’s quick glance toward her.

  Miriam forced the words out. “I’m afraid I didn’t tell you everything back when Mr. Bland died and left me the farm. He also left me money. Lots of it, in fact. I really should have told you both sooner, but it seemed like…like…” Her voice trailed off.

  Daett’s gaze was stern. “Mr. Bland left you the farm and money?”

  Miriam nodded.

  “A few thousand dollars or what?” Daett asked, his spoonful of food suspended mid-air.

  “Two million dollars,” Miriam said, relieved that secret keeping was over.

  “Two million!” Daett’s spoon clattered to his plate. “I don’t believe this!” He stared at his daughter.

  “It’s true,” Uncle William confirmed. “Miriam told us about it soon after she came out here.”

  “But I was not told?” A stunned, hurt look spread across Daett’s face.

  Miriam’s words came out in a burst. “I wasn’t trying to do wrong by you, Daett. I really wasn’t. It all happened so fast, and you’ve always said money can ruin people. It seemed best to break the news to people a bit at a time. After all, inheriting the farm itself was a huge thing in the community. And then Ivan Mast made enough problems for me just knowing about the farm. I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if he and everyone else found out about the money too.”

  Daett shook his head. “You possess two million dollars? My daughter has that much money?”

  “Yah, I do.” Miriam reached across the table to grasp his arm. “In fact, with the interest it’s earning, the amount is probably quite a bit more. I still think of it as ‘the two million’ though. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you and Mamm sooner. It’s been a horrible burden for me to bear because I know how you feel about money. Will you forgive me? I’m so sorry I waited so long. I really am.”

  “You have sinned with this money?” Daett asked as he studied her
face closely.

  “No!” Miriam gasped. “No! I haven’t done anything with it. It’s sitting in the bank.”

  “She wants to give some of the money away,” Aunt Fannie put in.

  Daett was still facing Miriam. “Did Wayne know about the money? Is that why he was marrying you?”

  “Of course not,” Miriam said at once. “He did know, but he didn’t care. He loved me before he knew about it.”

  “I think we’d better finish supper and let the news sink in,” Uncle William interrupted. “We can talk about this later in the living room.”

  Daett thought about that for a moment before picking up his spoon. “I think those are wise words.”

  Silence fell as they ate. Miriam kept her gaze on the table and took deep breaths several times to keep back the tears. She knew her parents were in shock, and it was her fault. She should have told them from the beginning. Knowing how Daett felt about money had made it difficult. And now he was thinking the worst about Wayne. How could she have messed things up like this?

  “Let us give thanks for the food,” Uncle William finally said when everyone was finished. They all bowed their heads. With the prayer finished, Miriam stood and went with everyone into the living room. She sank onto the couch between Mamm and Aunt Fannie.

  “You’ve not done wrong with this money,” Mamm whispered into Miriam’s ear. “Daett knows that, and I know that.”

  Miriam held still as Daett cleared his throat. “To say this is a great shock to me is an understatement. I cannot believe this kind of deception was going on right under my nose. My daughter is given two million dollars. She moves to Oklahoma and tells my sister-in-law and brother-in-law about it. Then she becomes engaged to a man whom she tells also. All this, and still I am not told.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Miriam said again. “I should have told you, but my heart was much troubled. I knew how you felt about money, and I knew how Ivan had reacted to the news about just the farm. When I came out here, I met Wayne…Wayne loved me, Daett. I’m sure of that.”

  Daett didn’t appear convinced, but he nodded. “I wouldn’t wish to speak ill of the man. I never met him, after all. We will leave that for now. What the Lord has done cannot be undone. The future lies before us, and in it we must make the right choices. So Fannie said you want to give some of this money away now that Wayne is gone?”

  “Wayne and I talked about what to do with it. And after the tornado I immediately thought of helping people rebuild. I didn’t have time to tell Wayne before I found out he’d been killed.” Miriam paused. “With Wayne gone, I’d like your help in deciding what to do. I wasn’t sure before, but now I know what I’d like to do.”

  “Then let us decide now, and turn this potential evil into a gut thing.” Daett leaned forward. “What is your idea?”

  “I want to give the money to the community to rebuild after the tornado,” Miriam said.

  Daett sat back and considered the proposal.

  Miriam continued. “Perhaps this was the very reason the Lord allowed this to happen. As Mordecai said to Esther, ‘Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ ”

  “All of the money or just some?” Daett asked.

  “All of it, I think. If that’s what you suggest.”

  “Then you will be rid of the money,” Daett said. “And there will be no more secrets?”

  “No more secrets,” Miriam assured him.

  Uncle William spoke up. “We can drive over right now and speak with Deacon Phillips.”

  “This can wait,” Mamm protested. “Miriam is tired and heartsick…”

  Miriam kept her voice steady. “I’ll go. It needs to be done. And Daett and you are here to go with me. That will make things much easier.”

  Mamm didn’t appear convinced, but Daett gave her a sharp nod.

  Any further words from Mamm died in her mouth.

  Miriam forced herself to stand up. Her legs wobbled a bit. “I’ll change then. My dress collar is wet from my tears, I’m sure.”

  Daett shook his head. “That’s not necessary. A few tear stains in this situation are nothing to be ashamed of. Deacon Phillips will understand after we explain.”

  The thought of the coming conversation made the tears come again, but Miriam held them back. Deacon Phillips’s frau would be there. Katie would bring comfort.

  Aunt Fannie had risen to her feet and now spoke up. “We should also go with them, William. They are our guests. I don’t want Miriam and her parents to drive over there alone at night.”

  Uncle William didn’t object to his frau’s suggestion. “If that’s all right with everyone?” He looked at Miriam and her parents. When they gave their agreement, he continued. “I’ll get Sally harnessed to the spring wagon so we can all ride together. There will be room enough.”

  Daett nodded and followed Uncle William out the door. Aunt Fannie pulled Miriam tightly against her body. She let go when baby Jonathon wailed from the bedroom. She smiled. “He’s awakened from his nap just in time to go along.”

  “All this fuss woke him.” Miriam groaned. “I’m sorry to cause such a disturbance.”

  Aunt Fannie silenced Miriam with a quick look. “Let’s not hear any more of that talk. You have plenty of reasons to cry, and that was quite a serious discussion. I’d be bawling my eyes out myself if I were in your shoes.”

  Miriam held back the tears as Aunt Fannie left for the bedroom. Her aunt returned in moments with a diaper bag in one hand and the sleepy-eyed baby nestled in her arm.

  “I’ll take him!” Miriam said. She reached for him, and he immediately snuggled against her shoulder.

  Aunt Fannie steered everyone out the front door. Uncle William had Sally hitched to the large spring wagon when they arrived. Daett was already in the front seat. Miriam waited until Aunt Fannie had climbed into the back before she handed baby Jonathon up to her. Mamm climbed up next. With a glance at Daett’s sober face, Miriam pulled herself up and sat on a wagon seat that faced Aunt Fannie and Mamm.

  “I’m glad you’ve made this choice, Miriam.” Daett had partially turned around to speak as Uncle William drove out of the lane and south on Highway 48.

  “Wayne would want this too,” she responded.

  Daett didn’t say anything for a moment. Then he chided, “You must never again come close to money, Miriam. Never! It corrupts the soul and everything it touches. I’m going to get rid of that farm Mr. Bland gave you once you get home. I believe I’ve been corrupted myself by all this.”

  Miriam clasped her hands together in desperation. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Daett. We need the income. You can’t sell the farm on your own anyway. It’s set up as a trust for the family.”

  Daett regarded Miriam with a troubled look. “That it is, but I can no longer excuse the situation on technicalities. You must sell the place, Miriam, and give the money to those who are in desperate need. There’s a Haiti mission near Berlin that can place the funds to gut use if you have no other thoughts.”

  “But our family…” she tried again.

  “We must trust the Lord.” Daett’s face was resolute.

  “Mr. Bland did nothing wrong by leaving me the money,” Miriam protested.

  “Perhaps not.” Daett studied Miriam for a moment. “But look at all that has happened to you.” Daett waved his hand about. “And there’s the matter of Ivan Mast. Once we’ve taken care of the money and farm problems, I’ll speak to him once we get back. If he has repented of his love of money, perhaps there can yet come gut out of this situation. Perhaps a blessing for you, Miriam. I do not understand the mind of the Lord, but clearly you and Ivan have another chance at a relationship. That might be the way the Lord has opened up for you. Now that Ivan’s frau is gone and your Wayne too, Ivan might be a proper husband for you.”

  “Daett, please!” Miriam objected. Horror gripped her heart. She could not, would not marry Ivan, much less love him!

  Daett ignored Miriam and conti
nued with his lecture. “And with the farm gone, this would further clear up the way between the two of you.”

  Miriam gasped. No words would come out. Surely Daett didn’t mean what he said! But she knew him well. He did. And nothing she could say would change his mind. Mamm would support Daett too. A quick glance at Mamm’s face was all the confirmation she needed. Mamm gave her a kind-but-firm smile. She was in full agreement with Daett. Ivan! Miriam prayed that Ivan had the good sense to not attempt a renewal of their relationship. That idea was long dead and gone.

  Daett went on as if Miriam hadn’t protested. “I will find out more about Ivan. I’ll ask around about him once we get back. I know he works for the Beachy family. I won’t allow Shirley’s past connection with Jonas to cloud my judgment. A job is a job, and I’ve heard Ivan is a hard worker.”

  Miriam struggled to speak. Finally a squeak came out followed by words from her heart. “Please don’t mention Ivan right now, Daett. My heart can’t take it.”

  Daett shrugged. “Ignoring the obvious is not the answer, Miriam. After I fully understand your history with Ivan and the money is taken care of, it only makes sense for the two of you to consider saying vows. I know how men think. I’m sure the man must be troubled in his conscience about the matter if it is as you say it is. After I speak with him, I’m sure he will be calling…when the trouble is cleared up between the two of you.”

  “I can’t even think about dating someone right now, Daett,” Miriam tried again.

  “You must not be bitter.” Daett’s voice was firm but gentle. “King David wrote, ‘I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor the seed of the Lord begging bread.”

  “I don’t feel so righteous.” Tears stung Miriam’s cheeks again.