“But you are laying up treasures in heaven. And you will do that even more with the sale of the farm and the giving of the money to the Lord’s work.” A smile crept across Daett’s face.
Uncle William guided Sally into Deacon Phillips’s driveway. He pulled her to a stop and got out to tie the horse to the hitching rail.
Miriam took a deep breath and climbed down from the spring wagon. She turned to take baby Jonathon from Aunt Fannie. Mamm squeezed her hand and offered another kind smile. The two men led the way to the house.
Deacon Phillips opened the front door. “Well, what a surprise! Come in, come in.”
Miriam bit her lower lip as they were shown to seats in the living room.
Katie said, “I think this calls for popcorn!”
Aunt Fannie reached over to touch Katie’s arm. “No, don’t bother. We’re fine. Just come and sit down with us.”
“I wouldn’t think of it,” Katie insisted. “And I have oranges in the basement. Does anyone want orange juice?”
“Then I’ll come help,” Aunt Fannie said, giving in. The two vanished into the kitchen.
Miriam remained seated with Mamm beside her. This was the perfect time to spill the news to Deacon Phillips as to why they’d come, Miriam decided. Then everyone could enjoy the rest of the evening the best they could. She’d smile on the outside and weep on the inside, but that couldn’t be helped.
Daett must have had the same idea because he cleared his throat and said, “I don’t know how best to break this news, but I thought we’d come along to better explain things.” Daett glanced at Uncle William, who nodded his agreement.
Deacon Phillips smiled and waited.
“Miriam was given a fairly large inheritance by an Englisha man some time ago,” Daett said. “A farm first of all…” Daett paused, and Deacon Phillips nodded. That was old news to him. “She was also given a large sum of money.” Daett added, “Two million dollars, in fact.”
Deacon Phillips leaned forward, a concerned look on his face.
Daett hurried on. “I myself only learned of this tonight. Miriam kept this matter a secret from us for her own reasons, but she sees her mistake now. She wishes to give the money to relief efforts in this area to help the community rebuild.” Daett cleared his throat again.
“All of it?” Deacon Phillips found his voice. “All two million dollars?”
“All of it—two million plus whatever interest has accumulated,” Daett told him. “And if you would keep the source of this money quiet, we would really appreciate it.”
“Of course.” Deacon Phillips seemed to struggle to breathe. “That’s a large sum of money. I’ll have to involve the other ministry people for integrity purposes. I won’t have to disclose the source.”
“That would be gut,” Daett said. “And may I suggest you use the funds to help the community people first and then the Englisha?”
“Of course,” Deacon Phillips said.
Sounds of popcorn popping came from the kitchen, and a peaceful silence settled over the living room. Miriam was glad she hadn’t come by herself. Things would not have gone as well without Daett and Uncle William taking charge. The still-startled look on Deacon Phillips’s face showed her that plainly enough. The deed was done. She’d cry more tonight over Wayne, but for the spending of the money, she’d shed not one tear.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Miriam pulled Sally to a stop in the schoolyard on Saturday. For two days this week crews had worked at the site. Lunch could now be served inside for the school picnic. Miriam climbed out of the buggy and unhitched. Others should be here soon, but she’d wanted to arrive early. The basement might still be cluttered by tools and construction debris. The truth was that she wanted a few minutes alone at the schoolhouse before the bustle of the day began. The days behind her weren’t nearly enough to heal from the loss of Wayne, but she’d made a start. Here at the place of so many gut memories more of her heart might be comforted. She’d be leaving the Clarita Amish community next week. The decision weighed heavily on her. Daett had insisted it was for the best that she come home for a while, and Mamm had agreed. What else, then, could Miriam do?
“Possum Valley, here I come again,” Miriam muttered. Great sadness crept over her, but she pushed it away. Deep down she wanted to stay here, but now that seemed impossible. Mamm and Daett had made it clear enough before they left for Possum Valley. Daett was going to speak with Ivan like he’d promised. Miriam frowned. She didn’t want to think about that man. Still, she couldn’t defy Mamm and Daett, could she? No, she’d go home—at least for the summer.
The thought of returning at the end of summer seemed like a possibility. Unfortunately she hadn’t been invited to teach next year by the school board. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. For all she knew, the board might already have a new teacher lined up. If she came back she could work at the greenhouse. It should be rebuilt by then.
Miriam shook herself. She was going to cry if she didn’t stop these thoughts. With an effort she turned to more pleasant things—memories of the school year, including the games she’d played with the children. Right here little Adam Yoder had pulled a new trick while they played prisoner’s base—rolling several times toward safety. The maneuver had so astonished Verna—one of the eighth-grade girls who had been assigned to guard him—that Adam had arrived untagged.
Miriam smiled. There were also more pleasant memories. That of being called “teacher,” for one. The feeling of belonging, of being needed and appreciated by the students. They had liked her. Miriam let the joy fill her heart.
She entered the newly framed school building. No drywall or insulation was up yet. That would happen this summer before the start of another school term. She imagined the voices of the students when they would again recite their lessons and sing cheerful songs about the glories of God. She could see the light in their eyes as one and then another caught on to the lessons. Yah, she would miss this—more than she wanted to admit. That sorrow must also be overcome. She couldn’t expect the school board to rehire her.
Horse hooves beat on pavement, and Miriam moved to the window. She looked out to see Deacon Phillips and Katie driving up. They were very early. Why would they arrive before everyone else? Did he wish to speak with her in private?
Miriam had been to Coalgate and the bank on Thursday. Then she’d driven over that evening with a cashier’s check for almost two million fifty thousand dollars just as Deacon Phillips had requested. The check was made out to the relief fund that had been created for this purpose. Had she made a mistake? She took a deep breath. She would not assume she’d made an error. If there was a problem, it would be handled. At least Katie was along to soften any criticism. She was one of the kindest people Miriam had ever met.
Miriam waited in the schoolhouse until Deacon Phillips had unhitched his horse. She walked over to meet the two of them at the schoolhouse door.
“Good morning, teacher!” Katie greeted her. “Early on the job, I see.”
Deacon Phillips smiled and nodded his greeting.
“Did I do something wrong with the check?” Miriam blurted out, ignoring her decision to not assume fault.
“Oh no!” Deacon Phillips assured her. “The relief board had nothing but gut things to say about such a large donation. They wanted to meet the person and thank him themselves, but I said that wasn’t possible.” Deacon Phillips smiled again. “Of course, I didn’t breathe a word about you. Your secret stays with me. I do want to tell you that I agree totally with your daett. You couldn’t have done a wiser thing than laying up treasure in heaven through your gift.”
Miriam blushed and looked away. “Let’s not talk about me. I do hope Uncle William will be given enough for his greenhouse.”
Deacon Phillips didn’t hesitate. “That’s up to the relief board, but I’m sure your uncle will be dealt with fairly because no one knows the source of the money.”
“I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t have asked.
” Miriam lowered her head in contrition.
Deacon Phillips cleared his throat. “Katie, we’d better hurry and ask our question before the crowd begins to gather for the picnic.”
Miriam felt her body stiffen from the sudden chill in her heart.
Deacon Phillips continued. “You probably don’t know all our customs around here regarding school, Miriam. The school board doesn’t usually ask the current teacher to stay another year until the last day of school. Now with you, we could have asked a long time ago because we knew what we wanted, but then those of us on the board decided to stick with our tradition.” Deacon Phillips appeared apologetic. “We’ve had bad experiences in the past with other teachers, so we’re never sure what might come up. Miriam, we’d like you to be our teacher next year. If you’ll consider it, of course.”
Miriam took a deep breath. “I wasn’t sure if my failure to tell my parents about the full inheritance would disqualify me. It didn’t reflect well on my character. And a teacher must be of the highest character.”
Deacon Philips nodded. “Yah, I do wish you had told your parents about that from the beginning. But mistakes like that happen to the best of us. And with the gift you’ve given, that’s all behind you. I can’t think of a better teacher to ask to come back for next year. I understand your parents want you back in Possum Valley. Hopefully that’s just for the summer. You wouldn’t need to be back here until the week before the new term starts.”
“We would like to have you back very much,” Katie hastened to add.
Miriam’s mind spun. She hadn’t dared hope for such an offer so liberally given. Tears filled her eyes. Now that the moment of decision had arrived, she had to consider if she could live in the land where she’d lost Wayne.
“Of course you can think about it for a week or so,” Deacon Phillips said, interrupting her thoughts. “Or you could even write from Possum Valley. We hope you don’t wait too long to give us a positive answer.” His smile was back full force. “Our children have certainly enjoyed you as their teacher this year.”
“I’ll do it!” Miriam stood tall and smiled. “I’ll come back and teach next year.”
“Are you sure?” Katie reached out to squeeze Miriam’s arm. “I know this has been a hard season for you.”
“I’m okay,” Miriam said. And she really would be by then.
Deacon Phillips and Katie glanced at each other. Deep smiles filled their faces with joy. “I’m glad to hear that!” Deacon Phillips told Miriam. “I think you’ll be in a much better state by then. And I know the Lord will be with you this summer.”
“Yah, and many blessings to you during your time off,” Katie added.
Miriam glanced toward the schoolyard. She’d heard several buggies pulling in while they’d been speaking, but she hadn’t taken much notice.
“Thank you both so much,” she told them.
As representatives on the school board, Deacon Phillips and Katie were already greeting the other arrivals.
Miriam took her place at the schoolhouse door, a smile on her face for the first time in weeks. Her heart still pounded at this sudden turn of events. She’d been the teacher last year and now she was asked to be the teacher for next term. She should act like she’d received a great gift—because she had. The loss of Wayne and the misstep with the money hadn’t carried over and taken her job away.
“Heal, heart, heal,” she whispered to herself and sent a prayer heavenward. “Help me, dear Lord. I need all the grace I can get to move forward with Your joy.”
And as if to test such a prayer, the next buggy to arrive belonged to Wayne’s mamm and daett. She could handle this, Miriam encouraged herself. She’d smile and act normal, and no one would see the huge hole in her heart. Miriam kept up the smiles and shook hands with the parents and students who came past. Apparently most of them assumed she’d accepted the school board’s job offer for the next term.
“It’s so gut for you to come back next year.”
“We really enjoyed the time you’ve been in the community.”
“We love to have Shirley around as well,” a woman added. “She was such as sweet girl. I heard she had another operation.”
“Yah,” Miriam replied. “She’s doing much better.”
“That’s so gut to hear!” the mother said, turning to her young daughter who was pulling on her dress sleeve.
Miriam watched as a softball game was beginning on the playground, and recruits were being called for among the men. Reluctantly a few joined. They pretended to limp onto the field with exaggerated gestures. Deacon Phillips hauled himself to the field as if every muscle in his body had been pulled out of shape.
Miriam grinned. The truth wasn’t that far away. Some of the older men only played at community picnics, so strained muscles and sprains weren’t unusual. The steady, strenuous farm work most of them performed, for the most part, didn’t involve sudden moves and hard jolts.
Miriam jumped when a familiar voice came from beside her. “Enjoying the game?”
“Yah,” Miriam responded, giving Katie a quick smile.
“There will be a lot of men with sore muscles tonight,” Katie commented with a chuckle.
Miriam laughed too. Although her heart still hurt for Wayne, there was also joy in this day. And for that she would give much thanks.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Shirley rocked gently in her chair on the front porch. Miriam would soon arrive from the bus station. Mamm and Daett had left right after lunch with their neighbor Mrs. Faulkner to pick up Miriam from her long trip from Oklahoma. Shirley had considered going along to welcome Miriam home but decided not to. Miriam’s return was joyfully anticipated by the whole family, and she was sure everyone in Possum Valley would be happy to see her sister back. Miriam would take center stage again, but Shirley could deal with that. She was selfish to even think of such a thing, she told herself. Especially since Miriam’s heart must still be bleeding from all that had happened.
Shirley glanced up as Naomi approached. “I’ll wait out here with you if you don’t mind,” the girl said. “It’s so exciting that Miriam’s home again—and for the whole summer.”
Shirley motioned toward the other porch rocker. “Yah, I know. I thought I would be out here to welcome her.”
Naomi nodded. “Miriam will appreciate the effort. She’s such a saint. I can’t believe that awful thing happened with Wayne. And I never got to meet him. What kind of man was he anyway? You saw him once, didn’t you?”
“I did,” Shirley said. “Wayne was nice enough from what I could see. I guess the Lord had other plans for Miriam.”
Naomi stared into space. “I sure hope the man I love doesn’t up and die on me. What a heartbreak poor Miriam has gone through!”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Shirley agreed.
Naomi glanced at her older sister. “How are you and Glen getting along? I must say, he seems much more suited for you than that Jonas Beachy ever was.”
Shirley bit back a quick retort. There was no need to antagonize Naomi. And Glen was gut for her.
Naomi appeared quite concerned since her sister hadn’t responded. “Surely Glen hasn’t broken off your relationship?”
Shirley laughed. “No, I’m more like the one who would do that. Glen is a jewel.”
“Life is sad sometimes, isn’t it?” Naomi asked. “I’m sorry for Miriam and you. You’ve had a rough time this year, and Miriam had been planning her wedding for this fall.”
Shirley reached over to touch Naomi’s hand. “Sometimes it seems that way. And I appreciate Glen’s attentions. He’s helped me get over the accident. He’s coming by this evening to help us celebrate Miriam’s homecoming.”
“He is gut for you,” Naomi said. “He’s considerate, kind, and compassionate. You should marry the man.”
“Now that’s going too far yet,” Shirley gently countered.
Naomi appeared ready to say something, but her response was interrupted by Mrs. Faul
kner driving her car down the driveway. Both girls rose and were standing at the end of the sidewalk when the car came to a stop. Daett climbed out first, followed by Miriam. Mamm was right behind them, having exited via the front passenger door. Naomi rushed forward to wrap Miriam in a tight hug, but Shirley held back now that the moment had arrived.
Miriam didn’t seem to notice her hesitation. After hugging Naomi, she turned and opened her arms wide. “Shirley! It’s so gut to see you.”
“And you,” Shirley whispered as the two embraced. They stood for a moment afterward taking in each other, their hands clasping.
Daett plunked two suitcases near the sidewalk and called out, “I could use some help here. Miriam has a bag you can get, Shirley.”
Shirley hurried to respond, but Miriam intercepted her. “I’ll get the bag.”
“You will not!” Shirley said. “You’re a visitor now.”
Miriam laughed. “Not for long, I hope.”
“You are never a visitor,” Mamm assured Miriam. “I’m glad you’re home. But come, we’d better get these things inside.”
Everyone’s hands were full, and they all headed toward the house. Shirley hung back from the others to whisper to Miriam, “I’m so sorry about everything that happened in Oklahoma. Are you okay?”
Miriam took a moment to respond. “The Lord is helping me. But let’s not talk about that right now. I’m home and life goes on. How are you doing?”
“Okay, I guess.” Shirley wrinkled up her face.
Miriam set her suitcase down to gently trace the faint scars on Shirley’s face with one hand. “I’d say things are doing quite well. This looks so much better from the last time I saw you. There is much to be thankful for.”
“There is,” Shirley agreed. “And Glen thinks I’m…well…” Shirley looked at the ground.
Miriam smiled. “I’m glad to hear it. You deserve the blessing of the Lord.”
How could Miriam be so cheerful after what she’d gone through? Shirley wondered. The two picked up their loads and hurried to catch up with Mamm and Naomi. After going into the house, Mamm put a suitcase down and slipped an arm around Miriam’s shoulders. The two spoke together in low tones.
A Blessing for Miriam Page 24