At Home In Corbin's Bend

by Maggie Ryan

  “Don’t use all the hot water,” Charles called as Rob waved a hand above his head indicating he’d heard.

  The women pulled out the steaks and veggies from the fridge and set the table while the men showered. The meal was perfect, the conversation full of laughter and teasing. Later that evening, Ever sat on the porch swing and thought about how blessed she was. She was going to be walking down the aisle in two weeks to marry the man of her dreams. When he joined her only long enough to scoop her from the swing and carry her into the bedroom, she knew that though their journey had been rough at times, she wouldn’t hesitate to take it again.

  Chapter 12

  All thoughts about the wedding were pushed aside when Friday arrived. Ever called all the women involved in the project, making sure they had the details and giving them directions to the hospital. She was a nervous wreck until Wendy called.

  “I know you hesitated to call because you didn’t want it to appear you don’t trust me,” Wendy said. “I just want to reassure you that every quilt is finished, the bindings are done and the labels have been sewn onto the backs. Your group outdid themselves and I hope to be able to meet all of them tonight.”

  “Thank you so much, Wendy. I can’t tell you how much this means to me - to all of us. Make sure you bring the bill and I’ll settle up after the presentation. Is everyone on your staff going to be able to make it?”

  “Yes, I’m closing the shop early so that we can all drive over together. See you around six...is that still the time?”

  “Yes, I’ll be there early to go over the last few details and can’t wait to see the finished quilts. I just pray everything goes perfectly.” Ever hung up the phone with a smile. Trust Wendy to make sure she eased some of the stress of the day. An hour later, all the calls had been made and there wasn’t really anything left to do but wait until it was time to go.

  Knowing she wouldn’t be able to take a nap, she made another batch of granola, doubling it so that she could give some to Violet, smiling as she stirred in a large bag of M&Ms. Sitting at the table, she pulled out her favorite stationary and wrote long notes of thanks to every person involved in making this evening possible. Email or texting might be the ‘in’ thing, but she believed handwritten cards were more personal. Writing the last one, she had to stop for several minutes as a tear fell onto the paper, smearing the ink. Her heart was full of thanks - this man had worked so hard, had sacrificed so much of himself for the benefit of others. How do you properly express your thanks for that? Wiping her eyes, she finished the note and sealed it into its envelope. Gathering them all together, she tucked them into her purse.

  Rob would be home soon and she thought he might appreciate it if he walked into a clean house. He had not made a single word of protest during the last few months but as she straightened, she giggled, picking up loose threads and scraps of fabrics that had fallen between cushions or been kicked under the couch. He was a true saint - it wasn’t easy living with a woman who didn’t see these things until the project was done.

  They arrived at the hospital at four o’clock, walking into the cafeteria to see others had arrived before them. It was obvious that the residents of Corbin’s Bend were putting everything they had into making this evening one to remember. People moved tables around and covered them with white linens. Violet placed centerpieces on each one, flowers in beautiful vases stood tall among red, white and blue stars topping the slender sticks in each vase. Ever flitted among the volunteers, giving out hugs and thanks as every restaurant in the Bend set up their stations, all donating their time to participate.

  As the time grew closer, Rob returned from his rounds. He pulled Ever into his arms. “Wow, the transformation is amazing. Your group has turned a stark boring room into a place worthy of its purpose. I’m proud of you, honey.”

  Ever took a moment to simply relax in his arms and to look around. Streamers hung along the walls and the air was full of delicious aromas. She looked up at Rob. “It is pretty incredible isn’t it?” Rob nodded and bent to kiss her, chuckling when Ever pulled away, stating the she needed to go help Ange.

  Ange was directing her husband where to place the cake she had made, her hands full trying to keep little Jack and Eva from swiping fingers through the icing. She finally gave them each a cupcake and settled them on the floor to get them out of her hair for just a minute or two.

  Ever gave her a hug. “The cake looks beautiful, Ange, I almost hate the thought of cutting into it.”

  “For God’s sake, isn’t that what cakes are for – eating? I would be mortally offended if it was left behind!”

  “Between it and all those cupcakes and cookies, I’m sure we’ll be fine.” Ever watched as photos were taken of the cake. She had told Ange that a sheet cake decorated like the American flag would be fine, but it was obvious the baker had tossed that idea aside. Instead, a huge cake in the center of the table looked like an exact replica of the purple heart medal each of the soldiers in the hospital had been awarded. It honored their sacrifices in a way that made tears well in Ever’s eyes. Ange gave her a hug and the two began to set out the dozens of cupcakes and cookies that Ange had also made. Each cupcake had a small flag on a toothpick waving proudly, the star-shaped cookies decorated with red, white and blue icing.

  At six, Wendy and her staff arrived. “This is gorgeous,” Wendy said, giving Ever a hug. “I can’t imagine how excited you must be because I’m shaking myself.”

  The women moved to the side of the room where the presentation would be held. Long tables had been set up, each covered with a white cloth. Ever watched as the women unpacked the boxes, placing each folded quilt onto the table. She smiled as she saw her friends trail their fingers across fabrics imagining them thinking of the days spent choosing patterns and fabrics, hours spent at the sewing machines. One after another, the women that had participated thanked Wendy and her staff, the excitement growing at seeing the finished projects. Thirty quilts were lined up, ready to be presented.

  “It’s amazing really,” Venia said as she looked down the table. “All this done in just a few months? I’ve never made a quilt before in my life and yet I can’t think of anything I’ve ever done that makes me prouder. Thanks, Everleigh, for letting us all be a part of this. I’m so proud of you.”

  Ever gave her mentor a hug. “It’s I who thank all of you. This never could have happened without each one of you. I can’t wait to see them unfolded as you present them to your soldier.”

  “Present them? I thought you were the master of ceremonies,” Char said from where she was looking at the quilts.

  “Are you kidding?” Ever looked at the women around her. “Every one of you is a presenter. You are the ones that made them - you are the ones that will present them.” Seeing their stunned looks, she smiled. “Ladies, this isn’t going to be difficult. You’ve earned the spotlight for at least a few minutes. I thought you understood that.”

  Brent put his arm around his wife. “I’m sure you will all do a great job. You just say a few words. You can all do this.” When several women still looked doubtful, he chuckled. “Of course, if you need some additional encouragement to remind you that you all are representing the Bend, I’m sure Charles wouldn’t mind giving it.”

  His words had them all giggling and looking over at Charles who just smiled and flexed his hands. Several of the quilters blushed as if remembering those painful yet very effective lessons given to anyone that forgot Corbin’s Bend’s reputation was not to be questioned - or tested. Ever laughed, seeing hands rubbing against backsides and knew that the women would do just fine. She had been serious - they deserved recognition for their work.

  As the room began to fill, soldiers entering in wheelchairs, on crutches, or walking unassisted, the atmosphere was both solemn and excited. Families took seats at tables and Ever heard them expressing delight at the decorations, the place cards, and the sight of the different choices for their meal. She knew that a lot of these families had eaten doze
ns of meals in the cafeteria, and was proud of the restaurant owners of the Bend as no military mess hall offerings could compare to the artfully arranged trays of sushi, Italian, BBQ or Mexican fare whose aromas were tantalizing despite the metal lids covering the chafing dishes.

  Ever stood next to Rob as she watched Beth, Eric, and Amber walk into the room. Behind them, John entered, his hand holding Tory’s. Ever had to blink rapidly to keep her tears at bay watching the young man in full dress uniform walk to the table of honor. He looked a bit embarrassed, but pleased, as he pulled out a chair for his wife. Once everyone was seated, the commander of the hospital took his place behind the microphone.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to thank you all for coming. I am proud of every single one of you and thank you for your service. You’ve given a great deal for our country, sit back and let these great folks give something in return. I am honored to introduce our guest speaker, Major Robert Montgomery, a man that served our country and has continued to serve in this hospital.”

  Applause accompanied Rob to the podium and Ever felt her heart swell. He might not be in the army any longer and he wasn’t wearing the uniform, but he was every inch a soldier as he took his place.

  “I too want to express my gratitude to each of you. I am honored to have been among you in our service. I want to thank your families - your wives and children, your girlfriends and boyfriends, your parents. It is not an easy thing being a soldier but it is not always easy being the one left behind. There is nothing really big enough to truly show what your service means to those at home. All we can do is thank you and thank God for bringing you home.” He had to pause as more applause broke out.

  “I want to acknowledge your hard work in this hospital as well. It takes guts to work as you have. It takes commitment to wake up every single day knowing that by the end of it you will be exhausted and aching. It takes courage to face the fact that you’ve been dealt a difficult hand. And it takes bravery and a sense of continued service to fight through your injuries to become the men and women I see before me tonight. It is with the deepest sense of respect that these women have worked hard to show you that you have never been alone. It is my honor to introduce my fiancée, Miss Everleigh Harris.”

  Ever had expected to speak but when the room broke out into thunderous applause, she felt frozen, her heart was pounding and her stomach flipping. What had she been thinking? Making quilts was nothing compared to what these people had done. Shopping for fabric or even sewing for days on end was not nearly the commitment these soldiers had faced from the moment they took the oath of service. They deserved so much more than this.

  Ever remained frozen in place until Rob left the podium and came to pull her into his arms. She hadn’t even realized her breath had left her until she heard his gentle reminder to breathe as his hand stoked down her back.

  “Breathe, just breathe,” he whispered. “These are friends, Ever. You’ve talked to each one of them, they know you. Don’t cry, baby. You can do this - we are all behind you.”

  After another moment, she nodded against his chest and allowed him to lead her to the microphone, grateful he stood behind her, his hand at her waist. It was several minutes before the applause died down. She took a deep breath and then another and then began to speak.

  “I don’t know what to say,” she said softly. “There really aren’t words to express my sense of gratitude for all you’ve done and continue to do. We all just want to say thanks.” The applause started again and she relaxed. “I’d never heard of the Quilts of Valor program until I met Beth. She told me about the project and I’ve learned that thousands of people across America have volunteered in many ways, making quilts for soldiers returning home. I’ve had the honor of working with some of those women.” She paused and waved her hands towards the women standing against the wall. “Please, come up here with me.” The women looked at each other and then Venia and Bernie took a step forward; Char, Violet and Ange urging the others to do the same. When Ever held out her hand towards the front table, Beth stood and joined the group.

  “We are the ones who want to honor you, to thank you. If we could, we’d erect statues to every soldier that has served.” A ripple of laughter followed her statement. “Since we couldn’t do that, every woman here has made a quilt for a soldier. It is with my deepest thanks to them that I am going to step aside and let them present the quilts.”

  It was a very moving ceremony as one after another, the women held up a quilt, showing it to the room as its creator gave her own small speech of thanks and its recipient came to the front to receive it. Tears flowed as families gathered around their soldier, all grateful that despite their injury, despite the months of rehabilitation required, their loved ones were home, safe in the arms of the people that loved them.

  Violet presented hers, a riot of purples and golds, stars seeming to glow against a midnight sky to a young woman who had been in a Humvee when it ran over a buried explosive. Joleen had suffered burns to one side of her body and had undergone countless skin grafts and surgeries. Her husband wrapped the quilt around her, his pride in her obvious as the two women shared a hug. Ever knew they’d always remain in touch, friendship founded on respect and encouragement.

  Ever stepped back to the microphone, unabashedly wiping her cheeks with her fingertips. There was only one presentation left and it was the one that had started the entire project. She motioned to Eric who stood to come join her and his wife. As Eric and Rob took the quilt, she put her arm around Beth, her eyes on Tory and John.

  “There were two of us who worked on the next quilt. I couldn’t have done it without Beth’s help. Working with her, hearing her stories as well as hearing those of several of you and others throughout the last few months will always remain in my heart. Knowing how much this man means to others, how those who have served with him think of him, of how much he is respected and loved makes me feel so humble. It is my greatest hope that he will one day understand how much his being here has brightened the lives of so many others. Please, help me honor Captain Jonathon Davidson.”

  The room exploded in applause and tears streamed down Ever and Beth’s cheeks as they watched John—the man that had expressed his belief that he’d be better off dead—stand up and hold out his hand for his wife’s. They watched as he walked without a sign of hesitation towards the podium. Rob and Eric allowed the quilt to fall open and heard the gasps and the applause grow even stronger. This quilt was unlike the others. Instead of a traditional pattern, it was like a painting, dozens of photographs making up the quilt top. John’s eyes widened as he stood in front of it, seeing himself portrayed in every form of uniform, at every station he’d served. There were pictures of him with his troops, photos of him as a cadet at the Military Academy, pictures of his wedding to Tory, their smiles huge as they walked under the crossed swords, some held high by friends that were now fallen comrades. His own tears ran down his cheeks as he reached out and touched the photos. When his hand dropped, Rob and Eric changed position, the back of the quilt facing John.

  Columns of letters and notes ran down the back. Ever still didn’t know how Beth had managed it, but going to her mailbox had become a daily treasure. She had transferred the photographs and letters onto special fabric, appropriately named Printed Treasures, using her printer. She and Beth had laughed and cried sewing each section together. The entire quilt told the story of John’s service and those lives he had touched. His relatives had sent photos and letters, his men as well. Teachers at the academy had added their notes of appreciation and encouragement. Rob’s own letter expressing how proud he was of the younger man was among the others. Only one square was blank to be filled in by Tory who was standing by the man she loved with her entire soul.

  “I don’t know what to say,” John said quietly. “Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough.”

  “It’s more than enough,” Ever assured him, hugging him and kissing his cheek. “Welcome home.”

  John
stepped back and snapped his hand to his forehead. Chairs scraped as every soldier either stood or saluted from their wheelchairs. It was an awesome sight and one that Ever was sure neither she nor any of the other women who had participated would ever forget. More tears were shed. The Commander saluted the women as well and then his men and women.

  Stepping forward, he bent down to the microphone. “Dismissed - it’s time to party!” Laughter replaced tears as cheeks were wiped and hugs given.

  The evening could not have been better. Every one of these soldiers was going home; their rehabilitation to continue on an out-patient basis. Families would learn together how to go forward but with the knowledge that they weren’t alone, that the sacrifice had been acknowledged and appreciated.

  By the time the room began to empty, there wasn’t a crumb left of Ange’s cake and all the chafing dishes were empty. People had laughed, eaten and some had even danced, wheelchairs whirled about the floor, smiling wives sitting proudly on the laps of their soldiers. Ever was both exhausted and feeling like her feet weren’t touching the floor. She passed out the letters she had written, pressing the last into John’s hand as she kissed his cheek and hugged him hard.

  Tory scolded both her and Beth and exclaimed that she couldn’t believe her sister was so sneaky. “I can’t thank you enough. You and Rob, you’ve both helped us so much. John is a new man and can’t wait to come home.”

  Ever gave her yet another hug. “You’d better be watching your Ps and Qs - I’m afraid you’ll discover that he feels the need to remind you that you live in Corbin’s Bend.”

  Tory giggled. “I certainly hope so. Whoever would have thought that I’d miss my weekly spanking? That man has a lot to catch up on and I’ll thank God every single day that he is back home - even if it means my butt will be tender.” They giggled as John looked over, his eyebrow raised.