“Todd, I’m sorry I didn’t have the opportunity to know you during your growing-up years,” B.J. said, barely able to speak around the lump in his throat. “I have many regrets, but so little time. If only we had more opportunity to get to know each other. I’d like you to meet your half sisters, too.”
“My wife and I will be here visiting Mom for another week,” Todd said. “I think we should spend that time getting to know each other, don’t you?”
B.J. bobbed his head. “I’d like that, too. I had planned to return to Chicago early next week, but it can wait a few more days. Getting acquainted with my son takes priority over everything else right now.”
After a slight hesitation, Todd took his father into his arms. To B.J., nothing had ever felt better. His son’s strength was just what he needed as he stood enveloped in the young man’s arms, and Noreen stood by, her cheeks damp with tears.
Emma, seeing that things seemed to be working out between B.J., Noreen, and Todd, moved back to the couch to see how Jennifer was doing.
“I hope Randy gets here soon,” Jennifer said, looking up at Emma with wrinkled brows. “I’m a little scared.”
Pulling a chair over to be near Jennifer, Emma sat down and held Jennifer’s hand. “Having a baby for the first time is always a bit frightening since you’re not completely sure of what all to expect. But once that little girl is in your arms, you’ll forget everything else and concentrate fully on her.”
“Thank you, Emma,” Jennifer said, squeezing Emma’s fingers when another pain started. “They told us the same thing during the birthing classes.”
A few minutes later, Randy burst into the room. Emma hadn’t heard him enter the house but figured Lamar must have let him in.
“I came as soon as I got the call,” Randy said, dropping to his knees in front of the couch. Taking his wife’s other hand, he asked, “How far apart are the pains?”
“Kim was timing them for me before she went to the kitchen to take a phone call, and they were about six minutes apart.” Jennifer clenched her teeth. “It feels like the pains might be coming even closer now.”
“Time to go the hospital.” Randy helped Jennifer to her feet and led her toward the door.
“Please call and let us know once the baby is born,” Emma called after them.
“Will do!” Randy said over his shoulder as he steadied Jennifer, going out the door.
A short time later, Kim returned from the kitchen, wearing a huge smile. “You’ll never guess what Star said. She apologized for causing the breakup between me and her dad and said that after talking with her pastor’s wife she realized it wasn’t right to stand in the way of Jan’s happiness. She also said she was sorry for not getting to know me or even giving me a chance to be her friend.”
“I’m pleased to hear that,” Emma said.
“And so am I,” Lamar agreed.
“Star also said that if her dad was going to have a special person in his life, she was glad it was someone like me,” Kim added, squeezing her hands together.
Emma smiled. “That’s wonderful. I was hoping Star would realize that Jan having a relationship with you wouldn’t affect the way he feels about her.”
“And you know what else?”
“What’s that?”
“Star invited me to come visit them, and as soon as I get some time off, I’m going to do just that.” Kim eyes brightened. “When I get home this afternoon I’m going to give Jan a call. I’m just so happy I could burst!”
“Ach, my!” Emma exclaimed, looking at Lamar. “Such excitement we’ve had here today.”
That evening while Emma was preparing supper, the telephone rang. Lamar stepped into the kitchen to answer it.
Trying not to eavesdrop, Emma kept stirring the kettle of chicken-corn soup.
A few minutes later, Lamar hung up the phone and joined Emma at the stove. “That was Randy. Jennifer had the baby, and they named her Anna.” He grinned. “I think they chose that name because Anna Lambright was their secret gift-giver.”
“That’s wunderbaar!” Emma drew in a deep breath and released it slowly.
“It seems they made it to the hospital in time, because little Anna was born a few hours later,” Lamar added. “Randy said she weighed almost seven pounds and is nineteen inches long.”
“Randy and Jennifer have been blessed in so many ways. And now, they’ve received the biggest blessing of all—a precious baby girl.” Emma remembered the joy she’d felt when her own children were born. “How grateful I am that we’ve had the privilege of not only teaching, but getting to know so many of our students. I pray that God will bless this group of quilters in very special ways.”
E
PILOGUE
Shipshewana
Six months later
Think I’ll meander down to the mailbox and see if the mail’s come yet,” Lamar said as he and Emma sat on their front porch, watching their goats frolic in the pen.
“That’s a good idea,” Emma said. “I’m hoping to hear something from my sister in Oregon, letting us know if she’s feeling up to us coming for another visit later this fall. They’d visited Betty in the spring, and Emma had been pleased to see how well she was doing. It was hard to believe that just a year ago, her dear sister had been so ill she barely recognized anyone. The power of love can work miracles, Emma thought.
Lamar patted Emma’s arm. “I’ll be back soon with the mail.”
Emma watched as he made his way down the driveway, walking easily and without a limp. They’d had a good time in Florida, but she was glad they were home now, close to their family and friends. Being in the warmer weather all winter had helped the symptoms of Lamar’s arthritis, but of course, the weather was warm here in Indiana now, too. But, in a few months when it turned cold again, they would catch the Pioneer Trails bus and head for their Florida home.
Emma leaned her head against the back of her chair and listened to the twitter of the birds, while a slight breeze tickled her nose. God has surely blessed us, she thought.
When Lamar returned with a handful of mail, as well as a large package the mailman had left in the phone shack, he handed the envelopes to Emma and set the package on the porch. “Looks like there’s a letter from Noreen Webber and one from your sister’s daughter, too.”
“Oh, that’s good.” Emma took the mail and eagerly opened the first letter. “We’ve been invited for a family get-together next month in Portland,” she said after she’d read her niece’s letter. “Do you think we can go, Lamar?”
He gave a nod. “Don’t see why not. Cheryl and Terry’s and Jan and Kim’s double wedding is in two weeks, so it won’t interfere.” He grinned. “I’m almost sure that some of our earlier quilting students will be at the wedding, too.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised.”
Lamar gave Emma the other letter. “Guess you’d better see what Noreen has to say.”
Emma tore open the envelope and tears pooled in her eyes as she read it aloud:
“Dear Emma and Lamar,
“It’s with sadness that I’m writing to tell you of B.J.’s passing. His funeral was last week, and Todd and I went to Chicago for the service. It was a sad time for all, but Todd had the chance to get to know his half sisters, and they plan to stay in touch.
“I’ve kept in contact with the others from our quilting class. Mike and Phyllis recently returned from a trip to Hawaii. Jennifer and Randy are doing well, and their sweet little girl is growing like a weed. Kim, as I’m sure you know, will be getting married soon. Oh, and I saw Erika the other day at the children’s hospital, where I volunteer. In addition to doing some tutoring at the blind school, Erika has been making cloth dolls to give to the children at the hospital.
“As for myself, I’m keeping busy with my volunteer work, and more recently, I’ve gotten involved with a seniors’ group and have even gone on a few dates with a very nice man.
“I feel, as I’m sure the others who attended our class do, g
rateful to you and Lamar for your kindness, patience, and the Christian example you showed each of us during our quilting classes. I can honestly say that I learned a lot more than quilting while attending your classes. I’ve been able to let go of the anger I felt all those years towards B.J., and it feels as if a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
“Many blessings to you and yours,
“Noreen
“P.S. Almost forgot to mention that before I left Illinois, B.J.’s daughter Jill gave me a picture of a seascape her father had started painting while he was in Florida. He finished it after he returned to Chicago, but due to his weakened condition, he never got it mailed. Jill said her dad wanted you folks to have it and asked that I get it to you. It should be arriving at your place soon.”
“I wonder if that’s what’s in there,” Emma said, gesturing to the package.
“Well, let’s take a look.” Lamar opened the box and removed some wrapping paper. Then he lifted the most beautiful painting out for Emma to see.
“Ach, my! It’s just lovely,” Emma gasped as her eyes focused on the seascape, to which had been added a quilt similar to one that Lamar had designed and showed the class. It was spread out on the beach, and the colors from the setting sun cast a rosy appearance across the quilt. At the top of the picture, engraved in the frame were the words: THE HEALING QUILT.
Tears welled in Emma’s eyes and she sniffed deeply. “Oh Lamar, even in B.J.’s darkest hour, he remembered us. Wasn’t that thoughtful of him?”
“Jah, it certainly was,” Lamar agreed.
Emma clasped her hands lightly together, gazing at the painting through watery eyes. “I’m looking forward to the days ahead, knowing that with God at the center of our lives, we will continue to be blessed, as we allow the Lord to help us bless others.”
EMMA’S RAISIN MOLASSES COOKIES
2 cups raisins
1 cup shortening
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
1½ cups molasses
4 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ginger
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rinse and drain raisins. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Blend in molasses. Sift flour with baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Blend into creamed mixture. Stir in raisins. Drop by teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Yields about 6 dozen cookies.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Emma agreed to spend the winter in Florida because of Lamar’s arthritis, but she missed her family in Indiana and soon became bored. What are some ways we can deal with being separated from family and friends?
2. B.J. hid his health issues from his family, wanting to spare them the truth for as long as possible. Is there ever a time when it’s right for someone to keep something like that from their family?
3. Since losing the ability to walk, Erika Wilson had no confidence in herself and felt as if she was worthless. Have you or someone you know ever felt that way? What are some ways we can offer encouragement to a person with a disability?
4. Noreen struggled to forgive B.J. for hurting her sister in the past. Was Noreen justified in feeling bitter toward B.J.? What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
5. Star, having been reunited with her father two years ago, felt jealous when he showed an interest in Kim. What are some ways an adult child can deal with their parents’ desire to date again?
6. Mike Barstow was a workaholic and wanted to be on his boat all the time. Do you or someone you know tend to work too much, neglecting your personal relationships in exchange for your job? What are some things we can do to curb the desire to work all the time? How can we find more time to spend with our family and friends?
7. When Kim felt nervous, she was a bit klutzy, which often resulted in minor accidents on the job. Yet because of her friendliness, Kim’s customers liked her and didn’t complain to her boss. Has a waitress ever given you the wrong order or spilled something on you or the table? How did you handle the situation?
8. Noreen had a secret she was keeping about her sister’s child. Do you think an adopted child has the right to meet his birth parents if possible? How should an adoptive parent respond when their child wants to look for their birth parents?
9. Erika took a risk the day she had the diving accident. After doing several previous dives, she was tired, yet chose to do one more dive to show off for her friends. Erika’s father urged her to get out of the pool, but when Erika did the dive anyway, it ended in a serious accident that changed her life. Would you take a chance, of any sort, doing something risky that could possibly cause permanent injury to yourself?
10. Kyle didn’t try to stop his daughter from doing one more dive, even though he knew she was tired. After the accident that left Erika paralyzed from the waist down, he felt guilty. As a parent, do you find it hard to allow your children, especially as teenagers, to make their own decisions, even though you feel their decisions are wrong or risky? When should a parent step in and say no to what their child wants to do?
11. Jennifer’s husband, Randy, was discouraged when he couldn’t find a job. What are some ways we can help someone who is unemployed, yet actively looking for work, without making them feel inadequate or indebted to us?
12. Jennifer and Randy were being helped by a stranger. Would you be able to accept such generous gifts from someone you didn’t know? If you had been Jennifer, would you have been able to take the quilting class, knowing someone had paid for your class, while the rest of the quilters had to pay for their own?
13. This story was set in the small community known as Pinecraft, which is part of Sarasota, Florida. What differences did you see in the way the Amish live there, from other Amish communities in different parts of the country?
14. Emma sometimes quoted different Bible verses to her students. Were there any verses of scripture in the book that spoke to your heart? If so, in what way?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish way of life when she first visited her husband’s Mennonite relatives living in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband, Richard, live in Washington State but take every opportunity to visit Amish settlements throughout the States, where they have many Amish friends.
Wanda and Richard have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandson. In her spare time, Wanda enjoys beachcombing, ventriloquism, gardening, photography, knitting, and having fun with her family.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
OTHER BOOKS BY WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER:
Adult Fiction
The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
The Tattered Quilt
THE DISCOVERY SAGA
Goodbye to Yesterday
The Silence of Winter
The Hope of Spring
The Pieces of Summer
A Revelation in Autumn
A Vow for Always
KENTUCKY BROTHERS SERIES
The Journey
The Healing
The Struggle
BRIDES OF LEHIGH CANAL SERIES
Kelly’s Chance
Betsy’s Return
Sarah’s Choice
INDIANA COUSINS SERIES
A Cousin’s Promise
A Cousin’s Prayer
A Cousin’s Challenge
SISTERS OF HOLMES COUNTY SERIES
A Sister’s Secret
A Sister’s Test
A Sister’s Hope
BRIDES OF WEBSTER COUNTY SERIES
Going Home
Dear to Me
On Her Own
Allison’s Journey
DAUGHTERS OF LANCASTER COUNTY SERIES
The Storekeeper’s Daughter
&nbs
p; The Quilters Daughter
The Bishop’s Daughter
BRIDES OF LANCASTER COUNTY SERIES
A Merry Heart
Looking for a Miracle
Plain and Fancy
The Hope Chest
Amish White Christmas Pie
Lydia’s Charm
Love Finds a Home
Love Finds a Way
Woman of Courage
Children’s Fiction
Double Trouble
What a Pair!
Bumpy Ride Ahead
Bubble Troubles
Green Fever
Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere 8-Book Series
The Wisdom of Solomon
Nonfiction
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook
Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook Vol. 2
The Best of Amish Friends Cookbook Collection
The Simple Life
A Celebration of the Simple Life
Want to know what Wanda’s up to and be the first to hear about new releases, specials, the latest news, and more? Like Wanda on Facebook!
Visit facebook.com/WandaBrunstetterFans
The Healing Quilt Page 26