by Sioux Dallas
“Stay with them. I’ll call Jeb Turner to come get them. I’ll notify the veterinarian Dr. Bussiere to meet us there. I’m coming as fast as I can. Roy, meet us there. We might need man power.”
Glenn stayed with the horses and wished he was anywhere else but here. His heart ached for them. They walked the fence and begged him to release them, to feed them, to give them water. He knew what they wanted by the way they acted.
It took some time for Micah and Roy to join Glenn. Jeb was right behind them with his four horse trailer. Micah looked for a gate and couldn’t find one, so, he cut the wire and peeled it back careful to not get barbs in him or the horses.
Jeb had some water that he divided among the three, but not enough to make them sick.
Dr. Jerome Bussiere came soon after to check the horses. “They aren’t too bad, except for the pregnant mare. She is suffering trauma as well as lack of nutrition. Bring them to my clinic and I’ll give them a thorough going over. Boy, this makes me angry. Micah, what can we do about this?”
Micah shook his head. “I’m angry, also. I know what I want to do, but it isn’t legal or moral. I have a plan that I hope will work. Trust me, gentlemen. I’ll tell you all about it as soon as I can.”
Back at Jerry’s Vet. Clinic, the horses were bathed, shots given, fed and taken care of. The family that owned them was notified. The stolen sheep and pigs still had not been found.
Esau Klopfenstein brought his children to see their horses. Ten year old Amelia and eight year old Louisa cried and hugged them, promising them that they loved them and would never let this happen to them again. The mare crooned over the little girls and showed her love for them.
Micah put his plan into action. He called each of the pastors and priests in Shickshinny nearby and ask them to come to a very important meeting the following Saturday in his office. He also invited several newspaper reporters and television reporters.
Everyone came at ten in the morning for this meeting. They were curious as well as concerned. Micah had pastries, coffee, juice and water to offer.
They all talked among themselves for a few minutes while the reporters set up lights and necessary equipment.
Micah called for them to have a seat and allow him to talk. They listened carefully and courteously. “I need your help. All of you are aware of the harassment toward the Amish people and the cruelty done against them.” He told them of the fight and of the death of Darren as well as the theft of the animals and other property.
“I thought the perpetrators would be satisfied and stop, but instead it has escalated. Their actions have now reached a very dangerous stage. I am truly afraid there will be more deaths and more property damage if we do not band together to put a stop to this.”
“What do you want us to do?” Rev. Charles Barrington asked. “Darren’s family are members of my church and I have come to the conclusion that there is no reasoning with his father. Don’t you dare quote me and print that,” he turned to the reporters. “It would damage my ability to reach him and reason with him. Please, think before you print something that could be inflammatory. They would think I had betrayed them and turned against them and that’s not the truth. I care about all involved.”
“I do, too,” the other ministers spoke.
Father Herman Morgan of the Catholic Church stood up. “I’ve been very concerned because some of the young men that I suspect may be involved are from good homes and are members of my parish. At least they appear to be good homes,” he said softly as he sat down.
Micah allowed them to talk among themselves for a few minutes and then spoke again. “I would appreciate it if all of you would pray about this and give a sermon or a talk about it during your services tomorrow. Select some Bible verses that fit the occasion and lay it on thick about compassion, caring for others and treating people as you would like to be treated. I don’t object if you mention the cruel treatment to people and animals that has been going on.”
“Could we talk about what the punishment might be, other than what God can levy against them? How about asking anyone who knows about this to come tell us?” one minister asked.
“That’s fine with me,” Micah answered, “however, we don’t know for sure what the punishment might be. I can guess according to what has been done in the past.”
“That’s good enough for us,” the Verizon FIOS reporter said. The news reporters from Suburban News and Citizen’s Voice agreed.
“Well, I can say that there is a possibility of a thousand dollar fine and a year in jail for each animal stolen. Abuse would be a little more. I don’t set the fines. It would all depend on what animal it was and what happened to them. The pregnant mare has been given the most abuse and I would expect more of a fine for her.”
“That satisfies us. We’ll print the story about the senseless actions and hopefully put the fear of God in anyone who would participate or encourage such a crime.” All the reporters agreed.
“I can hardly wait to get home and prepare my sermon. I hope to put the fear of God in anyone who is guilty or knows who is responsible for the crime.” Several ministers voiced the same plan.
Micah thanked them for coming and asked that they feel free to contact him at any time.
As the ministers were leaving the Catholic priest turned. “I’m in a bind. If someone tells me this in confession, I can’t talk about it. How can the rest of you bring the story public if someone comes to you to confess?”
Rev. Barrington placed a friendly hand on the shoulder of the priest. “We are to do God’s will and He plainly tells us that we are our brothers’ keeper. We are to protect anyone whether they are a member of our church or not. At the same time, we can only appeal to their moral and spiritual side and entreat them to come forward on their own.”
The breaking news on television that night carried the story of the stolen horses and showed the little girls crying their hearts out. They also told of the fight and other harassment and ended by saying, “We know we can’t like everyone we meet, but then everyone doesn’t have to like us. We are supposed to be civilized people and get along together. I spoke to a teacher, Mrs. Sioux Stallard and she said that a flower garden was beautiful because of all the different colors and types of plants. She went on to say that our nation is beautiful because of the different colors of people and different backgrounds. We need to appreciate and accept even if we don’t mix with them.
The Sunday papers carried the same story in more detail and more pictures. The story also included the murder of Darren Kennedy and ended by asking anyone who knew anything to come forward. They ended by encouraging people to talk to any minister whether they attended that church or not. If they wished they could talk to Sheriff Fleming at any time. If they wished to remain anonymous, that could be arranged.
Micah and Anita prayed together and asked that someone have a guilty conscience and talk to someone. Micah was ready to cry for the people who were being abused and tormented. “Annie, I hope and pray someone will give us something to go on after this weekend.”
“Pray without ceasing, my darling. Thank God for our precious news and tell Charity that we’ll be delighted to attend Adam’s surprise party. I’m going to make a gallon of hot German Potato Salad and a gallon of coleslaw. They don’t expect us to do anything but show up, but I want to be part of the festivities. Are you going to get a gift for him?”
“I don’t know. If others don’t bring one it might make them resent me.”
“I didn’t think of that. Maybe you can do something for him on the sly.”
Chapter Nine
The week slowly drifted by with no more trouble and no one coming forward. Thursday was Adam’s party. He would be twenty-one.
Charity was like a worried chicken, running all over the place and worrying about the day not going well. How could she get Adam out of the field and cleaned up in time?
Jacob came to the rescue. “Adam, there’s a horse auction at the fair grounds. I’d apprecia
te it if you would go with me and look at the horses. Can you be ready to leave at one?”
“Ja. I guess I can spare the time. I planned to do some wood work, but I’m caught up on personal orders. Ja, I’ll go.”
Jacob drove the buggy up the driveway at a few minutes before one. Adam had a good lunch and a fresh bath. He was ready to go after he hugged Charity and kissed her urging her to rest some.
They were no more than out of sight until buggies came in. Two trucks and a car of auslanders (outsiders) came in also. The buggies were parked behind the barn and the horses turned loose into the field back of the house. The trucks and car were parked back of the house. Then men started setting up tables and benches and the women got all the food together. Some had brought extra china and tableware.
Micah and Anita worked with them and were relieved when no one even looked questioningly at them. Jonathan and Catherine Alicea had been invited as were David and Victoria Bolling.
There were no balloons or any frills such as would be found at a party in the home of an outsider. Just good food and good company. There was coffee, lemonade, cider and water for beverages.
The food was too numerous to list as Adam was well-liked and everyone was delighted to have an excuse to get together in fun.
Bishop Eash and his family were present as were the two ministers Joshua Chupp and his family, Jude Nissley and his family and Deacon Moses Verkler and his family. Seventy-four were present in all.
Adam was certainly surprised as they drove up and saw the crowd. At first he had a lump in his throat thinking something was wrong, then he had a big grin when Charity ran to him and everyone shouted, “Hallich gebottsdaag!”
Harmonicas were produced when the singing started. Singing was something they all enjoyed doing. No musical instruments were allowed for fear they would appear worldly, but since this was a social gathering, and not a worship service, nothing was said about the harmonicas being played. A lot of the singing was done in their own language so the auslander guests could not participate, but they did truly enjoy them.
The food was soon demolished, but they waited awhile for dessert. Deacon Verkler surprised them by getting up and asking anyone to tell about a birthday they remembered, especially the older folks. There was a little sadness, but the majority of the stories were funny and enjoyable.
Micah had them laughing when he told of a birthday he remembered on his Grandfather’s farm when he was eight. “I had wanted my own horse as badly as any child can want a horse. I begged, promised and pleaded, but no one would tell me if I was getting a horse. Finally my big sister said what I was getting was white and red. I was so sure it was the pinto I had my heart set on. I unwrapped the gifts thinking the horse would surely be outside. Finally I unwrapped some white shirts and red overalls. I tried very hard not to cry. I threw the clothes on the floor and stomped out yelling, “How am I going to ride clothes?” My little heart was broken when everyone laughed at me. Now I think it’s funny, but I’ll never do that to a child of mine.”
Micah turned to his wife. “Sweetheart, may I tell them our good news?” She nodded. He turned with his chest out and said, “We’ve tried for about six years to have a child and last week the doctor told us we could expect a child next May. Yipppeee!”
They all laughed with him and clapped to show their approval.
Finally the women brought out several big, beautifully decorated cakes with home made ice cream. It was a beautiful ending to a lovely day. The people were getting ready to leave when Micah’s cell phone rang. He apologized and walked closer to the house to listen. He returned looking angry.
“A car ran a horse and buggy off the road where the buggy turned over. The horse had to be put down because of serious injury. The people are in Mercy Hospital and they are Amish. The man is in critical condition.” He turned to his wife, “Honey, can we take their three children for the time being? I don’t know yet who their relatives might be.”
“Of course we’ll take the children. You didn’t even have to ask.”
“Wait,” Bishop Eash said. “Who is it? We may know the relatives.”
“I doubt it. They are from another town. My deputy said the woman gave her name as Rebecca. They have three small children.”
“It is kind of you to be willing to help, but the Amish take care of their own. We’ll take the children and the woman, if necessary.”
“Ja.” Several families came forward to offer to do what they could.
Micah stood thoughtfully. Would you, or a couple of men, be willing to ride in my car with me and see about them. Then I’ll bring you and the children back to wherever you wish to go.”
The church leaders stood in a group with some of the men of the church. Noah Kime came to Micah. “I’ll go with you and do whatever is necessary.”
Charity put her head on her dad’s shoulder and cried. “I had a feeling something bad would happen. Maybe I shouldn’t have planned the party.”
Jacob lightly shook her. “You having the party had nothing to do with it. The careless driver of the car is at fault. We’ll all have to pray for him as well as the injured family.”
Noah got in Micah’s car with Anita and they drove to Mercy Hospital. In the waiting room they found a woman crying piteously. When she saw them come into the room, she turned her shoulder away from them and tried to stifle her sobs.
Noah walked over and, in the language, introduced himself and said the Amish community was ready and willing to help. The lady looked up at him with beautiful azure blue eyes filled with tears, but could not talk for a few moments.
“Mine Clint, he is hurt so bad. I am so sad that I cannot pray.”
Micah and Anita walked over and Anita sat down to place an arm around the woman. “We are ready and willing to help also. If you feel too upset to pray, may I pray? The woman looked at her and then at Noah. He nodded. She said, “Ja, danki.”
Micah knelt on his knees and took the woman’s hand. Noah hesitated and then knelt beside Micah and took her other hand.
Anita prayed. “Lord, You are the Heavenly Father of all of us. We may choose to worship in different ways, but we believe in you and in your promises. You have said you will never give us more than we can live with.
You also said You would never leave us. We humbly ask that you lay Your loving arms around Clint and heal him so that he can be with his family who loves him and needs him. Be with his family and give them courage to face the future and to be at peace knowing all that happens is God’s will. We thank you for loving us and being with us when we need you.”
Micah said, “Amen,” and then stood. Noah looked interested, but questioning and said nothing.
“I have never heard a prayer like that, but I like it. My name is Purity Kime.”
“Kime!” Noah said and then spoke more softly. My name is Noah Kime. My family and my brothers and sisters all live here in our community. We must talk and determine if we are related.”
At that moment a nurse came in with the three children. She had taken them out for ice cream and to give their mother some quiet time.
“Here are our children,” Purity smiled with true motherly love. “Charity is ten, Jacob is seven and Amos is three. I don’t know what we would do without them.” Charity told her of the familiar names.
Noah greeted the children. “All of you are coming home with me until your daed can come with us. He will be here in the hospital for a little while and will be well cared for. I have big children at home, but they will be so happy to see you.”
“Is mamm coming, too?” Jacob timidly asked.
“Ja, all of you. And daed will join you later.”
Purity cried for happiness. “I wasn’t sure how I was going to find a place to stay and feed my children. Thank you all so much,” she turned to Anita.
Anita hugged her again. “Maybe you’ll find relatives here. Anyway you’ll find a lot of good friends who care and want to help. My husband and I will help, also.”
> Purity shyly took Anita’s hand. “I’ve never had Englisch friends, but I am so glad to find you.”
Micah put everyone in his car and took them to Noah’s house. Noah’s wife, Marilyn came out to meet them with open arms. “Kumme. Food is on the table. Sitz and eat yourselves full.” She herded the children in while Noah, Micah and Anita talked outside.
“Micah, I can’t thank you enough. Our people trust you and know you love the Lord as much as we do. I want to help in any way that I can to find the people responsible for the troubles in our community.”
“Thank you, Noah. We’ll work together on this and pray that the troubles will end very soon.” Micah and Anita left, then Noah went into his house.
The next service was held in the home of Abraham and Christine Zook.
Bishop Eash told the people of the guests of Noah and urged everyone to make them welcome.
During the week, children’s clothes, women’s clothes, food, money and other items appeared at Noah’s house without anyone claiming attention.
In three days, Clint was able to join his family, but had to rest a lot.
During the conversation of families, Noah found that Clint had lost his means of income and was hoping to find employment and a life in Shickshinny. Clint, a skilled worker, made furniture and other items of wood. They also discovered that Clint was the son of one of Noah’s favorite cousins.
An elderly Swartley family had to go live with a daughter in another part of the state. They had left behind an empty house in good condition. Noah contacted them and got permission for Clint’s family to live there until they could buy the property. There were eighty acres of excellent farm land and all the necessary buildings on the property.
Member of the community brought two milk cows, two mules, a plow, a buggy and a horse, several chickens, two pigs and feed for the animals. Different ones, women and men, came when they could and helped with the plowing, planting, putting in a flower garden and sharing canned goods already prepared for winter. Everyone pitched in to help.