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.The nagging pain in her lower back had faded somewhat today.And her cheeks seemed a bit rosier when she’d looked in the mirror.Overall, she felt stronger than she had for some time.The mail arrived and she hurried outside, though she was not yet expecting a circle letter back from either her aunts in Smoketown or her cousins down in Conestoga.When she spied a letter postmarked Bird-in-Hand, she was curious.Eagerly she tore open the envelope, surprised to see it was from Lena Stoltzfus, the kindhearted New Order woman Treva had introduced to her.The expectant mother and quilting friend of Nellie’s grandmother had written it just yesterday.She began to read.Friday, April 11, 1967Dear Rosanna,Greetings in the name of our Lord!I enjoyed meeting you so much, knowing we share a like faith.Oh, but I would’ve liked to sit down with you alone when you visited here—to share my peculiar story.Not long ago, while I was praying, I felt strongly that I was to give my seventh baby to the Lord, like Samuel of old.Of course my husband and I have dedicated all of our children to God, but this baby—I truly believe it’s a boy—is meant to be raised in the house of the Lord.At the time, I had no idea what that meant, but when it came to my ears that a young woman in Honey Brook had repeatedly miscarried, then lost her two adopted babies because of her newfound faith, I wondered if God meant for me to give him to you, Rosanna.To be raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord.The more I prayed, mind you, the more I felt this child would be a great blessing to you and your husband.I believe that as strongly today as I did that day more than two months ago.Bless you, dear Rosanna.I hope to hear from you soon, whatever you decide.Your sister in Christ,Lena StoltzfusP.S.The baby is due in mid-September.Rosanna attempted to read the last couple of paragraphs again, but her eyes filled with tears.More than two months ago.So Lena had been in deep prayer around the time Eli and Rosie went back to Cousin Kate.She felt reassured that this woman had not acted impulsively.Because of that and this amazing letter, Rosanna knelt to pray for her, unsure how to respond to Lena’s generous offer.Her heart beat a little faster, thinking what it would be like to someday hold Lena’s son in her arms.If it is your will, Lord.Following his father’s afternoon nap, Caleb took extra care getting him settled in the kitchen, with assistance from Abe, who left quickly.His brother obviously struggled with Daed’s helpless state.They all did, but Abe seemed to show it more than Mamm or the girls.Caleb, however, always stayed by to do his father’s bidding, especially if Mamm was out running an errand or attending a quilting bee, as she was today.Surprisingly, Daed’s only request was for a full glass of cold water within arm’s reach.He would sit while he waited for Mamm’s return.She had somewhat apologetically reminded Daed before leaving early this morning that this was the big month for quiltings.Caleb had even wondered if Mamm was suffering from cabin fever, although she’d been outdoors plenty to plant many of the garden vegetables with his sisters.She’d announced just last night that the radishes were up already.some lettuce was peeking out of the soil, too—“a bit early.” Mamm’s eyes had shone at the telling.She’s making her own happiness.“Abe and I are buildin’ a ramp for your wheelchair, Daed,” Caleb said.“What’s that for?” Daed growled.“You’ll need it to get to your rehab sessions.”His father’s eyes brightened briefly, like a light flickering on, then off.“Your English cousin’s son offered to drive you in a van, so you’ll get there right quick.more comfortably, too.” He held his breath, waiting as if for the next shoe to drop.“Who do ya mean?”“Christian Yoder.”Daed smiled faintly.“My cousin John’s boy? Well, what do ya know.”Before Daed could change his tune, Caleb mentioned that Chris had been coming several times a week to help with milking and other chores.“He’s workin’ mighty hard.And just so good round the herd, too.”Daed nodded and closed his eyes in repose—either that or he was recalling former days.Should he forge ahead and risk asking to have Chris’s young friend, Billy, come for a visit? Slowly he went to sit on the corner of the table bench, facing his father.“Chris would like to bring a grade-school youngster out to see the farm sometime, Daed.Just for a few hours.What do ya think?”“This here Chris is a good boy, ain’t?”Caleb was quick to nod.“A big help, jah.”“Well, I can’t say I’m happy ’bout using outside help.” He drew a slow, deep breath, eyes cast downward.“I just don’t know.”Caleb’s heart sank.“Chris Yoder is blood kin,” he reminded him.Another long groan.“That he is.I s’pose it’s all right on both counts.After all, John Yoder and I go back a long ways, though I haven’t seen him in years.”Stunned by how well his father had responded, Caleb allowed himself to breathe more easily.“When can I lay eyes on this long-lost cousin’s boy?”“Chris’ll take you to rehab next Tuesday afternoon.Gideon will help Abe cover the milking so I can ride along.”“Well, better hurry and get that ramp ready, then.”With that, Caleb headed for the back door, relieved.On the way out to the barn for the saw, he thought of going back and asking if Rebekah might also be permitted to help out during daylight hours.Then, thinking better of it, he decided he best leave well enough alone.CHAPTER 18Nellie Mae couldn’t wait to close up the shop today.She’d sent Mamma down to the house to relax while Nan made supper— fried chicken, noodles and gravy, and green beans with ham and onions.Pulling the shop door closed, she walked toward the house, drinking in the raw, damp smell of overturned soil.Farmers would be out plowing and planting soon, and that made her think of Caleb.Inside the summer porch, she wiped her bare feet on the rag rug at the door and put a smile on her face.Then she rushed past Nan in the kitchen and made her way upstairs to her room.All day she’d had it in her mind to get Caleb’s old letters out of hiding and reread them.To help me move forward without him, she thought.Nothing more.Yet now that she had a few moments to herself, she feared she might open up an even deeper hurt, seeing his loving words.the strong slant of his handwriting.Sitting on her bed, she reached for her Bible instead and began to read Psalm 89 [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]