Steadfast Mercy

by Ruth Reid

Jonica hurt for Caleb’s parents, especially his daed who was looking pale.

  Deborah stepped forward. “How dangerous is the surgery?”

  “I’m not as concerned about repairing the tendon as I am with the bleeding around the tissues and damaged blood vessels. As I’ve already discussed with Caleb, von Willebrand disease is a critical factor. Any surgery is a risk. I’ve ordered more units of blood on standby in the OR and medicine to replace his clotting factors.” He paused a moment, but everyone, including Jonica, was stunned by the news. “If you don’t have any more questions”—Dr. Reynolds backed up to the curtain—“I’ll see you in surgery, Caleb.”

  Caleb nodded. “Danki.”

  The moment the doctor disappeared behind the curtain, his mother gasped. “You have what?”

  “Von Willebrand disease. It’s a blood disorder that apparently I inherited from either you or Daed.” Caleb shifted his attention to Jonica. “Stephen and I share the same condition.”

  “Me?” Stephen’s face lit up.

  Jonica’s throat tightened and tears flowed freely down her face. Surgery was dangerous. Everything the blood doctor had told her about the disease meant Caleb’s life was at risk.

  Caleb held out his hand and Jonica snatched it and held on to it tight. “Don’t cry,” he said.

  His mother stepped forward. “Why didn’t I know about von—?”

  “Willebrand disease,” Caleb said. “I didn’t want to worry you.”

  “I’m your mamm. It’s mei job to worry.”

  “I’ll be okay, Mamm.” Caleb turned to Jonica. “Will you still love me if I lose mei leg?”

  “Yes, you fool.” She wiped her face with the back of her hand. “I will always love you, Caleb.” Tears slipped down her cheeks. “You’re nett going to lose your leg.” She spoke with a boldness she wasn’t even aware she had. “You can still live a normal life. At least that’s what the doktah told me about Stephen.”

  “Are you . . . ?” Deborah lowered her voice. “Caleb, are you this kind’s daed?”

  Jonica froze. She glanced down at Stephen. Thankfully, he seemed preoccupied showing Caleb’s father his wooden animal. She took a cleansing breath, generating enough courage to face his mother. “Peter also had the disease.”

  Deborah’s eyes widened. “And how would you know?”

  Prepared to take the conversation out of the room, Jonica pulled her hand away from Caleb’s.

  “There’s little ears in the room, Mamm. That isn’t important right nau.” Caleb reached for Jonica’s hand and held it with a reassuring grip. “I want to be Stephen’s daed. That is, if Jonica will have me.” His gaze bore into hers. “Will you?”

  “Jah!” Stephen shouted.

  Jonica and Caleb laughed.

  Deborah stood, holding her hand over her mouth. “What will everyone say?”

  “Deborah,” Abraham said. “Let’s take Stephen and give these two a few minutes alone. I think they have some talking to do.”

  Stephen reached for Abraham’s hand.

  “I think it will be gut to have a grandchild around the haus,” Abraham said. “Don’t you, Deborah?”

  “Jah, of course. But I would have liked to have known about . . . all of this sooner.”

  Jonica waited until they were out of earshot. “Your mamm may nett forgive me.”

  “She will. Give her time.” Caleb took Jonica’s hand. “I love you, and I want to spend the rest of mei life with you.”

  “I love you too, Caleb.”

  “I’d get out of this bed and propose properly, but that would be too embarrassing dressed in a hospital gown.” He kissed the top of her hand. “Will you be mei fraa?”

  “Yes, I will marry you, even dressed in a hospital gown.” She leaned down and kissed him.

  Epilogue

  Five months later

  Jonica and Aenti were busy making ham-and-cheese sandwiches for the picnic. She glanced out the kitchen window and smiled. Caleb and Stephen were loading the fishing poles and gear into the buggy.

  “It’s gut weather for a picnic,” Aenti said.

  “Finally. Stephen’s been antsy for Caleb to take him fishing ever since the snow melted and the pond thawed.”

  Aenti added a quart-size jar of pears to the basket. “Are you sure you want me to geh? I don’t mind staying home. I have mei knitting project to work on.”

  “Of course we want you to geh.” Jonica placed her arm around her aunt’s shoulder and gave her a sideways hug. “This is a family outing, and you’re part of this family.”

  “I don’t want to be in the way. Your new husband may want his fraa and kind to himself today.”

  Jonica chuckled. “Being alone will be difficult because Caleb’s parents are meeting us at the pond. Besides, you know Stephen would be heartbroken if we all weren’t there when he catches his first fish. He thinks he’s going to get one the size of a yardstick the way he’s been carrying on.”

  “Wonder what size worm it would take to lure a fish that size.”

  “I don’t know, Aenti, but Stephen’s been digging all morning. I’m sure his canister is stuffed with bait.”

  Aenti smiled. “I think it’ll be a picnic for the fish as well today.”

  “Maybe so.” Jonica chuckled.

  The screen door creaked open, and Caleb poked his head into the kitchen. Jonica’s heartbeat sped up. Even after three months of marriage, she couldn’t help but tingle from head to toe when she saw her husband.

  He scratched his bearded jaw. “Can you kumm outside for a minute? I want to show you something.”

  “I’ll be right there.” Jonica handed Aenti the pieces of sliced cheese she’d been dividing between the sandwiches, then grabbed a dishrag and wiped her hands. She hadn’t picked up any urgency in Caleb’s tone, but he’d already headed back out the door. She caught up to him in the driveway. “Caleb, what is it? Is everything allrecht?”

  “You’ll see.” Using his cane for added support, he ambled toward the field at a quick pace. He reached for her with his free hand, holding her fingers tight in his warm grip. Perhaps he wanted to show her how well he was moving around.

  Knowing he’d be cooped up indoors several weeks following surgery, Caleb had arranged for the bishop to marry them as soon as he was able to stand. Their wedding was perfect, and Stephen was thrilled sitting between his grandparents as Caleb and Jonica took their vows.

  Jonica scanned the pasture. “Did one of the horses get out?”

  “Patience, Jonica. Follow me.” He continued walking, then stopped at the edge of the field and pointed down. “Look.”

  At first the ground seemed barren, then she noticed a light-green hue.

  Caleb moved his free arm to encircle her waist and he pulled her close to his side. “The winter wheat is coming up. All of it.”

  She stared at the field, hardly believing her eyes. “Ach, it sure is!”

  “I didn’t think we’d get anything, but look at it all.” Caleb’s eyes sparkled as he held her gaze. “This is the thickest crop I’ve ever seen.”

  “Daed, Mamm.” Stephen sprinted toward them carrying his can of worms. “Did you find more worms?”

  “Nay, sohn. We’re inspecting the wheat.” Balancing on his good leg, Caleb leaned down to Stephen’s level to show him the wheat. “Late summer, when the field is golden and the wheat is standing”—he held up his hand—“about yea tall, would you like to help me harvest it?”

  “Jah.” Stephen tugged on Jonica’s sleeve. “Did you hear that? I’m going to be a farmer.”

  Aenti rushed across the yard, both arms swinging at her sides. “I saw you all gathered together. Is something wrong? What are you all gawking at?”

  “Nothing’s wrong—nothing at all. Look, Aenti, the winter wheat has kumm up,” Jonica said.

  “That’s what all the fuss is about?” Aenti’s wrinkles across her forehead deepened. “I don’t know why you two are so surprised. Nau that the snow has melted, it should be coming up
.”

  “Caleb missed the planting season because of the early snow, and he didn’t think anything would grow,” Jonica explained.

  “Actually, Mr. Jordan was the one who sowed the seed,” Caleb added. “I had already counted it a loss, but nau we should do allrecht.”

  Jonica reached for his hand that held her waist. “We would have done fine no matter what.” She sighed. “I wish Mr. Jordan were here to see the crop.”

  Caleb lifted his gaze to the sky. “Something tells me he knows.”

  “He does.” Stephen smiled. “He’s an engel.”

  Jonica cocked her head at her son. “Stephen, what did I tell you about—”

  “The bu might be right,” Aenti said. “‘Be nett forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.’”

  Jonica thought about the verse her aunt had quoted and smiled. “At first I thought Mr. Jordan was trying to swindle the farm out from under you.”

  Aenti chuckled. “He had you worried enough to stay, didn’t he?”

  Caleb squeezed Jonica. “I’m glad you decided to stick around.”

  Buggy wheels crunched on gravel behind them, and Jonica turned as Abraham and Deborah were getting out.

  “I’ll finish getting the picnic basket ready,” Aenti said, walking away. She waved to Caleb’s mother.

  “Edna, we were passing by and noticed everyone standing in the yard. Is something wrong?”

  “Nett that I’m aware of. Sure is a beautiful day for a picnic and fishing. Speaking of picnic, I better finish getting the basket ready.” Edna continued to the house with a spring in her step.

  “Nothing is wrong, Mamm.” Caleb motioned to the field. “We were looking at the wheat, is all.”

  His daed stepped forward, squinting at first. But the longer he inspected the green growth, the wider his eyes grew. “Well, that’s a first.” He scratched his beard. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  Caleb nodded. “It’s going to be a gut harvest too.”

  Abraham clapped Caleb on the back. “I’m happy for you, sohn.”

  Deborah leaned closer to Jonica. “Edna seems to be doing gut. I’m glad she’s going to join us.”

  “Me too. The doktah said the best medicine for her is lots of interactions with others. I’ve seen some improvement after she gave up eating foods that the doktah said causes inflammation. Mostly bread. We’re all trying to cut back.”

  “Oh, dear, that must be difficult.”

  “It’s been worth it,” Jonica said. Memories like today were something she always wanted to remember.

  “Daed.” Stephen nudged Caleb’s arm. “Can we go fishing nau?”

  “Do you have all your worms?”

  “Yep.” He held up the old coffee can with holes poked in the plastic lid. “Got them all.”

  Abraham turned. “Let’s nett keep the fish waiting.”

  Stephen slipped his hand into Abraham’s and peered up at him. “Are you going to fish, too, Daadi?”

  “That depends. Do you have enough worms for me?”

  Stephen nodded.

  In the short time that she and Caleb had been married, Stephen had formed a tight bond with both of his grandparents. He needed them and they seemed to need him. Slowly, Jonica was learning to let go a little and not fret over everything Stephen attempted to do.

  Deborah walked alongside Abraham and Stephen as they headed toward the buggies. “Would you like to ride with us, Stephen?”

  He looked back at Jonica. “Can I?”

  “Jah, I know you’re eager to cast your fishing line. Get your pole out of the back of the buggy, and be careful. And listen to what Daadi and Mammi tell you. We’ll be along as soon as we get Aenti and the picnic basket.”

  As Abraham pulled out of the drive, Jonica leaned closer to Caleb. “I think your parents are going to spoil Stephen.”

  Caleb nodded. “A grandchild is exactly what mei mother needed.”

  “It is?” Her stomach tingled with the secret she wanted to share.

  He nodded. “Jah, God has been so good to me . . . to us. I can’t think of anything else He could provide that would make me happier.”

  “God has been gut to us.” She motioned to the house. “I have to run inside for the picnic basket and to get Aenti.” She rose to her toes and gave Caleb a kiss on the cheek. “I’m so excited. This is our first family outing.”

  “Wait.” Caleb stopped her from going ahead. “Have I told you how much I love you?” The gleam in his eyes told her everything. She needed no words, but they still took her breath away.

  “This morning you did. But you can tell me all day long, and I still wouldn’t grow tired of hearing it.” There would be no better time than this to tell him her secret. “Caleb, is there really nothing else God could provide for you—for us?” She kissed his lips. “Nothing?”

  He tilted his head and eyed her knowingly. “Nothing except—a dochder?” He gathered her in his arms and lifted her chin to meet his gaze.

  “Or maybe another sohn?”

  Caleb laughed, picked her up, and swung her around. “I love you, Mrs. Schulmann.”

  She smiled and laced her fingers behind his neck. “And I love you, Caleb. Forever.”

  Discussion Questions

  Did you get a sense of how difficult it was for Jonica to return to her childhood district after having to leave the area shrouded in shame? How do you think the other members of the district treated her when she returned? Would you say her fears were realized?

  Caleb often put the needs of his neighbor before his own. Do you see how the delay in planting his winter wheat opened the door for God to bless him? For Caleb, losing his crop meant confirming he was a failure in his father’s eyes. Have you ever thought you lost an opportunity or something important only to discover God had a good and perfect gift waiting for you all along? The scripture that came to mind as I was writing Caleb’s story was Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Can you think of other scriptures in the Bible that offer God’s love and encouragement?

  Caleb’s family is reeling after a recent tragedy. How did each family member deal with the grief in their own way? How did God work miraculously to bring them back together? What role do you think Stephen played?

  What does Matthew 6:26 say about God’s provision? Do you think the redheaded man taking care of an abandoned bird in the story portrayed God’s plan for the characters in the book? Can you think of a time when God made provision for you?

  Jonica often quoted the scripture 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (niv). Jonica didn’t struggle with repenting to God. She struggled with forgiving herself for past mistakes. Do you think it helped Jonica to recite this scripture? If so, what did she gain from doing so? Do you have a favorite scripture that you recite in times of heartache or trouble?

  Do you think Stephen’s childlike faith gave him insight into who the redheaded stranger was? Hebrews 13:2 tells us, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Has there been a time or situation where you might have entertained an angel?

  From the verse listed at the beginning of this book (1 Peter 5:10), can you describe how God restored, confirmed, strengthened, and established each of the characters in this book? Can you think of a time that while you were in the midst of your suffering the God of all grace did the same for you?

  Aenti Edna was suffering from dementia throughout this story. Do you think the other members in the community did enough for her? Edna did what she could to help the redheaded stranger. She gave him food when he was hungry, water when he was thirsty, and she invited him inside the house and even knitted him a scarf to keep him warm. How did her acts of kindness exemplify Matthew 25:35–40? Do yo
u think the Amish community is better equipped to help their elderly members than the Englischers? Does someone in your community—maybe an elderly relative, neighbor, or shut-in—come to mind whom you might be able to help?

  Acknowledgments

  As I was writing this book I found myself saying over and over, “To God be the glory. I will finish this book!”

  And I did—finally. So I could easily sum up this acknowledgment by saying: “The glory is all Yours, God! Thank You for answering my prayer!” But my kind publisher gave me more space on the page, and God placed a lot of people in my life that came up beside me to help me through.

  First, thank you, Becky Monds. You are a fantastic editor! I can’t sing your praises enough for what you’ve done for me. Thank you to my publisher, Amanda Bostic, who is instrumental in publishing so many inspirational books. I’m proud to have you as my publisher. Jodi Hughes, you are so kind and helpful. I would also like to thank Julee Schwarzburg, my line editor. You are wonderful to work with and I look forward to doing more books with you in the future. Thank you to my agent, Natasha Kern. Natasha, you have great insight and I appreciate your candor. You’ve pushed when I’ve needed pushing, all the while guiding me through a difficult time in my life. Thank you for believing in me!

  I would like to thank my family for their ongoing love and support. Dan, you are the best gift of all from God! I am blessed and highly favored because of you. Lexie, when this book hits the stands, you will be Mrs. Johnathan McKeen-Chaff, married to a wonderful, godly man. I’m proud to be your mother (and a new mother-in-law). You have both been a tremendous help with finishing this book. I hope you’ll still let me hang out with you in coffee shops while I write. Danny, as you and MaKayla Clark start your lives together this fall, I pray your marriage will be centered around God because that is where you two will find strength and the endurance needed to grow in your walk with the Lord. I’m very proud of you both. To my last babe in the nest, Sarah, you are a unique and talented young woman. I’m so proud to be your mom! Thank you for all the help around the house. I thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful daughter. I love you!