Grace's Forgiveness

by Molly Jebber

  They walked to the table and joined the women.

  Grace removed dishes out of the handwoven baskets and peeked inside each dish. Yum. Peach tarts had filling oozing out both sides. Pickled cucumbers, beets, and eggs lined the second dish. Fluffy white corn bread occupied another. The women had outdone themselves bringing such scrumptious food.

  Friends and neighbors arranged the dinner dishes on the right side of the food table and desserts on the left.

  Mark headed toward her. She met him halfway. His sweat-stained shirt clung to his muscular body. No matter. She’d stand or sit next to him anytime.

  “Your arms must hurt from hammering.”

  “I like the scent of wood and using my hands to create things. The men who prepared the oak girders, beams, posts, and studs did an excellent job. I’m impressed. They were precise when they cut and measured the joints. They’re the best I’ve ever used on a project. We should have the rest of the walls with windows in place, roof on, and barn doors hung by four this afternoon.”

  “I noticed you paused to speak to the men several times. Were you instructing them on what to do?”

  His chin lowered to his chest and he stared at the ground. “Jah. Mr. Zook asked if I’d direct the men in my group.”

  Mark certainly wasn’t an arrogant man. Another trait she’d add to the list of what she loved about him.

  “Don’t be embarrassed. I’m certain the men are appreciative you’re sharing your expertise.”

  “Danki. I wasn’t sure how they’d take a newcomer telling them what to do, but they seemed to appreciate my guidance, which is a relief.” His eyes drifted to the food. “My stomach has rumbled all morning. I’m hungry.”

  The bishop whistled. “Please bow your heads and join me in a word of prayer.” He closed his eyes. “Dear Heavenly Father, danki for the men and supplies here today. Please protect these men from harm as they work to complete their task. Danki for the excellent food these women have prepared for us. All this we ask and pray in Your name, Amen.” He raised his head. “Let’s finish our meals in a short time and get back to work.”

  “Kumme and sit with me.” She handed Mark a plate and scooped pickled vegetables, corn bread, fried chicken and buttered noodles, oatmeal cookies, and a peach tart onto hers. She noticed he chose the same. They joined Levi and Sarah.

  Sarah passed two jars of water to her. “Taste the peach tart. It’s scrumptious.”

  “Danki.” She pinched off a corner of the tart and put it in her mouth. “I’m eating it first. It’s mouthwatering delicious.”

  Mark winked. “I’m taking your advice and devouring my dessert first. The men are in a hurry to get back to work. I want to make sure I have enough time to eat my oatmeal cookies.” He bit off a piece and moaned. “Yum, this cookie is scrumptious.”

  She slid a bag of cookies to him. “Mamm baked you an extra batch to take home.” She sipped her water. “Have you met Mr. Wittmer?”

  “Jah. Mr. Wittmer is a kind man. He sits in his chair and scrutinizes our every move. He hasn’t wiped the smile off his face since we started at six. The minute we dropped our hammers, he got up, strolled to each group, and thanked us for our hard work.” Mark hurried to eat everything on his plate.

  “He’s a sweetheart.” Grace opened her mouth to speak again but closed it.

  Mark didn’t have much time to clear his plate. She’d give him time to finish his dinner. Mark’s shoulder brushed hers. Her pulse raced. What would it be like to have his arms circle around her? She closed her eyes for a moment. What was she thinking? She mustn’t entertain such thoughts. It wasn’t proper.

  Mark interrupted her musings. “The men are heading back to work already. I should join them. I’m glad we sat together, Grace. I’ll share my cookies with them.” He winked. “I’ll find you before I leave.”

  Her breath caught at his smile and his promise. “I look forward to it.”

  Grace and Sarah helped the women rinse and stow their empty dishes in their baskets and transferred leftover food to containers. Sarah whispered in Grace’s ear. “How are you and Mark getting along?”

  “I think I’m falling in love with him.”

  “Do you think he’s falling in love with you?”

  She shrugged and smiled. “He said he’s interested in me and not any other woman when we talked about my insecurities concerning Eve. We’ve shared our thoughts and feelings about friends and things that matter to us. I doubt he’d share this information with just any woman.”

  Sarah grinned. “He leans in when he talks to you, makes eye contact, and is in our shop for dinner often. You are his focus. I like him. I’m happy you and he have met and are attracted to each other. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for you and Mark.”

  “I appreciate your support, Sarah.” She paused. “Is something wrong with Mr. Wittmer?”

  Sarah craned her neck. “Let’s find out.”

  Women and men were running to where Mr. Wittmer had been sitting.

  Grace stopped Mrs. Beiler. “Has something happened to Mr. Wittmer?”

  “Mr. Wittmer has fallen. He won’t rouse.”

  Grace dropped the dish she held and wiped her hands on her apron. She heard Sarah’s footsteps behind her, but she knew her friend couldn’t run as fast. Grace had no time to wait on her. She followed a crowd of women. Where was Mrs. Wittmer? She weaved her way through the crowd and stared down at the widow next to her lifeless husband and Mr. Zook.

  Mr. Zook knelt on the ground beside Mrs. Wittmer. “I’m sorry. He’s gone. He groaned and clutched his chest then he slid out of his chair to the ground.” His hands trembled. “I put my hand to his nose then my ear to his chest. His breathing and heart have stopped.” The man’s face paled.

  Mrs. Wittmer didn’t respond. She shook her husband’s shoulder. “Wake up! Open your eyes this instant!” She grabbed both his shoulders and shook him again. “I said wake up!”

  Grace eyed the worried faces among the crowd. She wanted to block out their gasps. Her heart raced and she stood paralyzed. The woman’s desperate pleas were more than she could handle. Tears stained her cheeks.

  Bishop Weaver upstretched his arms. “Please stand back and give Mrs. Wittmer some air.”

  Mrs. Zook reached for the widow and eased her upright. “This has been a terrible shock for you. Let me help you. Kumme inside and sit.”

  Mrs. Wittmer allowed her friend to escort her inside the haus.

  Wiping her tears, Grace moved away from the crowd and stood by a tree. She gave a shy smile as Mark approached.

  His voice soft, he said, “Grace, sweetheart, God’s taken him home. It’s all right. He’s in Heaven.”

  She trembled and her voice cracked. “Poor Mrs. Wittmer, she’ll miss her husband.”

  “God will take care of her and so will her friends. Right now, you need to rest in the fact he’s at peace this very minute.”

  She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “His sudden death shocked me. I’ll be fine.”

  “It hurts me when you’re upset. If I could hold you, I would. The chance someone will glance our way prevents it.”

  “Danki.” She managed a weak smile. “I would wilkom your arms around me, but you’re right. It’s out of the question, even at a time like this.”

  Hammers hitting wood echoed.

  She slid a hand in her apron pocket. “I should go inside and ask if I can do anything to help Mrs. Wittmer.”

  “I’ll find you when I’m finished working.” He brushed the back of her hand with his then joined the group.

  She stroked her hand where he’d touched it. Her skin tingled. She wished it would last forever. He’d rushed to her side when she needed him. He seemed like a compassionate man. She went inside the haus to find the bereft woman.

  She found the widow with Mrs. Zook and Mrs. Beiler in the sitting room. Grace’s heart ached, observing the woman’s grief-stricken face. She knelt on the floor by Mrs. Wittmer, clasped her hand
, and listened as Mrs. Zook and Mrs. Beiler comforted her.

  Mrs. Zook circled her arm around Mrs. Wittmer. “I’ll stay with you until the funeral is over.” She gestured to Grace. “Would you mind getting a clean handkerchief for Mrs. Wittmer?”

  Grace stood. “Yes, of course I will.”

  Mrs. Wittmer raised her head. “You’ll find it on top of my dresser.”

  “All right.” Grace padded to the bedroom. She had been in this room several times to visit the woman when she was ill. A simple maple bed covered with a faded dark blue and white wedding ring quilt caught her eye. She snatched the clean white handkerchief off the dresser then stroked the worn coverlet. What would life be like for Mrs. Wittmer to sleep and eat alone?

  Grace pressed her hand over her heart. Mrs. Wittmer’s life would be forever changed. Mr. Wittmer’s chair would sit empty at meals. The couple would no longer talk about their day, solve problems together, reminisce about the past, or express their love for each other in many small ways. She couldn’t imagine how sad Mrs. Wittmer must be at this moment. At least she could rest in the fact Mr. Wittmer was healthy in the presence of God. She wiped her wet cheeks and sat silent.

  A few minutes later, Mr. Zook rapped on the door.

  Grace startled. Her jaw dropped.

  “I’m sorry, Grace. I didn’t mean to disturb you. Mr. Beiler and I are going to take Mr. Wittmer’s body to the funeral parlor. His fraa asked me to grab a coverlet and shirt and pants for him.”

  Grace wiped her face with a corner of her white cotton apron. “No, it’s all right. Mrs. Zook asked me to retrieve a handkerchief for Mrs. Wittmer. I’m finished.”

  “Danki, Grace.” Mr. Zook tipped his hat.

  She returned to the sitting room and held up the delicate, handmade blue handkerchief. “Here you are.”

  “I appreciate your help, Grace.” Mrs. Wittmer dabbed her wet nose.

  Bishop Weaver entered and offered his condolences then stepped back. “Mrs. Wittmer, I’ll tell friends and neighbors they may view Mr. Wittmer’s body in your home for the next two days and the funeral will be held on Saturday as is customary.”

  Grace sucked in her bottom lip. Bishop Weaver could be direct. He shouldn’t press her about this until later. Mrs. Wittmer might need time to gather her wits. The elderly woman had experienced a terrible loss this afternoon.

  “Please, if you don’t mind, Bishop Weaver, I’d like the funeral held on Friday at the church barn.”

  She understood the woman’s request. Friday would be plenty of time to get ready for the funeral.

  The bishop peered over his spectacles. “Please join me for a word of prayer and we’ll announce this to everyone when the men are finished working.” Bishop Weaver glanced at each of them. “Please bow your heads.” He folded his hands. “Dear Heavenly Father, danki for taking our friend home. Please wrap Your arms around Mrs. Wittmer and comfort her. Give her peace and take care of her every need. We love You. Amen.” He raised his head and expressed his condolences to the widow. “I’ll check on you later.” He excused himself and stepped outside.

  Grace gently squeezed Mrs. Wittmer’s hand. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  “No, dear. I’m in excellent hands. Danki for your help.”

  Grace viewed the women entering the haus. “I’ll leave and let your friends spend time with you.” She darted her eyes from Mrs. Zook to Mrs. Beiler. “Mamm and I will assist you with whatever you may need.”

  Mrs. Zook’s gaze met hers. “Danki, Grace.”

  She stepped outside and viewed the project site. The men heaved a framed roof angle in place. They made it appear easy, but she suspected the opposite was true.

  Sarah joined her. “We got separated in the crowd. How is Mrs. Wittmer? I saw you go inside the haus.”

  “She’s a strong woman and holding up well.”

  Grace’s Mamm came alongside them. “I’ll go in and offer my help and sympathy.”

  Sarah nodded. “I’ll join you.”

  “I’ll wait on the porch. I’ve already offered my sympathies.”

  “We won’t be long.”

  Grace sat in a weathered white rocking chair on the porch and watched the men work. Many of them hammered on the roof. Her daed, Mark, Levi, and six others studied the barn doors that lay flat on the ground.

  Mamm and Sarah returned.

  “Mrs. Wittmer is doing better than I expected.” Sarah sighed.

  Shrugging her shoulders, Mamm cast eyes at the men. “I need to get home. Have you seen your daed?” She pointed. “Ah, here he kummes now.”

  Daed carried his dirt-stained toolbox as he approached. “I’m exhausted. Mark and Levi will stay and help the other younger men hang the doors. Sarah, Mark’s dropping Levi off at your place when they’re finished, so you can take your wagon home.”

  Sarah nodded and bid them farewell.

  Grace and her parents crossed the yard to their spring wagon. She untied the horse, hitched up her skirts, climbed in, and sat next to Mamm.

  Daed flicked the reins. “It’s a shame Mr. Wittmer didn’t get to admire and use his new barn.”

  Patting Daed’s knee, Mamm said, “He’s got a better place in Heaven. He won’t miss it.”

  Grace smiled. “What a sweet thing to say.”

  Mamm’s positive outlook on things often brightened her and her daed’s moods.

  Mamm smoothed her apron. “Mrs. Wittmer is blessed to have the Zook and Pine families in her life. Their sons are digging the gravesite. I wonder if she already has a white shirt and pants for her husband.”

  “Yes. She asked Mr. Zook to retrieve her husband’s clothes while I was there.”

  “Mrs. Wittmer said Mr. Zeller has constructed plain pinewood coffins for occasions such as this. He’s offered her the box, and she accepted.” Mamm held tight to the side rail as the wagon wheel hit a rut in the road.

  Grace hung on to Mamm’s arm. “Mr. Wittmer had a lot of friends and most everyone will want to attend the funeral. The crowd could be overwhelming on such an emotional day for her. At least the funeral will be at the church. It should take some pressure off Mrs. Wittmer not having to have it in her home.”

  Mamm rested her head on Grace’s a moment. “You’re sweet to worry about her, but the bishop is a step ahead of you. He stated the funeral will be held in the church barn since there wouldn’t be enough room in the Wittmers’ haus.”

  “The bishop is good man.” Grace had an idea. She wanted to do something to help Mrs. Wittmer besides bringing food. Even better, she and Mark could do this together. She’d ask him about her idea first thing in the morning.

  Mark guided his horse to Levi’s haus. “I’m glad we were able to finish the Wittmers’ barn today. If Mrs. Wittmer sells their place, the barn will bring her more money.”

  “It makes all the hard work we did worthwhile.” Levi swatted a fly buzzing about his head. “It must be hard for her to lose her husband and remain here on earth alone. I remember when my daed died and then Mamm shortly after. Both passed from influenza but, in my opinion, Mamm died from a broken heart. I miss them, but I am comforted they’re in Heaven.”

  Levi had become a good friend, but could he talk to him about anything? He’d find out. Mark stared at his lap. “I have a bruder. His name is Abel.”

  “Where is he?”

  “He joined the Amish order at eighteen but departed from our community six months later to live in the world. The bishop in Lancaster insisted I have a full funeral service for him and place a marker on his grave. I found it more difficult to do than when I had to bury Mamm and Daed.” He stared at the dirt road. “Sarah asked me if I had a bruder the first day I visited the shop, but I told her not anymore. She didn’t pursue it. I spoke to Grace about him.”

  “Sarah told me you mentioned you once had a bruder. I wanted to wait until you were ready to bring him up, in case the subject was too painful for you to discuss. Most people in our community would scold you for speaking h
is name, but I’m glad you told me. I’m not offended. You’re my friend. You can speak to me about anything. Were you close to him?”

  Mark expressed a relieved sigh. “Danki, Levi. Yes. I pray often for God to protect him. My heart sank when he left. I hope he’ll return someday. Noah often asks questions about the world. I hope he never leaves our community.”

  Levi put a hand on Mark’s shoulder. “You’re a strong influence on Noah. He’ll be fine. If you need anything, think of Sarah and me as your family.”

  Levi’s openness and willingness to let him talk about Abel put him at ease. They’d formed a true friendship. His bruder had chosen the wrong path in life, but this didn’t change how much Mark cared about him. With his mamm, daed, and bruder gone, Levi’s support meant a lot to him. “I appreciate your offer, Levi. You may kumme to me for anything you need as well.”

  Mark halted the horses in front of Levi’s haus. “Did Sarah tell you what I found in my barn? I forgot to mention it to you.”

  “Jah. I figure he stashed it when he stayed a while back. I’m convinced the thief’s gone. A box of matches and a jar of water wouldn’t be worth returning for and risk getting caught. I’d say we’re rid of him.” Levi jumped out of the spring wagon.

  “I hope you’re right.” Mark jiggled the reins. “Have a nice night.” He went home, finished his chores, and then pumped water into two big pails. One in each hand, he carried them inside to the washboiler on the stove. He added kindling and lit a fire to heat the water. He wiped his brow and sighed. For a bath, this sure was a lot of trouble. He shed his sweat- and dirt-stained shirt, pants, socks, and underwear. Tossing his garments in a wooden box, he noticed his dirty clothes were piling up. He groaned. Washing clothes was his least favorite chore. Wrapped in a blanket, he sat at the kitchen table. Dirt stuck to his skin. He waited for the water to warm.

  He grabbed his mamm’s old, thick, worn pot holders and pulled the pots off the stove and carried them to the washroom to fill the tub. Soaking his weary body in the soothing water would relax his tired muscles.