Amish Cooking Class--The Blessing

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  New Philadelphia

  “Mama, I can’t find my church shoes!” Nola shouted from her bedroom upstairs.

  Rubbing the back of her neck, Allie lifted her gaze to the kitchen ceiling. She should have left ten minutes ago to take the kids to Sunday school, and if they didn’t leave soon, they’d be so late, they may as well stay home.

  She stepped into the hallway and cupped her hands around her mouth. “Did you look in your closet?”

  “Not there!”

  “How about under the bed?”

  “Huh-uh.”

  Allie groaned. “Ask Derek to help you look for them.”

  While she waited for her daughter’s response, Allie took her teacup to the sink and rinsed it out. She’d wash it, as well as the breakfast dishes, when she got back to the house after dropping them off. Steve was working again, of course, and it would be nice to have some quiet time by herself.

  The kids’ puppy whimpered and brushed against Allie’s leg. She bent down and gave him a pat on the head. “Hey, Trouble … What do you want, boy?”

  The dog barked twice, then raced to the back door.

  “Oh, I see. You need to go outside.” Allie opened the door and stepped aside as Trouble darted out and made a beeline for the fenced-in yard. Cute little pup. He’s learning fast.

  She closed the door and hollered at Nola again. “Did you find your shoes?”

  “No, Mama.”

  “Then you’ll either have to stay home or wear your sneakers today.” Allie tapped her foot, her impatience mounting. If Nola had gotten her shoes out last night like she’d been asked to, they could have looked for them then if she’d realized they were missing.

  She glanced at the clock and was about to go upstairs to check on things, when the telephone rang. “Now what?” She was going to let the answering machine get it, but decided to pick it up in case the call was important. “Hello. Garrett residence.”

  “Allie, this is Sergeant Bowers. I’m afraid I have some bad news.”

  Her heart started to pound, and she leaned against the kitchen table for support. “Wh–what’s wrong?”

  “Steve’s been shot, and is being taken to the hospital in Dover.”

  A sudden coldness spread through Allie’s body as the room began to spin. Every time Steve went out the door to report for work, his life was in danger. Tightening her grip on the phone, she feared the worst. Could her husband’s wound be fatal? Would she ever see him again? The fearful thoughts shook her clean to her toes.

  Allie covered her ears in an attempt to stop the agony raging in her soul, but it did no good. She needed to get to the hospital right away!

  Chapter 41

  Canton

  Kendra was almost finished getting the baby ready for church when her dad came into the room. Since the door was open, she figured he thought it was okay not to knock.

  “Can I talk to you a few minutes before it’s time to leave?” he asked.

  Kendra, feeling hesitant and not wishing to deal with whatever he wanted to say, shrugged her shoulders. “Well, it might make us late.”

  He shook his head. “We have ten minutes yet before it’s time to leave, and I don’t want to go until I’ve said what’s on my mind.”

  “Okay.” Kendra buttoned the baby’s pretty pink dress. It was a gift from her friend Dorie.

  Dad took a seat on the end of her bed, watching as she finished dressing little Heidi. A few seconds passed. Then he cleared his throat. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, and spending some time in prayer.”

  Oh, great. I suppose he’s gonna tell me he made a mistake letting me move back home and now he wants me to find someplace else to live. She bit her trembling lip. “What are you trying to say, Dad?”

  He stood and moved over to stand next to her, in front of the changing table. “I owe you an apology, Kendra.”

  She tipped her head in question but said nothing. Did I hear him right? As far back as she remembered, her dad rarely apologized to anyone—at least not to his wife or daughters. She was even more surprised to see tears well up in his eyes. Was it possible that her father truly felt remorse?

  He placed his hand on her arm. “My attitude has been wrong where you are concerned. I shouldn’t have demanded you leave the house when you told your mother and me that you were pregnant. I should have been there to offer support and help you make the right decisions concerning the baby. I’ve been harsh and unfeeling. Will you forgive me, Kendra?”

  Her mouth felt dry, and she swallowed hard, barely able to say the words. “I—I—yeah, Dad, I forgive you. Will you forgive me for bringing shame on our family by giving in to my desires and sleeping with Max?”

  Dad slipped his arm around Kendra’s waist and drew her up close. “Yes, I will, but you need to seek God’s forgiveness, too.”

  A lump formed in her throat, and her voice cracked when she spoke. “I already have.”

  “That’s good.” Dad patted her back. “I’ve done the same.” He paused. “I’ve also apologized to your mother. It hasn’t been fair to her being stuck in the middle of all this due to the way I’ve been acting. I shouldn’t have made her feel guilty if she didn’t want to take my side.”

  Kendra felt a sense of relief such as she’d never felt before. For the first time in a long while, she knew without reservation that Dad loved her. All the anger and bitterness she’d felt toward him for so long, melted away.

  She looked at him and smiled through her tears. “I love you, Dad.”

  He lifted his hand and dried the dampness from her cheeks with his thumb. “I love you, too, Kendra, and I’m proud of you. You’re a good mother to sweet little Heidi.” Tenderness laced his words, like a soft blanket against rough skin. Then, glancing down at the baby, he added with a smile, “And I feel blessed to be the grandfather of such a precious little girl.”

  Dover

  Drawers on medicine carts sliding open and then banging shut grated on Allie’s nerves. Even a simple thing like someone’s newspaper rattling put her on edge. Her chair creaked as she tried to find a comfortable position. She glanced at her watch. Steve had been in surgery well over two hours. What in the world could be taking so long? Why wouldn’t someone come and tell her something?

  She left her seat and paced the length of the waiting room. As she passed an elderly woman thumbing through a magazine, Allie stifled a sneeze. What kind of horrible-smelling cologne was the woman wearing? People ought to have better sense than to wear stuff like that.

  I am being oversensitive and need to calm down. She walked to the far side of the room, poured herself a cup of hot tea, and returned to her seat. I wish someone was with me right now. Steve’s folks should have been here by now. A raw ache settled in the pit of her stomach.

  When Allie received the news that Steve had been taken to the hospital, she’d called her parents, as well as Steve’s folks right away. Then she phoned her neighbor Ella and asked if she could come over to be with the children. There would be no Sunday school for her kids today. Of course, Allie’s parents, living in New York, wouldn’t be here for several hours. Ella had wanted to go with Allie to the hospital, and suggested her daughter, Tara, could stay with the kids, but Allie insisted on going alone. Big mistake! What she needed the most right now was comfort and someone’s support. Maybe I should have notified the pastor or somebody from the church where the kids attend. At least I could have asked for prayer on Steve’s behalf. In times like this, sometimes prayer was the only thing that could hold a person up. And right now, Allie had been doing a lot more than praying; she’d been begging God to spare her husband’s life.

  “How’s Steve?”

  Allie looked up, surprised to see Lori Robbins, the blond-haired patrol officer new to the force, looking down at her. Allie’s nostrils flared as she lifted her chin. “What are you doing here?”

  “I came to find out how Steve is doing. After he was shot, I had to go back to the office and fill out a report. Otherwi
se, I would have been here a lot sooner.” Lori took a seat beside Allie.

  “So you were with him when it happened?”

  “Yes.” Lori’s facial features sagged as she held her hands together.

  “Would you please give me the details about the shooting? What I’ve been told so far has been sketchy, and Steve was already in surgery when I got here.” Despite Allie’s irritation, since Officer Robbins had been with Steve at the time he’d been shot, she was the best person to talk to about it right now.

  Lori leaned slightly forward, staring down at the floor. “We received a call saying there was a robbery at the mini-mart on the other side of town. When we got there, a man wearing a ski mask was running down the sidewalk. He fit the description of the robber, so Steve shouted at the guy to stop, but he kept going.” Lori paused and pushed aside a wayward strand of blond hair that had come loose from her ponytail. “While I called for backup, Steve pursued the suspect. Suddenly, a shot rang out, and then Steve slumped to the pavement.” Her eyes misted. “I hope he’s gonna be all right. Have you had any word?”

  Allie’s chin quivered as she shook her head. “Nothing since they took him into surgery. I—I don’t know what I’ll do if Steve doesn’t make it. The children and I need him so much.”

  Lori placed her hand on Allie’s arm. “Think positive thoughts and say a prayer for your husband. He’s a good man. I’ve been praying for him, too.”

  Allie was tempted to quiz Lori about her relationship with Steve, but this wasn’t the time or place for an inquisition or accusations. Her focus right now was on her husband, willing him to live and hoping God would answer her prayers.

  As Lisa approached the pew where she normally sat, a shiver went up her spine. Todd. What’s he doing here? She was about to turn around and leave the church sanctuary when he spotted her.

  “Lisa, don’t go. I need to talk to you.”

  She put her finger against her lips. “Not here. This isn’t the time or place.”

  “Can we go somewhere after church?” he whispered.

  She shook her head.

  “Please, Lisa. It’s important.” He scooted over. “If you don’t have time later, then have a seat, and I’ll tell you right now.”

  Lisa glanced around, noticing several people staring at them. The best option would be to take a seat, but with the service about to begin, she certainly wasn’t going to carry on a conversation with Todd. She slipped in next to him and whispered, “We can talk in the parking lot after church.”

  Eyes focused straight ahead, he gave a brief nod.

  Lisa shifted nervously on the bench. It was difficult sitting next to Todd, inhaling his spicy cologne and wondering what he wanted to talk to her about. His hand brushed her arm, and the brief contact made her flinch. She didn’t trust Todd, and the last thing she needed was to lose her heart to this man. Heat flooded her face, like it always did when she was flustered.

  When the worship team gathered on the platform, Lisa forced her attention to the front of the room. The musicians consisted of two guitarists, a young woman playing the keyboard, and a drummer. Four vocalists led the congregation in choruses and hymns. Normally, Lisa would have relaxed and enjoyed singing along, but this morning it was hard to focus, much less unwind and feel one with the music. She’d come to church full of joy after a weekend of learning she had a brother. Now the bliss she’d felt had been replaced with apprehension.

  Lisa glanced briefly at Todd, surprised to see he was actually singing along. Or perhaps he was merely mouthing the words. She couldn’t be sure with all the voices around her. Todd didn’t appear to be bored, like the last time they’d been here together. Was he putting on an act for her benefit, or had something changed in Todd’s heart?

  Chapter 42

  When the church service drew to a close, Todd’s hands began to sweat, as negative thought patterns took hold. What if Lisa didn’t accept his apology or believe he was trying to change for the better? His thoughts spun faster than a windmill in a gale. She might think he was making it up to try and win her favor. But it was worth a shot, and he couldn’t go home until he’d tried.

  “Don’t forget, I need to talk to you,” he murmured in Lisa’s ear as they walked out of the sanctuary.

  “I remember. Follow me to my car.”

  Todd paused at the door to shake hands with the pastor and his wife. Lisa did the same and waited while he asked the pastor a question. “Do you think I could meet with you soon? I need someone to talk to.” Todd pulled at the tie up close to his throat. It felt like it was choking him.

  Lisa stood by and silently watched. He wished she would say something—at least give some indication as to what she was thinking.

  The minister handed Todd a piece of paper with his phone number on it. “Give me a call, and we’ll set something up.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate it.” Todd shook the preacher’s hand again. Then he and Lisa stepped outside.

  Todd waited for Lisa to drill him with questions, but instead she remained quiet. The silence between them was deafening, except for Lisa’s heels clicking against the pavement.

  Out in the parking lot, by Lisa’s car, Todd wiped a palm across his sweaty forehead. “I just want to say that I’m sorry for deceiving you about my job. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past, and more since I met you.” He stopped talking and studied Lisa’s face but couldn’t tell what she was thinking. “Lisa, I need to find forgiveness.” He crossed his arms in an effort to keep from touching her. What he really wanted to do was take Lisa in his arms and beg her to forgive him. “I—I figured coming to church today would be a good place to start.”

  Todd saw skepticism in Lisa’s pursed lips and squinted eyes, but he continued. “Can you find it your heart to forgive and give me a second chance?”

  He waited, but Lisa said nothing, looking deeply into his eyes. Todd’s gaze held hers as she seemed to scrutinize his face. He didn’t have to wonder what she was doing, for he’d done it many times to others. She was reading him and wondering if what he said had merit.

  She looked to the left as someone walked by, then turned to face him again. With her gaze fixed somewhere near the center of his chest, Lisa replied, “I forgive you, Todd, but for now, all I can offer you is friendship.”

  Todd wasn’t sure how to respond. He had to admit, he was disappointed. But at least being friends with Lisa was a good place to start. “Having you be my friend is more than I deserve, Lisa. Thank you for that.” He leaned closer and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

  Lisa pulled back, her mouth forming an O.

  His face warmed. “Sorry about that. I did it on impulse.”

  Her eyes narrowed, and she turned her head away. “Don’t worry about it. Some things—or shall I say, some people—never change.”

  Todd’s shoulders slumped. “Yeah, right. Guess I deserved that comment. See you, Lisa.”

  As Todd walked to his car, he could feel her gaze upon him. Unlocking the door, he hesitated, then looked in her direction.

  Lisa looked back at him briefly, then turned, climbed into her van, and drove off.

  He watched until she was out of sight. Friends? Was that all Lisa wanted? Well, if it was, then he’d accept it, no matter how much he longed for more. Lisa’s friendship was better than nothing.

  Walnut Creek

  Heidi sat on one end of a bench, enjoying pleasant conversation with a group of women after the noon meal that followed their church service. When she noticed Loretta at a table nearby, she excused herself and took a seat on the bench beside her friend. The other night, Lyle had told Heidi that he’d spoken to Eli, but she would not mention it to Loretta. Her friend might see it as meddling.

  “Where are your children?” Heidi asked.

  Loretta gestured to her daughter, Abby, playing with a couple of young girls a short distance away. “And Conner is somewhere with Eli.”

  “Would you like to go outside and take a walk with me?” Heidi
scooted closer to Loretta.

  “That sounds nice. It’s gotten kind of stuffy in here, and I could use a breath of fresh air.”

  “Will Abby be okay by herself?

  “Jah. She’s busy playing and probably won’t even know I’ve left the building.” Loretta chuckled. “My son and daughter haven’t had any trouble making friends with the Amish children in this church district.”

  “I’m glad.” Walking beside Loretta, Heidi stepped out of the barn, where church had been held that morning.

  As they walked around the building and toward the pasture, Heidi was about to ask how things were going, when Loretta posed a question. “I haven’t seen you for a while. How’d Thanksgiving go with your folks?”

  “Oh, it was wunderbaar. I had such a nice time visiting with my parents and siblings.”

  Loretta smiled. “It’s always good to be with family.”

  “How was your Thanksgiving?” Heidi asked.

  Loretta’s eyes gleamed. “Mine was wonderful, too. I had Eli and his parents for dinner, and also my folks. It was the first time they’d had a chance to meet each other.”

  “How did that go?”

  “Quite well, actually. Since my mom and dad were raised Amish, they know the Pennsylvania Dutch language. So they were able to communicate with Eli’s parents in both English, as well as their Amish dialect.”

  “I’m pleased to hear that.” The two women paused near the fence. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask,” Heidi added.

  Loretta tipped her head. “Is it about me and Eli?”

  “Jah. I’ve been praying for both of you, and I hope things have gotten better between you two by now.”

  “They have. In fact, I took your suggestion and spoke to Eli about the way I feel when he compares things I’ve said or done to his late wife.” Loretta touched Heidi’s arm. “I forgot I said I’d let you know how things turned out once I’d spoken to Eli about the situation. Sorry about that.”