Anna's Healing

by Vannetta Chapman

  “Why?” Jacob asked.

  “It seems to me that when you’re going through a terrible illness or accident or disease, you sometimes feel isolated. You feel as if no one understands what you’re dealing with, and sometimes you become certain that no one cares.”

  “I’m sorry, Mom. I should have been there for you. I should have visited more—”

  Teri reached out and stopped her daughter’s protests with a touch of her hand. “Many people were there for me, and you did the best you could. I can see that now. But at the time? I often felt alone, and yes—a little bitter. I’m not proud of that.”

  “I think I understand how hard it might have been, but why were you bitter?” Jacob popped a cookie crumb into his mouth.

  “Maybe because everyone else goes on with a normal life.” Anna cocked her head to the side as she gazed across the table at Teri. “In my case, when I first became a paraplegic, I was stunned and angry that my life had been irrevocably changed. And I mourned because my dreams had died in front of my eyes. I think I understand bitterness.”

  “All of those were also true in my case. And when I’d hear of or meet someone else with MS, someone who was doing well, I would be filled with so many questions. Why was Gus wheelchair bound? Why did he have the worst form of such a terrible disease? What had we done wrong to deserve such a thing?” Teri shook her head. “I understand now that I was asking all the wrong questions.”

  “What do you mean?” Chloe asked.

  “I should have been asking what God intended for us to do. What did He want us to learn? How had He planned to bless us through our circumstances? How could I reach out to others?” She nodded toward the other side of the house, where her sewing room was located. “I began quilting in earnest the last year your father was alive. I’d played with it before, but suddenly it was an escape for me. It was a way to broaden my world again—a world that had become very small.”

  “I felt the same way the first time I came here.” Anna smiled at the memory. “Looking at what you were doing helped me to envision something besides my own problems.”

  “The year I began sewing for Project Linus, I’d taken early retirement from teaching. Although there was plenty to do caring for Chloe’s father, I needed something else to focus my mind on—so I quilted more than ever before, and I looked for organizations I could donate to. Gus was proud of my work, and I’d often go in and sew while he rested. Those were special times we shared. Now I’m grateful for the years, and the time, we had together.”

  “The quilting brought a little sunshine into my world, and the fact that I could help someone else who was hurting… well, it gave my days a purpose again.” Anna rested her elbows on top of the table and propped her head in her hands. “But now that my life has changed again, I’m not sure how I can help those who are hurting. I plan to continue quilting, but I also want to reach out to the people who are waiting outside my onkel’s and aenti’s. I am certain that Gotte’s hand is in this.”

  Those words echoed through Chloe’s mind as they helped to clean the kitchen. They spent the afternoon reading, taking a walk in Teri’s garden, and then playing Monopoly while they ate pizza that Teri ordered. By nine o’clock, everyone was yawning and the girls conceded the Monopoly win to Jacob.

  Teri tucked sheets and blankets on the couch for Jacob and showed Anna to the guest room. Everyone prepared for bed, finding toothbrushes and taking showers, though Anna and Jacob didn’t have an additional set of clothes. Chloe offered Anna a dress for the next day, but she shook her head and smiled. She did accept a pair of pajamas from Teri to sleep in.

  When everyone had settled down for the night, Chloe crept out to the kitchen table, opened her laptop, and began to write the story that was due to Eric before midnight.

  CHAPTER 50

  The house was quiet. Peaceful, even.

  But the questions spinning through Chloe’s mind made a racket louder than a train passing through a silent night.

  She glanced over her notes, the ones she had taken at Anna’s house. She added her own reactions to seeing Anna, for the first time, standing by the window in the living room. It might not go into her report, in which she thought she should maintain an objective tone, but she wanted a record of those first reactions. It helped to crystallize her thoughts about the morning.

  She added all that had happened that day—making their way through the crowd, being followed not once but twice, and the experience in Dr. Hartman’s office. Again, she wasn’t sure how much of that she would include, but she was sure she needed to document the entire experience while the memories were fresh in her mind.

  Chloe’s fingers paused over the keyboard, and the gravity of her task caused her to freeze. She was going to report on a miracle? She was going to describe to the world this impossible thing that had happened? How? What words would she use? How could she possibly explain what she’d witnessed?

  She didn’t know, but she did know that she wanted to give a different perspective than what was being offered on the major news networks.

  She opened an Internet window and typed in Anna Schwartz and miracle. Only three words, but she suddenly found herself staring at thousands of hits. There were news reports, blogs, a live Facebook chat, images, and YouTube videos. There were also thousands of Tweets with the hashtag “Anna-Schwartz-healing.”

  She began clicking through the results quickly. In most cases the headings were enough to tell her the general gist of the piece. Basically, the reports seemed to fall into four categories. The first was the worst, most sensational, which adamantly denied any such thing as a miracle could take place and assigned ulterior motives to Anna and her family.

  Miracle or Child Abuse?

  Amish Girl Paraded Before Press

  Miracle—Another Day, Another Scam

  Miracle Myth

  Miracles—the New Amish Industry

  Miracle Exposed

  Secret Story—Amish Miracle Explained

  These headlines sickened Chloe. Not only were they way off base, but they were mean. The writers weren’t reporting at all. Instead, they took the approach of dismissing what they considered a ludicrous idea before any actual investigating had been done. She remembered her mother talking about bitterness and wondered if these were the people she was referring to. When would their attention turn away from Anna?

  The second type of headline was more what she would have expected. Reporters sent to cover something they had no way to gain actual information on, so instead they reiterated the questions people were asking.

  Miracle Healing?

  Miracle or Not? You Decide

  Proof of God?

  An Amish Miracle?

  Miracle in Cody’s Creek?

  Chloe related well to these reporters. If someone had told her when she’d awakened that morning that before the clock turned to a new day she’d be reporting on a miracle, she wouldn’t have believed them. She would have probably laughed. Twenty-four hours ago, she didn’t believe in miracles. She was willing to admit that to herself. What did that say of her faith? There were miracles in the Bible, but she simply hadn’t thought they were still possible. She hadn’t thought God was that big. No, that wasn’t right. She hadn’t thought He was that involved in His creation.

  The third type of headline was almost worse than the first. These were people trying to capitalize on what was happening.

  Miracle Berries Found in Oklahoma

  DIY Miracle—Follow Anna’s Simple Steps

  Miracle Healing Power Revealed

  Holy Water from Cody’s Creek

  The list of articles went on for pages. She sat back, stunned. How could people claim such things? She’d been reporting a long time, and she understood that often there was someone trying to make a buck off a big story. This seemed to go beyond that. She had a feeling that these people had a well-oiled operation. Clicking on one that looked promising, she found that she could order a packet of “Miracle Berries” that ha
d been harvested there in Cody’s Creek. Very few berries grew in their area, and she was certain none were ready for harvest. Whatever these folks were selling, they basically slapped a new label on it to match the headline. She could even use her Paypal account to purchase the items.

  How could she counter such sensational reporting? How could she present the truth of what had happened to her friend? Especially in light of the fact that she didn’t understand it? Going back to her search results, she began narrowing her search terms and—on a hunch—she took out the words Anna Schwartz. She found herself looking at a much smaller list, this time of past miracles.

  One was of a boy in Colorado, healed of a debilitating virus after being prayed over by two nuns.

  Another spoke of the Pope, and how through him, God had healed an unborn child. In fact, a good number of the purported miracles were investigated in some way by the Catholic church. “The healing is not considered a certified miracle until it is approved by a team of theologians and the current Pope. But the most difficult step in this process is usually the recognition from the medical commission.”

  At least Anna’s community of believers would require no such thing. She had a feeling the Amish community would continue on much as it had before, unfazed by the events or the attention. But perhaps she was wrong there. A miracle was a rare occurrence, regardless of your denominational beliefs.

  Another headline claimed that a priest had shown up at a horrific auto accident before mysteriously vanishing. A miracle? An angel? Chloe investigated that one a bit further and found that a parish priest had stepped forward and explained that he’d been in the area, prayed over the people in the accident, and then he had quietly slipped away. Not a miracle.

  But the story held her attention. People wanted to believe in miracles, and there were some out there who attempted to report on it fairly and objectively.

  She shut down the Internet browser, pulled her notes closer, and opened a new document.

  Slowly she began to type.

  The Healing of Anna Schwartz

  Anna Schwartz woke this morning to a completely different life. After more than nine months in a wheelchair, Anna found that she could walk. She was injured in the tornadoes which struck the community of Cody’s Creek in September of last year. Thrown from the wagon that two of her uncle’s horses were pulling, she experienced a complete spinal break.

  Doctors from Oklahoma Surgical Hospital confirmed that diagnosis with MRIs as well as physical assessments. Anna was kept at the hospital for observation a few days, and eventually she was moved to a Tulsa-based rehabilitation center. Since that time, she has been wheelchair bound, spending her time quilting for Project Linus, working in her uncle’s produce stand, and living the quiet life typical of Amish families in this northeastern Oklahoma community.

  Chloe considered deleting the last sentence but decided to leave it in. She wanted her readers to connect with Anna, to know that she was a person, not just a story.

  On the morning of July 14, Anna’s life changed once again. She woke and found that she could walk. Her family immediately consulted Anna’s physician from OSH, who insisted on a follow-up MRI. That test showed that Anna’s spinal break—which had been deemed irreparable—was healed. The doctor could find no evidence of the previous injury.

  When asked about the day’s events, Anna said, “I don’t understand it any better than the doctors do, but I’m grateful. I’d like to thank everyone for their prayers and support over the last year.”

  Crowds have grown outside Anna’s home, requiring the presence of the local police department, who is tasked with ensuring the Schwartzes’ safety. Officer Glen Starnes has been placed in charge of the security details. “I understand everyone’s curiosity, but I would ask them to respect the family’s privacy.”

  Anna seemed less perturbed about the crowds. “I appreciate their interest in my well-being. For the moment, I’m looking forward to resuming a normal life.”

  Chloe checked her notes to be sure she had her quotes exactly as they’d been given to her. She read through the piece one more time, prayed that what she was writing might serve to calm the situation, and hit “Send.”

  She thought she might toss and turn, worrying over her piece or what was to happen the next day, but as soon as her head hit the pillow, she was out and slept deeply through the night.

  CHAPTER 51

  Jacob was eager to get back to Samuel’s place the next morning. He understood all too well how much work there was to do on the farm, and he didn’t think his being gone was helping one bit. He was glad he’d accompanied Anna to the hospital. He’d felt close to her from the first day, but now they seemed to understand one another with a simple look, casual touch, or half-finished sentence. He had never felt so intimately connected to another person. If he had stayed at the farm, he would have regretted it.

  They left Teri’s house early the next morning, stopping at a fast-food restaurant to meet Sandy and swap cars.

  Chloe spoke on the phone with Officer Starnes. What he told her must not have been good because even from the backseat Jacob could look in the rearview mirror and see the worry lines across her forehead.

  “What has happened? Has the crowd grown even larger?” he asked.

  Instead of answering him, Chloe turned to Anna and said, “I have one piece of good news. Your mother arrived this morning.”

  “She’s here? Already?” Anna turned and smiled at Jacob. “I can’t wait for you to get to know her.”

  He hadn’t had a chance to meet her when she’d come to visit the year before. Anna’s mom had spent nearly all of her time at the hospital, and she’d left when Anna had been moved to rehab. The few times she’d spent an evening at Samuel’s house, Jacob had already been gone for the day. By the time he’d arrived for work the next morning, she had already returned to the hospital.

  “I knew you’d be happy to hear that,” Chloe said.

  “I’m not sure how she managed to arrive so quickly,” Jacob muttered. “It took me several days to get from one state to another, but then I stopped to work along the way. Is she in Tulsa? Should we turn around and pick her up?”

  “Not necessary.” Chloe took the Cody’s Creek Exit off Highway 412. “She was able to change buses in Joplin, where she spent the night. She arrived in Cody’s Creek first thing this morning. Samuel has already been to town to pick her up.”

  “Oh, my. He took the tractor to town? Through the crowd?” Anna practically cringed.

  “Actually, Officer Starnes took him.” Chloe started to say something but stopped herself. Jacob wondered what else had happened, what Chloe wasn’t telling them. He decided she had her reasons for not sharing. They would know everything soon enough.

  The line of cars now reached past the bishop’s property. Though it was only seven thirty in the morning, folks were already arriving, exiting their vehicles, and moving toward Samuel’s place. The road was crowded with people walking, others being pushed in wheelchairs, and news crews. Chloe had to inch along in order to avoid hitting anyone. By the time they reached the lane leading into Samuel’s place, Jacob was ready to get out of the car to shoo people away. What were they thinking? And how long were they planning to stay?

  He groaned when he saw a food vendor truck selling coffee, donuts, and even advertising hot dogs for lunch. “I can’t believe these people. If they can buy food, they are going to stay even longer.”

  “It’s definitely worse,” Chloe agreed.

  But Anna only stared out the windows. She silently considered the mass of people.

  Chloe had called the local police department and was transferred over to the officer heading up the road block details. She’d given a description of her car, so now the officers allowed them through without her having to stop or lower her windows.

  The family must have heard the car approaching, or perhaps Officer Starnes had radioed ahead to the officer who was stationed at the corner of the house. Samuel, Erin, Mammi
, and a woman Jacob decided must be Anna’s mom stood waiting on the porch by the time Chloe parked.

  Suddenly there was no doubt as to the woman’s identity. Anna opened the car’s door and ran into her mother’s arms, not bothering to shut the door or pick up her bag.

  And in that moment Jacob realized there was a big difference between himself and Anna. He had always loved his parents. He definitely respected them. But he would never have run into their arms. Anna’s family had been through a terrible and wonderful thing together. Perhaps it had brought them closer together as a family.

  Jacob picked up Anna’s purse, shut the door, and walked with Chloe to the porch.

  “Morning, Jacob.” Samuel looked better than he had since Jacob had arrived to help with harvest in September of the previous year. He looked, somehow, younger as he smiled at Jacob and glanced back at Anna. “Anna looks like she’s still feeling well.”

  Jacob grinned. “Ya. I believe she is. We all had a good night’s rest.”

  “You don’t have to speak of me as if I’m not here.” Anna swiped at the tears on her cheeks, and then she pulled on her mother’s hand, tugged her in their direction. “Mamm, I want you to meet two of my friends. This is Chloe—”

  “Chloe and I met at the hospital. It’s good to see you again, dear.”

  “And this is Jacob.”

  “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Martha, and I’ve heard a lot about you from Anna as well as the rest of the family.” There was a strong family resemblance between Anna and her mother, including the habit of cocking her head slightly to the side when she was waiting for a response. “Thank you for taking care of Anna yesterday while she was in Tulsa.”

  “I was glad to go with her.” He glanced past Martha. Mammi was holding on to her cane and staring out over the front yard, an unreadable look on her face. Erin looked upset, not making eye contact with any of them.

  It was Mammi who broke the silence that had settled over them. “Coffee is what we need, and some of the hot biscuits Samuel didn’t eat this morning.”