Smicksburg Tales 1,2 & 3 (Amish Knitting Circle, Amish Friends Knitting Circle & Amish Knit Lit Cirlce ~ Complete Series: 888 pages for Granny Weaver Lovers and 30+ Amish Recipes

by Karen Anna Vogel

  Jeb sat at the table across from Roman. “I take it you’re tired of our talks.”

  “Daed, Lizzie and I agree to abide by your counsel. We’ll wed in the fall, like you want. Don’t want to sound blunt, but what’s the matter now? Something else?”

  Jeb saw something in Roman he’d missed before. He’d agreed to wait patiently. Lizzie was goot for him, showing him the advantages of moving slower, keeping in pace with nature. “Son, I think your mamm needs a party.”

  “What? We had a birthday party not long ago…”

  “Nee, I mean a different type of party.”

  “Daed, is Mamm okay? She looked mighty sad this afternoon and now she’s canceled knitting circle. I know she saw the doctor. Was it bad news?”

  “She’s a fit as a fiddle, but I’ve noticed something. Ever since she started that knitting circle, her love for the girls makes her tired. It’s like she takes on their burdens too much.”

  “She helps carry burdens, jah? Like the Good Book says to do?”

  “But I get worried. Now she’s joining an Amish and English knitting circle, and what problems will that bring? More problems to be loaded on your mamm.” Jeb swatted the air. “That’s not what I came over to talk about…”

  Roman got up and poured coffee into a mug and sat it on the table in front of his daed. “You look serious. What’s on your mind?”

  “I was a stubborn mule concerning your wedding, and I’m asking for forgiveness. I do move like a turtle and I guess it comes with age.”

  “So, Mamm wanted us to have a spring wedding?”

  “I’m learning to read between the lines, like yinz do. Nee, she never came right out and said it, but I know she’d be mighty happy if you had a wedding to plan in a few weeks.”

  “But daed, you said it was putting too much on her and now –“

  “I’m afraid of change, okay? There, I said it.” Jeb pulled at his beard. “And I wanted all my boys at the wedding too. But if three out of five are together, I’ll be happy.”

  Roman shook his head. “Daed, what are you saying?”

  “Get married in the spring, in a few weeks, is what I’m saying. They only need a week’s notice in Ohio to get a driver, jah?”

  Roman shot up. “Daed, are you sure?”

  “Jah, I’m sure son.” Jeb got up and went around the table to embrace his son. “I should have thought better of you. You’re not impulsive. I’m sorry.”

  “You only wanted the best for us.” He pulled away. “I need to go tell Lizzie. Can you stay here with the girls?”

  “Jah, you go run along and tell your bride the goot news.”

  ~*~

  “Married in a few weeks?” Jonas barked. “What on earth?”

  Lizzie put her arm through Roman’s. “Jeb was the only one against it, and he confessed to being stubborn. Daed, aren’t you happy?”

  “My head is spinning is all…”

  Roman knew Jonas was attached to his store, and had even offered for the family move into his place. Was he being stubborn by insisting his girls not be uprooted? “Jonas, you don’t look goot. It’s your store, jah? You’re attached to it, like I am my rocker shop? Too much change?”

  Jonas lowered his head. “Jah, but life goes on.”

  Lizzie ran over and knelt by her daed, taking his hand. “You won’t be leaving this place in a few weeks. Nathan’s agreed to come live here until the house and store are sold.”

  Jonas looked up with misty eyes. “That would be goot. Make things move a little slower.”

  Roman knew how distressed Lizzie had been over her daed’s health. It was good news his MS wasn’t getting worse, only his arthritis. But none the less, his bride to be was as attached to her daed as he was to his girls. Was he being selfish?

  “Lizzie, can I talk to you, private-like?”

  She took his hand and led him back to the kitchen. He drew her close. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see how hard this was on you and your daed.”

  Lizzie planted a kiss on his lips. “Daed is fine, really. Once he starts fishing with your daed, he’ll be fine.”

  “But he loves his customers; that’s for sure. When you were in Lancaster, I helped run the store. He loves it.”

  “I trust your judgment, Roman. You love me and my daed.” She put her arms around his neck. “So we can wed in a few weeks?”

  “Jah, that’s what daed said. But Mamm will need lots of help.”

  “I need to sew a new dress. And pick attendants. We can’t delay or it’ll be plowing time.” She put her head on his chest. “I’m so happy.”

  Roman lifted her chin and kissed her gently. “Me too.” He rested his head on hers, wondering what to do about Jonas.

  ~*~

  Ruth asked the bishop if he wanted coffee, but he declined. “This is my fifth house to visit this morning, and my nerves will get too jumbled up.” He took off his black wool hat and looked over at Luke. “Soon we’ll be wearing straw hats again, but it’s nippy today.”

  “Jah, it’s windy.” Luke said. “The pinwheels are spinning and keeping birds out of our peas. Nice having a garden with Ruth’s family.”

  “They’re your family too, jah?” the bishop asked.

  “They treat me like a son, and I’m grateful.”

  “So yinz are in full forgiveness? We can plan on having Easter service on Sunday?”

  “Jah,” Ruth said. “Like you said, it’s an act of obedience, not a feeling.” She turned to Luke and smiled. “But since Luke and I have been reading Psalms and praying together, it’s helped us open up what we’ve been keeping secret. I know Luke much better now.”

  “And I know Ruth,” Luke said, beaming. “She’s a goot woman, for sure.”

  “I feel like I’ve walked into a different home,” the bishop said. “There’s peace and contentment here now. We’ll continue with this arrangement though?”

  “Jah. I like living here and working in the woodshop,” Luke said. “We’re planning on adding on to this house.”

  “Why, it’s not too small…for a small family.”

  “This family will be growing,” Luke said.

  The bishop gaped at Ruth. “You mean –“

  “Nee, I’m not with child. Nee, in time, jah, but now…n-nee. “

  Silence filled the small kitchen, only the chirping of birds at their birdfeeders could be heard. “You love birds, don’t you Ruth?” the bishop asked.

  “Jah. It’s something Luke and I both do together now.”

  “And once you said you wished people got along like finches. I remember that. Be praying for our Gmay. We need to take part in the Body of Christ with no sin of unforgiveness on Easter. Pray we’ll be like finches.” He put his head down and stared at the floor.

  Luke went over and put his hand on his shoulder. “Bishop, you seem worn out. Can we do anything for you?”

  “Pray. You know there’s power in it. Pray for unity in our church district and others around here too. All the bishops got together and prayed. Most powerful thing you can do.”

  ~*~

  Roman walked into the store and saw Jonas talking to Fannie and Melvin. “Looks like the old shop keepers are here again.”

  Fannie smiled. “Jah, we held the store together real goot, when Lizzie was gone. So much fun playing checkers and Dutch Blitz.”

  “I’ve been coming to this store since I was a kinner to get gum or some other candy,” Melvin said. “Sure am sad to see it close.”

  “Well, I’ll have it open for a while. Nathan and I will be here until fall, and then we’ll just have to see what happens. “

  Jonas looked down, and Roman could see how hard he was trying to hide his pain. “Maybe the house can be rented and you keep the store,” he said.

  Jonas shook his head. “Nee, it’s time to move on. Handwriting’s on the wall.”

  “Jonas, can I talk with you, in private?” Roman asked.

  “We’re leaving. Just ordering candy for our wedding. Jonas gets a go
ot bulk price,” Fannie said. “Danki Jonas.” She kissed his cheek.

  Melvin nodded and they went out to their buggy. Roman kept his eyes on Jonas. “You’re fond of Fannie, jah?”

  “Lives right down the road. Knew that girl when all she did was make fun of her weight. That knitting circle helped her in many ways. Now she’ll be married and… gone too.”

  Roman scratched the back of his neck. “Look at what you’ll be gaining. You’ll be living with us, only a door separating us for your sake. My girls won’t leave you alone, once they get asking questions. Especially the ‘why’ ones. ‘Why’s the sky blue?’ ‘Why don’t birds have noses?’ Why, why why…”

  “Birds have nostrils on their beaks, don’t you know?”

  Roman grinned, hoping Jonas would cheer up. “Jah, I know that. Just saying you’ll have other people in your life; maybe you won’t miss Fannie so much.”

  Jonas made his way over to his chair and sat down. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

  Roman pulled up a chair. “Jonas, Lizzie’s torn up inside. She wants you to be happy. So, if it’s too much change too fast, us getting married in a few weeks, we’ll postpone the wedding until fall.”

  Jonas’ face softened. “You mean that? Don’t you?”

  “It’s my word. Course I do.”

  Jonas bowed his head. “I’m being selfish. Holding on to my wife like I’ve been…”

  “How so?”

  “Well, all the goot things in my life happened in this here spot. Building a house for my new bride, with my own hands, before MS took over. And then the Gmay building a business for me. Even after the fire, they helped rebuild it all. This house is like my life. No matter how much life can scar us, we still have others to help us heal. To rebuild us. This house tells a story, and it means so much to me…too much I’m afraid.”

  Roman tried to take in all Jonas was telling him. He never realized this house, this business, kept Jonas’ spirit fresh. It filled him with hope because it was built with love, twice. Maybe he and the girls needed to move in. They were young and could adjust, but he had his parents to look after.

  “I think if we wait until fall, we’ll better understand what to do,” Roman said. “For now, I need to know if you have any hard feelings towards me, turning your life upside down so sudden-like.”

  “Ach, you’ll be my son sooner or later, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m not upset at all. Just getting old, I suppose, and having a hard time with change.”

  “Well, maybe it’s because we’re rushing things.” Roman put his head down, praying for strength and wisdom. His dream of marrying Lizzie in a few short weeks was unlikely…And when they wed, where should they live? “Jonas, we’ll all be fasting and seeking God until noon tomorrow, since it’s Good Friday.”

  “Jah, open hands and hearts toward God. I’m willing to receive anything he’s in charge of. I’ve learned from the past; God can be trusted.”

  ~*~

  Ella took her well-worn Bible and sat in her rocker, watching the sunrise. She loved these holy days, a time to reflect. An image of Lavina showing up at her door on Old Christmas, ruining her day of solitude, ran through her mind. How angry she was and what progress they’d made, since Lavina told her everything about her past. She bit her lower lip, thinking that if Lavina showed up today, they’d pray and read aloud together, and her day would be the better for it.

  But she did crave solitude, and got up especially early to have this time alone to reflect on the cross, and the passion of Christ. She opened her Bible and found the scripture she felt the Lord imprinting on her heart all week, 1 Peter 2:21-24:

  “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

  Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”

  Ella’s eyes misted as she thought of the healing in her heart over the past few weeks. Christ had died for her to be emotionally whole, not cringing with fear over losing the twins.

  She looked up at the first verse and skimmed the words over and over. Suffering, example and follow in his steps pulled at her heart. She was to suffer living in the same town as the biological mamm of her twins, but Christ had given her an example to live, so she could walk in His steps.

  She hugged her Bible. There was no suffering anymore though. The Lord had healed her heart, so God really did all the work. She just needed to stay on the path, close to him; for she knew His burdens were light and easy, with Him to help carry them.

  ~*~

  Jonas looked at the cover of his devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers. He didn’t feel like reading it today, his heart torn over too much change. But he stared at the book, and realized he never really thought of the title. Christ had given his utmost, being crucified to make a clear path to God. Was he acting in a Christian manner, giving his utmost, for the sake of all? Living in community always meant sacrifice, and giving up selfishness. Was he giving his utmost to his daughter, who’d finally be married? And to the man she’d always loved…

  He looked at the end of the title again…for His Highest. Was his unhealthy attachment to his house and store keeping him from some higher good? His Highest implied a plan God had in the mixing. He needed to give his utmost, all he had, to find this new higher ground.

  He’d told Roman he’d learned from the past that God could be trusted. Did he really believe it though? If so, why was he holding on to the past, afraid of the future? If God has a higher path he wanted to take it; why was he gripping so hard onto the past? Yes, he’d miss all his customers, seeing so many people, and being handicapped, he didn’t get out a lot.

  Anxiety filled him. He didn’t want to ruin his daughter’s hopes. She’d always dreamed of an early spring wedding, when blossoms were in full bloom. He bowed his head and asked God to calm his nerves so he could think clearly.

  ~*~

  Granny got up to make lunch, her stomach growling. She was glad the fast for Good Friday was only until noon. She spent more time in casting off prayers than reading scripture and meditating on the cross. No, she thought of her own cross, Jonas not agreeing to a spring wedding, shattering both Lizzie and Roman. But she’d hold her tongue and pray for the best.

  A van pulled into the driveway, Jack barked, and Suzy quickly got out, but ignored her dog, not playing with him as she usually did. Granny went out on the porch. “You’re just in time for lunch?”

  “No, not today. Just stopped by the give you more leaflets for the Amish Friends Knitting Circle. I changed it since no one knows you call us Englishers. So it’s Amish and their friends.” Suzy shifted. “Actually, not much response from the Amish. You’re the only one signed up and thought you could get your girls to invite friends?”

  “Suzy, slow down and come in to eat –“

  “I can’t. And I’m late for church already.”

  “Church? On Friday?”

  “Good Friday, remember. And I fast from noon ‘til three.”

  “Why then?”

  “Well, it’s the time Jesus hung on the cross, so we don’t eat and have a church service. My store’s closed, too.”

  Granny had to admit she felt like a heathen. Here was an Englisher who was fasting and intently reflecting on the crucifixion, and her mind wandered all morning while trying to meditate. But then, she’d come to see there were many Englishers who were as devout a Christian as some of the most earnest Amish. “I’ll pass these out. But I may get a big response. What if we can’t all fit in your store?”

  “We could have it here? Let curious Outsiders into an Amish home?” She quickly embraced Granny. “You think about it. Really have to run. It’s so embarrassing being
late for church.”

  Granny waved from the porch as Suzy pulled out and tore down the driveway, kicking up gravel in Jack’s face as he chased in hot pursuit. Slow down! You English need to slow down. Maybe they’d learn a slower pace from her, if she had another knitting circle at her place.

  She thought of Fannie and how much she’d enjoy spending time with a circle of Englishers, but would be moving to New York. She swallowed the lump in her throat; she’d become too attached to all her little women in her circle.

  She went over to her breadbox and got out a loaf of homemade bread. She slowly sliced it, and an idea formed in her mind. What if…Ach, why hadn’t she thought of it sooner? She laid the knife down and grabbed her shawl and bonnet. She needed to talk to Jonas, and fast.

  As she ran out to the buggy, Roman yelled for her to watch her step, the mud being slippery. He went over to the buggy and took the horse’s reins. “Now, where are you going? And what’s the hurry?”

  “Roman, I think I have a wunderbar goot idea. I need to talk to Jonas.”

  “Jonas?”

  “And Fannie and Melvin too…”

  Roman narrowed his gaze at her. “Mamm, when I was fasting and praying, I got an idea. I wonder if we’re thinking the same thing?”

  “Go fetch your daed and make sure he can watch the girls. Then hop in the buggy and we’ll talk.”

  ~*~

  Jonas saw a buggy pull up to the store. No, it was Good Friday and he wouldn’t open the store for anyone. He was shocked when he saw it was Deborah and Roman Weaver. More pressure to have a spring wedding…or is someone ill?. He thought about giving his utmost; he’d do it so he could find this new, higher ground the Good Lord had for him in this new life, living among the Weavers.

  He opened the store door and couldn’t help but notice the flush on Deborah’s cheeks. “Are you ill? Need some medicine from the store?”

  “Nee, just worked up,” Granny said. “We need to talk.”

  Jonas knew she wasn’t a quiet woman, so he knew that meant he had lots of listening to do. He asked them to follow into the kitchen, where Lizzie was making lunch. “Are you hungry?”

  “Nee, I’m fine,” Roman said.

  “Well, I missed lunch, so I’ll have whatever Lizzie’s making”