THE END
Book 4
(Abigail’s Story)
Chapter 1
Abigail stood on the porch watching her father walk across the yard on his way to the barn. It was a beautiful day, and Abigail marveled at God’s wonderful creation. A small squirrel frolicked around the oak tree, and Abigail smiled at the silly antics, wishing she could go over to it and pet it. Feeling a sneeze come on, Abigail tried to fight the urge until she couldn’t any longer.
“ACHOOOO!” Abigail looked at the young squirrel raise its head and frantically look around before scampering up the tree and disappearing into the branches.
“Awww…I didn’t mean to startle you,” Abigail said, turning and going back into the house.
“I suppose I should clean up the kitchen,” she said aloud, knowing that there was no one in the house to hear her.
Since her sisters had all married and moved out, she found it incredibly boring taking care of the house and her father. With only two people living in the house now, there wasn’t a lot that needed to be done, and her daed was not much trouble.
“I hope being an Amish wife is more exciting than this,” she sighed as she filled up the sink to wash the dishes. “But, I suppose I’ll never find out anyway.”
Abigail had been born with a deformity in her hip which caused her to walk with a slight limp. Although the limp wasn’t that obvious, it stopped her from doing some of the things young children do. She couldn’t run the way other children did so she often had to sit out during games of tag. And at times standing was a bit of a challenge, but she made her way in the world despite her disability. The most important thing that it stopped her from was believing in herself. She felt that no man would want a wife who was disabled, so she tended to shy away from meeting boys, much to the frustration of her family.
After she had finished the dishes, she went upstairs to make the beds. Once she had finished, she checked the clock.
“Only ten o’clock. What on earth am I going to do for the rest of the day?” she moaned.
She decided to go out and sit on the front porch swing. Lost in thought, she didn’t see the buggy coming towards her.
“Hi, Abby! You look like you could use some company,” shouted her friend Estelle.
Abigail looked up and broke out in a broad grin. “Ach, danke, Estelle! I’m so bored right now.”
The girls went into the kitchen to sit down.
“Would you like some lemonade?”
“Jah, danke. That would be nice.”
Abigail poured two glasses of lemonade and passed one to her friend.
“I’m so glad you came by, Estelle. My life is just so boring right now,” Abigail said. “I finished all my housework by ten o’clock.”
“Well, I’m sure it will be more exciting when you are married and doing it for your husband…which brings me to why I am visiting.”
“I thought you came just to see me,” Abigail teased, giving a little pout.
Estelle laughed. “Of course, but I wanted to ask you something. Jeremiah and I are going to an Englisch dance. We wanted to know if you wanted to come along.”
“An Englisch dance? Really? Your parents allow you to go to those?”
“Jah, it’s all part of Rumspringa. My parents and I came to an agreement. They are allowing me to participate in Rumspringa and go out and do different things and I promised I would not lose my faith in Gott,” Estelle said, finishing her glass.
Abigail looked at her wide-eyed. “But what happens if you decide you like that lifestyle and decide to leave?”
Estelle made a face. “I won’t leave. I really do love my life here. I’m just curious, that’s all, and so is Jeremiah. So will you come?”
Abigail looked at her friend and thought for a while. “Nee, I can’t. My daed would not approve; plus with my leg, it’s too hard to get around.”
“Awww, Abby, please? We have someone to go with you. His name is Jonathan, and he’s visiting for the weekend,” Estelle begged. “Please, Abby?”
“I don’t know…” Abigail pondered. She had never even thought of doing anything so outrageous before and didn’t know how her father would react.
“Come on, Abby. This is the fourth time I’ve introduced you to someone and you’ve turned them away. You won’t even go to the church singings anymore. How are you going to meet anyone? Don’t you ever want to get married and have a family?”
“Of course I do. It’s just hard with my limp. I’m very self-conscious of it.”
“Abigail Troyer, how many times have I told you? You are a kind girl with a big heart, and any man would be lucky to have you as his wife. How you walk makes no difference,” Estelle scolded. “So will you come or not?”
“I’m sorry, Estelle, I can’t. I just know I wouldn’t enjoy myself; not to mention I know my daed would not approve of me going, whether it’s Rumspringa or not.”
Estelle sighed loudly. “Alright, I understand. Perhaps if Jonathan comes to visit again, we can get together and play some games or something.”
Abigail smiled at her friend. “Jah, that would be nice.”
Waving goodbye to her friend, Abigail went back into the kitchen. Should I have gone to the dance? Abigail thought to herself. She wished at times she had confidence like her sisters had. They never let anything stop them and now were all married with wonderful husbands and even starting families.
Abigail closed her eyes and thought of her mother. She didn’t remember much about her, as she died when Abigail was only four, but she remembered her always telling her to believe in herself and that she could do anything she wanted to despite her disability.
Mamm, how I wish you were here with me now. I could really use your guidance.
* * *
Chapter 2
Standing in line at the grocery store, Abigail overheard two women talking about Mrs. Parsons and how sick she was. Mrs. Parsons had owned the only ice cream store in town and after school; all the older children would flock there on hot days, including Abigail.
“Excuse me, I didn’t mean to listen, but did you say that Mrs. Parsons was sick?” Abigail asked.
“Oh yes. Right in bed for two weeks,” one woman answered.
The other woman looked at Abby. “I went by this morning and told her I would stop in and try to help when I can, but I have children at home, so it’s difficult.”
Abigail thought for a moment. “Perhaps I’ll stop by and see if I can help.”
“Oh, she’d like that. It’s hard when you get older, and your family has moved away,” the first women said, smiling at Abigail.
After putting her groceries in her buggy, Abigail walked the three blocks to Mrs. Parsons’ house. She knew where she lived, having been there when she was younger. Once, when she and her friends and gone for some ice cream, Mrs. Parsons had a box she needed brought home and asked them to help her. Abigail had never been in an Englisch home before and was a bit in awe when she saw all the luxuries.
Reaching the house, Abigail knocked on the door and called out her name. Not getting a response, she tried the doorknob and found it unlocked. She walked in and stood for a moment and listened. A small little dog came running down the stairs barking, but stopped and wagged its tail when it reached the bottom of the stairs.
“Mrs. Parsons?” she called out again reaching out and petting the dog.
“Yes? Who is it?” a weak voice came from upstairs.
Following the voice, Abigail said, “It’s Abigail Troyer. I heard you were sick and wanted to know if I could help.”
Finding Mrs. Parsons’ bedroom, Abigail went in and found the woman lying in her bed. The small dog jumped up on the bed and took its place beside the woman.
“Oh, Abigail, I remember you, the woman said, holding out her hand for Abigail to take.
“Would you like any help?” Abigail approached the bed and took Mrs. Parsons’ hand.
“If you could help, I would so appreciate it. The doctor s
aid I would be in bed for about two weeks,” the woman said, smiling weakly.
“I would love to help. I have nothing else to do anyway. What would you like me to do?”
“Well, the first thing I need is for you to bring Peanut for a walk. He hasn’t been out for a few hours. Mrs. Wilson came by this morning and let him out, but he could really use another walk,” Mrs. Parsons, said petting her beloved pet.
“I would love to. And when I get back, I’ll fix you something for lunch.” Abigail smiled. “Come on, Peanut, want to go for a walk?”
At the sound of the word ‘walk’, Peanut began jumping and barking as if the excitement was too much to contain. Abigail laughed at him as he almost fell down the stairs to get to the door. Finding his leash, she snapped it on and went out into the morning sunshine. She brought the small dog over to the park, where he could explore the trees and grass. She laughed to herself as she watched Peanut sniff and explore.
When she returned to the house, she set about making a pot of soup for lunch. Thankfully, Mrs. Parsons had a well-stocked fridge and pantry and Abigail found everything she needed to make a hearty soup.
As the soup sat and simmered on the stove, Abigail went upstairs to see if there was anything else Mrs. Parsons needed and found both the woman and Peanut sound asleep. Smiling to herself, she went back downstairs to check the soup and tidy up the kitchen a bit. When the soup was ready, she prepared a tray, remembering not to fill the bowl too full. It was hard enough for her to maneuver the stairs normally, so carrying a tray with a full bowl of soup was sure to be extra difficult.
“Oh my dear, you didn’t have to bring the tray upstairs. I could have made my way down,” Mrs. Parsons said when she saw Abigail come into the room.
“Never you mind, you need to get your strength back. I made some chicken soup.” Abigail set the tray down on the night table. “After lunch, I have to run home, but I’ll be back at supper time.”
“You’re an angel Abigail,” the woman said, sitting up in her bed. “I can’t thank you enough.”
* * *
Finally, after two weeks of care, Mrs. Parsons was back on her feet. Abigail felt such joy that she was able to help the woman in her time and need.
“Thank you again, Abigail. I don’t know what I would have done had you not been here to nurse me back to health,” Mrs. Parsons said on the last day that Abigail was at the house.
“Well, I’m glad I could help. It was my pleasure.”
“Can I give you some money as a thank you?” Mrs. Parsons asked, reaching for her purse.
“No, my payment is seeing you up and about.” Abigail smiled as she waved goodbye and walked out the door. On the way home, she felt a certain sense of accomplishment. It was one thing to take care of her father and the house, but it was quite another to take care of someone in desperate need.
“Perhaps I can help others out in my spare time. I’m sure there are lots of people who have no one to take care of them,” Abigail said out loud.
The next day, Abigail went into town and posted a notice on the local supermarket board. Standing back, she read:
If you need help at home with cooking or cleaning, or if you need someone to do your grocery shopping, please leave your name with the cashier. Abigail Troyer is available to help during your time of need.
She had made arrangements with the store to pick up messages in case anyone answered her note. She was very excited about her new venture, and for the first time, she felt that she truly had something of value she could offer to others.
* * *
Chapter 3
“Abigail, do you not want to eventually settle down and get married? Why not attend the church singing tonight? You haven’t been to a singing in ages. Perhaps there will be a young man interested in getting to know you,” John said, one Sunday morning at breakfast.
Abigail looked at her father, surprised by his question. “I will someday, Daed, but not right now. Besides, I’ve yet to meet anyone who is interested in me.”
“How will you meet anyone if you’re so busy? It’s wonderful that you are always helping people, but now you’re too busy. First, it was Mrs. Parsons, then Millie Schuur and now Anna Miller,” John said, frustrated. “I only want what’s best for you, but taking care of other people all the time does not leave you with time to meet a fine young man.”
“Daed, I know you mean well, but I feel that this is the path Gott wants me to follow. I’m sure when it is my time to settle down, Gott will let me know.”
After church, Abigail went to help Anna Miller. Anna lived down the road from them, and she had broken her ankle and was finding it hard to take care of her five children, so Abigail would go over each day for a while to help her out. She enjoyed it and found that she especially loved taking care of the children.
Walking home, Abigail amused herself by kicking a large pebble along the road. A fluttering in the ditch distracted her from her game, and she stopped in her tracks waiting to see what it was; hoping it wasn’t a skunk or some other wild animal. Seeing a large branch, she picked it up and walked closer to the ditch. She stood almost on tip toes trying to peer through the tall reeds while holding the stick ready in case something attacked her.
“Peep,” came a sound from the ditch. Puzzled, she moved closer and used the stick to part the tall grass.
“Peep, peep, peep,” the animal called out again. Abigail realized that whatever it was, it was definitely in distress, so she dropped the stick and carefully walked down the slope.
Parting the reeds with her hands, she looked down and saw a small barn owl trying desperately to free himself from the thick mud in the ditch.
“Ach, you poor little thing,” Abigail said to the owl who looked up at her with frightened eyes. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
She looked around for something to pick the owl up with. After not finding anything, she took off her apron and bent down, wrapping it around the frightened bird.
“There, there, little one. I won’t hurt you. I’m going to make you better,” she said, petting the owl’s head. Before long, the owl cuddled into her arms as she carried it home.
“I’m going to make you a nice, comfortable bed and then find out where I need to take you so you can get help.”
In the barn, she found an old box along with some spare blankets her father kept for the horses. Bundling them up, she made a soft mattress for the bird along with some hay. Gently laying the bird in the box, she went into the house and brought out a small bowl to fill with water in case he was thirsty.
“I wish I knew what you ate,” she said aloud as if she expected the owl to tell her. “I guess I should get you to the Animal Center right away.”
After she had hitched up the buggy, she carefully picked up the box and placed it on the floor beside her. She vaguely remembered where the Center was and hoped she didn’t have trouble finding it. She had been there once with her father after they had found an injured fox on their property. After a few wrong turns, Abigail stopped the buggy in front of the Animal Center.
The owl frantically started to peep again when Abigail picked the box up to carry inside.
“Shhh, my little one. You’ll be in good hands,” she whispered, approaching the front desk.
A young women smiled as Abigail set the box down on the counter. “What have we here?”
“I found an injured owl near my house.”
The woman stood up and peeked into the box, smiling. “Well hello there. What trouble did you get yourself into?”
“I think he has hurt his wing. I found him struggling in the mud of a ditch,” Abigail said, reaching in and picking him up. Once in Abigail’s arms, the bird instantly stopped peeping and cuddled against her.
“You certainly have a knack for animals,” the woman said, smiling at the sight. “He seems to like you. Well, follow me, and I’ll bring you into an examining room. The vet should be with you shortly.”
Abigail followed the woman into the ster
ile room and attempted to put the bird on the stainless steel table. Each time, the bird would begin crying out, so Abigail gave up and stood holding him until the vet came in.
Before too long, the door opened, and an older gentleman came in. “Hello, I’m Dr. Warner. I hear you found an owl?”
“Jah, he was in the ditch, and for some reason he has taken a liking to me.” Abigail smiled, putting the bird on the table despite its protests.
“Well, let’s take a look,” the doctor said, putting on a pair of glasses that were dangling around his neck.
After examining the bird, he took off his glasses and looked at Abigail. “You might have saved this bird's life. His wing is fractured, and if you hadn’t come along when you did, he might have died of starvation or been eaten by a wild animal.”
“So what will you do with him?” Abigail asked the vet, reaching over and patting the owl’s head.
“Well, we’ll secure his wing until it heals and keep him here until he can fly again. You can come by anytime you want to see him.”
“I’d like that. I’ve always liked animals. My mother always said we should be kind to them because they are God’s creations too.”
The vet opened a few drawers and took out some bandages and scissors. Putting his glasses back on, he looked up at Abigail. “Can you keep him calm while I wrap his wing?”
“Sure, Dr. Warner.” Abigail wrapped her hands around the bird as the doctor worked on the wing. The owl was oblivious to what was happening to him and just stared up at Abigail, almost in admiration.
“There, all done. I’ll get you to carry him into the back, and we’ll set him up for his stay,” the vet said, opening the door. “You can call me Gary, by the way.”
The Troyer Sisters Series - Amish Romance: 4-Book Box Set Page 14
