Sheriff Micah Fleming had volunteered to drive Jacob’s family to the hospital. He was there by eight the morning following the family get-together to discuss Jenna Mae.
“I’m not going to ask you how your are,” Micah said. “Anita wants me to bring you to the house for breakfast. We can’t go into the hospital until visiting hours at ten.”
“Thank you, but we ate early,” Jacob answered.
“I know you did, but you’ve never tasted Anita’s home-made cinnamon rolls. We can have a cup of coffee and a roll while we catch up on what all has been going on. We heard Jenna Mae is sick, but we don’t know any of the particulars. She always seems so strong and healthy. We’re very worried.”
Micah and Anita had twin boys who were now five years old. They also had a three year old, Elizabeth Ann, who had her daddy wrapped around her little finger. They had tried for six years to have a child and everyone had prayed with them. The children were a delight of their hearts, but they kept Anita close home.
“We would love to come with you,” Charity spoke for them which earned her a glare from Jacob. “Let me get Jeremiah going for Lawrence to take to school and I will be ready. Charity was always outspoken for an Amish woman.
Matthew and Jacob shifted from foot to foot not knowing what to say. Seventeen year old Alicia, sixteen year old Maeve and fifteen year old Joseph were staying at home to help Lawrence.
Alicia was eagerly looking forward to rumspringa. This is a period of time, usually a year, in which Amish youth are permitted to be worldly. If they have not been baptized, the church has no control over them. They can move to the city or nearest town with friends to experience all that the auslanders (outsiders) do.
At the end of the time, or before, the youth decides whether to join the church and be Amish or stay outside and give up their family and Amish friends. If they decide to stay outside, they can no longer come home to live. They can visit, but the community, as a whole, will ignore them. A few do make the decision to stay outside and work and live, but the majority remains Amish and come home to be baptized.
Before they are baptized and join the church, they are in a training class for several weeks to learn Bible verses and the history of their religion. On the day of baptism the whole church congregates. The Bishop asks the congregation if they are willing to accept these young people and promise to help them in their faith. Of course they always answer yes.
They feel that the young people belong to everyone. If a young person is observed acting badly or doing wrong, any adult nearby will speak sternly to them.
The girl’s white prayer kapp is removed leaving her head bare for the last time in public. The boys have removed their hats upon entering the building.
The Deacon steps forward holding a wooden bucket of water and a tin cup. The youths kneel and the Bishop cups his hands to receive water. He goes to each one saying, “I baptize you in the name of the Father (places Amish Promise water on the head), the Son (water) and the Holy Ghost (water). He then asks them to stand and says, “Upon your faith which you have confessed before God, and these many witnesses. You are baptized in the name of the Lord, and of the church, we extend to you the hand of fellowship. Rise and be a faithful member of the church.” The Bishop then gives the boys a Holy Kiss on the cheek and the Deacon’s wife gives the girls the kiss. There is rejoicing and a big feast follows.
Amish youth are not permitted to have a courtship or a “steady” until they are sixteen. There is no kissing or being together where no one can see them. A boy obtains a courting buggy which is open so everyone can see who is in it and what they are doing.
Charity was concerned about Alicia because she was basically shy and had not had any experience with meeting auslanders.
Lawrence came to pick up Jeremiah and speak to his daed. “Tell mamm I lieb her and my heart is with her.”
“Ja. I will, son. Have a good day, but try to get as much work done as you can.”
By eight thirty-five Jacob got in the front seat with Micah while Charity and Matthew got in the back. They were quiet on the way to the Fleming house.
Anita was delighted to see them and hugged each one. She knew the Amish men were not hugged as a general rule, but she honestly cared about this family.
The children were well-mannered and went to a play room that Micah had built for them on the back of the house. The boys had a fort made from an old refrigerator box laying on its side. In it were tin soldiers and other items that interested them. Elizabeth Ann went to a hobby horse and rode to her heart’s content. She then took dolls to a big doll house and served them teas on a tiny set of dishes.
They always played well together. Sometimes the boys would play a board game with their little sister. Their daddy had taught them they must be manly and protect her and be kind. It was only natural that there would be disagreements, but not often.
The Startz family could hardly wait to visit Jenna Mae in the hospital. Charity could never remember her mother being sick enough to be in bed for more than a couple of days and certainly never in the hospital. Jacob’s heart was heavy. This was the woman he loved and married and still loved her as much as he did the day he married he. He was sure she felt the same about him. Theirs had been an ideal marriage, working together, loving together and sharing all their life’s happenings. He did not want to think of having to go on living without her, but if God wanted her with Him, then what could anyone here on earth do.
Micah and Anita shed tears when they heard that Jenna Mae was dying. They loved her, too. They tried to comfort the Startz family and insisted on them having coffee and rolls. Soon it was time to go.
They thanked Anita for a lovely visit and expressed their appreciation for the ride. The Flemings were honestly glad to have them and to be able to help.
Jenna Mae looked so rested, and was smiling so brightly, that it was difficult to believe she would not be with them much longer. She was glad to see them and ready to come home.
“What did the doctor say is wrong with me? Can I go home today?” She was anxious. The family didn’t know what to say.
Matthew finally spoke. “Mamm, we are going now to talk to the doctor and ask him to tell us everything. We will come right back and tell you.”
They hurriedly left her room and went to keep the appointment with Dr. Alicea.
A nurse brought in additional chairs for them in the doctor’s office. Dr. Alicea looked kindly at them. “Well, what have you decided?”
Jacob cleared his throat. He couldn’t seem to talk. “How long will it be before she is in a lot of pain?”
“That varies according to the individual. Jenna Mae is in an advanced stage, so I would say she will be in a lot of pain. Six months may be a real guess. She is still cheerful and cooperative though.”
“Have you, or a nurse, given her any idea that she is dying?” Matthew asked.
“No. I gave specific orders that her condition was not to be discussed. If she had been coming in for regular yearly check-ups, it’s possible this could have been caught a long time ago, but it has been years since she had a check-up.”
“Dr. Alicea. Would you be willing to explain this to her? My mother is strong in her Lord and will be able to listen and accept it,” Charity asked.
“That’s one of the sad duties of a physician. It is especially sad for me since I know and admire all of you so much. Yes, I can tell her and you can be present if you wish.”
“We wish,” Jacob declared.
Jenna Mae’s room was crowded with everyone standing around. She greeted them with a big smile which quickly faded when she saw the solemn expressions on their faces. “Tell me,” she said softly.
Dr. Alicea took her hand and patted it. “Dear lady, it breaks my heart to tell you, but you have cancer of the lungs. We can treat it, but it would have been a different story if you had been coming in for regular check-ups. We just have to be more aggressive now.”
“I am dying,” she said. “I am ready to claim my mansion with my Lord.”
By now the family was crying. Matthew stepped to the bed and took her hand. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Mamm, we are all dying. Remember you told me once that once we are born, every day we live is one closer to dying. Just take the care that Dr. Alicea wants to give you and we will all help.
Jenna Mae looked around the room. “Charity, I have been saving something for Jeremiah for his birthday. It is in my hope chest. You will see what it is when you look.”
Charity was trying so hard to be in control of her emotions. “Mamm, it is only three weeks until Jeremiah’s birthday. You will be there to give it to him. He will love whatever you give him, especially if it is something you have made.”
“Sure mamm,” Matthew chocked, “you will be there and be the life of the party.”
“What party?” Charity demanded. “I did not plan a party.”
Matthew scowled at her. “Yes, you will have a party.” He stared so hard at her that she realized he was sending her a message.
“I guess you are right. A party would please Jeremiah.”
’Well, that’s settled,” Dr. Alicea laughed. “Let’s all go out now and let this lady rest. If she is doing well tomorrow morning, she can go home with you. I will send a nurse to make sure she is getting her medications and rest.”
Micah met them in the lobby. “How is she? I didn’t try to come up because there’s enough of you. I didn’t want to tire her.”
“She knows she is dying, but she does not know how soon,” Jacob gulped and wiped his eyes. “She is a woman so full of courage and love of her Lord and her family. We will make her comfortable and try to be happy around her. We can not tell Jeremiah so soon. He might let it slip and he would not understand.”
“Will she have the chemo treatments?” Micah asked.
“Nee. No. There is no hope in such treatments.”
“I see. Do you need to go anywhere else before you go home?”
“Thank you, no. We just need to get home and make a bed for mamm in the front room where she can see everything and all that is going on,” Matthew told him.
“Will you need help moving furniture? I’ll be happy to help.”
“No, thank you. Lawrence and I can do most of it.”
“Okay. Get in then and let’s get you home.”
But mamm, you have not told me why Grossmudder Startz must stay in bed so much. Is she sick?”
“Yes, my little man. Grossmudder is very sick and we must be cheerful around her and make her feel better.” Charity tried not to cry.
“What is wrong with her, mamm?” Jeremiah asked worriedly.
“She has a very bad cold in her lungs and has trouble breathing. We are going to keep her warm, comfortable and happy.”
“I can do that,” he said, strutting around.
“Of course you can. You are my little man.”
“Mamm, what am I getting for my birthday?”
“Who said you were getting anything? You know as Amish we do not party much.”
“I know, but I heard you tell oom Lawrence that oom Matthew wanted to have a party for my birthday.”
“Oh, sometimes big ears hear sad things. How do you know we were talking about you?”
“Because he said it would be good for Grossmudder and give her something to think about.”
“Well, why not wait and see what happens. Surprises are much nicer than when you know something is going to happen. If you did have a party, is there someone at school you would like to have at your party?”
“Oh, yes!” He proceeded to name everyone except one boy.
“Why did you not say Benjamin Hersberger’s name?”
“He is so mean and no one likes him.”
“Maybe he is not mean at all. Maybe he just needs to know he has a friend.”
“Do you think that would keep him from being mean if I invited him to my party?”
“Well, it might, if you were going to have a party. Now why are you still up? Go take a bath and get ready for bed.”
He scurried away happily thinking of his birthday which would be soon.
The weeks did fly by. Jenna Mae was taken care of with a lot of love. Jacob had dared any of them to act as if she were on her deathbed. He said, “Do as much of the work as you can, but don’t make a big deal out of it. Keep her from lifting or getting over tired.”
Jenna Mae seemed to be getting some strength back. She was so pleased to be asked to give suggestions for the party for Jeremiah.
“Charity, I will give Jeremiah something very special on his birthday. I will tell you on that day to get it for me.”
“Danki, my sweet mamm. I lieb you so much. You do not need to get anything for him. He knows you lieb him and he adores you.”
“I know, but this is special and I have been saving it for him. I would have given it to him before now because I may be with his daed in Heaven soon and I want him to have it.”
“Oh, mamm. You will be here to guide us and lieb us for a long time.”
Musical instruments were frowned upon as being of the world, but harmonicas could be played. Charity asked two of the boys to play for games for the party as some English were also invited. They were very pleased to be of service. They practiced together many times and had a group following them to enjoy the music and singing.
The big day finally came and Jeremiah could hardly contain himself. He got up at five thirty and ran out to do his chores. He then ran over to Grossdawi Startz to see if he had any work for him to do and, of course, to remind them that today he is seven and big enough to do a lot of work.
Oom Lawrence felt of the muscles in his arms and was properly impressed with the size of them. Jeremiah strutted back to the house so pleased with himself that he forgot to be humble and not proud. He was barefoot and so caught up with the idea of his party and maybe presents that he did not notice the snake coiled among the tobacco plants as he ran along.
It had been cold so the snake fortunately was sluggish and made a half-hearted attempt to uncoil to strike. The movement was seen by Jeremiah and he yelled jumping straight up and taking off running yelling, “Snake, snake.”
Oom Matthew happened to hear him and laughed saying, “There are no snakes around. It is too cold for them. They have all gone into a hole for the winter.” He was shocked to see the big fat copperhead in the tobacco field. “He must have been greedy and decided to eat a little longer and it got too cold for him,” he said as he chopped the snake to pieces. “There. He will not be around to bite anyone.”
Jeremiah realized that he could not go without his shoes until next summer. As he thought about it, yes, it was cold, but he had been so eager to talk about his party, he had run out of the house without shoes.
Charity was so frightened when he told her about the snake. She wondered what it was doing on their property when the horses and mules hooves hitting the ground usually scared the snakes away. It was nothing to think about now.
Alicia and Maeve came to help her prepare for the party. The day before they had baked six dozen cupcakes and a big birthday cake, a banana split cake which was Jeremiah’s favorite. There was also fruit slush for the younger ones.
Deborah waddled in complaining about not being able to see her feet and how big and fat she was. She had made some new clothes for Jeremiah. Matthew had bought him a bat with a small ball attached to it. Jeremiah would enjoy trying to keep the ball bouncing by hitting it with the bat.
Lawrence had gotten a checker board and checkers for him. Jacob and Joshua together were going to give him his own horse. That was a big surprise.
Charity had bought new shoes instead of having the cobbler make them. She had also made him a new suit just like his ooms. She was so filled with love for him and everyone, but she had never forgotten Adam.
Eighteen children and forty-three adults showed up for Jeremiah’s party. He was strutting all over the place so pleased with himself. Several of the adults cautioned him about being too proud, but he just grinned at them and went on with his form of happiness.
The game “The Road To Jerusalem” was a big hit with the children and the adults cheered and laughed with it. Nine chairs were sat facing one direction. Eight more chairs were behind them facing the other direction. The children began marching around the chairs while Oliver Snader and Buckley Yoder played their harmonicas. Without warning the boys would stop playing. The children struggled to get seated. The one left out had to leave the game. That child was given a cupcake. A chair was removed making one less chair than children marching. This went on until only one child was left. Jeremiah was disappointed that he was not the winner, but he smiled and congratulated Mordecai Hershberger as he gave Mordecai a checker game in a box. All the little boys loved marbles. Charity knew the marbles would not be left in that box for long. They would be out on the ground in a marbles match.
“Drop The Handkerchief” was the next game. The children stood in a circle. Jeremiah started walking around the outside. He dropped the handkerchief behind one of the girls thinking she would be too slow to catch him. If he had gotten away, she would be the one walking around. As it was, when he dropped the cloth, he took off running, but Amelia Klopfenstein had grown up with a bunch of brothers and she had learned to run fast. She ran and tagged him, so Jeremiah had to keep walking and try to choose someone else so he could run back to his spot without being tagged. The person who didn’t catch him would then go around and try to find someone to chase them.
After ten minutes, Charity called a halt to this game. The Amish, as a rule, did not play games, but special permission had been given for this party. All of the children were out of breath and excited. They had to sit at a table and wait for a blessing to be asked, then they could eat.
They enjoyed the Banana Split cake and the Fruit Slush to drink. There was also homemade ice cream made with fresh strawberries. After they had eaten, Jeremiah opened his gifts and politely thanked each one for them.
Jeremiah whirled around to see why the children were wide-eyed and oohing. Jacob and Joshua walked to him leading a beautiful coal black Friesian yearling. The little gelding was high stepping and feeling frisky this cool September morning.
“Jeremiah,” Grossvader Jacob said, “this baby is too young to be ridden, but by the time we help you get him trained, you will be ready to ride and have a great horse.”
Charity had no idea they were going to give him a horse, and she was very concerned. “Oh, he looks like a handful. Jeremiah, promise me you will never get near this horse unless an adult is with you. He is young and does not understand any more than little boys understand about danger.”
“Is he really mine?” Jeremiah asked breathlessly with round eyes. “I can really have him and train him?”
“Yes,” answered Grossvader Joshua, “but only if one of us is with you.
In his excitement Jeremiah forgot English and lapsed into Amish. “Oh, grandfathers, I love him all ready and I will promise to wait for an adult to be with me. May I name him?”
“Jeremiah!” Charity scolded. “You are forgetting something.”
He looked puzzled and then, with a big grin, turned to hug both grandparents and say a sincere, “Danki.”
Grossmudder Jenna Mae was rapidly getting too tired to stay up much longer. She had waited many months to give Jeremiah her gift. “Jeremiah, come here to me. I have something very special for you. Do you remember all the pictures I painted that you liked so much, the ones of the horses plowing and the field of wild flowers?”
“Ja, Grossmudder. I remember. They are beautiful.”
“You know we do not have our picture taken because it would be making a graven image.”
“Ja, I know.”
“I have painted something very special for you.” She handed him two pictures about twelve by fourteen that she had painted. One was of a man with a beautiful chestnut horse and one was of just the man’s smiling face.
“Who is this?” he asked as Charity looked over his shoulder and gasped.
“It is your daed, Jeremiah. He is with Bonnie Kate and he is smiling at you because he is so proud that you have grown to be a good young man.” She wiped her eyes and went to hug her mother.
“Danki, mamm. Now he can know what his daed looked like. In fact Jeremiah is beginning to look just like him.”
Leah looked at them and wiped her eyes. “Ja, it is my precious boy.”
“Danki all of my loved ones. You have made me so happy. Danki all my friends for your gifts. Danki for coming.”
“Gern gshehn” was called out many times. (You are welcome)
Jeremiah threw his arms around Charity’s neck and hugged her until she laughingly begged for mercy. “It has been a wunderbaar day.”
The adults, and a few of the children, stayed to share a nachtesse of chicken, ham, deviled eggs, coleslaw, green beans, squash, biscuits and gravy, cake, ice cream and fruit slush as well as buttermilk, coffee or cider.
There were many fond gut nachts and everyone went home. A tired, but excited, happy boy listened to the reading of the Biewel, said his prayers and was fast asleep.