Clymer
She’s a beautiful boppli, and we’re glad you are both doing well.” Belinda smiled at Michelle as she caressed the baby’s cheek. “My only regret is that you don’t live closer so we can spend more time together and watch little Angela grow.”
“Don’t worry, Mom,” Ezekiel spoke up. “We’ll come down to Strasburg as often as we can. That way, everyone else will have a chance to see the baby too.”
“And you’re welcome to come here whenever you like,” Michelle interjected.
Ezekiel’s parents had arrived three days ago, but his dad would be heading back home tomorrow morning, leaving Belinda to stay for another two weeks to help out. Michelle was grateful for her mother-in-law’s assistance. Still weak from having given birth, Michelle needed to rest more than she usually would. Also, being a new mother, she was unsure of herself, and it was a comfort to have Belinda there to answer questions and respond to any of Michelle’s concerns about newborn babies. The only downside was that having her in-laws there caused Michelle to feel a bit of homesickness. Although she no longer dwelled on it, Michelle realized that her desire to move back to Lancaster County had never completely vanished. But she’d learned to accept that Clymer was their home now, and she would not ask Ezekiel to relocate again.
Michelle had heard from Ernie and Jack yesterday, both saying they would try to get by to see the baby sometime next week. She looked forward to seeing them again and of course showing her brothers their niece, Angela Mary.
She leaned against the sofa pillows and looked at her husband as she caressed her infant daughter’s silky hair. “Hopefully we’ll make it down to Strasburg before the summer is over. I’d like the rest of your family, as well as Mary Ruth, Lenore, and Sara, to see the boppli.”
Ezekiel smiled. “We’ll go as soon as you’re strong enough.”
She reached for his hand. “I can hardly wait.”
Gordonville
Jesse sat with his mouth gaping open. He could hardly believe all that Herschel had just told him. He’d stopped by after work to get a few things from Herschel’s store but had never expected to be told surprising news like this. “Lenore’s cousin Sara is your daughter?” Jesse asked when he’d found his voice.
“Jah, it’s true. Sara and her husband are going over to my folks’ place with me this evening so Mom and Dad can meet the granddaughter they never knew anything about.”
“Since this all came to light with Sara a few days ago, have you already told your parents how you discovered she is your daughter?” Jesse asked.
“Of course. I wanted to explain things and prepare them for meeting her.”
Herschel gave Jesse the biggest smile he’d ever seen on the man’s normally placid face. It was clear how happy his wife’s uncle was to learn that he had a daughter. It was wonderful to see things working out well for Herschel. He’d been unhappy for as long as Jesse had known him. Jesse had always assumed Herschel’s grief was because of his wife’s death, but apparently it went even deeper than that.
I guess it’s possible for a man to love more than one woman during the course of his life. Jesse twirled his straw hat in his hands. Could it be possible for me if I give myself a chance? The trouble was, Jesse still wasn’t sure how he felt about Lenore. Some days when he thought about her, his heart beat a little faster. Other times when Jesse compared his feelings for Lenore to the way he’d felt for his wife, he convinced himself that he could never love anyone as much as he had loved Esther. So unless and until it became clear to him, he would continue on with the way things were. Besides, what good would it do me even if I did get in touch with my feelings and declare them to Lenore? She’s already moved on with her life.
Jesse had prayed last night, asking God to teach him how to trust his own heart, mind, and intuition. Now he simply needed to listen to the Lord’s still, small voice guiding him in the days ahead.
Strasburg
“It’s hard to believe school will be starting again in a few weeks.” Lenore leaned her head against the back of the porch swing and drew in a few deep breaths. Today had been muggy, and it was good to sit outside next to her grandmother and breathe in some air that finally felt fresh.
“Are you sorry you agreed to teach again this year?” Grandma asked.
“Not really. What else would I do with my time? I’ve never worked at any job away from home other than teaching.”
“Is there something else you might enjoy doing more?”
Lenore shrugged. “I’m not sure.” She wouldn’t say it out loud, but the only thing besides teaching that appealed to her was being a full-time wife and mother.
She clutched the folds in her dress, then let go and smoothed out the wrinkles she’d created. I can’t allow myself to dwell on that.
“I hope things go well with Sara this evening as she meets her other grandparents,” Grandma said. “The Fishers should feel as blessed to have Sara be a part of their life as you and I do.”
Lenore agreed. Growing up, she’d had no idea if her aunt Rhoda, whom she’d never met, had any children, but she’d wondered sometimes if she would ever get the chance to meet her aunt and any family she might have. Even though Lenore had never met Grandma and Grandpa Lapp’s daughter, she felt fortunate to have met their granddaughter, Sara, as well as Sara’s half brother, Kenny. They had become such an important part of her family.
Gordonville
As Sara sat in the front passenger seat of her husband’s van, she picked at her clear nail polish. It was a nervous habit whenever she felt full of apprehension.
Sara’s newly discovered father sat quietly in the back seat. Did he feel as nervous as Sara about her meeting his parents?
While Sara had always wanted to find out who her biological father was, she had never imagined meeting him or his parents. Since the Fishers didn’t live far from Grandma Lapp, Sara would be able to visit them regularly.
If they want me to, that is. Sara flipped the visor down and checked her appearance in the mirror. Even though they agreed to see me, maybe Herschel’s parents won’t accept me as their granddaughter. They may only want to ask me a bunch of questions about what my mother wrote concerning her relationship with their son.
At the moment, Sara understood exactly how Mama must have felt when she’d convinced herself that her family and others in their community would sit in judgment on her. Maybe because I’m Rhoda and Herschel’s illegitimate daughter, they will turn their backs on me. For that matter, they might be equally upset with their son for taking advantage of a young woman during her time of rumspringa.
Sara’s thoughts ran wild until she realized she was probably blowing things out of proportion. For all she knew, the Fishers might welcome her into their home with open arms.
As though sensing her apprehension, Brad reached over and clasped Sara’s hand. “We’re almost there, hon, and everything’s going to be okay. Now please take a deep breath and try to relax.”
That’s easy enough for you to say, Sara thought. It’s not you who’s about to step into the unknown. Well, in a way he was, because Brad had never met Herschel’s parents, and he couldn’t predict whether they would accept Sara or not. But Sara appreciated her husband’s positive tone and encouragement.
“No need to be nervous,” Herschel interjected. “My folks are looking forward to meeting you.”
When Brad turned in where Herschel instructed, Sara’s anxiety increased. Her hands were so sweaty she could hardly open the van door. Relax. Relax. Breathe deep like Brad said.
After they exited the vehicle, Herschel walked beside Sara, and Brad followed. Stepping onto the front porch, Sara said a prayer. Heavenly Father, please calm my nerves and my father’s as well.
Herschel opened the door and hollered: “Mom! Dad! We’re here!”
His parents joined them in the entryway. “Sara, these are my folks—Milton and Vera.” Herschel gestured to Sara. “Mom … Dad … this is my daughter, Sara, and her husband, Brad. He’s a minister at a church in Lancaster.”
All Sara’s fears and doubts vanished like vapor when her paternal grandparents enveloped her with hugs. Following that, they shook Brad’s hand.
“Welcome, Sara. Milton and I are so happy our son has found you—or maybe it was the other way around.” Vera’s eyes filled with tears. “When I came into your flower shop some time ago, if I’d had any idea you were our granddaughter, I would have welcomed you then.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much.” Sara turned to face Herschel. “God has truly given us a miracle, jah?”
His eyes glistened as he chuckled and gave a hearty nod. “And now we can spend the rest of our days getting better acquainted.” He looked over at Brad. “We welcome you into our family as well.”
Sara felt like singing, dancing, and shouting. I’m so blessed! If only Mama could be here to share in my joy.