The following Saturday, Emma felt as though she could attend a quilting frolic being held for community members about to get married. Abby went with her, helping to carry her canvas tote, supplies and a light lunch.
“Emma, you look wunderbaar! You are smaller than I’ve seen you look in, well, years!” Abby was excited about her sister’s progress.
“Denki! Ja, my orthopedist noticed earlier this week and I am so happy!”
“Does it make it easier for you to eat so light?”
“Actually, that depends. After over a month of those shakes, everything tastes delicious, but I can only manage a bite or too before I'm full up. I still miss Mam's meatloaf, but even a taste will have my stomach cramping in agony. I love yogurt with fruit mixed in. I’m getting used to eating fruits for desserts and snacks.”
Arriving at the home where the frolic was taking place, Abby helped Emma down, along with the help of the hostess’ husband. “Are you solid on the ground, sister?”
“Ja, denki. As long as I don’t hit any hidden holes in the ground, I am gut.” Once inside the house, Emma was the subject of several congratulations and expressions of excitement. Sitting down, she slid her crutch under the long table. She was engrossed in stitching her section of quilt when Barbara came bustling in.
“Gut morning! I’m sorry I’m late!” Barbara was puffing, her cheeks red from exertion. Looking for an empty chair, her eyes spotted Emma. Seeing that her younger sister looked visibly thinner, her mouth rolled into a pronounced pout.
“Gut morning, Barbara. How are you?” Emma was happy and it showed in her glowing eyes.
“Gut, denki.”
After a few hours of stitching, it was lunchtime. Abby hurried to the large kitchen to help serve. She made sure to heat Emma’s soup and bring that with her sectioned orange to her. “Here’s your nutrition drink as well. Will this be enough for you?”
“Oh, ja, it will! I’ll be full once I finish.” Eating her homemade chicken broth, Emma was careful to note how full she felt as she ate.
"Emma?" Her sister Barbara sat down next to her, holding a large, roast beef sandwich. Mustard dripped from the sides, and the places where Barbara's hands gripped it glistened with grease.
Emma's mouth watered. Just one bite. Dear heavens, what she'd do for just one bite.
“Sister, your lunch doesn’t look large enough for a cat. You really should eat this, too.” She handed the plate to Emma.
Rachel King, who had been watching Barbara, strolled over and stood by Emma’s chair. She wanted to see how Emma handled this invasion of her boundaries.
“Nee, Barbara." In a profound act of will, Emma pushed the sandwich away. "I already know from my doctor what I can and can’t eat. This sandwich would make me physically ill. Denki, but no.”
Rachel was thrilled with Emma’s strength in turning the sandwich down. Placing her hand on Emma’s shoulder, she turned to Barbara, who was stomping back to the kitchen. “Barbara, Emma has adjusted very well to the new limitations she has. Perhaps because it’s her health she’s thinking of.”
Several of the women and teens in attendance saw the interchange. As a result, Emma gained new supporters who, before this day, hadn’t been aware that she had been trying for so long to lose her weight.
Lizzie Yoder came up to her, sitting next to her. “I just want to let you know that you’re doing a wunderbaar thing for your health. I noticed your weight loss earlier. If you would like, I’ll help you with your sister. She seems quite resistant.”
Emma snickered as she enjoyed her yogurt. “Ja, she is. I can’t figure out why she doesn’t want me to get healthy again.”
“Can I come by tomorrow or Monday morning? I can tell you what I’ve figured out.”
“Monday would be wunderbaar, but can you come by after dinner? I have a therapy session that morning.”
“Excellent! I’ll be there.”
Barbara saw the quiet conversation between Emma and Lizzie. Unable to hear what the two were saying, she decided she would get that from Lizzie. She had her chance when the women broke for coffee and hot tea. “Lizzie! Can we speak for just a minute?” She tipped her head and gave what she prayed was a winsome smile.
Lizzie responded with no smile. “Ja, let me take this tea to your sister.” Lizzie hurried over to where Barbara had sat herself. Nursing a hot coffee cup between her hands, Lizzie waited.
“What were you and my sister discussing a while ago?”
Lizzie was stunned. Choosing her words carefully, she set the cup down so she wouldn’t throw it in Barbara’s round face. “Barbara Anderson, I cannot believe you! Emma and I were having a private conversation. Would you like it if I asked you to reveal the contents of a nighttime conversation between you and Ben?”
Barbara gasped. She truly thought she had been subtle in her inquiry. “Nee! I would not! That is very private. And I am offended that you would try to equate our private talks with what you and my sister were discussing.”
Again, Rachel had overheard Barbara’s attempts. Hurrying over to her and Lizzie, she put firm hands on their shoulders. “Lizzie, I’ll handle this. I heard everything.” She gave a smile to Lizzie. Waiting until Lizzie had moved back to a vacant chair by Emma, she continued. “Barbara, I heard what you asked Lizzie. You were wrong. I don’t know why, but you are resisting Emma’s return to health with every fiber of your being. I hope you’ll stop—because if you don’t, she’s only going to gain more and more weight and her illnesses will eventually kill her. Of course, if you want to bury her, that’s your decision. One you’ll have to confront in front of Gott.” Removing her hand quickly from Barbara’s plump shoulder, she turned and walked away fast before saying anything else.
Barbara realized Rachel was telling the truth. Looking around, she saw the other women and teens staring at her. Gulping, she tried to make it look like she hadn’t just received an earth-moving accusation from someone else. I know I should support her, but it’s going to be so hard! I can’t risk that she’ll be prettier than I am once she loses all her weight. I just can’t!
The quilting frolic ended at four in the afternoon. After Barbara’s blunder and Rachel’s reprimand, the mood in the room was quieter and everyone was grateful they could wrap up their supplies and get back home.
Barbara walked out alone, knowing she had not been successful in her attempts. Looking down, she walked past groups of women, aware they were just looking at her, thinking poorly of her. Climbing laboriously into her buggy, she cracked the reins on the horses’ backs, eager to get back home.
***
On Monday morning, Emma leaned against the kitchen table gratefully. She had just finished her physical therapy and it had been a difficult session. “So, you mean I can start standing to help mam with meals now? When can I go back to work?”
“I want you to be able to walk and stand without the support of crutches. Depending on your next X-rays and what your surgeon finds, we’ll be able to make that decision then. He also needs to tell you that you can start walking with just a cane, putting weight on both feet.”
Looking up at the ceiling, Emma rejoiced. “So, you mean I’m getting closer to being recovered?”
Kathy grinned. “As far as I can see, you are making excellent progress. Of course, your doctor will be the final authority. But your knee is getting strong, you have less pain and I think you’ll soon be able to bear weight on that leg.”
“I have one question. When will I be able to start exercising so I can lose weight and get stronger physically?”
“As soon as your doctor gives you clearance. But, speaking as a professional and a friend, I suggest you start slowly. Walk short distances and increase them frequently. Start lifting small weights so you can increase bone density. Continue with your healthy diet, keep losing weight, and you should be well on your way. Oh, how is it going with your sister?”
“Barbara?” Emma’s sigh gusted out. “Not gut.” She explained what had happened at the Saturday frolic.
“Well, I’m glad to see that you held strong and said no. She invaded your boundaries in a huge way.”
“I know, and I didn’t like it. I don’t think many of the women at the frolic did, either. They were all so excited to see that I’m actually losing weight, even though I can’t be physically active.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Thanks for reminding me. Even though you aren’t physically active in a way you’d think of as ‘active,’ you’re doing a lot of work on those crutches. And, because of your extra weight, you’re doing even more work. I’ve seen other patients do the same thing. They were amazed that even though they couldn’t play volleyball, run or play football, they still stayed healthy. They even gained muscle and stamina. So, just keep moving around just as I’ve taught you, as much as you can do during the day. Just don’t make yourself so tired that you get hurt again.”
“And be careful of gopher holes.” Emma’s voice was droll as she reminded herself of this.
“Before I go to back to the physical therapy center, I wanted to ask you what kind of support you have for your continued weight loss efforts.”
“Kathy, I have wunderbaar support! My Mam, Dat, other sister, her husband, Jacob, Jacob’s mam, his dat and many of the women here.”
Barbara, approaching the back door, overheard Emma counting off everyone who supported her.
“Good. That is wonderful news. You just keep sticking to your resolve...and to God’s support. You know what can happen if you don’t lose weight. It’s sad that your sister doesn’t seem to have your health and best interests at heart. Would it help if you distanced yourself from her a little until you achieve your goal?”
Both Emma’s and Barbara’s eyes squeezed closed at that thought. Emma sighed. “That’s so hard. We get together several times a week. I love her. But I don’t like that she’s sabotaging my efforts.”
“I don’t mean that you shouldn’t see her. Instead, just keep your guard up every time she’s around. Love her, but be aware that she’s not acting in your best interests. And rely on those who are. I have to go. See you Wednesday...how’s ten in the morning?”
“Gut. Denki, Kathy.” Emma sat, thinking.
After Kathy had left through the front door, Barbara eased the back door open. She wanted to see Emma’s reaction to Kathy’s words. Stepping quietly, she walked to the entrance between the living room and kitchen. Seeing her younger sister gazing in contemplation through the window, she was disappointed. Barbara had hoped that Emma would be in tears. “Sister, how are you?”
“Barbara, how are you?” Emma covered her thoughtful mood with a bright smile. “I’m gut. I just got wunderbaar news from my physical therapist. If my doctor’s report is gut, I will be able to put weight on my leg and begin using a cane instead of crutches. Which means that, maybe, Michael will be more disposed to listen to you and Ben.”
Barbara’s laugh was a lame chuckle. “Ja, about that... Some nurses have suggested that he might suffer from a, well, a hyperactivity problem. I took a packet of questions to his teacher and she agreed. She told me that she works harder to keep him focused and listening than she has to do for the entire class. It turns out that he might not be able to help himself. Not that it’s an excuse or anything. He needs to learn to listen and mind his elders.”
“Ja, I agree. While I’m still on crutches, I’m going to warn him one time, if he tries to grab them, that I will stop him.”
“How?”
“With my words.”
Barbara was taken aback by Emma’s attitude and strong voice. “Oh...well, just make sure you remember he may not be able to help it.”
“That’s fine, Barbara. But if he tries to grab my crutches, he puts everyone around us at risk. I won’t allow that.”
Shortly after, Barbara left, feeling frustrated by Emma’s new strength. On her way back home, she muttered to herself about Emma’s attitude. By the time she got home, the germ of an idea had taken root. I know how to stop her from growing. Her smile was thin and slightly chilling. After feeding and brushing the horses, she hurried inside, wanting to be away from the chill and snow that threatened to fall. Grateful that Ben was away from the farm for the day, she sat down with a cup of hot chocolate and began plotting. She needs to be stopped, and I want her to realize she is only one person. She has to know she can’t take anything away from me.
By the time she needed to leave to pick up the kinder, Barbara had developed a plan to make Emma look less than perfect. Gasping with dismay, she hurried her buggy out of the barn. “Hurry! It’s snowing!” The horses moved quickly, wanting to complete their task and be back inside the warm barn.
Barbara realized she would have to pay attention to the road as she drove to school. Finally arriving, she sat in a row of waiting buggies. Shivering, she pulled her cape more tightly around her. Seeing her kinder running toward her, she motioned for them to hurry. “It’s getting colder! We need to get home!” Pulling the children into the buggy, she told the horses to turn around and get them back home. Once they were home, she and Annie fed and watered the horses, and then brushed them. “Hurry! The storm’s getting worse.” Gripping Annie’s hand, she hurried them inside. “Kinder, do your homework for tomorrow.”
“Mam, our teacher said that if it’s like this tomorrow morning, there will be no school. I have the note in my notebook.”
“Let me see it. Do your homework anyway.” She thought of calling Michael down, but decided to let that go for the night. I need to plan. Michael can finish tomorrow what he doesn’t do tonight. Pulling foods from the refrigerator, Barbara worked on supper, nearly on autopilot. As her hands worked, her mind developed a plan. What can I do? The kinder? Nee, not yet. I know; I’ll say she tried to distract Ben. It’s perfect!
Overnight, the snow stopped unexpectedly. In the morning, Ben and Barbara woke up, seeing that the sky would be clear that day. “Oh, no! They’ll have school today and Michael didn’t finish his schoolwork!”
“Why didn’t you have him do it downstairs where you could supervise him?”
Barbara didn’t want to give him the true reason why. “I thought I’d see if I could trust him to do it. Besides, he’s having that evaluation on Monday.”