Grace's Forgiveness (12 page)

“Please, if you don’t mind, Bishop Weaver, I’d like the funeral held on Friday at the church barn.”

She understood the woman’s request. Friday would be plenty of time to get ready for the funeral.

The bishop peered over his spectacles. “Please join me for a word of prayer and we’ll announce this to everyone when the men are finished working.” Bishop Weaver glanced at each of them. “Please bow your heads.” He folded his hands. “Dear Heavenly Father, danki for taking our friend home. Please wrap Your arms around Mrs. Wittmer and comfort her. Give her peace and take care of her every need. We love You. Amen.” He raised his head and expressed his condolences to the widow. “I’ll check on you later.” He excused himself and stepped outside.

Grace gently squeezed Mrs. Wittmer’s hand. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“No, dear. I’m in excellent hands. Danki for your help.”

Grace viewed the women entering the haus. “I’ll leave and let your friends spend time with you.” She darted her eyes from Mrs. Zook to Mrs. Beiler. “Mamm and I will assist you with whatever you may need.”

Mrs. Zook’s gaze met hers. “Danki, Grace.”

She stepped outside and viewed the project site. The men heaved a framed roof angle in place. They made it appear easy, but she suspected the opposite was true.

Sarah joined her. “We got separated in the crowd. How is Mrs. Wittmer? I saw you go inside the haus.”

“She’s a strong woman and holding up well.”

Grace’s Mamm came alongside them. “I’ll go in and offer my help and sympathy.”

Sarah nodded. “I’ll join you.”

“I’ll wait on the porch. I’ve already offered my sympathies.”

“We won’t be long.”

Grace sat in a weathered white rocking chair on the porch and watched the men work. Many of them hammered on the roof. Her daed, Mark, Levi, and six others studied the barn doors that lay flat on the ground.

Mamm and Sarah returned.

“Mrs. Wittmer is doing better than I expected.” Sarah sighed.

Shrugging her shoulders, Mamm cast eyes at the men. “I need to get home. Have you seen your daed?” She pointed. “Ah, here he kummes now.”

Daed carried his dirt-stained toolbox as he approached. “I’m exhausted. Mark and Levi will stay and help the other younger men hang the doors. Sarah, Mark’s dropping Levi off at your place when they’re finished, so you can take your wagon home.”

Sarah nodded and bid them farewell.

Grace and her parents crossed the yard to their spring wagon. She untied the horse, hitched up her skirts, climbed in, and sat next to Mamm.

Daed flicked the reins. “It’s a shame Mr. Wittmer didn’t get to admire and use his new barn.”

Patting Daed’s knee, Mamm said, “He’s got a better place in Heaven. He won’t miss it.”

Grace smiled. “What a sweet thing to say.”

Mamm’s positive outlook on things often brightened her and her daed’s moods.

Mamm smoothed her apron. “Mrs. Wittmer is blessed to have the Zook and Pine families in her life. Their sons are digging the gravesite. I wonder if she already has a white shirt and pants for her husband.”

“Yes. She asked Mr. Zook to retrieve her husband’s clothes while I was there.”

“Mrs. Wittmer said Mr. Zeller has constructed plain pinewood coffins for occasions such as this. He’s offered her the box, and she accepted.” Mamm held tight to the side rail as the wagon wheel hit a rut in the road.

Grace hung on to Mamm’s arm. “Mr. Wittmer had a lot of friends and most everyone will want to attend the funeral. The crowd could be overwhelming on such an emotional day for her. At least the funeral will be at the church. It should take some pressure off Mrs. Wittmer not having to have it in her home.”

Mamm rested her head on Grace’s a moment. “You’re sweet to worry about her, but the bishop is a step ahead of you. He stated the funeral will be held in the church barn since there wouldn’t be enough room in the Wittmers’ haus.”

“The bishop is good man.” Grace had an idea. She wanted to do something to help Mrs. Wittmer besides bringing food. Even better, she and Mark could do this together. She’d ask him about her idea first thing in the morning.

Mark guided his horse to Levi’s haus. “I’m glad we were able to finish the Wittmers’ barn today. If Mrs. Wittmer sells their place, the barn will bring her more money.”

“It makes all the hard work we did worthwhile.” Levi swatted a fly buzzing about his head. “It must be hard for her to lose her husband and remain here on earth alone. I remember when my daed died and then Mamm shortly after. Both passed from influenza but, in my opinion, Mamm died from a broken heart. I miss them, but I am comforted they’re in Heaven.”

Levi had become a good friend, but could he talk to him about anything? He’d find out. Mark stared at his lap. “I have a bruder. His name is Abel.”

“Where is he?”

“He joined the Amish order at eighteen but departed from our community six months later to live in the world. The bishop in Lancaster insisted I have a full funeral service for him and place a marker on his grave. I found it more difficult to do than when I had to bury Mamm and Daed.” He stared at the dirt road. “Sarah asked me if I had a bruder the first day I visited the shop, but I told her not anymore. She didn’t pursue it. I spoke to Grace about him.”

“Sarah told me you mentioned you once had a bruder. I wanted to wait until you were ready to bring him up, in case the subject was too painful for you to discuss. Most people in our community would scold you for speaking his name, but I’m glad you told me. I’m not offended. You’re my friend. You can speak to me about anything. Were you close to him?”

Mark expressed a relieved sigh. “Danki, Levi. Yes. I pray often for God to protect him. My heart sank when he left. I hope he’ll return someday. Noah often asks questions about the world. I hope he never leaves our community.”

Levi put a hand on Mark’s shoulder. “You’re a strong influence on Noah. He’ll be fine. If you need anything, think of Sarah and me as your family.”

Levi’s openness and willingness to let him talk about Abel put him at ease. They’d formed a true friendship. His bruder had chosen the wrong path in life, but this didn’t change how much Mark cared about him. With his mamm, daed, and bruder gone, Levi’s support meant a lot to him. “I appreciate your offer, Levi. You may kumme to me for anything you need as well.”

Mark halted the horses in front of Levi’s haus. “Did Sarah tell you what I found in my barn? I forgot to mention it to you.”

“Jah. I figure he stashed it when he stayed a while back. I’m convinced the thief’s gone. A box of matches and a jar of water wouldn’t be worth returning for and risk getting caught. I’d say we’re rid of him.” Levi jumped out of the spring wagon.

“I hope you’re right.” Mark jiggled the reins. “Have a nice night.” He went home, finished his chores, and then pumped water into two big pails. One in each hand, he carried them inside to the washboiler on the stove. He added kindling and lit a fire to heat the water. He wiped his brow and sighed. For a bath, this sure was a lot of trouble. He shed his sweat- and dirt-stained shirt, pants, socks, and underwear. Tossing his garments in a wooden box, he noticed his dirty clothes were piling up. He groaned. Washing clothes was his least favorite chore. Wrapped in a blanket, he sat at the kitchen table. Dirt stuck to his skin. He waited for the water to warm.

He grabbed his mamm’s old, thick, worn pot holders and pulled the pots off the stove and carried them to the washroom to fill the tub. Soaking his weary body in the soothing water would relax his tired muscles.

He dipped his toe in the water. Satisfied with the temperature, he stepped in the tub.
Perfect.
He eased himself into the warm bath, grabbed his washrag, lathered it with soap, and washed his body. Resting his head against the rim, he shut his eyes. Grace came to mind. She had a compassionate heart. Her understanding about his bruder meant a lot to him. She didn’t admonish him for bringing up the subject. Without hesitation, she listened and offered her support. He could trust her. She had his best interest at heart.

Mark rose Thursday morning to the sun shining bright through the window. He sauntered to the barn, fed the chickens, slopped the hogs, and milked the cow. His mind raced with thoughts of Mr. Wittmer on this day before the man’s funeral. The death of Mr. Wittmer had weighed heavy on his heart. God had blessed him with a new home, a store, friends, and a church. He’d be mindful to not take these things for granted. The milk pail full, he carried it to the root cellar and covered it with a clean cloth. The cream would rise, and Noah could make butter later today. He returned to the kitchen and moments later, the door opened.

“Good morning, Noah.”

“I’m glad you’re still here. Mamm told me about Mr. Wittmer. I really liked him. He was a generous old man. Our plow horse died, and he bought us another one. He wouldn’t let us pay for it.” He smacked an ant on the floor crawling to his pant leg. “Do you mind if I attend the funeral? I’ll return to do chores after the service and meal.”

The stories about Mr. Wittmer’s generosity impressed him. He regretted not having more time to get acquainted with the man before he passed. “You churn better butter than I do, so I appreciate your willingness to take care of it. About the funeral, of course you may.”

“Danki, Mark.”

“Do you mind getting out the bread and jam?” Mark set an iron skillet on the stove. He cut eight thick slices from the slab of bacon and threw them in the sizzling pan.
Yum.
He was going to devour this breakfast in no time. He turned over the bacon until it appeared crisp and brown. He slid the bacon onto a plate, threw eggs in the pan, and fried them.

“Not at all.” Noah set the table, sliced bread, and opened ajar of blueberry jam. He sniffed the bacon. “Danki for breakfast. I left without eating this morning. How did the barn raising go?”

Mark poured a cup of coffee for Noah and refreshed his. He forked up the bacon and passed Noah eggs. He offered a prayer for their food and added a remembrance for Mr. Wittmer. “I’ve never worked with such an organized and efficient bunch of men. I’m glad I participated, but my muscles ache this morning.” He paused and rubbed his legs.

Mark chewed and swallowed with silent gusto for a few minutes.

“I wish I could’ve been there. I would’ve liked to have helped with the barn raising.”

“I should’ve brought you with me. I apologize. Next time, we’ll go together.” Mark finished his last bite and wiped his mouth. “Have you noticed any signs of the stranger I suspect left the bag behind?”

Noah wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “No, but I check the trunk each day. It’s still there.”

“Levi has put the man out of his mind. I’m still leery he’ll return. Be mindful of any unusual sounds or things out of place.”

“I will. Don’t worry. I’m keeping an eye out for him.”

Mark patted Noah’s back, grabbed his hat, and headed outside. He hitched his horse to his wagon and rode fast to town. Gray clouds rolled across the sky and hid the sun. Not a bright day, but a comfortable one. A deer scurried out ahead of him, and he jerked back on the reins in time for the graceful doe to scamper into the woods.

He nodded to friends and neighbors guiding their horses and buggies on the way to town. Time had flown since he’d moved here. He handed his horse’s reins to the liveryman and headed to his store. As he turned the key and stepped over the threshold, he greeted Grace coming through the connecting door. “How are you this morning?”

Her disposition, unlike the gray morning, was sunny and warm. “I’m fine. Do you have a minute to spare?”

“Of course. Is anything wrong?”

Grace grinned. “No. I had an idea. No one mentioned constructing a grave marker for Mr. Wittmer.”

“I’d be glad to do it. It wouldn’t take much time. I have a nice piece of solid oak here. I’ll work on it when I don’t have patrons.”

“Do you mind if I help you? I’ve already asked Sarah to mind the shop.”

Did he mind? Of course not. He’d take advantage of any opportunity to be near her. “I’d enjoy constructing the marker together. I may have to stop to wait on customers, but it shouldn’t take us long. I’ll close my store while I walk to the bishop’s haus and ask if Mr. Zeller or anyone else is taking care of it first.”

“Kumme and tell me what you find out.”

It touched him she wanted to work alongside him and share his interest in building something from wood. “I hope no one has started on this project. I like the idea of us doing this together, Grace.”

Her face lit up, before she turned and departed. She had brought such joy to his life. A smile crossed his lips.

An hour later, Mark pushed the door open to Grace and Sarah’s shop. He joined Grace. “The bishop said it had slipped his mind. Mr. Zeller was with him. He hadn’t thought of it either. Kumme on over, and we’ll get started.”

“Sarah doesn’t mind tidying up the shop by herself while we do this. I’ll tell her I’m going with you.” She padded to the back room.

Grace returned and Mark walked alongside her to his store. He selected an oak plank from a small, neatly stacked woodpile in the corner of the room. It was the perfect size for a marker. He cut the smooth, flat oak into the right shape. He removed a scrap of paper from his pocket. “The bishop wrote Mr. Wittmer’s full name, birth date, death date, and age in years on this note.” He measured and penciled the information neatly on the wood. He backed up and studied it. “Do the letters and numbers look even?”

“Yes. His name and the dates are straight and the right height.” She moved closer to him. “What can I do?”

She hadn’t spoken a word until asked. Consideration was a splendid quality to have in a partner someday. Another reason he found he loved her. “I’ll demonstrate how to hold the chisel and hammer and form the first letter then you can carve the next one.”

He hammered and chiseled the first letter, an
E.
He stifled his laugh. Her breath on his neck tickled, she stood so close. But he didn’t dare tell her. Having her near and peering over his shoulder warmed and soothed every sore muscle in his body.