Patricia Davids - An Amish Harvest

The men left the kitchen. Anna began mixing the biscuit dough. “Rebecca, will you set the table? The dishes are in the cabinet on the left side of the sink.”

“Of course.” At least she wasn’t being sent home before supper. She knew that Isaac was on her side, but how much sway did his wife’s wishes hold?

Supper was a quiet meal. After a silent blessing, the food was passed around with a minimum of fuss. Amish meals were not a time for small talk. Isaac laid out the work they would need to do the following day. Other than a few brief questions from his sons, their attention was given to the food. When the meal was over, Isaac took a tray upstairs to Samuel. Timothy offered to do it, but his father brushed aside the offer.

* * *

Samuel struggled into a sitting position on the side of his bed when he heard footsteps enter his room. He was feeling more human after Timothy had helped him bathe, and his appetite had been whetted by the wonderful smells from the kitchen. “It’s about time.”

“If you are impatient for your meal, you should come down to the table.”

Tensing at the sound of his father’s voice, Samuel quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, Father, I thought you were Timothy. He said he was bringing up my supper.”

“I wanted to talk to you, and I thought this was a good time to do it.”

“What did you want to talk about?” Samuel heard the sound of the tray being placed on his bedside table and the scrape of the chair legs as his father pulled up a seat beside the bed.

“Your mother is unhappy that I brought Rebecca here.”

“I don’t blame her. The woman is touched in the head. She actually poured water on my sheets to get me out of bed.”

To Samuel’s chagrin, his father began chuckling. “I never would’ve thought of that. Did it work?”

“That is hardly the point.”

“Isn’t it? Open your mouth. I have a spoonful of chicken and noodles for you.”

“Mother said I was to stick with broth.”

“Doesn’t sound like much of a meal to me. Open.”

Samuel did as his father bid. The first bite had his stomach rumbling for more. The noodles were firm, not mushy. The chicken was tender and the chunks of vegetables were done to perfection.

“She’s a good cook, I think,” his father said, giving him several more bites.

“Not bad, but I’m still glad she isn’t staying.” Samuel opened his mouth for another spoonful. Although he was embarrassed to be fed by his father, he was hungry enough to accept the help.

After a few more bites, his father spoke again. “How are you feeling, sohn ? Really. Don’t tell me fine . I know that isn’t true.”

“I have a lot of pain. My eyes burn like the fire is still in them. My hands are useless. I hate being helpless.”

“I’m sorry God has placed this burden on you. I would take your place if I could.”

“I know that. I’m sorry my carelessness placed such a burden on you. I know you need my help in the fields.”

“Our neighbors have been lending a hand.”

“That’s nice to hear. My brothers can’t do it all, not without Joshua, but I reckon they’ll have to try. It was a bad time for Joshua to marry. They should have waited until the fall like most Amish people do.”

“Your brothers are doing fine. Joshua followed his heart and I can’t fault him for that. You will be back in the fields in no time.”

Samuel’s appetite fled. “What if I’m not? What if I’m blind forever as the doctor fears?”

“That is a bridge you can’t cross until you reach it. You must have faith that God will provide all you need.”

Faith. Did he still possess it?

“Would you like some more supper?” his father asked.

“ Nee , I’m done.”

“Very well. Your mother will be up shortly.”

“She’s good company.” She didn’t make him do things he’d rather not.

“She fusses over you.”

“I can stand it. She understands that I can’t do things for myself.”

“All right. Guten nacht. ”

“Good night.” Samuel realized his father hadn’t said what he intended to do about Rebecca. “ Daed , wait.”

“What is it, Samuel?”

“You are sending Rebecca home, aren’t you?”

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