Wasichu Wedding: #27 in the Prairie Preacher Series

By PJ Hoge

Johnny Standing Elk’s family was normal, except for his father, Joseph Standing Elk. He was an elderly full-blooded Teton Sioux, stubborn as a mule and ornery as his ailing body would allow. He was not well and hadn’t been for some time, but he was one man not about to go quietly into the hereafter. In his late seventies, he seemed determined to raise as much hell as an invalid could do before his spirit returned to the Creator.

Joseph was never happy about wasichu and even less so as time went on. He was raised in the reservation era, and he initially believed that some wasichu, or white people, were greedy, selfish people, but some were good people. After Johnny’s first white wife died, her wealthy father came after Johnny. That was the final blow. He despised these awful humans and all unredeemable.

As things transpired, he had no choice but to go live with Johnny. He went to his place only because of his family, but not willingly. He didn’t and wasn’t about to like it. When he learned that Johnny was going to marry another wasichu, the poor man was distraught, but would not give up. It was his duty to teach his son how to live.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781984575678

PJ Hoge

P J HOGE grew up in Washington state and North Dakota. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, PJ worked as a Cytotechnologist for many years. PJ’s family farmed in central North Dakota until the mid-1980”s when they relocated to Nevada, where she still resides. PJ is the author of the Prairie Preacher series.

Book preview

1

The clan began to gather in Schroeder’s big dining room for their traditional Sunday dinner, that spring of 1973. The old, large farmhouse had been the meeting place for the close group of friends and family that called themselves the Engelmann clan for years. The clan was an eclectic group of folks, some related and some not, who developed a bond with each other. They were from many walks of life, faiths, backgrounds, and places, but they were extremely loyal to one another.

The farmhouse had originally been owned by Lloyd and Katherine Engelmann. It was located five miles east of the tiny rural town of Merton, in central North Dakota. Lloyd was the patriarch of the Engelmann clan. He had always wanted a large family, but their only son was killed in Korea before he could marry, so Lloyd and Katherine only had each other. However, that didn’t stop them from welcoming folks into their lives and building a family.

As Lloyd aged, he struggled with Alzheimers. He no longer seemed to realize that this collection of folks was not his real family; because to him, they were. They were all his relatives simply because he thought they were. Before he died, he had assembled a huge family. The clan now numbered over sixty people, counting the new babies.

Katherine still lived in their farmhouse with their first ‘adopted’ son, Elton Schroeder and his family. If Lloyd was bad about taking folks in, he didn’t hold a candle to Elton. He and his wife, Nora, had legally adopted about ten kids, of various ages, and that didn’t include the several who were unofficially adopted.

Even though it made little sense to anyone else, the clan meant something to the clanners. They all shared lives together; all their grief, joy, aspirations, and work— together. They were always there for each other and used any excuse for a get-together. But Sunday dinner, any of the clan that could make it, met together. It was likely the most important of all. They all brought something and shared their meal, planned their next adventures, and discussed their worries and joys.

It was a bright and sunny day on this first Sunday after Easter. Most of the clan had gathered, although some would come late. It was the Orthodox Easter this Sunday, so the clanners that attended St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church wouldn’t arrive by noon. Dinner had been held until 1:00 instead, which was not a problem for the clanners. They tried to respect everyone’s traditions as much as possible, so today’s menu would be in honor of their celebration. They had managed without a fuss to incorporate Lutheran, Catholic, Greek Orthodox, the traditional Lakota Sioux faith, and some Buddhist without a hassle. In fact, all of the clergy in Merton were clanners!

Because dinner would be later, Matt Harrington had gone to the first mass at St. John’s and then drove to Bismarck to visit his baby before returning for dinner. His little girl was only a few weeks old, having been born prematurely, was in the Neo-natal care unit a hospital in Bismarck. He could only hold her for about ten minutes per visit. Since it was an hour drive each way to his home, he knew he would have time to see her and still make it to dinner.

When he arrived at the farm, Mick, Martha, and their son Quinn were just turning into the yard. Matt grinned at them, Happy Easter!

Thank you, Mick Sarantakis smiled as he helped his pretty blonde wife with the traditional Greek dish, Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce they had brought for the buffet.

The newly-wed couple was in their forties, and had just filed the papers to adopt Quinn, the joy of their lives. Ten-year old Quinn, who was half Vietnamese, ran over to give Matt a hug, Happy Easter, Mr. Matt. You should have seen Father Christoff today! He was great!

Are you still planning on being an Orthodox priest when you grow up? Matt asked the boy.

The boy’s eyes sparkled with excitement, I think so. I love languages, too, so Ari said maybe I could be a Vietnamese Greek Orthodox priest who talks French! Wouldn’t that be so cool?

It would be, Quinn. Matt grinned, Do you need any help carrying anything in?

Martha Sarantakis gave Matt a kiss on the cheek, I think we got it. Did you go in to see the baby?

I was. Guess what? The auburn-haired Matt beamed, She cried this morning for the first time!

Mick slightly frowned, Is that good?

Yes, Matt’s blue eyes were sparkling, The nurse said it is very good. It means that her lungs are getting strong.

Mick beamed, That’s great, Matt. Have you heard when little Dana will be able to come home?

The doc still thinks it will be in June. Matt closed the trunk after Quinn took a huge buffet dish of Vietnamese Spring Rolls out and followed Martha to the house. How is family life?

Mick nodded. You know, after being alone for so many years, I can’t believe this. It is like a miracle! I have been truly blessed. Martha and Quinn are great together and things have been fantastic. It is almost scary.

Why do humans do that? Matt wrinkled his brow, When things are bad we can’t wait for them to change, and then when they are good, we worry something will change. We never let ourselves be happy, do we?

I didn’t used to, but I can tell you, Matt, I do now. After all the mess with Sophia and Ted, I was almost washed up. And look, things that I’d never imagined have come about to change my whole life.

Where is that Sophia now? Did she have to go to prison? Matt asked.

No, she and Stassy both slithered out of it. She is in California with her sister Stassy. They have a new ‘friend’ that has a big house on the beach. I will give them this much, they always land on their feet.

Do you think they miss Ted?

It sounds awful to say, but I doubt it. He is doing very well with his stepfather and I hear from him every so often. He might come visit us this summer. Nice kid. Wouldn’t that be something? Mick shuffled his feet, Martha and I flew down to Florida last week. My Teddy’s headstone was there, so we had a little service. I feel like that is settled now.

Good. Closure is good. Diane’s headstone arrived about a week after her funeral. Matt shook his head, You know Mick, every day it is better, but sometimes I miss her so much I don’t think I can go on.

I’m so sorry, Matt. Diane passed away too soon and she was such a part of all our lives. She is really missed, Mick sympathized. I know it might not seem like a help now, but at least you have little Dana. I heard she looks a lot like Diane.

She does, but then it’s hard to tell right now because she is so little. She has her smile, though. That I know. Matt shrugged, I know you’re right. I’m just a big baby.

Aren’t we all? Mick observed and then laughed, as another car drove in and laughed, And look! Here comes the biggest one of all!

The men looked up as Crandall, his fiancée, Lorelei, and his daughter, Mallory, drove in. They walked over to the car and helped the ladies out. Mallory was a pretty teenager, petite, bouncy and a lot of fun. Happy Easter, everyone!

They hugged her and then the dark haired Lorelei came over to them, Boy, I’m almost Easter’d out!

Matt grinned, How can you be Easter’d out?

You know, I work at Trinity and we had a dozen Easter services last week. Today, we had round two with Mallory at St. Georges! It was a very nice service. But the best part of it, I didn’t have to do anything except keep Crandall tied down.

Crandall went to church with you! Matt chuckled, Is the church still standing?

The short, wiry Crandall came up to him, Cute, Harrington. I need to have a talk with these religious types so they can get their holidays lined up.

Gee Dad, then you would have to go to three services in the same day! Mallory giggled, You know, Uncle Mick, we might convince him to be downright devout one day.

Crandall scoffed, Don’t get carried away. God and I have an agreement.

Matt couldn’t help himself- even though he knew he shouldn’t ask, What would that be?

I don’t mess with His business and He doesn’t mess in mine. Then Crandall winked, Unless I need something, of course.

Matt and Mick both laughed themselves silly, and Crandall scowled, If either of you were worth your salt, you would help us carry this food in.

What all have you got there?

Man, I don’t know. I just do as the gals tell me. Makes life a lot easier.

Gee, Mick teased, And you aren’t even married yet! You are a fast learner.

Crandall stopped and gave him a dirty look, Yah, real quick. I’m over forty and still not married for the first time. Real quick.

Well, I think you and Lorelei make a fine couple.

Crandall watched his fiancée go toward the house, with his daughter, I don’t know how she feels about it, but I think I got a winner.

What do you think she has? Matt poked.

Mallory. He shrugged with a grin and then he set a couple covered bowls in the men’s hands, I’m really glad that those two hit it off. I’m really lucky, because I was in way over my head with both of them.

Mick asked, Did Lorelei hear any more about her father’s illness or if he was having surgery?

Not yet. You know, things are awfully sticky in that department. I know it is killing her, but she understands the dilemma. Her ex won’t let the boys visit their grandparents if he thinks they have any contact with her.

How did she find out about her father?

Through her brother. He just lets her ex think what he wants, but he still keeps contact with Lorelei. I mean, they don’t chat every day by a long shot, but at least he keeps her apprised of what’s going on.

Is he coming up for the wedding?

Don’t know. Lorelei asked him, but now with her father being so ill, he might not. We are waiting to see how it goes.

I’m sorry, Matt said. I will keep you all in my prayers.

2

The kitchen smelled wonderful. The buffet had a variety of food and it was all good. Sadly, the toddlers, known as the Merry Men, were most impressed with the deviled eggs, especially since they were set close to the edge of the buffet table. The eggs could be reached if a short person stood on their tiptoes. All the deviled eggs nearest the edge suddenly disappeared beneath the table. Somehow, they magically made their way to behind the sofa.

Tia was the first to notice the missing deviled eggs. She and Annie followed the tell-tale signs and behold! They discovered High Pockets, Naughty Nate, and Batman with their stolen treasure. The little fellows were industrious. They not only ate their fill, but then used the rest of the filling to do finger art on the back of the sofa!

Jen, Darlene, and Nora cleaned the back of the upholstery with shampoo and a brush and turned the Merry Men over to their fathers. Dan, Keith, and Elton who were less than pleased with the antics, told the boys they had been very naughty. Even though the kids each got a swat, they were undaunted. It wasn’t until the eggs began to digest that the boys were sorry for their adventure. Nathan, who could suck water by straw out of the aquarium without stomach upset, got sick. He barfed while commiserating with Batman and Pockets. Batman then joined his friend in upchucking. Pockets only cried when the other boys got sick on one of his toys. The three all ended up changing clothes and taking a nap in the various cribs or playpens.

Jen giggled, I’m so glad that Robyn, the baby, seems to be of a much milder nature than her big brother.

Carrie crossed her eyes, Don’t be lulled into contentment, Sis. I thought that about Holly. Now she lives up to her nickname Havoc Holly.

That’s the boys fault, though. Jen pointed out. She just has to stand up for herself.

Carrie shook her head, sadly, Robyn will have to, also.

Jen’s eyes became wide, Oh no! I never thought of that! I wonder if it is too late to leave Danny.

Danny joined his wife, No, it’s not too late. BUT you have to take the kids with you!

Oh, heck, I might as well stay then.

Figured you’d see it that way, the nice young man smiled as he kissed his wife’s cheek. That’s why I’m still here.

The phone rang and it was for Johnny Standing Elk, another of Schroeder’s ‘adopted’ children. It was from his cousin, Conrad, in Nebraska. He took the call in the den, and after he hung up and returned to the gathering, Elton asked, What is it, son?

Not good.

Wednesday, his fiancée, came over, Is your father okay?

That’s not the problem. It’s the news from Pine Ridge- Wounded Knee, mostly. You know, things have been contentious there all year, but now they are really bad. Conrad said the number of murders on Pine Ridge is the same as Chicago, with a much smaller population. Beatings, murder, and disappearances are the rule of the day. Johnny shook his head, This won’t end until there is a major conflict.

Are you going down there? Elton asked.

No way in hell. In fact, Conrad mentioned that some of the unrest is spilling into Santee, where they live. However, they have a different council, so it is controllable. Just worrisome.

Wednesday studied her fiancé, Johnny, should we move Conrad’s family and the old folks up here? Our house will have plenty of room for everyone.

Johnny gave her a hug, Thanks for offering, but Conrad must stay. He has a job there with the council. Santee needs to keep some sensible heads around. They can’t all take off. But he was wondering if when they come for our wedding, if we could keep the old folks and the kids for the summer?

What about Marci?

There is no way she will leave Conrad.

No, I guess not. I know I wouldn’t leave you.

If you need any help, just let us know. Elton said, You know, we will do anything we can.

The clan carpenter, Chatterbox, was doing the renovation on Johnny’s house, and said, We can get on it and get your house finished. What’s the time frame?

I honestly think as soon as we can.

Chatterbox ticked off the things in his head. No problem. We can get it done. Your father needs a ramp and such, doesn’t he?

Yes, Wednesday said. He should be in a wheelchair most of the time, but he is stubborn as a mule about it. I think we should plan on moving the master bedroom upstairs, and fixing the one downstairs into a room for him. You know, it has a bathroom attached and we will need to widen the door.

Elton nodded, Well, let’s eat and then we can discuss it further.

Father Ari Christoff said grace before they began to eat their meal. There was a little bit of everything on the buffet. His mother and wife brought Greek-style Mediterranean Roasted Lamb, while Lucy Schroeder brought herb-roasted beef. The Sarantakis made spring rolls and Chicken Souvlaki, Greek chicken kebabs, which were Mick’s favorite. There was also roast duck, a meatloaf, and ham, not to mention all the trimmings with everything.

As they began to eat their feast, Elton returned to the situation with Johnny, Do you need to get it finished sooner than your wedding?

No. Like I said, Conrad feels it is calm in Santee. They want Jackie to finish out his school year, before he comes up.

Nora asked, They have a little girl, too, right?

Yes, Pippy, Wednesday answered. She is still three.

Amanda, Crandair’s Girl Friday, grinned, She will find girls her age here. Ben, is your brother sending his children up for the summer?

He and Wagon Willie are coming too, for a short time. Then they have to go back and the kids will stay. They are going on a summer tour for a month. So, Aimee will be here, and she is about the same age. How old is Jackie?

First grade, Johnny answered. I guess close to Benji, huh?

Yes, Vance answered, Of course, that is only if they like each other. I love the way grownups do that. If kids are the same age, we just assume they will get along.

Grandma disagreed, No one would ever think that the Merry Men and Holly would get along!

Carrie giggled, Maybe Holly will like having Pippy and Aimee. She and Aimee hit it off. Boy were the Merry Men were concerned about that!

Elton put both hands on top of his head, Yea gads! Do we even hear ourselves?

Byron laughed, It is our fate, I’m thinking!

Ari smiled, Well, Oksana and I have some news. Fortunately, I actually have a course with the Dean, Alexander Schmemann! That is wonderful, and I am so delighted. We heard from the Bishop that after my studies at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in New York, we have a placement. The other news is that by Christmas, when my courses are completed, I have been assigned to here! With my Pateras in Merton! Isn’t that exciting?

Everyone was overjoyed that their new clanners would be living in Merton.

Vicaro, the senior Catholic priest, asked, Isn’t that unusual to be in the same church as your father?

It is, Ari answered, But their thinking is like this. They know that Dad is slowing down, and his church is expanding. They would like to have him work with someone that he knows well. Also, they don’t find too many who want to come here, because of the lack of housing. Most want the bigger cities. So, they thought this would work.

May I ask, Doug wondered, How did the Orthodox church come to the States? Through New York, I imagine?

Dimitri, Ari’s father, answered, Not really. The first Orthodox church in America was built in Alaska by the Russians in 1741. There were many built during the following years. In fact, the first Orthodox bishop was appointed in Alaska. Then after the Russians sold Alaska to the United States, other churches came into the area and then we spread out. Actually, one of the first places was Minneapolis. But later, as with most things, because of the population centers, it moved to New York.

Ari grinned, I know the Bishop thinks it is a good idea to have Pateras and I together, but I don’t know how my pateras feels about it.

It will be okay, since I have to share a house with whoever the new guy will be, I might as well be someone Mom and I are used to, Dimitri chuckled.

Well, there will be someone else! Oksana giggled. Ari and I are expecting before Thanksgiving!

Dorothea and Dimitri had heard before but were still busting with pride. The rest of the clan was ecstatic. Elton shook his head, Now I wonder what the new batch will bring. I hope the Merry Men were a bottom and now we are rebuilding.

Carl Kincaid and his wife, Mo, were the clan babysitters. He laughed, Don’t count on it. I think were still have a few floors to descend before we hit rock bottom.

3

Once everyone had their plates filled and began eating, the conversation returned to the situation in Pine Ridge. Ten-year old Clarence had been listening with rapt attention to it all. Then he asked, Mister. Are we going to go back to see my dad’s grave this year? It is Memorial Day pretty soon.

I know, son, I was wondering about that myself. I think I will talk to Uncle Bear and see what he thinks. Would that be okay? I know I made you all a promise we would go every year, Elton said.

That’s okay if we don’t. I don’t want to be disappeared, Clarence stated.

Johnny answered, I doubt it would be a problem, but you may be wise to check before you go.

I don’t want to go, Clarissa said. I just have to sing for the weddings and stuff. I don’t have time to go under the ground until I meet God Save Our Gracious Queen and see my God-sister baby Dana. I will stay here with Grandma.

I will call Bear right after dinner and see what he thinks. Okay? Elton said. I know he and Mabel were planning to come to Johnny’s wedding, also.

Tiny little Kitten piped up, Kitten stay with Kid to play with the little girl when she comes.

You would still get to, but I will check with Bear.

Fletcher Pearson spoke up, Oh Andy, I received a phone call from Mike. They have enough parents to accompany the next batch of little kids from Vietnam, so they don’t need us this trip.

That’s good. We have a lot to do. We have to start spring planting soon and with everything that’s going on, it could be a rush.

As they were relaxing over their dessert, the phone rang. Nora answered and motioned for Andy to take the phone call in the den. He went to take it and after he answered, she returned to the table. It’s from Neil, in Vietnam.

Hm, Annie said, I didn’t think he was getting out of the service this early. Was he is checking up on the babies, Tho and Linh?

When Andy returned to the table, he was solemn. He will be flying out in about four hours. Guess Becca’s doctors requested he return to St. Louis. She is slipping away.

Ari asked, Who is Becca?

His wife, Andy explained. Way back, Neil was awaiting orders for Vietnam, and he and Becca, with some friends, were enjoying the last few days before he had to go overseas. It was a hot, muggy day so they decided to go diving off the cliffs. Becca dove off right into some rocks below the surface. She received a terrible trauma to her head, and while she survived, she has not been awake since then. The doctors don’t believe that she will ever recover. She is on life support. In fact, they believe she is brain dead.

Oh my, Ari said. How long ago did this happen?

Over five years ago, Neil wanted to let her go, but her mother was holding on to the idea she will recover. Andy explained, It has been a struggle for Neil, but he doesn’t want to hurt her mother. The call he received today said that the doctors don’t give her long now. He will fly home to be with her.

Does he need a flight? Crandall asked.

No, the military is flying him into Fort Leonard Wood and his father-in-law is picking him up there. Andy explained, From what Neil said, the Army will transfer him to Leonard Wood until he processes out. He will be on Emergency leave now, but will finish out his time in Missouri. It will only be about a month or so, anyway. They aren’t sending him back overseas.

Did you tell him if he needs anything, to let us know? Annie asked.

Yes, he said he will keep us informed. Andy nodded, After dinner, I am going to call Chicago, Swede, and Sgt. Bolensky to let them know. Some of us will likely go down for the funeral, since Neil’s family is in Europe. He will need support.

Crandall piped up, Let us know if those guys need transportation. I’ll want to be there, too.

He said he will let us know. I know he would appreciate that. Andy said. I sure wish Jackson wasn’t in Europe now.

Katie, Pastor Byron’s daughter said, I know. He was bummed that he wouldn’t make it out for the weddings. I told him this tour is important and everyone understands that. He has a scholarship for next year at the Montreal Institute of Art, but he said he just wants to come home. He was grateful for the opportunity, but he misses his family. He will come home after this year.

Will that affect his career? Marly, Katie’s mom, asked.

Not really. He was selling his sketches before and he has built up his clientele, but he is really a homebody. You know, he never liked trying to sell his artwork. He hates being a salesman.

I understand, Matt added, He told me when he came home for Diane’s funeral that he didn’t like the hob-knobbing. He just wants to be home.

Well, Byron said supportively, Then that is what he should do. He needs to live the life he chooses. This year has given him a good background in the art world, but he knows his heart. I honestly can’t see that he would like to live that way. It is a great opportunity to see France, Italy, and England, but he is very content with his life here.

"He is going to send me a poster card from the