The Ladies of Lancaster County: True Friends are Forever: Book 6

By Patty Stansell

The ladies of Lancaster County, Pa. were waiting while Adam Zook worked on his place, a two story white house with a white picket fence. Not long after Adam met Darcy Williams, he made his intentions be known. Since that time he has spent extra time getting the house redd up so that she might become his bride.

Adam lost his first wife when

• Language: English
• Publisher: Authors Press
• Release date: Oct 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643141275

Patty Stansell

Patty Stansell grew up in southern Oregon. Her passion for the written word was fueled by the Christian mentoring of Pastor Bob Ortega. This combined with her lifelong love of the Amish and Mennonite cultures brought her to write this series, The Ladies of Lancaster County.

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Copyright © 2019 by Patty Stansell

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Contents

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Family Members

Amish Glossary

Look for Books by Patty Stansell

Dedication

This dedication is to all the people around the world who has read, The Ladies of Lancaster County Series. I want to thank you for not only reading the series, but that you have shared it with your Friends, and Families. The Lord God Almighty wanted everyone to know just how important it is to have Faith, Families and Friends and to love one another with all of our hearts. Always remember how important it is to give our burdens to God, and to forgive not only ourselves but forgive those who might have wronged us. We must first forgive to be forgiven! God bless you all.

Patty Stansell

Prologue

Adam Zook is fixing up the inside of the two-story white house he bought while living in Ohio. He had made a gut trade with the past owners of the place. He didn’t know at the time, this house with its picket fence is absolutely Darcy’s dream house.

When Darcy shared her past with him, he didn’t bat an eye. Her past was just that, the past. His sister, Ruthie, loved her unconditionally. This told him Darcy had humbled herself and is now a child of God. She had made Jesus her Lord and Savior. When Laura had led her through the sinner’s prayer, the whole room involved had tears running down their faces. When this had been shared with Adam, tears weld up in the corners of his eyes. What a beautiful sight it is to watch someone come to saving grace. Adam wished he could have been there for Darcy. He wanted to be a part of Darcy’s life in every way, he loved her more than he thought possible. When he lost his wife, he didn’t believe there would be another that could take her place. He knew giving himself time to heal and waiting for the Lord to guide him is how he could finally let go and let God take the reins of his life.

Adam had moved closer to his sister, Ruthie. Ruthie is married to Robert Lapp and they have five kinner. The two older kinner were home schooled by their parents. The triplets were a blessing from a young lady who could not care for them. Robert and Ruthie assured Maddie they would be cared for and loved as if they were theirs by blood not adoption. When Adam had arrived from Ohio, he left his two kinner with Ruthie while he worked the land and fixed up the house to Darcy’s liking.

Paula is finally getting back her strength from the C-Section she needed when she gave birth to Angie Jo. Paula and Lucas knew they had their hands full with Angie Jo’s temperament. They remembered in the Bible where it instructs the parents if they don’t make the kinner mind, it is as though they are turning the kinner over to Satan. Neither wanted Angie Jo to act up when she didn’t get her way. That flaming red hair bouncing in every direction when she got upset about anything. She is going to rule the roost if she has her way about it. Lucas and Paula didn’t believe in letting kinner get away with throwing a fit for any reason. They knew she is going to be a handful and would need to get her temper under control before she got much older. Kinner were to be seen not heard. Kinner were to mind their parents without so much as a whisper of any back talk. For one so small she certainly did make it known when she is either hungry or her diaper soiled.

Laura and Jacob were thrilled with their two very jolly bobbelin. They were a joy to be around and Amelia could not be happier playing with them. Someone is always there to help Amelia with the twins as they are putting weight on and no one wanted her over doing it.

Amelia still has Nurse Shelly Bakken on staff to help with Moses. He is growing weaker and keeps reminding Amelia he will be waiting for her when her time comes. He very rarely is out of his bed these days. The nurse has him in good spirits when she is working with him. He continues to want the bobbelin and bobbeli brought in to see him for short visits. It does brighten his day seeing the bobbelin. He chuckles when Angie Jo is brought in to see him. She is the spitting image of her mamm. With all that beautiful red hair he knew she would be a challenge her parents will be dealing with until the bobbeli knew right from wrong. However, he knew both Paula and Lucas would raise her up in the ways of the Lord.

Jacob’s wood working skills have grown to outlying counties in their area and from his family back in Ohio. The last time his parents came for a visit they ordered a roll top desk from him. His mamm displayed it in the dining area so those coming for a meal would not be able to miss it. Several orders came from that display. Some days Jacob wondered how he would keep up, then he would go to his prayer closet asking God to give him the strength and stamina to finish each piece to God’s satisfaction. Then in no time he filled the orders for his ever-growing clientele.

Laura not only helped Paula with running the huge house they all shared, but she also had Josh, Isaiah, and Stephen to see to. She made time to do the paper work for Jacob’s furniture store. She felt blessed Darcy is still there with them to help everyone in need. Laura is so happy for her friend finding the man of her dreams, but also the house of her dreams which came with two of the sweetest kinner. Those two kinner loved Darcy as if she were already their mamm. She knew they needed the final preparations for Darcy’s upcoming wedding to Adam Zook. Darcy had shared with Laura she wanted Adam’s kinner be a part of the wedding. After all she wanted them to feel like she is not only marrying their daed, but them also. The look in her eyes told Laura all she needed to know. Darcy first has God in her life, it not only humbled her, but she truly loves the Lord. She spent most free time looking up verses in the Bible that came to her in some way. Laura loved her friend for so many reasons, there wasn’t really a starting point. Laura knew Darcy had no control while made to work in that house of inequity. Darcy was a mere kinner herself when abducted. Laura shuttered bowed her head and prayed nothing like that would happen to anyone else. She had a brief look into a real evil realm. Those men involved had eyes of stone and act, so cruel. She is sure that was how Satan’s eyes would be. She prayed more, asking God to surround her with protection, to please bring Michael and Gabriel to defend her if necessary. She had finished logging the figures from the shop into the ledgers she kept for Jacob. After all, it is her responsibility to keep the books for her beloved Jacob’s furniture store. The union between them made her smile.

Jacob told her that when he was gifted the parcel of land where his shop sat and another couple of acres for parking, he put her name on the title with his. They put in hitching posts for customers coming for an order they had placed. He and Lucas cleared the area and putting up the hitching posts made enough room for many who stop by just to have a look. The Englischers like to watch the furniture being made. Jacob never minded anyone stopping in to see the wood being worked with hand tools. It fascinated them and would stand staring as Jacob went right on with the piece he is working on at that moment. Jacob prayed to God to give him the gift of humility. He didn’t like to be boasted about or the compliments he received. He thought it would cheapen the labors of his work if he didn’t make himself stay humble. Besides, for sure and for certain, he is not trying to impress anyone. Jacob only wanted to please God.

Rachael’s friends are worrying about her and the dark circles that are appearing on her pretty face. She never gained any of the weight she lost after her bout with cancer. If not for the love of her cousin, Ruthie, she didn’t know if she would have found her Lord and Savior in time to receive God’s mercy. She knew everything is planned. God even knows who our parents will be. She had studied her Bible long enough now to know one only goes home to the Father when God says our work here is finished. When she thought about bobbelis going home to the Father she couldn’t imagine how He deemed their work could possibly be done. The bobbeli didn’t do any work, they needed cared for, fed, clothed and a warm place to live. She wondered if a person would be allowed to ask questions. She would find out when she got there, but it would be in God’s timing. It brought back fresh tears for the twins she lost just minutes after giving birth to them, they had appeared so normal. She remembered telling Joseph she had to check them all over for there ever to be a peace of mind about them. She also felt very blessed to have Lucas to focus her love on. It made letting the twins go much easier. Her little boy had needed her. It basically saved her life.

Amelia grew in her love for Darcy and wants to do something very special for her wedding, but what could she do? Just then it came to her, she smiled and knew alone she never could make it happen, however, with the help from her attorney she could accomplish the task at hand. She made a mental note to ask Rebeka to take her to town one day this next week. Rebeka is over most days to see Laura’s twins.

Mary had lost her bobbeli to crib death at just 3 months of age. She had become a recluse, staying to herself and Micah is there every night letting her know he also felt the pain of losing a bobbeli. He kept reminding her God always has a purpose and He is a loving God. He wasn’t trying to punish them. Besides, they had kept themselves pure for God. Not letting Satan enter their relationship. Micah would not let her push him away. He knew it is not him, but the pain she felt from their loss.

Robert and Lisa Miller lived the closest to Micah and Mary. Lisa would stop in several times a day with her bobbelin. Mary didn’t have any choice but to invite her in. Lisa told her they didn’t know why crib deaths happen, however, there would be other bobbelis to fill the void Mary felt in her heart.

Mary would remind them it had been more than a year and she still felt numb clear to the bone. When would that feeling go away? Micah was very gentle with her feelings and knew it was only time until she would once again carry a bobbeli. He prayed constantly the next one would be as healthy as a horse.

Daniel and Lisa were expecting their first bobbeli within the month. Martha, Daniel’s mamm is as giddy as any of the other mammis were. Her best friends both had multiple kinskinner and now she would be able to join in their fun. She knew she should stay humble, but she wanted to jump up and down with glee knowing the ever so tiny Lisa would be giving her the first kinskinner from Daniel. Jah, she had two kinskinner in Ohio. Her oldest son, Peter and Lily brought the bobbeli and kinner home for Christmas the first year they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It had been a bitter sweet time with Daniel being gone. When Daniel decided to move home and marry sweet Lisa, things mended quickly between them. Daniel could not ask for forgiveness enough times. He is having such fun living back home now with his wife and she is a great deal of help to Abby and the two-younger girl kinner, Karen and Sarah. In the past two years Karen had shot up in height to match that of Abby’s. They would look each other in the eyes and break out laughing. Sarah worried she would be the runt of the pack and often left the room in tears when Abby and Karen were playing. They would not hurt their little sister for all the world. They would go find her, apologize to her saying they knew they must stop with the teasing. That usually lasted about a week and one of them would be at it again. Abby loved teasing and could in return take a teasing. She is so humble most of the time, it is nice to see her let down her stiff collar and have a little fun.

Abby’s fun-loving disposition is one of the reasons Isaac fell head over heels in love with her. He loved her smile, her smile showed in her eyes. As though she is about to pounce on her prey and tickle them. Anything to produce laughter, is her motto ever since she fell in love with Isaac Knapp. Her best friend’s brooder. Growing up with Laura being her best friend, she spent a lot of time at the Knapp place. Isaac was a couple years older at the time and he didn’t give them a second glance.

However, when Laura had been gone and Abby along with her parents left the Old Order Amish and joined the Mennonite group. They went every Sunday to church and had a mid-week Bible study on Wednesday nights. He knew Abby is further along in her Bible and when she had something to say regarding the Bible, Isaac got quiet and listened as if his life depended on it.

Taking in to account his dip into the lake that nearly took his life. He couldn’t have felt more like a kinner than he did at that very moment. Abby had been the wiser of the two, she stayed on solid ground waiting for the others in their group to show up. Now that Isaac had apologized to everyone, he knew he needed to let go and let God. God had control of his life and Isaac needed to lean on his Lord and Savior. After all it is God that saved his life. He gave God the praise, honor and glory He so righteously deserved. Isaac smiled and went back to work mending the fence.

Chapter 1

Paula had been released from the hospital five days after the C-Section she had giving birth to Angie Jo. Whatever it took to save the life of her sweet bobbeli girl. A bright eyed bobbeli girl amongst the four boys. She would have to be strong willed if she were to make it in that house.

Paula is also thrilled having Darcy there at the Rohrer place to be of help to whomever needed it at that moment. She watched Darcy and knew how they would miss her and her capable hands when the wedding to Adam took place. Maybe Adam would allow her to come work a few hours a day where she could bring the kinner with her. Welcome them with open arms, they were such polite kinner and rarely did a tiff break out while they were there to play. Then she caught herself laughing right out loud. How very selfish she is being. After all Darcy would have a home of her own to care for and make things for. Being so new to our world will be challenging enough for her.

Paula wanted to get Angie Jo all cleaned up for her daily visit to her daadi Moses’ room. Angie would see him and smile as big as her little mouth could open. She was such a handful most of the time, but when she is with her daadi Moses she is as gut as any kinner could be. Moses had a tough time believing Angie Jo had her fits of anger. She is an angel when she is in his leathery ol’ arms. They couldn’t explain it any other way. First, she is her daed’s bobbeli girl, then she is her daadi Moses’ bobbeli girl. They spoiled her, that is it in a nutshell.

Paula knew she and Lucas needed to talk the situation through. She didn’t want Angie Jo to be spoiled. She is the spitting image of herself. She had only seen that once before when Rebeka’s older sister, Kathleen, came from Ohio to visit and had brought Rebeka’s oldest daughter here for Micah’s wedding to Mary. Even though she grew up with Esther, coming here and meeting Rebeka Knapp didn’t ring a bell. She had not put the two of them together in any way. She looked at her precious daughter and couldn’t help but smile. She and Angie Jo would be just like Rebeka and Esther, look alike mamm, and daughter.

Don’t you look pretty in your new kapp. It covers up that beautiful red hair though. Your daadi Moses will want to see your red hair. Let’s take the kapp off until after your visit with your daadi, Paula said cooing her words almost to a melody.

As Paula took Angie Jo in her arms, she walked down the stairs to see daadi Moses. She knew he would be as excited as Angie Jo would be. The days were going by so fast and Angie Jo was growing with each one.

When she rounded the corner to enter Moses’ room, she heard noises unfamiliar to her. She tapped on the door before opening it. She found Amelia leaning over Moses’ body crying and hugging him. What had happened? Amelia, sweetie, what happened? Paula sidled up beside her. She put Angie Jo in her other arm and put her free arm around Amelia’s shoulders. She could feel Amelia trembling and sobbing out Moses’ name. Paula’s heart sunk, she knew from the look of Moses he had gone home to be with his Father and his Lord and Savior.

Nurse Shelly Bakken knew to step back and allow Amelia some time to grieve over Moses. As she was told they had been together sixty-nine years here in this house. That is a long time to be bound by marriage to anyone was Shelly’s thoughts. This lovely elderly couple had been a blessing for her to get to know. She is happy for Amelia to have a house full of people that loved her beyond measure.

Shelly, would you take Angie Jo and go let Laura and Darcy know they are needed in here, Paula asked kindly.

Shelly knew the other ladies in the house could also comfort Amelia better than she could and understood Paula’s request. Shelly gently took Angie Jo in her hands and exited the room.

She found both Laura and Darcy in the kitchen, each having a bobbeli in their arms and feeding the two kinner in their highchairs.

Gut morning Shelly is there something we can get for you. Is Paula all right? Where is she anyway? Laura wanted to know. She knew it to be unusual for Paula to give tiny Angie Jo to anyone but family.

Paula asked me to come get the two of you. I’ll keep Angie Jo with me, and I can feed both kinner until you get back. Before you go, let me tell you what happened. Moses passed in his sleep. Neither one of us know exactly the time he passed. We were getting his clothes together for after his morning bed bath. I am sure it is within a few minutes either way. That is not as important as comforting Amelia right now. She is still sobbing and calling his name. Maybe the two bobbelin will take her mind off the fact that Moses has gone home to be with his Father. Shelly shared with the two ladies.

The look on their faces told Shelly just how much Moses was loved. Tears spilled down Laura’s pretty face.

I understand this is a tough time for everyone here. You all have been such a tight knit family, but I have never seen a group of people love one another as you all do here in this house. However, please try to pull yourselves together for Amelia’s sake. Shelly spoke softly.

Denki Shelly, you are right, we need to be there for Amelia. She has been dreading his passing. She knew it was inevitable, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Denki for speaking up. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt our dear Mammi Amelia. She means the world to us. Laura wiped the tears from her eyes and headed down the hall to where she would find Paula and Amelia.

As Laura pushed open the door, she saw Paula with her arms around Amelia to comfort her. By this time Amelia was able to pull herself up and had taken a step back. She reached over to place Moses’ hands across his chest. She gave them a loving squeeze.

Come girls, let’s say our gut byes to a dear ol’ soul that loved all of you as if you truly belonged to him. The way he loved all of you made his final days here on earth more meaningful. He would share with me these last few weeks how all of you being here for me, made his journey home easier. He knew all of you would take care of me as if I am your mammi by blood. I am sad he has left, but he went in his sleep and it was a peaceful passing. ‘Denki Father God for accepting our beloved Moses into Your house, Your kingdom...Amen.’ We need to let the men of our house know Moses has passed. They can make the arrangements for the funeral home to come and get his body. It is going to be hot today and we need to get it done this morning. Amelia said softly and logically.

Jah, of course Amelia. Darcy, can you run over to get Jacob and let him know he needs to bring Lucas to the house? Laura asked.

Amelia saw Laura would have both bobbelin in her arms and stuck out her arms to take the bobbeli from Darcy. I may have just lost the love of my life, but I still have a family to love and help while I am able. Please don’t treat me any different. I have built up my strength from the two older kinner and I am sure able to help with these precious bobbelin. Amelia smiled as she cradled the bobbelin in the crook of her arm as she had done for so many years as a mamm, then as a mammi when these people of God had moved in and filled a void in both hers and Moses’ lives.

Darcy jumped into her car and headed toward the end of the lane where Jacob’s shop sat. Jacob knew it was very unusual for Darcy to drive over to the shop and knew something must be wrong. He headed out the door and met her just about to get out of her car.

Darcy, what is wrong? Is it any of the kinner or bobbelin? Jacob prodded her.

It is not any of the kinner or the bobbelin. Moses passed away in his sleep and Laura asked that you find where Lucas is working and bring him to the house along with yourself. Maybe you should make a call to the coroner and have him come get Moses’ body. Amelia suggested it as it is going to be hot today. She wanted that taken care of this morning. Darcy let Jacob know a little of what Amelia wanted done.

I’ll go get Lucas; he is plowing that back field getting it ready for corn to be planted. It won’t take me long if I jump on my horse. Tell the ladies I am off to get Lucas and we’ll be there in just a few minutes. I’ll place that call first. Jacob patted Darcy’s shoulder; it is his way of saying denki to her. He had never put his arms around another woman except Laura. That is how he wanted his married life to go. He didn’t want there to be one speck of improper behavior coming from him.

Jacob made a quick call to the coroner and rode with Darcy back to the barn to get his horse. He sure was glad his horse is both a buggy horse and a riding horse. Some of the buggy horses didn’t like to be ridden, he gave praises to God his horse is suited for both.

It didn’t take but a few minutes and Jacob had Lucas in sight. He put his heels to his horse, and she took off at a gallop. He crossed the first field in nothing flat. He knew Lucas would not take this well. He had been with Moses and Amelia six to eight months longer than he and Laura had; however, they were just as attached to the elderly couple as anyone. He shook his head knowing how difficult this would be.

Lucas saw Jacob coming at a gallop atop his bay. Made a pretty picture, however, it also put a knot in the bottom of his stomach. Jacob could not be carrying gut news. As he stood waiting for Jacob, he prayed to God no one was hurt. He asked God for a hedge of protection around his wife and their kinner, as well as all those he loved.

Howdy Jacob, what brings you out my way? Lucas asked as Jacob brought his bay to a halt.

It is not gut news Lucas, Moses passed in his sleep this morning. Amelia was beside herself at first, now she has pulled herself together and would like all of us to come to the house. Jacob relayed the message to Lucas.

Well then, I suggest we get ourselves back to the house. I’ll unhitch my mare and ride her back with you. Did you make a call to the morgue? Lucas wanted to know.

I did make the call; however, I didn’t know if we were going to find a spot here on the property to bury him or if they in fact have two burial plots in town at the cemetery. We could make a small cemetery here on the property for us if you want. That way Amelia could walk to where Moses is put to rest. She could talk to him anytime she wanted or needed to. Jacob stated softly.

Moses and Amelia have two sites for themselves at the local town cemetery. Moses said the attorney had a list of things he wanted taken care of once he had passed. One of the things Moses wanted is for Amelia to be taken care of. The attorney knows Amelia would want to be laid to rest right next to Moses. We pray that will be many more years down the trail. Lucas said in a loving tone. Our kinner and bobbeli, all of them will help Amelia to heal faster. She does love every one of them. She even loves Adam Zook’s two kinner. Mostly she has found Darcy to be one of her girls and Adam’s kinner come with that package. Darcy glows with love for those two sweet kinner. She has turned three hundred sixty degrees in her demeanor. She is ever so humble now. I’ll never forget the night she asked Laura to lead her through the sinner’s prayer. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, not even yours, Jacob. Lucas had the job of unhitching his horse finished. He took the reins and a little mane in one hand, stepped back a little and was on top of his mare in one easy stride. With his long legs it made mounting without a saddle easy as pie.

Once the two men reached the house, they knew the call to the coroner could be wiped off their list. He should be coming any time now. But they should have uncle Mel come first, with him being family and a practicing doctor, he could pronounce Moses dead and give a time of death. They needed to pay their respects to Moses and to Amelia for her loss. They also knew one of them would be going over to the furniture shop to place the call for Mel to come before the undertaker got there. So instead of putting their horses up they both dallied them to the hitching post right by the path leading to the back door of the house.

They entered the hall where their slippers sat waiting for them to change. Once that was done, they immediately went down the hall to where Moses lay. He truly did look as though he was just sleeping. They both knew Amelia had arranged his arms across his chest. She is still standing by the bed with a bobbelin in her left arm. She had Stephen; he could sleep through just about anything. He looked content nestled in her arm.

Amelia, I am, we are both so sorry for your loss. It is also our loss too. Moses will be missed by so many. Don’tcha you think we should first call Dr. Mel to come? Lucas gently placed his arm around her shoulders.

Jah Lucas, mei liewi. That should be the first thing we do. Jacob, could you place that call to your uncle? Amelia nodded. Lucas picked up on her wish for someone to take the bobbeli she was holding. Darcy reached out to receive Stephen. Amelia put her face into her hands and sobbed once more.

I thought I was stronger than that. I know where his spirit has gone, but having his body just lying there as though he is just sleeping makes it harder to accept, he is gone. Please place a sheet over him. I am going to the kitchen for a cup of tea. Amelia took hold of Paula’s empty arms, letting her help her down the hall.

Once they reached the kitchen, they found Nurse Shelly Bakken talking to Angie Jo in a soothing voice. Angie was mesmerized by Shellie’s voice, it brought smiles from everyone. They all knew Shelly would be sorely missed by all of them.

Jacob made fast work of getting his boots back on then out the door he flew. This is one call he didn’t want to make. Mel and Moses had become friends over the years. He knew Mel would be waiting for this call, but not wanting to receive it.

Jacob let himself back into the shop. He picked up the phone, looked for Mel and Estelle’s number. Laura had put together a small group of numbers for family and friends, along with numbers he logged for his clientele. After dialing the number, he waited for someone to answer. The phone rang several times, he was about to hang up when Estelle’s voice came across the air waves. Dr. Getz’ resident, how may I help you? Her voice came across as if she were working at the clinic.

Aunt Estelle, Moses passed away in his sleep earlier this morning. We are all gathered around Amelia. She has somewhat gathered herself, however, she still has her moments. It is going to be hard on her. Jacob offered his opinion.

We will be right over Jacob, just comfort her when she will allow it and tell her we are on our way. Estelle hung up the phone. She knew this would hit Mel harder than he was expecting. Mel thought the world of both Moses and Amelia. They had donated much of the machines so desperately needed in their local hospital. One thing he is sure of, they bought the incubators for the babies born to early. Another is the ultrasound machine, so the parents could see the babies in the mother’s womb. He could not be sure, he could only guess as they were brought to the hospital by a delivery service. With both Moses and Amelia believing you do your gut deeds behind the scenes made it difficult to say denki to them.

After Estelle gave the news of Moses’ passing, they gathered their things and headed out the back door. Mel was glad it is Saturday; he could spend time with Amelia and the others living at the Rohrer place.

It didn’t take long, and they were walking in the back door. Mel asked to see Moses. He needed to put a time of death on the death certificate. He was sure Nurse Bakken had written the time down. Even within a few minutes would be fine. He had to remember these were Moses last wishes.

Dr. Melvin Getz was shown down the hall to where Moses lay with a sheet over him. He let Nurse Shelly Bakken pull back the sheet, so he might feel for a pulse. He knew there would not be a pulse this was all a formality. He asked if he might see the chart, he would trust Nurse Bakken’s charting and wrote down the date and time of death. This would make things easier for Amelia to take to her attorney. He wasn’t sure how things would work out with the other two families living there. Surely Moses and Amelia’s own kinner would want to come home for the funeral. He wasn’t privy to everything that had happened during Lucas and Paula’s first visit or the ones to follow.

After writing down the numbers he needed for the death certificate, he closed his bag and left the room. He wanted someone to call the coroner and have him come take the body out of the room down to the morgue. That would make it easier for them to strip the room and put clean linens on the bed. Nurse Bakken had made sure Moses had a waterproof pad under him. She knew it would make the cleanup much easier.

Jacob let Mel know he had made the phone call to the coroner. The coroner told him he would be there within half an hour; however, it was taking longer than expected. With another call placed and the coroner in route made Jacob’s emotions run high. He felt the tears run down his checks. He loved Moses more than he thought possible. He could only imagine what Amelia felt. ‘God, please bless her soul. Keep her protected and give her rest in You.’

When Jacob put his horse in the barn, he gave her a gut brushing and feeding the normal ration of oats with a flake of hay. He closed the latch on the gate and headed back to the house. The coroner should be arriving any minute. He and Lucas would help in any way they could. Jacob knew Lucas would want to spare Amelia’s feelings at every turn.

Jacob heard a vehicle and turned to see the black hearse coming toward the house. He wanted to prepare the people he loved before the gentleman driving the hearse made it to the back door. He wouldn’t be asked to take off his shoes, not company or officials.

Once Dr. Getz had a word with the coroner things moved smoothly. They had Moses’ body loaded into the vehicle quickly and they were waiting for Amelia to give her permission for them to leave. She might want to say a final gut bye and they waited.

When Dr. and Estelle left the room with Amelia, Nurse Bakken got busy cleaning it. She started with the bed, stripping it and taking the dirty laundry to the washroom out back. The smell of the stale urine is almost more than she could take. She was glad Amelia didn’t have to clean the room up.

Nurse Bakken had the room scrubbed to her satisfaction. It smelled fresh and clean. She started cleaning the room she had been staying in. She thought they called it a daadi haus. It was nice and close to her patient. Not many times had she been summoned during the night. She hadn’t thought about how she would get back to her own place in the city. She loved