Iowa Skies: Book Two; To Share the Journey

By Sally Winter-Swink

The story of Jim and Anne Anderson, begun in To Share Love Again, continues as their families bond together but also endure tragedy and heartache because of a family member's death, a future family separation, and a family facing childhood cancer. The story takes place in Iowa farm country, with a blend of adventures of life with grandchildren, animals, gardening, and Anne's beloved flock of chickens. This is Book #2 of the Iowa Skies series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798888519615

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

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

About the Author

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Iowa Skies

Book Two; To Share the Journey

Sally Winter-Swink

ISBN 979-8-88851-960-8 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88851-961-5 (Digital)

Copyright © 2024 Sally Winter-Swink

All rights reserved

First Edition

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 publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Dedicated to families enduring crisis and loss.

Chapter 1

The plane landed smoothly at the Cedar Rapids airport and rolled to a stop on the tarmac. Jim and Anne Anderson followed their fellow passengers off the plane and to the baggage claim area. Jim reached out and held Anne's hand as they walked. Once at baggage claim, Anne kept an eye out for their two suitcases while Jim texted his son-in-law, Wayne, to let him know they were safely back. Wayne texted back, I got a last-minute call for duty, so Eric will pick you up. He should be there. Jim texted back his thanks and then proceeded to text Eric. Wayne was a deputy sheriff, and last-minute calls were not unusual for him. The family knew it and kept a flexible attitude.

Soon they were out in the cold November air, climbing into the van that belonged to Anne's daughter Rachel and son-in-law Eric. After a week in sunny, tropical Hawaii, the cold wind of Iowa felt like a hard jolt. They were on their way home from their honeymoon, looking forward to settling in what had been Jim's home, which would now be their place together.

It was close to midnight when they pulled up at the house in the country, in the town of Albert, Iowa. All was quiet until Jim's dogs heard the van and came running out of the barn, barking as they came. Jim called to them, which immediately switched the barking to yips of recognition. He rubbed their heads and spoke to the three, Rocky, the gray-muzzled black Lab; Tucker, the beagle-Lab mix; and Sadie, the beautiful border collie. As they headed into the house through the garage, the dogs headed back to the warmth of the barn.

Jim unlocked the door and held it for Anne. As she stepped through the doorway, Jim said softly, Welcome home, Anne.

She looked at him and smiled. Yes, it's good to be home, she replied.

Jim and Anne were married a week before at a ceremony that brought two families together. Jim's wife Rhoda passed away thirty months before, and Anne's husband Jack twenty-eight months before. They had met when Jim learned of Jack's passing and wanted to convey his sympathy. What had been a simple lunch together began a romantic connection filled with joy.

The light over the stove was on, so Jim and Anne were not entering a completely dark house. On the stove was a note.

Welcome back, Dad and Anne! There is soup and fresh bread in the fridge. We'll see you soon.

Love,

Rebecca

Oh, how thoughtful of her! Anne said. But are we hungry enough to heat soup and bread? They decided not, so they pulled their luggage toward their bedroom. The room had been completely repainted and refurnished before they married, looking lovely as they turned on the light. They quickly prepared for bed, leaving the unpacking for tomorrow.

Jim wrapped his arms around Anne as they snuggled under the blanket and comforter. Now this is what I've been waiting for—my wife right beside me in our own bed in our own house. She purred her response and snuggled closer to him. He kissed her tenderly. Within a few minutes, they were asleep.

The next day was Sunday. By the time they were up and showered, they realized it would be too late to get to Sunday school, but they could make it for the worship service at their church. Anne sliced some of Rebecca's bread for toast and made coffee for them. The thermometer outside the kitchen window said it was eighteen degrees. What a difference from their week in Hawaii! They dressed warmly and headed for church.

In the lobby, they hung their coats and greeted friends. Suddenly and unexpectedly, Anne was pushed into Jim's side. What on earth! she said, looking down. There stood grandson Sam, five, arms around her, grinning up at her. About the same time, Jim was jostled as another grandson, Ben, ten, threw his arms around him.

Hi, Grandpa Jim! Ben said with a huge smile on his face. He continued his hug as Jim tousled Ben's hair.

We missed you! Ben said. His older brother Adam appeared in front of them, also showing a big smile.

Anne laughed and said, We were only gone a week!

Soon Rachel, carrying seven -month-old Ruth, and Eric came by. Hi, Mom! Hi, Jim! Rachel said. Little Ruth reached out her arms toward Anne, who happily took her and snuggled the baby close to her.

I missed you, Baby Ruth, she said, kissing the baby's head. Ruth then spotted Jim and reached out her arms to him. There was some shuffling as Jim handed their Bibles to Adam and took Ruth in his arms.

What a little love bug you are, Ruthie! he said as he held her. Their welcome home felt quite overwhelming. Ruth went back to her mother, and everyone went into the sanctuary for the start of the service.

Anne thought to herself, How very blessed I am. Here I am surrounded by so many who love me, have the opportunity to worship, and start a new life with Jim.

After church, Jim and Anne headed home. They needed to unpack and get settled. Rebecca's soup would be a perfect lunch. Jim also wanted to check on his herd of llamas and alpacas. Rebecca and her family had tended to them while Jim and Anne were away, but they always recognized and responded to Jim.

Sure enough, as soon as Jim changed his clothes and went out to the pasture, the herd crowded to the fence to be greeted by Jim with head scratching and gentle talk. He checked their food supply and water and found everything in order. As he opened the gate and walked out among the females, he was immediately surrounded by noses searching for treats. Sorry, Jim said. I need to get some carrots and apples. No treats today. He patted and scratched the females and a young male still with them, then went into the side of the pasture with the adult males. They, too, crowded around him, humming their request for treats and attention. His herd had grown to ten, and he was concerned that the pasture might not be big enough for many more animals.

After lunch, they unpacked their suitcases. Their week in Hawaii had been so special. By day they had explored the island of Oahu, with its beaches, volcanic sites, other landmarks, and culture unique to Hawaii. By night they explored this new relationship as husband and wife. Each expressed how they felt blessed by God to have found such love again.

In their luggage, they found the souvenirs they had chosen for family members, plus a small painting they chose for their bedroom, a reminder of their first days as a married couple. Their clothes went into the laundry, and other items were put away. Now they just needed to establish their routines and grow in their roles as husband and wife.

After unpacking, Jim went to find a football game on TV. He would sort the mail that came while they were away while watching the game. Anne found a pad of paper and began a shopping list. Tomorrow she would shop and then do her cooking for Promise House, a shelter for abused women in Cedar Rapids. Each week she prepared two meals to take to them. Usually, she took eggs from her chicken flock, but now she was at her new home with Jim, and the chickens were with Eric and Rachel, and their family. Soon she would have another flock, but for this week, it looked like she wouldn't have any eggs for Promise House. Anne worked on her list and watched the football game, her heart so at peace and full of joy in her new home.

That evening Rachel phoned her. Mom, I'll come in the morning after the boys leave for school. I have eggs to send to Promise House, and you might need help with the cooking. Anne appreciated the thoughtfulness of her oldest child.

Okay, Rachel. I need to go grocery shopping, but I'll wait for you. Thank you for bringing the eggs. I haven't heard when our chickens will be coming, so if you have eggs to share that will be great.

Sure thing, Mom. I'll be there around eight thirty.

That evening, as Jim and Anne prepared for bed, Jim took Anne in his arms and said, "I love that our room is indeed our room. It is fresh and new, like our marriage. May God give us many years of pleasure in this room."

The next morning, as planned, Anne and Rachel, with little Ruth, headed out to the grocery store. Jim was going to the feed store to get everything Anne would need for her chicken flock—feed, scratch mix, grit, a bag of mealworms, bins for storage, feeders, a waterer, and a warmer for the waterer. He had already bought bedding for the coop. He was excited to get Anne started on her chicken farming project, knowing she enjoyed it and got pleasure in sharing eggs with Promise House and others in the community. She called it her egg ministry.

Later that day, after cooking for Promise House, making a stew for her and Jim, and running two loads of laundry, Anne asked Jim how they were to get the chickens. An acquaintance of Jim had offered her his flock, deciding he wanted to get out of the chicken business. Anne was thrilled but expressed concern about transporting them. I've never brought home full-grown hens, she said, only chicks. How will we do this? If it were one or two, we could put them in a box, but he said he had twenty-eight of them! How do we move them?

Jim replied, I'll call Ed, tell him we're ready for the birds, and see what he suggests.

Jim phoned the man who was giving Anne his chicken flock and said they were ready for them. Did he have any suggestions for transporting them?

The man, Ed, said, Not a problem. I have a big dog crate. I can put about nine or ten in it at a time. I'll just make a few trips.

When Jim relayed the plan to Anne, she was a bit appalled. Ten hens stuffed into a dog crate? Well, maybe it would work. Jim confirmed the plan with Ed who said he would bring them the next day, Tuesday, afternoon.

The plan worked, though the chickens seemed a bit traumatized by the adventure. They quickly found the feeders and waterer and scouted out the roosts and nesting boxes. Ed was happy to see the good arrangement Jim and Anne had made. One thing that was a shock to Anne was to learn that the flock was not twenty-eight laying hens; it was twenty-five laying hens and three roosters! She had never raised roosters and was somewhat concerned that they might be aggressive. Ed assured her that they were not aggressive and would just be part of the flock. In Anne's mind was the thought that if the roosters caused any trouble, they might find their way to a stew pot!

As Anne closed the flock into the coop for the night, she called out, Good night, ladies! Oh, and good night, boys! Behave yourselves!

*****

Thanksgiving arrived, and Jim and Anne were invited to spend the day with Rebecca and Wayne and their boys, Jay and Darren. Eric, Rachel, and their children were out of town, visiting Eric's sister in Minnesota. Anne contributed vegetables and two pies to the family feast and helped get everything onto the table. In the afternoon, besides football games on the TV, they all went outside. Wayne suggested they do some target shooting. He, being a deputy sheriff, wanted his boys to handle guns wisely and safely. Anne had never handled a gun, but in the fun of target shooting, she tried firing Rebecca's handgun. With Wayne and Rebecca coaching her, her first shot was smack in the middle of the target! Wow! shouted Jim. First shot and you got a bull's eye! Jay and Darren were amazed and cheered her on. Other shots were not quite as accurate, but Anne was still amazed at how her shooting went. She secretly could not believe she was firing a gun for the first time in her life. Her late husband, Jack, had kept a shotgun in the house, but Anne had never used it. After he died, Anne had hidden the gun in Jack's shop, high up on a shelf holding scrap lumber. It occurred to her that she had never told Eric and Rebecca about it, and definitely should, for safety's sake.

They enjoyed the day but noted that gray clouds were rolling in and snow was in the forecast. Sure enough, when they woke up the next morning, three inches of snow blanketed the ground, the first of their winter season. Other than caring for the llamas, alpacas, dogs, and chickens, Jim and Anne stayed indoors, out of the cold. They looked at the two extra bedrooms in the house, rooms that needed some updating, for use as guest rooms. They decided that the room with a queen-size bed needed fresh paint and new curtains. Besides the bed and dresser, there was a sewing machine in a cabinet. It had been Rhoda's, Jim's late wife, and had not been used in over three years. Anne had left her sewing machine at her place, for Rachel to use, so was pleased to see this machine. She sat down, plugged in the machine, and tried it. It seemed a little sluggish at first but soon hummed and ran nicely.

Oh, I'm glad there is a sewing machine here! Anne said enthusiastically. I don't sew a lot, but as I have time, I'll use it.

The walls in the room were light brown, with tan trim. Anne thought to herself that the room looked drab but refrained from saying so, in deference to Rhoda's choices. They discussed what color paint to use in the room, deciding on a pale lavender. Anne said she would look for curtains and a bedspread that would suit the room.

The other bedroom had twin beds. It was a deep apricot color, with floral print curtains. The beds were not made but had clean sheets and tan wool blankets folded on them. Jim explained that there had been bedspreads for the beds, but they were old and tattered, so Rebecca urged him to get rid of them. As Anne looked around the room, she thought something in a very light gray with white trim would be nice. Bed coverings and curtains could add bright color to the room. The sewing machine was still on her mind, and she had a sudden idea.

I've never tried making a quilt! Maybe I could make simple quilts as bedspreads for these beds! What do you think? she cried.

Well, that would be up to you, dear, Jim replied. It sounds like a big undertaking, but I have no objection. It could be a nice winter project for you.

Anne decided she would ask at her Friday Bible study group and see if someone there could advise her. She felt a wave of excitement at the thought of such an undertaking. It would not be something with an intricate pattern but a beginner's quilt as she put it in her mind.

On their next trip to Cedar Rapids to deliver food to Promise House, Jim and Anne visited a large hardware store and bought paint for the two rooms. Jim had plenty of paint supplies as he and others had repainted the kitchen, living room, and bedroom before their wedding. So now they were set to begin painting the two rooms. Anne browsed through the fabric department in a department store, looking at possible choices for the quilts, but refrained from buying anything until she had a clearer picture of the project in her mind.

Christmas was soon upon them, so Christmas shopping was in order. They were going to be joined by Rachel's and Rebecca's families, at their house, so Anne began mentally planning meals, gifts, and decorations. Jim assured her he had a Christmas tree and decorations in storage, so Anne was sure she could make the house look properly festive.

Then the holidays were there! The three households were buzzing with excitement as the ladies planned a feast. Gifts were chosen, wrapped, and placed under the Christmas trees, and school and church activities filled calendars. On Christmas morning, Rebecca's and Rachel's households arrived at Jim and Anne's place, filling the place with laughter and talk, gifts, and food. After a wonderful dinner of turkey, ham, and lots of side dishes, the last round of gift-opening took place. As the day wound down, Wayne said he had something to share with the family.

I've been watching you, Eric and Rachel, and your kids, he said, to some nervous laughter from Eric and Rachel, and I'm very impressed. I see your strong faith and good values. Rebecca and I want this for our family. We have been talking, all four of us, and we have decided that we will be switching churches, to join you. We want Jay and Darren to have youth activities and good friends, like the kids we've seen around your boys.

He turned to Jim and Anne. We want to worship with you too, Dad and Anne. We like what we see. Your wedding convinced us that we want to be a part of it. The church we have been attending offers almost nothing for our boys.

Eric spoke up. We'd be thrilled to have you come to our church, right boys? Adam, Ben, and Sam all grinned and agreed.

What should we do? asked Rebecca.

Jim answered, Come join us on Sunday. You'll be more comfortable with Eric and Rebecca's Sunday school class than in our class of older folks. And Jay and Darren will join classes for their ages. We'll be sure to introduce you to Pastor Alex after church.

We look forward to this, Wayne said. We want our boys to have a strong spiritual foundation. Rebecca and I hope to be involved in some way too.

There is always a place at our church for people who want to be involved, Anne assured them.

After the Christmas day events were over and Jim and Anne found themselves alone, as they cleared the kitchen and carried out the trash, Jim turned to Anne and said, I was caught by surprise with Wayne and Rebecca's announcement. Did you know anything about it?

Not at all, Anne answered. "But I'm thrilled! I don't