Letters of comfort, p.1
Letters of Comfort, page 1
© 2023 by Wanda E. Brunstetter
ISBN 978-1-63609-487-8
Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978-1-63609-488-5
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
All German-Dutch words are taken from the Revised Pennsylvania German Dictionary found in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental.
Home remedies mentioned in this book are not to be taken as medical advice.
For more information about Wanda E. Brunstetter, please access the author’s website at the following internet address: www.wandabrunstetter.com
Cover model photography: Richard Brunstetter III
Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, OH 44683, www.barbourbooks.com
Our mission is to inspire the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.
Printed in the United States of America
Dedication
To my special friend, Doretta. Thanks for allowing me to use your lovely name for the main character in this book, even though you are not dealing with the same situation as my fictional character.
I will not leave you comfortless:
I will come to you.
JOHN 14:18
Table of Contents
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
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Epilogue
Prologue
Grabill, Indiana
Holding a letter she had just received from her friend Eleanor Lapp, Doretta Schwartz leaned against the fence near her father’s barn and read:
Dear Doretta,
Vic and I received the invitation to your and William’s wedding. Just wanted you to know that we plan to be there. It will be an honor for me to be one of your witnesses, and I can’t wait for you to meet our sweet little Rosetta.
Things are going well at our home here in Paradise. Vic is still in therapy, but he hasn’t had a drink since his first session, and thankfully, he no longer blames himself for his brother’s death.
I’m keeping busy with things at home and taking care of the baby, of course. I love being a wife and mother, and I’m sure that you will enjoy being a happy wife and good mother someday too.
I must close now and get this letter in the mail. I’ll see you soon and then we can talk in person. These next few weeks will be busy ones as you and your family prepare for the wedding, but try not to work too hard.
With Love & Blessings,
Eleanor
Doretta smiled as she folded her friend’s letter and slipped it back in the envelope. She could hardly wait to see Eleanor again and meet her little girl. And even more so, Doretta looked forward to becoming Mrs. William Lengacher, the man she loved and had promised to marry. She felt sure that nothing and no one could ever come between her and William. They were destined to be together as husband and wife.
Chapter 1
Doretta stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at her reflection. In two days, she would be getting married, and those dark circles beneath her eyes needed to go. Hopefully, sleep would come tonight, and she’d wake up tomorrow morning feeling well rested. Yesterday, after helping prepare the room where the meal would be served following the wedding service as well as decorating the wall behind the bride and groom’s table, Doretta had been exhausted and should have slept soundly. But with so many thoughts swirling in her head, she’d only gotten a few hours of sleep.
This evening, William would be coming by, and they would set their busyness aside for a few hours. They would take a ride in his open buggy, and when they returned to the house, they’d eat a late supper with Doretta’s family. She looked forward to the ride, especially because William had said he wanted to show her something special—a surprise he’d been waiting to tell her about. Doretta couldn’t imagine what it was, but she was ever so curious to find out. The anticipation of his surprise, coupled with the excitement she felt whenever they were together, heightened Doretta’s senses and caused her pulse to race a bit more than usual. She picked up one of the essential oil roller balls nestled in a basket on the counter and rubbed some on her inner wrists. Putting her nose close to her skin, she inhaled the pleasant lavender aroma. Aw, that’s better… . I feel calmer already.
Doretta secured both sides of her head covering with a white hairpin and gave her cheeks a little pinch to add some color. She had never worn makeup, not even during her rumschpringe, and she wasn’t vain about her appearance. Even so, Doretta’s face looked kind of pale this afternoon from her lack of sleep, and she didn’t want her intended to think she wasn’t feeling well.
Doretta had also been awakened last night from a terrible dream. Her heart pounded even now as she reflected on the dream in which William had called off the wedding with no explanation other than saying they weren’t meant to be together. The dream didn’t make any sense to her because just the other day, William had told Doretta that he couldn’t imagine spending the rest of his life with anyone but her.
“Nor I you,” she whispered, giving her cheeks one final pinch before moving away from the mirror. It was time to go out on the porch and wait for her beloved to arrive.
Doretta stepped out of the bathroom, nearly colliding with her ten-year-old sister, Karen.
“What took you so long in there?” the young girl asked. “I thought you were never comin’ out.”
Doretta tweaked the end of her sister’s nose. “You’re too ungeduldich.”
“I’m not impatient, but you’re a schleich.”
She smiled, shaking her head. “I’m going out with William soon, and I wanted to make sure I looked satisfactory, so I had every right to take my time and be a slowpoke.”
Karen shrugged her slim shoulders. “William’s a nice enough fellow, but I don’t see why you’d wanna be his fraa.”
What a silly comment. Doretta’s smile widened. “I want to be William’s wife because I love him very much and want to spend the rest of my life with him.”
Karen wrinkled her freckled nose. “I’m never gettin’ married. I’m gonna keep on livin’ right here with our mamm and daed till the day I die.”
Doretta didn’t bother to tell her little sister that there was a good chance she would outlive their parents. It might have upset the girl to think about the possibility of either one of them passing on. Doretta did not like the idea either, but she wouldn’t allow herself to dwell on the topic of death. Mom was fifty-two and Dad had recently turned fifty-four. They were in good health, and barring anything unforeseen, she figured they would both be around for a good many more years. At least she hoped that would be the case, because she would certainly miss them, just as she did her paternal grandparents who had died of cancer only a year apart. Doretta felt thankful that her mother’s parents were still alive and lived in the daadihaus connected to Uncle Calvin’s home over on Hurshtown Road.
A tug on her dress sleeve disrupted Doretta’s thoughts. “Aren’t you gonna miss Mama, Papa, and our brieder after you and William get married and move into that great big house with William’s grandpa and grandma? We’ll sure miss you.”
Doretta couldn’t miss the look of sadness in her sister’s blue eyes. “Of course I will miss you. But William and I won’t be that far away. His grandparents’ house is only a few miles from here, so we’ll see you all quite often.” She leaned down and gave her sister a hug. “Now go ahead and use the bathroom, and please stop fretting. You’re too young to worry so much.”
Karen gave Doretta a crooked grin. “I wanna hear where William takes you on your date after you get home.”
Doretta couldn’t help but smile. While her curious sister didn’t think she ever wanted to get married, here she was eager to know about Doretta and William’s date. “I’m sure Mama and Papa will want you to head to bed by the time William and I finish our late supper with them, but I’ll tell you all about it in the morning. Okay?”
“You promise?”
“Jah, of course.”
“Okay.” Karen entere
Hearing the clippity-clop of a horse’s hooves, Doretta stepped into the hallway, where she slipped on her dark-colored jacket and black outer bonnet. Turning toward the kitchen, where her parents had gone to have a cup of coffee, she cupped her hands around her mouth and hollered, “William’s horse and buggy just came into the yard, so I’m leaving now!”
As Mama called back, “Have a nice time,” Doretta hurried out the front door.
William’s horse, Carmel, so named for its beautiful caramel-colored coat, had been tied to the hitching rail, and William was heading toward her.
Doretta’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of his muscular form, blue eyes, and thick, sandy brown hair. She had to hold herself in check to keep from rushing into his strong arms. Oh, how she wished they were married already and she wouldn’t have to say goodbye to him when their date ended this evening. But she only had to wait a couple of days until their wedding took place. Then they would never have to part until they grew old and the Lord called one of them home to be with Him. Unable to bear the thought, she shook that notion aside and clasped William’s hand as he helped her into the buggy. All she would think about during their date was how fortunate she felt to be engaged to a man who loved her as much as she did him. Doretta looked forward to the days ahead and eventually raising a family with William. Although it would be difficult to give up her teaching position at the Amish schoolhouse, she felt sure that motherhood would be even more rewarding.
I wonder if our children will have my auburn-colored hair or a light shade of brown like William’s, Doretta mused as William guided the horse and open buggy out onto the road. Will we have boys or girls, and how many children will God bless us with? Doretta had a fondness for children and would miss teaching school. But the direction of her life was taking her down a new path, and Doretta looked forward to seeing what adventures awaited her as Mrs. William Lengacher. Although her job as a schoolteacher had been fulfilling, Doretta had no doubts about the joy and satisfaction she would feel being married to William. As each day had drawn them closer to their wedding, she felt even more certain that God had brought her and William together.
“You’re sure quiet this evening.”
William’s comment drove Doretta’s musings aside, and she turned to look at him. “Oh, I’ve just been thinking, is all.”
“Were they good thoughts about us and our future?”
She nodded.
“No second thoughts about marrying me?”
Doretta reached over and clasped William’s arm. “Of course not. I love you with all my heart, and I can’t imagine marrying anyone but you. I promise, William, I will never love any man but you.”
He let go of the reins with one hand and took hold of her hand. William’s gentle touch felt warm and soothing. “And I promise to only love you. My one regret is that my twin brother hasn’t found the girl of his dreams yet. Warren is such a kindhearted man, yet he’s never had a steady girlfriend. I’d really like to see him find the right woman and be as happily married as I know we are going to be.”
“I’m sure when the correct time presents itself, Warren will find the right woman. Maybe it will be Margaret Wagler. He has gone out with her a few times,” she observed. “Maybe their friendship will develop into something more serious.”
William’s voice lowered a bit. “I’m just sorry it took me so long to propose marriage to you, but I wanted to be sure I could offer you a good life and provide for all of your needs.”
“I don’t need anything except you,” she murmured, snuggling closer to him. “As long as we’re together, I’ll be happy and content.”
He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. “Same here. If I live to be an old man with gray hair, or no hair at all, and end up walking bent over with the help of a cane, my love for you will never die.”
Doretta smiled. She couldn’t imagine the tall, handsome man she would be marrying in a couple of days with gray hair or walking with a cane. But that didn’t matter because they would grow old together. When William’s hair turned gray, hers probably would too. And even if they both became frail or bent over, they would love and cherish each other until the day one of them died. Even then, Doretta felt certain that the love she felt for William would remain in her heart forever.
“What are you doing out here all by yourself?”
Warren turned his head at the sound of his mother’s voice. He’d been in such deep thought, he hadn’t heard her open the door and step out onto the porch. “Oh, just taking some time to iwwergedenkt a few things,” he responded as she took a seat beside him on the wooden bench his grandfather had made a few years ago.
“Mind if I ask what kind of things you needed to think over?”
He gave a noncommittal shrug, hoping she wouldn’t press the issue. Warren had always been on the quiet side when it came to expressing his thoughts—especially when his mother started asking too many questions about things he preferred not to talk about.
“Are you feeling bedauerlich because your only sibling will be getting married in a couple of days and you’re still single without a serious aldi yet?” She placed her hand on his arm.
Warren shook his head. “I’m not sad about my brother getting married, and with William and I getting started with our new business, I don’t really have time for a steady girlfriend. So that’s not even an issue worth talking about right now, Mom. When, and if, God wants me to have a mate, the right woman will come along.” And it won’t be one-sided, he mentally added, because she’ll love me as much as I love her, and she’ll look at me the way Doretta looks at William. Warren crossed his arms in front of his chest and drew in a deep breath. Does my brother realize how lucky he is to have found a woman who loves him so much? Will I ever find that with Margaret … or anyone else?
“Aren’t you going to tell me where we’re going?” Doretta gave William a little nudge with her elbow. “The suspense is making me so naerfich, I’m tempted to start biting my fingerneggel.”
He chuckled. “Aw, now, don’t be nervous, and for goodness’ sake, do not bite your fingernails. If my mamm was here right now, she’d say that fingernail biting is a nasty habit.”
“Jah.” Doretta nodded. “My mother would say the same thing.”
They traveled in silence for a while, and as the sun began to drop lower in the sky, Doretta felt herself relax. Although the fall air was a bit nippy, there was no wind, and sitting here so close to William, it wasn’t possible to feel cold. In fact, heat flushed her face at the nearness of him. Oh, how she loved this man.
“We’re almost there.” William snapped the reins, and Carmel picked up speed. “Just a little bit farther and I’ll show you my surprise.”
Doretta looked to the right and then the left. All she could see were some hardy wildflowers dotting the landscape they were passing by. Nothing unusual out here in the country, and they were still several miles from town. Doretta couldn’t imagine what would be along this road that had William so excited, but she remained quiet as his horse and buggy moved on. If they were getting close, surely she would see something more than this soon.
The rumble of an approaching vehicle on the other side of the road caused William’s horse to whinny and shake her head. Apparently, Carmel either didn’t like the noise or the mare had suddenly become skittish of motorized vehicles. Doretta had never seen his horse act like this before, but she felt confident that William would remain in control. The setting sun was obviously in his face, as it was hers, and he put one hand up as if to shield his eyes from the glare. It was at that moment when William lost control of his horse. The crazed animal reared up and took off running down the road at a pace so fast the scenery became nothing but a blur. William shouted at Carmel, but he couldn’t slow her down. The next thing Doretta knew, they were in the other lane, heading straight for the headlights of a pickup truck. Doretta screamed and then braced herself for the impact. They were going to crash, and there was nothing she could do about it. There wasn’t even time to utter a prayer.
Chapter 2
Warren stepped out of his father’s barn and slouched against the rustic, wooden building. He remained like that for several minutes, taking in the sights and sounds around him that he hoped, if only for a little while, would take his mind off the deep grief consuming him.
