The Selfless Act Read online

  © 2016 by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter

  Print ISBN 978-1-63409-208-1

  eBook Editions:

  Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978-1-63409-856-4

  Kindle and MobiPocket Edition (.prc) 978-1-63409-859-5

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher.

  All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

  Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

  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.

  Cover design: Müllerhaus Publishing Arts Inc., www.mullerhaus.net

  Cover model photography: Richard Brunstetter III: RBIII Studios

  Cover photography: Doyle Yoder

  Published by Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc.,

  P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.shilohrunpress.com

  Our mission is to publish and distribute inspirational products offering exceptional value and biblical encouragement to the masses.

  Printed in the United States of America.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Epilogue

  CHAPTER 1

  Millersburg, Ohio

  Joel smiled, glancing at the box full of red- and green-wrapped packages on the passenger seat beside him. He’d bought these gifts for his sisters, their husbands, and Aunt Verna and Uncle Lester. More packages in the back of his truck waited for his nieces and nephews. He hoped his generosity in bringing Christmas presents would be well-received.

  What could be more selfless than buying Christmas gifts for seventeen family members when I’m short on money? he thought. Thankfully, Joel had been able to borrow some money from his buddy Tom Hunter. But of course that meant one more obligation to pay. Joel still hadn’t gotten all his subcontractors paid from jobs they’d done for him several months ago. He wondered if he’d ever be debt free.

  “Should be doing more than fine if I ever get my share of Dad’s will,” he mumbled, turning in the direction of his sister Elsie’s house, where he’d been invited for Christmas dinner. If Elsie, Arlene, Doris, and Aunt Verna thought the gifts he’d brought for everyone qualified as a selfless act, before the day was out, he might get to open the envelope Dad had left for him.

  Guiding his truck onto the back country road leading to Elsie and John’s place, Joel’s hands began to sweat. What if Aunt Verna thinks the gifts I bought are superficial and not a selfless act? She does have the final say. And until she’s convinced I’ve committed a selfless act, I’m not getting any of Dad’s money.

  When Joel had apologized to his ex-girlfriend Anna for hurting her during their breakup more than seven years ago, his aunt hadn’t seen it as a heartfelt, much less selfless deed. Aunt Verna could be tough like Joel’s dad—stubborn, too. When she made up her mind about something, there was no changing it. Joel needed to keep on her good side. If he said enough nice things to his aunt today and she liked the gifts he’d bought everyone, it might help his cause.

  Pulling into Elsie’s driveway, Joel slammed on the brakes and did a double-take. “Oh, no! What happened?”

  Joel undid his seatbelt and hopped out of the truck. He almost pinched himself to see if he was in the middle of a nightmare. The smell of burned wood and ash made him cough. His sister’s house was gone—burned to the ground.

  Joel’s heart hammered in his chest as he got back in his truck and turned it around. I need to find Elsie—see if everyone’s okay. Maybe they’re at Arlene’s. If not, then she may know why their house caught fire and where they’re staying.

  Farmerstown, Ohio

  After Joel pulled up to the barn by Arlene and Larry’s house, he turned off the engine, hopped out, and raced up the porch steps. He’d only knocked once when the door opened and Doug stuck his head out.

  “Where’s your mother? I need to talk to her right away.”

  “She and my daed are at the hospital with Scott.” Doug stared up at him with a curious expression.

  Joel’s mouth hung slightly open. “What’s wrong with your brother?” He pushed his hands deep into his pockets.

  Doug opened the door wider and stepped aside. “You look cold. You’d better come in, and we’ll tell you about it.”

  The icy air cut through Joel’s boots, so he stomped the snow off his feet and did as the boy suggested. Anxious to know why Scott and his parents were at the hospital, Joel also wanted to find out if anyone knew about the fire that had destroyed his eldest sister’s house. It didn’t take long for him to ask, because Elsie and John, along with Uncle Lester and Aunt Verna, were seated on the living-room sofa. The children—Martha, Mary, Hope, and Lillian—sat on the floor near the fireplace, while Glen and Blaine occupied the two recliners. The somber expressions on what should have been a joyous Christmas afternoon revealed the depth of everyone’s sorrow.

  Joel stood in front of the couch, looking down at them. He opened his mouth, but at first, nothing came out. He wasn’t sure what to say. “I…uh…just came from Millersburg and was stunned when I saw what little remains of your house. What happened, Elsie? Was anyone hurt?”

  “No.” John’s shoulders slumped. “We were here last night, having supper with the rest of the family, and soon after Scott was taken to the hospital, we headed for home.” He paused, rubbing his hand down one side of his bearded face. “When we got there and saw our house engulfed in flames, I ran to the phone shack and called for help.”

  “Unfortunately, by the time the fire trucks came, our house was gone.” Elsie’s chin trembled. “We have nothing left, Joel. Only the clothes on our back.” She dabbed at her tear-filled eyes with a tissue.

  “And the barn,” John added. “Fortunately, it’s far enough from the house so it didn’t catch fire from any sparks.”

  “Of course, we can’t live in the barn.” Elsie’s voice sounded strained, and she sniffed, rubbing her nose with the tissue. “We don’t know how long it’ll be before we can afford to rebuild.”

  “You’d best wait till spring, when the weather is warmer,” Uncle Lester interjected. “By then, maybe a benefit auction can take place to help with your expenses.”

  Aunt Verna nodded and clasped Elsie’s hand. “We’re thankful none of you were inside when the fire started. Material possessions can be replaced, but lives cannot.”

  Material possessions can’t be replaced if you don’t have money to replace them, Joel was tempted to retort. Knowing his sister and aunt wouldn’t appreciate his thoughts, he kept them to himself. “I’m sorry for your loss.” He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Do you know how the fire got started?”

  John shook his head. “Elsie’s sure she didn’t leave the stove on, and we didn’t have a fire in the fireplace. I thought all the gas lamps were out before we left to come here to celebrate Christmas Eve, but I may have carelessly forgotten to turn one off.”

  Joel rubbed the heel of his palm against his chest as he tried to calm his nerves. His sister and brother-in-law’s situation was tragic, but ther
e was nothing he could do to help them out. Given his own financial issues, he didn’t have any extra cash to give.

  He sank into the rocking chair across from them, and Doug knelt on the floor beside him. “Do ya wanna hear about Scott now?” the boy asked, looking up at Joel.

  “Yes, I do.” Joel focused his attention on Doug.

  “He complained of a bellyache last night and started throwin’ up. So Dad called a driver, and they took him to the hospital.”

  “It sounds like the flu to me. Why would they take him to the hospital for that?”

  “It wasn’t the flu.” Elsie’s lips compressed. “Scott was in so much pain he couldn’t even walk. When they got to the hospital, they found out his appendix had ruptured.”

  “Wow! Is he gonna be okay?” Joel rubbed the bridge of his nose.

  “I spoke with Arlene on the phone after Scott came out of surgery. He seemed to be doing all right, but the doctor is worried about infection from the poison that was spread when it ruptured.” Elsie sighed. “If I could be at the hospital right now, I’d know more. Sitting here, thinking about the fire and worrying about Scott is taking its toll on me.” She paused to wipe the tears on her cheeks with another tissue. “This has not been a good Christmas for the kinner or us adults.”

  “Where’s Doris? Does she know about all this?” Joel asked.

  “I called and left a message on their answering machine this morning,” John replied. “I’m sure once they hear the news they’ll come over right away. I left a message for you, too, Joel, but your mailbox was full.”

  “Yeah, sorry about that. I need to delete some messages.” Joel stood up and tightened his fists. “I want to find out how Scott’s doing.” He looked at Elsie. “Do you know what hospital they took him to?”

  “Union, in Dover.” Elsie stood, too. “Would you mind if I go with you? I’m sure Arlene could use some support.”

  “That’s fine. I have a box of Christmas presents for everyone out in the truck. I’ll bring them inside, and as soon as you’re ready to go, we can be on our way.”

  Berlin, Ohio

  Using one crutch under her arm for support, Doris stood at the stove, scrambling eggs. She’d been able to do a few more things on her own lately and wanted to have breakfast ready for Brian when he came in from doing chores.

  She finished the eggs and was about to put them in the oven to keep warm, when Brian entered the kitchen. His grim expression let Doris know something was amiss. “What’s wrong? You look umgerennt.”

  “I am upset, and you will be too when you hear this news.” He removed his knitted cap and hung it on a wall peg, then took a seat at the table, motioning for Doris to do the same.

  “What is it, Brian? You’re scaring me.” She hobbled across the room and lowered herself into the chair across from him.

  “I stopped at the phone shack to check for messages and found one from John.” Deep wrinkles formed across Brian’s forehead. “Their house caught fire last night. They lost everything.”

  Doris’s spine stiffened. She clutched the edge of the table. “Ach, that’s baremlich! Was anyone hurt?”

  “No, but there’s nothing left of the house. John said they spent last night at Arlene and Larry’s. I’m guessing that’s where they still are.”

  “We ought to be with them. They need our support right now.” Doris grabbed her crutch and started to stand.

  “Let’s eat breakfast first.”

  “I…I don’t think I can.” She felt as if a lump was stuck in her throat. “I feel sick about this.”

  “Same here.” Brian drew in a deep breath. “There’s more, Doris.”

  “Wh–what do you mean?”

  “When Larry and Arlene took Scott to the hospital last night, they found out his appendix had ruptured.”

  “Oh, no!” She covered her mouth and fell back in her chair, dropping her crutch to the floor. Lord, why are so many terrible things happening to our family? she prayed. How much more can we take?

  Dover, Ohio

  Elsie stood in the hospital waiting room, sobbing as she hugged her sister. “What a horrible Christmas this has turned out to be for all of us.”

  Arlene’s tears wet Elsie’s dress as she gently patted her back. “I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I can’t imagine how it must feel to have lost your home and everything in it.”

  “It’s a small thing compared to the loss of a loved one. I hope and pray Scott’s going to be okay.”

  “Same here.” Joel stepped up to them. “The little guy doesn’t deserve this.”

  “Loss and illness are hard,” Larry said. “But with God’s help and with support from each other, we’ll all get through this.”

  “I brought him a gift, but it’s at your house. Guess I can give it to him when he gets home.” Joel glanced down the hall. “I don’t suppose he’s up to company yet.”

  Larry shook his head. “He’s sleeping and needs his rest. Let’s sit down and visit while we’re waiting for him to wake up.”

  Arlene drew in her bottom lip. “I’ll sit a few minutes, but then I’m going back to his room. I want to be there when he wakes up.”

  Elsie and Arlene sat beside each other while the men pulled up chairs facing them.

  “You’re welcome to stay at our house for as long as you like.” Arlene lightly stroked Elsie’s forearm as she spoke in a quiet tone. “But it might work better for your family if you moved into Dad’s old place until you’re able to rebuild. There’s more room there, and you can all spread out.”

  “True, but Aunt Verna and Uncle Lester are staying there now, as well as Glen.” Elsie massaged the back of her neck, contemplating things. “Once they return to their home in Burton, John and I can take the downstairs bedroom, which would free one of the upstairs rooms so Blaine and Glen wouldn’t have to share.” It was difficult to look at the positives right now, but bemoaning their situation wouldn’t change a thing. They would have to make the best of their situation and be grateful they had a warm place to stay.

  Joel glanced at his cell phone and scratched his jaw. “The Weather Channel has issued a warning for a snowstorm that will hit the area within the next hour.” He turned to Elsie. “I think we should go now, before the roads get real bad, or we could end up stuck here overnight.”

  “You two go ahead. I’m not going anywhere until I’m sure Scott’s out of danger,” Arlene was quick to say. “Larry and I spent last night here, and we’ll stay as long as needed.”

  “That’s right,” her husband agreed.

  Arlene offered Elsie a tired-looking smile as she leaned her back against the chair. “Danki for bringing Larry and me a change of clothes.”

  “You’re welcome. I feel bad you’ll have to spend another night trying to sleep in a chair, when you ought to be home in your own bed.”

  “We’ll be okay.” Larry stood. “I’m going to the vending machine to get some coffee. Would anyone else like some?” He looked at Joel. “Maybe you’d like a cup for the road.”

  “No, that’s okay. Vending machine coffee’s not for me. I like mine fresh.”

  Elsie made no comment as she slipped on her outer garments. She wished she could stay at the hospital with Arlene, but John and the children were waiting for her. After the trauma they’d all been through on Christmas Eve, her place was with them.

  CHAPTER 2

  Charm, Ohio

  Hallich Neiyaahr, Mama!” Hope stepped up to Elsie and gave her a hug.

  “Happy New Year to you, too.” Returning the hug, and forcing a smile, Elsie patted her youngest daughter’s head. It was good for the children to be optimistic, but Elsie felt as though her world had been turned upside down. These were the times when being a parent and trying to hold things together could be daunting. She was thankful to be staying in Dad’s old house but missed her own place, where she and John started their life together nearly twenty-two years ago. So many memories had been made there—all gone up in smoke. At least none of the
animals had been affected by the fire. They’d been brought over to Dad’s place, but with his horses taking up most of the stalls in the barn, they had to do a bit of shifting to make room.

  “Are we gonna do anything special today?” Hope looked up at Elsie with expectancy.

  “I don’t think so.” Elsie yawned and sat down in her dad’s recliner. “I’m feeling kind of mied this morning.”

  “I know why you’re tired,” John said when he entered the living room. “You got up at the crack of dawn.” He took a seat in the chair beside her as Hope scampered out of the room.

  Elsie yawned a second time, stretching her arms over her head. “I’m used to our queen-size mattress and couldn’t sleep any longer in that small bed.”

  “Lester and I can move upstairs and let you have your daed’s old room.” Aunt Verna spoke up from across the room, where she sat in the rocking chair near the fireplace.

  Elsie shook her head. “It’s better for you and Uncle Lester to sleep downstairs. With his arthritis, climbing the steps would be too hard.”

  “Well, it’s only for a few more days.” Aunt Verna smiled. “I read in the paper that there’s no snow in the forecast for several days, and I called one of our drivers. He’s coming to get us Monday afternoon, so we’ll soon be out of your hair.”

  “You don’t have to be in a hurry to leave.” John spoke loudly, no doubt compensating for Aunt Verna’s hearing loss. “We’ve enjoyed being with you over the holidays and appreciate all you’ve done to help out.”

  “We were glad to be here, but it’s time to head home.” Aunt Verna glanced toward the kitchen, where her husband had gone to refill his coffee cup a few minutes ago. “Lester is eager to get back to the comforts of our own home.” Her voice lowered. “He’s not used to so much activity. I think the kinner get on his naerfe sometimes.”

  Elsie didn’t respond because she didn’t want to hurt her aunt’s feelings, but living under the same roof with Aunt Verna and Uncle Lester this past week had gotten on her nerves a few times, too. In addition to practically yelling so her aunt could hear, Elsie had kept busy following behind Aunt Verna to close the refrigerator and cupboard doors. Her aunt was easily sidetracked, and a few times when she’d been cooking something on the stove, she’d wandered off to do something else and nearly burned whatever had been in the pot. Then there was the matter of Uncle Lester trying to do things he shouldn’t and having to listen to Aunt Verna get after him.