The Healing Quilt Read online

  “Well now, aren’t you just the little doctor?” Mike’s eyes narrowed. “I’m sure I don’t have that. I just needed to eat something, and I feel fine now, so you can quit badgering me.”

  “I wasn’t.” Erika frowned. “Oh, never mind. I’ll keep my opinions to myself from now on. It’s your health anyway, not mine.”

  Feeling the need to break the tension, Emma quickly said, “I’ll go to the kitchen and get the tray of orange slices now. Then we can sit around the table and eat our snack while we get better acquainted.” She rushed back to the kitchen and was surprised when Noreen followed.

  “Men can be so pigheaded sometimes,” Noreen muttered. “If my husband hadn’t been too stubborn to see the doctor for annual checkups, he might still be alive.” Her lips compressed, as a frown etched her forehead. “One time I made Ben an appointment, and he got really mad. He even said I was treating him like a little boy.”

  “That must have been upsetting,” Emma acknowledged. “But when a grown person doesn’t want to do something, there isn’t much anyone can do about it. Sometimes the more we say, the more they refuse to listen.”

  “I guess that’s true. I just wish….” Noreen’s voice trailed off, and then she said, “Can I help you with anything, Emma?”

  “Well, let’s see….” Emma glanced at the refrigerator. “There’s a pitcher of iced tea in there, so if you want to bring that in, along with the paper cups on the counter, that would be appreciated.”

  “I’d be happy to.” Noreen smiled as she moved across the room.

  Emma was glad Noreen seemed in better spirits. Sometimes rehashing the past, especially something that couldn’t be undone, brought a person down. If there was one thing Emma had learned in her sixty-seven years, it was the importance of focusing on the positive and making the most of each day. She hoped by their actions and words that she and Lamar would be able to share that with this group of quilters, just as they had done with all the other classes they’d taught.

  When Emma returned to the dining room, she was relieved to see that Mike looked better and was visiting with B.J. as though nothing had happened. It upset her to think that someone in her class wasn’t feeling well. Fortunately, it didn’t seem to be serious. But if it had been, she would have definitely called for help, despite any objections on Mike’s part.

  “Those are some really nice shells in that jar over there,” Kim mentioned, as everyone enjoyed their refreshments. “Someone must like to comb the beach as much as I do.”

  Lamar grinned widely. “That would be me. Of course, I think Emma likes beach combing, too. Right, Emma?”

  “Yes, it’s relaxing; just like working in my flower beds back home.” Emma glanced at Erika. “Do you enjoy going to the beach?”

  “Not really.” Erika frowned. “I mean, what’s fun about sitting in a wheelchair staring at the water?”

  “I often sit on a bench and watch the waves,” Emma said, hoping to bring Erika out of her negativity. “I like that even more than searching for things on the beach. It’s also interesting to watch people, especially children when they find something fascinating.”

  “I do that sometimes, too,” Kim interjected. “Of course, if I sit for too long, my dog, Maddie, nudges me with her nose, wanting to play.”

  “What about the rest of you?” Lamar asked. “Do you all enjoy the beach?”

  “I do,” B.J. was quick to say. “I like to watch the sunset and try to capture all the vivid colors on canvas.”

  “Randy and I enjoy the beach,” Jennifer said. “It’s one of the few things we can do that doesn’t cost money.”

  “Sometimes I think the things that are out there, free to enjoy, are more meaningful than anything else,” Emma added. Her heart went out to Jennifer. She remembered back to the days when she and her first husband, Ivan, were newlyweds and struggled financially. If not for the help of their family and friends, some days they might not have had enough money to put food on the table.

  Maybe there’s something we could do to help Jennifer and Randy, Emma thought. The very least we can do is give them some food. I hope they won’t be too proud to accept it.

  “What about the Amish words you promised to teach us?” Kim asked.

  “Oh, that’s right. I did say we would do that.” Emma looked at Lamar. “Should I share one, or would you like to?”

  “You go ahead, Emma.”

  “Well, the Pennsylvania-Dutch word for children is kinner.”

  “And for thank you, we would say danki,” Lamar interjected.

  “That’s interesting and all,” Noreen spoke up, “but this is taking up time, and I think we should get back to work on our quilts.”

  “You’re right,” Emma agreed. “There’s more sewing to be done on your quilt squares.” She looked over at Mike. “Are you feeling up to trying out one of the sewing machines?”

  “Sure. But I’ll probably end up stitching my shirt instead of the material,” he said with a shrug.

  “I’m sure you’ll do fine,” Emma said, remembering how a couple of her previous students had done that very thing. “I’ll show you everything you need to do.”

  While Jennifer pinned more of her squares together, she visited with Kim. “Are you married?” she asked.

  Kim shook her head. “Don’t you remember last week when I mentioned that I wasn’t looking for love or romance?”

  “Oh, that’s right. Guess I forgot.”

  “I don’t even have a serious boyfriend right now, but maybe it’s better that way,” Kim said.

  “You have such a nice smile, and you seem so easygoing. I wouldn’t have been surprised if you had a husband and a few kids.”

  Kim leaned her head back and laughed. “I’m so far from that, it’s not even funny.”

  “Do you like kids?”

  “Oh sure, but it’s not likely that I’ll ever have any of my own.” Kim picked up another pin and stuck it in place. “It’s not that I don’t wish for it, but I’m thirty-six years old, and even if I got married in the next few years, I’m too old to start a family.”

  “My mother was thirty-two when she had me,” Jennifer said.

  “Are you the youngest child in your family, or did your mother have more kids after you?” Kim questioned.

  “I’m the oldest, and I have three younger sisters still living at home.”

  “Your mom had more courage than me,” Kim said. “If I don’t get married in the next year or so, I’m giving up on the idea of having any kids.”

  Jennifer touched Kim’s arm. “You never know. Mr. Right could be just around the corner. Or he might be the next customer you wait on at the restaurant. Stranger things have been known to happen.”

  “My last boyfriend, Darrell…Well, let me put it this way—I thought we had a good thing going, and that he was ‘the one.’ I was so sure of Darrell’s love that I moved from my home in North Carolina to Florida, thinking we could start a new life together.” Kim slowly shook her head. “Believe me, I’ve never done anything that huge before.” She paused to pin a few more pieces of her quilt blocks together. “Everything went along smoothly for a while, but then things turned sour and Darrell broke up with me. It only took a few months to know our relationship was going nowhere and that Darrell wasn’t the ‘Mr. Right’ I thought he was.”

  “Do you have any family here in Florida?” Jennifer asked.

  “Nope. My parents are living in North Carolina, and my brother, Jimmy, is in the navy, and currently stationed in Bremerton, Washington. I miss my family, but I stay in touch through phone calls, text messages, and e-mails.”

  “Have you thought about moving back home?”

  “Yeah, many times, but if I did, it’d be like admitting that I failed. I refuse to turn tail and run back home. I want to try and make a go of it here.” Kim smiled. “Thank goodness for my dog, Maddie. She and I have fallen into somewhat of a routine, and it’s comforting to know she won’t desert me.”

  “I guess
sometimes things happen to make us think about what we really want in life,” Jennifer said. “Don’t give up, Kim. I’m convinced that there’s someone in this world for everyone.”

  Kim snickered. “I don’t think it’ll be anyone like the crotchety man I waited on yesterday. I wouldn’t give him a second glance, even though he was sort of good-looking.”

  “How come?”

  “He got mad because I dribbled some ketchup on his plate when I was handing him the bottle. I don’t know why he’d complain about that. He was having eggs and hash browns, and who doesn’t like a little ketchup with that?”

  “I’m sure you won him over with your winning smile.”

  “Maybe. At least he didn’t say anything to my boss about the incident.”

  “Did he leave you a tip?”

  Kim shook her head. “Guess he thought I oughta pay for my flub-up, so the only thing he left was his dirty napkin, dotted with ketchup.”

  Jennifer snickered and gently squeezed Kim’s arm. “I like you, Kim. You make me laugh.”

  “Thanks,” Kim said. “I enjoy being able to bring humor into people’s lives, and I like it when someone makes me laugh, too.”

  Everyone worked in silence awhile, until Noreen announced that it was time for her to go. “I haven’t even read my mail from this morning yet, and I have a hair appointment this afternoon that I don’t want to miss.” She patted the sides of her hair. “I’m having some color put on to cover my gray, so I don’t want to be late.”

  “I think we’re about done for the day anyway,” Emma said. “During our next class we’ll finish stitching the quilt patches, and then hopefully get the batting cut out.”

  “Great. I’ll see you all next Saturday then,” Noreen said, gathering her things and hurrying out the door.

  “My ride’s here,” Erika said when a wheelchair-accessible van pulled up in front of the Millers’ house.

  Everyone else said their good-byes, and Lamar reminded Mike that if he had another dizzy spell, he should call the doctor.

  “Yeah, I’ll do that,” Mike agreed on his way out the door.

  Jennifer had a feeling that he probably wouldn’t do it—not unless his wife came home and made the appointment for him. She thought about how Randy relied on her for things like that. He would put off going to the dentist until he had a toothache, unless Jennifer made him an appointment for a cleaning and checkup. Men are alike in many ways, she thought, heading for the door.

  “Oh, Jennifer, would you wait a minute?” Emma called.

  Jennifer halted and turned back around.

  “I was wondering if you would like a bag of oranges to take home,” Emma said. “We also have some extra lemons we’d be happy to share with you.”

  “That’d be great. With the way Randy likes to cook, I’m sure he’ll put the lemons to good use.”

  “How about some of those ginger cookies you made the other day?” Lamar said to Emma. “We still have plenty left, and you and I sure aren’t going to eat them all.”

  A lump formed in Jennifer’s throat. Emma and her husband were so kind and generous. To show her appreciation, she gave Emma a hug.

  “Lamar and I will be praying that your husband finds the right job soon,” Emma said. “In the meantime, if there’s anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “Thanks, I’m grateful for your concern.”

  “Now, let me help you carry the fruit and cookies out to your car,” Lamar offered.

  “See you next week,” Emma said. “And don’t forget our offer of help.”

  Jennifer nodded, then hurried out the door. She couldn’t believe what a nice couple they were. Too bad everyone didn’t have such a generous spirit. If they did, the world would be a better place.

  C

  HAPTER 13

  When Jennifer arrived home from the quilt class, she found Randy sitting on the couch in the living room with his feet propped on the coffee table, staring into space.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, setting her tote bag on the floor. “I thought you had a job interview today.”

  He grunted. “I did, but when I got to the restaurant I was told that they’d already found a cook, so they didn’t ask me one question about my previous experience.”

  “Then why’d they want to interview you?” Jennifer questioned, taking a seat beside him. She couldn’t imagine being called to an interview and then being told that the position had already been filled. That just didn’t seem fair!

  Randy shrugged like it didn’t matter, but Jennifer knew from his dejected expression that it did.

  “Guess maybe they interviewed the other cook first, liked what he said, and hired him on the spot.” Randy squeezed his hands together. “You’d think they would have at least talked to me first and then decided who was best suited to the job. Whoever heard of doing interviews like that, anyways? And wouldn’t you think they’d give everyone a fair chance? They just wasted my time!” He slapped the newspaper lying on the sofa beside him. “I’ve looked through the want ads till my eyes hurt, and there are no positions for a cook available in this town right now. At the rate things are going, we’ll starve to death before I find a job.”

  Jennifer leaned over and gave him a hug. She felt bad seeing her husband like this, but maybe it was good for him to vent a bit. It wasn’t healthy to keep things bottled up. “I know you’re upset, and it’s understandable, too, but we need to keep a positive attitude and never give up.”

  “I won’t give up,” he said, shaking his head, “but I’m not sure I can think positive thoughts right now.”

  Jennifer sighed, wondering what it would take to get Randy out of his slump.

  “How’d it go at the quilt class today?” he asked.

  “It went okay. When I got ready to leave, Emma and Lamar Miller gave me a sack of oranges and lemons, as well as a container of cookies. They’re out in the car, so if you don’t mind getting them…”

  “Fruit and cookies, huh?” He snorted. “Like we can live on those!”

  “We still have some food in the house, Randy.” Jennifer took hold of his hand. “I think what the Millers gave us was a nice gesture, don’t you?”

  “I’m sure they meant well, but we don’t need anyone’s charity. I accepted it when someone paid for your quilt class, and then when my brother sent us some money so we could get new tires for your car, but now we’re accepting food handouts, too? When’s it gonna end, Jennifer? If things get any worse, we may have to sell one of our vehicles.”

  “I think we should be grateful for whatever help we receive.”

  “Well, if we’re gonna take charity, then I’d at least like to do something nice in return.”

  “Like what?” she questioned.

  “Maybe we could have Emma and Lamar over for dinner some evening. Of course, we can’t do that till I’ve found a job and we can buy a decent cut of meat.”

  Jennifer sighed. “I don’t think the Millers would expect an expensive meal. Maybe you could barbecue some burgers or make a big taco salad.”

  “I’ll give it some thought.” Randy rose to his feet. “Guess I’d better get those oranges and lemons brought in before they shrivel up from the heat. It may be the dead of winter and cold as an iceberg in some places, but here in Sarasota, it’s hot enough to cook a hot dog on the roof of your car.”

  Jennifer snickered. She was glad her husband hadn’t lost his sense of humor, despite all they’d been going through with the loss of his job.

  “Say, Randy, I’ve been thinking,” she said before he headed outside. “Since we still don’t have a crib for the baby, why don’t we go to one of the thrift stores in the area soon and see if we can find one? They might have some other baby things in good condition, too.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t want our baby girl to have a bunch of used furniture or hand-me-down clothes. She deserves better than that.”

  “We can’t afford to buy anything new right now,�
�� Jennifer argued. “Your unemployment check just doesn’t go very far.”

  “How well I know it. Let’s wait another week or so and see if I find a job before we look at any of the thrift stores, okay?”

  She nodded slowly. “Whatever you think’s best.”

  Noreen entered her house and flopped into the recliner with a moan. She’d gone to the styling salon after the quilt class today, and been told that her stylist had gotten sick and gone home. Noreen could have rescheduled, but since she didn’t know how long her stylist would be sick, she decided to stop at a store on the way home and buy a box of hair color. She’d never attempted to color her own hair but figured it couldn’t be that difficult. She would fix herself some lunch, read this morning’s mail, then do her hair.

  Moving to the kitchen, where she’d left the stack of mail, Noreen opened up the letter from her former student Monica:

  Dear Mrs. Webber:

  I hope this note finds you well. The reason I’m writing is to let you know that the high school class I graduated from is having its twentieth reunion in three weeks and we’re inviting many of our teachers to be at the function. I realize this isn’t the time of year for most reunions, but we couldn’t get the school auditorium when we want it, so the committee decided to have the event this month instead. Please let me know if you’ll be able to come.

  Sincerely,

  Monica Adams

  “Of course I’ll come,” Noreen said aloud. It would be great to see some of her old students again, as well as her teacher friend, Ruth Bates, who would no doubt also get an invitation. Noreen would give Ruth a call later on to see if she was planning to go.

  One more reason to get the gray out of my hair so I don’t look so old, she thought.

  After shampooing and towel-drying her hair, Noreen stepped up to the bathroom mirror. She blinked in disbelief, and her mouth dropped open. Her hair was darker, alright, and yes, the gray was gone, but it was darker than it had ever been in her life! The color looked so stark, even against her tanned skin. Had she bought the wrong shade of brown or left it on too long?