Simple Choices by Nancy Mehl Page A

forbade your father and your uncle from spending time with him outside of school. I have no idea why, but Joe felt C.J. was a bad influence. I disagreed with him at the time because I felt C.J. needed good examples in his young life. Joe would have none of it.” She sighed. “Joe could have been such a help to the boy. To this day I do not understand why he could not extend a hand of friendship. Joe wouldn’t talk about it. So you see why I was happy when C.J. went away. I hope he has turned out right. He has been in my prayers for quite some time.”
    “When was the last time you saw Abigail?”
    “It has been awhile,” Ida acknowledged. “Our small group used to take turns meeting in each other’s homes, but then she refused to leave her house. We started gathering together at her place, but now our numbers have dwindled, and there are no more home churches. Most of us have chosen to attend Bethel, including the Ketterlings and the Voglers. That just leaves the Beckenbauer brothers and Abigail. The brothers have both been too ill to attend church, so Abigail has been alone. I have invited her several times to Bethel, but she has declined my invitations. She believes the church is too liberal.” She smiled sadly. “I have tried to talk to her about this, but it has been to no avail. I am not certain her standards are the only reason for her refusal. I think she is now too afraid to leave her home. The last time I saw her was in May when I hitched up Zebediah and rode over to see her.”
    “Are you worried about her?”
    “Well, as I said, her neighbors were checking on her and buying her groceries, but with the wheat harvest going on, I am sure they do not have the time to keep a close watch on her. I must admit that I am concerned.” She jabbed at her right leg with her finger. “This leg of mine has been so stiff and sore the last few months, and the trip to Abigail’s takes quite awhile. But that is no excuse. I will ride over to see her after I visit with your parents and grandfather tomorrow.” She clapped her hands together. “I am so excited. Do you know what time they will arrive?”
    “Sweetie is hosting a big dinner tomorrow night to welcome them. One reason I came over was to invite you. Either Sam or I will pick you up around six if that’s okay.”
    “Oh ja. I would love to go. But you do not need to worry yourself about me. I will hitch up Zeb and carry myself.”
    “I thought perhaps Zeb would rather stay in his shed since it’s so hot. Wouldn’t that be better for him?” The horse was as old and decrepit as its owner. I dreaded the day something happened to him. Ida treated him like a dear, beloved friend.
    “Well, you may be right,” she acknowledged. “If it would not be too much trouble …”
    I stood up, leaned over, and kissed her cheek. “It would most definitely not be too much trouble. Now I must get home. I need to get to bed early so I’ll be bright and cheerful when my family arrives.”
    Ida also stood to her feet. “Ach, I hope I will be able to sleep tonight due to my exhilaration. Do you believe your grandfather will remember me?”
    Ida knew my grandfather was battling Alzheimer’s. “I’m not sure, but it’s his short-term memory that seems to be the most affected. I think it’s very possible he will know exactly who you are.”
    “I hope so,” she said, a tinge of sadness in her voice. “How awful for him to be trapped in a mind that does not work the way it should. It is so heartbreaking, ja?”
    “Yes it is.” I gave her a quick hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    “See you tomorrow,
liebling
. And remember, we have prayed for Hannah and God has listened. I expect everything to turn out right. You must do so, too, ja?”
    I nodded. “Thanks, Ida. I always feel better after speaking to you.”
    “That means more to me than you know, my dearest Gracie,” she said softly.
    I’d already opened the front door when a thought struck me. “Ida, what