Read October song for Free Online

moving into the vacant Dawdi Haus connected to their rambling farmhouse. Goodness knows, forty-five acres was a lot of land for one man and his son to keep up Old Order style, including draft mules, driving horses, and dairy cattle.
    ‘Course,shewouldn’t mind slowin’ down some. She just might be ready to give up their side of the big house soon, let Beniamin and his young wife and a
    growing family take over the reins of
    farming life.
    She thought of assuming the quiet yet strong matriarchal role of the Lapp family. Her own mother had blessed her and Samuel’s days, and their children’s, by living in the addition with Rebecca’s ailing father for a gut many years. Maybe ‘twouldn’t be so bad moving over there, after all.
    60
    Yet she sensed what was causin’ her to suffer so. Had nothing to do with growing older or retiring from farm chores, really. Had much more to do with the loss of her daughter, not knowing what the future held. And Clan, too, who was a big part of Katie’s life now. Whatzvouldbecome of her and Katie’s close relationship? What would happen when Katie’s little ones started coming along, Rebecca being their grandmammi and not spending much time with them? What then?
    Lamenting such things, she knew full well how dear Mary must be feeling these days, living her life cut off from Katie, recallin’ all the fond memories, the happy days sensing Katie just round the corner, which truly she was, yet having no contact. No good fellowship with a lifelong best friend. My, oh my, how could it be?
    Rebecca’s heart was heavy as she walked down Hickory Lane under the spotlight of the sun, amidst a blaze of red sugar maples and sumacs. As she neared Bishop John’s place, marked by three mulberry trees, she hoped she might bring cheer to Mary despite her own dismal outlook.
    Rebecca found Mary busy baking orange nut bread when she arrived. The familiar
    61
    tangy aroma filled the kitchen, and she quickly hung her shawl on a peg in the utility room, asking if there was anything she could do to help.
    According to Mary the housework seemed to be “all caught up,” and she invited Rebecca to sit down while coffee was poured. “Oh,” Mary said, catching herself. “I guess I oughta ask if you’d rather have some tea?”
    “No . no. Coffee’s just fine,” she replied, noticing Mary’s hollow eyes and drawn face.
    Once they started talking there was no stopping either of them. Mary wanted to chat ‘bout her life with the bishop. “Most folk don’t have any idea, but there’s such a burden on a minister,” she said solemnly. “And a wife tends to bear it right along with him.”
    Rebecca didn’t know firsthand, but she’d heard enough ‘bout the sorrow of being’ a leader over the People that it was surely a sober responsibility, overseeing the church community thataway. “A bishop’s wife needs encouragement, I’m sure.” She thought for a moment. “Does John often share the burden with you?”
    Mary nodded, then frowned. “Not much. SometimesIwish he would share more.”
    62
    They talked a gut half hour or more, then Mary began telling Rebecca how she lies next to John at night, her heart breaking nearly in two sometimes when she hears the bishop’s deep sighs, taking the needs of the People ever so seriously. “Not always, but sometimes in the morning, his pillow is damp with tears, so I put it in front of the wood stove to dry.”
    Rebecca found herself glancing toward the stove for the bed pillow, but there was none this day. “How areyoudoing, Mary?” she asked.
    Mary forced a smile. “If you mean, am I happy as John’s wife, iah, I am.” “Well, now, it’s right nice seeing the love
    between the two of you but how are
    youfeelingthese days?”
    That opened the floodgates again for poor Mary, who broke down when she told of wanting to be a good mamma for John’s children, but struggling some days, tryin’ her best to meet the needs of everyone in the