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one of whom was pulling
impatiently at her arm.  After a few steps, she turned back. “I love you too,
Jacob.”  And then she added with the voice of one totally in control. “Bring me
and Levi clean clothes and make sure the children eat.  They must be starving.”
    Jacob nodded and
watched her walk away with Levi.  He marveled at Rachael’s strength.  Despite
her exhaustion and fear, she would take charge.  He found David, the children,
and their limited belongings waiting in the main entrance hall.
    “Rachael, she’s
okay?” David asked.
    “She’s holding up,
David.  She’s frightened, but Rachael will be okay.”
    “Come now,” David
said in a lighter tone. “We’ll go home.  Ruth is waiting.  She’s been cooking
for days.  She can’t wait to meet her nieces and nephews, and my Sarah wants to
meet her cousins.”
     

 
    CHAPTER 6
     
     
    Ruth had done a
good job of making room for an additional family.  Sarah’s bedroom had been
turned into a dormitory with the addition of a double-decker bed for Miriam and
Leah.  There was a small bedroom with a double bed for Jacob and Rachael and a
cot for Levi.  Downstairs, the sun parlor had two mattresses on the floor for
Solomon and Joshua.
                When Jacob and the
children walked in the house, they were met with the heavenly fragrance of a
home-cooked meal.  Ruth had prepared a Sabbath dinner and the aromas of baked
chicken and chicken soup filled the house.  “It smells good in here, Papa,”
Miriam said. “It smells like home.”
                After the
introductions, Ruth showed everyone their rooms and gave them a chance to wash
up for dinner.
                Ruth had outdone
herself with chicken soup and matzo balls, baked chicken, noodle kugle, green
beans and fresh baked challah.  For dessert she had made a chocolate cake and
raspberry rugelach.  They all ate as if it were their last meal.
                “Aunt Ruth,” Solomon
said. “This is delicious.  It reminds me of Mama’s Sabbath meal at home.  Thank
you for doing this for us.”
                Jacob beamed.  He was
so proud of his children, but Solomon was mature beyond his years.
                Ruth looked at
Solomon.  One could see she was touched by his words. “Thank you, Solomon.  We
are so glad to have you and your family here.  We were missing so much not
being able to watch our nieces and nephews grow up.  Uncle David and I are so
happy you have come to America.  I can’t wait to see your mother and Levi.”
            At the mention of Levi, his eyes teared over. “Levi is very sick,
Aunt Ruth,” he said in a husky voice. “I am worried about him.”
                Jacob put his arm
around Solomon. “Now, Sollie,” he said. “We need to think positively.  Levi
will be okay.  He is with Mama and he is getting good care.”  Then he turned to
Ruth. “Sollie is right, Ruth.  The meal was delicious.  And the children will
be thrilled to get a good night’s sleep.  If you will excuse us, I think I
should try to get the children ready for bed.”
    Jacob went
upstairs with the girls and got them settled for the night.  Sarah, at five,
was younger than both Miriam and Leah.  She sat on her bed quietly watching the
girls get into their beds.  They had taken baths, and Jacob had managed to find
their nightgowns in one of the suitcases.  Once they were both in bed, Jacob
sat on the bottom bed with Miriam.  “Tomorrow I’ll leave early to go see Mama
and Levi,” he said so both could hear.  “You’ll listen to Aunt Ruth and help
her if you can.”
    “Of course, Papa,”
Miriam murmured her voice heavy from sheer exhaustion.  Leah’s steady breathing
told Jacob she was already fast asleep.
    Jacob went
downstairs to check on the boys.  He made his way through the living room where
the French doors to the sun parlor were open.
    “Papa?” Solomon
called as