As was her usual way, Anna also tucked in a prayer for Mammi Eliza, who didn’t seem to realize all she was losing. Anna also asked God to give Wanita and her husband, Conrad, patience, grace, and understanding as they took care of Mammi.

Dear Lord, it must be so hard for them and for the whole family, she added, thinking she really needed to see Mammi again soon.

While receiving instructions from Dottie at Peaceful Meadows later that morning, Anna happened to see one of the children run over to Gabe. She remembered what Sadie’s grandsons had said about Gabe and his crew building the extraordinary tree house in their woods. As Gabe lifted the little fellow high into the air, both of them laughing, she wondered how he had come to have such a wonderful way with youngsters. Were some men just natural with little ones? These young riders were drawn like magnets to Gabe, often vying for his attention. It reminded Anna some of Wanita’s husband, Conrad; he seemed content that their house was always filled with many children, whether their own or foster children. Her sister was definitely blessed to have a husband who helped to lovingly bring their youngsters up in the reverence and ways of the Lord.

The flowers near the birdbath looked so pretty as Sadie sprinkled them from her big white watering can. The can had been passed down from her aunt on her father’s side, and she had kept it for years in the little potting shed, using it all the time in the spring and summer. Sadie decided that, no matter what anyone said, she would not give up certain items as she and Glen aged. The watering can was one, for certain. True, it had seen better days, but she liked the feel of the smooth handle and the way water flowed evenly from the many holes. Better for flowers than using a hose, she thought.

Glen wandered over from the turkey house and stood near. “Been wantin’ to talk to ya, dear,” he said quietly.

“Oh?”

He glanced at the sky, then back at her. “Now, I hope ya won’t misunderstand,” he said.

Sadie wondered what could possibly be on his mind. “Go on.”

“Well, seems like you’ve been spending nearly all of your free time with Anna lately.”

“Jah, since she arrived, in fact.” She nodded, agreeing with him wholeheartedly. “Does it bother ya?”

He shrugged and held her gaze. “I just thought you’d wanna pay more attention to your daughter-in-law next door, maybe,” he said, offering a smile now. “And your other family members, too.”