A Simple Charity by Rosalind Lauer

Author:Rosalind Lauer [Lauer, Rosalind]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Goodreads: 20697411
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published: 2014-10-28T05:00:00+00:00

19

As she followed her sister down the lane, Meg took one last look back at the Lapps’ newly converted carriage house. From the freshly painted carriage doors, you would never know that it was about to become a birthing center. “I have a really good feeling about that place.” There was something intriguing in the mingled smells of kerosene and sawdust, the cozy sitting room with its donated appliances and furniture, the spacious clinic room with separate bays for privacy. And Fanny herself, calm, unassuming, but bright as the North Star. “Of course, it would be nice to have electricity and some of the technology that comes with that. But I think it will serve the Amish community well. As a demographic, they’re the largest group in the U.S. to advocate for home births and midwives.”

“Oh, I knew you would love it.” Zoey clapped her hands together. “I’m excited about it myself, not just for the service it will provide to the community, but also for the financial security it can give the Lapps.” She lowered her voice and walked a little closer. “Fanny lost her husband last winter, and the family has been relying on small salaries and the money they bring in from the Country Store in town. Tate says their budget is probably a little tight, but the birthing center should provide financial security once it gets going. And you know Tate and his money sense. He’s got a knack for numbers.”

Zoey’s husband was a financial wizard. He had prospered as a financial broker until a heart attack in his forties had convinced him to slow down and opt out of the fast-paced business. Meg tested the ground along the roadside with her boots. Frozen solid. With a little precipitation, they might have a white Christmas.

“That’s sad about Fanny’s husband,” Meg said. “And with a new baby … such a heartbreak. I’m glad the birth center could be a profitable business for her family.”

“And a real financial aid to the community. For a pregnant woman, a birthing center is about one fifth of the cost of going to a hospital. And from what I hear, Fanny is a dedicated midwife. And this is an acceptable business for an Amish woman to be running. Fanny says the church leaders have been very supportive. You know, she doesn’t have the career opportunities you and I would have. So that place is a win-win all around.”

“Listen to you. Last year when you guys were scouting properties for a B and B, you didn’t know anything about the Amish. Now you’re an expert.”

“You know me. I’m always sticking my nose in everybody’s business, but it’s all about community—neighbors need to help each other. And that’s one of the reasons I’m so glad we landed in Halfway. People care about each other here, and they’ll go out of their way to lend a hand. Not that they’re all touchy-feely or anything. The Amish can be downright brusque and sometimes they come off as cold.

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