(October 1943-Lincoln County, West Virginia)
(October 1943: Lincoln County, West Virginia)
The year and a half that followed planted the seed for new beginnings in our family. The daily farm routine became strangely unfamiliar as the ongoing presence of war tested our faith beyond our comprehension. The road of life was teaching us to lean on God through it all; to trust in the power of His might. Frank always says that change is a good thing. I love his love for great adventures. I knew wherever we would go, the Lord would be there.
Our brothers came home last year and Frank soon found a job building tanks in a nearby plant as part of the ongoing war effort. The world found itself recovering from the attack on Pearl Harbor. Life was always unpredictable and no one could prepare us for what would happen next.
“You’re so tired, and your lungs sound terrible,” I remarked one afternoon. Frank had developed a cough and even though he would deny anything was wrong. A bunch of the workers had become ill from the TNT exposure while at the plant.
“I’m okay, Melda,” Frank replied in protest. “I’m careful,” he continued, stroking my hair. “I’ll be over this in no time.” He was situated in bed, another cough escaping from his lungs. I found myself placed back in time as I remembered my daddy fighting a similar battle all those years ago.
“Let’s get you checked out at least. Just to be safe,” I said, placing a blanket over his feet. “Seein’ you sick brings back memories of my daddy. That’s all.” A weak smile crept onto Frank’s face.
“I know sweetheart. If the doctor comes here, you promise not to worry anymore?” he asked, taking my hand in his.
“Oh, your stubbornness always makes me worry”, she let out a tiny chuckle, “But I will feel better if you let him come.”
Dr. Stevens arrived within several minutes and began examining Frank. After a few more minutes he took off his stethoscope and placed it in his bag. He began rummaging around in his bag for a pen and paper before giving a prognosis.
“He’ll need a round of penicillin,” he announced. “A few more months and he should be good as new. But I would take it easy until then,” the doctor scribbled down care instructions, giving a reassuring smile before turning to leave. Silence filled our surroundings as the front door closed behind him.
“It’ll be okay, I know it will,” Frank said, his voice confident. “After I get better, we could move to the city. Start a whole new life,” he continued. “Life’s too short ya know, we ought to live more.”
“I don’t know about that. You might be in that bed longer than you think,” I countered. “And why would you want to leave the farm? You love it.”
“I thought a change might be good for us. For the kids too. Times has been hard on everybody.” he continued, becoming lost in thought. “What do ya say?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think it’s a great idea.” I replied. “Spending an afternoon there is one thing, but living in the city. I could never do that.”
“Why not? Just say yes,” he said, leaning upward to kiss my cheek, grimacing in pain as he took a breath. “Ya never know what we'll get into.”
I picked up the blanket I was sewing together and sunk into a nearby chair. Frank let out a chuckle as he watched me. “I still say no,” I replied in protest, but soon found myself packing anyway.
I loved visiting the shops in the city. There was so much to do. So much to see. The owners and workers were friendly. Frank's full recovery looked promising as I became accustomed to a new beginning. We weren’t able to move right into the city but were much closer than before. The kids and I enjoyed strolls to the city more often than we wanted to admit. The sounds of the cars and the bustling of people out and about gave me a sense of joy. I loved the farm but something was captivating about the different scenery. I was walking down the street one afternoon when I noticed that the quaint little dress shop at the corner had a “Help Wanted” sign in the front window. It was worth a shot to walk in there. I waltzed into the shop without hesitation.
“I see you have a “Help Wanted” sign up,” I spoke up. The lady at the front desk saw me and walked over towards me. “Welcome to Berman’s,” she said shaking my hand gracefully. “I’m Donna, the owner,” she continued. “ Gosh, we’ve had that sign up for weeks,” she grabbed a notepad and a pen. “Do you have any experience with sewing?” she asked. “We’ve been needing that position filled.”
“Oh, I’ve sewn all my life. I even make my clothes.” I replied with excitement.
“Wow! We haven’t been able to find anyone like that,” Donna look surprised as I nodded my head. “Well, you’re hired. How soon would you be able to start?”
The kids and I walked home after leaving Berman’s. I couldn’t wait to tell Frank. I knew this adventure would be a blessing for us and he would be happy. My heart was thankful that we had compromised on the move and that I took a chance. The money I would make would get us through this rough patch, and we would be able to afford more this Christmas. The Lord’s plans are greater than ours.
We walked through the front door and saw Frank sitting at the kitchen table. Gordon and Mavarine went to play in another room as I sat down beside him. “I got a job at Berman’s dress shop today.” A tired smile spread across Frank’s face. "That’s great, but what about the kids? Who will take care of them?”
“Mama or your Daddy can watch the kids,” I answered calmly. “You’re still recovering from your sickness and times ain’t good right now. We’ll make do.” I placed my hand in his. “Everything’s gonna be fine honey.”
“What would I do without you?” he said, planting a soft kiss on my lips.
Our little family had plenty to look forward to. I was thankful for the blessing found through an unexpected adventure. My heart was glad that my “no” was not listened to, and that I gave an opportunity a chance. Traveling into the unknown meant that sometimes it was necessary to step out with the purest faith and allow the Lord to lead the way, simply choosing to trust in the power of His might.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
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