Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 8, Part 2, Page 49
Allie's friend, Karen was over playing with her. They both had gone for a bicycle ride around the area. It was such a hot, sunny, summer day meant to be outside. As they went exploring they found a pond. The water was so inviting that they couldn't resist taking off their shoes and jumping in. It felt cool and refreshing. Splashing in the water and holding their breath to look around, they didn't hear the noise until they stopped to catch their breath. There were horses coming down the road nearby. Once they climbed out, they ran to the road and saw soldiers on horses and some in wagons. As they watched, the men nodded in greeting at the girls. Not knowing what they should do, they saluted, then ran back to their bicycles and rode back to Oma's house where she was outside. "Oma," Allie called. "We saw soldiers on horseback and in wagons!"
"Oh my angels, that means the local men are arriving back from the war. Hallelujah!" Emily declared. " But why are you two all wet?"
"We went swimming in the pond down the road!" Allie answered.
"It felt great!" Karen piped up.
"You two stay outside for awhile and dry off. I'll be fetching us some food soon." Emily said.
"Let's go in the back and take turns swinging." Allie suggested and off they went.
Emily looked up and asked God to take care of the soldiers, and then went over to check on Berta. Seemed like the cow was ready to come back in from the pasture, so as Berta followed Emily in, a little puppy came running and rolling up to them.
"Look at you little cutie-pie! Does your mother know where you are?" Sure enough, Ella came right up wagging her tail and tenderly grabbed her pup by the neck and took her back to the rest of the wiggling and romping puppies.
Allie and Karen came in the barn just then. "Come on Karen, wait until you see the puppies!" Allie shouted.
"Aww, are they the cutest little puppies ever?" Karen laughed as they both were greeted by Ella who was so proud of her little ones as if to say, "Yes they are the cutest by far!"
"I don't know which is the cutest," Allie started, "but I am going to take one home with me. I just can't decide yet which one."
"I like them all, but I kind of think the littlest one is really cute." Karen pointed.
"Maybe, you can have one. Why don't you ask your parents?" Allie suggested.
Emily heard the phone ringing and muttered to herself, I guess I have to answer this fan dangled thing. "Hello?"
"Emily, hello this is Dee, how are you?"
"Fine, how are you?"
"Good, great actually, my brother, Walter just arrived home from the war!" Dee said excitedly, "He is doing better than we expected, thank God. He has a broken nose, swelling around his eyes, suffering some hearing loss, but all in one piece."
"Wonderful, wonderful!" Emily responded with cheer.
"Please tell Allie I will not be there for a lesson today. We all want to be with Walter tonight. I have to go now, but I'll be there soon."
"Sure, sure, Auf Wiedersehen!"
Lee and Bill met with Sam and went over the inventory and then made up a list of what they needed for caring for the soldiers coming any day now.
"Let's get the food ordered from Ned and maybe we can gather some of the linens, towels, and anything else from donations. Faith will be getting the medical supplies." Bill said.
"I've been talking to our Mayor, and Fiona says that she will contact all the townsfolk and see who all are taking their own soldier's back home with them to their family. Then, she will see who doesn't have anywhere to go and will need care before they can go any further. Once we have an idea, she'll be checking as to who will be willing to help and how often." Lee added.
"We should have a schedule what we will serve to the public and what we will cook for the soldiers. Here are the menus we came up with for hearty dishes that are simple but tasty. These can be interchanged." Bill informed them.
The men had a good planning discussion and felt they were on the right track.
Nathan walked in and told them that Headquarters had called and were sending men, including recruits to help out. He wasn't sure how many were coming, but they would need a place to stay. "So, if we can ask a few folks..." Nathan was saying.
"I've got 2 rooms open," Bill offered.
"Rosemary and I have room too," Lee agreed. "If you still need more, Mike or Henry probably have room too. So you are all set!"