Chapter 22 #2
“It’s true, and our own dear Judith recommended several marvelous ideas to secure continued support for the hospital after it’s open.
Lectures will be held, as well as concerts and a variety of other entertainments.
On each occasion, there will be a small entry fee for the support of the hospital, and we’re hopeful to find people who will donate their time and skills for the events. ”
“I already have a list of people and groups who have agreed to perform for free. We’ll also host tables at the events where we can tell interested donors what our needs are and what they can do to help,” Judith jumped in.
“It’s surprising what people will do to support a charity when they know more about it.
That’s the most important thing I’ve learned over the years. ”
“It’s all too wonderful to imagine,” Mother said, slicing into her pork roast. “And to think Roman will head up this new hospital.”
“I’ll be the head physician, but there will still be a board to answer to. I also plan to continue making my rounds to the various destitute neighborhoods. Not everyone with needs will think to come to the hospital.”
“And we’ve plans for an orphanage as well. The Episcopal Sisters are already excited to help with that plan, as well as act as nursing staff at the hospital. We’ve even discussed the idea that in time we might expand and start a nursing school.”
“And is this going to be part of your grandfather’s block?” Mary asked.
Roman nodded. “It is. Judith and I have talked at length about where the location will be. It seems the area James Ashton chose for his memorial block is on land he confiscated under false pretenses. Judith is arranging for it to be returned to the original owner. They’ve already agreed to sell it back to her so that the plans laid out can continue. ”
“That is so very admirable, Judith. I’m proud to have you for a daughter-in-law,” his mother said.
“Well, here’s the remarkable thing about doing what is right in the eyes of God.
” Roman picked up a slice of bread. “Even as she has given away property and money, the Good Lord has blessed her investments, and she has managed to keep very nearly the same amount in the bank. It’s like the loaves and fishes that were shared in the Bible.
” He looked at Judith and smiled. He couldn’t begin to tell her how proud he was of her efforts to locate the people her grandfather had wronged.
“It’s true.” Judith returned his smile before looking at Roman’s mother.
“God has clearly been the orchestrator of all of this. It has been proven many times over to be exactly His will for me. I feel this was the reason He brought me to Minneapolis.” Her gaze settled on Roman once more. “Along with finding my own dear love.”
“We’re so glad you followed God’s prompting. I stand amazed at the way God has answered this old woman’s prayer.”
“Mother, you are not old,” Claudette protested.
Martha Turner chuckled before returning her attention to her meal. “I’ll admit, since Judith came into our lives, I’ve felt younger and healthier. She’s like a balm of healing.”
Roman lifted his water glass as if to toast. “I couldn’t have said it better.”
The next morning, Judith was ready when Roman knocked on the door. She hadn’t told him the night before why she wanted him to come first thing, and he was more than a little curious.
“I can’t help but wonder what you’ve got going on this early. The sun is barely up.”
“That’s the best part.” She tied the ribbons to her bonnet. “Now come on. Mr. Manfre is waiting to drive us in the carriage.”
“To where?”
She laughed and pulled his arm. “You’ll see.” She paused. “Oh, I nearly forgot my shawl.” She retrieved it from the coat-tree and pulled it around her shoulders. “Now, I’m ready.”
The driver was ready and waiting, just as Judith had said. They climbed into the carriage, and before Judith had even managed to settle herself, Mr. Manfre snapped the lines and put them in motion.
“Seems quite mysterious, this surprise of yours.”
“I felt it was time you knew a little bit more about me and my life in Philadelphia.”
“And you’re planning to take me there?”
“Not exactly. But I thought it might be fun to show you a part of what I grew up with. This was pretty much my daily life for quite some time.”
“I see.” He folded his arms and seemed to consider what she had in mind.
Judith couldn’t keep it to herself any longer. “I’m taking you on the river. Remember I said I purchased a steamboat? It’s set up for passenger service, and I’ve been having it spruced up a bit. I talked to the captain, and he’s going to take us for a trip down the river and back again.”
Roman perked up at this. “That sounds more than a little bit interesting. I’ve never gone on a riverboat.”
“Well, since you’re marrying a riverboat captain’s daughter, I think it’s about time.”
Twenty minutes later, they stood at the stern of the Heritage, a beautiful paddle-wheeler that reminded Judith of one of the ships her father had bought nearly a dozen years ago. He had called her one of the most beautiful ships ever built and named her for Judith’s mother.
“What are you thinking about?” Roman asked, pulling her close as the boat made its way down the river.
“This boat reminds me of one my father purchased in 1858. He had her built special and named her for my mother. The Waltzing Winifred.”
“Waltzing?”
Judith turned in his arms to face the water. She leaned back against him and spoke over her shoulder. “My parents first met at a dance. My father asked my mother to waltz with him, but she didn’t know how. You see, the waltz was still rather scandalous, and my mother was just sixteen.”
“So he taught her to waltz?”
Judith nodded and leaned her head back against Roman’s shoulder. “He did. He said she took to it like a fish to water. He teasingly called her Waltzing Winifred in private moments, and this vessel is a very close duplicate of that boat.”
For a few minutes, neither one spoke. Instead, Judith enjoyed the rhythmic whoosh of the water against the wheel. It was like a melodious reminder of her childhood. She was happier than she could have imagined.
“Your joy surprises me,” Roman said, his breath warm on her ear.
“Why?” She turned to face him once again.
“Well, given you lost your parents to a boiler explosion, I suppose I find it strange that you should still love these boats as much as you do.”
“My father raised me to know that danger lurks everywhere on a paddle-wheeler. You must always be aware of your place on it and keep in mind that without any notice at all, you may be fighting for your life. It gave me a healthy respect for the boat and the river, but not fear, and even in losing my parents, I couldn’t hate it. My father and mother loved it so.
“For a time, my mother blamed the river for the death of my little brother. She stayed away, thinking her loss might hurt less, but soon enough, she realized it was in her blood, and she couldn’t give it up.
She came to understand, too, that God was in control of life and death, and that while it was heartbreaking to say good-bye to little Frank, she could hardly blame the river or the boat. ”
“That might have compelled her to blame God.”
“I suppose for a time you could say she did. But she told me that she came to feel at peace with Frank’s death and God’s timing through her Scripture reading.
She knew that faith required her to trust, even when it didn’t make sense.
I can only imagine the celebration when Mama and Papa joined their boys in glory.
I do hope that Grandfather is there with them now.
” She glanced heavenward and smiled. “I somehow have peace that he is there.”
Roman put his hand on her cheek. “I can’t help but feel you are right. And perhaps he and my father have already embraced, and the past is set aside in the presence of our Savior.”
Tears came to her eyes. “Oh, wouldn’t that be glorious?” It was truly all she hoped for.