Read Online The PIECES of SUMMER by Wanda E. Brunstetter - Free Book Online

the porch.
    “I’m doing okay,” Meredith replied, making no mention of her painful back. There was
     no point in complaining about it. “What brings you by on this hot afternoon, and where
     are your
kinner?”
    “Merle and Cathy are with my mamm.” Dorine smiled. “And since the children are well
     occupied, I decided to come over here and see how you’re doing.”
    “I’d be better if this weather would cool down some,” Meredith said. “Even standing
     still makes me sweat.”
    Dorine wiped the perspiration from her forehead. “I know what you mean. Unfortunately,
     we still have over two months until fall’s officially here, and we could have hot,
     humid weather even into September.”
    “I know.” Meredith blew out a puff of air. “The heat probably won’t bother me so much
     once the boppli is born. All this heat is beginning to get to me, though. I think
     the dog days of summer are definitely upon us.”
    “Which is why you shouldn’t be out here in the hot sun.” Dorine picked up the basket
     of beans and motioned to the porch. “Now go sit and rest while I finish picking these
     for you.”
    Meredith didn’t argue. She was more than ready to return to her seat on the porch.
     “Danki for being willing to help,” she said, giving Dorine a hug.
    Dorine gently patted Meredith’s back. “That’s what friends are for, you know.”
    As Meredith made her way back to the porch, she thanked God for the wonderful friendship
     she and Dorine shared. They’d been close for several years, and Meredith had always
     enjoyed Dorine’s easygoing ways and pleasant company.

Philadelphia
    “How’d things go with Eddie today?” Susan asked her sister as they rode home from
     the hospital that afternoon.
    “He’s progressing,” Anne replied. “What he seems to enjoy most is the therapy walks
     outside, getting fresh air, and especially sitting at the nature gardens. I think
     sometime within the next few weeks he might be strong enough to be seen as an outpatient.
     Of course, that will be up to his attending physician.”
    Susan felt immediate concern. “Where will Eddie go? He doesn’t have a house, a job,
     or any family to go home to. The poor man doesn’t even know who he is.”
    “You’ve formed an attachment to him, haven’t you?” Anne asked, glancing over at Susan.
    “I’m concerned, if that’s what you mean.”
    “I think it goes deeper than that.” Anne tapped the steering wheel a couple of times.
     “I believe you’ve formed an emotional attachment to Eddie.”
    Susan sat a few seconds; then she finally nodded. “Okay, yeah; I guess maybe I have.
     He seems like a really nice person, and it saddens me to think he may never know who
     his family is or be able to contact them. It’s hard not being able to be there for
     him as much as I’d like to.”
    “I understand. It saddens me as well that he’s in such a predicament.” Anne turned
     her blinker on to change lanes. “What would you think about us asking Grandpa and
     Grandma if they’d be willing to take Eddie into their home in exchange for him doing
     some work around the place?”
    “Are you kidding me? That would be great, if they’re willing. But how would Eddie
     get to and from the hospital for his therapy sessions?” Susan questioned.
    “If any of the sessions should fall on your day off, maybe you could take him to the
     hospital, or we could see if Grandpa would be willing.”
    Susan smiled. “I like that idea, and if I know Grandma and Grandpa, they’ll be happy
     to take Eddie in. I can already imagine Grandma’s eagerness. You know how she is.
     The more people she can cook for, the better she likes it.”
    “Great. We can talk to them about it as soon as we get home.”

Darby
    Norma Bailey hummed as she sliced a hefty beefsteak tomato for the BLTs they would
     have for supper. It was a warm summer evening—too hot to heat up the kitchen with
     the oven. Anne and Susan would be getting home