Sarah's Gift by Marta Perry Page B

to echo her thoughts. “Some folks would just write a check to help, but I like actually working. I like teaching the children that this is the right thing to do.”
    Sarah nodded. She’d already seen Leah’s stepchildren hard at work, carrying trays and coffeepots around the large room.
    “You are setting them a gut example. And they are finding out that it is fun to work together.”
    “It is, isn’t it?” Leah gave her a quick smile. “This is how we get to know each other so well, ain’t so?”
    Sarah nodded. What Leah said went to the heart of what it meant to be Amish. This time together, working with sisters, was part of what wove the tough, durable fabric of the Amish community.
    Leah was quiet for a few minutes, concentrating on the next batch of pancakes. Once they were all going, she turned back to Sarah.
    “I hear that you might want to go to the clinic with me one day.”
    Sarah couldn’t help smiling. The Amish might not have telephones, but news traveled fast—the Amish telegraph, some folks called it.
    “Ja, I would like to. Aunt Emma says that is the best place to arrange for newborn testing.”
    Leah nodded. “You must meet Dr. Brandenmyer. He is so dedicated to helping babies. The research his clinic does will lead to solving the genetic diseases, I pray.”
    “I pray that, as well.” Sarah’s throat tightened at the thought of no more babies doomed to a short, difficult life. “What is the work that you do for the clinic?”
    “Collecting family tree information, mostly,” Leah said. “They can trace the incidence of genetic problems through the families.”
    Sarah nodded, impressed. “Our people trust you. They wouldn’t give up that information easily to a stranger coming to the door.”
    “That is my part,” Leah said. “And I understand that you believe in testing every newborn, even when the families have no history of disease.”
    That news had spread fast, as well. People would have varying reactions to it, Sarah feared.
    “I think testing everyone is for the best. If everyone’s child is tested automatically, then no one can object. Early detection can save babies. That’s what is important. And it’s gut for the parents, also, to know from the start what they are facing.”
    “I’m so glad to hear you say that.” Her gaze warm, Leah clasped Sarah’s hand, and Sarah had the sense that she’d gained a valuable ally. “That has not always been the case in the past.”
    Sarah closed her lips. There was nothing she could say. She wasn’t going to criticize Aunt Emma to anyone, even if she agreed.
    “I would like to go to the clinic with you,” she said. “But are you sure Dr. Brandenmyer will welcome a midwife to the area?”
    “I’m sure,” Leah said. “He’s a believer in midwives. Especially one like you, who is so dedicated. Will this coming Wednesday be all right for you? I can arrange for a driver.”
    “Ja, that will be wonderful gut.” The trip was settled so easily, and she would walk into the clinic with a friend. That meant a great deal.
    “Ach, here is someone who also loves Dr. Brandenmyer.” Leah turned from the stove to embrace a woman who had just come in. “Sarah, this is my sister-in-law, Myra. And her little girl, Anna Grace.”
    Myra was a sweet-faced young woman with shy dark eyes. The child on her hip reached for Leah, smiling, sure of her welcome. She was adorable, with chubby pink cheeks and wispy blond hair. She was also a Down syndrome child.
    The thought went through Sarah’s mind in an instant. She smiled at Myra. “I am glad to meet you. And this little one, also.” She touched one chubby hand and was rewarded with a chuckle.
    “We are so fortunate to have another midwife in Pleasant Valley.” Myra’s greeting was warm. “I hope to have a midwife the next time I have a baby.” She bounced little Anna on her hip. “I went to the clinic for my first two babies.”
    Sarah nodded. It wasn’t unusual for an Amish mother