The PIECES of SUMMER Read Online Free PDF

turned into warmer days of summer, Meredith grew weary
     of everyone doing things for her. It was the middle of June, and her stomach had grown
     much bigger. She missed the physical work she could no longer do because she was so
     top-heavy. This morning, she felt almost worthless, wishing she could do more than
     sit and sew.
    She moved from the kitchen to stand in front of the screen door and drew in a deep
     breath. The sweet smelling scent of the lilacs blooming along the property line wafted
     up to her nose. The butterflies obviously liked them, too, she noticed, as they glided
     from one bloom to the next.
    Meredith smiled, watching the birds in her yard flitting from the trees to the feeders
     she kept filled for her enjoyment as much as providing for the birds. Jonah had come
     by a few weeks ago and repaired a couple of the feeders that had been damaged during
     a strong wind they’d had in the middle of May.
    Jonah had been so kind to her and helped out in many ways. Mom had her hands full,
     taking care of the children still living at home. Dad kept busy with his stands at
     the markets, not to mention the chores he had to do at home, so he didn’t have much
     free time at all. Luke’s folks helped out sometimes, too, but they were getting up
     in their years, and Meredith didn’t feel right about asking either of them to do a
     lot—especially with some of the heavier things that needed to be done. So with Jonah
     helping Meredith, she didn’t have to call on anyone else too often.
    Meredith enjoyed Jonah coming by; he was easy to talk to. She felt more comfortable
     in his presence than she had at first. He listened and seemed to understand the way
     she felt about things. At first, she’d been a bit uneasy about him doing things around
     the place to help out, but that was getting less awkward, especially as she grew in
     her pregnancy. Jonah had shared some things with her about his twin sister, Jean,
     and how it had been for her when she’d lost her first husband. He had tried to help
     her as much as possible and had been there to listen and offer support whenever she’d
     needed a shoulder to cry on. It seemed obvious to Meredith that Jonah was not only
     a good brother but also a friend she could count on.
    Meredith’s one concern, which was never far from her thoughts, was her financial situation.
     Her home-based business of making head coverings for Amish women was helping some,
     but it was hard to stretch her budget every month, even with the money her parents
     and Luke’s folks sometimes insisted that she take. There had also been a charity auction
     in their community last month, and she’d been given some of the money from that to
     help with expenses. Every little bit helped, but how long would it last? Others in
     the community needed help, too, and Meredith wanted to be able to make it on her own.
    She was glad Dad hadn’t taken on another stand at the Crossroads market, like he’d
     talked about doing a few months ago. He worked hard enough as it was, and it was difficult
     for the family to have him gone so much. It was important for a father to spend time
     with his wife and children, not only for the family’s sake but for his own, as well.
    Thinking about fathers and their children caused Meredith to choke up. Her precious
     baby would never know his father. But she would make sure the little one knew all
     about Luke and what a wonderful husband he had been, and how she’d loved him so much.
     Meredith tried not to dwell on the past or reflect too much about the future. She
     didn’t even want to think about how she would make it through the days ahead. It was
     best just to take one day at a time and trust the Lord to meet all of her needs.
    Meredith’s thoughts shifted to her sister Laurie. She’d been back from Florida for
     almost two months and still hadn’t told their parents about Kevin. Meredith kept reminding
     Laurie that the longer she put it off, the