Free The Decision by Wanda E. Brunstetter Page A

suggested that to her, but she wouldn’t agree to it.” Elaine touched Leah’s arm. “Grandma’s been coming to you for foot treatments for some time, and she has confidence in you, so I was hoping you might have a talk with her about this.”
    “When she got dizzy last week, I did suggest that she see the doctor, but I can try again if you like.”
    “I would appreciate it. I’m worried about Grandma.”
    “Why don’t you bring Edna over to our place tomorrow morning around ten for a foot treatment? I’ll talk to her then.”
    “That sounds good, Leah. We’ll be there on time.”
    Just then, Susan Diener, whose home they were at, stopped by. “Leah,” she said, “I just wanted to tell you that I haven’t had any trouble with my sinuses since you worked on my feet last Friday.”
    “I’m glad to hear that.” Leah smiled at the elderly woman, who then moved on down the table to talk with some of the other women.
    Elaine hoped Grandma would have equally good results when she went to see Leah for a foot treatment. Maybe while her feet were getting massaged, Grandma would be more receptive to the idea of seeing the doctor.
    For the first time all day, Elaine relaxed a bit. This was the first time since last autumn that anyone had been able to have the after-church meal outside. The Dieners’ spacious backyard featured two large maple trees to sit under. The leaves were just emerging and offered little shade, but no one seemed to notice in this mild April weather. There was plenty of room in the yard for all the tables and benches to be set up as well.
    Elaine smiled to herself. She could imagine Grandpa Schrock sitting among the men, as he’d done so many times over the years. Several conversations were going on at one time, each carrying a sense of excitement in the voices as they discussed various topics with friends. How Grandpa would have enjoyed being here today and taking part in the discussions.
    “Are you listening to me?” Leah patted Elaine’s hand gently.
    Elaine shook her thoughts aside. “What was that?”
    “I said, while I’m working on your grandma’s feet in the basement, it might be best if you wait upstairs with my mamm. I don’t want Edna to think we’re ganging up on her. She may be more willing to listen to me if you’re not there.”
    Elaine nodded, but she wasn’t sure that her absence when Leah talked to Grandma would make any difference. She hadn’t been around the last time Leah expressed her concerns to Grandma. Maybe this time, since Grandma had gotten dizzy again, things would be different.

    Elaine had just finished eating and was heading over to see if Grandma was ready to go home when Jonah stepped up to her. “I was wondering how things are going and if there’s anything I can do for you.”
    “You can pray for Grandma. Things didn’t go well during the dinner we hosted.”
    “What happened?”
    “For one thing, Grandma had a dizzy spell.”
    “Is she all right?” Jonah’s expression revealed his concern.
    “I’m not sure, and I’m hoping she’ll agree to see the doctor.”
    “That would probably be a good idea. Did anything else happen at the dinner?” he questioned.
    “It was a total disaster. Grandma dropped one of our pies, and that crazy parakeet, Millie, got out of her cage and created quite a stir with the tourists. I’ve always enjoyed helping Grandma with our dinners, but I was actually relieved when the people left.” Elaine paused to massage the back of her neck. “Anyway, I’ll be taking Grandma to see Leah in the morning for a foot treatment.”
    Jonah’s forehead creased. “I have nothing against Leah’s reflexology practice, but she’s not able to do blood tests and some other things that the doctor would want to do. And, as I’m sure you’d agree, Leah’s treatments are not a cure-all for every illness.”
    “I realize that.” Elaine didn’t know why, but Jonah’s comment made her defenses rise. “The only reason