BITTERSWEET DWELLING

After church the next day, David's mother Ethel and her boyfriend Greg arrived at one O'clock for lunch. Ethel liked to sparkle and shine. She always stood out in a crowd. She was wearing a rabbit fur coat with a purple sequin shirt and a hot pink floral skirt. Her high heels matched her shirt and she had on long hot pink rhinestone earrings. Ruthann was amazed how beautiful her grandma looked. She always asked to see her jewelry up close but today she would not. She had to get rid of her necklace and bracelet that her grandma had given her so she gave them to her cousin.

While they were all eating lunch, Miranda was chatting away about how her and Marjorie were big girls now and helped gather eggs every day. Derek was talking to Greg about his new slingshot and that he would show it to him after lunch. Sandra and David were talking to Ethel about the church service they had that morning and that they were baptised. David explained to his mother that after a person accepts Jesus as their Savior the Bible says that they should be baptized. He explained to her that it is an act of obedience. Ruthann was unusually quiet at the meal, taking in all that was being said. Ethel was sitting next to her. Giving a big sigh at hearing all David had said, Ethel looked at her granddaughter and studied her for a moment. “My goodness, you sure are quiet today sweetie. I see that you aren't wearing the locket necklace that I gave you for christmas a couple years ago. I thought you never took it off. You look a little sad dear. Are you feeling Alright.?” Ruthann smiled and put her hand on her grandmother's. “I'm fine grandma. I hope you don't get mad at me but I gave my necklace to my cousin Christy. Im sorry.” Ethel looked at her with wide eye surprise. “Why on earth would you do a thing like that?” Ruthann held back tears. She loved her grandmother very much but her boldness and outspoken ways scared her at times. As her grandmother looked at her so intently, she noticed some things. Her lashes looked very pretty and long today and her long wavy hair had more of a red tint to it than before. Ruthann cleared her throat and sat up straight. “ I can't wear jewelry anymore grandma. The Mennonites have rules and that is one of them.” Ethel stared at her with her mouth wide open and then looked down at her rings and twisted one back and forth in thought. “Why in the world would they make that kind of rule?!” she asked, looking up again. David wanted to cut in but he let Ruthann answer. "Ezra our preacher said that the Bible tells us not to adorn ourselves like that. It is vain. We have to wear long modest dresses too. That's why I can't wear those pretty ones you bought me. They are too short. Girls aren't allowed to wear slacks either.” Ethel got a scowl on her face and stood up with her hands on her hips. “Well I never!” David was standing up now too. “Now mother, just calm down and take your seat. We want to help you understand that we are the same family that you know and love. We look different on the outside but most importantly we hope you and everyone notice the difference in the inside of us. Our hearts are changed and we were “born again” when we got saved. All of our sins are forgiven and we are made clean. We want to obey the teachings of the Bible and try to be more like Jesus.” Greg coaxed Ethel into taking her seat. With her chin resting in her hand, she nodded her head in disagreement. She looked at Ruthann and then at Marjorie and Miranda. You sweet girls will still dance for me like you always have won't you?” She asked, smiling once again. Miranda jumped up and grabbed Marjorie's hand. In an instant they were dancing around in circles and singing the song that Ethel taught them. “Here we go round the mulberry bush, the mulberry bush…” Derek stood and yelled “Stop!” The twins stopped instantly and everyone looked at him in shock. “Derek?!” Sandra grabbed his arm. “What's got into you? Look at the twins holding onto each other. You've scared them!” Derek took a bite of his food and answered very calmly. “Now there's another law for us mom. I heard the older boys talking in the parking lot after church. One of them said that they sure would like to go to the prom with some girl in his class but that he knew his parents wouldn't let him. It wasn't only because they would be dancing but also because of the songs with music. Music instruments are against their law and worldly radio songs are too. So I'm sorry I scared the twins mom but they have to know the laws of our church too.” Ethel was still shaking her head. "For Crying out loud! You've got to be kidding me!" Greg, who was leaning on the table with his hand over his mouth trying his best not to laugh, put his other arm around Ethel. "Just calm down sweetheart. Everything's okay. Would you like more water?" Irritated, she pushed his arm away. “No, I don't want more water but I would like some coffee if this family is still allowed to have it,” she scowled with sarcasm. “Yes we are, mother. Aren't you lucky. It's the Amish that don't drink coffee,” said David laughing. "Derek, the things that we are supposed to do and not supposed to do are not called laws or rules. There are guidelines the church has for us to follow and there are commandments in the Bible that we should obey.” Ethel leaned on Greg and rubbed her temple. “I have a terrible headache dear.” Greg stood up and took her hand as she stood. “Thank you so much for the delicious meal Sandra,” said Ethel as she kissed her on the head. “Derek, I'll take a rain check on the slingshot lessons,” said Greg patting him on the shoulder. Ethel reached out with both arms. “Come give us hugs. Goodbye sweetie pies. Grandma loves you bunches!” They all ran to give hugs and kisses. The children stood on the porch waving goodbye until the car was out of sight. “I think all of the changes were a bit too much for mother,” David said laughing. Sandra yawned. "That's putting it lightly! I need a nap!”