Christmas at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard Page B

state—”
    â€œIs he allergic to any medications?” the taller fellow asked in an efficient tone.
    â€œDoes he have any health problems, like diabetes or a heart condition?” his partner asked. “And do you know what medications he’s taking?”
    Mattie’s head spun. “Amos is as healthy as a horse—or at least he was until he and Floyd hit the ground,” she replied. “Far as pills, he’s not even inclined to take an aspirin when he’s got a headache, so—”
    â€œDoes he have a DNR? Or a living will?”
    Mattie went blank. She stared at Truman for help, but he appeared as mystified as she was. “I—I don’t know what that means.”
    â€œDNR stands for ‘do not resuscitate,’” the first man explained. “A living will is a written document that states a person’s wishes about life support, if his heart stops beating or he stops breathing.”
    Oh, dear Lord, please don’t let Amos die! Mattie prayed frantically. How could these ambulance fellows ask so casually about such life-and-death situations?
    Truman shook his head. “Amos is Amish. We Plain folks don’t believe in keeping folks alive on machines, if that’s what you mean.”
    The paramedics nodded and raised Amos’s stretcher so it looked like a padded table with metal legs and wheels. “The ambulance is going to be full, what with both men riding in it,” the taller fellow said, “but it would be helpful if you folks could follow us to the hospital in Forest Grove.” With a renewed sense of urgency, they rolled Amos across the yard and into the waiting ambulance.
    Mattie’s hand fluttered to her mouth and she looked the other way. This was all so foreign to her, and so frightening.
    As the other emergency workers wheeled Floyd into the ambulance, Frances rushed over to Mattie and Truman. “What are we supposed to do?” she wailed, suddenly overcome with tears. “Floyd will fight them every step of the way if they try to check him into the hospital.”
    â€œWhy did so many rescue workers come?” Gloria whimpered. “You’d think the earth had opened up and tried to swallow us—”
    Truman quickly slung his arms around Mattie and Frances, lowering his voice as he addressed the women and Frances’s two wide-eyed daughters. “From what I heard when somebody called 911 on one of my landscaping jobs, it’s standard procedure to send the police and a fire truck along with the ambulance,” he explained gently. “How about if I give you ladies a ride to the hospital? The emergency room folks will appreciate your help when they admit Amos and Floyd.”
    Mattie nodded numbly. “ Jah , somebody should be there because—because Amos can’t speak for himself,” she replied in a halting voice.
    â€œIt might be best if you girls stayed here until we know for sure what’s going on,” Truman continued, fishing his keys from his pocket. “I’ll be with your mamm the whole time we’re there, all right?”
    Mary Kate and Gloria glanced doubtfully at their mother, but when Frances started toward Truman’s pickup, they nodded. Gloria looked almost relieved that she didn’t have to go—a sentiment Mattie certainly understood.
    â€œ Denki so much for your help, Truman,” Mattie murmured as he took her elbow and started toward his truck. “I couldn’t handle this without you.”

Chapter Eight
    As everyone watched the ambulance pull away with a surge of its siren and its lights pulsing, Roman felt a deep, desperate silence settle over the folks gathered near Rainbow Lake. For a few moments after the police car and the fire engine left, they all listened to the wail of the siren as it gradually faded away down the county highway.
    Without warning, Gloria threw herself at Roman and wrapped her arms around his waist.