A Fool, a King and Abigail

Chapter 1

The New Family Member

Miriam looked out of the window and watched Nathan as he worked away in his garden. The man was a hard worker. He had made a huge garden for them. Ordinarily she’d be right beside him helping him weed and care for the plants but as big as her stomach was, she could no longer bend over. She knew that before too many days, she’d become a mother. Miriam wondered if she’d have a boy or a girl. She didn’t care as long as the baby was healthy.

The pregnant woman decided that she needed some fresh air so she walked outside and followed Nathan around as he weeded the garden. He loved her company even if she could no longer pull the weeds. He did give her strict instructions to do nothing but watch him. He knew that Miriam loved to work in the garden but at this stage in her pregnancy, it wouldn’t do her any good. His wife must be very careful from now on. She was a healthy woman but none the less, she didn’t need to do something that might harm the baby.

When it was time for the noon meal, the two walked back into the house. As he stepped inside, Nathan didn’t have to ask what he was going to eat. Miriam’s stew had been simmering for a few hours and its aroma filled the air. She sat the dish on the table and the two ate a hearty lunch.

That was a delicious stew that you made, Miriam. I think I’ll have a second bowl. I must have worked up an appetite or else my wife is just too good of a cook. He helped himself to a second bowl and began to eat again.

Miriam noticed that his mug of water was empty and she stood up to refill it. As soon as she arose, she gripped her stomach. The pain was intense. She was quite sure she had started labor pains even though it was her first child and she hadn’t ever experience those pains before.

A nervous husband quickly helped her over to the bed so she could lie down. He ran next door to get the midwife to help with the birthing. In a few hours, Miriam delivered the baby girl with Nathan and Kashon’s help. Though she was very tired, Miriam had enough energy to want to hold her baby and check her over as mothers do.

As she watched the midwife prepare the baby for her, she loved the little one already. This infant had made her a mother—a mother, what a nice word. The midwife handed the baby over to Miriam for her inspection. The baby was a pretty little girl and she was perfect, thought the new mother.

With her work done, Kashon returned to her home. She enjoyed her job and especially when it was the firstborn for the couple. They were always so eager for the baby and so thankful for her help. Nathan would bring her a basket of food for her services a little later in the day.

Look at our little girl, Nathan. Isn’t she beautiful?

That she is, my dear. I do believe that she looks like her beautiful mother. What do you think we should name our daughter, Miriam? Would you like to call her Miriam after you, or perhaps name her Mary after your grandmother? What do you say?

Let’s name her Abigail. That is a fitting name for such a beautiful little girl, exclaimed Miriam. I always liked that name. It makes me think of a princess and I’m sure our baby is going to be just that.

She’s as beautiful as her mother. Now let me take the baby and you rest a bit. The midwife told me to insist that you rest for a while before you get out of bed, Nathan stated and smiled at his wife.

It was her first child and Miriam was thrilled to be a mother. She loved the infant instantly. How good God was to give her such a healthy daughter.

Nathan knew that Miriam would never sleep but she must try to at least rest. He loved the smile on his wife’s face. Of course, his smile was pretty wide itself. He was going to enjoy being a father to this wee one.

Miriam did rest until the infant decided she was hungry and the new mother began to nurse her baby. The little one had no problem nursing and her mother was pleased. She had heard of mothers who had been unsuccessful in nursing their babies. She was thankful that didn’t happen to her and her baby. How she loved this little new life in such a short time. It was amazing how attached one gets to a new baby even though one only knew the infant for a few minutes.

Nathan came back into the room and put the baby in the new little cradle that he had made some months back. It rocked very smoothly and it would help to sooth the baby to sleep when needed. They had often looked at the cradle after he had built it and pictured a baby in it. Now there was one occupying the rocking bed. And not just any baby, a beautiful little girl.

As she grew older, Miriam noted what an easy child Abigail was to raise. The baby was contented with whatever it was that she had. It didn’t take long before the young one slept the night through so that the mother didn’t have to wake up in the middle of the night and feed the hungry infant.

When Abigail was three years old, Miriam presented her husband with a little boy and they named him Reuben. The three year old couldn’t take her eyes off her little brother. Abigail wanted to hold him, rock his cradle and tend to him every minute of the day. While Miriam enjoyed the help with the young one, she knew that Abigail should be outside playing. Perhaps before too long, her obsession with her brother would end and she would go back to playing.

The little girl had made friends with a boy from down the street. She ran outside and brought Japheth into the house to see her little brother. You have to see my brother, Japheth. He is so tiny. See him in that cradle. Mother says I used to sleep in that cradle. It’s hard to think that I was ever that small.

Japheth had followed her into the house. He was five years old. You have a nice little brother, Abigail. He is very handsome but he is so small. What’s his name? he asked.

His name is Reuben. I love him, she said and bent and kissed the tiny baby on his forehead.

Would you like to hold Reuben, Japheth? asked Miriam.

Oh, no, he is too little for me to hold, exclaimed the boy quickly. No way was he going to hold something so tiny. He had never seen such a small person in his lifetime and he wasn’t quite sure what to think about him. But he was happy for Abigail because she had a little brother. When Reuben was older, then he’d play with him. But he’d wait until the baby grew a little older. Then he might be willing to hold this baby boy they named Reuben.

May I hold him, mother? Abigail asked.

Miriam picked up the baby and gave him to Abigail and she immediately walked over by Japheth. See, it’s okay to hold him. I hold him all the time.

But he’s so tiny.

He’ll grow just as you and I did, stated the three year old.

Japheth only nodded.

Now let’s put the baby back to bed and you two go outside and play while Reuben sleeps. He’ll need a lot of sleep while he’s so young, Miriam informed the two youngsters who watched the baby’s every move.

The two walked outside and stayed around the front of the house. As they played one of the special games they invented, they made up the rules as they went along. The two spent a lot of time together. All the other children on the street were much older and didn’t want the two younger ones to bother them. So they played together.

As Abigail grew older, she became very fond of her friend, Japheth. He lived just a few houses away from them and Japheth and Abigail spent much time together. When Japheth was twelve years of age, he went to have a talk with his father.

Father, when I am older, I want to marry Abigail. Can you make that arrangement?

Benjamin looked at his son and smiled. This was a bit unusual for a son to ask such a think at his age. But he had already asked Nathan and Miriam sometime back if the two families could arrange a marriage between the two and Nathan had readily agreed. They got along so well that it all seemed perfect.

It has already been taken care of, Japheth. When you’re old enough to marry, you shall have the beautiful Abigail for your wife. His father noted the pleased look on his son’s face. He thought that Japheth was a little young to be thinking about marriage but evidently he wanted to make sure that Abigail would be his wife when he reached the proper age. He certainly didn’t want her to be some other man’s wife.

Japheth hurried outside and found Abigail. Do you know that our parents have arranged for us to be married when we’re older? asked Japheth.

Yes, my mother told me. I’m pleased but we have a long time to wait until we’re old enough. I wouldn’t want to marry anyone else besides you, Japheth. You and I are meant for each other.

The two walked up the hill where they usually played. From their vantage point, they could see so much of the town. It felt as though they were the king and queen of the hill when they were standing on the top. They were the rulers of all the people down in the valley. Everyday after their work was done, the two walked up the long trail and stayed and played among the trees. They loved to watch the birds as they flew among the oak and elm trees or soared overhead. Watching the squirrels that ran away from them ever so quickly accounted for much of the time they spent on their hill.

Once in a while they would see rabbits and they would try to chase them. But they couldn’t run as fast as the little animals could. The lush green grass on the hill brought a lot of different grass eating animals. Each day they saw different types of creatures. Some they could make pets out of but most of them were too wild.

Nathan and Miriam watched as the two descended the hill. They were amazed that Abigail and Japheth got along so well. The two never seemed to have an argument. That was very unusual for children now days. Most children usually found something to argue about even if it was something that didn’t amount to anything. The parents were pleased that Abigail was growing up to be such a patient person.

Japheth wasn’t the only person on the street that loved Abigail. The neighbors would ask her to watch their children from time to time. They knew the girl would take good care of them. Even at her young age, she was a very responsible person.

When Abigail was twelve years old, the neighbor lady asked her to watch their little baby girl named Ishbell and their son while they went into town to buy some supplies. When Abigail walked over to look at the baby, she noticed that the she didn’t look as though she was feeling well. Abigail sent the older brother over to her mother’s house and to ask her to come and look at the baby. Abigail hadn’t even touched the little one as the infant had been sleeping ever since she came into the house.

Miriam hurried to the neighbors’ house. One look at the baby and Miriam knew there was something wrong. She lifted Ishbell out of the bed while Abigail watched with wide-opened eyes. She didn’t want anything to happen to this little girl who wasn’t even one year old as yet.

It wasn’t too long before the parents came back from their shopping in town and was surprised to find Miriam there.

I really think you should call the doctor, Lenora. Ishbell doesn’t look well. See how grey she is looking? I also think that she isn’t breathing the way she should be. It’s shallow breathing, Miriam exclaimed.

The neighbors looked at the baby. She has always been a little pale. That’s the normal way for her. I think she’ll be fine, Lenora remarked.

Miriam and Abigail walked back home. That baby is going to die and the mother won’t believe there is anything wrong with her. I’ve seen Ishbell before and she wasn’t that color. I wish I was a closer friend to Lenora and I’d question her about it, she thought.

Joel and Lenora hadn’t lived in the area for very long. Miriam had never really become acquainted with her other than waving or talking to her as a neighbor. She wished she knew her better but Lenora wasn’t the friendliest person and it was hard to get acquainted with her.

Miriam worried about the baby all afternoon. She prayed that the little one would be fine but at the same time she knew she wasn’t going to be unless God did something for her.

Mother, did I do right in calling you? Lenora didn’t seem too pleased that I called you.

Yes, Abigail, you did the right thing. Perhaps Lenora will change her mind and call the doctor.

Do you think the baby is all right as her mother said? Abigail asked.

The baby is very sick, my daughter. I only hope that Lenora will understand that soon and call the doctor. There isn’t anything you and I can do but pray for little Ishbell and leave her in God’s hands.

I shall pray, promised Abigail. As she prayed, she also knew that God took people when their time was up. She hoped that Ishbell’s time was not up.

Chapter 2

The Neighbor’s Baby

Later in the day, Lenora came running into Miriam’s house carrying Ishbell. She’s not breathing, Miriam. Do something for her. Look, she can’t get her breathe. Help my baby breathe. Lenora was hysterical and broke into tears.

Miriam took the baby and patted her on the back. She started breathing a little but the infant’s breath was so weak. Don’t you think you should send for the doctor? asked Miriam.

My husband has sent for him. He should be here anytime. I hope she doesn’t die. I don’t know what I would do without my baby girl, and Leona started shaking and sobbing uncontrollably.

Miriam kept holding little Ishbell as she knew that Leonora was in no condition to do so. She kept patting its back hoping to keep the infant breathing but Miriam had little hope that the baby would live. Soon the doctor arrived at the neighbor’s house and they carried the baby back to her home.

As the doctor worked with the child for a while Abigail took it all in. She didn’t like the look on the doctor’s face. His face seemed to tell her that Ishbell wasn’t going to live.

Then the doctor turned to the parents. I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do for your child. She has quit breathing and I can’t resuscitate her.

Abigail cried along with Lenora. She had watched the child several different times while Joel and Lenora were their neighbors. And now she was gone. She’d never been around someone who died. She didn’t know what to do or say to Lenora. Abigail just looked at the sad mother and let the tears fall down her cheeks.

Miriam hugged the devastated woman. She held her and let her cry. God has your baby in heaven now and you should try to remember that. You’re young and you’ll have other children but they won’t take the place of Ishbell. She’ll always dwell in your heart, Miriam stated soothingly.

Miriam turned to Joel who stood by his wife speechless. Would you like Nathan to come over and help you with the casket and in digging the grave?

Joel only nodded his consent.

Because of the heat, it was necessary to bury one who died on the same day. Miriam hugged Lenora one more time and then she and Abigail walked back to their house. Nathan was just coming in from the fields.

After Miriam told him what had happened, Nathan just shook his head. He felt so sorry for Joel. They did have an older boy about seven years old but no other girl. Nathan would walk over and help him and perhaps he could say the right words to Joel to help him accept the baby’s death.

While Nathan helped Joel with the casket, Miriam went to each of the neighbor’s houses and told them what had happened and told them that in two hours there would be a service for Ishbell. She urged them to come and help Lenora through her grief. It wasn’t going to be easy watching the sad couple at their baby’s funeral.

Japheth came and watched the funeral process. He’d never been to one before. He hated to see Abigail cry but he stood by her and put his arm around her. He knew that she often stayed and watched the little girl for her parents and now she’d miss her little friend. All he could do was stand by her side.

As soon as the neighbors gathered around the grave site, the ceremony began. The priest read a few statements from Moses’s book and then said a prayer. Lenora sobbed through the whole service. She sobbed as they put the casket in the ground and covered it with dirt. Lenora stayed by the gravesite while everyone else left except for Miriam.

Abigail wanted to stay but her mother said no. I need to talk with Lenora. You and Japheth go on home and take Reuben with you. Abigail obeyed.

Japheth had to get back to work with his father so he left feeling bad about Abigail being so upset. It was hard for the girl to understand death. She knew people died but that was old people, not babies. She cried some more.

Finally Miriam came back home a little weary from consoling Lenora. After watching her daughter for a few minutes, she knew that Abigail was still upset since she was still crying. She needed to talk with her daughter and help her understand what happened to Ishbell.

Abigail, we must ask God to help us with this. He has taken little Ishbell to heaven. Do you think she is in a good place?

Oh, if she is in heaven, she is. But we just put her in that grave. How could she be in heaven?

Dear, that is only her body not the real Ishbell. God took her soul to heaven with him. That’s what God does when a baby dies for some reason. Let’s think of her in heaven with God and then it won’t be so hard to accept her death. We’ll miss her but Lenora and Joel will miss her more. God will take care of her. Miriam hugged her daughter and wiped away her tears.

Abigail nodded. What her mother said made sense. When she thought of Isbell she’d think of her as being in heaven and when she died she’d go see her. That was a comforting thought and Abigail quit crying.

It wasn’t too long after Ishbell’s death that Joel, Lenora, and their son moved away from their home and went back to Joel’s parents. Lenora just couldn’t stand to see the grave every day. She insisted on moving to a different place.

In order to help them out, Nathan offered to buy the land and anything else they wanted to sell so that they would have enough money for the trip. Miriam understood Lenora’s reason for wanting to leave but was sorry to see her go. The two ladies said their goodbyes and Joel snapped the reins on the horses and drove away.

Abigail watched as she saw her friends drive away. It was a sad day for her. As time went by the girl never forgot the experience she had that day nor did she forget Ishbell.

The years began to roll by and the parents watched as Abigail and Japeth grew older. They felt that Japheth should be at least twenty before the two married. Abigail was two years younger than Japheth so she would be