Chapter 6
Sarah rocked slowly back and forth as she stared into the dying embers in the fireplace. Spring had been colder than usual this year. It was still very chilly at night even though it was late spring. She folded the tiny garment she had been sewing and laid it in the sewing basket beside her chair. She gently rubbed the smooth arms of the rocking chair and then rose to get ready for bed.
John, very tired from a hard days work in the field, was already asleep. She listened to his slow steady breathing. The early part of putting in the garden was almost done, Sarah had wanted to help him, but with the baby coming she had not been able to do very much.
They had been married for over a year. Already they had moved. Their first garden had done well and they had had plenty of food to put away for the winter. John wanted a bigger place so he could do more farming. He hoped to be able to sell some of his crops.
Their new home was located at Meadow Brook. Of course they still didnt have money for a place of their own but the rent on this house was affordable and there was much more land with the house. They were located farther from Darby now, but it was closer to Stoney Fork. Planting and tending crops were still difficult, though, because John still must plow by hand since they could not afford a mule or oxen.
The whole family had been concerned for Sarah. The baby was due in late July or early August. John and Sarah were both excited about the baby but Sarah had been sick through most of the winter and spring. She had always been thin but she had lost weight from the beginning. Still, she was not eating very much and was gaining very few pounds. She spent much of the time indoors, usually able to cook for John and herself and keep the little house clean. Most work tired her quickly. She was still not quite sixteen years old.
Just recently, Sarah had asked Wesley when he would be going to Wilkesboro again. She wanted to send by him for a rocking chair to rock her firstborn. Once again Sarah was glad she had saved back some of her own money. Wesley was sure he would be able to find a nice chair for her for five dollars or less.
Wesley brought the chair the next time he came. He apologized that the right arm of the chair had a worn spot on it where he had tied it to the wagon It was a beautiful chair and Sarah loved it. It was made of light colored pine with a woven back and seat. She used an extra pillow for a cushion and found that the chair was very comfortable. She told Wesley how pleased she was.
Just two days later Sarah awoke with pains she did not understand. She had been feeling unusually tired for two days and her back felt so tired it hurt. It was way too early for the baby and the pain scared her. She decided that she should send John for the midwife.
John, John, wake up! Sarah called. She had already managed to cook breakfast for him.
When he was fully awake, she told him about how she felt and that she thought he should go for Aunt Liza. She was obviously worried.
John dressed and ate quickly. He didnt want to leave Sarah alone but he did not have a choice. There were no neighbors in sight of their house.
Ill hurry, Sarah. You just stay in bed until I get back.
Liza Triplett lived on Stoney Fork. She was the local midwife. Everyone called her Aunt Liza. She had delivered many of the babies in Darby and Stoney Fork.
John explained to Aunt Liza that the baby wasnt due for another two months.
Sometimes they come early though, she said. And sometimes they dont make it. She didnt want to scare John but she knew that Sarah was very young and the babys chances wouldnt be very good if it was not supposed to be born for more than two more months.
Liza gathered her things in a bag she always carried along with her. They walked along the wagon road as quickly as they could.
Sarah was resting in bed when they arrived. After a quick examination, Liza told them that the baby was probably going to be born soon but it would be at least several hours.
I got milk I got to churn so Ill go home and then Ill come back. Not much you need me for right now anyway. Sarah, you stay in bed and rest all you can. John, you stay with her til I get back.
John hated to see Aunt Liza leave because he felt totally helpless. He didnt know what to do to keep Sarah comfortable nor what to expect. He just knew he was more worried than he had ever been before. He wanted to tell Aunt Liza to hurry. She must have recognized how he was feeling because she took one look at his face and told him she would be back as quickly as she could.
It was warm for the first day of June and they left the door open and John opened the windows as well. He paced the floor from the door to Sarah and back again.
The sound of a wagon brought John to the door quickly. Wesley pulled into the yard. He saw worry and concern on Johns face as he came out to meet him.
Everything all right, John? He really expected John to be in the field in the middle of the morning.
Babys coming and Aunt Liza went home. Shell be back after while. Dad, Im really worried, with the baby so early and all. Its not near time for it and Aunt Liza said that sometimes they dont make it. I dont know what Sarah would do if we lost this baby. She sure is counting on it. Shes been so sick and been looking forward to this baby.
I know, Son. They had all worried about Sarah. Ill go right home and get your mama. Shell want to come to be with Sarah. Shes real good with babies, too.
Wesley turned he wagon around and started for home as fast as he could coax the mules.
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