No, Really, It's OK

Charlotte's Web, Chapter 4

Mid-afternoon, they arrived at the Cedar Rapids airport in the height of winter. Jo had never seen such piles of snow lining the roads and landscape, and she tried her best not to comment on the 10 degree temperatures that caused her eyes and the inside of her nose to freeze. The walked toward the rental car area, and Alex shared, "Dude, this is crazy. Brings back memories, you know?" Jo simply grinned and held his hand in hers while she hoped the cold temperatures didn't turn her into an icicle. Alex kept taking long, deep breaths – he was obviously tense, and maybe even scared, about what would unfold in the days ahead.

Alex had spoken to both Amber and Sophie and determined that Sophie was stable enough that he could visit his mom prior to connecting with Sophie and Charlotte. Even though Jo had a solid medical education and was fully aware of Helen's schizophrenia, Alex was uneasy about introducing the two women. Helen could be so unpredictable, and Alex had no idea what story, real or imagined, she would share. Her behavior, even after years of intervention, was erratic and unpredictable.

Since her hospitalization during Alex's intern year, Helen had lived in home similar to a halfway house. Prior to that hospitalization, Helen had always returned home, gone off her meds because she felt better after a period of time, and then ended up relapsing. The home where she was placed helped prevent relapses by ensuring she took her medications. It was set on a nice piece of property with a pond and short walking trails. Helen was able to live a quiet, less stressful, and more predictable life that she enjoyed. The owners of the facility were gentle, patient, savvy people who were skilled at discerning when medications needed to be assessed and when subtle symptoms arose.

Alex didn't speak during the entire drive to the home. He was somewhat lost in his thoughts about Helen, Iowa, and his past. Jo gave him the silent space he needed and flipped through a magazine as they travelled. As they arrived at the home and parked the car, Alex told Jo, "I really hope she's having a good day." Jo smiled softly and pointed out that Helen and one of the caretakers were standing on the front porch. Alex suggested, "I'll bet she's been trying to wait outside all day and the poor nurse has had to keep bringing her inside to stay warm." Jo grinned, "Well, it's been awhile. I'm sure she's eager to see you." Alex shrugged in response.

Alex got out of the car and walked around to open Jo's door for her. Helen was beaming and shared aloud joyously, "That's him, Priscilla! That's my Alex." She clasped her hands together and alternated her weight between her legs. In her anticipation, she couldn't stand still. Alex could hear her clearly and grinned as he approached his mom and hugged her, "Hey, Mom. Good to see you."

Helen kissed Alex all over his face then put her hands on his cheeks, pulled back, smiled and kissed him all over his face again. Jo mustered her self-control to avoid taunting Alex about all the fuss. "And who is this?" Helen asked Alex as she looked at Jo with a smile. "Remember, Mom, I told you I got married. This is my wife, Jo." Helen clasped her hands in front of her and then spread them far apart, "Can we hug, Jo?" Jo stepped closer, smiled, and hugged Helen, saying, "Of course we can."

The caretaker encouraged them all to move inside where it was warmer. "My heart can't freeze when I'm full of all this joy," Helen exclaimed. Her caretaker gently redirected Helen inside and said, "I know. Oh, Helen, you are so happy." Helen leaned toward her caretaker and asked, "She's ok, that woman, right?" The caretaker assured Helen that Jo was no threat, stepping aside and quietly explaining to Alex, "She's been concerned about mind readers lately. We're working with Dr. Roan to adjust her Zyprexa and Invega doses." Alex nodded.

"Can I show you my paintings?" Helen asked Jo. Jo looked at Alex, who nodded and commented, "They're pretty cool." Jo followed Helen with Alex trailing behind. They entered a beautiful sunroom, full of easels, canvases, brushes, and paint. The windows looked out over the pond. The abstract artwork hung throughout the room and was bursting with color. Helen grasped Jo's hand with her right hand and grasped Alex's hand with her left as she took them from painting to painting and explained each one is great detail. Then Helen turned to Jo and said, "They tell me you just have to take one home. Which one?" Alex pursed his lips, realizing his mother was hearing voices. "Mom," Alex said with fake confusion, "I'm not hearing the voices." Helen looked at Alex insistently, "They are the good ones, Alex. No need to worry." Alex shook his head calmly and paused, "Nope…not hearing them, Mom." Helen smiled and said to Jo, "Oh the poor boy, he never did have good hearing." Alex just rolled his eyes and went along with his mom. Jo responded and smiled, "He doesn't always listen to what I have to say either."

The sofa caught Helen's eye and distracted her from the paintings. She led Alex and Jo to an overstuffed couch in the sunroom and asked them if they would like tea or coffee. Neither were prepared or readily available, except in her imagination. Alex answered before Jo had a chance, "Thanks, Mom. We're good. Maybe another time." Helen nodded and asked, "So do you have pictures of your wedding?" Jo frowned, "We do, but not with us." Helen sighed with disappointment, "Oh." Jo remembered there were a few pictures on her phone so she pulled it out and said, "Oh, wait, I have a few here." Jo leaned in and showed them to Helen, who relished in pointing out every detail and nuance in each shot. "Can I have copies of these, dear?" Helen asked. Jo nodded and said, "Absolutely. I will get them to you soon."

Alex looked on and was relieved to watch Helen and Jo interact and connect. Helen seldom liked meeting new people, but she connected to Jo right away. Luckily, Helen was having a fairly good day today. Their timing, by chance, was perfect. After admiring the pictures, Helen grasped Jo's hand and fussed over her large diamond engagement ring, saying with amusement "Well, Alex, did you rob a bank to buy this treasure?" "I did well, didn't I, Mom?" Alex replied with a grin.

"Now, Alex," Helen said to her son, "How is doctoring?" Alex shrugged and said, "It's good, Mom. Remember, I operate on children. I'm a surgeon. Actually, so is Jo." Helen's eyes widened in amazement, "Really? What a talented girl you've married, Alex." Alex nodded, "She's pretty amazing, Mom. She's wonderful." Jo sat there awkwardly as the two spoke as if she was not present. Helen asked Alex to tell her more about his job, and he shared some funny stories that he knew she'd enjoy. He kept trying to turn the topic around so he could hear about her and ask her questions, but Helen insisted on catching up on his news and life.

After two hours, Alex leaned his head toward the door as he caught Jo's glance. "Mom, we need to go, ok?" He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, and Jo bent down and gave Helen a hug, saying, "It was wonderful meeting you, Helen." Helen beamed, "Likewise. Now don't forget about those pictures." Jo smiled and assured her, "I'll send them to you soon."

As they walked out to the car, Alex said, "Thank God you met her on a good day. That's the best I've seen her in years. I guess they have finally made some progress on figuring out effective meds." Jo looked at Alex and said, "She is darling, and she seems happy here. The paintings were fantastic, Alex, and the look of love in her eyes when she looks at you is precious." Alex grinned, "Well, I've always been her favorite."