Chapter 6

Euince had just arrived at the Douglas farm that next morning. As much as she loved Lisa and wanted to help her, she didn't know how she'd handle another loved one who had shellshock. She prayed that God would give her strength to deal with it all.

As she knocked on the door, she heard Lisa scream. She wanted to rush in and comfort her, but the doorknob fell off. That scream was just heartbreaking.

"I'll be back, Lisa. Someone's at the front door. Remember, that was just a bad dream. You're safe", explained Oliver.

"Mother, thank goodness you are here. Could you please comfort Lisa while I make breakfast?" Oliver looked very tired. He had woken up every night this month to comfort Lisa. Comforting her and dealing with the mental disorder had taken a toll on him.

"I'd be glad to.", said Eunice. She dropped her suitcases and ran into the bedroom.

"Mother's here now dear.", said Eunice as she pulled up a chair next to the bed and gave Lisa a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

Lisa was half awake and confused and said "Mama", and started speaking in Hungarian thinking it was her mother.

"No darling, it's your mother in law", Eunice explained.

Lisa then fully woke up and realized who was there.

"Motha, vere is Olivah? Is today the day I see Dr. Williams?", asked Lisa.

"Yes, good morning dear. He's making breakfast. What does he make dear?", asked Eunice

"Ve, usually have toast and fruit", replied Lisa.

"That's nice dear. I think we should get you into a nice warm bath. How does that sound?"

"Ok,"said Lisa.

"Would you like me to draw it for you", asked Euinice.

"I'll do it Motha.", replied Lisa

As soon as Lisa was in the bathroom, Eunice went to go talk to Oliver.

"Oliver, is Lisa usually confused when she wakes up from her nightmares? The poor dear thought I was her mother. She was speaking Hungarian when she woke up.", Eunice said.

"Oh, well sometimes she thinks I'm Komandat Schultz at first. Then she fully opens her eyes and sees me.",said Oliver.

"I'm so glad that Connie moved out here. When she told me what she was doing, moving here, I was upset. Now it seems like a miracle. She said she works a lot with people who've gone through trauma.", explained Eunice.

"Mother I'm so glad that Lisa will be able to get to be treated by her", said Oliver

"Me too dear, me too", said Eunice.

Lisa came to breakfast a few minutes later. After breakfast, Oliver greeted her and tried giving her a kiss, but she turned her cheek. She had been doing this lately and it hurt Oliver. He knew it was her illness, but wanted to show her his love again.

"Dahling I have to go put on some makeup and put on some jewelry. Then I'll be back", said Lisa.

"I'll see you in a few minutes then, honey", said Oliver

After Lisa had gone to the bedroom, Eunice remarked about Lisa's turning away from the kiss..

"Why would that frighten her? ", she asked.

"Mother as sad as this sounds and as hard as it is for me to think about that this might be true, I think the Nazis tried to show her affection. She's had some flashbacks when I've kissed her. She fight s me like she's trying to stop me. I can't stop wondering what all happened to her. I wish I knew, what 's going on in her mind sometimes", said Oliver.

"Oh do you think those monsters did something?"Oh my goodness Oliver. No wonder she doesn't want affection, if she was hurt. I wonder if we'll ever know what happened", asked Eunice.

"I hope one day she can remember without fear", said Oliver.

"I think that's just what Connie will help her to do. I hope she will.", said Eunice

Lisa then walked into the room. Her appointment was soon and she was anxious to get there. She knew that something was wrong with her. She hated it all. She prayed that Dr. Williams could help her.

About an hour later Lisa and Oliver had arrived at Dr. Williams's office in Pixley. When Dr. Williams saw Lisa's outfit she was surprised at She could tell by Lisa's outfit she was not a Pixley native. In fact it was like an outfit she owned herself. It was vey "New York." After Lisa and Oliver both introduced themselves, Oliver stayed in the waiting room and Lisa stepped into the office. She liked the warmth and caring attitude Dr. Williams had. It made her feel at ease.

Soon after Lisa had sat down, Dr. Williams asked her some opening question, like age, ethnic origin and religion. She told Lisa that it was important to gather this information to help her."What brings you here today?"

Lisa then went on to explain her symptoms very rapidly. She was very nervous.

Dr. Williams made a note of Lisa's nervous state and continued asking specific questions about her symptoms.

She asked Lisa what was the main reason she had come.

Lisa said, "I don't vant to live like this anymore. I vant you to help me."

"I'll do the best I can", replied Dr. Williams with a genuine smile.

She continued questioning Lisa, trying to see what mental disorder/disorders she might have. She asked about hospital stays while getting information about her medical history. Lisa told her that she had been in one set up by the Red Cross twenty years ago. When asked further questions about it Lisa declined answering and had a faraway look of sorrow for a moment.

Dr. Williams then went on to get Lisa's family history. For the first time in the interview, Lisa lit up and talked about her family in glowing terms, until mentioning that her parents were no longer with her. She then began sobbing. Dr. Williams then gave her a tissue.

"Lisa, I'd like to ask you about your life history", said Dr. Williams. She then asked her about her life starting with questions about her infancy and childhood. Lisa seemed to remember her childhood as wondefull. When asked about her teenage years, she seemed sad again. When asked about if she had had a boyfriend, she became pale.

"I don't vant to talk about that. I had a boyfriend, but I think he vas killed during the Var, the same vay mother and father ver, Nazis. I'm talking fast because I'm afraid of those things, flashbacks." Lisa had fear in her voice when she mentioned this. She continued to describe in a fast, nervous voice what had happened at the concentration camp, Mauthausen, without much detail. She indicated that it was there where Oliver saved her life by taking her to the Red Cross hospital.

Dr. Williams asked Lisa," I know you have been through a lot, but I have to ask this, were you abused at Mauthausen?" She had a genuine look of concern on her face.

"Yes, That is vat my nightmares are about." Said Lisa, hoping that a flashback would not occur now.

Dr. Williams heard this and now understood that Lisa was probably suffering from PTSD because of her past. She continued to find out about Lisa's history up until the present. Lisa talked about how happy she had been in New York and how active she had been with her friends in a national organization for racial equality, going to the Opera and Sympony and parties with her mother in law's friends. She then talked about the terror of moving to the country, because of a friend who had shell shock in the countryside.

"Lisa, I think I know what your illness is. It's called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It used to be called shell shock". I will give you a handout on it. Next time we meet we can start treatment", explained Dr. Williams.

"You know vat I have? You can stop the feeling of terror, flashbacks, and my ability to show love?"

"I will do my best Lisa. I suggest you set up another appointment for this week.", said Dr. Williams with a smile

Lisa did not know the last time she had felt hope like this before. She left the office thanking God for Dr. Williams.