Chapter: 10
Laura is just getting home from her first weekend of her sewing job in Tilden MN. Almanzo has picked her up because Charles needed to take Mary to doctor Baker's because she was having trouble seeing to read. Almanzo helps Laura off the wagon and takes her inside and Laura with concern asks, "Ma, how is Mary?"
Caroline answers, "I'm not sure they are still at Dr. Baker's."
"Oh Ma, I hope she is ok and not going blind too!'' Laura says with a little tear in her eye.
Caroline replies, "Laura, No need to think that!"
Meanwhile in Dr. Baker's office, Dr. Baker is examining Mary. After examining Mary's eyes he gives Mary some candy and says, "I'll be back. I need to talk to your Pa in the waiting room."
Mary is eating her candy and Dr. Baker is talking to Charles and says, "Charles, I think the scarlet fever Mary had when she was younger is taking affect on her eyes."
Charles has a look of concern, "What are you telling me Dr. Baker? Mary is going blind too?"
Dr. Baker puts his hand on Charles' shoulder, ''I don't know Charles. I think you should get a second opinion in Mankato."
Charles a bit worried says, "Thank you, Dr. Baker, today is Saturday I'll take her on Monday."
Mary and Charles are heading back home and Mary asks, ''Pa, What did Dr. Baker say about my eyes?"
Charles trying to think of a way to tell her without making Mary worry says, ''Dr. Baker isn't sure and thinks we should get a second opinion in Mankato."
"Why Pa?" Mary asked.
"Not sure Mary, We will see what Dr. Burke says on Monday." Charles answers.
There is quiet the rest of the way home.
They arrive home Laura runs out to them and asks, ''Mary how are you? I was worried."
Charles giving Laura a hug says, ''Laura, No need to worry, lets go inside."
Caroline is inside making supper, she turns to Charles and asks, 'What did Dr. Baker say?"
Charles answers, ''We need to go to Mankato for a second opinion, no need to talk about it now, lets just have our supper."
Charles and Caroline are laying in bed trying to sleep but can't when Carolina asks, "Charles is there something wrong with Mary that you haven't told me?"
Charles turns over and hugging his wife tightly saying, ''I didn't want to worry anyone but Dr. Baker says, 'Mary's scarlet fever she had when she was younger might be causing her'..."
Caroline stops Charles mid-sentence and starts to cry, "Oh Charles, don't say Mary is going blind too!"
Charles still holding Caroline, "Don't worry we'll see what Dr. Burke says on Monday."
Charles gives Caroline a kiss goodnight.
The next morning about 4am before they could even get Mary to Mankato. Mary wakes up opens her eyes and starts yelling, "Pa, Ma, help me, I can't see."
Laura, Carrie, Caroline and Charles wakes up from the yelling. Caroline looks at Charles, "Charles, Mary!"
"Caroline hold Carrie and stay here. I'll check on Mary." Charles says.
Mary is yelling as Charles is climbing the ladder up to the loft, "Ma, Pa, I can't see help!"
Charles is now holding Mary and saying, ''Mary it's going to be ok."
Laura is in the bed next to Mary and beginning to cry, ''Oh, Mary not you too!?"
Charles says as he is heading down the stairs, "I'm going to get Dr. Baker."
At Dr. Baker's office Charles knocks on the door. Dr. Baker answers and Charles says, "I'm sorry to wake you so early but Mary woke up and can't see."
Dr. Baker and Charles are heading to the Ingalls' place and arrive. Mary is calmed down. Dr. Baker asks Mary as he is checking her eyes, ''Mary how do you feel?"
Mary answers, "Fine, but I can't see."
Dr. Baker turns to Charles and Caroline and says, "It's the scarlet fever that caused Mary to go blind."
Before Dr. Baker leaves Charles again says, ''Dr. Baker I'm sorry for waking you so early. Thank you for coming out. I'll see you in Church."
Charles sees Dr. Baker off and he heads back inside the house. There is silence in the Ingalls' home. Then Charles says, ''We will make it through this, lets have breakfast and go to Church."
They are having their breakfast and Carrie asks, ''Mary can I help you eat something?"
Mary answers, "Carrie, No, I'm not hungry but thank you." and than Mary asks Pa, "Pa, Do I have to go to Church today? I don't feel like it."
''Yes, Mary, We all should go. Our strength comes from the Lord."
"Ok Pa." Mary says in a understanding way.
After Church service Charles is sitting in the Church by himself thinking, and praying when Rev. Alden comes back in from talking with folks outside. Rev. Alden says to Charles, "Sorry, Charles I didn't mean to bother you, is there something I can help you with?"
Charles looks up, sees Rev. Alden and says wiping tears from his eyes, "Rev. Alden my daughter, Mary woke up this morning not being able to see. Laura went blind a year ago at 11 years old and now Mary at 14. Dr. Baker said it was the scarlet fever from years ago. How am I to handle two girls being blind?"
Rev. Alden is saying as he puts his hand on Charles' shoulder, ''There is a purpose for everything. When Laura went blind and went to the Blind School she was able to help Almanzo's brother, Jonathan to get the help he needed. You should have Mary go to the Blind School too."
That evening at the supper table Charles says to Mary, ''I think it would be a good idea for you to go to the Blind School in February with Laura."
Mary answers, ''Yes Pa."
To Be Continued...