"Wind, Sand, and Stars" part 3
By Rita Widmer
Dedication: Of course there is no question this story is dedicated to the WASP, but I have to add another dedication to this story, a personal one. A week and a half ago, I found out my mentor/ex-professor had passed away. He was a WWII expert and veteran who had a very special way of bring history alive in his courses he taught for over 50 years. He made my love for WWII grow even more over my 4 years in college.
She had been waiting for this moment for as long as she knew she was coming to visit. The welcomes from her other family members went by in a blur as her mind and heart concentrated on this one moment.
Her heart ached for the sight in front of her. The uncle she loved dearly was no longer the man she remembered. Instinct for her was to pretend it didn't exist, but that would be lying and that would hurt them more than any temporary relief.
"It's so great to see you, Uncle Shirley!" It was the truth, and I bent down to hug him. As I held him, I whispered in his ear, "There is so much we need to talk about, but it will have to wait until after the party." I feel him nod, I knew he understood. Straightening up to my full height I turn to his wife, Una to greet her. Not mentioning to anyone what I was feeling at that moment. I hoped they all understood, and in her eyes I found quiet understanding.
For tonight there was a party to celebrate at Ingleside and not about illness.
Anne woke up slightly confused by her new surroundings, but within moments she knew where she was. She was in the twins' old room where they grew up. Putting on her robe, she headed downstairs to the kitchen where she knew she would find any woken up family members.
Entering she could smell the morning goodies and she saw her grandmother and Susan sitting at the table have a glass of tea.
"Good morning, gosh, I miss the smell of this kitchen."
"Good morning, sit down and have some tea. There is nothing like Susan's cooking," said the elder Anne. "How did you sleep?"
"I could never not be able to sleep here, Grandma, but I'm worried," I say as I sit down with a cup of tea. "What's wrong with Uncle Shirley?"
"He had a bad bout with Scarlet Fever, darling. He'll probably live for years to come, but he'll never be the same man. If possible he's even quieter. I'm hoping maybe you can do something for him Anne."
"Me? I don't even know how to react to seeing him this way. I'm sorry."
"Do what your heart tells you. It will never fail you."
"I still don't know, but I'll try my best. You think he'll be proud of my choice to be a pilot for the military?"
I snicker slightly as I hear Susan tsk tsking to my left at that. Dear old conservative Susan.
"Now Susan, we live in a different world then when we grew up. Women are making great headways."
"Women were made to take care of the home, Mrs. Dr. Dear, or be a nurse if they have to partake in war," said Susan indignantly.
"Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife support us, Susan, and high level military men. Not just anyone is allowed to join either. We have to all pass background checks, physical exams, and have our pilot's license before even joining. We can't go to fight either, Susan, and part of me is glad that we can't. We're making sure our men can do the hard work while we get things done here."
Susan huffed next to me, and I knew the debate was over. I didn't win in her eyes, but she knows it was useless to continue on. She's right in that, because I won't budge. I turn to look at Grandma, and I see the twinkle in her eye.
The buzzer breaks the silence that surrounds us. My stomach growls as the smell of the food reach it.
"If I could cook as well as you, Susan, I would be willing to sit at home and take care of a house. I'm no housewife no matter how Mother has tried to teach me."
As conversation starts up once again, I hear Grandpa moving around upstairs. We are all awake now, and the beginning of a new day is to start.
"Grandma, are there plans for today?"
"No, I figured you would want to visit Shirley today."
"I do, but before then I'm going to go down to Rainbow Valley after breakfast. I've got some things to think about before talking to him."
The physical distance to Uncle Shirley's home is not far, but the mental distance was much greater. Now I stand before his door gathering all the courage to knock on the door.
She didn't know right now she was being watched by Una from the kitchen window. The door slowly opened up on Anne standing there.
"Come in, Anne. He's expecting you, but just as nervous," said Una.
"Thanks, Aunt Una, how's he doing?"
"He's all right. Don't let it get to you. It's better to get this done with now then to let sit and simmer."
I nod knowing it was the truth. We enter the parlor where my uncle sat in his comfy chair. Out of the wheelchair I could almost imagine him sitting there like any other time I've visited his home. His eyes are shut, and his once red hair is falling on his face slightly. I go up to him and kiss his forehead to let him know I'm here.
"Anne," he sighs.
"It's me, Uncle."
"I'm so glad you were able to come to visit."
"So am I. I don't know when I will be able to visit again."
"The war is nowhere near the end. There's so much more to do."
"Yes there is, and I'm going to do my part."
"You're going to become a nurse?"
I can hear the teasing note in his voice. "I faint at the sight of blood. Not for me, but flying is for me. I'm going to be a pilot in the WASP."
"The world's changed a lot to allow women to fly in combat."
"It hasn't changed that much, at least not in the US. The Russians allow their women to fly in combat."
"What will you be doing?"
"Training men and women, transport planes, do test flights, and much more."
"Is this what you really want?"
"Yes, Uncle Shirley. I won't ask you to promise me, but I have a favor to ask you. Will you pin my wings on when I graduate?"
TBC…
AN: Thank you everyone for the wonderful reviews. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. There's one or two more chapters left of her time in Canada, and then we get down to the real action.