Chapter One Hundred Three: Complications & Family Matters

When Nathan returned upstairs, he knew instantly, he had to get Carson, and he had to get him now.

He raced down the Stairs without even saying a word, but, thankfully, as he opened the Front Door, there was Carson, stepping up to the Front Porch.

"Hurry, Carson, please! She's in a really bad way! Burning up!"

Carson raced up the Stairs, with Nathan just behind.

"Elizabeth, I think it's best that you take Little Jack to your Room," ordered Carson.

Allie was starting to convulse.

Elizabeth nodded with tears in her eyes and turned to lift her Son from his Crib.

She held Jack so that his head was turned toward the door in case he woke up, yet she still couldn't leave Allie.

"It's okay, Lisbeth, I'm here for both of us," nodded Nathan.

She nodded back and finally turned, but since Jack was still asleep, she placed pillows around him on her bed, in case he wakened, and went straight back to be with Allie.

Carson took a packet of acetylsalicylic acid powder from his bag and quickly mixed it with the water sitting by Allie's bed.

"Lift her up, Nathan, to almost a sitting position. I don't want her choking on this."

The good Doctor tried to get Allie to drink it, but she couldn't, so he took a dropper from inside his bag and slowly dropped the antipyretic into her mouth, a single drop at a time, pausing between drops to massage her throat with his other hand, in an effort to get her to swallow.

Elizabeth had never seen so much pain in Nathan's eyes, and she was sure her own reflected the same pain along with outright fear.

They just couldn't lose Allie, not Allie.

"Allie Bean, you listen to Daddy, you can't leave us. Please, please, Allie don't leave us. We're a Team you and me. We stay together, always. It's you and me. You stay with me, Allie, you hear me?"

But Nathan saw the greyish cast across her face, and in that very instant, with everything he had, he knew he had to accept God's Will for Allie.

And he had to let God know, no matter how much it devastated him, that somehow, unknown to him how, he would place Allie in God's Hands, and he would accept the outcome, however terrible it might be.

He could no longer pray without doing that one most painful, but necessary, thing.

Because he was no longer in control.

Because only God knew best for Allie.

And because only God was in control.

Nathan breathed in deeply and prepared to do the one thing he knew he had to do for Allie's good.

He gave Allie completely back to God, and although it was the most excruciating thing he had ever done in his life, he did it.

Deep inside, he knew God had made Allie and He had only loaned Allie to him. And only God could help Allie now. He could not…

And he would have the faith that God would not only know but that He would do what was the very best for Allie.

"Please, Dear God, I've done my best by Allie from the time she was born. I've had her alone with me since she was four, and I've taught her to love You and to worship You. I've taught her to be kind and to always try to do the right thing. Please be with Allie right now. If it is her time," and Nathan literally choked on the words, "take her gently and place her in Colleen's arms. But if it's not her time, help us to know what to do to save her! She has so much living left to do, and we adore her. We need her, too! Elizabeth and I can't begin to imagine life without her, and Little Jack needs her. But all this is in Your Hands. I place her completely in Your Hands. And I ask that whatever happens, you surround her with Your Arms and Your Love."

Carson was taken aback, as he had never seen a Parent be able to give their Child so completely to God, not when their Life was hanging in the balance, but that's exactly what Nathan had just done.

He loved Allie that much.

Both Nathan and Elizabeth had tears silently flowing down their cheeks.

But Nathan never once let loose of Allie's hand, and he never once stopped talking to her, soothing her, telling her how very much she meant to him, telling her how very much she was loved, telling her to take comfort in her Heavenly Father….

Elizabeth kept wetting fresh Towels for Carson to bathe Allie in.

Everyone, including Carson, was crying, and no one could speak a word, except for the words from Nathan that were meant for Allie, alone.

The Night wore on, painfully and slowly.

The shadow of death surrounded them, and no one knew if it would succeed in taking this precious soul from them.

Nathan never left Allie's side.

The only time Elizabeth left the room was to get fresh cold water, along with ice to help bring Allie's fever down, and to quickly check on Little Jack, who was soundly sleeping the night through.

It was as though God was protecting Little Jack from seeing his beloved Allie so sick.

Carson was so worried, he began to up the doses of acetylsalicylic acid powder, thinking that perhaps, Allie would be able to tolerate a higher Adult dose, given the direness of the situation.

Hour, by hour passed, and Nathan never once stopped talking to Allie, or holding her hand.

Finally, just as the morning light started to stream in through the window, Nathan knelt his head over Allie, and continued to pray.

Elizabeth was watching them both, and she saw Allie open her eyes just slightly and turn her head toward the glass of water lying on the bedside table.

Elizabeth noticed instantly, and grabbed a spoon, and reached to give Allie a small sip of the cold water.

At first, Allie sputtered it out, but reached again toward the spoon.

Carson was unsure, but Allie swallowed the second sip slowly, and Elizabeth scooted in by Nathan, to sit by Allie on the bed, soothing her, telling her she had done such a good job to swallow it!

Then Elizabeth just climbed into bed with Allie and held her close, as a Mother does.

The bedclothes were wet, but Elizabeth realized touching Allie, that she wasn't nearly as hot.

"I think her fever's broken!"

Nathan instantly placed his hand over Allie's forehead.

"Praise God, it has! Look, Carson. She's not nearly as feverish!"

Carson took his Thermometer and tucked it under Allie's arm.

As he took it out, he was amazed.

"It's not normal, but her temp sure is on its way down! Yes, Praise God! I honestly didn't think we were going to make it through this! Can't tell you how relieved and happy I am!"

Nathan got up and sat down on Allie's other side.

"Allie Bean, you're going to be okay!"

And he reached to kiss her.

"Daddy…"

"Daddy's right here, Sweetheart!"

"Mommy, I saw Mommy!"

And no one in the Room doubted for one second that she had.

Morning came with much gratitude and joy.

In fact, it would be more accurate to say jubilance.

Allie had made it through the night, and although she was still groggy, her fever was now, thankfully, only a low grade one.

Little Jack was crying for his Allie, so much so that Elizabeth finally gave up.

"Now, Jack, Allie's very sick. You have to stay in your bed and watch her, okay! At least till she feels better!"

But that wasn't about to happen!

Jack pretty much pulled away from his Mother's arms, scrambling across the big guest bed, and nestled up against Allie, who sleepily put her arm around him.

"I give up!" pronounced Elizabeth.

"Darling, let them be together. It will do them both good!" suggested Nathan.

"Actually, I don't think you're going to be able to keep those two apart. It's okay, Elizabeth. It's probably as good for Allie as it is for Jack. If you all think you can manage, I'll head toward the Infirmary, but not unless, you promise to call me if there's the slightest change at all. We're out of the woods for now, but I want to make sure we stay that way, you both understand?"

"Yes, Carson. We're not going anywhere, and I promise if we need you for anything, I'll run to use Lee's phone."

"Then I'll take my leave. But I do want you to continue to give this to Allie along with her other medicine. Also try to get her to drink as much fluid as she can, and get her up to walk a bit every hour or so. We can't have her getting pneumonia! Oh, and make her breathe into one of these bags a few times every hour. Try to get her to expand it to full capacity. It will help her lungs grow stronger. Oh, and the fluid goes for Jack, too!"

"We promise!" said Elizabeth, as she added these to her growing list of instructions. "And thank you so much Carson. You saved Allie for us."

"No, I don't think I can take credit for that. That was all God's doing, and oddly enough, I think Nathan's, for giving her fully back to Him!"

Nathan walked Carson downstairs.

"Carson, thank you for saving my little Girl! She wouldn't have made it without you, Carson. I don't know how we could have lived without her."

"I don't know that you weren't the one to turn things around, Nathan. But as for my small part, it's my job, and my pleasure! We both definitely had some help from God on this one! You and Elizabeth take turns and get some rest, too! I'll check back in on them this evening, if I don't see you before then!"

Nathan nodded, then went to the Kitchen to let out Rex and Reggie.

He then scrambled some Eggs, made some Toast, and poured some Juice, watering it down for the Children. Then he warmed the Coffee from last night, and poured him and Elizabeth a cup.

Then he placed everything, along with the Butter, Blueberry and Strawberry Jams, on a huge tray, and opened the door to check on the Pups.

They were in like a flash, and they were ready to see their Master and Mistress!

So, Nathan let them follow him up the Stairway, and allowed them up on the Bed with the Children.

But as the Children were still asleep, Rex and Reggie just laid down beside them and went soundly to sleep, too, just content to be in the presence of Allie and Jack!

"Here's Breakfast, Love!"

"Oh, Nathan, I don't think I can."

"You've got to keep your strength up. Doctors Orders!" and Nathan set the tray down on the dresser and took Elizabeth's hand moving her to the Rocker.

Then he grabbed a footstool which, he pulled close to her and sat on.

He picked up the tray, setting it between them, and said a prayer of thanks.

"Dear Father, we will never be able to thank You enough for giving Allie back to us. We are most grateful and we thank You from the depths of our hearts for the miracle of rebirth you have given her. We thank you for being with both of the Children and with us. May this food give us sustenance, and may we know what we need to do to help both Allie and Jack recover. In your Precious Name, Amen!"

"Amen!"

"Now, this is quite the picture!" smiled Nathan as he looked over at Allie, Jack, and the Pups.

"It is, isn't it?" smiled Elizabeth. "That's our Family, Darling!"

And she reached to kiss his cheek.

"Hey, what did you do to these Eggs? They're so fluffy!"

"I have my secrets!"

"Well, you'd better share or you'll be making the Eggs from here on out!"

"Now, that sounds like a threat!"

"Spill it now, kind Sir!"

"A teaspoonful of Mayo whipped in! Don't ask me how I know," he laughed. "Oh, and my apologies for the Coffee. It's warmed up from last night. I'll make us a fresh Pot later!"

"Fair enough. Well, the Mayo works beautifully, Love!"

Nathan and Elizabeth finished their Breakfast, and realized they were going to have to wake up their Children to try to get them to eat a bite, too!

Allie was having nothing, but a drink or two of watered-down Juice, and Elizabeth really couldn't blame her. She had been through a lot. Eating would come in time.

Jack, on the other hand, Measles or no, was ready to chow down, of course giving half of his morning Meal to Rex and Reggie, who were beyond thrilled!

"Oh, no Jack just fed the Pups! Can they get Measles, Nathan?"

"No, Love. Dogs can't get Measles, Distemper maybe, which is similar. But it's not caught from humans. I promise!"

"Well, that's a relief!"

"Poor Little Guy, look at how much more he's broken out!" noted Nathan.

"Oh, my goodness! He is, isn't he? Nathan do you think you could hold Allie and Jack, so I can remake the Bed. They need clean sheets and quilts! Maybe take them in on my bed till I finish?"

"Of course, let me get Allie first!"

Nathan lifted Allie, "Allie Bean, we're just going to change your bed so you and Jack will be more comfortable."

After he got her settled in Elizabeth's room, he returned to get Jack and the Pups.

But when he brought Jack into the room, Allie had wakened and had tears in her eyes.

"Am I okay, Daddy? Really okay?"

"Princess, you are perfect! You are really okay! I promise."

But Allie was still unsure.

She needed to talk to her Dad.

"I saw Mommy. She was so beautiful."

Nathan smiled remembering just how beautiful his Sister was.

"Did she say anything to you, Allie?" asked Nathan softly, knowing his Daughter had more to say.

"Yes."

But Allie wasn't quite ready for that. So, she paused…and Nathan patiently waited till she was.

"Daddy, she held me and smiled at me. She even sang to me and then she kissed me goodbye. Right here," and Allie very weakly reached her hand toward her right cheek.

"She loves me so much."

"Yes, she does, Allie," and Nathan's eyes teared remembering just how very much his Sister loved her Daughter.

"I was worried Mommy was going to get old, but she's not, Daddy. She's not old at all. She's just like when she left us."

Nathan choked back tears.

"She said she was proud of me, Daddy, and that she was proud of you. That we are a Family. And that Mrs. Thornton is going to be my new Mama. She told me to love her…"

Allie drifted away again in the middle of her sentence.

But it didn't matter.

Colleen was okay and she had seen her Daughter.

And yes, Nathan knew, her Daughter had seen her.

Saturday stretched out before them as a Day that was solely dedicated to one purpose, getting the Children better.

But before they even made it to Lunchtime, Jesse had appeared with a huge Lunch that Clara had prepared for the two Households overtaken by Measles.

It was so thoughtful of her, and there was a Stew with Homemade Bread to cover Dinner as well!

Nathan and Elizabeth were overcome with gratitude as neither wanted to leave the Children for any long length of time to cook.

Now, things didn't exactly go smoothly throughout the day, in either household, as caring for a sick Child never does go without its glitches.

And yes, with the "d" word as a common complication of Measles, there were numerous accidents, especially with the Little One! Bedclothes as well as pajamas had to be changed and washed several times! And needless to say, there were numerous baths.

Also, Little Jack couldn't resist feeding Rex and Reggie, so there were Pup baths as well, combing out matted tangles that were bound by gooey butter and jam and more!

There were other times food seemed to be all over Jack and the bed.

Then of course there were times when there were tears and a little grumbly attitude!

And there were lots of stories, mostly for Jack's entertainment, as Allie was still very groggy, and was mostly sleeping the whole day through.

So many stories, that both Nathan and Elizabeth were running out of them!

But overall the mayhem of the day was at least survived, and Nathan and Elizabeth rose to the occasion, as was demanded, like troupers.

By the end of the day, however, they were both exhausted, but without any complaints whatsoever, as both were just so relieved to still have Allie with them.

Rosemary was busy getting the hang of caring for a sick Child for the very first time, although she was exhausted due to her pregnancy. Finally, Lee put her to bed with Frederic, so he could be the sole caretaker for both of them, if only to give his pregnant wife some much-needed rest.

Allie didn't really come to, till late in the evening, but thankfully her fever was now only slightly elevated.

Although both Nathan and Elizabeth had done their best to see that Allie walked every hour, it was Nathan and Elizabeth doing most of the walking.

They also made sure to give her prescribed medicine exactly on time as instructed.

And although Allie hated it, they made her regularly breathe into one of the bags Carson had left. They were not about to let her get Pneumonia, which was a commonly known complication of the Measles, especially in older Children.

And Carson had been right again, although Little Jack was broken out the most, he also was the most resilient. The biggest problem with him was keeping his "Puffets" from scratching, and keeping him greased up with his anti-itching lotion.

And of course, trying to control the rather unpleasant side effect Little Jack was experiencing, which caused Elizabeth to finally give up and put him back in diapers, which made the Little Tyke even more agitated, as he was none too happy about his Mother's solution!

But it was also obvious the Little Guy was worried about his Allie, and he stayed as close to her as possible, in his little mind showering her with love, so she had no choice but to get better.

While she was sleeping, he would reach over and pat her every few moments, or reach to give her a sloppy kiss.

Once he put Reggie on her tummy, although Elizabeth was quick to remove the little Pup.

"Jack, Allie needs her space. You let Reggie lay here with Rex!"

"Can you believe Rex and Reggie are being so good, like they know the Children can't play, but they don't dare want to leave them!" asked Nathan.

"I know, it's really sweet, isn't it, Nathan?"

"Yes, it is. There's a whole lot of love in that Bed! Do you think the Children could eat some of Clara's Soup now, if I go heat it up?" asked Nathan.

"Let's try!"

Nathan kissed Elizabeth on her forehead, "I'd better take the Pups out, too!"

He had already taken the tray downstairs earlier on a trek to get more fresh cold water for bathing, so he grabbed both Pups up, and decided he'd better carry them downstairs, instead of risking any accidents.

And although Rex and Reggie hadn't been at all happy about leaving Allie and Jack, they were delighted to be able to run outside.

Nathan looked through the Hamper of Food, and put the thermos of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup on to heat. Clara had also sent Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwiches for the Kids, along with Apples and several different kinds of Cookies.

He placed the Soup on the stove and also put on a kettle to make some Hot Tea, not being sure at all about what liquid the Children would actually be able to keep down.

He also put on a second pot for Coffee, as both he and Elizabeth were going to need it to get through the rest of the Day.

And then it hit Nathan…

They had gone from the most beautiful Wedding Celebration to almost losing Allie in a matter of hours, and neither he nor Elizabeth had even had time to let that sink in.

When that thought hit him, Nathan broke down, realizing how very close he had come to losing his Daughter forever. He sat at the table, his body wracked with pain, his head bent over his folded arms, and all he could do was sob.

Elizabeth heard him from upstairs, but she couldn't leave the Children, and her heart broke, knowing how very closely they had come to an unspeakable loss.

"Be with him, God. Calm him and comfort him as only You can do," she prayed.

Nathan sat stunned by the reality of Allie's close brush with Death.

But, then it was as though, a calm settled about him, and the pain was replaced by a flood of gratitude, like he had never known before.

God was letting him know it was his faith that had made the difference.

And the verse came to him from Matthew 17:20…

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (*57)

He wiped his eyes, and finished prepping Clara's Meal, placing everything on the old battered Tray. He then called Rex and Reggie back in, who flew straight back upstairs to the Children, running in front of him.

Standing in the doorway, Elizabeth could tell Nathan had found a degree of peace, and she was so grateful.

He finally could almost smile, through the somewhat still haggard look on his face.

"Here, Love, you eat first. I'll feed the Children," offered Nathan.

Allie was sleeping, so Nathan went to Jack first.

"Here, Big Guy, time for Soup and a Sandwich!"

Nathan sat down on the edge of the Bed and Jack crawled up in his lap.

"Pic…nic!"

"Yes, picnic, Son! Yummy Chicken Noodle Soup! And we've got your favorite, Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwiches!"

"Yummy!"

Nathan smiled, "The Measles aren't going to take your appetite, are they, Big Guy?"

Elizabeth smiled watching Nathan with her Son, their Son.

Jack was smiling up at his 'Na'tan' and eating like he was starved.

And for that, Elizabeth was very thankful!

Apparently, Carson was right, Little Tykes, or at least this Little Tyke, handled the Measles much easier than older ones. At least, most certainly in this case. Besides, apart from the initial fever, the spots, the dreaded "d," and bouts of grumpiness, Jack was in fairly good shape.

Jack ate half a bowl of his Soup and had Peanut Butter and Honey smeared all over his face, so Nathan got up to dampen a Washcloth and wipe him down.

But by the time he returned, Jack had smeared the Peanut Butter and Honey all over Rex and Reggie's faces, trying to share with them as well!

"Okay, Little Man, you first, then Rex and Reggie! Why there's my Boy under all that Peanut Butter! I thought I had lost him!" laughed Nathan.

"Honey!" shouted Jack.

"Yes, Honey, too, you little Honey Bear! GR!" growled Nathan.

Jack giggled back, and stuffed part of his uneaten Sandwich into Nathan's mouth!

"Jack!" shouted Elizabeth, but her Son only laughed, as did Nathan.

"You think we ought to let Allie sleep?" asked Nathan.

"Yes, Love. She needs all the sleep she can get. Besides if she just slept through you two, she's good. I'll warm her Soup back up later. But, I want you to go lay down, Nathan. Go use my Bed. You're about to drop."

"No, I'll just curl up here with the Children. But are you sure you're okay?"

"Positive. I'll watch Allie. You curl up with Jack."

Jack loved that idea.

Nathan scooted the Pups over into the middle of the bed, below Jack, and tried to settle in beside Jack.

Elizabeth couldn't help but giggle as Nathan's feet hung over the Bed, so he curled his legs up and Jack in turn, curled his little body into the crook that was left by Nathan's bent legs.

Elizabeth got up and spread a quilt over her Boys, and it was no time at all, that both were fast asleep.

Elizabeth drank a second cup of Coffee to keep herself awake, and she noticed Allie seemed to be breathing easier, which was a very good thing.

"Thank you, Dear God!" she whispered.

Allie had also broken out quite a bit more since her fever had broken.

But this was also good.

"Mrs. Thornton?"

"Yes, Allie!" and Elizabeth was immediately by Allie's side.

"Mommy said I should love you just like I do her."

Elizabeth kissed Allie's forehead.

"And I do…" whispered Allie.

"Oh, Allie, I love you just like I do Jack," whispered Elizabeth. "It's exactly the same because just like he's my Son, you're my Daughter, Sweetheart.

And Allie smiled.

It was a weak smile, but it was a smile, and Elizabeth knew that whatever Allie had experienced, she finally knew that Elizabeth really did love her the same as Jack.

And in that instant, Elizabeth truly became Allie's Mother.

(*57) King James Bible, Matthew 17:20, Public Domain