Chapter 47
It was the week before Jarrick's birthday. Jack was out in the shed with Tom and William. They all decided to clean it out and make it just for Jarrick's trains. Jack has made a bigger platform for all the train tracks. William, Tom, and Jack has went together and bought enough tracks to cover the platform and hills and mountains that Jack had made. There were trees, buildings, people, streets that Jack had painted, street signs, a tunnel through the mountains, wild animals, animals on the farm. When they were finished, they stood up and looked at what they had created. William says, Jarrick is going to be so excited when he sees this! Jack said, I truly hope so. Tom gently slapped his back and said, son you know how much that boy loves trains! He will love it!
They head in the house for lunch. Beth was sit it on the table as the came in. She says, perfect timing! You can get washed up while I fix the drinks! Everyone sat around the table, Daniel was banging his spoon on his high chair. Beth doesn't say anything and put more chopped vegetables in his bowl. Charlie ate with her fingers. Jack was feeding Beckie. Beckie ate really slow. The conversation continued around the table until William asked, what are we doing for Jarrick's birthday? Well we are having a party here on Saturday then Jack is taking him camping overnight. William and Tom asks, would it be alright if we come? Jack looks at William and asks, have you ever been camping? William chuckles and replies, no but it's just for one night! Tom speaks up and asks, how about I get Tommy to come along? It will be just like old times! Jack said, sounds good! William, we'll have to get you a sleeping bag. Sounds good, he replies! Beth spoke up and says, I sent all the invitations with Jarrick to take to school on Monday. I've got 18 RSVPs. Oh wow, maybe we should move this party outside, Jack said. Beth laughs and says, it's already planned for outside. I need everyone here Saturday morning to help decorate! The party is at 1:00. That way you all will be able to get back to the camp ground before it gets to lay to set everything up! Beth have we got Jarrick's birthday gift yet? Yes, I got him 2 train cars, some clothes, and a book about trains. Ok, we got his train station all put together! Wow I can't believe he's going to be 7 already, Jack said! How time flies!
After lunch Tom tells William, how about we go get you that sleeping bag and everything else you will need? William slaps him in the back and says, let's go! They left and Beth looks at Jack and asks, are you sure you're ready to deal with my father camping? Sure Beth! It will be good for him to try something new that is out of his element! Wait until he realizes that he has to walk all the way back there! Beth laughs and says, I don't think he's ever walked that far! We may have to stop halfway and let him rest!
Jack helped Beth put the babies down for their nap. Jack put Beckie's breathing treatment on while Beth sang to them.
Nap Time Song
Let's all count sheep
Count 1, 2, 3
Until we sleep
Let's all count sheep
Could we keep playing
Miss Appleberry
Could we keep playing
Please, please
You'll play your best
If you have some rest
You'll play your best
If you have some rest
Let's all count sheep
Count 1, 2, 3
Until we sleep
Let's all count sheep
I'm scared of the dark
Miss Appleberry
I'm scared of the dark
Please, please
See our light shine
You'll be just fine
See our light shine
You will be just fine
Let's all count sheep
Count 1, 2, 3
Until we sleep
Let's all count sheep
I'm all by myself
Miss Appleberry
I'm all by myself
Please, please
There's no need to fear
With your teddy here
There's no need to fear
With your teddy here
Let's all count sheep
Count 1, 2, 3
Until we sleep
Let's all count sheep
In dreams you can fly
Through a starry sky
When nap time is done
We will have more fun
Let's all count sheep
Count 1, 2, 3
By the time she was finished singing Beckie's treatment was finished. Jack removed her mask and she fell asleep. They put their covers on them. Beth picked up the monitor and they walked out. Beth plopped down on the couch. Jack sat down next to her and asked, Sweetheart are you feeling ok? You aren't usually this tired at this time of the day. Yeah, I'm just having a slow day. When's the last time you seen the doctor? It's been about 6 months Love. Sweetheart maybe you should make an appointment just to be sure, please? Love, I'm fine. I have these days. You've been having more of these days? Beth why am I just now hearing about it? Love you're making more out of this than you need to but if it will make you feel better then I'll make an appointment. Thank you Sweetheart. It will make me feel better. Sweetheart I don't want to lose you. Love you're not going to lose me. I pray all the time that God won't take you to. Love are you that scared? Yes Sweetheart I am. Oh Love I'm so sorry. I'll try to take better care. If I don't feel well, I'll go to the doctor and get checked out, ok? Thank you Beth!
The next week Beth went to see her doctor. When the doctor came through the door he asked, what seems to be going on with you today? I just seen you 6 months ago. Well I've been having these days that I call down days where I'm just so bushed by the time I put the babies down after lunch. How often do you have these days? About twice a week. Ok, let's get some blood work and a pregnancy test done. Sit tight and I'll be right back. The nurse came in and drew some blood and then handed her a bottle and asked for a urine sample. Beth got up and went to the bathroom. Beth came back and handed the nurse the sample. The nurse says, thank you. We'll be back in a few minutes. Beth sat there on the table looking at her phone debating whether to call Jack or not. A few minutes later the doctor came back in and this time he sat down on the stool. Beth was getting scared by now. She asks, what is it? What's wrong with me? About that time there was a knock on the door. The doctor opens it and says, welcome Mr. Thornton. Beth starts to cry. Am I dying or something? Jack goes to Beth and hugs her. The doctor starts to speak and Jack turns to face him. When the doctor was finished explaining. He's says, I'll give you a few minutes. Beth grabs Jack and hides her fat in his chest. He rubs circles on her back and says, Sweetheart we will get through this. I truly feel you're going to be alright. We'll get these tests done. No matter what it takes. Jack I don't want to say anything to anyone until we find out. We have Jarrick's birthday party this weekend so let's just get through that, ok? What ever you want Sweetheart, what ever you want. The nurse came back in and handed Jack the appointment cards and turned and walked out the door. Jack asked, are you ok to drive home? No I can't do this right now. Alright I'll drive you home and then go pick up the babies from my moms. Beth wipes her face from the tears and asks, Jack what are we going to do? He replies, one day at a time Sweetheart, just one day at a time. Jack takes her home and gets her settled on their bed. He asks, would you like for me to stay with you until you fall asleep? She doesn't say anything but shakes her head yes. He goes around to his side of the bed and lays down next to her. She pulls his arm up under hers and hugs it tight. He whispers, Sweetheart we won't know anything until you have the tests. We need to be positive that it isn't true. She says, I know but it's still hard to even think about. Sweetheart the doctor said there's a chance. That's why you need the tests to either confirm or not. Please roll over and look at me. She rolls over as he asked. He puts his hand on her cheek and rubs his thumb back and forth on her cheek bone. Sweetheart, we are going to get through this either way. I love you so very much! You are my heart and soul! You are every breath I take! Sweetheart you are my everything! Jack please don't ever leave me. You are my everything too! I can't breathe without you! He kisses her lips gently and replies, Beth I will never leave you unless the good Lord calls me home, but I truly believe he brought us together so I think we'll be together into our silver years. She kisses him and says, I sure hope so. I wish I knew why we are having so many health issues in this family? Sweetheart right now you are the only one who has issues. True but the babies have has quite a few themselves. True but God has brought them through it all, he said. We are stronger together, remember that!
After Beth fell asleep Jack went to pick up the babies from his mom's. He walked in the door and Charlotte asked, where is Elizabeth? He replies, home resting. She's been really bushed lately so I told her I would come pick up the babies. Jack, what's wrong? I can see it in your face. Nothing mom, she's just tired that's all. Are you sure that's all son? Yes mom, I'm sure. He asked, how were they? You know you are the first ones to keep them away from the house. Yes and we are blessed to have them. They were great! They ate well but Beck is a little slower at eating. Yeah but the doctor assures us that that will get better with time. Can you help me get them in the SUV? Sure son. Let me get their diaper bag. Jack put each baby in their car seat, strapped them in and carried Daniel and Charlie out to his car while Charlotte brought Beckie out. They snapped each of them into the base. Charlotte handed him the diaper bag and kissed his cheek and said, son I know something is wrong but I will wait for you to tell me. Meanwhile I'll be praying for good news. Thanks mom we can always use prayer. I love you son. I love you too mom. He got in his car and went home.
After he got the babies in the house, changed, and down for their afternoon nap he went in and checked on Beth. She was soaking in a tub of bubbles. He bent over and kisses her lips. She asks, did your mom get it out of you? No she didn't but not from not trying. She did say that she knows something is wrong but would pray for good news. Love I've been praying for God to give me some kind of peace with this but so far I've not got it. So I think it's time to fast and pray. So I will be fasting for 3 days. So don't be on me about eating. God will see me through this, I know he will. Beth Sweetheart, I'm with you all the way. I will pick up the slack for the next 3 days. You do what you have to do and don't worry about anything. I've got the children. Thanks Love, I love you so very much! I love you too Sweetheart! Would like for me to join you, he asked? She asked, what time is it? He replies, just after 2. Why? Jarrick will be home at 4:00, she says. She leans up for him to join her. He takes his clothes off and steps in behind her. She leans back and gets comfortable. She fits him like a mold. He wraps his arms around her. He takes the sponge from her and starts squeezing it over her chest and shoulders.
About an hour later they were sitting at the bar drinking a glass of ice water. She s just staring at her glass while she swirled it slowly. Sweetheart? Sweetheart? Yeah, what is it, Love? You alright, he asked? Yeah just wondering how this could have happened? I don't know but I do know that we are going to have to get a grip on this in front of the family. But truthfully we don't know for sure. That's what the tests are for. So I think until we know for sure we need to be positive that everything is going to be fine. You're right Love. I better get Jarrick's snack ready. He's always hungry when he gets home. We only have 2 more days until his party. Can you go to the party shop tomorrow and pick up the things on my list for? Sweetheart I'll do anything you need me to do. Ok, I'll get my list out of my purse for you. Thanks Love you're the best. You're welcome! Beth gets up and put some cookies on a plate for Jarrick. She looks up at the clock. It's 3:55. She goes ahead and pours his glass of milk. Jack laughs and says, where's mine? She replies, oh I'm sorry. I'm not use to you being here. I'll get you a glass so you can have it with him. She pours him a glass and sets it in front of him. About that time Jarrick comes running in the door and drops his backpack on the floor. He rushes into the kitchen and climbs up on a bar stool next to Jack and says, hey! How come you're home so early Daddy? Jack replies, you're mom had a doctors appointment today so I went with her and decided to take the rest of the afternoon off to spend some time with her. How was your day little man? It was fine. Almost all my class is coming to my party! We're all excited and can't wait for Saturday! We bet you can't! I'm surprised that your teacher got you all to do any class work done! Yeah she has to remind us that the party was still 2 days away and that we still needed to get our work done! Did you get in trouble, Beth ask? No ma'am! She as really nice about it and said that we could talk about the party at recess and that was all.
After they got finished with their snacks Jack asked, do you have any homework Bud? No sir not today. She didn't give us any because she said that we were to excited about the party and because it was my birthday, she wasn't going to give us homework for the rest of the week! Lucky you Bud. Beth speaks up and says, you need to go change your clothes and make sure you put them in the hamper, ok? Yes ma'am and off he went upstairs to change. When he came downstairs he asked, can I go outside and play for awhile? Jack replies, sure come on I'll join you! Jarrick was so happy to have his dad home early and to play with him! Out the back door they went.
Just as she was putting the empty plate in the dishwasher she heard some cooing on the monitor. She pushed the video button to see which one of the babies were awake. As she watches it's Charlie. She's standing up end of her bed cooing at Beckie. Beth takes the monitor out to Jack and Jarrick. Look you guys. She puts it down so Jarrick can see it. Jarrick giggles and says, Charlie is talking to Beckie and she's not even awake! About that time Beckie wakes up and coos back at Charlie. Beckie is flapping her arms back and forth at her. Beth, Jack, and Jarrick start laughing. Beckie rolls over and tries to sit up but can't because of the strap that she has on to keep her from sliding down in the crib. She starts to fuss a little. Beth says, I better go get her before she gets mad. Beth goes back in the house and into the nursery. She un snapped the strap on Beckie. She picks her up and takes her to the changing table to change her diaper. She sets her in Charlie's crib while she changes Charlie. Beckie starts fussing. Beth asks, what's wrong with the little princess? Beckie I've reaching towards her crib. Oh you want your baby doll? Beckie gets all excited! Beth reaches in her crib and get the doll and hands it to her. Beckie hugs it tight. Beth rubs Daniel's back. He starts to stretch and bends backwards. Beth says, hey Daniel. Are you going to wake up? Daniel rolls onto his back and reaches for her. She picks him up and changes him on the changing table. After she gets him changed he starts wiggling and wants down. She stands him on the floor. He takes off to the den. She picks the girls up and Charlie wants down. She puts her down and she starts waddling after Daniel. Beth carries Beckie into the kitchen and puts her in her high chair. Charlie and Daniel follow. So she puts them into their high chair to. She hand each a baby teething cookie to keep them busy while she started dinner. She put each of them a sippy cup on their tray. Beckie grabbed hers and took a drink. Beth says, boy was you thirsty? Beckie set her cup down and giggled. Beth says, mama loves to hear you giggle! I just can't wait until you can do a lot more! Beckie mama knows you are going to be just fine in your own time. You take all the time you need and Beth bent over and kissed her on the top of her head.
After dinner Beth suggests that they take the babies outside for a few minutes before they have their baths. Jack takes Daniel out of his high chair while Beth gets Charlie out. They set them on the floor and Beth reaches for Beckie but get a little dizzy. Jack jumps to her rescue and says, Beth? Are you alright? She grabs his arm and replied, I will be, just give me a minute. Jarrick is at the back door but sees nothing. Sweetheart, let me get Beckie and I'll walk you out to the back porch. He picks Beckie up and places her on his hip as Beth runs her hand around his elbow. Slowly they make their way out to the swing on the porch. She sits down and he asks, can I get you anything? No she replies, I just want to sit here and watch the babies and Jarrick play. Sweetheart, I wish we knew for sure what was making you feel like this. I know Love, me too. Jack took Beckie out and sat her on the grass to play. Jarrick rolled the ball to Daniel and Charlie while Jack played with Beckie. Jack bounced the ball in front of her and said, bonk every time it hit the ground. Beckie started to laugh every time he said it. It made Beth tear up and she said, I knew you could do it! Good girl! Jack rolled the little ball to her. At first she just picked it up and put it straight to her mouth but every time Jack would take it away from her and say, no no don't put it in your mout Princess! Then she eventually got it. Jack bounced it on the ground and said, bonk bonk bonk. Beckie laughed so hard her belly was juggling! Then he handed it to her and she tossed it and when it hit the ground he would say bonk! Charlie heard Beckie laughing and decided to come join them. She started laughing. Jack rolled it to her. She picked it up and tossed it. Jack repeated bonk bonk with. Both the girls were laughing. Daniel continued to play with Jarrick. He paid no attention to what the girls were doing. Jarrick asked, can I take Daniel down the slide please? Beth replies, not yet son. He's not quite big enough yet but thank you for asking first. Jarrick walked up to Jack and said, mommy called me son! She's never called me that before! Jack say, we'll maybe she's finally comfortable calling you her son. It's great that she feels close enough to you that she feels like you are her son but that doesn't mean that she wants to replace your mother. Do you understand what I mean Bud? Yes sir. It's like I call her mommy! Yes just like that. Bud she loves you just as tad she loves these 3. Don't ever doubt that! Yes sir! Jarrick run up on the porch and hugged her and said, I love you mommy! Beth hugged him back and said, I love you too!
It was time for baths so Beth said, I think it's time to go in. Jack brought the girls up on the porch while Jarrick held Daniel's hand until Jack could get him up in the porch too. They all went inside and got their baths. Jarrick came down and asked, can I watch a little TV before I go to bed? Beth says, yeah but just for about an hour, ok? He replies, yes ma'am, thank you! She tells him you're welcome and goes into the nursery to help Jack get the babies in their crib. Jack put Beckie's breathing treatment on while Beth pulled out a book and started reading it to them. They watched for a few minutes then their eyes were to heavy and they fell asleep. Jack removed the mask from Beckie's face. They shut the light off and grabbed the monitor and left the room. They walked into their room and Jack asked, how are you feeling Sweetheart? I'm good for now but I think I'm going to say good night to Jarrick and go to bed. I'm just a little tired. She kissed him and left to go say good night to Jarrick. Jack follows her to the den. She says, hey son mommy is a little tired tonight so I'm going to go to bed. Come give me some night lives. Jarrick gets up from the floor and hugs and kisses her good night. She hugs him so tight and she says, I love you so much! Don't you ever forget it ok? Ok, I love you too mommy! She gently squeezed Jacks arm and kisses his cheek and say good night Love! He says, good night Sweetheart, call me if you need me! She waved her hand at him as she walked away. She changed into her night shorts and Tee. She crawled into bed and said her prayers. She told God that her fasting starts tomorrow. She said Amen and shut the light off and fell asleep.
Jack and Jarrick watched TV for about a half hour. Then he tells Jarrick it's time for bed. Jarrick gets up and hugs him good night. Jack kisses his cheek and says, I love you Bud! See you in the morning! Jarrick went upstairs and went to bed. Jack goes in the kitchen and cleans it up from dinner. He finished and decided to have a cup of coffee before he headed to bed. As he sat at the bar drinking his coffee he started to pray. Father we don't know what is wrong with Beth for sure. All we know is what they told us today. Father I don't believe you brought us together just to take her away from me and our children. Lord we are stronger together. Father I pray that the tests that she has to have next will be nothing. I pray that whatever it is that you will heal her body and make her healthy again. I pray that you give her back her energy Lord. Be with us and keep us safe. In Jesus name. Amen! He put his coffee cup in the dishwasher and turned it on. He went into the bedroom and changed his clothes before crawling into bed next to her. He scoots up close to her and wraps his arms around her, kisses the back of her neck and says, I love you Sweetheart with all my heart and soul. She didn't say anything so he knew she was sound asleep.
