The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 35
A/N1—Hey look! Another update! Sorry it's been awhile, but I've been crazy busy recently!
A/N2—Accelerating time here. January, 1976. The twins are 13 ½ months old. This chapter features Mike, Carol and Carolyn.
Friday, 23 January, 1976.
The Bradys enjoyed visiting with Carol's sister and her family, and ringing in the New Year with the Gonzaleses. Jan took Best in Show in the regional art show and Bobby and Cindy placed in the top four in the regional spelling bee and are going to State: Cindy placed second and Bobby placed third. It is the day of Carolyn's pre-op appointment; they had to move it up a week, because the audiologist was going to be out of town during the week in which her surgery was originally scheduled. The nurse weighs and measures Carolyn before the doctor arrives.
Nurse: Let's get you weighed. You are such a cutie! Weighs and measures the baby. Oh! You're a little thing! 20.5 pounds and 29 inches. Looks at her chart. She's still in the twenty-fifth to fiftieth percentile for height and weight. She places the baby back in Carol's arms. The doctor will be in shortly.
She leaves and the audiologist enters.
Audiologist: Good morning. How are you today?
Mike: We're fine, thanks.
Audiologist: Reads the chart notes. Everything looks good for surgery Monday. Bring her in by seven Monday morning, and we've got her scheduled for surgery at eight.
Mike: How long will the surgery last?
Audiologist: No more than a couple hours. We'll admit her after surgery and she'll need to stay for a couple days. Do you have any questions?
Mike: Looks at his wife, who shakes her head. No.
Audiologist: Let me go ahead and examine her one more time.
Carol passes the baby to the audiologist, who examines her.
Audiologist: I see no signs of infection in either ear, so that's good.
Mike: She hasn't had any more infections since last fall.
Audiologist: Reads her chart. She's 20.5 pounds and 29 inches tall. Still in the twenty-fifth to fiftieth percentile for height and weight.
Carol: Concerned. Is that going to be a problem?
Audiologist: No. Examines the baby. She's healthy and that's what counts. Passes the baby back to her mother. Do you have any questions?
Carol shakes her head and kisses Carolyn on the cheek.
Mike: What will the procedure entail?
Audiologist: The procedure should take about an hour to an hour and a half... He explains the surgery. Then, she'll spend about an hour in recovery before being moved to her room.
Carol: Holding her daughter close. How long will she have to stay?
Audiologist: A couple days..
Mike: How long should her recovery take?
Audiologist: After her surgery, she'll have some packing in her ears. I'll see her back in this office a week after the surgery to remove the packing. Her hearing should start to improve a few days afterward, and should improve even more about four to six weeks after surgery. We'll do her first hearing test a few days after her surgery, then we'll do another at one and two months after the surgery.
Carol: What should we expect after the surgery?
Audiologist: She may have dizziness, ringing or buzzing in her ear, or a change in taste for a while, but she shouldn't have a whole lot of pain.
Carol nods silently.
Mike: Are you going to operate on both ears Monday, or will there be two surgeries?
Audiologist: I'll do both Monday. He pauses to let them ask more questions, then continues. Bring her to the hospital by seven and we'll get her into the OR by eight Monday.
Carol: Thank you.
Mike: Shakes the doctor's hand. Thank you.
Audiologist: See you Monday.
Mike and Carol walk to the front and pay. Then, they walk to the station wagon. Carol straps Carolyn into the car seat and then sits in the front passenger seat. A couple tears escape and roll down her cheeks. Mike softly kisses her on the cheek.
Mike: I'm worried about her too, but if this helps her, we owe it to her to do this.
Carol nods as tears continue to flow.
Mike: Let's go to the park for awhile. Ryan's in good hands with mom, so let me give her a quick call and we can head to Woodland Park.
Carol: Quietly. Okay.
Mike: Is the stroller in the trunk?
Carol: Yes. Both of the single strollers are. Alice and I took the babies on a stroll the other day. She likes using a single stroller instead of the double.
Mike: All right. I'll call mom and then we'll head on over to the park for awhile.
He goes back into the building and finds a payphone. Agnes answers.
Agnes: Brady residence!
Mike: Mom.
Agnes: How did Carolyn's pre-op appointment go?
Mike: It went well. Inhales. Carol and I are going to take Carolyn to the park for awhile. Is everything okay there?
Agnes: Can hear the hitch in her son's voice. Ryan's just fine. I was just about to put him down for a nap. He's had a hard morning of play.
Mike: Grins. Oh?
Agnes: I think he's pulled out and played with every single toy in their toybox.
Mike: Chuckles. He likes to do that.
Agnes: Go on and we'll see you when you get back.
Mike: Thanks.
They hang up and Mike returns to the car.
Mike: Mom said Ryan's fine and she'll see us when we get back.
Carol nods. Mike drives them to Woodland Park.
At the park
Mike and Carol, pushing the stroller, stroll around the pond. Ducks and geese swim up and down the length, while others waddle in the nearby banks It's a sunny day, with few clouds in the sky, but there's a slight chill in the air. As the couple make their way around the pond, Carol feels the tension she's held for so long leave her body. Carolyn giggles and points to a gaggle of geese waddling nearby.
Carol: Smiles. You like the geese? Sighs contentedly. Thanks for insisting we come out here. The fresh air seems to be doing some good.
Mike: I'm glad.
Carol: I just hate the thought of my baby girl having surgery.
Mike: Me too, but if it's going to help, we've got to do it.
Carol: A bit irritated. I know, but it still bothers me. A surgeon's going to cut on my one year-old daughter. Don't you know how much that hurts? I'm her mother. I want to kiss it and make it better, but I can't.
Mike: Me too. I wish there was another way too.
Carol sighs.
Mike: Instead of dwelling on the surgery itself, why not think about how it's going to help her?
Carol: Stops and faces her husband. I want to, but it's unknown. Even the doctor said there are no guarantees.
Mike: Places his hands on her shoulders. There may not be any guarantees, but we need to have faith that it will be successful.
Carol: That's what I"m hoping. All I want is my daughter to be healthy and happy. I want that for all my kids.
Mike: So do I.
He brushes a lock of hair behind her ear, and moves into a soft liplock. Carolyn points and giggles at a couple ducks, breaking her parents out of their gaze.
Mike: I love you.
Carol: I love you too.
They engage in a passionate liplock.
Monday morning
It's the morning of Carolyn's surgery. Martha stayed the night so she could keep Ryan while the kids were in school. Mike and Carol get ready to take Carolyn to the hospital. Both babies are still asleep when Carol goes to get Carolyn. She leans over Ryan's crib and kisses him.
Carol: Whispers. Sleep well. I'll see you in a couple days. I love you.
She stills and sees that the baby did not awaken. Then, she gently lifts Carolyn out of her crib.
Carol: C'mon, baby girl. We've got to get you to the hospital.
Carolyn stirs.
Carol: Shh. You'll wake up your brother.
She carries Carolyn to the master bedroom and gets her ready to go.
Mike: Walking out of the bathroom. Good morning, Kitten. He kisses her on the top of the head. How are you today?
Carol: Still sleepy.
Mike: And Ryan?
Carol: Changes and dresses the baby. Fortunately, he's still asleep.
Mike: Looks at his watch. We've got to get going.
Carol nods, wrapping the drowsy baby in a blanket and cradling her against her shoulder. As they descend the stairs, Martha walks across the living room toward them.
Martha: Is Ryan awake?
Carol: No, he was still asleep when I got Carolyn. He should awaken in about an hour.
Martha: All right. The older kids up yet?
They hear Peter in the kitchen.
Carol: Guess one is up. Haven't heard the other three yet.
Mike: We'd better get going.
Martha kisses her granddaughter, then her daughter
Martha: Gently rubs Carolyn's back. See you later, sweetie!
Carol: Kisses her mother. Bye, mom.
Mike: We'll call you after she gets to her room.
Carol buckles Carolyn into the car set and they drive to the hospital.
At the hospital
Mike parks the car. Carol unbuckles Carolyn and carries her as they walk into the hospital. Mike approaches the check-in desk.
Clerk: May I help you?
Mike: Carolyn Brady for surgery with the audiologist at eight.
Clerk: Looks at her files. Yes. There she is. The waiting room is to your right, down the hall, and the last door on your left.
Mike: Thank you.
Mike and Carol walk to the waiting room. They see another clerk.
Clerk: May I help you?
Mike: My daughter, Carolyn Brady, is scheduled for surgery at eight.
Clerk: Looks at her clipboard. Yes, here she is. If you'll have a seat, she'll be called back in a few minutes.
Mike and Carol sit in a corner of the waiting room. Carolyn begins to stir.
Carol: Rocks her daughter. Shhhh. It's all right. Swallows a lump in her throat.
Mike: Concerned. Are you okay?
Carol nods, but allows a tear to escape. Mike puts his arm around his wife and pulls her and Carolyn close. He kisses the top of his wife's head.
Mike: I'm worried too, but we've got to have faith it'll work.
Carol nods.
Mike: Bows his head. Lord, I ask you to be with Carolyn as she has her surgery. Guide the surgeon's hands and provide him with the wisdom and skills to conduct this surgery safely and skillfully. We place Carolyn into your loving hands. Amen.
Carol: Whispers. Amen.
A nurse opens the door to the waiting room.
Nurse: Carolyn Brady?
Mike: Whispers. Honey, it's time.
The couple rise, with Carolyn in her mother's arms, and follow the nurse.
Nurse: How are we this morning?
Carol: Carolyn's fine, but we're a wreck.
Nurse: Understanding. You're in good hands. He's top-notch. Let's get this sweet little one ready. Leads them into a bay. Go ahead and get her dressed into this gown. The anesthetist will be in soon.
Carol dresses the fussing baby.
Carol: I'm sorry, sweetheart.
Carol rocks her daughter in a chair by the gurney. Mike sits in the chair beside her. The anesthetist enters the bay.
Anesthetist: Carolyn Brady?
Carol: Gulps. Right here.
Anesthetist: How are you?
Carol: Nervous.
Anesthetist: I understand. I'll be with your daughter through the surgery and into recovery. I'm going to start an IV so she can be relaxed before we take her into the OR. Pauses. Do you have any questions?
They shake their heads.
Anesthetist: Go ahead and lay her on the gurney.
Carol silently rises and lays Carolyn down. The baby begins screaming.
Carol: Strokes her daughter's hair, fighting back her own tears. It's okay, baby. Mama's here.
The anesthetist splints Carolyn's right arm and starts and IV. Carolyn howls. Soon, the medicine takes effect, and Carolyn relaxes. Her eyes begin to droop, then close. The nurse knocks on the door.
Nurse: The surgeon's ready.
Anesthetist: I'll see her in a few minutes.
He leaves.
Nurse: You can carry her until we get to the entrance of the OR.
Carol: Gives a slight smile. Thank you.
Carol, with Carolyn draped on her shoulder, follows the nurse. Mike puts his arm around his wife's waist and walks with her. All too soon, they get to the entrance. Mike kisses the top of Carolyn's head.
Mike: I love you. See you soon.
Carol: Pulls her baby closer. I love you. Tears roll down her cheeks and splash onto her daughter.
Mike: Carol, it's time.
Carol nods and reluctantly lays her daughter on the gurney. She bends over and kisses her on her cheek.
Carol: Whispers. I love you.
Nurse: Preparing to wheel Carolyn into the OR. We'll take good care of her. Go back the way we came and you can wait there. I'll let you know when she's in recovery.
Mike: Wrapping a protective arm around his wife. Thank you.
They give their daughter one more kiss, then the nurse wheels her into the OR. The couple stands, staring at the door for a few seconds.
Carol: Buries herself in her husband's arms and weeps. Oh, Mike!
Mike: I know. Let's go so they can get started.
They make their way back to the waiting room.
Carol is pacing back and forth in the waiting room.
Mike: Carol, you're gonna wear a hole in the concrete.
Carol: Mike. Our baby's in surgery. It's been hours.
Mike: It takes time.
Carol: I know, but it's been two hours since the doctor came out.
Mike: Carol, honey if he came out every time we wanted an update, he'd never finish. He's the best surgeon in the area. I'm sure everything's fine.
Carol: How can you be sure?
Mike: I just have faith.
Carol: What if something's wrong? I can't lose my baby! She begins to cry.
Mike: Embraces his wife and allows her to cry on his shoulder. Shhh. I'm sure she's fine. It's just taking longer.
Just then, the doctor comes out. Mike and Carol startle out of their embrace.
Carol: Well?
Audiologist: Everything went really well. It took a little longer than expected, but everything looks really good.
Carol: Sighs with relief. Thank you.
Mike: How long until we know if it worked?
Audiologist: We'll give it a few days before we test her hearing. However, we may know something as soon as she wakes up.
Carol: Can I see her?
Audiologist: She's in recovery right now. She'll be moved to her room in an hour or so and you can see her then.
Mike: Thank you.
The doctor leaves and the couple embraces.
Carol: Rejoicing. My baby's okay. I knew she would be.
Mike embraces her and says not a word.
An hour later
The nurse returns to take Mike and Carol to Carolyn's room.
Nurse: Carolyn Brady?
Mike and Carol stand up.
Mike: We're her parents.
Nurse: Carolyn's in her room. It's room 242. I'll take you there now.
Carol: Concerned. How is she?
Nurse: She's doing great.
The nurse escorts them to Carolyn's room. Carolyn is asleep in a crib. Carol notes her IV in her right arm.
Carol: Oh! My baby girl! She kisses the baby's cheek and strokes her head.
Nurse: Explains her medication. She has a slow drip of pain medication. If she does well through the night, we'll wean her off the medication. It'll probably make her sleepy, so she'll sleep most of the day.
Carol: Will she be able to nurse?
Nurse: Absolutely. Let her nurse whenever she wants. It may even help
Carol: Thank you.
Nurse: Your nurse today is Barbara. The call button is next to her bed if you need anything.
Carol nods, and the nurse leaves.
Mike: Kisses Carolyn's cheek. I love you sweetheart.
They study their child.
Carol: Mike, she looks so tiny. She traces Carolyn's left hand with her index finger.
Mike: She's strong, like her mother. He gives his wife a quick peck. I'm going to call the house and let your mom know everything's okay.
Carol nods as Mike leaves the room.
At the pay phone
Mike dials his house and Martha answers.
Martha: Hello, Brady residence.
Mike: It's Mike.
Martha: How did everything go?
Mike: She did great.
Martha: Cheeky. Carol or Carolyn?
Mike: Chuckles. Both.
Martha: Smiles. That's great! How long will she be in the hospital?
Mike: Just a couple days. How's Ryan?
He smiles as he hears his youngest son in the background.
Martha: He's just fine! He's been dancing to some of their records.
Mike: Grins. I'm glad you two are having fun. How are the others?
Martha: Marcia called in between classes to see if I'd heard anything. Greg called and said he'd call back tonight. Jan has her debate today, and will be back home after lunch...
Mike: I'd forgotten about that!
Martha: She said not to worry. She knew you'd be occupied today.
Mike: She's very understanding.
Martha: A knowing smile. That, she is. Peter's got archery practice, Bobby's got baseball, and Cindy has cheerleading. So, it'll just be Jan, Ryan and me for most of the afternoon. We may go to the park and let him see the ducks and geese.
Mike: He likes that.
Martha: I know you've got to go. Give my love to Carol and Carolyn.
Mike: I'll be home after dinner.
They hang up and Mike returns to the room. He sees Carol and Carolyn fast asleep and smiles.
-End of Chapter 35-