Chapter 9: Love is Patient, Love is Kind

The next day, the Pastor arranged for a special medical carriage to take Jack and Rosemary to Buckstown, where they were going to catch the train back to Hamilton. When the carriage came, Jack was carried out to it on a stretcher, Rosemary by his side. Elizabeth, Lee, Abigail and the Pastor came out to wish them goodbye. Before entering the carriage, Rosemary came up to Lee and kissed him on the cheek. "Lee, you understand that I have to help Jack, now, right? He's a dear, old friend – I couldn't abandon him now." Lee answered curtly, "I understand, Rosemary. I hope Jack recovers soon."

Elizabeth pleaded, "Please write to us, Rosemary, to let us know how Jack progresses." Rosemary climbed into the carriage and called out over her shoulder, "I will if I have time – I'm going to be very busy helping Jack acclimate to his new life." Rosemary waved to everyone through the window. "Goodbye, Hope Valley. Wish us luck!"

Elizabeth and Lee stood for a while watching the back of the carriage as it rolled out of town. Elizabeth said sadly, "Why do I feel like a chapter of my life has just ended?" Lee sighed deeply and added, "Me too."

Abigail turned to them and declared, "Remember, you two, what the good book says. Love is patient, love is kind. If you love those two, you'll need to be patient while Jack recovers. And you'll need to practice kindness during this ordeal. Don't give up on them so quickly." The Pastor added, "I couldn't have said it better myself."

Elizabeth steeled her shoulders and declared, "You're right, Abigail. I can be patient. I'm a Thatcher - I don't run at the first sign of trouble. I'll be waiting right here for Jack when he gets better, and he will!"

Abigail replied, "That's the spirit! You too, Lee."

Lee chuckled and said, "As a businessman, I also know how to be patient. I will do my best to wait for Rosemary as well. Hopefully, she'll return to me and Hope Valley."

Pastor Frank slapped Lee on the back and said, "I can't guarantee it, but if you come to church on Sundays, we can at least all pray and support each other, which will go a long way towards helping everyone heal."

Lee looked a little skeptical, but agreed, "You'll see me there." Elizabeth piped up, "Me too – hopefully, God will hear our prayers for Jack to get better soon."

The four of them nodded, and then departed, knowing that they would need to rely on each other greatly during the next few weeks.

Over the next few weeks, Elizabeth received the following letters.

(From Julie) Dear Elizabeth,

I was so sorry to hear about Jack's brain injury – what a terrible turn of events! I am volunteering at the Hamilton Hospital where Jack is a patient, and where Faith works. I have tried to stop by to see Jack, but he is always surrounded by doctors, nurses, or by Rosemary (who acts like she is a cross between his mother and his wife - sorry to have to tell you that!).

The few times I have been able to talk to Jack alone, he is polite but, unfortunately, does not remember who I am. It is disconcerting to have gone from almost being Jack's sister-in-law to being a virtual stranger to him now. I imagine if I feel this way, it must be even worse for you! I think about you often and pray that you are managing as best you can. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Father has retained the best doctors in the city to treat Jack, and has even stopped by to visit Jack a few times. As you know, Father had come to admire Jack, and is saddened that Jack has had to suffer an injury with such terrible consequences. Father worries that you are also suffering – he wants me to tell you that he and Mother are keeping you and Jack in their thoughts and prayers.

Like Father, Charles was also shocked to hear about Jack's injury and memory loss, and has come to visit him. Unfortunately, our visits seem to perturb Jack more than comfort him; Jack seems very confused as to why we would all take such an interest in him. The doctors have advised us not to push Jack too much to remember you and his time in Hope Valley – they believe it is better for Jack to regain his memory gradually, rather than have memories forced upon him.

On a positive note, Tom came to visit Jack, and Jack was thrilled to see him (as was I)! Jack reveled in reliving his childhood memories with Tom. Jack seemed grateful and relieved that he could at least remember those years, even though he is very frustrated at not being able to remember more recent times.

Tom's visit was short, so I was not able to spend much time with him, but it was wonderful to see Tom even for those few days. I'm not sure if our relationship will continue to develop, since we live so far apart and are so busy with our own lives – time will tell, I suppose. (Note how mature I'm being about this!)

I will write more when I can – take care and keep faith that Jack will improve soon.

With love and best wishes,

Julie

(From Rosemary) Dear Elizabeth,

I am here with Jack at the Hamilton Hospital on a daily basis. The doctors are working hard (as am I) to keep Jack comfortable and help him heal. I am sorry to say, however, that there has been no progress in Jack regaining his memories of you or Hope Valley – they appear to be gone forever. It therefore looks like Jack will remain in the hospital here in Hamilton for the foreseeable future.

In the meantime, I have reconnected with some of my old theater friends here in Hamilton, who are putting me up during my stay here. While I spend most of my days tending to Jack at the hospital, in the evenings I have been enjoying giving readings and putting on plays with my colleagues at various lecture halls and theaters in town – please see the attached article from the Hamilton Daily News about my triumphant return to the stage here. I would appreciate it if you could have the Hope Valley News do a write-up on me as well (and please send me the clippings).

I will try to write again when I have time, which is unlikely.

Please give my best to all the residents in Hope Valley, who I know must miss me terribly as I do them, particularly Lee.

Au Revoir,

Rosemary

(From Charles) Dearest Elizabeth,

What can I say? I am shocked to hear about Jack's injury, and so sorry for you both.

I, of all people, am aware of how strong the bond was between the two of you. I feel certain that Jack cannot help but remember how dear you are to him. Anything else would be inconceivable.

Please know that I stand ready to help you and Jack at any moment – please do not hesitate to call on me for even the smallest favor.

With my sincerest consolations,

Charles

(From Mr. Thatcher) Dear Beth,

Your mother and I are terribly saddened by Jack's brain trauma. We are trying to help him as best we can. I have told the doctors to do everything they can for him and that cost is no barrier.

How are you doing, dear? We are so worried about you, but take comfort in knowing that you are strong and will endure, as your time out west has shown. We are very proud of you and will strive always to support you and your choices.

You have asked when you should come to Hamilton to visit Jack. I just found out today, though, that Jack is being transferred to the Mountie outpost in Cape Fullerton to undergo a six-week Mountie retraining course. The doctors there will continue to monitor Jack's progress. My understanding is that Jack will not be allowed visitors there – the doctors and Jack's unit commander want Jack to be indoctrinated back into Mountie life without any distractions. No decisions will be made about Jack's future until they see how he does with his retraining.

So it seems we must all continue to wait patiently during what we hope will be Jack's recovery, particularly you, my dear. We feel for you, but know that you only want the best for Jack, as do we.

We love you dearly and will continue to pray for you and Jack daily.

Love,

Father and Mother

P.S. Jack's friend, Rosemary, has decided to stay in Hamilton for the time being, to continue her theatrical pursuits. (She is a very interesting person!)