Chapter 24. Reviving Hope
On Friday, Julia went early to the infirmary. She wanted to catch Faith before she left for her house call, in case there were any instructions for today. Faith had offered to do the house calls at Nathan's for the next few days, and Julia was happy to let her. When Julia walked through the adjoining door, Faith was sitting at the desk, making notes and preparing her medical bag.
"Good morning, Faith." Julia said.
"Julia, good morning." Faith replied. "I was just going to leave you a note. But, here you are. I have a package of medical supplies coming into the mercantile today, from Benson Hills. Do you think you would have time to check on it for me, please?"
Julia replied, "I would be happy to. Are you heading to Nathan's?"
Faith stood and picked up her medical bag, "Yes, I am. Why did you change your mind about taking a break?"
Julia answered, "No, I didn't, and I'm so thankful for the space, Faith. Are there any appointments today that I need to be aware of?"
"Not that I know of. But, I cancelled a lot of appointments when Nathan was injured. And, all those patients could stop by anytime. So, we could have a busy day. You just never know." Faith said.
"Well, I'll be here, Faith. And, I'll check on your package right away." Julia confirmed. The two women walked out together, Faith toward the row houses, and Julia toward the mercantile.
Florence was working the telephone standard when Julia walked in. "Hold the line, I'll connect you." She overheard Florence say. As soon as she hung up, Florence came over to the desk to greet Julia.
Florence smiled, "Good morning, Julia. How may I help you?"
"Good morning, Florence. Faith asked me to check on a package of medical supplies coming from Benson Hills?" Julia asked.
Florence looked in the cubbies where deliveries were stored, but there was nothing yet. "Nothing yet. But, our delivery from Benson Hills usually doesn't come until 11 a.m. I can send someone over with it, as soon as it gets here." Florence replied.
"Thank you, so much, Florence." Julia said. "I didn't forget about your invitation to coffee, Florence. Things have been so busy, with Nathan's injury and fever. Would you have time today in the afternoon? I could take an hour break at 3 pm?"
Florence replied, excited, "That would be lovely, Julia. Shall I meet you at the café at 3 pm?"
"Perfect, Florence. I'll see you there." Julia replied and walked out of the mercantile.
Faith had been right about a busy day at the infirmary. By the time Faith got back to the infirmary from her house call, Julia already had 3 patients triaged, and waiting for her. One had an upset stomach, one had a sprained ankle, and a worker from the sawmill had a stray splinter of wood stuck in his eye. By the time they cleared those patients out, two more were waiting. It was going to be a long day.
At noon, Ned brought over not one package, but two. The first was Faith's order for the infirmary, but the second was a package for Julia. She crossed over to her apartment and set it on her dining table. She recognized the scribbly, messy handwriting and smiled. His answer was finally here. She was so excited.
After a quick lunch, they were busy again and Julia worried she wouldn't make her coffee date with Florence. But, they had most everyone cleared out again by 3 p.m., and Faith insisted that Julia go.
When Julia entered the café, Florence had already reserved a table. They ordered coffee and pie, today it was cherry.
"Florence, how long have you lived in Hope Valley?" Julia asked.
"My first husband and I moved here many years ago, when he took a job in the coal mine. We were here about 10 years before the accident. Like a lot of the women in Hope Valley, I became a widow in that mining accident. It was the darkest time of my life. It took weeks to pull all the men out, so that we could bury them." Florence shared.
"Wow, the waiting must have been so hard. How did you cope?" Julia asked.
"Well, there were 47 men and boys that lost their lives in that accident. So, I was not alone. We banned together as women, and helped each other out. We grieved together and we cried together. We looked after each other's children and cooked for each other." Florence said, remembering.
Julia inquired, "How long have you and Ned been married?"
"We've been married for about a year now. But, we had been friends for years. Like me, he was a widower. I always had a sweet spot for him, but it wasn't until I started working the standard that sparks flew." Florence smiled and waved her hand. Julia smiled with her, listening to how sweetly she spoke about her Ned. "However, it took a gallbladder operation to make us both act on our feelings for each other. He was very sick, and I don't remember ever being so worried about another person. He proposed to me just before Carson put him to sleep, for the operation. I was so scared he wouldn't remember the proposal when he woke up. But, he did, and we were married as soon as he recovered enough to stand at the altar."
"Florence, that might be one of the sweetest things I have ever heard. I wish I could have been there for the wedding. It must have been so lovely." Julia said.
"It was. It was. I can bring my wedding photos by the infirmary sometime. Carson took all the photos." Florence offered.
"I would really like that. Now, I've met your son, Paul. Does Ned have any children?" Julia asked.
Florence replied, "Yes, he has a daughter named Katie. She is in the middle of her studies, but she came back for the wedding. She is in a few of the wedding pictures."
"Well, I will look forward to seeing them, then." Julia said.
"Sorry to interrupt ladies, but I have a special delivery." Rosemary sang as she set something down on their table. "Guess what just came out? The next issue of the Valley Voice." Rosemary said, smiling at Julia.
Julia gasped and started turning pages, until she found the article she and Rosemary had written together. And, there was her picture in front of the infirmary.
"Rosemary, the layout looks so nice." Julia said, pleased. "You did such a great job," showing Florence also.
"Well, I had help," Rosemary boasted, "You did a great job, too, Julia."
Julia said, "Thanks for bringing me a copy, Rosemary." Julia paused, and then asked, "Rosemary, would you and Lee be home this evening? Could I possibly stop by for a short visit? I have something I need to discuss with both of you? Nothing bad, I promise." Julia smiled.
"Yes, that would be fine. What time would you like to come?" Rosemary inquired, wondering what this could be about.
"Would 8 p.m. suit you both?" Julia asked.
"That'd be fine, see you tonight at 8 p.m., then." Rosemary confirmed, and excused herself with a little wave. "Tootle-loo!"
She and Florence returned their attention to the article. They looked on together, and quickly scanned the article. It was very well done.
"That's a really nice picture, Julia. And, a great article." Florence complemented.
"Thanks, Florence. I really didn't want my picture included, but Rosemary talked me into it." Julia replied, with a nervous chuckle.
Florence laughed, "Yea, she has a way of doing that."
Julia laughed too, "Yes, she does."
"What kind of doctors did you work for in Calgary?" Florence asked.
"I worked with a surgeon for about a year, and then with a gynecologist, in Calgary. But after my studies in Halifax, I stayed on and worked in the emergency room for a few years." Julia answered.
"It's great that you were able to work in and learn a lot of different areas of medicine." Florence answered.
"I certainly learned a lot. Both were good hospitals with great doctors, but I'm so happy I came to Hope Valley. I'm from a small town back east, so it suits me much better. Not to mention what a great community you have here." Julia said.
"Hope Valley is a special place. And, we are glad you here too." Florence said.
Florence and Julia chatted a while longer, and walked out together. As Julia crossed the street, she looked at the closed door of the Mountie office and frowned.
When Julia returned to the infirmary, Faith was behind the curtain with a patient. She sat at the desk and looked at the huge stack of patient files, all of whom they had seen today. They would still need to make final notes in each file before closing up for the day. It might be a long afternoon. Julia decided to get started on the pile. Faith came out a short time later, and walked the last patient out of the infirmary.
Then, she came over to the desk, sat down, and exhaled. "What a day," Faith said.
"You're telling me. It seems like everyone who had planned to come while we were busy with Nathan, all came back on the same day." Julia replied.
They were both quiet and working on paperwork for a little while, until finally Julia asked the question she had wanted to ask all day. "How was our patient this morning?"
Faith looked up from her work, and answered. "Nathan is doing good, Julia. He's still in a lot of pain, and keeping to my recommendations about limited movement, which I think is helping."
"And you still have his house call this evening?" Julia asked.
Faith answered, "Yes, but I think I might go just after we finish all this. It will probably be about 6 p.m. by then, which is a bit early, but should be fine. It was a long day and I would really like to go home and rest."
"Would you mind taking them something? But, please don't mention who it's from. I had so many flowers leftover when I made your bouquet, I managed to make 2 bouquets besides. I thought one might help brighten up their house, while Nathan is convalescing. I just keep thinking that Allie might love them." Julia stated.
Faith smiled and said, "I know Allie would love them. And, I'd be happy to deliver them. And, I won't say a word about who they are from."
Julia smiled, "Thanks, Faith. I'll go get them before you leave."
They continued to work on the patient files, and finally finished just before 6 p.m. Julia fetched the bouquet and Faith left for Nathan's house call.
When Faith arrived at Nathan's, Allie opened the door. She saw the flowers and her eyes went wide.
"Good evening, Allie." Faith said.
Allie replied, "Good evening, Dr. Carter. Wow, who are those for?"
"A little birdie in town sent these for you, to brighten up your day." Faith replied.
"They are so pretty. It must be Julia. It has to be Julia, right?" Allie supposed as they walked inside.
Faith laughed, "mum's the word." They walked together to the kitchen, and Allie found a vase and filled it with water. Faith put the flowers in, and Allie set them on the dining room table.
Allie stepped back and admired them, "They are perfect."
Faith looked at her then, "How is your Dad doing? He's not downstairs?"
"He was napping when I got home from school. Don't worry, he woke up right away when I shook him, this time." Allie looked relieved about that, and continued, "Then Mr. Canfield arrived to see him, so he stayed up there, I think to have some privacy."
"Is Mr. Canfield still up there?" Faith asked.
"No, he left about 15 minutes ago. I'll go up and see if he wants to come down." Allie stated, and she went up to talk to Nathan.
About a minute later, Nathan walked out with Allie to the top of the stairs.
"Good evening." Nathan said, as Faith climbed the stairs to help him. When he was down, he walked on his own, although slowly. He sat in one of the chairs, the one he seemed to prefer.
Faith came over with her medical bag and started her check up. About half way through, Faith noticed his attention was elsewhere. She looked up to see his gaze fixed on the flowers.
Nathan asked her, "You brought those?"
"Yes." Faith answered, continuing her palpitations of the left side of his abdomen.
He flinched a few times and gasped when she touched a particularly tender area. "How is she?" Nathan asked.
"She's fine, Nathan. We had a very busy day at the infirmary today. I think everyone stayed away when they knew we were taking care of you. And, now that we are both back in the office, they all decided to come in for a consultation, on the same day." Faith said, with a smile.
Nathan looked at Faith, with a furrowed brow, and asked, "Will you pass her a message from me, please? Tell her I said hi."
Faith gave a light laugh and asked, "Is that all?"
"She'll understand." Nathan smiled back at her.
Faith removed the bandage from Nathan's shoulder and told him to leave the sutures exposed to the air now. The stitches would need to come out in another week. She also instructed him to continue to restrict his movement, until further notice. And, only walking was authorized, for very short distances, like around the house, for example. Nothing more.
"How are you managing the stairs?" she asked.
"Well, I hold the rail tightly, and Allie helps me on the other side. I am certain I could do it on my own, but prefer the added security." Nathan admitted.
"Ok, that's good. Go up and down freely, Nathan, but be careful. One tumble and you could be right back at square one." Faith warned.
"Yes, doctor." Nathan smiled shyly, acknowledging his intention to obey her orders.
When Faith left, Nathan stared a long time at the flowers. He didn't even have to ask who had sent them. He knew they were from Julia's meadow. The meadow he had caught her running through on her second day in Hope Valley. So much had happened since that day, but even back then, he had known. Right there, sitting on the back of Newton, watching Julia run toward him with her sandy golden hair trailing behind her, he had known. He had known that she would be the force that would chase away the darkness once and for all, and fill his life with flowers.
Today, however, he was starting to get the impression that she was avoiding him. It was the fourth house call in a row with Faith, with Julia nowhere to be found. He hadn't seen her since the day he had woken up, when she had come to see him in the afternoon, in plain clothes. Since that intense conversation when she shared how she thought she would lose him. How that thought had frightened her. How she needed some time and space to breathe. Sitting on the edge of the bed, facing her, he had almost pulled her into his embrace. He had desperately wanted to. Now, he wished he had. She seemed so far away and distant, and all he wanted was to be near her. To know her, to know everything about her.
He tried to imagine how he would feel had their roles been reversed. He would have a hard time getting past it, too. But, he would have chosen to get through it together. To move through it as a couple. But with that thought, a very difficult revelation donned on him. He and Julia were not a couple. As much as he liked her and wanted it to be true, they had not yet had that conversation. They had not yet agreed to become a couple, either one of them.
He had asked her to dinner, and she had accepted. He had done so because he knew he had to draw the line, to declare by way of that simple invitation, that his intentions with her were much more than friendship. He wanted to pursue her romantically. But, that dinner had never happened. Maybe that's why everything between them was so unclear. Because he had never told her how he felt. That he wanted to be so much more than friends, he wanted to know everything there was to know about her, and that he wanted to share his story, good and bad, with her too.
He needed to tell her. He knew, he needed to tell her. But when? And how?
"Dad, are you ok?" Allie's voice broke in, through his intense thoughts. She was standing above him, asking about a math problem.
Nathan looked up at her and said, "Yes, I'm fine, Allie girl. I was just deep in thought. I'm so sorry, did you need help with math?" He stood and followed her slowly over to the table. He sat down with her.
"Are you thinking about Julia? Is this because of the flowers?" Allie asked.
Nathan looked at her, and smiled at how perceptive she was. She was growing up too fast. "I can't lie to you, Allie. Yes, I was thinking about Julia."
Allie smiled, "Whatever it is, Dad. I'm sure you will work it out. She is worth whatever it takes, to work it out."
"You think, so, Allie?" Nathan smiled, completely agreeing with Allie's statements about Julia.
"Yes, Dad. She is nothing like Elizabeth. She doesn't require anything fancy or grand. Just be yourself, Dad. That will be enough." Allie stated simply.
Nathan knew Allie was right, but somehow, for Julia he wanted to do grand romantic gestures. When he was competing against Lucas for Elizabeth's attention, he didn't want to, because it seemed too much like a game. There was nothing genuine or honest in it. But, for Julia, he knew it would be different. His motivation would come straight from his heart. And, that made it real and honest and authentic. He wanted to show her how he felt by doing nice things for her, even up to the point of grand, sweeping gestures.
"That's a big supposition for a young girl who's not even 13 yet." Nathan joked.
Allie smiled, "But I will be soon!" She realized by the look on his face, he had not forgotten her birthday was coming up.
Nathan smiled back, "You didn't think I would forget, did you? How could I forget the most important day of the whole year?" He rubbed her back as he said it.
"Mrs. Canfield stopped me after school today. She asked when she could come by and talk to you. The Canfield's want to invite us over for dinner for my birthday." Allie stated. She had forgotten to mention it till now.
"Yes, Joseph mentioned something when he was here. Would you be okay with that? I know it's nothing grand, but maybe later on, when I'm better we can plan a sleep over with all your friends?" Nathan suggested.
Allie answered, "I would love to spend my birthday with the Canfield's. They are a lot of fun. We can play games and cards. And, that would be a very fun birthday. Can we please also invite Julia?"
Nathan thought for a minute and said, "Let me talk to Mrs. Canfield first, and see what she has in mind, okay?"
"Okay, Dad." she said, smiling her half smile.
"Now let's take a look at your math." Nathan said, hovering over the book with Allie.
Julia left out from her apartment at 7:45, carrying her basket full of things for Rosemary and Lee. The whole way to their house, she prayed that this would go well. They could either take what she had to say very well, or be very very offended. She hoped for the best.
When Julia arrived at their house and knocked, Rosemary opened with a grand smile. She was always so cheerful and her smile infectious. Julia was quickly wrapped in a huge hug. Lee came over and greeted her too, and Rosemary invited Julia to sit with them in the living room.
Julia set her basket next to her chair and took a deep breath. Rosemary could see her apprehension, and reassured her.
"Whatever it is, Julia, it will be ok, I'm sure." Rosemary offered.
"First of all, I want to say that no one, absolutely no one knows that I am here or why I am here. Everything I am about to share with you, I have done in the strictest confidence, not even Faith knows about it. And, I will never tell a soul, no matter what you decide." Rosemary and Lee looked at each other curiously, but Julia continued, "I am sticking my nose where it absolutely doesn't belong, but know that it comes from the heart. My heart, that absolutely adores the both of you." Julia paused and asked them both, "Please, no matter how upset you might be with me over what I'm about to share, will you promise to hear me out, to the end?"
Rosemary looked at Lee again, and they nodded at one another. "We promise", they said almost in unison.
Julia took another deep breath. She decided to start at the beginning. "When I was in Calgary, I had the incredible opportunity to work for an amazing gynecologist, Dr. Albert Reynaud. He was a very sweet older gentleman with a lot of experience. His area of expertise was helping couples with problems conceiving. His life's work was devoted to studying the hormones and processes of the female body and the male body, in relation to reproduction. He started to develop treatments that were ground breaking, and had great success." She paused a moment to let that sink in.
They both shifted and looked uncomfortable now, seeing where this conversation was heading. Julia figured she better get on with it before they both cut her off.
"When Jake and I were here at your house for dinner and he asked about the wooden toys in the box," she motioned over to it so that they remembered, "I saw the very same look on both of your faces, that I had seen countless times on couples that had come to Dr. Reynaud's office. A look that told of a struggle that was so very difficult, and weary and tired. And, Dr. Reynaud helped so many of those couples. With his treatments, many of them were able to conceive. Oftentimes it was a small obstacle that stood in the way, a protein or a vitamin that was missing, that just needed to be replaced. One hormone in the body too low or too high." Julia paused again, they were still listening. She found the strength and the excitement to keep going.
"Dr Reynaud started developing elixirs, containing glandular extracts, taken from certain animals, that would replace those missing hormones. Some of the elixirs included certain vitamins or other minerals that were lacking and blocking conception. He would study each couple's case and give them treatments that would allow them the best chance possible. Oftentimes with great success." Julia paused again. "After that dinner at your house with Jake, I couldn't get the both of you out of my mind. The following morning, I wrote a letter to Dr. Reynaud. I didn't mention your names at all, just all of the information I knew about you. The conditions of life and challenges in Hope Valley, things I could tell about you two. Known health problems, the fact that you eat well, and in your files, I didn't find any dietary deficiencies."
Julia went on. "Today, I didn't just get a letter back from him. I got a box. He sent me all of this, for you." Julia took a box out of her basket, and opened it. "If you are willing, and interested, he wants to help. I want to help. I know in our day, there is such a stigma around this subject, and most couples are ashamed talk about it, with anyone. There is such a pressure put on women when they don't conceive, and there shouldn't be. Dr. Reynaud hopes to eventually change all that. In his eyes, this issue is a medical problem, and should be recognized as one. He is bringing awareness amongst his colleagues, and so many are quickly catching on."
Julia continued, "He gives couples hope. It is his dream that his research will help more and more couples overcome their "obstacles to conception", as he calls them." She looked at both of them, and they seemed ready to hear more, so she went on.
"Would you be willing to see what's in the box? At least hear me out?" Julia asked, gently.
They both nodded, a little unsure but they nodded. Julia continued, "Rosemary, sorry for the personal question, but how are your cycles?"
Rosemary blushed, but still answered. "Regular, like clockwork. I could set our calendar by it."
Julia pulled a large bottle out of the box, and set it on the coffee table. "Ok, then you want this one, Rosemary. This mixture contains glandular extracts, and some other minerals, such as iron and folic acid." She pulled out two pieces of paper and set them in front of the bottle. "This is the study he sent to explain everything. And he also sent a page of his notes, complete with instructions on how to take the elixir."
Julia looked into the box and pulled the next bottle out, "Lee, this one is for you. Your elixir contains glandular extracts and something called D-aspartic acid, as well as fenugreek extract." She laid two papers in front of Lee's bottle. "He included a study for you to read, as well as a page of his notes with more explanation, and instructions on how to take the elixir."
They both looked intrigued, so she decided she could bring out the last whopper. Julia reached inside her basket and pulled out a wrapped package from Dottie's dress shop. "Lee, I have something else for you. It's in this package, and to keep you from any embarrassment, I'll just leave it, along with another study and page of explanations from Dr. Reynaud." Lee raised an eyebrow and looked over at Rosemary. When he faced Julia again, she shrugged her shoulders and laughed, "You might need to change your habit of undergarments for a little while."
Rosemary let out a loud giggle, but Lee looked perplexed.
Julia added with a silly grin, "It's medically necessary and proven by medical research." Even Lee laughed after that.
"Dr. Reynaud suggested we start with these, and I can send him any more questions you have. Or any problems. If these don't get results, then I can write him back and we go from there." Julia stated, "if you are willing."
Rosemary looked at Lee and then back at Julia. She softly asked, "do you think this will work?"
Julia answered, "I think there is a good chance, and so does Dr Reynaud. He wouldn't have sent all this if he didn't." She paused and then added, "Dr Reynaud picked up this charge because he wanted to help couples. All of his research is done in the hopes that one day this will become a branch of medicine. That new advanced treatments will be developed in the area of fertility, as some doctors are now calling it. That there will be more and more options to help couples achieve their dream of having a baby." Julia said.
Julia continued, "More than that, I think it's worth a try. We can hope. And, we can pray." Julia paused, "Love bears all things, believes all things, and Love hopes all things. I will hope with you, and I will pray with you."
Rosemary just stood, and slowly walked over to Julia. Julia stood herself as Rosemary arrived in front of her, hoping that she was not upset. However, without a word, Rosemary went into Julia's arms, and hugged her, tightly. As little sobs started to escape, Rosemary turned and hid her face in Julia's shoulder. Rosemary cried and cried, harder still until she was sobbing uncontrollably into Julia's shoulder. Lee came close then too, and started to weep. In between sobs, Julia whispered so that they both could hear, "It's not a shame, Rosemary, but a medical condition." And she herself began to cry as she imagined all they had endured in the years that no baby came. Lee put his arms around both of them and they all cried together. All wrapped up together. They cried for a long time. Julia felt layers of pain and shame and grief melt off the both of them, until something came to the surface which was stronger than all the rest - and that was hope.
They all three calmed and eventually stepped back. Wiping their faces, they looked at each other and laughed.
"Aren't we the dismal trio?" Rosemary surmised.
"Maybe, but don't you feel better?" Lee asked, looking at Rosemary.
Rosemary looked Julia in the eye, holding her hand. "Julia, no one has ever asked me about this subject, not even my closest friends. In our day, It's something we don't talk about, can't talk about. Even as women. Thank you for acknowledging it and for talking about it. No one has ever done that before. And frankly, it feels good to get it out. I think that is the greatest gift you could give to us. That you saw our pain and you had the courage to acknowledge it. You faced it with us, instead of pretending it didn't exist." Rosemary paused, and added, "You are selfless and kind. A true friend shares your burden. Thank you, Julia for being a true friend."
Rosemary's kind words made Julia cry again, and she wrapped her in another warm embrace. When they were finally spent, Julia said her good bye's and walked home.
Rosemary and Lee, however, began reading and looking over everything that Julia had brought them. When Lee opened the package from Dottie's, Rosemary laughed so hard she nearly fell out of her chair. Inside the package were a new fashion that had just arrived at the shop, loose fitting undergarments for men. Lee's face went crimson red, but he read the study and Dr. Reynaud's notes and understood why.
When they went to bed that night, they both felt lighter than they had in a long time. And, so very full of hope.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Sorry for such an intense chapter, but as I mentioned before, I really wanted to redeem some of the lost or undiscovered story lines of the beloved characters on WCTH. And, who deserves it more than Lee and Rosemary?
I have to give a little disclaimer and apologize for my "medical" expertise, or lack thereof. Any real nurse or doctor could probably debunk any of my treatments or even terminology in a second. But, I did a fair amount of research, and have done it often for this story. According to medical history books, early fertility treatments actually did include "glandular extracts". I did not make that one up. The bottom line, I tried to make anything "medical" as close to accurate as possible, but I appreciate your grace when it wasn't. It is, after all, just a story.
I have many friends who have had problems conceiving, and I wanted to address this painful and sensitive subject, even though it was never addressed on the show. I myself have probably been insensitive in one instance or another, without even realizing it, to someone struggling with this issue. It is very real, and very painful. And, it shouldn't be glossed over, no matter how difficult it is to acknowledge. So, to all of you out there, who have had struggles in the area of fertility, this chapter is dedicated to you. Never be timid to tell your story, you never know who might need to hear it.