Chapter 38
July 15, 1914
The night before the scheduled surgery Jack had fixed Elizabeth a nice warm bath. He poured her favorite lavender bubble bath in. He helped her to the bathroom and helped her off with her robe. She sat on the side of the tub and put her feet over in the water. She slide down in the water and leaned back. She moans, this is nice hon but you know what it's missing? Jack looks around the room to see what he had missed. Bella, I didn't forget anything. I remembered the candles, the bubble bath, your towel, your clean robe. What did I forget, Bella? She looked up at him and replied, you are missing! Bella, I'd be glad to join you if you think it's okay? I do hon! We haven't took a bath together in a very long time!
He went back to their bedroom to retrieve his robe. He came back and took his clothes off and slides in behind her. He wraps his arms around her and kisses her temple, I love you so much Bella! I love you too hon! This is nice, he said! I've missed our baths together! They sat in silence for a few minutes then talked about everything and nothing. It was just like before, they were just being together but not together.
The next morning everyone but Viola went to the hospital with Jack and Elizabeth. Viola and Lionel would be keeping Jarrick and Cecilia at home. Jack had asked her to stay in the car until he came back with a wheelchair. Father and dad stood outside the car and waited for Jack to come back. Everyone noticed that Elizabeth was extra quiet this morning. They didn't really know what to say so they just held her hands and waited for Jack to come back with the wheelchair. A few minutes later he came out. He put the brakes on and helped her out of the car and into the wheelchair.
He pushed her into the lobby and told the lady behind the counter what they were there for. She looked at the clipboard in front of her and replied, third floor nurses station. The elevator is down the hall to the right. As they all rode the elevator up, Elizabeth reached up and took Jack's hand in hers. She held on for dear life. The doors opened and he pushed her over to the waiting room. He bends down in front of her and said, Bella, I know you're scared, so am I but we have to believe God is going to bring you through this. I know hon but I'm still scared. Do you want to pray before we go back? Yes please, she replies. He stood, everyone joined hands and Jack said, kind Heavenly Father we come before You today asking that You be with Elizabeth during the surgery. Guide the doctors hands as he delivers these babies Lord. Only You know what the outcome is. We pray that everything will be alright and Lord give us the peace that we need to get through this difficult time. In Jesus Christ name. Amen. He bends back down and kisses her and says, I love you Bella always and forever! She says the same back to him. He stands and says, let's get this over with.
He pushed her to the nurses desk and gave her name. The nurse, Mrs. Miracle handed Jack a paper to sign giving them permission to operate. He signed it and handed it back. He bent down and put his forehead to hers and says, Bella, you are my everything! Please come back to me. I will do my best hon. They both say I love you at the same time. Mrs. Miracle took her through the double doors.
As soon as the double doors closed he felt his knees go weak. Dad saw it and stepped up quickly and caught him. They walked to the surgery waiting room and sat down. Jack sat with his head in his hands for quite a while. Father and mother had went to the cafeteria and got coffee for everyone.
Ma? What am I going to do if she doesn't make it? Charlotte sat down next to him and said, son look at me. A couple of minutes later he looked up at her with tears rolling down his face. Son we have to leave it to God. He brought you two back together so I don't believe He's going to take her away from you and Jarrick. You have to believe that son. I know Ma but my biggest fear is I'm going to lose her. Son you aren't the only one who feels that way. Every married couple feels that way but you need to remember what you prayed about just a few minutes ago and believe in Him son. Dad comes over and puts his hand on his shoulder but says nothing. It was comforting to know he had a father figure there with him even if it wasn't his own father.
Jack gets up and walks down the hall to the large window. He looks up and says, Pa, I know you said you wouls always watch over us but I need you to help watch over my family in there. Pa, she's my life and those two babies mean the world to us. Pa, I wished you were here and could meet my family. I know you would love them as much as Ma does. About that time one of the stars turned so bright that it caught his attention. Jack smiled and said, I love you too Pa.
Forty five minutes later Dr. Becker comes in and sit in front of Jack and says, Mr. Thornton all three are fine now. Jack says, NOW! Yes sir. Your wife started hemorrhaging but we got that stopped and your daughter didn't want to breathe but we got her breathing on her own now. Your son is healthy. So I have another son and a daughter? Yes sir but your daughter is really small. She'll have to stay until she reaches at least five pounds. She only weighs four pounds nine ounces. She is only eighteen inches long. She was born last. Your son was first. He was six pounds three ounces and twenty three inches long. My wife Doc, how is she? She's fine now like I said. Can I see her please? You can as soon as she comes out of recovery and into her room. Your babies should be in the nursery in a few minutes. You can go see them. Thanks Doc! You are very welcome Mr. Thornton! Jack hit the floor on his knees and thanked the good Lord for saving all three of them. He also whispered thanks Pa.
Everyone followed Jack to the nursery to see their new additions. They're two were the only ones in the nursery. His daughter was in an incubator but his son was in a bassinet. He was huge compared to his daughter. She had an IV in her little head. Jack cried happy tears and sad tears at the same time. Everyone congratulated him.
Father steps up beside him and says, thank you son for saving our grandchildren. My biggest fear was that she would lose one of them just like all the others. These are the first set of twins that both survived. I want to thank you for taking all precautions to ensure they both made it! You are welcome father but it was all Elizabeth's doing. She kept them safe. She carried them for almost nine months. But son you seen to it that she got the best care possible! Yes sir!
Mom came up beside him and hugged him tightly. He needed that hug more than he knew. He cried on her shoulder and thanked her for coming and being there for them. She whispers, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else son! Next was mother, he hugged her and thanked her for being there. She also said she wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world. Dad shook his hand and said, you have lived up to what we thought you would. We are so proud of you son! Thanks dad! Charlotte was last. He grabbed her and held on to her as if his life depended on it. Thank you Ma for being with us and taking care of Jarrick during all this! Son it was my pleasure! It feels good to be needed! Oooh Ma you are so needed in this family! We need you always!
Jack asked the nurse if he could hold his children? She brought him back and had him sit in the rocking chair. Dad had the camera ready. The nurse handed him his son first, he held him on one arm while she took his daughter out of the incubator and laid her in his other arm. She was so tiny that she would have fit in the palm of his hand. Jack was in awe! His son was a spitting image of himself and his daughter was her mother made over. They weren't identical twins.
Jack thanked God for such a wonderful blessing! Dad took several pictures. Jack kissed both of them and told them that he loved them. The nurse took his daughter back and placed her back in the incubator to keep her body warm. Mrs. Miracle came around the corner and said, Mrs. Thornton is in her room now if you would like to go see her, she's in three o four. Jack thanked her and kissed his son one more time and said, daddy needs to go check on your mama now. We will see you real soon. We love you both so very much!
Jack stepped into Elizabeth's room. She was laying there a little pale, her baby bump was gone. She looked like an angel sleeping. She had an IV in her arm giving her something that he didn't know but it must have been necessary. He leaned over and kissed her lightly on her lips, she didn't stir. Jack hoped she could hear him, he told her what a great job she had done and that they have a son and a daughter. He didn't tell her about the trouble they're daughter was having. He would wait until she was fully awake.
There was a knock on the door. He said to come in. Everyone came in but for just a few minutes. They just needed to see that she was truly alright. They each kissed her and said they're goodbyes. Father said they would be back tomorrow to visit once she's awake.
Several hours passed before she woke up. She was really groggy from the anesthesia. She asked, hon? What did we have? He jumped up and was quickly at her side. We have a boy and a girl! He was born first weighing 6 lbs 3 oz and 23 inches long. She weighs 4 lbs 9 oz and 18 in long. Jack is she ok? She was really upset about their daughter. Yes, Doc says she'll have to stay until she is at least 5 lbs. Ooh hon, I want to see them. Will you go ask if they'll bring them in? Our daughter is in an incubator I don't know if she can leave the nursery but I will ask. Jack kisses her and says he loves her her so much!
He left to go to the nurses station. Mrs. Miracle was still working. Hi, my wife wants to know if you could bring our babies in so she can see them? Mrs. Miracle replied, I'll check with the doctor and find out for you. I'll let you know what he says. Jack thanks her and goes back to his wife. He tells her what the nurse said. A few minutes later Mrs. Miracle came in and said, Dr. Becker said that your son can but your daughter needs to stay in the incubator for at least 72 hours. She needs to stay at a constant temperature and needs oxygen to help her breathe.
Elizabeth looks at her husband and asks, what is wrong with her Jack? Bella, they had a hard time getting her to breathe for the first time. She's so tiny. They let me hold her for about 5 minutes but then rushed her back to the incubator. Jack what else are you not telling me? Jack wiped the few tears that fell and cleared his throat. Bella I almost lost you. You started hemorrhaging and they had to hurry and get her out so they could save you. Tears slid down her cheeks as she gasped and said, both of our biggest fears almost came true. Yes Bella it did but God spared you both and answered our prayers! She reached for a hug. He gladly gave it. He held her as if it was the last time. He didn't want to let go.
A few minutes later they brought their son in. The nurse hands him to his mother and says, he's beautiful! I'll be back in about an hour to check on you and him. They thanked her before she left. Elizabeth takes one look at him and says, oh my goodness, he is a spitting image of you hon! Are all our sons going to look like you? I don't know Bella but his sister is a spitting image of her mother! Oh hon I can't wait to see her! She's beautiful Bella!
What are we going to name them, he asked? Well I know you're brother is named after your Pa but I think he needs Jackson as his first name beings he looks just like you and your Pa! I don't have a problem with that but what are we going to use for a middle name, he asked? Hon what was your Pa's dad's name? Jack thought a minute and said, Jackson Alexander. Well we can't name him that. No we can't, he says. How about Jackson Wendell Thornton, she asks? I think it's perfect but isn't father going to be upset that he's named after dad? No because he's not. Dad's name is Wynn not Wendell and we will spell it W.E.N.D.E.L.L. Not W.Y.N.D.E.L.L. Father's name is William Thaddeus, I'm not using that. William would be okay but not his middle name, he said. I agree hon! Jackson Wendell Thornton, welcome to our family. He started sucking his fist. She hands him to his daddy while she undone her gown. He gave him back and he latched on immediately. I hope he doesn't eat as much as Jarrick did, they both laugh as Dr. Becker knocked on their door and entered. Well, looks like mama and son are getting along perfectly! Do you have names yet? Just his, Jackson Wendell Thornton, she says! We'll call him Jackson, she said.
Dr. Becker asks, how are you feeling? Any pain or discomfort? No not yet but I'm really tired, she replies. That's normal but if you have any pain don't hesitate to ask for pain medicine. That will help you heal faster.
Doc, she wants to see our daughter. We know it will be 72 hours before she can come in here but when can she go to her? I'd say sometime tomorrow. You went through a big ordeal during delivery so I want you to rest up tonight and tomorrow and then we'll see how you are feeling. If you're feeling well enough I'd say tomorrow evening. You'll only get to hold her for about 5 minutes though. She needs the constant heat and oxygen right now. With tears in her eyes she said thank you Dr. Becker. With that Dr. Becker left the room.
Elizabeth looked out the window and let the silent tears fall across her nose. Jack walked around her bed, leans down and whispers, Bella, she's alive and fighting. We have to do what ever it takes to see to it that she gets the best care she can get. That's why we are here, to save our babies and you. He kisses her cheek. She looks up at him and asks, she will be alright, right? Bella, I won't lie to you, when I first saw her I was scared to death. She is so tiny that I was terrified to hold her but the nurse put her in my arm and for the first time I wasn't scared anymore. Jack…I need to see her for myself. I'm not saying you are lying to me but as her mother I just need to see her for my own satisfaction to know she's alright.
Jack stayed at the hospital with her that night against the nurses orders. He was not leaving his family alone. He would wake up several times a night and go check on the twins and then go back to check on her. Jackson was brought in every two hours to nurse. Elizabeth was tired but wouldn't trade this for any amount of sleep. She held him, kissed his little cheeks and head. He opened his eyes to look up at her, she gushed every time about how identical he was to Jarrick. She laughed and said, you know the only way to tell them apart is their size. Jack leans over and replies, that is until they get bigger. They will probably be tall like me!
The next evening Elizabeth was sitting on the side of the bed waiting on a wheelchair to take her to the nursery to see their daughter. A few minutes later the nurse came back with the wheelchair. Jack and the nurse helped her in the wheelchair. Elizabeth was excited to see their daughter.
In the nursery, the nurse hands her daughter to her. She had her eyes wide open looking up at her mother. Elizabeth wipes a tear before saying, Abigail Elizabeth Thornton! Jack put his hand on his daughter's head and said, a perfect name for a perfect little girl! They're visit was way to short but Elizabeth was content knowing Abby was real and thriving to get better. She couldn't feed her yet but she was satisfied for now.
They only had 24 more hours as long as Abby was staying on track. The nurse says, I'm sorry Mrs. Thornton but its time to put her back. You may come back tomorrow and hold her again. They kissed they're daughter and promised that they would be back tomorrow. Elizabeth hands her back to the nurse to put her back in the incubator. She wiped a lone tear away as Jack kissed the top of her head.
A week later Elizabeth and Jackson were discharged from the hospital. Abby would have to stay until she was at least 5 pounds. It was bittersweet leaving without her but understood why. Very carefully Elizabeth was helped into the car. She looks back kisses her palm and blows it back to the hospital and said, mama loves you little one, I will see you tomorrow.
At the Thatcher's Jack helped her into the house and asked, would you like to sit in the sitting room or would you like to lay down for a while? I think I'd like to sit in a chair in the sitting room. Mother was holding Jackson while she got comfortable.
Everyone took turns holding him until he was hungry. Jack retrieved a blanket to cover herself while feeding him. Mom, how long are you and Dad staying here with us? We are staying as long as you and Jack stay. We will travel back with everyone to help get you settled. Then we will go back to Vancouver until Thanksgiving. If it's alright with you we would like to spend the holidays with you and your family. I would love that Mom! Mother cleared her throat and asked, may we come for Christmas? Mother that would be wonderful!
Every day Jack and Elizabeth went to the hospital after she fed Jackson. That gave them time to spend with Abby. It seemed like every day they got to spend more time with her. By the end of the following week, she was out of the incubator but wasn't gaining weight as fast as Dr. Becker was hoping she would. Abby was holding her own but just wasn't gaining the weight. She wasn't eating as much at one time.
Elizabeth asked, may I feed her? The nurse wrapped Abby and handed her to her mother. Abby snuggled in as if she couldn't get close enough. Elizabeth opens her blouse and placed Abby to her breast. It was the very first time to breastfeed her. Abby latched on like no tomorrow. Elizabeth wipes the tears that threatened to fall. Jack kneeled down, ran his hand gently over his daughter's head, and said, that's it, baby girl. Eat all you can hold. Mamma isn't in any hurry. Abby sighs but keeps sucking.
The twins are now 6 weeks old. Abby is almost 5 pounds. Elizabeth had got her stitches out 2 weeks ago. She was starting to feel better. Jack had to go back to work but met Elizabeth at the hospital every day at lunch to spend time with Abby and to have lunch with his wife after. Abby had started gaining weight a little faster when she started breastfeeding. Dr. Becker had said that she might get to go home next week. Everyone was excited for Jack and Elizabeth.
Jarrick was excited to have a lil brodder! He wanted him to play with him so badly. He asked all the time if Ja'son wanted to play wif him. Someone was always there to tell him that he was too little to play yet. Jarrick didn't grasp the concept so he just kept asking.
2 weeks later Abby was finally discharged from the hospital. Jack took that day off. He wanted to spend time with his family finally all together under one roof. Jack and Elizabeth took turns holding Abby. This was the best time after 2 months. Abby was exactly 5 pounds. She was so tiny. It had been a long 8 weeks but they were happy!
They would stay in Hamilton for a couple more weeks to wait for Dr. Becker to give Abby clearance to travel. He had wanted her weight up to 6 pounds before she could travel. It took almost 3 weeks but now was her last doctor's visit to determine whether she was able to travel or not. Dr. Becker welcomed them back to the exam room. Elizabeth took Abby's clothes off but was met with a blood-curdling scream. Abby was not happy at having her clothes removed.
Dr. Becker quickly weighed her and said, now now little bit just a minute and you can have your clothes back. With one hand on Abby and with the other he wrote down her weight. He said you can put her clothes back on now. Then I'll get the rest of her vitals. Elizabeth dressed her as quickly as she could but Abby was distraught. Jack took her, held her up to his neck, and started humming a lullaby. Abby began to settle. While her daddy hummed Dr. Becker took her vitals. He looked back through her records and said, she has come a long way. She is actually 6 pounds 3 ounces. Doc, do you think she is ready to travel back to Pine Springs yet? I do believe that she is. Just check-in with Dr. Randel when you get back. I think she still needs to be checked once a week until she reaches 7 pounds. They thanked him for everything.