Chapter 36
Let The Journey Begin
The next day after Jarrick was put down for his nap and Cecilia was in the toy room playing. The adults were in the sitting room. Jack takes a deep breath and says, Bella I have something to tell you. Will you take a walk with me? Sure, we can walk down to the garden. They put their coats on and walk out the French doors. She takes his arm as they walk. They get to the gazebo and take a seat.
What is it hon? Bella there has been some information that has come to me the other day but I didn't want to upset you. He told her everything that father had told him. She was numb not saying anything. Bella, I would like you to go to the doctor here and see if you are carrying twins. Jack, are you sure this is what father said? Yes Bella. There are no twins where both twins survive. He said that twins have been conceived as far back as the family can remember but one is always stillborn. I would like to get to the bottom of it and stay on top of it. It will just about kill us if we are having twins and we lose one. Are you willing to go see a specialist if that's what we're are told we need to do? Jack…why would you even ask? This baby or babies mean everything to me. I would do anything to keep them safe. Okay, I made an appointment for you to go see the doctor here first for tomorrow at one o'clock. Ma said she would keep Jarrick while we are gone. She couldn't bring herself to ask her father about this.
At twelve o'clock they left going to the doctor. Jack filled out the paperwork while she stood looking out the window. Jack handed the nurse behind the desk the completed paperwork. She said the doctor would be right with them. In the exam room the doctor took his time checking Elizabeth out. He took her vitals, pressed around her belly. He listens with his stethoscope, moving it around. He stopped and closed his eyes so he could concentrate on just the sound he was listening to. He moved the stethoscope a little and continued to concentrate. Eventually he opened his eyes and said, congratulations you are having twins.
They're smile faltered. The doctor asked, why the long faces? Jack proceeded to tell him everything. The doctor sat down and was thinking before he spoke. Finally he says. I've heard of these twins. He looks at her and asks, are you a Thatcher? She nods yes. Ok those twins are in the medical books because there were no information as to why this happened. There isn't much study as to why babies are stillborn. So this is what I want you to do. It says here that you are a teacher in Pine Springs. I'm not putting you on bed rest but I am going to tell you to stay off your feet as much as possible. When you are teaching I want you sitting as much as possible. I don't want you lifting anything more than your basket as long as there are no books in it. In the afternoon I want you to lay down. You can lay on the sofa if you want to. You can help fix dinner but sitting to do it. Someone else must lift the pot or pan. I'll send my recommendations to Dr. Randel but be aware that he may send you out to have these babies. The hospital here is just as up to date as Vancouver and we are closer. I'm not saying he will but I'm going to suggest it at eight months. If you come here I will be delivering them. I want you to stop teaching at eight months. Jack stands and shakes Dr. Becker's hand and says, thank you. Mr. And Mrs. Thornton I'm not saying that we will be able to save both babies but you stand a better chance in the hospital. I'm not going to let you go into labor. I will be doing a C-section to deliver them. I can take them two to three weeks early here at the hospital. So rest assured we will take all precautions. Jack helped her down from the exam table.
At the Thatcher's they explain everything that Dr. Becker said. It was agreed that they would travel back to Hamilton to deliver the babies. They would travel back as soon as school was over. That would give them almost two months. Jack said he would ask for a temporary reassignment here in Hamilton.
For the next several days Elizabeth sat around except for going to the bathroom and going to bed. She watched Jarrick and Cecilia play on the floor. Viola would sit with her at times. Viola was starting to think that Cecilia would probably be her only child. She didn't want to go through what her sister was going through.
Once they were home Jack took Elizabeth to see Dr. Randel. He had received all the information from Dr. Becker. He asked them to explain everything to him so he could ask questions if he needed to. Okay, I understand why he has recommended everything now. So I'm going to back him up and instead of you coming into town I will come by your house every three weeks for now after school. Continue with what Dr. Becker says. Once they start moving and I mean moving not fluttering, I want to know. Let's start a journal and see if we can stay on top of this. If after they start moving and kicking and for some reason stop for more than four to six hours have Mr. Thornton to come get me and I'll check them out. Ok Doc, thanks! You bet.
School started back and Elizabeth followed the doctors requests to the T. She had called a meeting with all the parents to explain her condition. She explained what the doctors had requested. She was going to finish this term and then they would need a temporary teacher for the first semester of next year if her contract was extended. They all agreed that they would do anything that she needed help with. Lydia had volunteered to take afternoon classes if she needed to go home and rest. She said that Jack would take care of the next field trip so that the children wouldn't miss out on it. When the meeting ended she thanked them for understanding.
The next afternoon Lydia showed up at lunch. Elizabeth appreciated her coming. Lydia sat in the back of the room while Elizabeth explained to children what the changes were going to be taking place. They had questions and she answered them the best she could without telling the possibility. They were content with her answers. She continued with her afternoon subjects. She showed Lydia her planner, every afternoon they had the same subjects. Lydia says, those are easy subjects. Those are just reading subjects, I can handle those! Good, Elizabeth replied.
The rest of the week went well. The following week Elizabeth decided to let Lydia take the afternoon class while she set back and watched. By the end of the first day Elizabeth knew that Lydia would do just fine to leave her class in the hands of Lydia. By the end of February Lydia was teaching the afternoon class. Elizabeth ate lunch with Lydia and discussed what was on the planner for the day. After lunch Elizabeth said her goodbyes to the children and went home.
By the end of March she had become more tired when she came home after lunch. Her and Jarrick took their naps together. Dr. Randel had come by and said, Mrs. Thornton both babies are doing good. They're hearts are good and strong. Continue as you are doing, it seems to be working. Jack had come in just before Dr. Randel left and was able to ask any questions he had.
The spring field trip came and went, Jack a wonderful time teaching them the medicinal purpose of the plants around the school. Lydia had lived there for over forty years and didn't even know what some of them were. She made a list of every one Jack had showed them. She had planned on getting them for use around the house. The children got back to school and started the essay that was due Monday afternoon before lunch.
1. Stinging nettles- allergies and inflammatory conditions
2. Cascara sagrada- relieving constipation
3. Skullcap- relieving stress
4. Seneca snakeroot- respiratory ailments
5. Partridge berry- calming properties
6. Lobelia- respiratory ailments
7. Hops- relieving stress and insomnia
8. Juniper- diuretic and antiseptic
9. Heal all- treating wounds
10. Dandelion- treating liver problems, joint complaints, anaemia and skin conditions
11. Cranberry- treating UTIs
12. Evening primrose- skin conditions, fatigue and weight loss
13. Bloodroot- relieving respiratory ailments and skin problems
14. Black cherry- relieving coughs
15. Bethroot- aiding in childbirth and relieving menstrual disorders
16. American ginseng- immune boosting and energizing
Of course some of these he only told Lydia for her notes only. Her grandmother had told her about some of them but there were quite a few that she had never heard of. Jack told her that he would see about getting her a full list from the academy. She thanked him and they went in the school so he could answer any questions that the children had.
He was so excited to tell Elizabeth all about his day with the children and what he had told Lydia. After dinner they sat and watched their son play before bed. After his discussion about school he asked, what did you do today Bella? I read to our son, took a short walk to the barn, Ma is teaching me to quilt and I helped with dinner. Oh and Dr. Randel came by and the babies are still moving and he heard both heartbeats! That's wonderful Bella! I'm so proud of you and the way you are caring for them to protect them. Hon, I don't want to tell Jarrick that we have two babies in my tummy just in case something goes horribly wrong. I understand Bella. We just tell him mama has a baby in there. Yes that's what I've been telling him, she replies. Ma has been a Godsend.
It was Saturday and Jack's weekend to work. Charlotte and Elizabeth sat out back doing laundry. Jarrick would play with his toys outside with them while they done the laundry. Charlotte would hang all the clothes on the line and would take them down after they dried. Elizabeth would fold and Charlotte would iron and put them away. Jack would do all the chores in the barn when he came home. He would let the horses out in the morning before work and put them back in their stall in the evening.
On Monday the children came in and took their seats. Elizabeth took attendance and asked, is everyone finished with their essays from your field trip on Friday? They said yes ma'am! Elizabeth let them come to the front and read them. After each essay she asked if anyone had any questions. It took until lunch to get them all read. She enjoyed hearing all about their field trip with Mountie Jack. They read with such excitement. After the last one was read and discussed she dismissed them to lunch after she gathered all the essays. The three beginners were allowed to draw a picture and explain it. Lydia came and had lunch with her. She told Lydia about their morning and that they didn't have time for the morning subjects but not to worry about it. She suggested that they only do history and art. The essays were their science and grammar. She told Lydia that she would do spelling and math tomorrow. Lydia asked how she was feeling? I'm actually feeling pretty good. I'm getting enough rest so I think that has helped, Elizabeth replied.
Elizabeth was getting bigger by the day. Mrs. Ethridge had made her more dresses. She had also made several outfits for the babies. Elizabeth refused to believe that she was going to lose one of their babies. Every day she would talk to them while she gently rub her stomach. She would sing to them and watch them move around under her skin. She told them to keep moving around she didn't mind because as long as they were still moving she knew they were both doing fine.
At night Jack would talk and sing to them. He wanted them to know they were loved. He would gently run his hands over her stomach while they moved under her skin. As he held her that night he whispered, Bella, I'm scared. I'm afraid of losing you and outr babies. I've never heard of this cesarean. There are so many things that can go wrong. Hon, I'm scared too but I have to believe that this is all part of God's plan. As she looked up at him she gently pulled his face to look at her and asked, hon, I need you to promise me something. Bella you know I'll do anything for you. She sat up and looked at him and said, Jaaack…I need…you…to…promise…that..if …anything…goes…wrong…you…will…save…the…babies. With tears in his eyes he replied, please Bella, please…don't…make…me…choose. Jack we need to discuss this. I want our babies to be our first priority and I need to know that you will save our babies over me. Bella I can't make that promise. I need you here to help raise our children with me. Bella I can't do this without you. She wiped his cheeks and kisses them. Hon, I'm asking you to honor my wishes. Please just think about it, will you? He said nothing but pulls her back down to him. He held her all night. He couldn't sleep just thinking about what she had asked him to do.
By the end of May Elizabeth was having trouble walking around. Both babies were still alive. Elizabeth had decided to cut the school year short by a week. There were no graduations this year but she still wanted the last day to be special. The mothers had made all the cookies and cupcakes and punch. The men had set all the tables and chairs up outside. The children had got with Mrs. Delaney and wrote letters, poems and drew pictures for their teacher, Mrs. Thornton. Elizabeth and Jack sat through every one of them. Elizabeth had to wipe a few tears away. After the last poem was read, she stood, and stretched out her arms inviting them in for a hug. They did not disappoint her, they all ran to her and wrapped their little arms around her, in circling her. She cried happy tears and told them that she loved them all so very much. She promised that she would be back after the Christmas break if her contract was extended. With one more group hug her and Jack walked home.
One more visit from Dr. Randel the following week and they would be on their way back to Hamilton. Mom and dad would be in Hamilton also. Jack had his transfer papers in hand. They would only be gone long enough for her to have the babies and recover and hopefully she would receive her extended contract for the winter break. Neilda Fuller was back from teachers college and had agreed to take the fall semester. She had received her contract for the fall semester.
Elizabeth was given the go ahead to travel back to Hamilton. Phillip and O'Sullivan would be looking after the horses for the time being. Ma would be making the trip with them to help look after Jarrick. A car was brought out to take the family to the train station. Elizabeth sat on the bench with Charlotte while McMurphy and Jack got the trunks out onto the platform. Jarrick sat in Granma's lap playing with his wooden train.