Because of Big Al’s medical history and because no food had been served, Eric assumed Big Al was experiencing a cardiac event. “Big Al, do you have pain under your left jaw or down your left arm?”
Big Al groaned, “Both.” He looked at Sister Ruth. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry to have to leave you and Catherine on your own.”
“Granddaddy, what’s happening?” Cathy asked, alarm on her face.
“Allison, please call 911 and have an EMS bus sent here. Tell them we’re dealing with a heart attack. I’ll try to help Big Al,” Eric said.
“No, no, no!” Cathy shouted. “You can’t be right!”
Joseph put his arms around Cathy. “The EMS technicians should be here soon, and we’ll get your grandfather to the hospital.”
Big Al gave a cry of intense pain and fell face down on the table. Eric pointed to three of the men watching the events and spoke in his command voice, “Help me get Big Al on his back on the table!” The men jumped into action as Eric used an arm to clear the table. Once Big Al was on the table, Eric told the men, “Please keep the crowd away from here. Big Al needs air and I need space to work on him. Allison and Joseph, take Sister Ruth and Cathy to one of the nearby tables and stay with them.”
After failing to detect a pulse in Big Al’s wrist or carotid artery, Eric pulled Big Al’s suit coat apart, loosened his tie, and ripped opened the front of his shirt. “Everybody, be quiet! I need to listen to Big Al’s heart!” The command voice had the desired effect. Eric put an ear on Big Al’s chest without hearing any indication of a heartbeat. Eric began chest compressions on Big Al. “Alison, you contacted EMS?”
“On the way.”
“Good. Please help me. Joseph, you stay with Cathy and Sister Ruth.”
Allison, realizing what Eric needed, bent over Big Al’s head. She used the fingers of one hand to close off his nostrils, clamped her lips around his mouth, and began to force her breath into and out of Big Al’s chest. “I don’t know if I can move enough air to make a difference,” she said between breaths. “He’s a big man.”
“Keep going,” Eric said, continuing the chest compressions. Although he knew current CPR guidelines no longer specified mouth-to-mouth breathing for adults, Eric wanted to give Big Al the best possible chance of survival under the circumstances.
A man from the crowd stepped to the table. “Ms. Stevens, let me spell you. I can blow more air than you.” Allison pulled back to let the man replace her. He told Eric, “I learned CPR in the Army,” and began to force his breath into and out of Big Al’s lungs. Big Al remained unresponsive; Eric could not detect a pulse.
Eric looked up from Big Al. “Does anyone have an Epi-Pen?”
A teenage girl with long blonde hair said, “I do.” She removed it from her small purse, and passed the epinephrine-containing injector to Eric.
Eric, without stopping his chest compressions, said, “Allison, take the Epi-Pen out of its case and plunge the needle hard into one of Big Al’s thighs. Go right through his trousers, don’t let off the pressure until all of the epinephrine goes into Big Al.”
Allison carried out Eric’s instructions. A minute later, Eric felt again for a pulse without any success. A man pushed through the crowd. “I’m Dr. Whitehead. What’s happening?”
“Reverend Stockman appears to have had a heart attack,” Eric said.
The doctor knelt between Eric and the man breathing for Big Al. “How long have you been administering CPR?”
“About five minutes,” Eric said.
“Honey,” the doctor said to his wife who stood at the rear of the onlookers, “run to the car and get my black bag, stat.” The wife ran out of the restaurant. She soon returned with the black bag, which she gave to her husband. Eric heard the distant sound of an oncoming siren on Sweet Gum Road.
The doctor removed his stethoscope and a penlight from the bag. After listening at several positions on Big Al’s chest, the doctor frowned. He used his penlight to test Big Al’s pupils. Dr. Whitehead shook his head as two EMS technicians came into the restaurant. “Hey, Dr. Whitehead,” the first technician asked, “what’s the problem with Big Al?”
“Cardiac arrest, no detectable heartbeat, pupils fixed and dilated.”
“How long has he been down?”
Eric responded. “At least ten minutes. We began CPR immediately after Big Al collapsed.”
“Doc, should we use the defibrillator?”
Before the doctor could answer, Eric said, “Do it. We don’t want to lose Big Al.”
Dr. Whitehead shrugged his shoulders. The two EMS technicians prepared the portable defibrillator. “Clear!” the man with the paddles shouted. Big Al convulsed with the force of the electric shock to his chest.
The second EMS technician placed his stethoscope on Big Al’s chest. “No heartbeat. Increase to three hundred.”
“Clear!” the first EMS technician said. Big Al’s chest heaved again; his heart remained stopped. “Going to three-sixty! Clear.” Big Al remained unresponsive.
Dr. Whitehead spoke to the EMS technicians, “I’m not sure about your protocol; however, any further attempts at resuscitation will be fruitless.”
Sister Ruth groaned and would have fallen out her chair except for Cathy’s tight embrace. Joseph assisted Cathy by wrapping his arms around Sister Ruth from the rear of the chair. Allison went to Sister Ruth to provide more comfort.
Dr. Whitehead put his arm on Eric’s shoulder. “We’ve done all we can for your friend. He’s expired.”
Eric, who had seen his share of dead men and women, realized the doctor had made the right call. “Please see to Sister Ruth,” Eric said to the doctor. “She may be in shock.”
After a quick examination of Sister Ruth, the doctor instructed the EMS technician, “This man is correct. She should be transported immediately to the hospital.”
“Eric,” Allison said, “I’ll call Courtland’s Funeral Home to get Big Al’s body. Why don’t you stay here with Big Al? I’ll follow the EMS vehicle with Cathy and Joseph.”
Eric nodded, knelt beside Big Al’s body, and spoke in a loud voice, “Let’s pray for Big Al. Almighty and loving God, we thank you for the life of your great warrior for Christ. May we carry on his work. We believe Reverend Aloysius Stockman, who we respected and loved as Big Al, rests securely in your care. We look forward to reuniting with him at the resurrection, when all things will be made new. Help us to focus on caring for Sister Ruth and Cathy, a privilege we undertake for them as our sisters in Christ and on behalf of Big Al. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.”
A chorus of Amens came from the nearby crowd.
Eric rose to his feet. Someone pushed a chair into the back of his legs. “Why don’t you rest, Reverend Jameson? We don’t want to send you to the hospital.”
Eric collapsed into the chair. He lifted a silent prayer. Dear God, help me do my duty despite the great loss we have suffered. Give us the strength to comfort and take care of Sister Ruth and Cathy.
Eric came into the hospital’s family waiting room where Allison, Joseph, and Cathy sat in a tight group. Allison asked, “The funeral home has Big Al’s body?”
“Yes.”
“Did you give them any instructions?”
“No, I told them to wait for Sister Ruth and Cathy’s instructions.”
Cathy spoke in a soft voice. “Granddaddy wanted to be buried on the Ebenezer property alongside Granny when she dies.”
“Do you know if he left any instructions?”
“They were in his desk at the parsonage.”
“The instructions burned in the fire?”
“Yes.” Cathy looked at Allison. “Do you have a copy of his will? Maybe it has some instructions.”
“I have a copy of the will in my office. I don’t recall the document or him saying he wanted to be buried at Ebenezer.”
Cathy frowned. “We’ll have to bury Granddaddy and Granny somewhere else?”
“Not necessarily,�
� Allison said. “If you and Sister Ruth specify Big Al wanted to be interred on the Ebenezer property, we shouldn’t encounter any problems.”
“The fact that the church no longer exists doesn’t matter?”
“The land exists, and most likely will stay with the North Georgia Conference for quite some time,” Eric said.
“We can do the same for Granny, when her time comes?”
“Yes.”
Dr. Whitehead came into the room and pulled up a chair to face Cathy. “I’m truly sorry about your grandfather, Miss Stockman. Nothing could have been done for him.” He looked at Eric. “Reverend Jameson and the people who helped him did everything possible to keep your grandfather alive. Sometimes our best efforts simply have little effect.”
Cathy nodded, then looked at Eric. “Thanks for trying.” She asked the doctor, “When can Granny go home?”
“Not tonight, maybe not for a couple of days, if then,” Dr. Whitehead said. “She’s very weak, and lethargic. We need to find out what’s wrong with her. What can you tell me about her health?”
“She’s slowed down a lot in the past couple of months, and she forgets things.”
“Does she ever act confused?”
“Yes, especially lately.”
“Has she been eating?”
“Not a lot, not like she used to.”
“Good to know those things. You folks should go home. We’ll take great care of Mrs. Stockman, see if we help her through this difficult time.”
“May I see her?” Cathy asked.
“I’ll take you to the door of her room. She’s been sedated and I wouldn’t want her to be disturbed.” Dr. Whitehead stood up.
“Joseph,” Cathy asked, “will you come with me?”
“Absolutely,” Joseph said. He left the room with Cathy and Dr. Whitehead.
Allison said, “Eric, we’ll take Cathy home with us.”
“I’ll go home to start getting things ready for Cathy in the guest room. You can take Cathy and Joseph by the parsonage to pick up her clothes and things.”
“Sounds like a plan. Cathy looks extremely tired.”
“Most likely the result of stress from the day’s events and worrying about the future. You’ll let her know she can stay with us indefinitely,” Eric said.
“And I’ll tell her Sister Ruth can stay with us, too.”
“I didn’t like what I heard about Sister Ruth a few minutes ago.”
“You do the comforting, Eric; I’ll do the worrying about Sister Ruth and Cathy.”
“Deal.”
“Eric, I’ll comfort you, and do my best to help you through the next few days.”
CHAPTER 34
Wednesday, 29 October
Eric brought Cathy to Sister Ruth’s hospital bedside soon after the young girl and Joseph came home from school. “Sister Ruth, do you want me to leave you and Cathy alone?”
“Pray over me and don’t leave. I have something to say to the two of you.”
Eric held out his hands to Cathy and Sister Ruth. “Dear God, thank you for Sister Ruth and her life of service in your kingdom. May she be open to continue receiving the full blessings, the healing and comfort, of the Holy Spirit. Show us how we can best provide for her and Cathy. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Sister Ruth opened her eyes and smiled. “Didn’t work, did it?”
“What are you talking about, Granny?” Cathy asked.
“I didn’t feel the Holy Spirit move from Reverend Eric into me like with Alice Hyde.” She laughed. “I don’t really want to be healed.”
“Why?” Cathy asked.
“I’m ready for my angel wings, child. I want to be with Aloysius.”
“Granny, don’t talk like you’re dying.”
Sister Ruth gently shook her head and spoke to Eric. “Don’t worry. I do feel comforted by your prayer.”
“I can pray again, if you like.”
“No need for more such prayers right now. I’ll want other kinds of prayers as time passes, and my time on earth draws to an end.” Sister Ruth took a deep breath. “You and Catherine, please sit closer to my bed. I’m too tired to speak loudly.” Eric and Cathy leaned close to Sister Ruth. “The new doctor who helped bring me here says I’m almost worn out.” Sister Ruth held up a hand to keep Cathy from responding. “He confirmed what my other doctor told Aloysius and me: I have Alzheimer’s and it’s progressing rapidly.” She took a deep breath. “I hope I die of one thing or another before my mind completely leaves me.”
Cathy, tears in her eyes, kissed her grandmother. “Granny, I’ll take care of you. I can’t bear for you to die.”
“Catherine, everybody dies and you’re too young to take on the responsibility of caring for me. I won’t allow it. You have your life to live; you don’t need to be tied down to an old woman who can no longer take care of herself. I won’t allow you to waste some of the best years of your life.”
“I’ll do it anyway, no matter what you say.”
“No, you will not! Big Al and I already planned for what’s going to happen.”
“What do you have in mind, Sister Ruth?” Eric asked.
“When I leave this fine hospital, I’ll go and spend whatever time I have left at Hill Haven. They’ll take great care of me.”
“Granny,” Cathy said, “I don’t want you to stay at Hill Haven. We’ll keep living together in the parsonage.”
“Catherine, I’ve already told you what is, and what isn’t, going to take place. You must deal with my leaving you.”
Eric put a hand on Cathy’s shoulder to reassure her. “Sister Ruth, what else?”
“I figure a smart man like you knows the answer.”
“Then, yes, we’ll do it.”
Cathy stomped her foot on the floor. “What are you two talking about, as if I’m not even here?”
Eric pulled Cathy closer in an embrace. “Sister Ruth wants Allison and me to formally adopt you into our family so you can live with us as our daughter.” Eric saw the smile on Sister Ruth’s face. “I agree for myself and on behalf of Allison and Joseph. Cathy will be an important part of our family. We’ll take good care of her.”
Cathy buried her face into Eric’s chest, sobs racking her body. Sister Ruth spoke, almost sternly. “Catherine, you know this arrangement will be best for all of us, especially for you and me.”
“How will I be able to see you?” Cathy asked, pulling away from Eric.
“No problem,” Eric said. “Allison or I will drive you frequently to Hill Haven to see your grandmother. Later on, you can drive yourself. You’re not abandoning her.”
“Would it be possible for Granny and me to live with you? If you and Allison agree, Granny wouldn’t need to go to Hill Haven.”
Before Eric could respond, Sister Ruth struggled to sit up in the bed. “Catherine, I refuse to be a burden to you or to Reverend Eric’s family. I will need round-the-clock care, a lot of care if I don’t die pretty soon. You’re a smart girl. Think about what’s been said today, and you’ll agree with the plan.”
“I’m sure Cathy will see the big picture, Sister Ruth.” Eric saw realization breaking through Cathy’s sadness. He spoke to Sister Ruth. “Allison’s probably already come to the same conclusion as us. There will be some legal issues to consider.”
“Big Al and I are Cathy’s legal guardians. No one will contest the adoption.”
“Good.”
“I’ll explain the situation in more detail to Allison when she can get here,” Sister Ruth said.
Eric stood. “Cathy, please hug and kiss your grandmother good-bye for today. You and I should go home and let Sister Ruth rest.”
Allison came into Eric’s study where he worked on his eulogy for Big Al’s funeral. “Cathy’s somewhat calmer. She’s been on an emotional roller coaster.”
“Where is she?”
“In her room.”
“Joseph?”
“I’ve confined him to his room for the ni
ght. His and Cathy’s emotions could easily get out of hand.”
“Are you ready for bed?”
“You’ll have to sleep alone tonight.”
“Why so?”
“Cathy asked me to sleep with her, hold her tight.”
“You agreed, like the good mother you are?”
“I did.”
“Before I go to bed in a few minutes, I’ll stop by Joseph’s room and see how he’s doing.”
“He’ll appreciate the male bonding.”
“Do you foresee any legal problems with our adopting Cathy?”
“Probably not. I’ve reviewed Sister Ruth and Big Al’s wills, and my notes. Sister Ruth now has sole legal guardianship over Cathy and wants the adoption to take place. Cathy wants the same thing.”
“What about Cathy’s paternal family?”
“I don’t know the full details. Her father was white and, according to what Miz Lizbeth has said in the past, his family vehemently objected to the union. They basically disowned Cathy’s biological father and blame her mother for the father’s death. That’s why Cathy has Stockman for a last name instead of her biological father’s. In all likelihood, his parents didn’t contest Big Al and Sister Ruth’s guardianship. I’ll flesh out the details tomorrow.”
“Does Cathy know this history?”
“She’s a smart young lady, and perceptive as well.”
“All right, off to bed. We want Cathy to be comforted. Nothing like a good night’s sleep to give a person a fresh perspective of the future, especially after traumatic events.”
“A nugget of wisdom from your warrior days?”
“Yes, although many times my survival depended upon giving up sleep.”
“Eric, you’ve slain all the demons. Rest well.” Allison kissed Eric lightly on his lips and left the study.
CHAPTER 35
Thursday, 30 October
Allison greeted Eric when he walked through the front door almost at sunset. “You look like a man in desperate need of a formidable libation. What can I fix you?”
“A generous double Wild Turkey on ice, no water. I may have a second one.”
Comfort and Affliction Page 25