The Angelic Occurrence

by Henry K. Ripplinger

  JACOB STEVENS

  1873 - 1946

  ETERNALLY I ASK FOR FORGIVENESS

  Henry stopped briefly to thank Mr. Stevens, once again, for the part his words played in helping to heal the family. Fresh tears surfaced as he recalled the day he forgave his dad and how his mother, too, had been affected by this complete stranger.

  “Thank you, Mr. Stevens, and if it were up to me to grant you peace, I forgive you completely for whatever during your life lay so heavily on your heart.”

  Henry turned and made his way to the limousine, whispering a prayer:

  “Help me Lord, to live each day as if it were my last, to pursue more of what really matters in life, what is important, everlasting and to truly follow in Mom’s and Father Engelmann’ footsteps who are such great examples of how to emulate Your love filled ways and truths.”

  Chapter Forty-One

  Over the course of the summer and into the fall, Jenny began feeling more and more fatigued. She also noticed an intermittent pain in her side that didn’t want to go away. She attributed it to all the work she had been doing in and around the house, as well as her volunteer work. She enjoyed everything she did so much she was reluctant to give any of it up. But when she started cancelling luncheon engagements because she was just too tired to attend them, she decided to go to the doctor.

  One of Jenny’s friends had recommended Dr. Kreake. He was very amicable, in his early fifties or so, a good head taller than she and had black wavy hair. The tufts of grey growing out the sides of his temples only accentuated his distinguished appearance. He took her history and listened as she related the feelings of fatigue and the pain that came and went in her side. He couldn’t detect anything out of the ordinary after feeling Jenny’s abdominal area.

  “You look fine to me, Ms. Hamilton, however, I would like to run some blood tests and take an X-ray of your chest and abdomen. Since the pain is on the left side, it rules out kidney stones, gall stones or anything to do with the major organs as they are on the right side. But we’d better check anyway. I can’t really prescribe any medication or supplements until I look at the blood test results.”

  Dr. Kreake filled out the proper requisitions while explaining the protocols for the various tests. Jenny decided to have the tests completed the following day, since the blood test required her to be fasting for 24 hours. On her way out, Jenny scheduled a follow-up appointment in two weeks.

  Barely a week had gone by after Jenny’s blood tests and X-ray were done when the doctor’s office called and asked her to come in around three that afternoon.

  As Jenny hung up the phone, she wondered why they had called her in early. Clearly they had found something. A pain hit, then, much stronger than before. She almost doubled over. She sat in the chair by the phone unable to move for well over three minutes until the pain subsided and gradually went away. When she got up to head to her bedroom for a nap, the pain returned. Once again she doubled over and thrust her hands to her side. She hoped Dr. Kreake would be able to tell her what was going on.

  She tried to rest, but couldn’t sleep. She was growing more and more worried about her health. She was settling in so nicely, had good friends and loved Regina. Perhaps, the only thing in her life that needed healing had to do with family, the estranged relationship with J.J.. He was still so cold towards her. Fortunately his new wife, Nora, was pleasant and talked to Jenny when she phoned.

  It saddened Jenny that she had to learn from Matti that Nora had given birth to a son and that shortly after J.J. and Nora got married. Jenny would give anything to see her little grandchild and hold him in her arms.

  “Oh, Lord,” Jenny called out in the stillness of her bedroom. “Please heal our relationship. Bring peace into this family and please heal me of this awful pain.” At that precise moment the pain returned and lasted much longer.

  Jenny arrived at her appointment ten minutes early.

  Five minutes after she sat down amongst the four other people in the waiting room, a young lady exited the examining room and Jenny wondered who would be next. To her surprise, the receptionist called her name.

  One of the men glared at her as she stood and followed the receptionist inside. Dr. Kreake was standing behind his desk when she walked in. She studied his eyes and instantly she knew just like the time she would learn of her rape and pregnancy that this was serious.

  “Please sit down, Ms. Hamilton.”

  “Please, doctor, call me Jenny, I much prefer it.”

  “Certainly…Jenny.”

  Jenny chose a chair by the desk in the examination room, as Dr. Kreake sat down and opened the file in front of him. His dark eyes lost their sparkle as his expression turned even grimmer.

  “Your test results came back, Jenny, and I’m afraid they don’t look good.”

  Jenny’s heart began to race. She pressed her hands against her thighs to control her trembling legs. “What is it, doctor?”

  “Well, the blood samples show irregularities, however it’s the X-rays. Jenny, you have a tumour in the colon. That’s probably why you are experiencing pain in your side.”

  “Oh my God. Is it…?” Jenny couldn’t say the word.

  “At this point, I don’t know how serious it is Ms…I mean, Jenny…but I would like to admit you to the hospital, right away. I want to have more tests done, an ultrasound and even operate, tomorrow, if I can schedule a surgeon.”

  Jenny was stunned, how could this be happening? It must be a dream. Yet the pain in her side, especially that morning clearly indicated that something was very wrong.

  “Are you sure? Are you serious that I be admitted, today?”

  “Yes, Jenny, I am dead serious. I wish you would have come to me sooner. Early diagnosis is still the best treatment for cancer, should your tumour be malignant,” Dr. Kreake quickly added.

  The word cancer sent shivers through Jenny’s entire body. She had always been so healthy. She ate a lot of raw vegetables, exercised at least three times a week.

  “This can’t be happening to me,” Jenny murmured.

  “I know this is a shock, Jenny, but cancer can strike anyone and at any time. I hope and pray it isn’t, but we can’t be sure until we operate, remove it and biopsy it. I’m sorry I have to be so blunt, but I can’t stress enough how each moment from now on is important. We must admit you right away.”

  Despair pushed Jenny into a state of shock. She saw Dr. Kreake’s lips move, he was saying something, but she was as good as deaf. She thought about her mother dying and perhaps now she would soon follow.

  “Jenny…Jenny, are you okay?” Dr. Kreake asked as he rounded his desk, watching her.

  Jenny saw him coming, but didn’t know why. The room started to spin, the white coat reached out to her and in the next instant…she was in her garden pruning the geraniums. Of all the flowers in her garden, she liked the geraniums the best. It was the flower patch with its beautiful array of flowers that brought her healing, though. She would put daisies into the Angel of Thanksgiving’s basket and also….

  Jenny’s eyes fluttered open to see the white coat standing over her.

  “Jenny, Jenny. Everything is okay.”

  Jenny looked into Dr. Kreake’s eyes, but still wasn’t entirely sure where she was.

  “What happened?”

  You’re in Dr. Kreake’s office, you’re fine. You just fainted. I guess the shock of going into the hospital and possibly having an operation tomorrow was just a little too much for you to take in all at once. Perhaps I should have eased into it, but this is urgent, Jenny, and I don’t want to waste any time.”

  “I…I understand, doctor, actually I have a habit of doing this” Jenny said, as she forced a smile and tried to sit up.

  Dr. Kreake held her arm as she swung her legs down off the table so they dangled there unable to reach the floor.

  “You have had fainting
spells before?”

  “Well, when I learned I was pregnant, but that was so long ago.”

  The doctor studied her for a long moment, “Are you okay now? Can you sit by yourself?”

  “Yes, yes, I am fine. I guess I was overwhelmed by it all.”

  “Of course, Jenny, it’s very understandable.”

  The nurse popped her head into the office, again. “Is everything okay? Do you need my help?”

  “No, I think everything is fine now, thanks, Irene.”

  Irene nodded and closed the door.

  “Are you driving, Jenny?”

  “Yes, I am. My car is parked just down the street.”

  “Do you think you are well enough to drive?”

  “Yes, I think so.”

  “I can get someone to drive you home.”

  “No, I am fine, now. I would like to go home and get a few things, though, my books and so on.”

  “I understand, but may I suggest you leave your car at home and take a cab to the hospital.”

  “Yes, that’s a good idea. How long do you think I would be in the hospital for?”

  “Well, a few days for certain.”

  Jenny slowly slipped off the examination table until her feet touched the floor. She felt a bit woozy, but took a deep breath and the world stabilized. She noticed the overturned chair near the door.

  “Did I faint way over here?”

  “Well, not quite, I pushed you over there in the chair so I could call Irene to help me lift you onto the table.”

  “Oh my!” Jenny chuckled.

  “I’m a bit reluctant to let you go and drive home. Are you sure you are all right to do so?”

  “Yes, I’m sure, doctor. If at any time I think I might be a risk to anyone, I assure you I will pull over and call a cab.”

  “Well, perhaps sit out in the waiting room for awhile and read a magazine until you catch your breath and this whole matter sinks in a little more.”

  “Oh, I assure you, it’s sunk in.”

  “Well, Jenny, take a cab to the emergency entrance, it’s quicker there than the admitting desk in the front lobby. I will tell them you are on your way and to admit you at once. I will do everything I can to get you a private room.”

  Jenny looked at Dr. Kreake. “Thank you for your care and attention and concern, doctor.” She reached out her hand and he shook it. He watched her exit and knew it was probably one of the last times he would see her flowing wheat-coloured hair.

  Jenny parked the car in front of her home and even before she stepped out her spirits perked up. She was surrounded by her flowers and plants, things she loved and gave her sustenance. It was almost as if she had taken a tranquilizer; the sweet natural aroma of the roses next to the front steps soothed and relaxed her.

  “Hi, Jenny,” called Mabel from next door.

  “Hi, Mabel,” said Jenny. “I’m glad to see you. Can you come over for a minute?”

  “Sure.”

  Jenny stood at the landing to the front door and waited for her neighbour.

  “Well, you look very nice, Jenny.”

  “Thanks, Mabel. I have to ask a favour of you.”

  “Oh? What’s the matter?”

  “Well, Mabel, I’m just home from a doctor’s appointment and they discovered a tumour in my colon and I need to go into the hospital, right away.” Jenny took a deep breath. She knew her pasted-on smile wouldn’t pass as cheery. “He would like to have a surgeon perform surgery tomorrow, to remove the tumour.”

  “Oh no, Jenny.” Mabel stepped on the landing and reached out her arms. Jenny leaned into Mabel’s warm embrace.

  “Oh, what can I do, Jenny? Is there anything…?”

  “Yes, there is.” Jenny pulled slightly away from Mabel. “I don’t know how long I will be in the hospital, but I would sure appreciate it if you would look after the lawn and the flowers.”

  “Oh, certainly, Jenny.”

  “There are several plants in the house, as well, that will need watering.”

  “No bother at all, Jenny, don’t worry about a thing. I just love being around your flowers. They all look so healthy and beautiful.”

  “Could you come in for a minute now? I will give you a key and the code for the security system. You will have to activate it each time you come and go. I’ll show you where the plants are, as they’re scattered through-out the house.”

  “We have a similar system at our house.” Mabel said as she looked at the security system. “Can I help you get ready? How are you going to get to the hospital?”

  “Oh, I thought I would take a cab.”

  “Oh no, Jenny, I will take you. Please let me.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive. I wouldn’t think of you taking a cab.”

  “Oh, Mabel, that’s so kind of you. I would rather go with you than a cab driver. You can take my car and perhaps drive it into the garage at the back.”

  “Oh, for sure, Jenny.”

  Jenny walked Mabel through the various rooms and showed her where all the plants were. When they stopped in the kitchen, Jenny wrote down the code for the security system on a slip of paper and handed it to Mabel. She then slipped one of the house keys from her key ring and handed it to Mabel, as well.

  Just as Mabel took the key, a sharp pain stabbed at Jenny’s side, immediately doubling her over. Mabel reached out for her.

  “Are you okay?”

  Jenny couldn’t speak for a moment. She tried hard to straighten to relieve her neighbour’s concern, but the pain was too strong. Mabel wrapped her arms more around Jenny not knowing how else to help. Slowly the pain subsided and Jenny breathed deeply once more. Mabel’s arms slid off Jenny’s shoulders as she raised her chest enough to gaze at Mabel who seemed to be in a state of shock.

  “It’s gone now. It’s almost like a labour pain,” Jenny said as she winked at the same time. “I wish I were pregnant, though. Well, I better get ready. I’ll be fine.” Jenny said, again trying to reassure Mabel.

  Mabel studied Jenny for a long moment. “Okay, Jenny, I’ll go now. When you get your things ready, just come out and I’ll take you to the hospital. Which one are you going to?”

  “Oh my gosh, I forgot to ask Dr. Kreake. He probably told me, but I was in shock I didn’t hear everything. I will phone the office and find out.”

  “Okay, Jenny. I will go home, now, and wait for you.”

  As soon as Mabel left, Jenny began unzipping her dress at the back. As she did so, a pain pierced her left side. Once again Jenny crouched over, but the pain was so excruciating, she yelled out in agony.

  “Oh, dear Lord, please help me.” Jenny began to cry.

  As the pain dissipated, again, she slowly straightened up. She lifted her dress up as high as she could to give her a little more leeway to reach her back zipper. Finally, she managed to get her dress off. She walked into her bedroom carrying her dress and sat down on the edge of the bed. She took a deep breath and let it out.

  “Oh my, that was an ordeal.”

  Jenny was exhausted and extremely worried. The stress induced by the pain in her side and the news of possible cancer had taken the wind out of her. A new weariness wriggled inside her stomach right next to the tumour.

  Just when things seemed to moving forward so well. Mrs. Blake would be back next week from holidays and I was looking forward to discussing how to re-unite with Camilla…

  “Now this,” she sighed, slouching her shoulders even more.

  “Must get ready.” She slid off the bed and carefully stood, making every effort not to awaken the pain again, then inched her way to the closet. She decided on a pair of slacks and a blouse that buttoned up the front, something that she could get on and off with as little effort as possible.

  Jenny changed, packed her cosmetic case, two books,
her robe, pajamas, underwear and slippers. If she discovered she needed anything else she would ask Mabel to bring it to her.

  After she placed her things by the front door, she returned to the kitchen and was about to pick up the phone when it rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Oh, Ms. Hamilton. This is Irene from Dr. Kreake’s office. You got home okay, I guess.”

  “Yes, I did fine, Irene. I was just about to phone you.”

  “I bet you want to know which hospital you should go to.”

  “That’s exactly why I was about to call you.”

  “Well, it’s the General Hospital. Do you know how to get there?”

  “No, but my neighbour is going to drive me and I’m sure she knows where it is.”

  “That’s good. You will need to go to the emergency entrance off 15th Avenue. I’m sure you will find it.”

  “I’m sure we will, Irene, thank you for calling.”

  “All the best, Ms. Hamilton.”

  “Thanks, Irene.”

  Jenny hung up and walked over to the sink. She looked out the kitchen window to the gazebo; her private little sanctuary which had provided her with so much solace. She hadn’t sat out there for over a week.

  “Oh, I must do so before I leave. I’ll just take a minute.”

  Jenny walked out to the deck. Rays of sun peeked in between the two large fir trees and shone on the gazebo just as she had planned. It looked like some holy shrine with the Angel of Thanksgiving standing watch just off to the side. Jenny marvelled at how the yard had changed since she began working on it. She stepped off the deck and strolled along the winding stone path.

  “Oh, what will the future hold for me, now?”

  Jenny stopped several times to pinch off flowers, which had bloomed and were wilting. She knew that more would take their place.

  Finally, she made it to her retreat. The cedar aroma of the new wood pleased her sense of smell and momentarily overpowered the fragrance drifting off the herbs and wildflowers. She entered the gazebo and sat down nearest the opening that faced the sun.

  Softly, her eyes closed and her head, like a flower, tilted towards the light. The sun shone brightly upon her luminous skin smoothing out the furrows of worry as the rays gently danced off her features. The sun was her comforter, her consoler, her friend. The warmth assuaged Jenny and for the first time that day instilled within her a peace. She gently swung back and forth under the clear prairie sky.