A Heart for Home

by Lauraine Snelling

“People who come here to work need places to live.” He turned the corner so she could see the hospital. “Most of the exterior is finished, but much of it is just the shell. We’ll be working on it all winter, or at least much of it, most likely.”

  “Stop, please.”

  Thorliff did so and waited while the doctor stared across the empty block to see the entire building.

  “As many times as I have studied the plans, seeing it for the first time like this takes my breath away,” Dr. Morganstein said.

  “We built it with the knowledge that we will add on later, which will probably be soon in actuality. So far, we will have six rooms with two beds each and two wards that will hold six to ten beds each. I think this will be sufficient for a few years.” Astrid stopped. “Of course, you know all that from the plans.”

  “We get a bit more excited every time we come out here,” Elizabeth said with a smile at Astrid. “This makes our present surgery seem antiquated.”

  “Antiquated or not, you have saved lives with what you have, and that is all that counts. I think I will wait to see the inside until tomorrow, if that is all right with you.”

  “Of course. Whatever you need, please tell us so we can provide it.”

  “Right now I need a washup and a rest. This body gets tired, and it tells me so in no uncertain terms. So irritating.”

  Ingeborg patted the doctor’s arm. “I will bring you some tea, if you’d like. That is a bit of a restorative. I often drink it in the afternoon now.”

  Astrid stared at her mother. She did? And never mentioned it? Hmm. Maybe there was something there that needed looking into. Ingeborg caught her look and raised her eyebrows, not so easy to see behind the slip of veiling that brushed across her forehead. Back at the boardinghouse the women walked Dr. Morganstein to her room, where her middle-aged nurse was waiting. She greeted both of the younger doctors and smiled when introduced to Ingeborg.

  “Thank you for your care and the view of the hospital. I’ll see you at supper.” Dr. Morganstein turned and slowly sat down in the chair by the window.

  “Please let us know if there is anything else that we can provide,”

  Elizabeth said.

  “I will.”

  The three from Blessing left their guest and stepped into the parlor that was once a bedroom and selected one of the gathered chairs. Sophie had it all set up for the evening social, with chairs grouped around the room and a table for the coffee and tea service.

  “Do you think she is all right?” Elizabeth asked.

  “A bit of rest will do wonders, and when she wakes, the tea will be there for her. Riding the train like that is wearing to a younger person, let alone one who is aging.” Ingeborg spoke with the authority of experience.

  “I always felt like she would never get old,” Astrid added. “When I was in Chicago, she could still stride those halls quickly. Keeping up with her was not easy. I think something has happened in these last months that she is not telling us.”

  “Do you know how old she is?” Ingeborg asked.

  Both doctors shook their heads. “It’s not polite to ask, you know.”

  That night at the social after supper, Astrid made her way to Dr. Morganstein’s side, where she sat in a wing chair. “Thank you for coming.”

  “I couldn’t miss this part of the celebration. The people of this town have worked so hard, I wanted to be able to thank them.” She turned to Astrid. “Now, who is that young man over there who never takes his eyes off you?”

  Astrid looked in the direction indicated. “That’s Daniel Jeffers. You met his mother at supper, the teacher of English.” She could feel the heat climbing her throat. Surely he didn’t watch her like that. “He is partners with my brother and has become a good friend.”

  “I should say so, and if one were to ask, I am sure he would like to be more than a friend.”

  “Dr. Morganstein!”

  “Oh, don’t be silly. He’s a handsome young man, and you are a beautiful young woman. He is the mind behind the seeder company?”

  “It was his father’s dream. A long story there, but he and Thorliff run the construction company that is doing all the building around here. They have been stretched nearly to the breaking point.”

  “Well, you make sure to continue that friendship. I have a feeling . . .” She turned to greet Dr. Red Hawk. “So you have toured the hospital?”

  “Inside and out. Knowing what I do about the plans and financing, I think they have done well.” He looked to Astrid. “I see where you come from. No wonder you are who you are.” He nodded. “This is all good. And my nurses speak highly of you and all the training they have received. Also, how they were received.”

  His look reminded her of some of their discussions while in Chicago. “You are ready now to return to Rosebud?”

  “I am. And they with me.”

  “They can stay longer if you’d like.”

  “No. They are ready to go home. You have given them a good basis. I hope to send others here for training.”

  Dr. Morganstein smiled at Astrid. “This is just the beginning, you know.”

  “I know. And thanks to you and my mor, I know how to dream big too.”

  “You and Elizabeth are a good team. She is still recovering?”

  “Yes.” Astrid nodded to Miss Christopherson. “I need to see to something.” She rose, and as she left, Dr. Red Hawk took her chair. Were they all protecting their protector?

  It looked as if the entire town and half the surrounding countryside were gathered in front of the hospital, where a stand had been erected for the dignitaries so they could be seen and heard. By nine thirty the light frost had burned off, and the sun shone a benediction down on the crowd. Right at ten, the dignitaries filed onto the stage and sat in chairs on both sides of the lectern. Thorliff thanked the people for coming and motioned for Pastor Solberg to give the opening prayer.

  When everyone joined in the amen, Thorliff motioned to his mother.

  Ingeborg rose and stepped behind the lectern. “Today, God is answering prayers that started many years ago when we prayed for healing for the sick, health for mothers and babies, and for God to use His powers of healing far beyond what we could assist Him with. He taught us all and helped us turn these prairies into the rich farmland we have today. We are indeed blessed, and as always, it is ‘blessed to be a blessing.’ ” She smiled and sat down. The applause crescendoed and fell away as she nodded and smiled at all the people gathered.

  From her seat by her mother, Astrid gazed over the crowd. She saw Joshua standing beside Maisie Christopherson. Closer than he needed to, and when Maisie turned to say something to him, she leaned even closer to him. It was all Astrid could do to keep from smiling. Those two would be perfect for each other. Thank you, God, for working that out.

  Thorliff said a few words before introducing Elizabeth, who then stood and moved to the front. She looked across the crowd.

  “I didn’t start life in Blessing like some others, but once I married Thorliff and came here, Blessing became my home. I thank you for the privilege of becoming your physician. I know that a woman doctor was hard for some of you to accept, but I thank you for allowing me to be the doctor I dreamed of. And I, like Ingeborg, dreamed of more ways to provide medical services for all of you. When we built our home with the surgery as part of it, you came. When Astrid grew up wanting to know more about medical things, she continued this family tradition of caring for those around us. We dreamed of more. More rooms, more equipment, and more knowledge. Thank you for making those dreams possible.”

  Thorliff rose again as Elizabeth sat down, and then nodded to Astrid. “If it seems like I am introducing all my family, that’s not quite true. My baby sister, Dr. Astrid Bjorklund.”

  Astrid strode to the podium, her heart threatening to leap out of her chest. Never had she spoken to so many people at once. She saw Red Hawk off to the side, his face sober, his eyes daring her. Daniel sat beside his mother, his smile and
slight nod encouraging her.

  “When we dreamed of a hospital for Blessing and distance clinics for outlying communities, we hoped it would happen in our lifetime.

  So I stand before you, young in years but older in medical knowledge. Knowledge that began when I trailed behind my mother as she roamed the prairies collecting her simples, as she called them, medicines that have benefited us all at various times. I trained with Dr. Bjorklund here and with Dr. Morganstein at her hospital in Chicago. We talked of a hospital, the need for one in this area, yet how expensive such a property would be. We talked here in Blessing, and some discussions got a bit heated, but God sent us other dreamers who wanted to invest in our small town in North Dakota. A small town with big dreams. A town that is growing for all of us.”

  When she sat down, Thorliff waited for the applause to fade off, and then he began. “It is my privilege to introduce the doctor who trained both of the Bjorklund doctors. Dr. Morganstein fulfilled her own dream of having a hospital for women and children in Chicago, the Alfred Morganstein Hospital for Women and Children. Today, I present Dr. Althea Morganstein.” He stepped to the side and offered her his arm. She rose and stood behind the lectern, but he stayed with her, offering her support.

  “I am here because of dreams. I cannot begin to tell you the thrill this is for me. I love my Chicago hospital, but there was nowhere else for it to grow, unless we moved it out of the center of Chicago, where it is most needed. So when I met the doctors Bjorklund and listened to their dreams, an idea hatched that could assist us all. I talked with the people on my board of directors, and one woman in particular, Mrs. Issy Josephson, got excited about the prospects. While she has gone on to her heavenly home, her nephew, Jason Josephson, is here in her stead, ready to administer the estate she bequeathed to our two hospitals. It is thanks to her that we had the finances to assist with constructing this hospital in Blessing, North Dakota. I thank you for your dreams, and I thank God for my friend for giving her wealth to bless us all.” She clung to Thorliff’s arm as he helped her sit back down.

  “And now Mr. Josephson will say a few words.”

  Mr. Josephson stood before the crowd, every inch the wealthy businessman. “Thank you, people of Blessing, for being the kind of town that my aunt wanted to help. She saw your caring, your generosity, your faith, and your need. All the pieces of the puzzle came together here in Blessing, North Dakota. May this hospital always be known not only for its excellent medical care but also for the depth of caring given to those who need more than medical attention. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your dream.” He sat down to ongoing applause.

  Astrid could not look at her mother, for she knew if she did, they would both be crying. When she glanced to the side, she saw Mrs. Jeffers nodding and smiling and beside her, Daniel, who caught her eye whenever she allowed her gaze to rove the gathering. Did he watch her all the time, as Dr. Morganstein said? The thought made her want to smile back. Maybe there was indeed something good happening between them. Was that possible? Did she dare look into her heart and see how she was feeling?

  When the clapping stopped, Thorliff stood again. “Pastor Solberg, will you do the honor of blessing our hospital?”

  John Solberg stood at the edge of the platform facing the audience. “Let us pray. Heavenly Father, you have given us great gifts all these years, blessings beyond what we deserve but always through your grace and mercy. Let this hospital be known for grace and mercy, for the love you have so poured out upon us. We will have a chapel for those in need to worship you, but more than that, we ask that you permeate this building with your presence, that all who enter here will feel your love, your mercy, your grace. Thank you for giving us big dreams so that we can work with you, but more so, watch you in action. Lord God, we praise your mighty name. Amen.”

  A mighty amen rolled back to him.

  “And now we will cut the ribbon and declare the Blessing Hospital open for visitors.” He turned and, along with Thorliff, helped Dr. Morganstein down the stairs and over to the entrance. The others followed and moved around the podium to stand behind them.

  Dr. Morganstein took the scissors, large ones made by Mr. Sam for this very event, and, using a hand on each loop, cut the ribbon through on the first slice. A great cheer went up, and those closest to the front were not the only ones wiping their eyes.

  Astrid realized Daniel was right beside her when he handed her his handkerchief. “Thank you.”

  “Congratulations, Dr. Bjorklund.”

  “Thank you for helping build this whole thing.”

  “Thorliff ran this one. I ran the seeder plant.”

  “Right.” She knew it had all been a team effort. So many people were part of the team. The entire town had a part.

  “Hey, My Doc. Dr. B.”

  Astrid turned to see Benny on his father’s shoulders. “Hi there, Benny. Did we do all right?”

  “You did real good.” He leaned forward. “That old lady doctor.

  I remember her.”

  “Dr. Morganstein gave us permission for you to come here.”

  “I know. I liked her too. Tell her thank you for me.”

  “You tell her. She’s right over here.” Astrid turned and led the way to where Dr. Morganstein was sitting in a chair, shaking hands with people.

  “Dr. Morganstein, do you remember Benny?”

  “Of course I do. Oh my, you have grown so much. Look at you.

  I hear you are doing well in school too.”

  “I like school.” Benny leaned forward, and Gerald bent down so his son could shake the doctor’s hand. “Thank you.”

  “Thank you, Benny. I knew you would become a real man someday.”

  “Not yet.”

  “No, but here you have the chance to do that.”

  “I do. My pa and ma, they take good care of me. And My Doc.”

  Astrid had to swallow hard as she saw the sheen of tears in her mentor’s eyes. This had indeed been an amazing day.

  As the crowd shifted, Dr. Morganstein reached for Astrid’s hand.

  “Do you have a moment?”

  “Of course.” Astrid glanced around for a chair, and as soon as he realized what she wanted, Daniel brought one over for her.

  “Thank you. Are you a mind reader?”

  “Not that I know of. Can I get you anything else?”

  “Not that I know of.” Her smile brought one in return. He leaned forward. “Perhaps we can talk later?”

  “Of course.” Astrid sat in the chair and leaned closer to Dr. Morganstein. “I cannot thank you enough for all you have done here.”

  “It is I who am thankful. Isn’t it wonderful what all has been accomplished? All the work you are doing here has made this old woman delighted beyond measure. I know my husband is dancing on clouds up there to see us all together, building another hospital to add to the one he started to make my dreams come true.” She laid her gloved hand over Astrid’s on the arm of the chair. “The two Bjorklund doctors will accomplish much.”

  “Along with all the others who come here for treatment or for training. I have a feeling we are just seeing the beginning.”

  “I have a confession to make.”

  “Really?”

  “I am so glad and grateful you didn’t go to Africa. I just didn’t feel that was where you were to go, but I knew you had to find your calling.”

  “Red Hawk said to me one day, ‘What if helping my people is your Africa?’ ”

  “Very wise. I know it was hard for you, but I’m glad you have learned to listen well.”

  “I don’t know about well, but I am trying to listen.”

  “Listening is something doctors must learn to do. Listening to patients, listening to their bodies, to their families, to doctors wiser, and to new ideas that come.”

  “My mor said that God gave us two ears and only one mouth for a reason.”

  “Leave it to your mother. I know how glad she is to have you home in Blessing.”

/>   Home in Blessing. The words stayed with her. She knew she’d always had a heart for her home, this town of Blessing. Feeling someone’s eyes on her, she glanced up to see Daniel Jeffers smiling at her. That same little quiver started in her middle, swooped around her heart, and flew out to the tips of her fingers. He was indeed a gentle man and a real gentleman. Her far had told her that Daniel asked if he could court her. She would not say no, for every time they were together, she realized even more what a special man he was. A solid man like her far, a businessman like Thorliff, a dreamer like his father, and a son to make his mother proud. While he’d not yet captured her heart completely, she was willing to follow along to see if this was indeed the next step where God was leading her. Like Dr. Morganstein said, listening was definitely in order.

  EPILOGUE

  MAY 1905

  “No, you can’t see her today. You know what they say, ‘It is bad luck to see your bride before the wedding.’ ” Sophie barred the door of the meeting room at the boardinghouse.

  Daniel Jeffers heaved a sigh. “Then will you give her this? It is from my mother for her ‘something blue.’ ” He handed her a wide satin ribbon with a verse embroidered on it. “Mother had this in her Bible on her wedding day.”

  “All right. That I can do.” Sophie waited for him to walk away, then eased herself back into the room where the daughters of Blessing were gathered around Astrid, helping her dress.

  “Here, this is from Mrs. Jeffers to put in your Bible. The ‘something blue.’ ”

  Astrid smiled at her cousin, then read the verse. “ ‘And they shall be one flesh.’ ” She read it again and blinked quickly a couple of times. Why were the tears so close to the surface today? She wasn’t sad. Excited, joyful, a bit of trepidation, and peaceful too. This was so right, and the last months had proven that over and over again. There was no doubt in her mind that Daniel Jeffers understood her commitment to being a doctor and was proud of her accomplishments. Which made it so easy to trust him. And they shall be one flesh.

  Sophie snapped her fingers. “Astrid Bjorklund, come back. Hello . . . You need to put your dress on.”