“Consequently, many highly trained medical professionals left. We lost the ability to perform many lifesaving surgeries. The worst hit wards were labour and delivery and extended care. For many years we’ve held meetings to discuss changes we could make within our means to remedy the situation, but we always came up empty.”
Lily Ann saw the news crew filming and her body went into panic mode. Clyde must have noticed because he wrapped his strong arm around her. Jared really wants you at the gala, Clyde’s words repeated in her mind.
“Just over six weeks ago, Dr. Lily Ann MacBride, entered through our doors. I remember meeting her for the first time in the hospital lounge along with Dr. Clyde Nelson. Inside I was scared to death to show her the state of our labour and delivery ward. But to my dismay, that was the ward she requested to see first. Needless to say, she was appalled. Dr. MacBride paused the tour and requested we head to the nearest coffeehouse as she had a solution to our problem she wanted to share with us.
“Dr. MacBride presented a plan involving our teens. At first, I was taken aback by it, but even though I thought it was a crazy idea that would fail, I gave her my permission. This woman amazed me. In one week she got the entire community and schools involved. I saw her and the teens repainting the ward in welcoming shades of color. Dr. Nelson and Dr. MacBride used their artistic skills and painted an African theme on the NICU walls. Many companies and stores donated supplies.”
“But it’s not only the aesthetics she changed; she involved our youth in easing the workload of the NICU nurses. Dr. MacBride spent hours training our sons and daughters to be a support to new mothers and also addicted mothers and their babies.”
“The program, Kangaroo Babies-n-Teens, has completely transformed our community in as little as six weeks. Without further ado, give a round of applause to Dr. Lily Ann MacBride.”
Lily Ann not only heard the cheering, she witnessed a standing ovation in her name. Her breath caught in her throat and her hands trembled. Never before had she experienced such admiration. Her mind raced back to Mindy’s treatment of her studies. The best she received was a pat on the back, some more funding, and the snarled glare of jealousy from her boss. She swallowed hard. These people really do appreciate the efforts and all the hard work of the teens.
“I would like to invite Dr. MacBride to the stage accompanied by our mayor, Brant Miners.”
“Lil,” Clyde whispered in her ear, “You are beautiful, stunning, and remarkable. You can do this. I will be right here for you.”
Lily Ann let the words trickle straight into her soul. His words of encouragement echoed in her ear again. “You can do this.”
Lily Ann managed a smile, lifted her chin, and walked towards the podium.
Jared reached for her hand and escorted her to the middle of the stage. Mr. Miners joined her side. “I would like to give the mic over to our mayor as he has a few words for us tonight.”
Mayor Brant Miners adjusted his mic and stood facing Lily Ann. “Dr. MacBride, it is a pleasure to be standing beside you tonight.” He adjusted his tuxedo. “I’m sure everyone agrees with me that we are completely in support of your Kangaroo Babies-n-Teens program. As a matter of fact, I would like Anchorage to be the birthplace of this program as an example of what can be done with our youth. I know it’s only been six weeks, but the positive results are evident.”
Lily Ann scanned the audience and locked her gaze on Clyde’s calming smile.
“Dr. MacBride, not only have you given our teens new ambition, but you have pushed them to see life beyond video games, social media, substance abuse, and suicide—just to name a few of the problems our teens face.”
Jared passed Mr. Miners a one-inch high stack of papers.
“You see this, everyone?” He held the stack over his head. “Every page is an email, text, or social media post written by a teen’s parent. They are spreading the news on how their teens have been positively impacted by the program. Many parents say their teens have a new zest for life. Others state that their sons and daughters have more appreciation for human life. One mother even says, and I paraphrase, that her son no longer wants to have unprotected sex, or even sex until he is married, after holding a preemie addicted to drugs and witnessing the helplessness in his arms.”
Lily Ann’s eye’s widened.
“Other parents and teachers say their teens are more communicative. They’re putting down their cell phones and engaging in conversation instead of texting one another across the room, and in some instances, on the same bench.” Mayor Brant Miners turned from the audience and faced Lily Ann.
“For me personally, I have a sixteen-year-old son in this program, and I can attest to these positive behavioral changes.”
Lily Ann flicked back tears.
“You see, this program brings out the good in our teens. Shows them their vulnerability and drives our youth to be more compassionate to one another.”
Lily Ann held her hand over her mouth. She continued to fight back tears and noticed the news crew recording. The unbelievable stories melted her heart. She thought back to her professor who had evaluated her thesis and said it was a good idea but would never work. Lily Ann wished her professor was in this room tonight.
“Dr. MacBride, you are saving our youth by giving them a real purpose. You are patient and kind, and most of all, you genuinely care about our youth, our families, and our community.”
Mr. Miners placed the stack of papers on the stage floor and turned around to accept a large cardboard check from Dr. Stone. “Dr. MacBride, I listened to our community. As your mayor, I rounded up hundreds of local businesses to donate to this program. But not only that, I sat down with the board and we have added this program to our annual budget.”
Lily Ann’s covered her face to hide her tears.
“I would like to present a thirty-five thousand-dollar check to go towards the Kangaroo Babies-n-Teens program. Our youth are our future and you are the positive change our community needs.”
The auditorium filled with whistles, cheers, and clapping.
Lily Ann glided towards Mr. Miners and shook his hand. “I’m speechless. Thank you to everyone for making this possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Jared took over again. “Everyone, let’s show our appreciation for our newest citizen, Dr. Lily Ann MacBride.”
Lily Ann made their way off the stage and back to her seat. Clyde stood to embrace her publicly. The sudden warmth of his arms made her entire body go weak. At that moment, she didn’t care what others thought or what they may say at work. She was loved and nothing else mattered.
Chapter 7
Clyde opened a packet of sugar and poured it into his coffee. He reached for a stir stick from the hospital cafeteria stand and made his way to a side table to join Jared for a quick meeting. “Jared, I’m in need of a caffeine boost today.” Clyde blew on his coffee. “Didn’t get much sleep last night between the gala and an emergency surgery at four in the morning. I’m half dead.”
“Man, I do appreciate your dedication.” Jared smacked Clyde’s back. “Let’s get this update done and maybe you can squeeze in some rest.”
“Yeah, let’s start with a few patient updates. Zara has been released, and her baby, Lance, is happy and healthy. Lily Ann says Lance should be able to go home by the end of the week.”
“Good.”
“And then there is Alana, I discharged her this morning. She has gained some weight and her urine and blood work came back normal. Lily Ann picked her up to settle her in at Miss Patty’s house.”
“You and Lily Ann, eh?”
“Knock it off, Jared. As for Ben Dike, he is recovering from triple-heart bypass surgery from last night. I didn’t think he would make it.”
“It’s nice to see you move on. Lily Ann, she’s a good pick.”
“Are you even listening to what I’m saying?” Clyde sipped at his coffee and glared at Jared across the table.
Jared smirked. “Sure, I
’m—”
Clyde sensed this conversation wasn’t going anywhere close to the updates he needed to present to Jared. “Fine. Yes, Lily Ann and I are a couple. Are you happy now?” He rolled his eyes and gripped his cup.
Jared paused. “Yeah, between your work and hers, how in the world are both of you ever going to find time to spend together besides seeing each other at work?” Jared glanced at his wedding band.
Jared’s point was well made. Clyde knew what he had to do to solve this issue. He needed to make some serious changes. “That is something I need to talk to you about.”
“What’s on your mind?”
Clyde cleared his throat and took a gulp of coffee. “This may sound like I’m moving fast, but I need to make changes to my work schedule to include quality time with Lily Ann. Ever since Maria’s passing, all I do is work. On my days off, I’m called in. On my working days, I work the evenings too.”
Dr. Stone nodded. “I hear you loud and clear. I’ve actually hired a general surgeon to ease the load around here. He starts in two weeks. You and I are so overworked. Thanks to Lily Ann’s revolutionary program, our hospital’s back on the map, and some more government funding was sent our way.”
Clyde bolted from his seat. “This is great. So you wouldn’t mind if I took a few days off before the weekend. I’d like to take Lily Ann out with my dad’s musher team.”
“Go ahead, I’ll cover you.”
“Thanks, man. She’s off tomorrow and the next couple of days. The weather is supposed to be fair and then they’re predicting a nasty blizzard rolling in.” Clyde crushed his paper coffee cup. “Don’t try to page me. I’m throwing my pager into the snowbank.”
“Very funny. Out of all the guys I know, you deserve her.” Jared gestured toward the seat. “Now listen, you are supposed to be updating me. Let’s stop fooling around and get to business.”
Clyde slammed the table with his palm. “That’s what I started to do fifteen minutes ago, but someone had—”
“Okay, okay, start where you left off.”
~
Lily Ann opened her curtains to the most mysterious scenery outside. Vibrant reds mixed with gentle sweeps of pink around a central circle of shimmering orange decorated the Sunday morning sky. Slipping on her housecoat, she made her way to the kitchen for a quick bite before Clyde came to pick her up. She rounded the corner and crashed straight into Miss Patty.
“Oh, my word, are you okay? I didn’t realize anyone was awake.” Lily Ann reached for Miss Patty’s hand and pulled her up. “Are you okay?”
“Love, it was a slight fall. This old bird is still in one piece.” She shuffled to the kitchen table and sat down. “You look vibrant and beautiful. Your shoulders are relaxed, and look at you…you’re glowing.”
Lily Ann blushed and placed two pieces of whole-wheat bread in the toaster. “You were right about him.” She opened the fridge and pulled out the butter and Swiss cheese. “He makes me feel so alive.”
“Love changes everything. When Billy was alive, my life was full. It took sixteen years to accept his passing and learn how to fill that void.”
“Do you mind if I ask how he passed?” She heard the toaster peep.
“Not at all, he died of lung cancer. He was a heavy smoker for fifty-one years. But he was the most generous man. Always willing to give the shirt off his back. That’s what inspired me to help others. It fills my love tank up.”
Lily Ann placed a cup of warm water in front of Miss Patty. “You are an amazing woman.” She went back to the counter and spread the butter on her toast and topped each piece with a slice of cheese. “Out of curiosity, why do you call yourself Miss Patty?”
Miss Patty laughed and placed two blood-pressure pills in her mouth and chugged them down with the warm water. “You see, love, my first name is Patricia and my husband used to call me Patty for short. After he passed, I didn’t feel like a misses any more, so I told everyone around me to address me as Miss Patty.”
“I love the name. Suits you well.” She placed her pieces of toast on a ceramic plate and joined Miss Patty at the table. “I’ll be back this evening. Clyde has planned a sled ride into the bush to show me some wildlife today.” She bit into her toast and continued with her mouth full. “I’m a city girl. I’ve never gone camping or hiking or dogsledding.”
“You worry too much. All you need to do is let Clyde lead you and enjoy God’s beauty.”
The doorbell chimed.
“Are you serious? That can’t be him already. I’m still in my housecoat, for crying out loud.” Lily Ann stuffed a large piece of toast in her mouth, “Could you please stall him?” She dashed to her room before Miss Patty could answer.
~
Miss Patty reached for her cane and shuffled to the front door. “Come in out of the cold, Clyde.”
“Thank you. Is Lily Ann ready?”
“Not quite. Come sit with me in the living room. She’ll be a few minutes.” Miss Patty reached for Clyde’s arm and pulled him into the seventies-decor living room. “Now have a seat here and I’ll take my favorite chair.” She leaned her cane against the end table.
“I want to thank you so much for helping the Miller family.” Clyde glanced down the hall, hoping to sneak a glimpse of Lily Ann.
“Love, my house is large and empty. It’s the least I can do. I enjoy the company and those girls are terrific. Makes this old lady feel young again.” She grinned. “You’re one lucky guy to steal the heart of such a special lady.”
Clyde stroked his goatee. “I know.”
“My Billy would always say, ‘slow and steady wins the race.’ He was never fast at anything he did, but he also never gave up. Anyway, she needs to be showered with love.”
“I know,” he repeated. Clyde’s eyes studied the painting on the far wall of the living room. “Was your husband a watercolor artist?”
“He was. One stroke at a time, he painted for hours the most breathtaking nature pictures.” Miss Patty choked up.
“Wow.”
“I’m not gifted in the arts, but Billy could always—”
“That’s okay, you don’t need to continue.”
She sniffled, “You both have fun today. And here she is.” Miss Patty reached for her cane and stood. “Now, you lovebirds have a blast today.”
Clyde’s eyebrows raised. “We will.” He opened the front door and led Lily Ann out. “Miss Patty is such a chipper old lady. Are you ready for today?” Clyde reached for her hand. “I’m parked across the street. When I arrived, a car was blocking Miss Patty’s driveway.”
“I think I’m ready, but this is way out of my comfort zone.”
~
Lily Ann hopped out of the pickup truck and was immediately greeted by Four dashing towards her. The dog’s loose skin rippled as he ran. Lily Ann squinted and braced herself for a full-body impact. “Clyde, help,” she screeched.
“Four, come here, boy.” Clyde instantly gave the ‘sit’ command and Four sat on his haunches with his furry tail wagging. “That’s a good, boy. Lil, let me formally introduce you to my pal, Four.”
Lily Ann hesitated. She didn’t know how to pet him without being slobbered on or clawed. “I don’t mean to be rude here, but I’m scared of him.” Her body stiffened as she approached Clyde and Four.
“Don’t be scared. He’s big but Four’s the gentlest dog around. He won’t hurt you.”
Lily Ann didn’t know how to approach such a large-breed dog. She backed up a few steps. “I’m a city girl, and living in a condo with my mom never presented much opportunity to be around animals.” She grimaced. “I want to touch him but—”
“Oh, Lil,” Clyde moved back to stand next to her. “We come from two different worlds. You grew up in a bustling metropolis, and I here in the woods with the wildlife.” Clyde reached for Lily Ann’s hand. “Trust me, I will show you how to have fun with Four.”
Lily Ann tensed but followed Clyde’s lead. She knelt as he did and placed her hand out so F
our could sniff her. Four sniffed, then licked the ends of her fingertips.
Clyde petted Four’s head with gentle strokes down his neck. She copied him. Four’s hair slid between Lily Ann’s hand. Her heart relaxed as she continued to stroke his head. “His fur is amazingly soft, I don’t recall if I’ve ever petted a dog before.”
Four wagged his tail.
“He’ll grow on you fast. Look at him. He likes you already.”
She continued to stroke his back and found it relaxing to touch the animal. “So there must be a story behind his name?” Lily Ann touched his floppy ears.
Clyde nodded. “About three years ago, I drove home from my shift and crashed on the couch. At four in the morning, I awoke to a whimpering puppy outside my front door. He was only about ten weeks old, starving, shivering, and all alone. I brought him in, and the rest is history.” Clyde stroked Four’s head. “He was a gift from God. I didn’t know it at the time, but I sure needed his unconditional love.”
Lily Ann peered up, a furrow forming between her brows. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, when Maria passed there was this void, an emptiness. And when Four came into my life, he seemed to fill it with his slobbery love.” Clyde stood and met Lily Ann eyes. “But now I’ve met you and I want nothing more than to open my heart to you.”
Lily Ann swallowed hard. “I feel the same…but I have something else to tell you. I need to get it off my chest.” She kicked some snow with her boot.
“My cabin is right here. How about I make you a cup of hot chocolate and we can chat. My dad will be another hour before arriving with the musher team.”
“Sounds great.” She watched as Clyde called Four to his side. “Will he follow us to the cabin?”
“Yes.”
Lily Ann was amazed and bewildered. She realized she had spent her entire childhood studying about the human body, but she’d never given animals much thought.
Clyde held the cabin door open. “You can leave your boots on the red mat beside the closet.” He closed the front door and took Lily Ann’s jacket.
“It’s so cozy in here.”
Heart's Cry Page 7
