Time stood still. She let her mind go blank, and drifted with the motion of the swing – back and forth, back and forth. Thoughts which had the potential of disturbing her peace came and went. In one moment she pictured her mother, wishing she were here. And J.J., should she phone him? Would this all turn out to be nothing? Perhaps she’d wait. She would put off calling Mrs. Blake, too, until she knew her future better.
And then the little Guardian Angel Prayer came into her mind chasing out all the other thoughts. Oh angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom His love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side to light and guard, to rule and guide…Oh, please dear angel help me…
Jenny heard the soft flutter of wings. So often at the estate and just like now as she sat in her haven, it was as if a hummingbird were hovering over her. She took it as a sign that her guardian and protector was ever so close to comfort her. Jenny reached up and took hold of the pewter angel hanging on the chain around her neck. She thought of the inscription written on it. Watch over my beloved.
Instantly, she felt Henry’s warmth and love.
She opened her eyes and there it was – her Angel of Thanksgiving, smiling, reassuring her all would be well. She held that vision in her heart as she rose and made her way to the wildflowers. Carefully she bent over and snapped off several yellow daisies, a couple of blue delphiniums, a bunch of bright red poppies and a handful of pink, blue and mauve Canterbury bells that should have stopped blooming a month or so ago and placed them in the angel’s basket.
“It has always been my heart’s desire to see my daughter and Henry, my first love again.”
“Thank you for the miracle!”
Just as she bowed her head in prayer and thanksgiving, Mabel called her name.
“Jenny, are you back there?”
“Oh, yes, here I am, Mabel, back here. I wanted to see my gazebo one more time. The carpenters did such a fine job, didn’t they?”
“Is it ever beautiful, Jenny,” Mabel’s eyes brightened as she walked up the winding path. “This entire backyard is beautiful! I’ve never seen such a wonderful array of flowers and everything so well arranged.”
“Thank you, Mabel, I do love flowers and gardening. Besides reading, it’s my main love. Well, are you ready to go?”
“Yes, if you are.”
“Okay, I’ll get my suitcases and meet you out front.”
“Oh, let me help you with the luggage, Jen.”
They both walked back towards the house. Jenny locked the back door and then followed Mabel to the front door. Mabel picked up both suit cases and headed out.
“See you at the car, Jen.”
“Thank you, Mabel.”
Jenny slowly surveyed the living room and looked at each of her antiques. Everything looked so nice and complimented each other. Reluctantly she turned, activated the alarm system, and walked out.
Mabel had already started the car and lowered the roof because she knew from past rides how much Jenny liked the feeling of freedom it gave to her.
Jenny strolled down the winding stone path to the car. Before Jenny got in, she turned and tried to soak up as much spiritual sustenance as she could from her flowers. The fragrance of herbs amongst other flowers at the base of the tree next to her tantalized her nostrils. She bent over and snapped off a twig of rosemary and mint and brought them to her nose. She took a deep breath and smiled.
“See you soon,” she whispered.
“What a great day to ride in a convertible! Thanks for putting the top down,” Jenny exclaimed, as she lowered herself onto the seat and buckled her belt.
Jenny’s hair flew back and tossed about as Mabel sped up Hill Avenue to Albert Street, turned left and headed north. At 14th Avenue, Mabel turned right.
Jenny’s heart began to race as they approached Henry’s Café and the Pederson Art Gallery on the corner of 14th and Smith.
“Have you been into Henry’s, yet?” Mabel asked, as she stopped for a stop sign on the corner.
“No, I haven’t, yet.”
“Oh, you must go there. There’s nothing like it in the city or anywhere for that matter. Henry sure did a nice job with that old building, such a unique addition to the city. I take all my out-of-town guests there.”
Jenny listened in silence, as she intently stared at the Gallery on the corner. “Yes, it has such appealing heritage architecture, and I love the blue exterior.” Jenny finally said, as they drove by.
“Well, as soon as you get out of the hospital we must go there for lunch, it will be my special treat.”
Jenny didn’t answer. So many times she’d wanted to go into the store, but was afraid she might see Henry. Her heart ached just thinking on it.
“I guess going to Henry’s is the last thing on your mind though isn’t it, Jen?” said Mabel.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Mabel. Yes, Henry’s sounds so nice, I’ve heard so much about it, perhaps when I get out…” Jenny didn’t finish. She didn’t want to make a promise she might not be able to keep. To visit Henry’s and to see Henry was a wish deep in her heart. Jenny slowly turned her head keeping her gaze steady on the gallery and café as they sped by. So close, yet so painfully separated.
Mabel was commenting on the landscaping around the gallery, how it contained a few of the Junipers and cedars similar to Jenny’s front yard, but Jenny didn’t hear her neighbour anymore. Instead, she drifted back to those warm summer days she’d had with Henry, his hand in hers. It seemed like yesterday. And yet, it happened thousands of yesterdays, ago.
As Henry stepped out of the café into the sunlight, he noticed the blue BMW convertible making its way down 14th Avenue.
A great day to own a convertible.
He wished he were in the driver’s seat. He had planned to go clean out his mother’s place, but it was getting too late in the day.
“Yeah,” he muttered, “I’ll go over first thing tomorrow morning. God only knows what I will discover there.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Good morning, Dr. Kreake,” said Jenny, as he walked into her hospital room.
“I’m just making my morning rounds before going back to the office.”
“You sure must have long days.”
“Yes, just ask my wife. She thinks I’m a stranger half the time.”
“Well, we certainly don’t want that. Family should be first, you know.”
“Yes, I know. So, how are you? You seem to be in good spirits.”
“Well, it all depends on you, doctor. What’s the scoop?”
“Well, two other specialists looked at the X-rays and they too feel that we should remove the tumour as soon as possible and have a biopsy done. I have you booked in for surgery at 2:30, this afternoon.”
“You were serious, yesterday, weren’t you?”
“Yes, Jenny. The sooner we get that thing out of there the better. And once we do, we will know for sure what we are dealing with. Are you okay with all this?”
“To be honest, I’m scared as a rabbit about to be ripped open by a wolf.”
“I assure you, we are not wolves, but I can appreciate your analogy. Surgery is scary, but if it’s any consolation, the surgeon who will operate is the best in Saskatchewan. In fact, he travels to Toronto several times a year and does surgery there, as well. He uses some different techniques which have produced incredible healing results. He is training other doctors with his new procedures. You are in very capable hands, Jenny.”
“That does make me feel better.”
“Would you like a sedative to keep you relaxed?”
“No, I’m fine. It’s begun to sink in, now, and I feel a little more prepared than I was, yesterday. I must have been some concern for you.”
“A little, I must admit. You are the first patient to have a fainting spell in my office.”
Jenny giggled.
“Well, Jenny, I better finish my rounds. I will see you later this evening after your operation.”
“My gosh, you do have a long day. You really don’t have to, you know.”
“I know, Jenny, but I am concerned about you and I wouldn’t be able to relax at home if I didn’t see you first, and make sure you are okay.”
Unbidden tears pooled in her eyes. “Dr. Kreake that’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a long time. Thank you.”
Dr. Kreake patted Jenny’s hand. “Try to have a little rest, everything will be just fine. See you, tonight.”
“Marjorie? Marjorie Hamilton.” A kind, sing-songy voice reached through the grogginess.
“Marjorie, you’re in the recovery room, I’m, Elsie, the nurse on duty.”
It took a few seconds for Jenny’s eyes to open and for her to orient herself.
Elsie moved closer to Jenny’s bedside. “You’re okay, Marjorie. You’re in the hospital recovery room.”
“What…what did you say…?”
“You’re out of surgery, Marjorie. You’re in the recovery room.”
Jenny raised her arm to put it under her head until pain from the incision stabbed at her side.
“Oow!”
“Does it hurt, Marjorie?”
“Yes, it’s very sore.”
“Just a minute and I will increase the medication in this IV, you will soon feel better. Try to stay awake, now. Would you like some water?”
“Yes, please. My mouth feels so dry.”
Elsie reached for a glass of water that had a flexible straw. She adjusted the straw and inserted it into Jenny’s mouth.
“Oh, that feels and tastes so good. So, how did the operation go?”
“You will have to ask the, doctor. I don’t have any details. I just know that you experienced no complications associated with the procedure, at all.”
“What time is it, Elsie?”
“It’s 15 minutes to six. Your operation took one hour and thirty minutes. And you have been in the recovery room for just over an hour and a half.”
“I see,” said Jenny.
“We will keep you on fluids for another hour or so and then maybe you might feel like a piece of toast and hot soup.”
“That sounds nice. Surprisingly, I do feel hungry.”
“That’s common after coming out of surgery. But we will wait until you are well awake. How are you feeling, now, is the medication taking effect?”
“I think so.” Jenny tried to raise her arm cautiously and was surprised that she could almost raise it to the back of her head. “Yes, yes. Much better.”
“That’s good. Well, you just relax while I see how John over here is doing.” Jenny tried to look over towards him, but couldn’t raise her head high enough.
Fifteen minutes later, Dr. Kreake walked in.
“Well, how is Jenny doing?”
Jenny turned her head towards the door. “Oh, hi, Dr. Kreake. I’m awake.”
“That’s good. They will move you out of here very shortly and back into your room.”
“Well, how did the operation go, doctor? Do you know what they found?”
“Yes, they found a tumour, all right, the size of a large lemon.”
“Oh dear, no wonder I was in pain. Was it malignant?” Jenny asked nervously, looking directly into Dr. Kreake’s eyes.
“We are not sure.”
Jenny knew from his tone that that wasn’t quite the truth.
“The tumour was sent to the lab. We should know, tomorrow.”
“You’re not keeping anything secret from me, are you?”
“Well, Jenny, we feel the tumour was malignant, but the lab will confirm our diagnosis.”
“Thank you, Doctor, I feel better knowing, than having to wait another day. But, I’ll tell you one thing, I’m a heck of a fighter. It won’t be easy for that disease to take me down. I’m already expecting a miracle.”
“That’s the spirit, Jenny. A positive attitude is very important. We have some very good medication these days.”
“Will I need chemotherapy and radiation?”
“I don’t know just yet, Jenny, the next day or so will determine what treatment will be best. There are different forms of cancer and each requires a different approach. And really, Jenny, we are putting the cart before the horse. Let’s see where we are with all this. The nurse will take you to your room in a few minutes, try to get some rest and I will see you, tomorrow.”
“Thank you so much for coming.”
“You’re welcome, Jenny, take care.”
As he walked out the door, Jenny blurted out, “And thank your wife, too!”
Once again Dr. Kreake didn’t look back. He just waved a hand into the air then disappeared down the hall.
Elsie overheard the conversation and came over to comfort Jenny.
“So, now I have cancer. I just hate that word. What else can possibly happen to me?”
Jenny turned her eyes towards the ceiling, “Lord, I feel more like Job every day. I so wish mom were here, but then, I suppose you are, aren’t you?”
Jenny didn’t know if she was talking to Elsie or to God. But Elsie didn’t discourage her.
Jenny thought about her guardian angel, and the card her mom had sent to her the day after she died…
“Your guardian angel will watch over you and protect you.”
And suddenly Jenny also remembered another angel. She reached up to her chest with her right hand and clutched the pewter angel. Henry had requested that she wear it always as a memory of his love and that it would always protect her. And she had kept her promise to him. She lifted the angel at the end of the chain and read the inscription:
‘Watch Over My Beloved.’
“Yes, I will have no fear. Besides my own guardian angel I have two other angels watching over me and both are from my first loves.”
Elsie watched the metal angel glisten in Jenny’s fingers and smiled. She was glad she had put the necklace back around her neck after the surgery. “What a lovely thought to have coming out of an anaesthetic.”
Jenny kissed the angel and brought her hand back down to her chest. The angel gave off soothing, healing warmth, almost as if her beloved sun were in the room. A peace washed over her as the residual traces of the anaesthetic lulled her back to sleep.
Or, was it her guardian angel, cradling her tenderly in her arms, preparing her dear sweet Jenny for what was yet to come?
Chapter Forty-Three
His mother had passed away over two weeks ago and Henry still hadn’t cleared the house of his mother’s belongings. He had put off the responsibility for days and he just couldn’t put it off any longer, as the house was scheduled to go on the market in another week.
On the way over, Henry stopped off at the funeral home to pay the funeral expenses. After he paid the bill he asked if they still had the clothes that his mother was wearing when the ambulance attendants had picked her up. When he had brought the clothes that his mother was going to wear he had forgotten to pick up what she had been wearing.
The receptionist went into an adjoining administrator’s office and almost immediately the assistant manager came out and said he would check. A few minutes later he returned to inform Henry of the unfortunate news, “I’m so sorry Mr. Pederson, since you or no one came to pick them up the staff discarded them a week ago. Was it something important she had on?”
“No, well, yes, not her dress, but the apron she had on over it was what I was more interested in. It was her favourite, the one she wore most often. It was more for nostalgic purposes than for anything else.”
“We apologize, Mr. Pederson, is there anything we can do?”
“No, that’s fine and thank you for carrying out the funeral in such a caring way and all the extras you and the staff have done. M
uch appreciated!”
Henry shook hands with the assistant manager and left.
It was eerie entering the house now devoid of life and sound, the smell of something cooking in the air, and perhaps most of all, it was eerie to have his mother no longer greeting him from the kitchen. Suddenly, Henry realized how even this simple act of her standing there was so important. If he could turn back time he would never again take for granted her presence at that doorway. How foolishly he had discarded such precious moments of welcome, believing they would go on forever.
Henry slowly walked down the hallway to his mother’s haven still fully expecting her to come out. At the doorway he stopped and peeked in, his gaze dropping immediately to the floor then back to the sink. He tried to visualize her standing at the sink like he had seen her a thousand times before. Despite his vivid imagination, he was unable to conjure up any image to fill the emptiness he felt at that moment.
She really was gone.
Things were as he had left them. The scorched pot was still on the stove and a faint odour of burnt vegetables still lingered in the air. Flies buzzed and danced and beat against the kitchen window. When his mom was alive there were never any flies in the house. How easily pests can gain their freedom in the wake of death. Henry opened the window in front of the sink inviting the breeze outside to chase out the stale air. He reached for the radio on the shelf, but stopped his hand in mid-air. He didn’t want to be distracted from his memories.
All too soon the house would be sold and a new family would begin their life here and make it their home. But, for the moment, it was still his parents’ home, and his home, and he wanted to remember and take as much of it with him as he could.
He decided to start in his parents’ room.
The Angelic Occurrence Page 40
