Chapter II
Captivating in his Navel uniform, Johnston entered the ball room. At eighteen Ann had never encountered anyone as enigmatic as Johnston. He and his band were attending this evening to play at the dinner following the 1948 Miss Southern Country Beauty Pageant.
Captivating in his Navel uniform, Johnston entered the ball room. At eighteen Ann had never encountered anyone as enigmatic as Johnston. He and his band were attending this evening to play at the dinner following the 1948 Miss Southern Country Beauty Pageant.
Florence had entered her in the Pageant. She was always surprised that Ann was so painfully shy. Ann retained such beauty and grace and had no idea of her magnetism. Florence thought this experience would help her in her upcoming summer job at the City.
Florence stopped, mesmerized by the tall, sculptured Navel Officer. She looked across the room and saw Ann's eye affixed on the young man.
Her thoughts interrupted when the host asked everyone to be seated, as the contestants lined up on stage. All evening, Florence had been told that Ann was the most favored to win the Pageant. Ann had wished that her father, Munroe was also able to attend, but he was called in to fill in on a trip to Regina. With Munroe travelling as much as he did, Florence had a huge influence on her children and was admired in the community for raising the children with strong characters, honour and acceptance, regardless of any one's circumstances. Never was it acceptable to look down on a person, but if you did, it had better be to help them up.
Being the third generation, Florence was also well known in the Community. She was the untamed daughter of a very authoritarian family. Being one of four children, she had grown up listening to stories about family heritage, including the rumors of being part of a European Royal Family. Everyone found it easier to dismiss Florence's exuberance on the unknown.
Regardless of Ann's popularity and beauty, that evening she placed runner-up, which she accepted with honour.
For years, Florence never forgave the panel of Judges, for what she considered to be the oversight of the century.
Many years later Florence could still be heard telling her grandchildren bedtime stories of the Pageant and of course, after years of embellishment the story ended similar to fairy tales where Ann was crowned the Princess and carried away by the Prince on a royal stallion.
Johnston did indeed make sure that he was introduced to Ann that evening.
After eight months Johnston asked Munroe for his daughters hand in marriage.
Shortly after the wedding Johnston left the Navy and continued his education to achieve a degree in Engineering. Ann continued at College achieving her degree in Business and immediately went to work until the day she went to the Doctor thinking that she had a flu virus and was given the wonderful news that she was pregnant.
Johnston knew he would be travelling a great deal and wanted Ann near her parents so they found a house to rent not far from Munroe and Florence. Ann dedicated the next five years to having their four children; three girls and one boy.
Johnston was constantly travelling hired as a consultant on several structural jobs. His work was of such high calibre his reputation proceeded him. Ann and the children occasionally travelled and met Johnston on a site if there was a hotel near, but Ann felt better when the children were at home. Florence was there every day helping with the babies. When Franklin was turning two Ann had planned a wonderful birthday party for him, with all the children from the neighbourhood coming. Johnston had phoned that morning and promised that he would be back in time for his sons party.
When the phone rang Ann picked it up thinking it was Johnson just telling her he was on the way home.
"Hi Ann, it Jimmy."
Jimmy had been relocated to an RCMP detachment just north of the City.
"Hi Jimmy how are you."
"I'm fine Ann, but I do have some news. Johnston has been in a very serious car accident. His car hit a patch of ice and he went into the ditch and rolled. The ambulance is now transporting him to the hospital. I have called Mom and she is on her way over to take care of the children. I have arranged for a Constable to pick you up and take you to the hospital so please wait there until he arrives."
Jimmy only heard the phone line go silence as Ann dropped the phone and grabbed a chair to sit on.
She got to the hospital within the hour and was directed at the Emergency entrance to ICU. She identified herself at the desk and was told to take a seat and a Doctor would be out to talk to her.
Two Doctors approached Ann and reported that Johnston had been taken down to surgery. There was extensive brain damage and they now had to relieve the pressure on his brain by inserting a drainage tube to remove the fluid that was building up on the brain. She was was also told that Johnston had several broken bones. The Doctors confirmed that once they had more information they would talk with her.
Several hours had passed before Ann saw the Doctors again. They confirmed that a drainage tube had been inserted, which should relieve a lot of the pressure on his brain. He had been placed on full life support. They told Ann that she was welcome to stay in his room. When Ann walked into the room she was shocked. Johnston's face was so swollen and cut he was hardly recognizable. His forehead and skull where wrapped in bandages. A parade of Doctors and Nurses continued throughout the night. Ann remained at Johnston's bedside, other than when she called Florence. Weeks went by with no change or encouragement from the Doctors. At the end of six weeks they had requested Ann meet with them to discuss future plans. Johnston remained on life support.
Ann arrived at the hospital in time to stop in to be with Johnston. When she entered his room it was empty. Ann asked at the nurses station where Johnston was and was told that he had suffered a brain aneurysm and was taken to surgery. Ann rushed down to the surgical ward. It was only a short time after that the Doctors arrived in the waiting area to inform Ann that Johnston had not made it. They went on to apologize to Ann for her loss and made a slight reference to perhaps it was for the best. Over the past six weeks Ann thought that she was prepared for this news, but when it came she went into shock and had to be assisted to the family room. Florence was contacted and it was agreed that Ann would be sedated and remain in the hospital for the night.
Within a few days arrangements had been made for the service. It was a very small gathering of relatives and friends. Florence looked at her daughter, who at the age of 26 was now the sole supporter of four children.
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Johnston knew he would be travelling a great deal and wanted Ann near her parents so they found a house to rent not far from Munroe and Florence. Ann dedicated the next five years to having their four children; three girls and one boy.
Johnston was constantly travelling hired as a consultant on several structural jobs. His work was of such high calibre his reputation proceeded him. Ann and the children occasionally travelled and met Johnston on a site if there was a hotel near, but Ann felt better when the children were at home. Florence was there every day helping with the babies. When Franklin was turning two Ann had planned a wonderful birthday party for him, with all the children from the neighbourhood coming. Johnston had phoned that morning and promised that he would be back in time for his sons party.
When the phone rang Ann picked it up thinking it was Johnson just telling her he was on the way home.
"Hi Ann, it Jimmy."
Jimmy had been relocated to an RCMP detachment just north of the City.
"Hi Jimmy how are you."
"I'm fine Ann, but I do have some news. Johnston has been in a very serious car accident. His car hit a patch of ice and he went into the ditch and rolled. The ambulance is now transporting him to the hospital. I have called Mom and she is on her way over to take care of the children. I have arranged for a Constable to pick you up and take you to the hospital so please wait there until he arrives."
Jimmy only heard the phone line go silence as Ann dropped the phone and grabbed a chair to sit on.
She got to the hospital within the hour and was directed at the Emergency entrance to ICU. She identified herself at the desk and was told to take a seat and a Doctor would be out to talk to her.
Two Doctors approached Ann and reported that Johnston had been taken down to surgery. There was extensive brain damage and they now had to relieve the pressure on his brain by inserting a drainage tube to remove the fluid that was building up on the brain. She was was also told that Johnston had several broken bones. The Doctors confirmed that once they had more information they would talk with her.
Several hours had passed before Ann saw the Doctors again. They confirmed that a drainage tube had been inserted, which should relieve a lot of the pressure on his brain. He had been placed on full life support. They told Ann that she was welcome to stay in his room. When Ann walked into the room she was shocked. Johnston's face was so swollen and cut he was hardly recognizable. His forehead and skull where wrapped in bandages. A parade of Doctors and Nurses continued throughout the night. Ann remained at Johnston's bedside, other than when she called Florence. Weeks went by with no change or encouragement from the Doctors. At the end of six weeks they had requested Ann meet with them to discuss future plans. Johnston remained on life support.
Ann arrived at the hospital in time to stop in to be with Johnston. When she entered his room it was empty. Ann asked at the nurses station where Johnston was and was told that he had suffered a brain aneurysm and was taken to surgery. Ann rushed down to the surgical ward. It was only a short time after that the Doctors arrived in the waiting area to inform Ann that Johnston had not made it. They went on to apologize to Ann for her loss and made a slight reference to perhaps it was for the best. Over the past six weeks Ann thought that she was prepared for this news, but when it came she went into shock and had to be assisted to the family room. Florence was contacted and it was agreed that Ann would be sedated and remain in the hospital for the night.
Within a few days arrangements had been made for the service. It was a very small gathering of relatives and friends. Florence looked at her daughter, who at the age of 26 was now the sole supporter of four children.
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Dr. Boyette's office called Ann to confirm her first chemotherapy treatment had been scheduled for Monday morning. Ann's oldest daughter Leigh returned from Mexico and insisted she would remain with Ann during treatments. They arrived at the Hospital early Monday morning. After Ann had been admitted and was waiting for the IV to be inserted she told Leigh that she was going to be at the Hospital for the next five hours and there was no reason for Leigh to wait. She would be fine. Leigh spoke with the nurses and they confirmed that Ann would be getting a sedative and would probably sleep a good part of the day. Leigh agreed that she would leave once Ann had settled in and go back to Ann's and take care of some paper work she had received from the Corp.
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Leigh began volunteering at local shelters and food banks after Leigh-Ann and Marie had left for University. She was excited that Leigh-Ann had been accepted at the Institute of Teacher Training at Suor Orsda Benincasa in Italy. Marie, not wishing to relocate to a University outside of Canada, was equally pleased to have been accepted for an undergraduate program in emergency medicine at the University of McGill in Montreal.
The homeless shelters had become over crowed and understaffed. Leigh was working full time in the shelters as the number of families requiring help had drastically grown. She worked with several families to locate assisted housing, government funded work programs and securing social assistance. Most times Leigh had the assistance of other social programs at her avail; these families needed all the safety nets that the system could offer. A common denominator for these individuals always related to self worth. The system had lost them and no one seemed to stop and lend them a hand, when a hand is what they needed. By the time they found their way to the shelter and asked for help, there was little self worth. Never was Leigh able to build an invisible guard against the pain and sorrow that she saw each day, with each family, but she also saw success and kept hope for each and everyone.
Working for ten years with the National Homeless Society Leigh had seen the need for her time being dedicated to the young. There she would also help with their development and education. An opportunity had arisen for Leigh to do work with the International Humanitarian Corp., who was working with several local governments throughout the world building youth centers. Her first position was in San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico. Leigh and the other volunteers worked with the local government creating children’s centers to initiate some of the Island’s first educational programs. She had been so appreciative that English was the second language of Cozumel. The Island was beautiful with sandy beaches and an abundance of Maya ruins to see. The local population was approaching 75,000 with the main employment source being tourism. The local families were so appreciative of the volunteer work with the children. The Government had now established two educational centers on the Island, with hopes of adding a third within the next five years.
The volunteer village was located beside the gated beach front tourist area, allowing the volunteers full services including filtered water. Travelling with the Humanitarian Corps all volunteers received their vaccines for Hepatitis A & B, Polio, Typhoid and Malaria weeks before arriving in Mexico.
Leigh soon learned never to eat other than in the village or at one of the resort restaurants. In exchange for her lessons, many of the local women would offer her fried grasshoppers or maguey worms. Leigh made sure to be very careful not to offend the women when she declined their gracious meal. She would show them her medical alert bracelet and commit to some chocking jesters which they seemed to understand, or they simply thought that she was a little light headed, but soon they understood that she could not partake in their customary meals.
Once the local authorities dedicated the site the work began by the volunteers with clearing the land.
On Leigh's first day she walked up an unmarked path to a plot of land marked for clearing. A large dark almost black section caught her eye. Thinking that it may have been used for open fires, she started to walk towards it when Fernando, a young volunteer grabbed her arm and pulled her back, knocking her to the ground. He quickly pulled her up and motioned for her to step back.
Miguel, a local volunteer had approached them, looking over at the area.
“Miss Leigh you must never wander off on your own. Fernando pulled you back from stepping into an ant hill. If you had stepped into the hill the army ants would have swarmed you immediately.”
“Thank you Miguel, and thank you very much Fernando for watching out for me.”
Leigh, in all her travels had never come across the masses of army ants as what she saw in Mexico. The site the locals were clearing off had several animal carcasses. It was explained to Leigh that the army ants were responsible for destroying the animals, as large as goats. It was determined that the lands were inundated with hills of army ants and it would be necessary for the authorities to first destroy the ants and then the volunteers and the Corp would return to the site.
The authorities requested a week to clear the land of the ants, so Leigh and the volunteers used that time to work with the children. Several of the Corporate volunteers had supplied the Corp with the necessary reading materials to build a library in the education village. For the week, daily classes were held in the volunteer huts with the children. They were so excited to see the books; the younger children were mesmerized with the glossy pictures in the books and the older children waited anxiously to get their own scribblers and markers. They all sat, almost in a trance, looking at the architectural designs of the classrooms, already asking for their assigned desks. At the end of the day when their mothers would arrive they would show them the designs and show them where they would be sitting in the classroom. One little girl caught Leigh’s attention. Her name was Alandra and when Leigh looked into her eyes she saw this little girls hopes, dreams and also pain. Neither Alandra’s mother nor father were ever present in the volunteer center. The little girl would follow the other families back to the housing projects and would be with the group when they arrived the next morning. She always came to class clean and rested but there was something that Leigh saw in her eyes that was calling out for help.
The following week when the lands were cleared and the volunteers moved back onto the site Leigh made a point of talking with Miguel about Alandra.
“Miguel there is a young girl, her name is Alandra, who came to the classes last week. I have not met her parents. Do you know how they can be reached?”
“Miss Leigh, Alandra’s mother died last year from Malaria and her father is working in the hotel on the south end of the Island. They now live with Amanda’s grandmother, who is very ill, but takes care of her the best she can. The ladies of our village also share the responsibilities of caring for the family. Alandra is a very smart girl but since she lost her mother she does not speak.”
“Thank you Miguel.”
Leigh looked at her watch and saw it was time for the children’s lesson and hurried back to the volunteer huts. When she arrived all the children were sitting in their assigned seats, happy and giggling with excitement waiting to get their books and scribblers for the day, except Alandra. She had taken her seat at the back of the room; if you did not know she was there you could not see her over the heads of the older students. Leigh handed out books and scribblers to the children. She quietly took a chair and walked to the back of the classroom and placed the chair beside Alandra’s who was busy looking at the cover of her book selection, Curious George. Leigh picked up the book and started to quietly read, the other children taking no notice of Leigh and Alandra for the rest of the afternoon. At the end of the lesson Alandra looked up at Leigh and smiled and then turned and left, again following the families back to their village.
Each day once Leigh had settled the children down into their programs for the day, she would take her chair and place it beside Alandra and continue the Curious George adventures; and at the end of each day Alandra would look up, smile and again follow the families back to the Village.
Leigh continually tried to involve Alandra in group activities, but she would shy away, never speaking and always return to her chair.
At the end of the school day, Leigh followed the families back to the village. She was on her way to the medical center to speak with the Doctors.
“Good afternoon Dr. Roderick, I am with the International Humanitarian Corps and we are helping with the education center south of the City and I would like to talk to you about one of our students, Alandra Guerero .”
“Yes I know the Guerero family. Alandra has been in to see me. We did several tests on Alandra and found no reason why she is not speaking.The trauma of losing her mother would certainly contribute to her condition. The situation with the family is sad. Her father Juan, leaves for work very early in the morning and does not come home until after Alandra is in bed. The only member of the family that is home is Alandra’s grandmother, who as you may know is very old and not in good health.”
“Yes, their neighbors explained their situation to me.
"Dr. Roderick once a year a clinic opens in Mexico City, sponsored by Doctors without Borders and I would like to make the arrangements for Alandra to visit the clinic.
"That would be very much appreciated and if Juan is too busy I will take Alandra to Mexico City.”
"Great I will make all the arrangements and send you the details."
"Dr. Roderick once a year a clinic opens in Mexico City, sponsored by Doctors without Borders and I would like to make the arrangements for Alandra to visit the clinic.
"That would be very much appreciated and if Juan is too busy I will take Alandra to Mexico City.”
"Great I will make all the arrangements and send you the details."
Leigh had made all the arrangements for Alandra to visit the clinic in Mexico City in April and left them with Dr. Roderick.
After nine month the education center was complete. The local authorities had dedicated a holiday for the Isle of Cozumel for the centers opening.
It was very sad for Leigh to be leaving the Island, but she was anxious to return home after receiving news about her Mom.
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Ann being given the sedative sat patiently in a hospital chair, with the intravenous running from her arm looking outside at the dull, gray sky's of winter. Around the room, the nurses did their best to comfort all the patients in the cancer ward. The facility was massive, with all chairs and rooms overflowing with patients.
Leigh stayed with Ann for about an hour just until the sedative took effect. She was Ann's oldest, yet watching her now showing such strength, yet her eyes filled with fear, reminded Ann of when she was a baby. Ann holds close to her heart the memory of seeing Leigh, her beautiful baby girl, for the first time, her eyes wide, bright and looking like a frightened fawn and how comforted she became once she was resting in Ann's arms. Growing up Leigh always knew that when she was near her mother she was safe. Ann watched Leigh grow in character to be gentle, loving and trustworthy and her work at the shelters with the children was much to be admired. Leigh did not like to be pushed too hard and she was also very sceptical of change. Leigh watched the world go by, safe in her cocoon, but always wanting to find the security to unwrap the silk and fly away. Ann saw her young self in Leigh, in many ways trusting and following her champions.
Leigh stayed with Ann for about an hour just until the sedative took effect. She was Ann's oldest, yet watching her now showing such strength, yet her eyes filled with fear, reminded Ann of when she was a baby. Ann holds close to her heart the memory of seeing Leigh, her beautiful baby girl, for the first time, her eyes wide, bright and looking like a frightened fawn and how comforted she became once she was resting in Ann's arms. Growing up Leigh always knew that when she was near her mother she was safe. Ann watched Leigh grow in character to be gentle, loving and trustworthy and her work at the shelters with the children was much to be admired. Leigh did not like to be pushed too hard and she was also very sceptical of change. Leigh watched the world go by, safe in her cocoon, but always wanting to find the security to unwrap the silk and fly away. Ann saw her young self in Leigh, in many ways trusting and following her champions.
Ann cherished the times Leigh returned home. Leigh-Ann and Marie remained in Calgary, now with their own families. Both Leigh-Ann and Marie were confident, intuitive and sincere young women. Both retaining such vibrancy and passion for knowledge and life. Leigh-Ann, even when she appears with such self control and calmness, has such intensity of emotional energy, sometimes alarming her family with her composure. Marie with strong reasoning powers is the diplomat, with great self discipline and passion for her convictions.
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Noticing her reflection in the mirror, Ann no longer looked or felt like the new-comer to the cancer ward. She was now five weeks into her treatments, feeling and looking like a poster child for what happens when you have cancer. Tired and today having a toque covering her head, resting in the reception area of the Hospital, awaiting the results of her x-rays and blood work, requested by the Oncology Doctor. The treatments had severely lowered her levels of white blood cells. Leigh no longer left the treatment center, she stayed with Ann each and every session.
"Coffee or tea?"
Ann looked up and there were the volunteers with the tea trolley serving refreshments and cookies.
"I would like a tea, please."
"Certainly, can I also serve you a cookie?"
"Yes that would be very nice. Can I also ask for a glass of water?"
"Of course."
The charming lady, outfitted with a Hospital Volunteer uniform poured the tea into a china cup and saucer and placed it on a table beside Ann.
"I must tell you how wonderful it is to be served tea in a china cup and saucer. I look forward to your visit every day."
"Oh, that is nice of you to say."
Ann watched as the other volunteers served each and everyone in the reception area with similar grace and respect.
Robin came out from the ward. "Hi Ann, your tests are in and the Doctor has approved another round of treatments, so if you are ready let's get started". Robin's tenure on the floor was now exceeding seven years. Even with that time, she never forgot the pain, the fear, the unknown her patients were in. Repeatedly Ann watched Robin give comfort, support, care and hugs, always encouraging a smile.
Lynn arrived on the ward a few minutes before Ann was finished. Staying out of sight wanting to watch Ann, without her motherly defences popping up. She was focused on the night sky and the Christmas lights, looking so helpless and fragile. The treatments had taken her hair and a lot of her strength, limiting her mobility, but not her spirit. She never complained, but continued to face each day with encouragement.
Ann's instincts kicked in and turned to see Lynn.
"Well, what are you doing hiding back there."
"Sorry Mom, I was just trying to find something to drink."
"How are the roads, I was listening to the radio and heard that they were bad."
"Mom, you always worry. The roads are fine; we should have no problems driving home."
"Where is Colby?"
"He's at a friends. I'll pick him up later Mom."
"He's at a friends. I'll pick him up later Mom."
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