Chapter IX
Ann could not remember the feeling of freedom; the first evening at home without having to prepare for a trip to the hospital the next morning. She finished up supper and then relaxed on the couch, closing her eyes and enjoying the silence.
The next morning Franklin was at the door. Ann had packed her luggage the night before so she would be ready. It seemed that she was travelling with more bottles of medication than clothing. As promised Franklin had made all the arrangements for them to take a vacation for a couple of weeks driving into the interior of British Columbia.
It was summer and Ann could hardly wait to be out of the City, driving through the mountains and feeling the sun on her face.
She packed lightly. Most of her wardrobe no longer fit her so she resolved that this would be a perfect time to do some shopping.
She admitted to Franklin that she was running a bit behind this morning as she had taken some time to enjoy coffee and conversations with Arlene, Lynn and Leigh. Ann told Franklin that she had given the girls the good news of her tests and also told them about the trip; they all passed on their love to Franklin and all said they would be waiting for postcards.
Within a few hours they were driving through the mountains on their way to Jasper. Ann loved Jasper and was thrilled when Franklin told her that they would be staying the weekend at the Gatehouse. The highway was busy with both summer traffic and the wildlife roaming in the ditches. Ann found herself taking long, deep, slow breaths. The air felt wonderful; the sun on her face was something that she had never truly appreciated until now. They pulled into the Jasper Gatehouse mid afternoon and walked up to the entrance way; Ann remembering all the beauty of the Gatehouse, the vestibule housing the majestic stone fireplace built floor to ceiling. Franklin watched his mother and knew by now she was very tired so he took her arm and lead her over the one of the reclining chairs. She watched as he walked to the front desk, remembering when he was a little boy; now so strong, so secure. Perhaps it was true, there comes a time in everyone’s life when responsibility changes and maybe it was time for her to step aside and let her children take care. When Franklin turned to ensure Ann was settled in the chair he was overwhelmed with her fragile appearance, yet the warmth of her eyes looking at him only gave him the strength to protect her. The warmth of the fire felt so good that she sat back and relaxed waiting for Franklin. The hospital felt so very far away. She rested in the chair while Franklin checked them in. She was almost asleep when Franklin returned. He had found an available golf cart that they could use for the night and had it at the front door for Ann. When they arrived at their chalet, the hotel staff had been kind enough to bring the bags over and also light a fire for them. Franklin suggested that they order in supper, that way Ann could have a Jacuzzi and relax. Supper was waiting when Ann finished her bath. When she came into the living room it was engulfed with the aroma of roses, lilies and lilac. A magnificent floral bouquet had been delivered to Ann with a welcome note from Chief Bair. Ann had spent many hours with Chief Bair organizing all the affairs for Nixman. She sat down appreciating the happiness of the day.
Sleep was not hard to find that evening. The stillness of the mountains, the fire roaring in the fireplace is all Ann remembered before closing her eyes.
Ann awoke feeling the wonderful rays of morning sun on her face together with the sounds of blue jays resting on the balcony.
She dressed and went into the living room where Franklin was busy stoking the fire. Coffee had been delivered was waiting to be poured.
“Did you have a good sleep son?”
“It was great Mom, how did you sleep?”
“You must be getting tired of me saying this, but I cannot remember the last time I felt so rested. Franklin thank you so much for this trip. I will never be able to tell you what all this mean to me.”
“Mom, when I found out that you were able to get away for a few days, I couldn’t wait to get you in the car and out of the City and away from the Hospital. I am so grateful to be able to spend this time with you.”
“Each one of you kids has blessed me so many times over. You have had to grow up so quickly and I never really did tell each of you enough how proud I have always been of you. As your grandmother always told me - one day I will wake up and you will be all grown up – that’s exactly what happened. I watch all my grandchildren developing showing such wisdom and strength and I give you all that credit. You must have all inherited that from your grandmother, she was afraid of nothing. Do you miss her as much as I do, Franklin?”
“Every day Mom.”
After selling the farm Florence retired to an assisted living facility, near Ann’s home. She never stopped for illness in her life, she was always too busy and that is why it was so ironic that she passed away in her sleep from a massive stroke that would have left her paralyzed. She was 90 years old.
“She’s been gone for three years and it seems that I miss her more every day. I especially think of her while I am sitting in the hospital chairs taking chemo. Somehow she gives me strength. I took it for granted that she would be here forever. Oh she loved you kids. She truly found the joy in her life.”
“Funny Mom, for all the time we spent with Granny she would not stop talking about you. She would remind us of how you raised four children on your own; as well made a very successful career for yourself.”
“I don’t know what we would have done without her. I think the happiest time for all of us was on the farm. Not a dime between us, yet we were all very happy.”
“I want you all to find the true joy in your lives. I am so proud of each of you.”
“You, being the only boy, growing up in a house full of women; poor Franklin. You grew up in a time when there was no Big Brothers. I look at you now, married with two grown girls, who adore and love their daddy. You should be proud of yourself Franklin.”
“Well enough of patting me on the back Mom, what are our plans for today?”
“I am happy to just sit on the balcony and enjoy the fresh air. Did you want to go into Jasper for anything?”
“I’ll do that later. After breakfast why don’t we take advantage of that golf cart and take a drive around the development. I haven’t seen it since they finished it off. The brochure says that they have developed over 15 acres of park land.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
Ann and Franklin spent the morning driving around the park. She insisted that they pull over to watch all the wildlife, from the chipmunks, to the rabbits and deer; their binoculars helped them follow the elk and mountain goat on the other side of the lake. As they passed the hotel, Chief Bair came out to greet them. He was robust and lifted Ann out of the golf cart like a leaf. Franklin’s concerns were dispelled watching over his mom, when this giant figure of a man was so gentle lifting her up. Her appearance dictated her vulnerability. Exchanging conversation they walked a slight way up the path until they rested on a park bench and brought each other up to date on their lives. A voluptuous hug was exchanged and Ann returned to the parked cart.
“Thank you for this Franklin.”
As promised Ann spent the remainder of the afternoon outside on the balcony. The hotel kitchen delivered an array of cool drinks, warm drinks, sandwich trays, vegetable trays and desert trays all with warm notes from Chief Bair.
Ann enjoyed the Jacuzzi that night and slipped off to sleep early.
The next morning they went into Jasper so Ann could shop for some cloths. She found some casual pants and tops and a couple of great hats which would protect her head from the sun. Walking down the streets of Jasper was about all the energy Ann had in reserve so they found the car and returned to the Gatehouse.
“Mom I thought we would go onto Penticton tomorrow and spend a couple of days there; what do you think.”
“Great, I would love to get to the markets and pick up some fresh fruit.”
“Yes, I have orders from Lynn to bring back cases of fruit. She must be on a baking niche.”
“She follows in her grandmothers footsteps for that.”
“Franklin, I have been meaning to ask you how Dee and Maire are.”
“They are good Mom. Dee has a surprise for you when we get back.”
“I don’t like surprises Franklin, what is it?”
“She’s pregnant. “
“How wonderful, when is she due?”
“January.”
“A baby, I can’t wait.”
“Mom, Arlene told me to tell you that when we get back she and John want you to come and stay with them on the ranch.”
“That sounds great. I would love to for a few days, but then I have to get back home, I have so many things to catch up on.”
“Mom you better not be telling me that you have some business to catch up on. Leigh and Lynn have been dealing with all the calls coming in, so there shouldn’t be anything waiting for you.”
“I know that dear. I just want to know that I still can do something, that all.”
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The next morning bright and early they were travelling south through the Rocky Mountains towards the Penticton.
Ann was mesmerized at the lush green landscape driving through the valleys. Franklin was patient each and every time Ann asked to pull over so that she could take another picture. It was like she was looking at the wonders of nature for the first time.
They arrived in Penticton at noon. The sun was bright, the temperature was over 30° and Ann was thrilled. She loved this heat. These days were rare and she was not going to miss any of them. They had decided to stay right on the lake in a chalet. Ann had slept for the last two hours while travelling, so was rested and anxious to get to the roadside markets. For the last six months the closest thing that she had to fresh fruit was a slushy. The fruit and vegetables were wonderful; she bought peaches, pears, cherries and plums. Franklin stayed in the car working on navigating the next leg of their trip to visit Uncle Jim in Kelowna and then onto Banff. They had reservations to stay at the Hot Springs.
When they returned to their chalet Franklin started to return all the text messaging from his sisters; telling them all that Mom was great, no problems to report and asking them all if there was anything else they needed, other than fruit. Arlene messaged back that they would be travelling to Kelowna this week for a horse show that she was judging so she would call as soon as they got in. Ann went to lie down and rest. She knew she had been overdoing it for the last couple of days and decided that she would pace herself better. She was not going to go home early because she wasn’t feeling good.
That night they went out for seafood. Ann remembered the chowder at the restaurant and could not wait to taste it again.
For the next couple of days they rested. Ann bought a paperback book that she read and Franklin was just happy to be there and help his mom when she needed.
Kelowna was busy holding the Boat Regatta and Horse show this week so the traffic was everywhere.
Ann noticed that she had a bit of color in her skin which made her feel years younger. She picked up the phone and called Jim. They made arrangements to go over to his place for supper.
If Jim was in any way shocked at Ann’s appearance he didn’t show it. When they pulled up he came out of his doorway, taking great strides to get to the car to help Ann out. Once she had her balance he swallowed her up with a hug. Franklin remembered his Uncle Jim as a reserved Officer from the RCMP; but this evening he was only a loving brother to his mom.
“You know Franklin, I was going to order in supper, but I think what we should do is take your mom down to the new jazz bar.”
“Oh Jim I don’t think so.”
“Ann I do think so, the best thing for you tonight is to relax and listen to your favorite music. It’s a small club and you can sip on coffee if you want.”
The club was not crowded so they were able to sit in a booth listen to the music and catch up on everything over the past few months. It wasn’t until after 11 that Ann realized the time and she had better get back to the chalet and get some sleep. They all agreed that they would get together again once Arlene and John arrived the next day.
It had already reached 32° by 10 am the next morning. Arlene called at 11 am and it was agreed that Ann and Franklin would meet them at the equestrian center for lunch.
The center was cool from the air conditioning so Ann put on her sweater. Arlene was so happy to see Ann looking rested with some color only after a week away from the Hospital. Arlene would be judging in the main ring for two days. Ann did want to stay for the afternoon events; she had not attended any of the equestrian shows since Arlene had judging at the Meadows. With John watching over Ann for the next few hours Franklin used the time to catch up with a University buddy now living in Kelowna.
Ann sat in the box seating for the afternoon captivated by the splendor of the horses. Watching Arlene in the center ring busy studying the configuration of both the horses and riders. That was Ann’s baby girl out there.
After the event they met Jim at the chalet and went down to the outside café for supper. The day had caught up with Ann as she struggled to keep her eyes open.
Franklin and Ann were leaving the next day to travel to Banff where they would stay for the week. Jim confirmed with Ann that he had made plans to travel back to visit next month.
It seemed that she had just closed her eyes when Franklin was calling her the next morning. They got ready and were on the road at noon. They estimated the trip to Banff would be 5 hours. Ann slept most of the way. She woke just an hour out of Banff. Back in the mountains the air was cooler than that in Kelowna.
Ann opened the car door at the entrance to the Hot Springs and the air was pungent with the smell of the springs. She couldn’t wait to soak in hot springs again.
Their room was a full suite with two bedrooms and full of baskets of flowers and fruit, compliments of the Hotel. Ann found out later that Chief Bair had called his contacts at the hotel and made arrangements for the flowers and fruit. Ann must remember to write him a thank you note when she returns.
For the next five days Ann felt like Royalty; rising in the late morning, attending Tea in the afternoon in the Gardens of the Hotel; changing and going to the hot springs and then spending the evenings with Franklin. Franklin spent his days with a few of his retired friends at a lodge not far from the Hotel.
Ann shopped at the boutiques in the lobby picking up a few special items for her grandchildren and before she knew it, it was time to go home.
Travelling back to the City they agreed that they would drop off Ann’s luggage and she would pack up a few things and then carry on to Arlene’s.
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