A Dream Come True

By Orion J. Holder

Suzanna has been struggling with the little voice inside her head since the age of sixteen. However, with the guidance of, Doctor Shannon, and the use of many different medications for her illness: she has hope and determination of living a normal and happy life. Shes married to Bill Norton, a man any woman would appreciate. Suzanna is a teacher and she enjoys her career choice. Being an only child, her first grade students never cease to amuse and surprise her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481775045

Orion J. Holder

Orion is a native of Henry County, Georgia. She lives on the property where she grew up. Her dream to be a writer started at the age of ten. At that time her favorite author was Louisa Mae Alcott. Needless to say she's always been an avid reader.She has one daughter, two living grandsons, and one great grand daughter.

Book preview

ONE

I OPENED THE REFRIGERATOR DOOR and turned to the girls.

Okay, girls. What should we have for supper?

I want hot dogs, said Jane, with chili.

I’d rather have hamburgers said Annie.

I looked at Alice for her choice and she shrugged her shoulders. What would you like, Alice?

I like hot dogs and hamburgers, but don’t you get a choice, too? After all you are the one who will fix supper, Suzanna.

You know, Alice, I agree; I should have a choice.

The girls looked at me; eagerly waiting to see which one of them would win.

SAY HOT DOGS, SUZANNA, shouted Jane.

An expression of defeat clouded Annie’s face. Bless her heart. She knows Jane will go on, and on, until everyone is exhausted, to have her way.

I know, let’s go to the Burger Shack. There we can have a milkshake also. Is that okay with everyone? Needless to say all three girls jumped for joy.

There were a few times over the weekend I didn’t think Sunday would ever come. However, it was a fun and energy-consuming weekend for all, especially me.

I teach first grade in Henry County, Georgia, where I grew-up. My husband Bill has a traveling job with the civil service. We are living with my father until we can save enough for our own home.

My mother died and father married Emma Lou, our housekeeper, about a year ago. Emma Lou is my favorite person in the whole world. Alice is Emma’s granddaughter. She lives with us because her mother, Lou Anne, simply doesn’t want to be responsible for her.

Jane is my friend Janet’s daughter. Annie is Janet’s foster child. Janet also has a little boy, Joseph. Janet and I have been best friends since we were eight years old.

Janet and I were sitting at the kitchen table drinking our favorite beverage, iced tea. It’s plain to see something is bothering Janet. I don’t understand why she is hesitating to confide in me. This is not like my friend—after all, we are as close as sisters.

Janet, what is wrong? You are not your happy go lucky self today.

Oh, Suzanna, I’m so glad you asked. I’m so worried about Joseph. Do you remember when I took him to see Doc Browne last year?

Yes, I remember, but didn’t the doctor say there wasn’t anything seriously wrong with Joseph at the time.

You are right. Doc Browne said he was just run down. He gave him a tonic with three refills. He said if that didn’t put the spring back in his step to bring him back. After Joseph took the tonic all summer he seemed to be okay so I didn’t take him back for a final visit.

Okay why are you so concerned about him now?

He’s started sleeping a lot and he complains with stomach aches. I can’t get him to eat much of anything, anymore, even his favorite foods. My gut feeling tells me something isn’t right.

Janet, I’ve found with my first graders that all they ever complain about is stomach aches. Maybe Joseph doesn’t know how to tell you what really hurts. Is his stomach upset a lot?

No, that’s the part I don’t understand; he says when he eats it hurts.

I think you should take him back to Doc Browne as soon as you can get an appointment.

You know how Ricky feels about running the kids to the doctor. He thinks I overreact where the kids are concerned.

Maybe you do but Rick will be thankful you overreacted if something is seriously wrong with Joseph.

You are right, I’m gonna make the appointment first thing in the morning—to heck with what Ricky says.

Annie came running into the kitchen, with a look of fear on her face not making a sound.

My goodness, Annie what’s wrong? asked Janet.

Mama Janet, you gotta come quick. She grabbed Janet’s hand and pulled with all her strength.

What on earth is wrong, child? Janet turned and looked back at me, Suzanna, come with us.

We ran to keep up with Annie. When we got to the girls room, Alice was sitting astraddle Jane’s chest, grasping a hand full of hair, demanding she say she was sorry. Jane is whimpering softly, but determined not to let Alice make her cry.

I stood there in total disbelief. Janet walked over and pulled Alice’s hand out of Jane’s hair. Saying not a word, she lifted Alice off Jane. Then she demanded that Jane get to her feet for she had some explaining to do.

I asked Alice what happened, but she said not a word. She just looked at me and started to cry.

Janet asked Annie for an explanation because Jane was crying now, too.

Annie, please tell me what happened?

Don’t ask Annie nothing, Mama, cried Jane. You know she will take Alice’s side, ’cause she hates me.

Janet (with hands on her hips) kept looking at Annie for an answer. Annie doesn’t want to be on Jane’s bad side so she says, maybe Alice can tell you. We both look at Alice, since she has stopped crying.

Alice, please tell us what happened to cause such chaos?

Okay I will tell you—it’s like this: Jane was bad-mouthing my Ma. She called my Ma ‘white trash.’ I’m not sure what that means, but I know my Ma ain’t no kind of trash.

Janet looked over at Jane, Jane, where did you hear the words ‘white trash?’ Do you know what it means?

My friend, Jody, told me Alice’s Mama ain’t nothing but white trash. I don’t know what it means, except I know it’s not a good thing to say.

That’s right, Jane, it is a terrible thing to say about anyone. I don’t want you to be friends with this Jody anymore. You owe Alice an apology and I had better not hear the words ‘white trash’ ever spoken in this house again. Do you understand?

Yes, Mama. I didn’t mean it and I am sorry. Jane walked over to Alice.

I won’t ever say another bad word about your Mama, Alice; I promise, cross my heart, and hope to die, if I do.

Okay, Jane, I forgive you, but if you go back on your word, you better remember, I will never be your friend ever again.

TWO

ALICE AND I WERE SITTING in the Atlanta airport waiting for Bill’s plane to come in. The flight is late as always. Alice is bored and to tell the truth I am too.

How much longer will we have to wait, Suzanna?

I don’t have the slightest idea, honey. Hopefully not too much longer.

I looked at my watch for the umpteenth time, and as I looked up to speak, I saw Bill walking toward us, flashing that beautiful smile that melts my heart. Alice sees him, too, and squeals, here he comes now! She jumps up and runs to meet him. When Bill sees her, he sets his suitcase down and opens his arms. I wish I had my camera to capture this moment. Those two get along so well. It has been that way from the first day they met. I stood waiting for my embrace.

Hey, honey, it’s good to be back home, with these words, Bill wraps his arms around me.

Yes, Bill, we’ve missed you, too.

On our drive home, Bill told us all about his trip. He has been in Alaska the past two weeks. Alice couldn’t believe, at this time of year, it never gets completely dark in Alaska. Bill said when he arrived in Anchorage, he was so tired from jet lag that before he unpacked his bags, he lay down for a nap. When he woke up it was light outside. The time was eight o’clock on the bedside table. He jumped out of bed thinking he was going to be late his first day on the job. He rushed into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and hurried through a shave. Then he turned on the TV, and heard the announcer say it was eight P.M. The joke was on him. It wasn’t even time to go to bed, let alone time to get up.

When we arrived home, Dad’s camper was parked under the old oak tree. Alice could hardly wait for Bill to stop the car. Emma Lou had supper cooking, which has always been a treat. Dad and Alice went out to the camper to prepare for the next trip. Bill went to our room to unpack while I set the table for our evening meal.

Suzanna, when you finish the table go join Bill for a while; I’ll let y’all know when supper is ready.

Emma Lou, I love you, I said, and I ran for our room.

Later while having our meal it was heartwarming to see how much having a family means to Alice. She said over and over again how great it was to have everyone at home at the same time.

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I can’t concentrate on teaching today. My mind keeps going to thoughts about Joseph and what might be wrong. I haven’t heard a word from Janet. The day has dragged along—hour after hour—but finally school is out and I’m sitting here in the car waiting for Alice. She slides into the passenger side of the car giving me one of her cute little grins.

I think we should go by Janet’s to see how Joseph is doing?

Oh, goody, will we have time to go to the playground?

I don’t know honey, maybe, we’ll see.

When Janet answered the door, the look she gave me meant only one thing: the news must not be good. I felt my pulse racing and a lump came into my throat.

Come in, Suzanna.

Alice was wondering if maybe she and Annie and Jane could go over to the playground for a while. Would that be okay with you, Janet?

Sure, that’s a good idea. Janet turns to Alice, and tells her to go back to the girls’ room, and tell them they can go with her to the playground. When the girls are out of the house Janet pours our iced tea and takes a seat at the table. She begins to sob; I sit silently, giving her time to recover her composure.

Oh, Suzanna, I know there must be something terribly wrong with our little Joseph. She swiped at her tears with a paper towel.

Is that what Doc Browne told you?

No, but he wants me to take Joseph to Emory’s Children’s Hospital in Atlanta for some tests. He says he doesn’t have the equipment to do the tests in his office.

Did he tell you what the tests were for or what he thinks might be wrong?

No, that’s what’s so scary. He told me he would rather not guess at what is wrong. He said The Children’s Hospital doctors know much more than he does about children.

Be thankful Doc Browne is being honest with you Janet. You have to stop thinking negative thoughts.

I know you are right, but how can I stop worrying? I don’t have a switch in my mind to turn on and off. You can’t know how I feel because you don’t have a child of your own.

Oh no, my friend, I would never say I know how you feel. Right now I want you to go soak in a hot bath, while I go out to the playground and watch the girls. I’ll check to see if little Joseph is awake. If he is I’ll take him with me, if not, I’ll come back periodically and check on him.

Suzanna, I don’t know what I would do without you. I don’t have a doubt that God sent you into my life as my guardian angel. It has to be true because every time I have a crisis in my life, I can count on you to stand by my side.

When I looked in on Joseph he was still asleep. I walked out to the playground and the girls were having fun. I sat on a swing, easing back and forth, dragging my feet in the pretty white sand. Janet’s words about my not having a child came back to haunt me. As I sat there thinking, I had second thoughts about trying to find my birth mother. Maybe there is a slight chance my mental illness isn’t inherited—if not I could be missing out on having a child of my own.

I don’t know where or how to begin looking for my biological mother. She knows where she left me so why hasn’t she come back if she wanted to contact me? I put my thoughts aside and turned to the girls.

Okay, girls, it’s time to go inside to check on your mother.

What’s wrong with Mama? Jane asked.

Yeah, Suzanna, she seems so sad. Is she sick? said Annie.

No, girls, she’s not sick. She has a problem to mull over, that’s all.

Oh, goodness, I know how that feels, Alice replied, as she was tying her shoe.

I wondered how anyone as young as Alice could sympathize with Janet’s dilemma. I’ll bet she would shock me with the things she’s had to endure while she was living from pillow to post with her mother during her young years.

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Things are unsettled around here. We have Annie and Jane with us until Janet gets back home; she checked Joseph into the hospital for tests, and the hospital rules are a parent must stay with the child around the clock. They told Janet that a child, especially one as young as Joseph, is less frightened and more willing to corporate if a parent is with them.

Their financial status is strained and Rick can’t afford to miss work; therefore, Janet has to be there around the clock. She says it’s not that bad; she has a cot right beside Joseph’s bed and she sleeps when he sleeps. We are hoping for Janet’s sake that Joseph won’t have to stay too long.

I’m so glad Emma Lou is home because I am not a cook. I would be at a total loss if I had to fix an evening meal for three little girls after school every day. I am pleased to say, though, that the girls are getting along well. The only problem I’ve had is getting them to bed at a decent hour. It’s like a sleep over party every night. When they are finally in bed the giggling begins; it’s then that I think to myself, no Suzanna, you don’t need a family of your own.

Bill is in St. Louis for two weeks. I have had to bite my tongue a lot lately, but after all, I was the one who told him how great a traveling job would be. I never dreamed he would have to be gone so much and two weeks at a time at that; if so, I would have kept my mouth shut.

I hope Janet will soon know what is wrong with Joseph. She called me today and said the doctor wanted to do a laparotomy. Doctor Jones explained there seemed to be a small tumor in Joseph’s stomach and they would need to do a biopsy.

Janet asked him if he thought it might be cancer. She said he didn’t actually give her an answer she could understand—only a lot of medical jargon, which didn’t mean a hill of beans to her. She promised she would keep in touch.

This morning as the girls and I were finishing up the breakfast dishes the phone rang.

Will you please, answer that, Alice? I’ve got one more pan and I’ll be through here.

Alice ran into the hall to answer. Instead of coming back to the kitchen, she screamed for me to come quick. I dropped the pan and hurried to the phone.

What’s wrong, Alice? Who is it?

It’s Jane’s mama and she’s crying.

I grabbed the phone and screamed into the receiver.

WHAT’S WRONG, JANET?

Oh, Suzanna, could you please come to the hospital and stay with me today?

Sure, but what’s happened? I’ll have to call the school and ask them to get a substitute for me.

Doctor Jones wants to do the biopsy this afternoon and Ricky can’t afford to miss any more work. I don’t know what I will do if it’s something bad.

Daddy and Emma Lou were planning to leave on another trip this afternoon; but I’m sure if you need me they will stay with the girls.

Oh, Suzanna, I’m sorry for being such a bother, but I’m afraid to be here alone.

You are not a bother. I’ll be there as soon as possible.

I hung up the phone and climbed the stairs looking for Emma Lou. She was busy packing their suitcases for their trip. Emma Lou turned toward the door as I entered the room.

Is something wrong, Suzanna? You are as pale as a ghost.

I’m okay, Emma Lou, but I need to ask a favor of you and Daddy. Janet called and asked if I could come stay with her today. Doctor Jones is going to do the biopsy on little Joseph and Rick can’t afford to take off work. Could you and Daddy possibly wait one more day to start your trip? I will need someone to watch the girls for me.

Why, sure, we can stay with the girls; waiting one day to start our trip won’t make a bit of difference.

Maybe I’d better go make sure with Daddy before I leave.

No need, Suzanna. I’ll take care of it; must be in a hurry to get to the hospital. So run along now, before Janet thinks you aren’t coming. Don’t worry about a thing; I’ll make sure the girls get on the bus when it comes. Tell Janet my prayers are with her.

It wasn’t until I stepped inside the hospital door that I realized I didn’t even know what floor Joseph was on, and there wasn’t anyone at the information desk. It seemed no one would ever show up. Once the lady came back to her desk and gave me the floor and room number, I rushed for the elevators, hoping upon hope that they hadn’t already taken Joseph to the operating room. When the elevator reached the fourth floor, I ran down the hall to room 444. Just as I arrived, the orderly was rolling Joseph out; Janet was wringing her hands, tears streaming down her face. Needless to say, she was a nervous wreck.

My intentions were to speak to Joseph first, however he was completely under the influence of the anesthesia. I bent over and kissed him on the forehead and whispered, see you later, little buddy. I’m sure he didn’t hear me but it made me feel better anyway.

I turned to Janet and said I’m sure he will be okay, Janet. All we can do now is hope and pray they don’t find anything they can’t fix. Have you had anything to eat today?

No, but I’m not hungry.

When did you eat last?

I don’t remember, it really doesn’t matter. I had a big meal last night—at least, I think it was last night.

Okay, Janet, the first thing we are going to do is get some food. We don’t want you to get sick; you are going to have to take care of Joseph until he gets well. You know there is no telling what you will be up against once you get him home.

I know. What if Joseph has cancer or something fatal? I don’t think I could stand to lose my baby.

Janet, you have to stop thinking so negatively. The doctor didn’t tell you he thought it was cancer, now did he?

No, but I’m no dummy; I know it could be and you know it too. They wouldn’t want to do a biopsy if they were not thinking it is something serious, would they?

I don’t know. I’m not a doctor, Janet, but I do know you and I should go have lunch right now. We will have plenty of time to discuss what could be wrong later, while we are waiting for the procedure to be over.

When we got to the cafeteria, I insisted Janet have a bowl of soup and a sandwich. We found a table for two. For a few moments Janet sat and looked at her food. I remained silent, hoping she would eventually take a bite. My silence paid off; she finally took a bite of her grilled cheese sandwich. She picked up her spoon to taste her chicken noodle soup. I looked at her and smiled. She returned my smile with a little biddy half-hearted grin.

My soup is tasty. How about yours?

It surely is, she said.

As for the sandwich, grilled cheese has always been my favorite with any kind of soup.

Suzanna, I never realized we liked the same kind of foods.

Me neither. Isn’t that strange we’ve never noticed until now.

When our meal was over and we were on the elevator I suggested we sit in the waiting area.

I don’t want to, we might miss Joseph when they bring him back to his room, said Janet.

I reminded her they would have to pass the waiting room door to get to room 444. I knew if we were in the company of other people, neither of us would break down and cry. We watched the clock move to two o’clock, then three o’clock, and still not a word. I’ll admit I was beginning to get anxious, but Janet was fit to be tied.

Suzanna, something terrible must be wrong.

Janet, didn’t Doctor Jones tell you about how long it would take?

No, I should have asked more questions. I would have, only I didn’t know what to ask. I’ve never been in a situation like this before. I know one thing, though: if someone doesn’t come tell me something in the next ten minutes they’re gonna think they are dealing with a crazy woman in this hospital.

After that remark, when I looked up—thank goodness, the doctor was walking through the doorway. He was smiling, so surely, he must have good news. He walked over and sat in the chair next to Janet.

Your son did fine. I’m sorry we didn’t let you know what was going on sooner. When we got inside, the tumor was small, which was good news for us. We took the tissue sample and sent it straight to the lab. Doctor Lamb was ready and waiting to examine it. We decided beforehand that if the tissue was benign we would go ahead and remove the tumor, rather than wait until later. It’s my opinion that children shouldn’t have to be hospitalized unless it’s absolutely necessary. If we had closed him back up, we would have had to wait until it had time to heal, before we could cut again and remove the tumor. Then the healing would have to start all over again. That would have meant another stay in the hospital for you and Joseph. We didn’t see any need to do that to such a great little guy.

When can I see Joseph? was Janet’s first question.

They should be bringing him up within the hour. We like to keep watch on our patients until they are fully awake.

When do you think he can go home?

Possibly in a couple of days, but it will be according to how quickly the incision starts to heal.

Will he have to come back for a checkup?

No, I don’t think that will be necessary. Doctor Browne can check him in about two weeks from the day he is dismissed. He will inform you if you should bring him back.

Are you absolutely sure Joseph will be well from now on. Is it possible that the tumor might grow back? I don’t mean to sound doubtful of your abilities, Doctor Jones. My husband says I am overprotective of my kids and I guess I am. I worry about Joseph a lot. He has never seemed to be as healthy as my little girl.

I can’t promise that Joseph won’t ever have another tumor, but I don’t think it’s probable. We doctors simply don’t know all the answers. Here they come now with your son. I’m sorry but I have to run. Call me if you have any more questions. Bye now.

Doctor Jones was off and running. I looked at Janet and slowly shook my head from side to side.

What!

Janet, you know the doctor can’t promise that Joseph won’t ever have anything else wrong with him. What would your answer have been if you were in Doctor Jones’ place?

Okay, I know I sounded like a nit-wit, but I am tired and waiting all afternoon, not knowing what was happening, if you haven’t noticed, has really strung me out.

I can identify with that. I feel kind of strung out, myself, I chuckled.

The nurse came out and told us we could go in to see Joseph.

Is he awake? asked Janet.

Yes, he is.

Janet walked over to Joseph’s bedside and kissed him on the forehead. How does mama’s little man feel? She took his hand in hers.

Mama, I missed you where have you been?

I’ve been here the whole time, sweetheart. Mama couldn’t go into the operating room with you.

Why, Mama? I needed you with me.

I stepped up to the other side of Joseph’s bed and took his other hand in mine. He turned to look at me with those big, warm brown eyes. He smiled, Suzanna, I didn’t know you was here, too.

Sure, I’ve been waiting with your mother. You could say I’ve been standing in for your daddy until he gets off work. How are you feeling?

I feel fine. What did the doctor do to my stomach?

Joseph looked at the bandage across his abdomen. His bottom lip began to tremble and a tear ran down his cheek.

Joseph, look at Mama. He turned toward Janet, You remember how your stomach used to hurt almost all the time? The doctor had to cut your stomach open to see what was making it hurt. It doesn’t hurt now does it, honey?

No, but did the doctor tell you what was wrong, Mama? Can we take the bandage off so I can see how he fixed it?

Oh, no. We have to wait until the incision heals before we can take the bandage off.

What is a ‘cision, Mama?

Incision, honey. It’s the place the doctor had to cut your stomach to look inside. He sewed it back together, but it will have to have time to heal before we take the covering off.

What will be there when it gets well, Mama? Can I see it then?

There might be a little scar. If so you can show Jane and Annie when you are well.

Oh boy, and I can tell them all about the doctor cutting my stomach open to fix it. Now promise me you won’t tell them, Mama, ’cause I want to tell them, myself, okay?

Okay, I promise.

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Emma Lou was putting one of her delicious meals on the table when I walked into the kitchen. I’ve always enjoyed her excellent cooking. I wish I could cook half as well as she does.

I’ll set the table, Emma Lou. Where are the girls?

They are helping your daddy get everything put away in the camper. How did things go with little Joseph?

Thank goodness it wasn’t malignant, and the doctor went ahead and took the tumor out. Joseph should be coming home soon. I’m sure he will be glad to tell you all about it when he sees you. He made his mama promise not to tell the girls anything. He wants to tell them himself. It’s quite a big deal to him. I hope the girls haven’t been too much of a bother to you and Daddy. I didn’t realize I would be gone all day. I tell you one thing, though; it was pure torture sitting and wondering what was going on for hours. Doctor Jones didn’t tell Janet he planned to do the surgery if the biopsy came back negative. She thought the biopsy would be done today, and whatever treatment was warranted would be done later. I’m sure Rick will be upset, because he wanted to be there for the operation. I hope he doesn’t blame the mix-up on poor Janet.

Well, I should think Rick might be put-out with the lack of communication, Suzanna, but I don’t see why he would think it’s Janet’s fault—after all, he has to have some idea of how trying the day was for her. Would you roundup the clan and tell them supper is ready now, please?

I walked out to the camper hoping for a chance to talk to Daddy alone.

Hey, girls, it’s time to go in for supper. Y’all run on and get washed up. I’ll be along with Daddy.

What’s up, Suzanna? Don’t tell me that little guy has cancer.

"Oh, no, Daddy. I thought it would be nice to have a little chat with you. I hardly ever have you all to