Ancestry Pride

By Lamar Smith

An orphaned daughter of Romanian immigrants, her lover, an American Indian, and their illegitimate son find solace and pride in their lineage.

Their story unfolds during the laborers conflict with the textile industrys management following the economic crash of 1929.

The scenario occurs in the area of Gastonia, North Caroline and Fort Mill, South Caroline.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 13, 2005
• ISBN: 9781465320285

Lamar Smith

LaMar is a Christian who believes we serve a God that loves us unconditionally. A veteran of the US Air Force and current Fire Code Inspector. LaMar believes we must serve others in order to be a service to God. God's knowledge is for everyone, we should spread His message to all we come into contact. We all have a gift God has given each of us, use the gift to honor Him.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Fort Mill, South Carolina—February 1927

Sarah Fulmer was relieved as she arrived home. She knew Harry would not be there, and she would have the entire day to decide how to tell him the bad news … I’m not pregnant, and I probably will never be able to give you a child.

Her gynecologist had said The problem is not as I suggested … there’s nothing wrong with you husband’s sperm. The doctor confirmed that today. That’s not the problem. A woman must ovulate to become pregnant. That means an egg ripens in the ovary and moves into her fallopian tube. Your fallopian tube has an obstruction, and so, there is no ovulation

Can an operation correct that problem for me?

That’s the sad part, Sarah. Your cardiologist won’t approve it. I asked him about that today. There was a pause. Your condition is not good enough for surgery.

With Harry’s law practice established, Sarah was anticipating the ultimate joy of marriage … having a baby. She recalled their happiness as they often chose names … and that they both finally agreed, if it’s a boy, it would be Harry L. Fulmer, Jr. Daddy would be proud !

And now … all those joys and happy plans have slipped away, she lamented. Her thoughts immediately turned to Harry. How can I tell him this terrible news? How will he take it?

Subconsciously, she was holding a cup of the remains from the morning coffee pot. She was deep in thought with all the issues confronting her. What will Harry’s reaction be? Will he accept the gynecologist’s report? Probably not … Harry never gives up! And what will Mom think? … and my brothers and sisters? They’ll never blame me … they know how much I want a baby, she consoled herself.

She had reached for the coffee pot for a refill … and she heard Harry opening the door. Is the lady of the house in? It was his frequent subtle attempt at easy-going humor.

Oh, Harry … it’s you! How did you know? I mean, why did you come home now?

He laughed a little, then asked Were you maybe expecting the ice man to call?

Oh, Harry! I’m so glad you’re here!

Harry immediately recognized her pathetic appeal. What is it, Sarah? Are you in pain?

No, I’m not in pain, she responded weakly, "but Harry, we made so many plans!

What is it? Why are you so up-set?

Sarah made no effort to conceal her emotions. Oh, Harry, there won’t be any baby ! She broke down in tears.

He had no ‘right’ words for her, but Harry gently caressed his bride. Finally, he responded softly It will all work out O.K., my dear. Just try to relax and be patient.

But, Honey, it changes everything for us !, she sobbed. Should we get another opinion about a possible operation?

That’s a possibility!, he comforted her.

Then let’s try, she pleaded

I’ll get right on it tomorrow !, he promised. In the meantime, I hope you will take one of your sedative pills and lie down.

///////////////////////////

Harry’s influence was an asset in times of an emergency. This was one of those times. Eleanor, he directed his secretary, call Cal Erwin, the administrator of the local hospital for me. And, please hurry."

Hello, Harry. This is Cal. It’s nice to hear from you. Is there something I can do?

Hi, Cal ! Yes, it’s been quite a while since we’ve had time together. And, yes, Cal, I need your advice. Harry gave an abbreviated account of Sarah’s sterility problem, but included the pertinent facts. And, Cal, here’s what I want from you. Tell me the name of another cardiologist I can call for a second opinion on Sarah’s heart problem. And, Cal, it would probably be best if I consult someone in another nearby town. You know … to avoid local personality clashes !

Cal’s response came that afternoon. I spent a half-hour on the phone with Dr.Oxnam, a well known and respected cardiologist in Charlotte He would like to have a talk with you. And, Harry … you can trust him. He’s the best !

Thanks for your help, Cal.

Minutes later, Eleanor had Dr. Oxnam on the line. I’m calling you at the suggestion of Cal Erwin,Harry began, and I appreciate your interest in my wife’s problem.

‘I’m glad that our friend, Cal, called me, Mr. Fulmer, and I’ll also be glad if I can be of help to you."

My wife’s sterility problem has been a shock to her … and to me, Harry began. I’m sure you understand that.

Of course. That’s quite natural, the doctor agreed.

Could you suggest a time that I might come in for our discussion?

That may not be necessary. I can give you my opinion now … on the telephone … if that’s agreeable with you. There was a brief moment of silence. You see, Mr. Fulmer, I called your wife’s cardiologist, and we had a lengthy conversation. He confided with me the pertinent facts from his file on your wife’s condition.

Oh; I see. Well then … .

I will tell you the facts. Your wife’s coronary problem will not allow surgery. Her body simply cannot take it. And without surgery, there’s no way we can eliminate the blockage of her fallopian tubes. In her case, medication won’t help. These tubes must be unobstructed for the fertilized egg to travel into the uterus. Her previous pelvic infection caused a scar and blocked the tubes. This is what’s preventing pregnancy. There was a silent pause. I wish I had better news for you, Mr. Fulmer.

I understand, Doctor … it’s just that I don’t know … .

If you decide that your wife would rather take the necessary steps in a hospital … such as tests, x-rays, etc. I can help you get a complete second opinion.

You’ve been very kind, doctor. Thank you. I will discuss this further with my wife.

Mr. Fulmer … . I’m glad we had this chat. I would like for you to call back in … say, one month … and let me know how ‘things’ are for Mrs. Fulmer.

Thanks, doctor. I’ll do that.

///////////////////////////////////

Harry was reluctant to tell Sarah of his conversation with Dr. Oxnam. She had often repeated her desire to get a second opinion, and she managed to convert all their conversations to her one ‘theme’ … why can’t I have a baby? In the weeks

that followed, her obsession grew with intensity, and she rebuked Harry’s desperate attempts to quiet her emotions.

The climax came with her next menses. Harry had endured another day of her out-bursts of emotional crying when, suddenly he remembered Dr. Oxnam’s request. Let me know how ‘things’ are for Mrs. Fulmer.

Sarah, my dear, he calmly began, I have an appointment tomorrow with Dr. Oxnam. You may go with me, of course, if you prefer. But I think a quiet day of rest here at home would be good for you.

CHAPTER TWO

Harry’s report on Sarah’s panicky emotions convinced doctor Oxnam of his worst fear. I have one word of advice, Mr. Fulmer. I urge you to get an opinion from a qualified professional in the field of mental and emotional problems.

Mental … emotional problems?, Harry repeated, with alarm. That’s sounds serious !

"It could be !, the doctor agreed Or, it may not be !"

Do you mean a psychologist?

No … not a psychologist. A psychologist has been trained in psychology, but not in medicine. He hesitated. Just a minute, he added, as he referred to a pocket sized booklet. I can give you the name of a psychiatrist … . I know her well, and I recommend her. A psychiatrist is a medically qualified physician who can diagnose and prescribe drugs for any illness, but specializes in mental illnesses. He handed Harry a business card.

The possibility of Sarah having a mental problem was extremely disturbing. This is something I cannot agree with … not so soon, Harry finally managed to respond. And I will have to give it more thought before I discuss it with my wife. His words expressed a finality to the discussion as he rose from his chair and walked to the door. I’ll think about it.

Please do!, the doctor urged. And don’t wait too long.

Harry’s drive home did not give him enough time to consider the entire issue before facing Sarah with Dr. Oxnam’s advice. With a spontaneous impulse, he stopped his car in front of

Danny’s Diner. He was greeted with Danny’s usual Harry ! It’s good to see you !

Danny motioned to Vicki to take over. For many years, Vicki had been Danny’s reliable and long-time server, and she had developed a close friendship with the Fulmers. Had a rough day, huh?, she asked Harry

There was no response. Harry only stared at the table and sipped coffee.

Vicki looked at Danny, shrugged her shoulders, and quietly murmured What’s wrong with him?

A few minutes later she returned. More coffee, Harry?

He seemed to return from a dream. Oh … . Hi’ there, Vicki !, he greeted her cheerfully. Yes, I’ll take a little more, please.

Vicki sat down at Harry’s table. She often sat with Sarah and Harry, especially when there were few customers. Something wrong, Harry?, she asked.

He slowly moved his coffee cup to one side. "I’m afraid there is a realproblem, Vicki !"

Their intimate friendship made it easy for her to continue. Is it something we can talk about?, she asked with sympathy

"Yes, Vicki. In fact, I’d like to discuss it with you. He looked squarely into her eyes. But only because you and Sarah are such good friends."

We certainly are !, she readily agreed. But, this sounds very serious.

"It is very serious !, Vicki."

Harry gave a full account of Sarah’s emotional behavior during the past few months and his discussions with Dr. Oxnam. Vicki reached for Harry’s hand and gave it a meaningful squeeze. Oh, Harry, she began pathetically, I’m so glad you want to talk about this. I’ve noticed, of course, that Sarah has not ‘been herself’ lately. She’s so unhappy … and, we have had several talks, Harry, about her wanting a baby. I feel so sorry for her … and you !

I’m not surprised to hear this, Vicki. I know how close you and Sarah are. Then he added. That makes it easier for me to talk with you about this entire problem.

"You know, don’t you? … if I can help, I’d love that ! … you and Sarah are my best friends."

////////////////////////////

I dropped in Danny’s for a cup of coffee on my way home, Harry casually mentioned, and I invited Vicki over for a visit after her day at the diner. O.K., Sarah ?

You did? … . I’m not in a good mood for company, Harry.

Vicki is not company, is she? She’s almost part of our family !

Yes, I know. And, I always enjoy our ‘gab’ session, she agreed.

He was relieved. He knew Vicki was sincere in wanting to be helpful. He also knew that Sarah valued Vicki’s friendship, and he patiently waited for her to arrive.

Once again, the topic of conversation turned to the joys … and the problems … of having babies. As usual, Harry excused himself and disappeared for an important phone call.

Sarah was not offended when Vicki revealed her full knowledge of Dr. Oxnam’s