The Waltons 3 - The Easter Story Read Online Free PDF Page B

breath. He looked questioningly at John. John nodded.
    “Well, it’s good that you know, Mrs. Walton. And I’m glad to see you’re facing it so calmly. Do you have any feeling at all below your waist?”
    “No.”
    The doctor reached down and squeezed her toes, her ankle, and then the calf of her leg. “Feel that?”
    “No.”
    He nodded. He got out a tongue depressor and had her open her mouth. That done, he checked her eyes.
    Olivia took a long breath and gazed evenly at him. “Doctor, what’s goin’ to happen?”
    Dr. Vance was not comfortable with the question. He thought about it and pursed his lips. “For a long time, nothing. Mostly you’re going to stay in bed and rest.”
    “I mean after that. Will I ever get any feelin’ back? Will I be able to walk?”
    He evaded a direct answer. “That’s hard to say, Mrs. Walton. People have recovered from polio. It depends on many things. In a day or two, if the feeling doesn’t come back, I’ll put some splints on your legs.”
    “Splints?” John asked.
    “Yes. The theory is that the affected muscles are weak. That being the case, the healthy ones are likely to pull the weak ones out of shape—which causes crippling.”
    “How long will I have to wear the splints?”
    Dr. Vance shook his head. “I’ve got to say it again: I just don’t know.”
    Olivia stared at him and then looked away, bringing her hand to her forehead. She was in pain, John realized.
    “You all right, Livvy?”
    She made an effort to smile. “I just think I’d like to lay back again.”
    Both John and Grandma got the extra pillow out and eased her down. Dr. Vance watched grimly. “It’ll probably be better if you don’t sit up, Mrs. Walton. As I said, the important thing is not to tire yourself.”
    Olivia nodded and closed her eyes.
    After he returned his stethoscope to his bag, Dr. Vance motioned his head toward the door. John followed him out to the hall.
    “Considering her attitude, Mr. Walton, I think your wife is a very courageous person. This is good, and can help her recovery. But it can also be dangerous. It’s hard for anyone to believe they’re really going to lose the use of their arms or legs. Consequently, they struggle to get them back to normal, thinking their hard work will be rewarded. Unfortunately, in the case of polio, this is the worst thing they can do. The struggling, or any kind of exercise, is more likely to distort the muscles and limbs rather than make them stronger. And that includes trying to sit up. Do you understand what I mean?”
    “That she should lie as still as she can?”
    “Exactly. And I hope you can convince her of that.”
    John nodded.
    “Good,” Dr. Vance smiled.
    “Doctor?” John asked before he could go. “Can the children come up now?”
    Dr. Vance considered the question. “I think we’d better be on the cautious side and wait another day.”
    “Is there any doubt about your diagnosis? I mean, is it possible Olivia might have somethin’ else?”
    He shook his head. “After what I’ve seen today, there’s no doubt whatsoever, Mr. Walton. I’m sorry.” He gave John a sympathetic pat on the arm. “I’ll see myself out.”
    John stood for awhile outside the closed door. He heard the doctor’s footsteps down the stairs, and then the soft clunk of the front door closing. He finally took a deep breath and headed for the stairs. There was no point in putting it off now.
    They seemed to know that it was coming, and that it was bad news. John walked quietly into the kitchen and sat down. Without a word they all moved to the table. Mary Ellen brought him a cup of coffee, and he looked at each of them as they sat down.
    He had often wondered at the fact that he and Olivia had produced such a diversity of children, and that each in some way had his own talents, or strength, or beauty. If anything should ever happen to him, John suspected that John-Boy could rise to the occasion. As head of the family he could certainly do