Margaret thought on all of this now as she walked the house, praying as she had never prayed before. Initially the surgery had appeared successful, but complications developed and Patricia’s condition quickly deteriorated. The doctors were however were still hopeful and Margaret visiting her mother that evening, as she did every evening since she was admitted, saw no reason for immediate alarm. Now this totally unexpected call from the hospital had placed her in almost total shock. As a new day began to dawn with no more calls from the hospital, Margaret was daring to hope, yet knowing full well that the telegraph office did not open until 9AM.

Back in Middle Point, Patricia and Tom’s youngest son Don had returned to school. It was his last year of high school and his father had convinced him to return although it was difficult to keep his mind on his studies. It was now September 11, and classes had barely started when Don was called outside. He was to return home immediately with a telegram for his father.

The news was not good and the doctor had promised to keep them informed.

Three more days were to drag endlessly on with no further news. On the fourth day came a telegram from a niece that she had visited aunt Patricia and her condition was improving. There continued to be some minor problems, which kept her in hospital for several more weeks but in late October, she returned to her family. The cure was complete, and Patricia was to live another twenty-six years and to the ripe old age of 86.