“Perfect. That’s very useful,” Roman said as he moved the tongue depressor to better see. “Poor baby. His throat is red and no doubt very sore.”
Sister Agnes returned with the basin of water. Roman’s mother followed close behind with a couple of towels.
“Sister, is he eating at all?” Roman asked.
“He’s taken very little sustenance. He won’t suckle. We’ve used an eyedropper to force it, but even so, he’s taken very little.” She put the water on the dressing table, and Roman’s mother did likewise with the towels.
“I’ve also brought my journal for their care.” Sister Agnes produced a small book from her pocket. “You can see for yourself what each baby has taken. I’ll put it here atop the chest of drawers.”
Roman removed the baby’s diaper. “Mother, we need to get his temperature down immediately and get some fluids into him. Otherwise, I fear he won’t be long for this world. We may already be too late. He was very small to begin with.”
His mother took the baby. Her expression betrayed her concern. Judith watched as she gently placed the infant in the water. He didn’t even respond.
Judith fought back tears. She had been in sad situations withbabies before this. They were so weak and often couldn’t fight against illness. Recovery was completely up to God.
Roman washed his hands while Judith awaited instructions. They moved on to the next baby, who wasn’t quite as sick. He gave the child a thorough examination, then went to the next. By the time all four were tended, Roman’s mother was taking the baby from the bath.
Judith followed Roman in silence. She gave one last glance at Baby Boy 1 as Roman’s mother rediapered him. He didn’t even have a name. Not a real name. She whispered a prayer for God’s mercy and healing and swallowed the lump in her throat.
Upstairs, they found four more children in the first room. They ranged in age from three to five. All were girls and well enough that they began to cry when they saw people enter the room. They held up their arms from their beds, in hopes of being held.
Judith’s heart nearly broke. It wasn’t easy to see them in such a state of need.
Roman was certain that Baby Boy 1 would be dead before nightfall. There was nothing he could do to save the child, and it put him in a foul mood. For the benefit of the children, however, he knew he couldn’t let that be the attitude he revealed to them. They were sick and hurting. They needed attention and love.
He checked each child as gently as possible, speaking softly and giving lots of smiles. He was amazed at the work Judith was doing. She didn’t complain about anything but jumped right in and did what she could to ease the suffering. At one point she held two toddlers at once, doing her best to calm their tears. She seemed a natural at mothering.
Not needing her for the older children, Roman continuedhis rounds while Judith made her way back to the baby room. He wondered if she knew how sick Baby Boy 1 really was. He would tell Sister Agnes prior to leaving, but probably not say anything to Judith until later. Perhaps on the ride home.
He glanced at his pocket watch. It was nearly noon. He checked over Samuel, who was on the mend but still feeling poorly.
“Your fever seems to be gone. You’ll be feeling better soon.”
“I don’t like being sick,” the boy grumbled.
“If it had come during the school year, you wouldn’t have minded. I’ve heard you say before that you like getting out of school.”
Samuel gave him a big grin. “I do like getting out of school. But being sick now is wasting a good summer.”
Roman laughed. “You’ll soon be able to have fun again. Didn’t Sister Agnes tell me last time that you’ve been taking care of the three milk cows?”
“Yup,” the boy said proudly. “I get them milked in the morning and then again just before supper. Mr. Brannon has to do it while I’m sick. And probably after I’m gone. Did you know that I’m getting adopted?”
“I heard about that. Are you happy?”
The boy nodded. “I’ll have a real family, and that’s good. And the Haglunds are good people. They were friends with my ma and pa before the Indians attacked. I don’t remember them very much, but they came to visit me here. They told me stories about when I was little, and a couple of those I could remember. I like knowing that they can tell me about my folks.”
“That is a blessing,” Roman said, repacking his bag. “When are they coming for you?”
“After I get well. Sister Agnes said there was no sense in sending me to them sick.”
“I think Sister Agnes is very wise.”
Roman extended his hand, and Samuel did likewise. Theyshook, and then Roman gave the boy one last smile. “Make your folks proud.”
“That’s what Sister Ann told me to do. She said I was a reflection of all they’d taught me when I was little. But I’ve been staying with so many other people since then that I don’t know that I can be a reflection of them at all.”
“Then reflect Jesus. That’s what we’re all supposed to do.” With that, Roman left Samuel and made his way back through the house. He found his mother and Claudette in the kitchen, helping put together lunch for the children.
