Читать книгу Every Man for Himself - Mark J. Hannon - Страница 27

CHAPTER 23

NORTH PARK, 1945

Eileen and Joe learned to give the injections of insulin, and made the adjustments in diet, but the blurred vision continued. She always had a terrible thirst, and used the bathroom frequently. When asked, she said she felt better, but her condition deteriorated. Her circulation to her legs and feet gave her pain, and kept her from walking very far. Gangrene set in to her toes, then her feet, one of which was amputated. Her faith in God never wavered, and Tim was her constant companion. Finally, she took to her bed, refusing to go to the hospital. Dr. Butler said her heart was giving out.

When she lost consciousness one evening, as Joe read to her, he called the doctor and sent Tim for Father Crotty. The doctor stayed while Father Crotty recited the last rites, and when he had kissed his purple stole and folded it up, they both spoke with Joe.

“The boys are away, and Mary Agnes is strong, Joe,” the priest said, “But . . .”

Joe held up a hand, then opened the bedroom door and found Tim hovering in the hallway.

“Timmy, go downstairs and fetch Dr. Butler a glass of water.”

When he had gone, the priest continued. “We’ll all keep an eye on the boy, Joe. You know he’s not as strong as the others, and this will hurt him terribly,”

The doctor nodded. “He’s liable to take this very hard, Joe. If need be, I will prescribe something.”

The two remained at the Brogan house until Eileen had passed away that night. They helped Joe break the news to Tim and Mary Agnes, and make arrangements with the funeral home. When the body was taken to the funeral parlor for preparation, Tim broke down and Mary Agnes helped him to his room, and stayed with him all night. For the three days Eileen was in the open casket in the front room of the house, the youngest boy was silent, and ate nothing. Those who came to the wake did their best to console him; after the services, it seemed half of him was buried in the Lackawanna graveyard by the Basilica.