13

Crabapple Cove, Maine
September 1966

The phone rang in the offices of Daniel and Hawkeye, and as usual Margaret sat at her desk in the waiting room working on patients charts, when the phone rang.

"Good afternoon! Doctors Pierce and Pierce's office, how may I help you?"

"Yes, I'd like to speak to Dr. Pierce, Dr. Hawkeye Pierce."

"May I ask what this is concerning?'

"It is his daughter ma'am."

"What's wrong?"

"Is Dr. Pierce available or is there I can reach Mrs. Pierce?"

"This is she, what's wrong?"

"While all the children were outside at recess, Elizabeth didn't seem to be acting well normal and the next thing I know she stood up from the picnic table a ghostly white shade and passed out. She has been in an out of consciousness since. What do you want us to do?"

"Nothing, we'll be right there."

With that Margaret hung up the phone and let out a blood-curdling scream that caused Hawkeye and Daniel to run out of their offices and Mildred through the door that connected the house to the office. As soon as her eyes set sight on Hawkeye she ran to him balling her eyes out.

"Margaret what's wrong?"

"Elizabeth, she's been in and out of consciousness since recess."

"Where is she?"

"School, they are waiting for us."

"Dad, go get B.J. and we'll call as soon as know what is going on. Margaret get your purse and lets go."

The Pierces all left going in separate directions, Hawkeye drove for what had seemed like an eternity. His little girl was sick and he was totally helpless. They finally reached the school and the two raced up the stairs hand and hand and down the hall until they reached the nurses office where they could see their little girl who was still in her uniform with her eyes slightly open.

"She's been in and out of it of it for the past half hour."

"Hi Mommy. Hi Daddy."

Margaret and Hawkeye rushed to her side.

"Betsy, let me check your pulse and your blood pressure."

"Okay Daddy," she said as she put her left arm out for her father.

"Margaret, her BP is low and heart rate is slow."

"Daddy?"

"What sweetie?"

"Am I going to die?"

"No sweetie, we've just got to get you to a hospital soon."

"Daddy, why are you crying?"

"Because my little girl is sick and I can't do anything for her."

Elizabeth was taken to a hospital in nearby Spruce Harbor, Maine where doctors performed emergency surgery to repair a small hole in her heart. Being the typical Pierce, she came out of it in good humor, and came out stronger than ever in the strong- willed Houlihan fashion.