A misfortune arrived without warningthough, really, who ever expects trouble? It always falls like an unexpected gust of wind.
George was a longhaul lorry driver. For five years he crisscrossed the route between London and Oslo, his windshield framed by a photograph of his beloved wife Emily, the steady chatter of BBC Radio 2 from the speakers, and a thermos of strong tea. What else does a driver need? Perhaps the familiar scent of a knitted scarf his caring mother had made, a firm handshake from his father before each departure, and the comforting certainty that home was waiting with love and warmth, every day, every hour, every second.
One night he never returned. A few days later Emily learned that George lay in a hospital in Leeds. A driver of an oncoming truck had lost control on a bend, and George tried to avoid the collision, but both lorries tipped over onto their sides. The other driver escaped with only a fright; George, however, suffered a serious head injury. The impact damaged the parts of his brain responsible for memory. It could have been worsehis limbs, speech, or even his mind might have been lost. Instead, he woke up not recognising his own name, his own face, or the events that had led him there. When his family entered his ward, they seemed strangers to him. The doctors, cautious, could offer no hopeful prognosis. The human brain is a complex, stillmysterious organ, and ultimately it was in Gods hands whether his mind would mend or remain fractured.
When he was discharged, the reality proved far tougher than anyone had imagined. George not only lost his past, but his shortterm memory failed him constantly. He could not recall what had happened three hours earlier, and many everyday skills slipped away. He couldnt heat a meal on the stove nor take a short walk on his own, and there was a genuine danger that he might never find his way back home. His intellect, will, motor skills, and emotions were intacthe was not left a hollow shellbut his memory, which could recover with time, was gone. Such things happen.
Emily was pregnant. She took maternity leave and devoted every waking moment to caring for her husband. At night she often wept, remembering how George had once talked about the baby they were expecting, how he would bring a small toy from each journey for the child yet to be born.
Why, George? Emily would sigh, Its still early. People say you shouldnt plan too far aheadbad luck, they say.
George would laugh, twirl Emily in his arms, and answer, Old superstitions cant stop me, love. I want our little girl to see her room for the first time and be thrilled, surrounded by toys everywherelike a sea of joy. He would sort the toys onto shelves, place them on the windowsill, hang a few over the cot. When he left the hospital, a nurse handed Emily a tiny plush bear.
Strange, youre taking a talisman with you? she asked, bemused at the grown mans new toy.
Its my good luck charm now, George replied with a grin.
Emily set the bear on Georges nightstand rather than the babys room.
The couple often strolled through the park together, laughing and sharing ice cream. Passersby assumed they were a happy pair expecting a child, and for the most part that was true. Yet after a nap following a walk, George would forget the walk entirely, even the fact that his wife was pregnant. Emily had to start from scratch each time, reminding him that she was his wife and that a daughter was on the way. Their parents stepped in, helping Emily cope with the mounting challenges.
One afternoon Georges father, John, called Emily into the kitchen, closed the door, and said, Emily, well understand if you ever think of leaving George. Youre young, beautiful, with a long life ahead. But can you bear the strain? In a year or two you might grow to resent him, and the burden of his memory loss will weigh heavily. If his memory never returns, what then? We see no progress yet. As for the granddaughter, well love her, well care for her, well be there for you both.
Emily felt a surge of anger, fatigue, and hurt at those words, but she steadied herself, gave a small smile, and bowed her head slightly. John, seeing her resolve, stroked her lightbrown hair and whispered, Dont lose heart, love. Well get through this. Youre strong, even with a baby on your hips.
Emily was petite, and George towered beside her. When they first visited his parents home, the elders were shocked by their size difference but kept it to themselves. Later, they teased their son, Shes a crystal! Where did you find such a treasure? They quickly grew fond of Emilyshe was kind, slightly shy, and instantly warm toward them. From then on George often called her my crystal.
Their daughter, Mia, was born. George met Emily at the maternity ward and beamed with joy. The next morning he asked, What kind of little thing is this? Emily began the story again, this time with the addition of their baby girl. Each time George held Mia, his eyes lit up with pure happiness.
For a while Emily moved Mias cot into her own bedroom so the baby could be closeshe often woke at night to a restless child who slept poorly, and she kept watch over George in case he needed water or anything else. She stopped sleeping herself. Exhaustion took its toll, and her milk supply dwindled.
Dear, why dont we move in with your parents? Its hard for you to manage alone, suggested Georges mother, Karen.
No, thank you, Emily replied, not wanting her aging parents to worry, and knowing she would have to face this life forever, staying strong and composed.
Mia was switched to formula. One night Emily awoke not because of the babys cries but to a soft humming of a lullaby:
Scattered toys across the room,
Children dream in gentle sleep,
A fox steals their biscuits,
An elephant mischiefs at the gate,
Days whirl like snowdrifts,
Outside the white snow glitters,
The moon draws shadows,
Seeking its silver portrait.
She lifted her head and saw George rocking their daughter. In one hand he cradled a priceless bundle, in the other a bottle of formula that Mia was sipping. Emily slipped quietly onto the bed, careful not to disturb himafter all, the child was safely in his arms. Moonlight poured through the window, bathing the room in a silvery glow.
This is happiness, Emily thought.
George settled Mia, placed the plush bear on the cot and whispered, Heres a gift, my love. Then, shivering from the cold, he crawled under the blanket to join Emily.
I love you, my crystal, he murmured.
Through every trial, the family learned that love, patience, and a steadfast heart can turn even the bleakest circumstances into a source of quiet strength. In the end, the true treasure was not the memory of the past, but the promise they built together for the future.
