Rusty, the Baby in Room 216
(A fictionalized story inspired by actual events.)
(*The author registered the original versions of this story
at the U. S. Copyright Office in 2023.
First part of story, Chapter 1, "Baby Rusty, the Patient in Room 216," in
"The Adventures of Rusty and Janie." -- Second part of story, "A Rusty Homecoming.")
As the pediatrician further examined his tiny patient, he noticed that
when the baby tried to breathe, she was experiencing some difficulty.
“You know, I do not like the way Rusty is breathing, let’s get her over
to that children’s hospital nearby for a closer look,” he instructed.
He then added, “I will call immediately, just to let them know
they should be expecting all of you shortly.”
In the meantime, please take her there right away, and I will
meet the three of you at that facility promptly,” he instructed.
The physician and her parents had also recently noticed that Rusty’s
physical appearance began to look a bit different from her twin sister Janie.
She had also lost some of her luster as she had previously enjoyed, such
as sitting in her crib and giggling with her sister. She had stopped smiling,
and some of her spontaneous mannerisms were gone.
This was why her mom, and dad had initially decided to have her
examined by the pediatrician.
Rusty’s parents quickly took her to the hospital for younger patients.
Upon arrival, Rusty was rushed into the emergency ward for prompt
attention.
As her parents walked through the front area of the large newly constructed
building, they felt the vulnerability of uncertainty which could not escape
their thoughts.
It was comforting to them that someone they could trust and rely upon was taking
care of their other offspring. The children's maternal grandmother, who lived
with them at the time, looked after their other kids while they were at the hospital.
Rusty’s mom and dad spent the next several hours sitting anxiously.
A few hours later, the doctor was walking towards them with a defeated
expression engraved upon his face. He was a younger man in his late-twenties
with thick wavy auburn hair, and a pleasant demeanor.
"You must be Rusty's parents, I am one of the ER doctors,” he stated soothingly,
as he greeted them warmly.
"Yes, we are," her mother stated politely with a serious tone.
"Rusty is in the emergency ward and she is currently resting comfortably,"
the youthful physician explained softly.
“Why don't we talk in my office where it is more private," he kindly suggested.
Once they were all seated comfortably, he composed himself and began to speak.
“We will not know for certain until we get Rusty's x-rays back. However,
just from what we observed from the patient, it appears that she is having
problems with her breathing because there is some type of growth by
the lungs. In the meantime, we have admitted the baby here at the hospital
for the time being. But let’s not worry unnecessarily,” he suggested in
a comforting tone.
After the doctor received the x-rays, the same physician along with a few
of his colleagues met with Rusty’s parents to convey their findings.
“It appears from all the x-rays which were taken, show that she has
a growth or cyst in her right lung which is making it difficult for
her to breath properly. There also appears to be a mass of cells
near her heart.”
He paused for a moment before continuing.
“We will not know for certain if the cyst is benign or not, until we perform surgery.
However, it appears from the x-rays that it is probably benign with some fluid
built up in addition to the mass of cells,” he emphasized before continuing.
“Further, the lungs cannot fully expand when she breathes. She is going to
need immediate surgery to remove all the excess blockage from both areas.
Since Rusty is so small and fragile; this is a complicated surgery,” he explained
gently with candor.
Her parents were very worried, but they decided to allow the surgical procedure.
“What other choice do we have?” her father asked rhetorically.
They soon discovered the main problem was that the only seasoned specialist,
who had prior experience of performing such a difficult operation, was retired.
As their sickly infant remained in stable but serious condition, it was
recommended to them by the staff to go home and sleep for a few hours.
When they walked past the decorated walls, they also noticed a room on the
premises where children were playing with toys, writing on the chalkboards,
as well as making decorations for the upcoming Halloween holiday, and
wondered if their daughter would ever have the opportunity to enjoy these
types of activities.
Her parents walked out of the corridor of this facility with overall feelings
of fear and shock.
Later that day, they were awoken by the echoes of ringing sounds stemming
from the telephone which was placed on the night table near the bed.
“Hello," Rusty’s father stated groggily.
“Hi, this is the ER pediatrician you spoke with about your baby. I am sorry to disturb
you since I know you and your wife were told to go home and rest, but I have some
good news,” he stated with elation.
He then continued to speak joyously over the phone.
"The doctor I told you about is coming out of retirement just for Rusty's operation.
At least with someone like him, she will have a greater chance of surviving. He is
the best at this type of procedure!" the younger man exclaimed with optimism.
“Please let everyone know at your hospital, especially the retired surgeon, how
grateful we are," her dad expressed with gratitude.
"Absolutely I will," he responded graciously.
The physician then added, "We have scheduled the surgery for early tomorrow.
Because of the seriousness of Rusty's condition, we cannot wait," he emphasized.
"My wife and I will be at the hospital very shortly," her father replied with an
appreciative but apprehensive tenor.
On the day of the surgery, as Rusty's parents stepped onto the welcome mat
by the door they felt very worried.
They were immediately met by a friendly-looking handsome older man
with a mustache, who was also tall and slim.
“Hi, I am the physician who will be performing the surgery on your baby today,”
he stated kindly, as he accompanied the frightened parents down the hallway.
“Doctor, I know that you have come out of retirement just for this one operation,
and I was also told that you canceled some special plans you had made. I just want
to express that my wife and I cannot thank you enough,” Rusty’s dad thoughtfully
articulated.
“That’s okay. I can always resume my retirement after the surgery and reschedule my
plans. However, I cannot think of anything which is more important than trying to help
someone," the older gentleman replied with kindness.
The overall atmosphere of the facility appeared to be caring. Many of the parents
conversed amongst themselves, and would often eat their meals together in
the cafeteria when their children were sleeping, or in surgery.
"Hi, you must be Rusty's parents,” one of the other fathers greeted them.
The other man then added, "my little boy is a patient here too.”
"It is very nice to meet you," Rusty's mother replied.
"What is your child in here for?" he inquired.
"She has some type of cyst or something blocking her lungs, which is
why she is having trouble breathing," Rusty’s mom nervously explained.
"Oh, well you have come to the right place,” the other parent stated.
The three adults decided to go downstairs for something to eat.
The doctors encouraged this since they were preparing Rusty for the
needed procedure. The overwhelming circumstances of what was
occurring occupied her parents' thoughts.
They were unable to have any control as to whether their child was
going to live.
While Rusty's grandma was at home with her twin sister, and two older siblings,
the tiny patient was lying in a hospital with tubes inserted into her pale arms and legs.
As she was being prepped for surgery, her small body remained expressionless.
After they finished in the cafeteria, Rusty's mom, and dad, along with the other
parent, returned to the waiting room, as her operation was about to begin.
They passed the time by talking with some of the other people with sick children.
"Maybe we should have had some pictures taken of Rusty before the procedure,"
her mother mentioned softly to her husband, with the tenor of regret.
“No Margaret, we will have plenty of time to have pictures taken of Rusty throughout
her lifetime," her father countered in a failed attempt to sound outwardly hopeful. His
attempted bravery, failed to mask the fact that their daughter's chance of survival was
still questionable.
Several hours later, a tired-looking surgeon was walking towards Rusty's parents.
His blue eyes were unreadable from being exhausted.
“Well folks, Rusty is doing well. All the visible cells were removed from around
her vital organs. It appears that the mass was benign, and we got it all! Her body
also seemed to respond well to the blood transfusion,” he stated with enthusiasm.
He then paused for a moment before providing further comments.
“There were no signs of cancer anywhere, as we checked and rechecked, all
of the surrounding areas before the surgery was concluded, as a precautionary
measure. We will know for certain after the laboratory further examines everything,
I sent to them. However, she is very fragile, and even the slightest cold or fever could
affect her chance of survival. She is going to have to stay here at the hospital for a while,
until we are convinced, she is strong enough to breathe on her own. In the meantime,
we will give her antibiotics in order to avoid any infections from forming. If she survives
this, I do not question whether she will be able to live a long time and have a normal life,”
the senior physician reported positively.
“Whatever challenges which may confront us, we know we will be able
handle it for Rusty's sake," her father pledged bravely.
Later on, the caring surgeon was happy to confirm the lab had
found no trace of cancer anywhere from what they removed from
the infant’s body.
Rusty remained in the hospital for several more weeks. Her parents and
family members noticed that her twin sister Janie appeared to be missing her
sibling.
Before Rusty's illness, the twins who shared a room would sit in their cribs and
laugh, as they spoke in a language only known between the two of them. Their
natural bond became evident, as during her twin’s absence, Janie would lie in
her cradle at home with a blank expression imprinted upon her face.
Her small plump body had become unresponsive to the adults who would
pick her up and cuddle her. Her playful demeanor had become nearly
nonexistence.
Rusty's parents, as well as other relatives, were at the hospital visiting the weak
child. They graced their love and concern for her through prayer vigils, and
unconditional emotional support.
During more critical times, when the patient seemed to be experiencing some
other health problems, the administration allowed her mother to stay overnight
at the hospital to help feed Rusty. Her parents had treasured each moment they
were able to spend time with their baby. Each hour had become sacred to them.
They had become familiar with the hospital employees, as well as some of
the other parents on the floor. The overabundance of support and friendship
helped sustained them for what they were enduring.
Some of the families formed a bond. At times, they had begun running
personal errands for each other when the parents needed to be accessible
at the facility.
They began to exchange helpful information, and started to socialize with
one another outside of the hospital. The camaraderie, which formed amongst
the families during these difficult circumstances, were becoming a regular fixture.
Remarkably, Rusty began to show some physical improvement.
She was finally able to be taken home.
On her departure day, Rusty was dressed in clothing from some of the gifts
she had received.
She was wearing a frilly pink dress, white tights, and shiny black
party shoes.
The big pastel bow tied around her front tresses, nearly had gotten lost in
an array of her thick curly orange ringlets.
The old jovial baby was gradually emerging from her gloomy past existence of
being so ill. Her regular complexion started to return, and she had continued to
gain weight.
Once she arrived home, she was placed into the crib alongside her sibling's.
Her presence seemed to have rejuvenated her twin.
Suddenly, her sister began to giggle. They began to communicate with each
other, which was still a mystery to everyone else.
A few months later, on Thanksgiving morning, Rusty’s parents were awoken
by some noises coming from the kitchen, along with an aroma of pleasant-smelling
cuisine.
“Honey, you don’t think that your mother is actually preparing a big feast for today
do you?” her husband inquired with humor.
“Yes, that is exactly what I think. I specifically told her that we would order
something in, so, we wouldn’t have to go through all of the trouble of preparing
an elaborate meal.,” his wife answered with concern.
“Well, I think your mom had another idea in mind,” Al snickered.
The couple walked towards the downstairs of their new house and veered
directly into the kitchen.
“Hi kids, I hope I did not disturb you. I’m just getting things ready for later today,”
she stated cheerfully.
“Listen Mom, I think it’s really sweet of you to want to make such a festive dinner
for us, but I thought we had agreed that since we have all been through such a difficult
time with Rusty’s illness and operation, that we would do something simpler this year
so, we could all just unwind and relax,” her son-in-law stated tactfully.
His mother-in law then turned her head so she could look at him directly, before
she started to speak.
“My little granddaughter has just survived a major health crisis, and she is
continually getting better and showing great improvement, if that’s not a
reason to be thankful and celebrate the meaning of this holiday with a magnificent
meal, then I do not know what is. Besides, I did not invite anyone else; it will just
be our little family gathering for this dinner,” the older woman rationalized, as
she opened the oven door, and started to pour the natural juices from the pot
over the big turkey with a large spoon.
Her daughter opened the refrigerator door and was amazed at all of the new
foods overflowing on the shelves inside.
“Mother, how were you able to buy these things and carry it all home, since
you no longer drive?” Margaret asked in astonishment.
“Oh, there is a wonderful little family-owned grocery market uptown, and they
also provide delivery services. Their prices are very reasonable. Here is the bill
for everything,” her mother clarified, as she handed her daughter’s husband
the information.
She then added additional information.
“Oh, by the way Al, I did not have enough money to pay for everything, so the
owner said that you can just phone them with the amount due with your credit card.
I also took some of the emergency cash from the house so I could give the delivery
boy a tip. He helped put the turkey into the pot and placed it into the oven for me.
It is so big and heavy that I could not possibly have done it myself. I did not want
to have to wake you up to help in this regard, I hope you don’t mind?” she asked.
“No not at all, that was nice of him to come inside the house and assist you. I was
planning to go into town anyway to buy a newspaper. I will visit the market first
to pay the owner, before I go over to the pharmacy for the paper,” he mentioned.
"Please note that most of the stores are closing much earlier today. So, if you are
planning to go into town, do so as soon as possible,” his mother-in-law suggested.
“Absolutely!” Al replied assuredly, as he quickly left the room and ran upstairs
to start getting ready.
“In the meantime, I will phone them so they will be aware that Al is going to be
coming in shortly to pay the remainder of the bill. This way, they won’t close-up
before he arrives,” Margaret explained as she strolled towards the telephone.
The older lady then tapped her daughter on the shoulder and handed her a
small slip of paper with the phone number of the business.
“Mother, I noticed that you also bought some ready-made side dishes, as
well as pies, along with vanilla ice cream,” her adult daughter mentioned.
“Yes honey, we are going to have a feast tonight. Sorry the pies are not my
usual homemade ones made from scratch, but I had decided at the very last
moment to prepare this meal, so, I had no choice but to use store bought ones.
Also, the grocery store in town had some of the other side dishes already made.
As I mentioned, I thought of this idea so suddenly, that there simply was not
enough time to cook all of the other delicacies such as the different types
of stuffing, biscuits, and casseroles myself,” she stated apologetically.
She then paused to sit down for a moment, before continuing.
"Unfortunately, they were out of their cooked roasted turkeys, and
it was too late to start ordering one. So, I had no choice but to buy this
large raw one and make it myself. Luckily, they opened their store
earlier today, so I have enough time to fully prepare it,” she described.
“I know, with Rusty being so ill along with that complicated surgery, and then
this tragedy with President Kennedy being killed, we understand. I am sure the
pies and the other stuff you bought from the store will be delicious, although
probably not as good as yours,” the younger woman expressed diplomatically.
“Thank you,” as her mother acknowledged the compliment, and then waited
a few minutes before continuing to express her thoughts.
“I still cannot believe that such a terrible situation has occurred with the President,
and I am also feeling tremendous sadness for his family,” she confided.
“Yes, Al and I feel the same way,” Margaret agreed with sorrow.
“However, let’s at least try to have a good supper because we still have Rusty’s
recovery to be very thankful for. I hope everyone with the exception of the babies,
does not load up on food and snacks throughout the day and saves their appetites,”
the kindhearted older lady suggested.
“On a separate note, as long as I am here, could you use any help?” Margaret
humbly asked.
“No thanks, I am almost finished. I was still able to make my sweet potato creation.
I will put the toppings on it when it is hot, and we are ready to serve it. The only thing
I have to do now is let the turkey bake for several hours. Everything else is done,
including the relish tray and the cooked vegetables. We will only have to heat all
of this other stuff up when we are ready to serve the meal later today,” the mature
woman boasted.
“Well, why don’t you take a nap since you have been up from early this morning.
I will keep my eye on what’s cooking in the oven, and Al will look after the kids
when he returns from town,” her daughter offered.
“Okay, I can use a few hours rest,” her mother expressed appreciatively as she
started to take her apron off.
“I will wake you up later today when we are ready to start the meal,” Margaret
promised.
Later in the day, her husband added a panel extension to the table, so there would
be more room to accommodate all of the trays of the culinary additions he knew
would later be placed on the tabletop.
During the late afternoon hours, the family gathered for the special meal.
The table was attractively decorated. There was a holiday-themed centerpiece
placed in the middle. It was a lovely flower arrangement placed inside of a
beautifully painted container. Other more traditional decorations were also
displayed.
“Al, did you buy that centerpiece?” his wife cheerfully probed.
“Yes, I bought it when I was in town today. That was the least I could do,”
he assured.
“It certainly is stunning, and after the flowers are gone, it could still be used
for future celebrations,” his mother-in-law stated with a complimentary tone.
“What else did you buy?” Margaret asked lightheartedly.
“Well, while I was at the drug store, I saw some coloring books and crayons
for this holiday and Christmas, so I bought them for Irene and Danny. I thought
they might enjoy them,” he answered thoughtfully.
The patriarch of the family then started to speak in a more serious and
sentimental tone.
“Before we eat, let's just take a moment to express our thanks that Rusty is
alive and getting better every day. And we should feel especially grateful to the
surgeon who saved her life, along with everyone else at the hospital, who assisted
in caring for our little baby girl,” he expressed in appreciation with a sentimental tone.
He then paused for a moment before continuing.
“I think we should also include the President’s family in our
thoughts and prayers. From what I had seen on television,
he seemed to be a good man, and was certainly a wonderful
leader,” Al stated respectfully in admiration with a somber undertone.
His wife and mother-in-law nodded in agreement before he started to
carve the turkey.
The three adults, along with their two older children, began to enjoy
the elaborate meal as the twin babies were both sleeping blissfully nearby.
“Where are the twins,” Danny asked in a childlike tone.
“Well, they are little babies. They already had their dinner. However,
they were tired and needed to sleep. They are not like you, who is almost
four,” Al answered with a chuckle as he patted the little boy’s head.
A short while after they all enjoyed the delicious dinner, the two older
siblings started to become sleepy.
While all of the children were snoozing comfortably, Rusty’s parents
and grandmother decided to take a peek into the twins’ bedroom to check
on the former patient.
The three adults walked softly towards the room and gently opened the
door a bit more.
They all just stood in the doorway and lovingly gazed at Rusty who was
slumbering peacefully. More importantly, she was breathing normally
just like her twin sister.
During the months that followed, Rusty continued to show tremendous
improvement.
Three months later in February, Rusty and Janie reached their first birthday.
It was becoming difficult to tell them apart, as they were beginning to look
more alike.
“I think Rusty will be with us for a long time,” her father stated joyfully
and confidently, as they were all feeling very optimistically about her future.
Author's note:
This fictionalized story, which was inspired by actual events, is dedicated
to the memory of Willis J. Potts, M. D., along with the author’s parents, grandmother,
and big sister, (named Irene for the story).
This short story is in tribute to Dr. Potts from the Children’s Memorial Hospital,
in Chicago, Illinois. (Currently known as Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.)
(Readers can learn more about his accomplishments on "Wikipedia", as well
as from other online sources.)
On September 19, 1963, Dr. Potts came out of retirement temporarily to perform
a lifesaving operation on the author of this story, who was seven months old at the time.
In addition to his skills as a surgeon, Dr. Potts treated the author and her parents
with warmth, courtesy, and kindness, during that difficult time.
The author would also like to acknowledge the other physicians and/or members
of the medical team, who contributed to her care in September of 1963, at the
Children’s Memorial Hospital.
Joseph D. Boggs, M.D., (Director of Laboratories).
Paul H. Holinger, M.D., Dino G. Maurizi, M.D., C. Mazzucco, M.D.,
Harvey White, M.D., and J. J. Weitzman.
Drs. Armagon (or Armagan, Bass, Brennan, Ditmore, and Donnellan.)
(*The first names of these doctors were not provided in the author's medical records.)
Bernard Hankin, M. D., was the author’s personal pediatrician.
Nurses, J. Dehian (or Debian), C. Rosenbaum (or Rosenbom),
and J. Nowicki, along with the other nurses, medical staff, anesthetists,
and technicians, etc.
An additional acknowledgement in regard to the staff at the hospital
in 2023, who undertook the task of locating the author’s medical records
from September of 1963 and making certain the information was properly sent.
Lastly, the author would also like to thank her twin sister (named Janie for the story),
who lent her support and encouragement in regard to this project.
