A Father’s Words
Quinn’s Library by Jasmine L
Josef Quinn’s wisdom proves to be
much deeper than medicine.
Season 3
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The library had been fully established and people were coming daily to select their favorites; including the children and even Michaela herself. It had brought a certain comfort, having her father’s books around once again. She remembered being a child, sneaking into her father’s library on nights when she should’ve been asleep.
At a young age she took to the exciting tales such as Thomas Malory’s King Arthur, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Although, she still thoroughly enjoyed those classics, it was in her adolescent years that Michaela begun reading her father’s books on science and medicine. Many of which had Josef’s penmanship inside, notes he had taken when he was a student in medical school.
Now with a practice of her own and the remaining Dr. Quinn, Michaela found herself reaching for those books once again. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, Michaela sat down to read a medical journal. It was the first one Josef Quinn had obtained when he was a student and it was full of his markings. It brought memories of her own early days of studying medicine in Philadelphia.
As she flipped through the worn-out pages, an envelope fell to the floor. She assumed it to be more notes, but when she opened it, she was surprised to see it addressed to herself. She never recalled her father writing her a letter, excluding the occasions of birthdays and her graduation.
With an intent concentration, she read her father’s words written long ago.
“My dear Michaela,
Today your beloved fiancé David has parted for war. He is an honorable man and since I have none, it fills me with pride to call him son. It is my prayer that he treats you kindly and respects your career even after you wed, it is rare to find such a man. However, my daughter I also pray you do not settle. I mean I hope you do not settle for anything less than your happiness. You will be tried and tested, but do no give up. Let the challenges be your incentive to keep going. There is someone out there who needs your skills. You are a perfect doctor because you treat people with the best medicine of all, love. You’ll face hardship, but I do not believe you’ll face it alone. Whenever you feel lost, remember that as a doctor you were meant to save people; and as a woman, there is someone out there who will save you. Ever since you were young, I knew you were destined for greatness and do not be surprised if that greatness leads you across the world. They need you and you need them. Remember your calling and your character, no matter what I am forever proud of you, my Michaela.
Your partner, father and friend
Josef Quinn.”
Tears fell on the paper and Michaela sniffed. Judging from the timing of this letter, it was written just a few weeks before her father’s passing. She sat there in silence, re-reading parts of the letter and soaking in her father’s words. They need you and you need them, she assumed he was referring to her patients, but there was something more. Something in between the lines, that made Michaela think, perhaps her father knew something she didn’t, that he saw something in her future.
She began to re-read it another time. There is someone out there who needs your skill. You are- the sound of the door opening broke the silence.
“Ma,” Brian called.
“Yes,” Michaela wiped her eyes.
“I need your skills,” Sully’s voice was heard.
Twisting in her chair, she stared in surprise at her…fiancé.
Sully noticed her expression and frowned in uncertainty.
“What’s wrong?” He grew concerned.
“Nothing,” Michaela blinked quickly as reality came together. “It’s just…what did you say?”
“Oh, I need your skills,” Sully held up his arm.
She noticed blood stains on his sleeve and rose to her feet.
“What happened?”
“Pup got a little too excited,” he blew out a laugh, as did Brian.
Michaela’s mouth dropped.
“It’s a scratch, not a bite,” Sully informed.
“He didn’t mean it,” Brian defended his pet.
Michaela assured him she didn’t blame pup and after looking at the small injury, she guided Sully to a chair,
“It’ll need a few stitches,” she retrieved her medical bag.
“Sorry, Sully,” Brian leaned on the table.
“That’s ok, Brian,” Sully replied. “Your Ma will fix it.”
Michaela sat down and began to tend to his arm. Sully only flinched a time or two and after a few minutes, the procedure was complete.
“Now all I have to do is dress it and you’ll be fine,” she said.
“Aren’t we lucky,” Brian smiled. “Having a doctor for a Ma.”
“That’s because your Ma treats with the best medicine,” Sully smiled.
“Laughter?” The boy looked up at him.
Sully shook his head.
“Love.”
Michaela stared at him, there eyes met and a smile crossed her face.
The meaning of her father’s words began as clear as day. They needed her and God knew…she needed them.
THE END
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