The Baby’s Cross
A Tuberculosis
Survivor’s Memoir
by
C. Gale Perkins
CCB Publishing
British Columbia, Canada
The Baby’s Cross: A Tuberculosis Survivor’s Memoir
Copyright ©2011 by C. Gale Perkins
ISBN-13 978-1-927360-15-6
Third Edition
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication
Perkins, C. Gale, 1933-
The baby’s cross [electronic resource ] : a tuberculosis survivor’s memoir / written by C. Gale Perkins. – 3rd ed.
Electronic monograph in PDF format.
ISBN 978-1-927360-15-6
Also available in print format.
1. Perkins, C. Gale, 1933-. 2. Bones--Tuberculosis--Patients. 3. Tuberculosis--Patients--Rehabilitation. 4. Tuberculosis in children. I. Title.
RC312.5.B6P47 2012 616.9'9571 C2011-908659-X
Extreme care has been taken to ensure that all information presented in this book is accurate and up to date at the time of publishing. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Additionally, neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express written permission of the publisher.
Publisher:
CCB Publishing
British Columbia, Canada
Acknowledgements
To my husband Evan, who inspired me to write my life story. I know he will be smiling down on me when my book is published.
To God and the blessed mother for giving me a strong faith that has brought me through many crosses in my life and made my burdens lighter.
To my mom, who left this world at age twenty four. Thank you for the gift of your poem. The title of my book is in your honor.
To my children, Alan, Cindy and Paul, you are the special angels in my life. I love you with all my heart and soul.
To my grandchildren, you are the gifts of your parents to me. I love you all so much.
To my friends who, thanks to God, are many. Your gift of friendship overflows in my heart.
To the clowns in my life who were there when times were lonely and life stood still: Hap, Cheerful Charlie, Daisy June, Great Aunt Tillie. Thanks so much. A heartwarming thanks to my favorite clown and partner Hayseed #2, my grandson Jeff, you are the best.
To Mike, my nephew and the son of Aunty Eunice, a big thanks for taking an interest and helping me get this book up and running.
Thanks to my friend and favorite photographer Catherine B. Thompson, for a few of the photos that appear in my book. Thanks Buff.
To Erv Harmon, my new life partner whose patience and love have kept me inspired and excited at times when I wanted to give up. He was the best critic in his ever so gentle way. Thanks Erv.
Dedication
This book is dedicated to my late husband Evan F. Perkins, who was my best friend. He was a great dad, grandfather and friend. Evan was an inspiration to all who met him. He is the true love of my life. Thanks Evan.
Table of Contents
Admitted to Lakeville State Sanatorium
A Look into the Routine Daily Living at Lakeville
My Thoughts about Leaving Lakeville
Author’s Note
My husband