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The operation proved to be a success.

Following the operation, Velda stayed in the hospital for three and a half months in Charlottetown. During this time she was strapped to a ‘striker’ bed, which consisted of a small metal frame with a lever on the frame, and a ‘tray’ to help hold the upper trunk of Velda’s body. Her body was strapped securely to the bed. The lever could be used to rotate Velda’s entire body when needed. Her back was strapped in a straight position at all times, and at no time was Velda allowed to sit up, not even to go to the bathroom. There was an opening in the canvas which could be used whenever Velda needed to do the ‘essentials’.

Velda was hospitalized in Charlottetown, and because transportation was a problem, Margurita went to see her only a few times. Alphy had avoided all hospitals like the plague ever since the incident in Dr. Bander’s office when he had to hold Ivan down, while the doctor set Ivan’s broken arm. Alphy had put off a visit to the hospital in Charlottetown to see Velda, but as time went on he knew he couldn’t delay it much longer. Alphy and Margurita made the trip to Charlottetown to see Velda. This was near the end of her hospital stay, and Velda was feeling better and was more alert. But she was still strapped to the striker bed.

When Alphy stepped into Velda’s hospital room, he lost his nerve. He had not known what to expect, but he was not prepared for this. Seeing his daughter in this condition, strapped to a narrow canvas bed not much wider than an ironing board brought a lump to Alphy’s throat. The sterilized condition of the room, and the smell of antiseptics made Alphy’s stomach reel. He stayed in the room for only a brief time, and then went out. Later when Margurita went looking for Alphy, she found him in the corridor, sitting down. He told her he felt dizzy. They went in to say goodbye to Velda, and then they left. Once outside, in the fresh air Alphy came around.

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