May 1874
"Brian! Come on, the train won't wait for us!"
"I'm coming ma!" Brian called as he raced down the stairs. "I just had to finish somethin."
"Well come on. Katie and Sully are waiting in the wagon."
The Sully family said their good-byes at the train station. "Don't tell Colleen, but when she comes home, we're gonna have a big celebration." Grace said.
"But be sure to tell her how proud we are." Dorothy added.
"All aboard!" the conductor called.
"We better go." Sully said. Michaela hugged her friends once more and then ushered Katie and Brain onto in train. Once the found their seats, then waved good-bye to the town.
**********
"What do you mean? You want to stay here? In Pennsylvania?"
"Colleen, please don't be upset. It's just it wasn't two years ago that I joined with Dr. Tyler to for our practice. It took a lot of work to get it up and running. I just don't know if I'm ready to give all that up."
"And what about all my hard work?" Colleen asked. "Andrew, it's been my dream for a long time to become a doctor. Now that dream is so close to becoming a reality. Part of that dream is to work side by side with Dr. Mike. I can't just throw away that dream."
"You can work by my side. We'll be partners in every way."
"Why can't you work by my side in Colorado? It's my home Andrew, and always will be."
"We're not going to settle this tonight. We both have a busy day tomorrow, lets get some sleep."
The next day, Andrew and Colleen met their family at the train station.
"Oh ma it's so good to have you here!" Colleen exclaimed as she embraced her mother. "And Katie! Look how big you've gotten!"
"She's gonna be three in less than a week." Michaela remarked.
"Well, we'll have to celebrate while you're here."
"That's not necessary Colleen. We can wait until we're all home in Colorado. She won't know the difference."
Colleen realized that they might not all end up in Colorado Springs, so she insisted on the party. "No really ma, I want to have something here. It's not everyday my little sister turns three."
Michaela looked at her daughter with a puzzled expression, but brushed it off. "Alright then. Miss Katie it looks like you get two parties." Maybe she just wants to have something special at her house she thought.
Andrew noticed that Colleen was upset at the thought of missing yet another birthday. He quickly changed the subject. "Why don't we head to the house? I'm sure you are all tired after the long ride."
"Yes Andrew. I think we could all use a break." Michaela replied.
After loading all the bags onto the carriage, the family headed to the house Colleen and Andrew had been renting for the past two years. It was small, but with only the two of them, it often seemed empty.
When they arrived, Katie jumped out of the carriage, quickly followed by Sully. "Katie! Wait, you don't wanna get lost!" Everyone else chuckled at little Katie racing to the front door to escape her father.
"I better catch up with her or she'll be terrorizing the butler." Michaela said as she went to assist with the capture of her daughter.
Brian, Andrew, and Colleen unloaded the bags and brought them in the house. The butler, a gift from Andrew's uncle, carried each of the bags to the rooms upstairs. "Well, why don't we have some tea in the dining room." Suggested Colleen. "That is unless you would like to unpack first."
"Oh, there's plenty of time to unpack later." Michaela replied. "I think tea is a lovely idea." The family settled in the living room and spent the afternoon talking. After dinner, Colleen politely excused herself saying that she wanted to study.
Michaela was concerned for her daughter. She had been very quiet and restless all day. Michaela feared that something was wrong. She went to the master bedroom and knocked on the door. "Colleen? Can I come in?"
There was no response, so Michaela knocked harder. She heard a faint "Come in." as she cracked open the door. Michaela stepped through the door and found Colleen on the bed surrounded by textbooks. She looked exhausted and her eyes were red from crying. The doctor immediately went to her daughter and hugged her. "Colleen what's wrong?"
Colleen was so relieved that her mother was there. She had tried to talk with Andrew, but he was always so busy at the clinic. "Oh ma...I don't think I can do this..."
"Colleen there's nothing to worry about. You will do fine on the exam."
"But all I do is study these books?and every time I do...I find something else I don't know..."
"Colleen, you've been preparing for this exam for two years. Everything you need is already firmly in your head. You just have to not be intimidated by the fear of failure. If you think you can do it, then you can."
"I've been trying ma...trying to be strong...like you...but I'm not...I keep getting everything confused..."
"Colleen you are the most intelligent young woman I know. There is nothing standing in the way of you getting you medical degree except fear. You have to believe in yourself."
"I know...and there are times when I am so confident...but then, I'm so tired...It seems I can't ever get enough rest...I can't remember all this if I'm sleep deprived."
The doctor took over and Michaela went to work. "Well, maybe there is something wrong. Have you been feeling alright?"
"Well, I've been really tired...but it's just from all the studying...I haven't been able to get a good night's sleep in weeks. I find myself sleeping all the time."
"Well, lake of sleep can cause many things, but also be the result of something more serious. I would like to examine you, or at least have someone examine you."
Colleen consented to her mother's examination so Michaela washed her hands and went to work. "Have you had any other symptoms?"
"I've been sick to my stomach a few times...It only happened when I didn't eat, so I just thought it was from that."
"Well, I think it's something a little more serious than that." Michaela concluded her examination and took a seat beside her daughter on the bed. She took Colleens hand and said, "You're pregnant."
Colleen's mouth dropped wide open. "What?! Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. I'd say almost two months. Which makes you due in December." Michaela was so excited. Colleen had always wanted children and now that medical school was all but complete, she had the perfect opportunity. Granted, there would be a small break in her working at the clinic, but that was no problem. She probably would be able to start and simply take a few months off after the baby was born.
Colleen started to cry. Michaela was at loss for her daughter's reaction to this wonderful news. "Colleen? What is it?"
Colleen struggled to speak "Ma...Andrew wants to...stay here...he doesn't want to...to move back to ..Co...Color...Colorado Springs." She broke down and cried in her mother's arms. Michaela held her daughter for awhile, trying to comfort her. After her crying calmed, Michaela spoke. "Colleen have you told Andrew how you feel?"
"I tried ma. I told him how I have always wanted to work with you, side by side. It's been my dream. He says that he wants me to work by his side. I just don't see why he can't work with us in the clinic. Ma, I don't want to raise my child here in Pennsylvania."
"Colleen I understand. But this is something that you and Andrew must work out. You have to tell him how you feel, but also listen to his opinions. You have to decide what is best for the two of you, but also what is best for your child. Home is where the heart is Colleen. I learned that a long time ago. You have to go where your heart leads you. Weather that is Philadelphia, or Colorado Springs, or half way around the world for that matter. Now, I'm going to send Andrew up here but I want you going straight to bed. You need your rest. Not only do you have your exam tomorrow, but that baby needs you to be strong."
"Alright ma, but could you tell Andrew I'm asleep already. I don't think I can talk about this tonight." Colleen snuggled under the blankets and closed her eyes.
"Of course. You can talk with Andrew later. Now get some sleep." Michaela kissed her daughter's forehead and headed out the door.
"Michaela, is something wrong?" Sully asked as they lay in bed. Ever since her talk with Colleen, she had been very quiet. "Do ya wanna talk about it?" he asked.
"Oh Sully, I'm just so worried."
"Bout what?"
"Colleen...she's pregnant. We're going to be grandparents."
"That's good news isn't it?"
"Well yes, that's what I thought...but Andrew wants to stay here, with his practice in Pennsylvania. And Colleen wants to work at the clinic in Colorado Springs. She doesn't want to raise her child here...It's not her home." Michaela began to cry. She hated seeing her daughter so upset. And there was no way that she could relieve her pain.
Sully turned on his side to face his wife. "Michaela I know this hurts, but we gotta let em work it out themselves. They hafta chose what is right for them."
"I know Sully, that's what I told Colleen. But I still can't help but worry."
"Everything will work out. Maybe not how things were planned, but whatever happens will be for the best." He leaned in and passionately kissed her.
When they broke apart, Michaela was breathless. "How did I ever get do lucky?" she asked. "You give me everything I could ever desire and always take away my pain. I love Sully."
"I love you too." He replied, and kissed her once again.
"We better get to sleep. I have to take Colleen to her exam in the morning."
The two snuggled together, Sully's arms wrapped securely around Michaela, who held his hands to her heart. She soon feel asleep, safe in the arms of her heartsong.
The next morning, Michaela was up early, preparing to take Colleen to her medical exam. Sully woke to find her sitting at a small dresser, curling her long golden hair. He had to take a minute to catch his breath at the sight of her. She always looked so radiant to him. He came up behind her and kissed her on the cheek. "You look beautiful."
She smiled and returned his kiss. "Sully I'm nervous. I know Colleen has the ability to be the first in her class. She is brilliant and talented...but last night she was so upset. I don't know if I helped enough to calm her down. She can do this as long as she stays focused."
"Michaela we're talking about Colleen. Like you said she'll do fine. Just let her know that we're here for her and we love her."
Michaela and Colleen headed out and walked hand in hand to the college. "The Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania" read the sign at the front entrance. Dr. Mike sighed. "Brings back memories doesn't it?" said Colleen.
"Yes it does. " Michaela replied wistfully. "Yes it does." After taking a moment to relive all the years she had spent in Pennsylvania, Michaela said "Well, we best get you inside."
They arrived at the double doors and paused. Michaela took Colleen by the shoulders. "You have always been brave and strong and never more so than right this moment."
Colleen was moved by the vote of confidence. She hugged her mother fiercely, then follows the other women into the exam room. Dr. Mike stood there in the door watching her go for a beat, then turned away and headed back to the house.
Colleen had asked Andrew to wait with her for the exam grade. She needed a chance to talk with him, so everyone else had stayed at their home. They sat in silence for most of the late after noon and evening. Neither wanted to start a conversation that could end up upsetting the other, especially in front of all the other students. When the dinner hour came, Andrew suggested the go somewhere quiet so they could talk. "It's not good to sit around here all night anyway." he told her. They headed off to a nearby pup and settled themselves in a corner.
"Andrew..." "Colleen..." they both spoke simultaneously.
"Go ahead." Said Andrew.
"Andrew there's something I need to tell you." She hesitated slightly, not knowing how he would react. "We're going to have a baby!"
Andrew stood up and rushed to her on the other side of the table. He took her in his arms. "Colleen that's wonderful! I can't believe it! How do you know?" He was ecstatic. But then he noticed the tears that were forming in his wife's eyes. "Colleen? What's wrong? Aren't you happy?"
"Andrew we have to talk...I already know how you feel about staying here in Pennsylvania...I understand you not wanting to give up your practice...but things have changed...we have to think about the well being of our entire family..."
"Don't you think will need an income?" he asked.
"Andrew, we'll have an income. There is a clinic waiting for us in Colorado Springs. Don't I have any say in this? It seems that you've already made up your mind."
"And it sounds like you've already made up yours. I'm not the only stubborn one here Colleen."
"Andrew, Colorado is my home. It's where everything I've ever wanted is. Colorado is where my family is. It's where I want to raise our family. I'm not a city girl. Life here...I don't think I can be happy here...but then I don't want to lose you either... It seems either way, I have to give up something I love." She got up and headed back to the college.
Andrew ran after her, but she yelled at him "Just go home! I'll do this myself!" As he walked along, Andrew realized how selfish he was being. He felt horrible. He didn't want to see his wife so upset. She meant everything to him. How could he give her up? And what for...a medical practice. After much contemplation, he knew what the right decision. He had to go where his heart was. If that meant giving up his practice, then so be it. What mattered most was that he was with Colleen. He turned around and headed back in the direction of the medical school.
Andrew walked through the door to the exam room just in time. One of the professors was handing Colleen her grade. He over heard her say "Congratulations Colleen, you had the highest grade in the class." Colleen smiled, but only halfheartedly. "Really?" she replied. "I can't believe it."
"You deserve this Colleen." The professor said. "I've never seen someone want this degree as much as you. You will make an excellent doctor."
"Thank you." Colleen replied and headed to a desk to open her grade. This is what she had been working for all her life. And now, that her dreams of being a doctor were about to come true, they were being torn away. She knew that in and city like Pennsylvania she would not be happy. But without Andrew, she wasn't happy either. She wanted him to be with her at that moment when she opened the envelope. To tell her how proud he was. Instead, as she tore open the envelope, she was alone.
Andrew immediately went to congratulate his wife. She sat there opening the envelope and didn't even notice he was there. Even when he touched her shoulder and called her name, she remained as if she hadn?t heard him. As she stood to leave, she finally noticed his presence. "Andrew! What are you doing here?"
"Colleen, I'm sorry. I love you and don't want to lose you. If you want to live in Colorado Springs, then that's where we will live. What matters is that you are happy. I can start a new practice, or if Michaela will have me, I'll work with the two of you. There is nothing I want more than to be with you and to raise our child together."
"Oh Andrew!" she threw herself in his arms and cried. "I feel horrible asking you to give up your practice...but at the same time, I can't stay here...I'm sorry I'm so selfish."
"Colleen, it doesn't matter. I was being selfish. We not only have to think of the well being of ourselves, but now of our child. I really think that you've been right all along. Colorado is the right place for us. I loved it when I was there. I just let myself get caught up in the city life. I love you, and that will never end."
"Andrew, I love you too." She kissed him and when they broke apart it took several minutes before either could speak. Andrew spoke first. "So are you gonna tell me your grade, or not?"
Colleen took his hand and led him towards the door. "Well...99..."
"99 percent?! Colleen that's excellent!" He picked her up and spun her around. Already knowing the answer he added, "I'll bet it was the highest in your class."
"Actually it was." She replied. "I still can't believe it."
"Well I can." Andrew said. "And I'll bet our family is back home tearing their hair out. We better go tell them the news before they all become bald." They both laughed at Andrew's last comment. Then, hand in hand, they headed home.
When they arrived, they found Brian on the couch with Katie asleep in his lap. Michaela was pacing the living room and Sully was trying to get her to sit down. Andrew and Colleen kept hidden and listen to their family for a bit.
"Michaela, you're gonna wear a hole in the floor."
"How can you expect me to be so calm? They should have heard by now. What if something terrible happened. Colleen was so upset... and not feeling very good...What if she's sick, or if something happened to the baby? What if she gave up?... I have every faith in her of course...but she didn't have faith in herself...What if..."
Sully thankfully interrupted her. "What if she did wonderfully and they simply went out to celebrate?"
Michaela stopped in her tracks when she saw Colleen and Andrew standing by the door. "Oh thank God!" she exclaimed. "I was so worried."
"I'm sorry ma. We didn't mean to worry you. Andrew and I just need some time alone." Not one of them could tell by her expression weather she had good or bad news, so no one dared ask. "Well, aren't you going to ask how I did?" Colleen asked them. The smile on her face finally indicated a good result so Brian asked "How'd you do?"
Colleen was so excited she couldn't speak, so Andrew told them "99 percent! The highest grade in the class!"
Michaela ran to her daughter and hugged her. Oh Colleen! that's excellent! I'm so proud of you!"? Her response was followed by hugs and congratulations from Brian and Sully.
"Well, I'm exhausted so I'm going to head to bed." Colleen said.
Goodnights and congratulations followed Colleen as she headed to bed. Soon after Sully carried Katie to bed and he, Michaela, and Brian also headed to their designated rooms. Once in their bedroom, Colleen and Andrew settled into bed.
"I'm still in shock." Colleen told him. "I have to give a speech at the graduation ceremony. I don't have any idea what to say."
"You'll think of something. And it'll be great." Andrew told her.
"I hope so." She replied as she drifted off to sleep.
In the next room, Sully and Michaela lay in each other's arms. "I never thought my daughter would be class valedictorian." Michaela said.
"We're going to have to change that sign of yours." Sully told her.
"Oh, but Sully, we don't know if Colleen will be returning to Colorado Springs remember? Andrew wants to remain here."
"I can't imagine it. I've always seen her working right by your side. It'll be strange without her."
"Neither can I." Michaela sadly replied as the thought of her daughter remaining in Pennsylvania ran through her mind.
The next few days were a whirlwind of excitement. Colleen and Andrew had told everyone their plan to return to Colorado Springs. Andrew had asked to join Michaela's practice. She of course agreed, as long as Colleen would also be joining them.
Plans to have Katie's birthday in Pennsylvania were dismissed. Colleen said that she was too busy trying to write her speech. And no one complained. After all Katie was only three. She would never even know the difference.
On the day of Colleen's graduation, the entire family went to the college early to wish her luck. Shortly before the ceremony was to begin, they found their seats among the other families. The Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania class of '74 soon stood before them. The graduates stood patiently as they prepared to take the Hippocratic Oath. "...I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients. Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick and will abstain from every corruption. With purity and holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art."
After the faculty speech, Colleen took the podium.
"My mother died when I was young. She was bitten by a rattlesnake and despite all efforts made by the doctor, the venom quickly killed her. Her last wish was for my brothers and I to be taken care of by Dr. Michaela Quinn. No one us were very happy about this sudden upheaval of our lives. Today, I can't imagine my life another way.
Today, Dr. Michaela Quinn is my mother. She graduated from this very institution and began a life long struggle to become respected as a doctor. After her father died, Dr. Mike, as her friends call her, moved out west, looking to finally have her own practice. Things initially didn't go as planned, but her hard work and determination paid off. As my grandmother claims, Dr. Mike has single handedly brought the civilized world of medicine to the west.
I have worked by my ma's side since she arrived in Colorado Springs. It was because of her that I once dreamed of becoming a doctor. I saw the love and passion that went into every case she came across. Weather it was a small laceration, or a life threatening tumor, ma loves her work. I only hope that I can be as great a doctor as she is.
Today, we, the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania class of '74, stand as the doctors of tomorrow. It is up to us to continue the struggle of the women doctors before us. We must not let ourselves be discouraged. Will you be like Michaela Quinn, or will you simply fade into your husband's shadow? I encourage everyone here to follow your dreams. I did and let me assure you, you won't be disappointed. Thank You."
Applause erupted through the room. Colleen returned to her seat and clutched her diploma to her chest. She dabbed her tears away as she met Dr. Mike's eyes. She saw Sully trying to calm Michaela?s tears. She never expected that Colleen would mention her in the speech, let alone with such praise. She was so touched to see how much faith Colleen had in her and was so proud that she was able to be called her mother.
The dean of the college took the stand. "I am proud to present the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania class of '74, our physicians of tomorrow." The graduates all stood and ceremonially tossed their cap tassels from one side to the other. The audience cheered especially Michaela, Sully, and Andrew.
After the ceremony, Sully and Andrew took Brain and Katie back to the house. Michaela wanted a chance to speak with Colleen, so they took a walk around a nearby park. Michaela could barely think of words to express how she was feeling. "Colleen, what you said today was... so beautiful. I...I don't know what to say..."
"Ma, it's alright. You don't have to say anything. It's what's in my heart. You have been a mother to me, when you didn?t have to. Matthew, Brian, and I...we're were so lucky to have you as our ma."
"No, Colleen, I'm lucky to have you as my children." She felt the tears coming again. "I love you all so much."
Colleen wrapped her arms around Michaela. "I love you too." By now both of them were crying. The bound that had formed between them was something that no one could have imagined. It didn't matter that their blood was different, they were mother and daughter. And nothing could ever change that.
"Well we'd better head back. We have a lot of packing to do tomorrow. We'll all need a good night's sleep."
The next day was busy as everyone worked at getting Colleen and Andrew packed. The following day, the train for Colorado Springs departed Pennsylvania. When the train arrived a week later, most of the town was there to greet it. A large "Congratulations Dr. Cook" banner hung from the roof of the telegraph office. After numerous rounds of congrats and welcome backs, everyone went over to Grace's for the real party, a celebration for Colleen, but also for Katie's birthday.
Colleen and Andrew left the party very late. As the headed to the clinic, they both realized that it didn't matter where they lived. They were together and together they would soon be starting a family. Home is where the heart is, not where a building stands.