Fainting no Longer Permitted

The summer after we were engaged, Anne got a job at a local veterinarian's office in Marion.  You wouldn't know this, probably, but Anne hated needles.  A childhood condition had necessitated a fair bit of medical attention when she was quite small.  And the experience traumatized her to no small degree.  Anne's mom has often said that she knew it was true love when Anne agreed to a blood test!

Somehow, it didn't occur to her that veterinarians would also use needles.  She was excited about the puppies and kitties and working with animals.  The first day, the doc needed to sedate a dog before a procedure.  Out came the needle.  Anne took one look, fainted, and hit the floor.  The doc thought he was going to have to hire someone else for the summer.  But not so fast, my friend!  This was our Annie.

She picked herself up and jammed about three sticks of gum in her mouth.  Somehow, focusing on the chewing kept her from noticing the needles.  She grabbed the dog, and the doc got to work.  It turned out to be a good summer job.

When we got to Clear Lake, Anne was looking for some work outside the home.  I mentioned to Paul Fynskov, local vet and congregational member, that Anne had worked a summer as an assistant.  I didn't mention the needle business because I didn't think anything would come of it.  A week later, Anne was working in the Clear Lake Veterinary Hospital.  She worked there for four years, four years at the Cedar Valley Veterinary hospitals in Cedar Falls and Waterloo, and several years at the Williamsburg Vet Clinic here in Lincoln.

Not once did she faint when the needles came out.  But she went through a lot of gum in those thirteen years.

This is a wonderful part of Anne's memory for me.  She was tough and practical.  She could find a way to persevere through anything.  If she had a goal, you would be well-served not to be an obstacle.  And that was especially true if the goal had to do with caring for animals or children.

If she could get through the needles, then I can get through this pain.  Thank you, dearest.  You know how to show me the way.