The Umbrella Mender

Chapter 3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

At the beginning of this road is Dr. Barclay McKone, MD, (1914–2006), a pioneer in the field of tuberculosis treatment in Canada, in whose story I found the seeds of my own. I am privileged to have known him. I’m also grateful for the chance to know Lorna McKone, whose intelligence and fortitude were a source of strength to him and whose grace continues to inspire me.

For their generosity of time, medical expertise and patience with my endless questions, I’m deeply grateful to northern nurses J. Karen Scott and Heather Clayton, and to TB specialists Dr. Michael Gardam and Dr. Pam Orr.

For research assistance, thank you to librarians extraordinaire Gian Medves at the University of Toronto and John Tagg at West Park Healthcare Centre (formerly the Toronto Free Hospital for Consumptive Poor). Thank you to Dr. Warren Ober for King Arthur mythology, to Mike Pezak for nickel carving expertise and to Master Falconer Matt Lieberknecht.

I am grateful to many in Moose Factory. At the hospital, Susan McLeod, Joe Cheechoo and Dr. Murray Trussler were invaluable. Former TB nurses Carol Hennessey, Aggie Corston and Daisy Turner shared their stories. For hospitality, thank you to Chief Randy Kapashesit, Greg Williams, Burt Wapachee and Clarence Trapper.

For financial and moral support, I am indebted to the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council. Thank you to Chrissy and Kyle at Spark Box Studio in Picton for providing a quiet, art-filled residency.

Thank you to the good people at Wolsak and Wynn, especially my superb editor Paul Vermeersch and publisher Noelle Allen, for believing in this book. Deep gratitude to my agents Shaun Bradley and Meghan MacDonald, who had faith in this book from the beginning.

For lighting the path and for camaraderie and conversation, I’m indebted to Kathryn, Alissa, Miriam, Marcia, Jared and Guy. For reading early drafts of this novel, I’m especially grateful to Stephanie, Nate, Brian and Joanna. Thank you to all of my family and friends for moral support. Special thanks to Mary, who regularly sent useful pieces of research my way; to Kate and Zak, webmasters extraordinaire; and to Andrew, who helped choreograph a pivotal scene.

My children, Liam and Emma, thank you for respecting the sign on my study door and for giving me a reason. This book is for Drew, always and always, my tireless first reader, who shares this life with me and showed me where to watch the falcons in downtown Toronto.