Marybeth
Lori had a surprise that Monday morning. Jeff came to the house after Michael had gone to school.
"Lori, we need to talk."
"Tell me what's on your mind."
"Lori, would you be terribly disappointed if I didn't make partner in the law firm?"
Lori's jaw dropped; she never expected his question. "Tell me more, Jeff."
"After yesterday, it came to me. I don't want to be involved in divorce proceedings. I had a big head when I passed my boards; this was an offer too hard to pass up. There are so many other ways to use my law degree; one that doesn't require endless hours away from you and the children. I love you too much Lori. Will you take me back?"
"Oh Jeff," she hugged him, "of course I will. I love you, always have."
"Let me take my letter of resignation to Joe and give notice for my apartment."
"Please don't wait to move back in; Michael will be thrilled and so will dad."
"I'll back a bag. I'll be home as soon as I can." They lingered in a kiss.
Robert took this afternoon to go to his cabin; furniture was being delivered. Included were a sofa bed, a twin bed for the loft, a washer and dryer along with a microwave and refrigerator. The gas stove was in good shape.
He returned home in good spirits. His spirits were lifted even more when he heard about Jeff. Jaclyn had beaten him home by only a few minutes.
"What say, we go to Murray's for dinner?"
"Can we really grandpa?"
"I don't see why not."
No one saw her. Catherine did something she hadn't done in over a year. She was having dinner a Murray's. Ernie, the owner, had given her the same secluded booth she and her late husband used. She was hoping to reconnect with his spirit there; since she wasn't having any luck at the hospice.
She refused to give into the thought which crossed her mind just the other day. A young boy with a heart defect was her patient. She learned the parents were told when he was born they should have it repaired before he was a year old. He was now five. The parents had believed it would heal its self.
She as a physician was no better at dealing with the loss of a loved one than other people. She didn't believe she needed other people's help. She could get on with her life without help from anyone. She thought she could heal herself.
The happy chatter from the adjoining room drifted into the booth. Catherine recognized the voices. Marybeth must be better; she could think of no other reason for their happiness.
It was the furthest thing from reality. Marybeth continued to have mild episodes of chest pain. Each time it was relieved by two doses of nitroglycerine. Her heart was growing weaker and weaker.
She heard Lori tell Michael. "No, you can't have chocolate chip pancakes for dinner; they have too much sugar in them. You'll never get to sleep and you have school in the morning."
"Lori, let the boy eat what he wants."
"No Dad, I know him too well. I'd like some too; but this baby would be awake all night moving and kicking me."
"Okay Lori, I hear you. Michael we'll come back on Saturday for a double serving."
"Awesome! Grandpa!"
"Power Ranger talk, Dad," Jaclyn informed him.
Catherine had to smile; their conversation had helped her foul mood. She left quietly without being seen. The family didn't linger. It was already past Michael's bedtime.
Sadly another event would prevent Michael from enjoying a double serving of chocolate chip pancakes; his grandma would die.
That Thursday, Robert was on his way to the hospice at his normal time. Sara had only arrived a few minutes ahead of him. She had been greeted by the frantic night nurse. "I can't get a blood pressure for Marybeth."
They hurried up the stairs. The nurse's aide explained. "I saw her head slump to the side; I tried to arouse her but she didn't respond to normal stimulation."
"You did exactly as you were instructed." Sara reminded her. "I'm sure her heart gave out; I knew it was very weak. Let me reach her husband." She went downstairs.
The day shift had arrived; they were all in Marybeth's room. Sara was about to dial Robert's cell phone number when he entered the door.
"Mr. Woodward, I'm sorry. Marybeth must have had a heart attack; she passed quickly. We tried to arouse her; it was to no avail."
Robert was stunned; he quickly climbed the stairs. He knelt by her bed; he took hold of her hand. It was still warm; he saw her face. Grey was already coloring her normal skin tones. He wept.
Even at a hospice, this was a normal reaction to death. Families knew when they placed their love ones with them; they would never get well. The staff stepped out; to give Robert time alone with Marybeth.
Sara had a lot to do. Her first call was to Dr. Hassel; his answering service was still on, she left a message. Next was a call to the local Funeral Home and finally the family's pastor at St. Mary's Church.
The resident physician had arrived; he would attest to her death. The staff had given him all the information he needed; including the time of death, 0630. Within the hour, the funeral home was there. Robert had composed himself. He stepped away from her bed. He couldn't watch.
"Step into the hall with me, Mr. Woodward." Sara guided him to a quiet room. Father Stephen had arrived.
Robert sat and rested his head on his hands, his elbows on his knees. The good Father rested his hand on Robert's shoulder.
"I know Robert, it's hard for anyone. You knew this day would come; you have handled the changes in Marybeth well. Many men would have deserted their wife; you didn't. This disease, Alzheimer's is especially bad. It's very slow and no cure in sight.
"You, my faithful servant should not grieve long. You've been grieving for a few years. I'll take you home. Arrangements will be made to bring your car to the house. We can leave when you're ready."
"I'm ready Father. Marybeth is gone."
They traveled in silence. "Who's car Robert?"
"Jeff's, he and Lori are back together."
"Good news, Lori is going to need his support. You know Robert; they're going to know immediately when they see me."
"I suppose they will."
They found the three sitting at the kitchen table; Michael had gone to school.
Jaclyn spoke. "What's wrong, Dad. Father, why are you here?"
"No, no, don't tell me." Lori shouted as she covered her face with her hands and began to cry. Jeff immediately put his arm around her.
"Dad, is it really true?"
"It is Jaclyn. Sara told me she simply let out a sigh as her heart stopped beating. Its muscle was too damaged to keep working."
Father Stephan knew they didn't want to hear a spiritual sermon from him on God's heavenly reward. "You know how to reach me, if there is anything I can do, I can see myself out Robert."
Tears and sobs remained in the room. Jaclyn called the school and cancelled her art program for the first graders; Jeff had nowhere to go; his first interview was next week. Robert left a message with his secretary for his foreman.
Lori and Jeff knew they had to compose themselves before Michael came home. It would be his grandpa who would comfort him. The exchange was mutual.
The funeral was arranged rather quickly. It was scheduled for Saturday at eleven o'clock, at St. Mary's church. Robert had allowed the hospice to make preliminary arrangements; it was part of their service to the family. They recognized the need; no one should do it in a grief filled state of mind.
Robert and the girls had decided not to have viewing. They knew everyone would come to the reception after the funeral. Instead they went by the funeral home that Saturday morning. Jeff kept Michael in the waiting room. Jaclyn had said her goodbye; she stayed with him while Jeff went with his wife. Marybeth had truly thought of him as a son; they had a wonderful relationship. He called her Mom and Robert Dad.
A driver from the funeral home drove them to the church in Robert's Suburban. Back at the house, the caterers were preparing for the reception. Several ladies from the funeral home made a display of pictures of Marybeth.
Most didn't linger; they stayed long enough to pay their respects.
The family began to put their life in order. By Monday they were somewhat ready to get back to normal.