Christmas Eve
The next day was the Christmas Party for the children at the hospital. It was for patients and the staff's families. Catherine hadn't attended last year's; no one expected she would. And she never expected to look forward to this year's with such great joy.
William greeted her. "You seem different, Catherine."
"I feel different. The Christmas season has brought new life to me."
"How so?"
"Unexplainable, it just is."
"May I buy you a cup of eggnog?"
"Of course, it wouldn't be the Christmas season without at least one cup."
She saw Dr. Wells and his family. His wife spoke to her. "Dr. Howard, we owe you a big favor for taking call for David again."
"Susan, it's no problem; he belongs at home with you and the children."
"Hopefully, one day we can repay you."
"Now, you know that's not necessary."
The party wound down; Santa Claus rang his bell as he wished everyone a Merry Christmas. And Catherine felt this one would be merry for her as well. She drove away in her SUV to an unlikely destination.
This would be the first time she returned to the cemetery since Tom was buried. "I hope I can find it." She had a general idea of its location. The attendants at the cemetery had all the grave markers cleared of snow.
She had asked for a bench to be placed near it. She thought she would visit often. She hadn't; instead she had returned to his room at the hospice.
It was cleared of snow also; she sat. "Hello, Tom; I know I've avoided your final resting place. For months I sensed your spirit in your old room at the hospice; you've left there; you've moved on. I know Tom, I didn't listen to you. I'm sorry.
"I met a man, whose wife died recently at the hospice. She had Alzheimer's and heart disease; I suppose you already knew that. I believe our meeting was no accident; it was part of God's great plan.
"We helped each other Tom; he may be the one; the one with whom I can live out the rest of my days. I know you approve; you so much as told me so. I couldn't comprehend your request; I can now. I feel all warm inside, thank you for your blessing."
Catherine heard the ducks; they beckoned her to follow them. She wanted to go see Robert; she felt it wasn't the right time. She was sure his family had Christmas traditions.
Robert wasn't home at the moment; he and his family were at the Christmas Tree lot. His girls took more than an hour to decide on the right tree. The salesman helped Robert and Jeff load it on the roof of the car; multiple ropes secured it.
The two men with a little help from Jaclyn were able to get it inside. Its place was front and center of the front window. For two hours the family decorated it; first the lights, then the fragile bulbs that Marybeth had used.
Finally, they put on all the handmade ornaments, those from each of the girls; all made since they were about two and then all those Michael had made. It was completed with gold garland and a brilliant star on top. They admired it in silence; until Michael spoke.
"Santa's going to use his Power Ranger sled this Christmas, Grandpa; he's giving his reindeer this Christmas off."
"Is that right, Michael; who told you?"
"Jaclyn said Santa has to get with the times." Robert rolled his eyes to hold back his laugh.
"Okay everyone, the lasagna we bought from Romero's is hot and waiting to be eaten. This baby tells me it's past dinner."
"We're all hungry, Lori."
Robert helped serve; Jaclyn passed the salad. They watched a movie with Michael before heading to bed, all of them.
The next morning started off in typical Woodward family tradition. Robert was cooking breakfast. "You're up early, Lori."
"Couldn't sleep, Dad; I'm uncomfortable"
"Are you in labor?"
"I don't think so; it's nothing like I remember with Michael."
Jeff followed very soon. "Are you okay? You were up several times last night. I'm not taking any chances. I'm calling the doctor."
"It's Christmas Eve, Jeff."
"Now Lori you know someone is always on call; there are three doctors in the practice."
He placed the call; everyone heard Jeff give Lori's information. "The answering service will have him call you, Dr. Mobley is on call."
The phone rang only minutes later. Lori told him about being awake during the night and feeling like the baby was very low.
"What did he tell you?"
"To bring me to the emergency room; he would meet us there."
Robert immediately turned off all the burners; put the rest of the food back in the refrigerator. All of them went with her.
They pulled under the portico by the Emergency Room; staff was waiting for Lori with a wheelchair. "Dr. Mobley's waiting for you in Labor and Delivery." Jeff followed behind.
A nurse recognized Robert. "Bring your family Mr. Woodward; I'll take you to the second floor. You can wait there." All of them followed her.
Robert saw her immediately. "Dr. Howard, are you on duty?"
Catherine saw Jaclyn and Michael; she responded similarly. "I am Mr. Woodward; I took call for the general pediatrician so he could spend today and tomorrow with his family. Is something wrong?"
"I brought Lori in; she wasn't feeling well."
"Let me see if I can learn anything; I'll be back."
Robert paced and drank coffee. "Are you worried, Dad?"
"I am Jaclyn; your sister's early."
Catherine hurried back to Robert; she had concerned news. Jaclyn couldn't hear the conversation but she could see them. She saw Catherine touch her dad's hand, before she walked away. Robert spoke to her.
"Your sister's been in labor for a while; the baby's heart beat is slower than normal. If she doesn't deliver soon; they will need to do a caesarean section."
"You mean cut her open."
"Shh, Jaclyn, I don't want Michael to hear." Luckily the nurse had brought him a Power Ranger game to play; he was engaged in it.
"I wonder how Jeff is holding up."
"What do you mean?"
"He almost fainted when Lori cut her finger."
The nurse heard her. "Husbands don't see much; they stay at the head of the table. We've never had one faint."
"Jeff could be the first."
"Jaclyn cut that out, you should know better."
"Dr. Howard's coming Dad; she's smiling."
"I see."
Robert spoke to her. "You must have good news."
"I do. You have a perfect granddaughter; she's small but very healthy, a great pair of lungs."
"Does that mean she will cry a lot Grandpa?"
"Not a lot Michael, but enough to make her wishes known."
"How did you know my name?"
"I heard you the evening you ate at Murray's; seems you like chocolate chip pancakes."
"I do. Grandpa promised me a double serving next time we eat there."
"Just remember, Michael, Power Rangers don't need a lot of sugar; they have Ranger power."
"You're good, Dr. Howard."
"I must be, Jaclyn. I need to be up on all the kiddy stuff; it helps me talk with my children."
Robert heard it all. She really is a special lady. It was his turn to smile.
Robert and Catherine had exchanged smiles; they both knew not to say anything.
