Chapter 26

"It looks, nice,clean, like that living room in that movie Spencer likes,like a modern version of my childhood living room,oh my God. I've become a mentally ill homemaker." Diana looked at the living room all ready for Thanksgiving.

"What movie?",asked William.

"The time machine one."

"Oh,yeah,it kinda does look like Back to the Future. Diana, you spent all week cleaning,with my help. It took longer, because you didn't want to be stressed out. That's a good thing."

"Oh,ok."

Spencer came bounding down the stairs. "Happy Thanksgiving, may I have eggo waffles?"

"Sure,Spencer," replied William.

" Mom, can I read your relapse prevention plan?"

"I don't know,Spencer. Today is supposed to be a happy day."

"Knowing you have a plan makes me happy."

"Not today,Spencer," declared William.

"Can I watch the Macy's Day Parade?"

"Eat your breakfast first,"said Diana.

Later, Anne arrived with stuffing she made the night before and the rolls Spencer liked from the local grocery bakery.

"Hello everyone, Happy Thanksgiving," said Anne.

"I'm so glad you came Anne. I need you here," said Diana.

" Want to talk in William's office?," suggested Anne.

"Please," replied Diana.

After Diana closed the door, Anne said," You seem very nervous. Do you know why that is?"

"Dad, he's going to be mad at us."

" I wouldn't be surprised if he gets mad. We did the right thing Diana. I know how overwhelming it can be for you in big groups. I think our cousins respect that more than Dad."

" Stay on the other phone the whole time,please."

"Of course, now you know to tell William and I when you are stressed and you have those stress reduction techniques you use."

"You better believe I'll tell you if I'm stressed."

"Now he won't be calling for a while, how about we enjoy our meal,ok?"

A bit later they were eating their Thanksgiving meal and Spencer as usual was talking in great detail.

"Spencer, I don't think your Mom and aunt care about your Math homework," said William.

"Mom, can I have pie now?"

"After I talk to your grandpa."

"Can I talk to him too?"

"After we do."

Diana knew the phone would ring soon. She grabbed William's hand and walked to his office with him. She prayed and did some deep breathing before hearing the phone ring.

"Happy Thanksgiving,Dad. Yes, this is Diana."

Walter was glad that her daughter was well enough to answer the phone.

" You sound good,Diana. I wish you were able to be here and Anne too. Your cousins and aunts and uncles want to see you."

" I'd be happy to see them in small groups."

"Ok,then. I'll tell them. You cook today?"

"Yes."

"Good,I'm glad you can still do that. Are you keeping out of trouble?"

" I'm not sure what you mean. I'm a grown woman who hasn't committed any mortal sins lately."

"Nothing I'd disapprove of?"

"Dad,don't do this."

"Then you probably are doing things I disapprove of."

" I think so, but I don't want to talk about it. It's off limits."

"Oh Diana, I don't think you'll ever change your ridiculous beliefs."

"Dad, if we don't stop talking about politics or gender roles, I'll have to hang up."

"Really,Diana? Well if you insist on controlling this conversation, I don't think I can take it."

" Oh?"

"Yes, Diana. You must be sick,right now. What happened to my little girl?"

"She grew a backbone and is able to set boundaries."

"Diana, don't do this to me. Don't fight me. I love you, I really do."

" I love you,Dad."

"Then don't be a stubborn woman. Don't you ever leave like your Mother,you understand?"

"Dad, it's Anne on the other phone. All Diana is trying to do is be polite, assertive and trying to avoid release," explained Anne.

"Listening to what I have to say will make her ill?"

"It's your tone Dad. You hurt our feelings when you scold and criticize us," explained Anne.

"Why can't you be more like Mother Angelica?"

"Dad,what did I just say? You can't criticize me either."

"Well, you don't like her then,do you?"

"She's too critical of beliefs I like. That's all I want to say about it and Diana is going to hang up if you don't switch the subject."

"How are William and Spencer,Diana?"

"Fine. Spencer wants to talk to you, but I'm not sure if that's a good idea."

"It's William here,women standing up for themselves does not make them bad women,Walter. If you insist on telling our son how to live his life,we won't let him talk to you. My cousin says, the Catholic Church is one big tent. Your daughters and are in different areas of the tent and we want you to respect that."

"William,when you married Diana,I thought you'd discourage her from all those dreadful ideas in Kent and Madison. She should have gone to Notre Dame or Steubenville. I heard they tried to consecrate a pizza at the Catholic campus center in Madison."

"Walter, that is an urban legend. I'm not going to force my wife to believe anything. That's not my job. I'm going to ask Diana to hang up now. We've given you plenty of warnings."

"Warnings, that's the most stupid thing ever. I'm supposed to warn you all that you are.."

"Dad I'm going to hang up," Diana did so and fell into William's arms.

"It's not my fault, your fault or Anne's that you have the beliefs you do."

"Wrong, wrong,wrong. He thinks everything is wrong. I don't like that at all. Did he ever love us,Anne?,"asked Diana.

" I think he does, but doesn't know he hurts us so much. if you have Schizophrenia or not,what he did was wrong. It would make anybody upset."

" I feel upset,"said Diana.

" I do too,Diana. He attacked all three of us. It was wrong," stated William.

"Do you want us to be with you?," asked Anne.

"I'm going to take a nap," Diana replied.

" I'm going to tell Spencer,that he won't be talking to his grandpa," said William.

"I'll clean up",said Anne.

" I'm still thankful for all of you,but I need some time alone," said Diana.

" We understand dear, Happy Thanksgiving," William said before kissing his wife on the forehead.

Anne made the sign of the cross on Diana's forehead and gave her a warm hug. They were still thankful for the supportive family they still had.