Everything In Time
Chapter 14
Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Marshall Cabana
Sun Point Beach Club
Atlantic Beach, NY
Jim Marshall asked his son, "When did you decide you wanted to retire?"
John took hold of his wife's hand as he answered, "Sarah, and I discussed last Christmas that I should start thinking of retirement as this year I'll have put in my twenty years. Seeing as that time came last week, we thought that now I'm ready to move onto another phase in my career of service."
"Doing what?" Maureen asked.
"Last Memorial Day weekend, just before Khalid Fahd's trial, we had dinner with the new senator from Illinois, Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. He told us that he spoke with Jed Bartlett and Senator George Manetti, Traci's dad, about who he wanted to fill his Senate staff and my name came up. He offered me the job of his military & foreign affairs consultant. He said he liked the work I did for the Bartlett campaign while I waited to hear of my designation change and my time in the Navy Department, working in the Navy actual and NCIS. After we left the dinner with the Obamas, Sarah and I discussed it and we decided that I'm going to take the job. So last week I filed my retirement papers with BUPERS."
"Well, you always were politically savvy. He'll be glad to have you," Maureen proudly said.
"We're going to have the Dining Out at the Army-Navy Club as John said Friday night September 1," Sarah said.
"Well, we'll skip the year-end ball here to go to that," Maureen said.
"I'll be on three weeks terminal leave after the 1st. In the meantime, I'm going to groom Meg Pike to take over. Sheffield put her name on top of the shortlist of candidates and sent the list to the Senate. The president will likely endorse her selection."
"That's good to hear. In the meantime, let's enjoy the day. We can celebrate your good news at dinner tonight."
"Works for me," John said as he got up to change into his swimsuit.
After he came out, Sarah changed into her one-piece blue suit and applied sunscreen to her body. She had John apply the sunscreen to her back. Sarah put on a beach jacket with a broad hat, then she and John walked to the pool. On the way, they stopped into the club admin office.
When they walked in John requested of the receptionist, whose nameplate read, Maggie, "Good afternoon. I'm Admiral John Marshall. My parents have cabana G55. May we please speak with Tom August?"
"Certainly, Admiral Marshall. Give me a second please," Maggie said as she went into the back office. A gentleman dressed in a red polo shirt with the club emblem, cream-colored trousers, and loafers without socks came out.
As they shook hands August asked, "Admiral, good to see you again, you're moving up in the world. What can I do for you today?"
"Hi Tom, You know my wife, Sarah." As Sarah shook hands and said, "Tom, good to see you again," John went on, "Tom, we, my daughter and my parents have reservations for dinner in the clubhouse tonight. I have to wear my Dress White Longs. As you know from your time in the Navy, it does not require a tie and I don't want any trouble with the head greeter insisting I wear a tie."
"Don't worry, I'll take care of that. You go and enjoy your day and your dinner."
"Thanks, Tom."
John and Sarah enjoyed their time at the pool and then came back to the cabana to shower and relax in dry beach clothes for a time before they got ready for dinner. When Chloe came up from the ocean with the kids, Jim took Patrick and Davey in the cabana shower while Chloe took Caroline to the showers at the end of the court for the both of them to clean the sand & salt off.
After Jim and the boys finished showering, John went in to put on his dress white slacks, and his tee-shirt. While he sat and put his shoes on, Sarah and Chloe went into the dressing room to put their uniforms on. While they were in there, Sarah helped Chloe put her long hair up into the regulation bun.
As Sarah put the last bobby pin to finish the work on Chloe's hair, she was suddenly filled with so much pride looking at her oldest daughter that she became emotional. She tried to keep it in, but she was betrayed by a sniffle. Chloe turned to ask, "You okay Mom?"
"Yeah, c'mere," Sarah replied as she held her arms open. As she hugged her daughter, Sarah continued, "I'm fine. I love you so much and I'm just so damned proud of you is all."
"Aw Mom, you're gonna make me cry now. I love you too."
At that, they released each other and wiped away any sign of tears, and went to fix their faces. As that was completed, Chloe said, "C'mon, let's go face the world." Then they stepped out of the dressing room.
After Sarah and Chloe came out Jim and Maureen took turns getting dressed. Jim came out wearing a cream-colored summer jacket and brown slacks with a yellow shirt and dark blue and brown paisley tie. Maureen put on a pink floral sleeveless dress with white heels. After his mom came out, John went in to put his uniform shirt on and get his cover. He came out to see his parents, wife, and daughter waiting for him. He arranged his cover on his head and said, "Well let's get going."
John and Jim took up the rear as the ladies walked ahead arm in arm. On the way down the boardwalk to the clubhouse, John playfully returned the salutes from the youngsters who saluted as they passed with a crisp. "As you were".
They all waved at the younger Marshall children as they passed the playground.
"You youngsters be good for Annette and Marie and eat your dinner that we left for you" Sarah instructed them.
The kids waved back to acknowledge their mom.
Annette and Marie were sisters from a family on the court which Maureen had arranged to mind the Marshall children and give them their dinner while the adults went into dinner.
John was pleased to see Tom August, who led them to a table near one of the windows.
When they sat the waiter came over to take their drink orders and leave the menus.
Maureen started the conversation as she asked, "So how are you doing with the academy equestrian team Chloe?"
"We're doing great Nana. We placed first in the regional competitions during this past season. Right now, we second-class midshipmen are getting ready for the next round of plebes to come in this Friday. Mom's going to be the keynote introduction speaker."
"What's your timetable look like for the rest of the week then?" Maureen asked.
"We'll be here tonight and all day tomorrow. We're driving down to Annapolis Thursday. We'll all stay there until Sunday when Caroline, Patrick, and I drive back to DC,' John added.
"Well good thing I'm on vacation from the nursing home," Maureen said.
"Chloe now that you've completed your freshman requisites, what's your major field of study going to be?" Jim asked.
"Well, I'm going to be double majoring. I'm interested in flying helicopters, so that means besides learning to fly, I have to study all the navigation, math, aerodynamic and avionic aspects that go with that. For my second major, I want to study engineering, including nuclear and standard steam generating plants, diesel propulsion, and so on. You put me on to that Pop when you showed me the boiler room at Aqueduct."
"Well good for you kiddo," Jim said with pride.
"Well since you couldn't get your son to go into your business, at least you got your granddaughter," Sarah said.
Chloe added, "I'm still going to take the MCATs and LSATs. That way I can keep my options open for any other designator, including law, the Marines offer."
"Oh, so you're going to be a marine. I'm sure you're happy about that Sarah. How are you going to deal with that John?" Maureen teased her son.
John stuck his tongue firmly in his cheek as he replied, "Like mother, like daughter."
Everyone chuckled at that as they put their entrée orders in. As they waited, a well-dressed elderly man came over to their table and tapped Jim on the shoulder.
When Jim turned around to who it was and recognized him, he stood to shake his hand and proudly said, "Jerry Almonte, you know John and my daughter-in-law Sarah, now I'd like you to meet my granddaughter, Chloe. She's in her second year at the Naval Academy."
Almonte shook Chloe's outreached hand as he said, "Congratulations Miss Marshall, that is quite an accomplishment."
"Well, I haven't accomplished anything yet. See me in three years after graduation and we'll see," Chloe replied modestly.
Everyone chuckled at that as Almonte said, "Well, good luck with your studies. I expect that you'll go as far in the Navy as your father did," he said winking at John. With that, he turned around and left.
After the Marshalls had dessert and coffee, Chloe said, "I'll get the kids and drive across to Nana & Pop's house and we'll settle in for the night. You guys have fun at the party." She pointed into the bar where the club's 4th of July DJ Dance party was in swing.
Chloe gave out hugs to her parents and grandparents before she turned to walk away.
"What do you say, Ginger, want to show these kids how we swing dance?" John asked taking Sarah's hand.
"Lead on Fred," Sarah said leading her husband in. Jim and Maureen followed behind. They found a table in a corner and ordered drinks. It wasn't long until Sarah and John heard Michael Bublé's version of a song they liked and they got up to dance.
As John held Sarah close, he sang softly into her ear, "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You".
They stayed out on the dance floor when the DJ put on another Michael Bublé song, "Sway".
"A Tango!" Sarah and John said happily together.
They proceeded to take over the middle of the dance floor as the other dancers recognized their expert dance skills. It wasn't as flamboyant as their wedding dance due to Sarah's uniform skirt not being loose enough for her to go as low as she usually did. Still, they danced to their satisfaction. When the song ended, the other party-goers gave them a round of applause.
The Marshalls enjoyed the dance party for a couple of hours until Sarah started getting tired. They left and spent the next day and two nights with John's parents before they drove to Annapolis on Thursday.
Thursday, July 6, 2006
1530 Local Time
US Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD
The Marshalls arrived at the apartment at Annapolis late Thursday afternoon and dropped Chloe off at her dormitory. When she walked upstairs, she found Justin waiting for her at her room she shared with Andrea.
Seeing there was no one else in the hallway, Chloe pushed Justin through the doorway to just inside her room and wrapping her arms around his neck, gave him a deep kiss. Justin reciprocated by wrapping his arms around her and kissed her back. When they came up for air Justin lowered his hands to rest on her butt and said, "I love our reunion kisses."
"Yeah, well kisses are all we can have until after graduation. I intend to remain a virgin until our wedding night Mr. Maxwell. So, let's be careful," Chloe replied making a show of moving his hands off her rear end.
"Aye, aye ma'am," Justin replied as he locked up to attention. As Chloe rolled her eyes, he relaxed and asked her, "So, how was your family weekend?"
"Great, we had a nice relaxing time. Where are Andrea and Mike?"
"They left just before you arrived, on their way to the mess hall. Do you want to join them?"
"Yeah, dad drove nonstop from Far Rockaway and I'm starving."
With that, the couple set off for the mess hall. They met Andrea and Mike as they were on the line. When they all found their usual table, Andrea asked Chloe the same question as Justin.
"It was great and I got some news."
"What did you find out?" Andrea asked.
"My Dad is retiring from the Navy."
"No kidding. What's he gonna do?" Mike asked.
"Work for Senator Obama as his military & foreign affairs advisor. His retirement takes effect this September 1. He and Mom are planning to have the retirement Dining Out at the Army-Navy Club in DC. Dad said you're all invited."
"Cool way to start the last holiday before classes," Andrea replied.
The foursome ate their dinner with pleasant conversation. They returned to their dorms to prepare for the next day before they settled in for the night.
Friday, July 7, 2006
1400 Local Time
US Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD
The Marshall family sat with the families of the new midshipman in the reviewing stand watching the welcoming ceremonies. After Sarah gave her keynote speech, the Academy Commandant gave the plebes the oath of office. Then the plebes were led off to their dormitories. Sarah stood on the edge of the parade ground and looked on proudly as Chloe led her platoon away.
As Sarah looked on, John approached with their children and sidled up to her saying, "We got some girl, huh."
"Yes, we do. Justin's a lucky guy to have her. She's gonna marry that boy"
"You know they're an item?"
"Yeah, of course, I do. I've known it all the time. Didn't you see it when they were in high school and Justin was coming around? Chloe's the reason he changed his choice from Colorado Springs to Annapolis. His father Steve didn't like, it but he understood and got over it when Justin said he was still majoring in Pre-Med."
"Yeah, there's that. I hope Chloe is smart enough to know that she'll have to wait until after graduation. "
"She is. We've already had a talk about that," Sarah said confidently.
"Well, thanks for that. As long as she remembers her responsibilities."
"She will. What say, Mr. Sailor, want to join me for lunch with the rest of the faculty?"
"Lead on Mrs. Marine," John replied offering his arm.
Sarah hooked her arm through his and they walked off the parade ground.
Monday, July 10, 2006
0930 Local Time
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, MD
Unlike when she worked at JAG Headquarters, Jennifer Rabb stayed on the job during her internship to achieve her psychology doctorate.
Still, she was getting frustrated that her twins were reluctant to join the world. She was a week from her due date and she was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable.
She was sitting in a conference moderated by Dr. McCool going over the latest batch of patient reviews when she felt a very hard kick.
She yelped, "Whoa, guys give me a break here."
Vera looked to Jennifer with a smile and asked, "Jennifer are you in labor?"
"I don't think so. This was just a kick… "Yeow! Yeah, now I think I am in labor. That was a contraction."
"That's it people, dismissed. Let's get you down to maternity Jennifer."
At that Vera and another colleague walked on either side of Jen as they walked out of the conference room.
When they reached the reception desk, Jen told the nurse whose nameplate read, Olivia, "I'm in labor. I've only had one contraction so faaar…" That was as far as she got as another contraction hit her.
Olivia got up and ran from behind the desk with a wheelchair. She had Jen sit down and then she wheeled her into a labor room. She summoned two more nurses along with her. They got Jen onto the bed, pulled the privacy curtain and started removing her uniform. They put on the hospital gown and had her lie down.
Just as Jen lay back, she bolted back up when she felt another contraction.
"So, your contractions are about seven minutes apart. On the ten scale, what number is the pain?" Olivia asked.
"Eleven", Jen replied between pants.
"Okay, we paged Dr. Baldwin. She should be here any…"
"I'm here now," Dr./Captain Eve Baldwin said as she breezed into the room. "Okay Ensign Rabb, let's see how much you're dilated."
After performing the examination, Eve said, "Well Jennifer, you're not dilated enough. It's going to be a long labor. It's not too late to get an epidural."
"I say that's a good idea," Jen confirmed between pants.
Eve set everything up to relieve Jennifer's pain.
In the meantime, Vera McCool notified Sergei. Just as Eve finished giving Jennifer the first dose of her pain medication when Sergei practically burst into the room.
"Jennishka, are you alright?"
"Yes, dear. I only went into labor is all. We've been through this before with Tammy. But this time we're doing it twice."
"How long did Dr. Baldwin say before they come?"
"Well, I'm not dilated enough. She just gave me the epidural."
"Did anyone call The Marshalls and other Rabbs?"
"No, not yet. Why don't you do that and call Trish and Frank as well?"
Sergei went to make his calls while Jennifer sat back. She could see each contraction as it played out on the paper tape spooling from the natal monitor.
Jennifer's labor went on for the next ten hours. It was about 1930 when her contraction started occurring about 10 seconds apart. It was then that Eve came in to examine her and came away saying, "Okay Jennifer, you're ready to deliver, the first baby is crowning."
"About fucking time," Jennifer cursed. The epidural had worn off about two hours ago as her contractions got closer together.
The nurses wheeled Jennifer into the delivery room and helped her onto the table. Sergei went to get cleaned, gowned, and masked then took his place at Jennifer's side.
Eve took her place in front of Jennifer's splayed legs. "Okay, the head's out a bit. Jennifer, I want you to take a breath and push. Sergei count to ten along with that."
Jennifer took her breath and pushed. She could feel her vaginal walls expanding as the baby's head moved down the birth canal.
"Okay Stop! The head is out. Let me suction."
Everyone was thrilled to hear the baby's first cries.
Eve then instructed, "Take another breath and so you can clear the shoulders."
As Jennifer pushed, Eve reached her fingers in and helped get the shoulders out. As soon as the shoulders cleared the rest of the baby slipped out to reveal, "A Girl. We have a girl. Time of birth 2038 hours. What's her name going to be?"
"Patricia Elizaveta. We will call her Trisha after her grandmother," Sergei replied.
The nurses took Trisha away to get cleaned. In the meantime, Jennifer was feeling more contractions as her second child was getting ready to enter the world.
"Well, the first one has paved the way. Let's do an ultrasound to see where the second baby is," Eve announced.
After looking at the ultrasound, Eve said, "Okay number two is on his or her way down to the birth canal. It's not in distress. We'll let nature take its course."
It was about twenty minutes later when the second baby started to crown.
"Okay Jennifer, just like before, take a breath and push. Dad, count down for her."
As before Jennifer pushed her second child out. She felt that this push was easier as the first one had already passed through. When the baby emerged, Eve announced, "We have a boy; time of birth 2110 hours."
Jennifer was crying as the pain ceased. She was emotional as she felt that she had accomplished one of the greatest feat any woman could accomplish, delivering two babies in one birth.
After the nurses cleaned him off, they brought him along with his sister for Jennifer to hold.
Eve asked, "Do we have a name for our young man?"
"Franklin Alexei, after his grandfather. We'll call him Frank," Jennifer announced.
"Thank you so much Dr. Baldwin," Sergei said looking up from his wife and children.
"You're welcome Sergei & Jennifer. It was my pleasure," Eve replied with her own watery smile.
The nurses swaddled the babies placing a pink wool cap on Trisha's head and a blue cap on Frank's. Then they put them in the same isolette. After Jennifer delivered the afterbirth, given the post-birth care, and was cleaned up, she was transferred back to a bed and wheeled with her twins into their new room. As she settled in, the Rabbs and Marshalls along with Tammy came calling.
"Congratulations Jennifer," Sarah said as she leaned in to give her a hug and kiss. When she disengaged Sarah and went to look at the twins, John brought Tammy to sit at her mother's side on the bed. He gave Jen the obligatory hug and kiss and let Diane lean in to get her affections in.
"Are you gonna hold the babies mommy?"
"Yes, sweetie as soon as daddy and Uncle Harm give them to me," Jen replied reaching her arms out.
When Harm and Sergei each took a baby and settled them into their mother's arms, John took his digital camera out and said, "Okay let's get a photo of the now extended Rabb family. Sergei go to the other side from Tammy."
As the younger Rabb family posed, John took a few photos.
"You'll pick the best for framing," John said as he put the camera away.
As the large family talked and gushed on about the babies, Jennifer's colleagues came calling, with Vera McCool leading the way. As she saw the babies cradled in their mother's arms, she let out a cry of, "Oh my lord Jennifer, they are so beautiful."
The rest of the staff all agreed as they got their looks in. As the large group talked amongst themselves, albeit in hushed tones, the twins just slept on.
"See they're getting used to being in company. That means that they'll be fine when the cousins are around," Diane declared.
As she said that, the floor nurse came in. At seeing the large group, she smiled but still said in a stern tone, "Alright all of you but daddy and big sister out. We have to bring in the lactation nurse."
As she ushered everyone out, Sarah and Diane promised Jenn and Sergei, "We'll see you at home later this week."
"Looking forward to it," Sergei replied. Then he turned to settle in with his family.
Friday, September 1, 2006
1930 Local Time
Army Navy Club
Farragut Square
901 Seventeenth Street, NW,
Washington, DC
The time came for John's retirement dining out. Even though it was formal/assigned seating, it was also "kid-friendly" as John and Sarah wanted their children and their cousins to participate in the festivities.
The guest list included the extended Marshall/Rabb/Burnett Family and colleagues, including Sydney & AJ Chegwidden back from Italy. There was President and Dr. Bartlett, Senator & Michelle Obama. Senator and Mrs. Manetti, SECNAV Sheffield, and Mrs. Sheffield along with the higher Navy and Marine brass that worked with John.
Harm as Mr. Vice and master-of-ceremonies stood at the main entrance to announce, "Ladies and gentlemen, our guest of honor and family." Then he opened the double doors wide.
At that, from outside the dining hall in the entrance foyer, the US Naval Academy Pipes and Drums band struck up the drum introduction that went into "Anchors Aweigh". The band marched in and formed a circle around the dance floor. There was a space between the marchers at the entrance for the Marshall family to come in. Caroline and Patrick walked hand-in-hand in front of Chloe who was holding Davey's hand. They all waved at the audience who were applauding. The applause got louder as Sarah and John walked in hand-in-hand. As they stopped at their seats at the main table, the music ended.
Harm stayed in front of the table and raised the glass set for him and started the traditional beginning toast;
"Would you all please raise your glasses as we salute our leaders."
When everyone had their hands filled with glasses and raised in salute, Harm continued, "To the President of the United States."
"To the President of the United States!" the rest of the company repeated.
There were brief sips as the company still held their glasses up awaiting the next toast.
Harm didn't keep them waiting long as he continued, "To our guest of honor Rear Admiral Upper Half John Patrick Marshall and Mrs. Colonel Sarah Marshall. Today we honor John on the occasion of his retirement. We salute his and Mrs. Marshall's service. May we always remember that serving one's country is the ultimate expression of love for family, friends, and neighbors."
"HEAR, HEAR," The Company intoned.
After that, the party settled down. The Army-Navy Clubhouse band provided dinner music. After everyone ate the dance music started.
The first song the band struck up was the Sinatra classic, "The Way You Look Tonight". John got up to lead Sarah out onto the dance floor for the first dance.
Everyone stood at their chairs and on the edge of the dance floor to watch the happy couple move expertly around the floor. John's Mom, Maureen, and sister, Ann Marie clutched each other's arms and showed watery smiles as they saw the big smile John had as he looked at his Sarah. Ann Marie whispered into her mother's ear, "He did it, Mom. He made it through the Navy just like he wanted. He did it his way." Maureen nodded wordlessly and squeezed Ann Marie's arm a little tighter.
When the song ended, John cupped Sarah's cheeks, leaned in, and gave her a long kiss. Sarah reciprocated and wrapping her arms around her husband, deepened the kiss. During the kiss, John bent her back into a dip.
It was the sound of the "Ahem" from Chloe that broke them out of their clinch. Chloe was standing by the band holding the microphone and went on with "Geez, get a room. Every time we do one of these things, you two find a way to get it on.
After the obligatory laughter from the guests subsided, Chloe continued, "Now go back to your table and have a seat. Mattie and our cousins have a surprise for you."
Sarah and John watched as the Rabb, Marshall, and Matthews cousins went to stand behind Chloe in front of the band. Caroline had her violin and Les (Little Sarah Rabb) had her guitar. A lone bagpiper took up position beside the band.
When Mattie came up, the band leader handed her another microphone. She picked up from Chloe's wink with, "For the past month Mom, Aunt Ann Marie, and Aunt Jen have been getting us cousins, even Tammy and Davey, here to rehearse the song we are about to sing." She handed the story back to Chloe.
"It's a love letter to Mom and Dad commemorating not only Dad's retirement from the Navy but also Mom's continuing service in the Marines. So, for your pleasure, we sing "The Parting Glass".
Chloe turned to the cousins and instructed, "This is it, guys. Sing loud ." Then she and Mattie began the first acapella verse:
Of all the money that e'er I had
I spent it in good company
And all the harm that er' I did
Alas, it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be to you all
(Chorus:) So fill to me the parting glass
And gather as the evening falls
Then gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be to you all"
Of all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be to you all"
(Chorus:) So fill to me the parting glass
And gather as the evening falls
Then gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be to you all"
Since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be to you all"
(Chorus:) Fill to me the parting glass
And gather as the evening falls
Then gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be to you all"
Fill to me the parting glass
And gather as the evening falls
Then gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
Good night and joy be to you all
The children sang the song perfectly with Caroline and Les playing their instruments expertly. When it was over the applause was thunderous. During the sustained applause, Sarah and John got up and went around the table. Sarah got to Chloe first and tightly embraced her. She didn't even bother to stop the happy tears from running down her cheeks. John wasn't any better as she embraced Mattie. After he released Mattie, he went to hug his oldest.
After he and Sarah hugged and kissed the rest of the cousins in thanks, John took the microphone to say, "Wow, what a surprise. That's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for Sarah and me. Thank you, kids."
There was more applause. After the children went back to sit with their parents, John and Sarah went hand-in-hand and started to mingle with their guests. When they reached the Senators' table, Michelle embraced them and said, "You have exceptional children. Was that your daughter playing the violin?"
"Sarah replied, "Yes. Caroline took it up pretty quickly when she turned four years. Her music teacher thinks she's a prodigy."
"Are you ready to work in the senate, John?" Senator Obama asked.
"I sure am. If I can deal with and take out terrorists, I think can handle recalcitrant senators and representatives."
"See he's already got the hang of things," Senator George Manetti said with a chuckle.
"How are Tracy and David doing in Japan Senator?" Sarah asked.
"They're doing just fine. Mother and I spoke with them last week. Tracy is three weeks along with their second baby," Mrs. Manetti announced.
"Thar's wonderful," Sarah exclaimed as she went to embrace Mrs. Manetti and the senator.
After that Sarah and John shared in the good news, they continued mingling, accepting congratulations from the company.
When they sat back down for dessert and coffee, Harm came up to offer the last toast.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the Mess." Harm began holding his glass up.
"The President of the mess!"
"We wrote your name in the sky, but the wind blew it away. We wrote your name in the sand, but the ocean washed it away. We wrote your name in our hearts and forever it will stay. We honor a career that was worked to the full. We honor a spirit now free. You'll long be remembered whenever we say, Fair Winds and a Following Sea."
There wasn't a dry eye as the company drained their glasses and then launched into sustained applause.
Sarah and John embraced and shared a kiss before he went around the table to share a brotherly embrace with Harm.
He took the mic and began, "Thanks Harm, that was a lovely toast. And thank you all for coming as I segue into the next phase in my career of service to our country. As most of you know and the rest of you are finding out, after a brief week's vacation, I will begin working in Senator Obama's office as his Military and Foreign Affairs advisor. So, it's still onward and upward from here. I will still see you all as we will still live in DC. So, this is not goodbye, but, see you around.
There was applause and cheers of "Hear, hear."
After a bit more dancing, Sarah and John gathered their children and started to leave. As the Marshalls gathered to walk out, Ann Marie, then Mark, and Matt stood to applaud their brother. They were very quickly joined by the company. After they ushered the kids through the door, Sarah and John turned and waved back. The applause was still going on as the door shut behind them.