Her sister, Betty had been abroad visiting her daughter in America since before the new year. It had been well over two months since she had spoken to her. Upon her return, she came for a visit. She was full of stories of her of her travels and her grandchildren.
"What has kept you busy while I was away."
"Well I had Timothy and Angela for a full month. It was delightful."
"Why ever did you do that?" her sister asked shocked.
"Because Patrick and Shelagh went to help at a mission in South Africa."
"But why would you care for a child belonging to her?"
"By her, you mean Patrick's wife. Why would I have ill will towards her? She did not steal Patrick away from my daughter. Marianne was stolen away from me and Patrick and Timothy by a fate that we could not control. Besides Angela is Timothy's sister and he adores her."
"But to be reminded that she had been replaced."
"I do not think of Shelagh as replacing Marianne. To me she is caring for those Marianne loved and left behind. Timothy loves her and she loves him. I knew that the first time I met her before they had married."
"I never understood the decisions you make. I still do not understand why you went to that wedding," Betty said in a rather disgusted way.
"Because Timothy asked me to come from his hospital bed. Whether you understand or not, Angela is my granddaughter. They are my family all of them."
"tsk," and with that the subject was changed.
Later alone she remembered that it was not easy coming to such acceptance of Patrick and his family. Attending his wedding was one of the hardest things she had ever done.
She only went because Timothy asked her and she would never disappoint. She felt so proud watching Timothy walk down the aisle next to his father both dressed so smartly.
She remembered a younger Patrick in a different church ready to pledge his love to Marianne, but that day it was not her daughter that he turned to see walked down the aisle.
The look on his face nearly knock her back into her seat. There was no questioned that he loved this woman who was to be his new wife. She felt sorrow, but also joy. She had worried so about Patrick and Timothy, but that was in the past. They would be taken care of and loved the way they needed.
The party following the wedding was a small event held in a hall not too far from the church. The All Saints Parish Hall had recently been torn down. There was a beautiful cake and an array of sweets.
Most of the guest seemed to be from the East End and knew each other. She stayed close by Timothy who had settled in a chair.
A nun approach and spoke to him, "Timothy, you are walking wonderfully."
"Thank you Sister...Have you met my Granny Parker?"
"I have, but it has been some time. It is so nice to see you Mrs. Parker. The last we spoke was on the telephone Christmas Eve."
"Oh yes! Thank you for notifying me of Timothy's illness."
"Granny, Sister Julienne came to see me in the hospital too."
"We all care about Timothy's welfare. He and Dr. Turner are part of our Nonnatus family."
"I remember the care you gave my daughter."
"I remember that very difficult time and have kept you and Dr. Turner and Timothy in our prayers."
"But you hardly even know me."
"You are Timothy's family and you are grieving your daughter. I have to imagine this day has been difficult for you."
Realizing that Timothy was deep in conversation with a friend, she responded as she looked across the room and saw the happy couple together, "It has been. My sister can't understand why I chose to be here. I came because Timothy invited me. I always knew that Patrick would remarry. The man is hopeless on his own."
Both women laughed and she continued, "I can tell she loves my grandson and that is all that matters to me."
"I can attest that she has been looking out for Timothy for a long time now. Perhaps that was what Doctor first noticed about her. I do know this was not how I expect my prayers for them to be answered. Of course HE knows what we do not," she looked up as she said those last words.
"I have spent some time with her while visiting Timothy and I truly like her. Since my daughter can't be here for them, I am glad they have her."
"They are lucky to have you as well. Timothy will always need you as a part of his life. Shelagh will ensure your relationship continues."
"He is staying with me tonight, but Patrick is nervous about having him away longer."
"That will change as Timothy gets stronger. Besides Dr. Turner will not take more than a day for himself even for a honeymoon," Sister said candidly.
She thought it was slightly odd that Sister would make reference to her former sister having a honeymoon.
"Granny, we should go over and get some cake," Timothy suggested.
"Thank you Sister for your kind words."
"You are most welcome. I hope to see you often now that we truly are all family."
She and Timothy slowly crossed the room to the cake. Timothy was stopped by well wishers. She again watched the newlyweds. The way Patrick looked at his new wife with so much love and devotion made her assured that this was meant to be.
Patrick put her and Timothy into a taxi. She could tell he was worried and assured him, "Patrick, he will be fine. Enjoy yourself. You deserve happiness."
As they drove away she thought no matter what her sister, Betty thought she was glad she went to the wedding. She smiled down at her very tired grandson.
Now almost three years later, she felt only joy for Patrick and his family. She was glad she did not tell her sister that both children were coming for an overnight visit this Saturday.