Fall 1959
Granny had not seen Timothy in awhile. In fact, Patrick had not called in a few weeks. Every week, typically Wednesday or Thursday, he would call and discussed the weekend. Often the call would be to give her notice that Timothy had obligations and could not visit.
As Thursday evening drew on she decided to place the call herself.
Shelagh answered and Granny greeted her and asked to speak to Patrick.
"He is not at home, Mrs. Parker. I expect he will be out quite late."
"I was hoping to speak to him about Timothy coming for a visit. I have not seen him in over a month."
"I can pass along that you called."
"I suppose that Timothy has gone to bed."
"Yes, he has."
"I waited too long to call. Is there a reason for Patrick not calling me? I typically hear from him like clockwork."
"I really can't say?"
"Is he working to hard?"
"No more than usual...I am sorry but I can't make arrangements for you and Timothy without conferring with Patrick."
"I have never known Patrick to keep Timothy from seeing me. Perhaps if he does not want him to stay overnight, you could bring him for an afternoon...or I could come visit you."
"I will speak to Patrick."
"Shelagh is everything okay? He can be moody...he certainly was last year."
"Was he?"
"Yes, it very much had to do with you."
"I will speak to Patrick. Thank you Mrs. Parker. Good-bye."
She sense that something was not right with the newlyweds. She knew they loved each other. She wondered how she could help.
Patrick did not call again, but Shelagh did.
"Could I bring Timothy to visit on Saturday afternoon?"
"Of course. I will be happy to see you both."
When they arrived, she greeted them. She and Shelagh sat for tea and Granny suggested Timothy take his biscuits and go get some fresh air in the garden.
Before he left, he said, "Ask her why Dad is in such a bad mood. They don't think I notice, but I do."
When she turned from Timothy to Shelagh, her eyes were looking down at her tea cup.
"I guess someone should have told you that he can be very moody. Marianne described him as chasing demons. There were times when he would be in a bad mood and would hide in his work. I saw some of that as he grieved...and again last year while you were away."
"Did she ever find out what the demons were?"
"No if they were real, he never told her. I imagine he would not have told anyone. Is that what is bothering you? That he won't tell you what's wrong?"
"I know what's wrong...he just refuses to discuss it."
"He is not a man of many words."
"No, I suppose not. But he was so good at comforting me, but he will not allow it in return."
"Comfort you? Are you not well?"
"We discovered that because of my illness I am not able to have children."
"Oh...I am sorry. I imagine that is very painful... for Patrick as well...he always wanted more children."
"We have completed paperwork to adopt. I am just not sure if that will happen."
"Oh it will. Everything will right itself. You have been through so much in the past year."
"We have."
"Marriage is not easy, but you have love and that is what matters."
"Yes."
"He is a good man."
Shortly after Timothy returned to the house and joined them.
"Did you hear... our choir will be singing in a festival?"
"No, tell me about that."
Shelagh explained how she was directing the Poplar Choral Society and had entered it in the choral festival.
She said, "Timothy plays the piano for us."
"That is wonderful. I did not know that you were musical too."
"I can sing, but I do not play any instruments. Timothy has the real talent."
"Granny, you should hear her sing. She is better than singing on records."
"Oh Timothy," Shelagh said embarrassed.
"Well you have a fan," Granny said.
"Timothy is a very sweet boy," Shelagh added.
When it was time to leave, Granny hugged each of them.
As she hugged Shelagh she whispered, "Just love him. He will come around. I know he loves you."
"Thank you," Shelagh whispered back.
Granny was concerned about Patrick. She had thought her worrying days were over, but she should have known better.
She held onto the most exciting part of the visit...the possible adoption. A new baby in the family would be wonderful.
Anyone who knew Granny well knew she often involved herself where she shouldn't. She normally never called Patrick at the surgery, but knew he could be reach there in the morning.
She could tell he was distracted when he answered, "Turner."
"Patrick Turner! You have been avoiding me," she said quite crossly.
"Have I?"
"You tell me. You have not called in weeks. It's only for your wife, that I have seen my grandson for an afternoon."
"I am sorry. I have been busy."
"Are you forgetting who you are speaking to? I know you."
"What is it you want me to say?"
"What I want is for you to snap out of it, this...mood you are in before you ruin the best thing you have going for you."
"Mood. Who said anything about a mood."
"Your son did and I know you well enough to know exactly what he was talking about. I observed a few too many of your moods last fall."
"Timothy said something."
"If you think the boy doesn't notice, you are wrong. Your poor little wife doesn't know what to think. Marianne never knew what demons you were chasing, but I suggest that you do not repeat that mistake. Share whatever it is that bothers you with your wife. She, like you, is a healer. She will help you."
"Why are you always so right?"
"Because I am a very smart woman."
Patrick laughed.
She continued, "So when can I see my grandson?"
"Right now he is busy with Shelagh and the choral festival," pausing he continued, "We received a post this morning that you should know about."
"Oh…"
"We have been approved by the adoption agency."
"Oh how wonderful! Shelagh must be over the moon!"
"I hope so."
"Well if she isn't, it is your job as her husband to make sure she is happy."
"You are right."
"Of course. Good-bye love."
When she hung up she felt better. She did what she could. More importantly she was thrilled to hear of the forthcoming adoption.
One Sunday afternoon her phone rang. It was Timothy and he had the most wonderful news!