Chapter 4
PART 1
The days went by and finally the day came when Jeremy was going to be coming back to the states to start his recovery. Denise and Frank got up early that morning in anticipation. Denise made breakfast for the both of them. The two of them just sat at the kitchen table picking at their eggs, and sipping coffee. They were both feeling the same things: happiness that their son was home and alive, and a great sadness for the amount of pain and the long recovery that Jeremy had ahead. Finally Denise broke the silence.
"What time is the plane coming in? " Denise knew the answer to the question but she could not stand the silence any longer.
"1100 hours." Frank said not looking up from his coffee.
"He is then going straight to the hospital, right?" Denise continued to probe already knowing the answers.
"Yes, that is the plan. Then we will also go to the hospital and talk with the doctors, and hopefully talk to Jeremy."
"Frank, I have been thinking that I should quit my job at the hospital, to take care of Jeremy here at home."
"Dee, I do not think that you need to quit your job, you love being a nurse! And besides, we both know that Jeremy is going to be in the hospital and rehab for a very long time. Do not quit. And besides you can keep an eye on him while you are at the hospital."
"I guess you are right. It is just I feel so helpless right now."
PART 2
Denise and Frank arrived at the air strip around 1030 hours, and to their surprise everyone was there waiting for Jeremy. Roxy, Trevor, Pamela, Mike, Claudia Joy, Amanda, and Roland were all there.
"You all did not need to be here. They are just going to unload Jeremy and take him directly to the hospital." Denise said.
"We know, but we still wanted to be here to support you both." Roxy spoke the same sentiment that everyone else was thinking.
They all stood in silence staring at the tarmac. Then finally the moment came when they saw the plane land. After the plane landed the cargo hatch opened, and out came a number of stretchers with wounded soldiers on them. Finally a medic came up to the group and asked where the Major and Mrs. Sherwood were, because their son was asking for them. This made Denise feel a sense of relief that her son was asking for them. Frank and Denise were escorted to Jeremy's stretcher, and the medic announced Frank's and Denise's presence.
"Mom, is that you? Dad? I am sorry I got hurt." Jeremy's voice was almost a whisper, but still audible nonetheless.
"Jeremy, we are here. Why are you sorry?" Denise's voice cracked with emotion. Before Jeremy could answer the question, the medics took him to an ambulance to transport him to the hospital.