16 Pregnant & The Mom

Ch. 18 The Bad & The Good

Author's note: Thank you for reviewing. This chapter is a little bit of a tear jerker. I felt the need to write more about Dave's sister and Mom. Also the religious information is a mix of info online and from my own Methodist roots. The next chapter will skip in the future a little bit. Hope you enjoy.

Cindy

(Dave's point of view)

No matter how old you are your Mom is always an important person in your life. She is the person who cares for you the most. I grew up with just my Mom, sister, and myself. My Father left us when my sister was young. I quickly became the man of the house. My Mom was a hard worker. I learned to cook and clean so I could help out.

"David you need to come to the hospital. Momma is in the ICU." My sister Karen said shocking me.

"Erin I have to go to the hospital." I said as I ended the call.

"What's wrong Dave?" Melissa asked concerned.

"My Momma is ill. It sounds bad." I answered trying to stay calm.

"I'll go with you." Erin said.

"My sister won't be nice to you." I responded knowingly.

"I can handle it." Erin said.

"Gina Rossi?" I asked as we arrived at the hospital front desk.

"ICU 3rd floor." The woman said.

"Did your sister say how bad your Mom is?" Erin asked me.

"Let's put it this way last time I didn't find out she was sick until she was well enough to call me herself." I answered.

"I'm right here if you need anything." Erin said hugging me.

"David." Karen yelled as she saw me.

"Hello Karen." I said trying to be polite.

"Who is this wife number four?" Karen asked snobbishly.

"How is Momma? Why is she here?" I asked deciding not to fight with her.

"Why do you care? When was the last time you even saw her? Does she even know this woman?" Karen questioned quickly.

"I saw Momma less than a week ago. I love Momma. Momma has never turned her back on me. And yes she and Erin have met. She also met Erin's children and granddaughter." I yelled trying to calm down.

"David maybe we should ask a nurse about your Mother?" Erin suggested pulling me back.

"Hey lady this is my family you need to butt out." Karen said to Erin.

"You need to calm down. David is my family." Erin said extremely calm.

"Excuse me Mrs. Brown has your brother arrived yet?" A nurse asked.

"I'm David Rossi how is my mother doing?" I asked the nurse.

"Why don't you and your friend join me for a moment?" The nurse suggested.

"She's not family." Karen yelled at the nurse.

"We have been known to make exceptions and Mrs. Rossi asked to see Agent Rossi and his friend when they arrived." The nurse informed Karen.

"Fine but he isn't allowed to make any decisions about Mom without me." Karen whined as we walked away.

"I wish I had better news. Your Mother had a massive heart attack. Due to her age the doctor's believe surgery will kill her right away. The issue is without surgery she will probably have another heart attack and not make it." The nurse explained.

"She'll die either way?" I asked as Erin's gripe on my hand tightens.

"Yes I'm afraid so. She'll be please to see you." The nurse said.

"Does she know?" I asked.

"Yes and she understands she said she would rather not even try to have the surgery and enjoy the time she has left." The nurse answered.

"I need a second." I said.

"Take your time she is in room three. Let me know if you need anything." The nurse said walking away.

I can't do this." I said to Erin.

"Yes you can. You have to. I'll be right beside you every step of the way." Erin said.

My Momma looked so pale. She also looked frail. I did my best to hide my tears. Erin stood strongly next to me. My Mom opened her eyes as I took her hand.

"David." Momma said softly.

"Hello Momma." I said as my voice cracked.

"Don't be sad son. Death is a part of life. I am so proud of you. You have a wonderful career and a wonderful family." Momma said.

"It's all because of you Momma." I said as she smiled.

"Erin promise me you'll take care of my boy." Momma said to her.

"I promise." Erin said softly as I hugged my Momma.

Two days later my Momma was gone. The funeral was very nice. My Momma had planned it all. The flowers were red roses. The music was all Italian. Erin and Melissa sat next to me during the service. Garrett and Amber sat beside Melissa. The team also attended. My sister actually stayed away the whole day. The one time my sister approached me Penelope distracted her.

[Three more days later]

Today is Molly's christening. Melissa offered to post pone it. I knew Momma wouldn't want that. I told Melissa to go ahead. Erin said she was so proud of me. She's been at my side non-stop. I knew without her I would have fallen apart.

I was glad the team had all taken some time off. I tried my best to focus on Molly. I kept thinking of the gift I found that Momma had bought for today. I decided to wrap it.

I gave it to Melissa before the service. She cried as she opened the knitted cross that could be hung on the wall of Molly's room. Melissa hugged me. I knew Momma would be so happy at how much Melissa loved her gift. I knew this way Molly would have a piece of Momma.

"I would like us all to make a circle around Molly, Garrett, Amber, and Melissa." The Priest said.

"Now what?" Garrett asked softly.

"Do you reject Satan?" The Priest asked Garrett, Amber, and Melissa.

"We do." They all answered together.

"And all of his works?" The Priest asked Garrett, Amber, and Melissa.

"We do." They answered again.

"And all his empty promises?" The Priest asked Garrett, Amber, and Melissa.

"We do." They all said for the final time.

"The Child Molly Erin Strauss is washed of all sins. She will be raised to a new life of Christ. We all will help in Molly's Spiritual upbringing." The Priest said.

"Garrett Andrew and Amber Marie Strauss are named the godparents." Melissa announced.

"Do you Garrett Andrew promise to help bring Molly up in a life with Christ?" The Priest asked.

"Yes I will." Garrett answered.

"Do you Amber Marie promise to help bring Molly up in a life with Christ?" The Priest asked.

"I will." Amber answered.

"And will all present agree to help Molly to feel and believe in the presents of Christ?" The Priest asked.

"We will." Everyone answered.

There was a prayer. Then a quick song. The service ended a short time later. I had arranged a nice dinner for everyone at one my favorite restaurants. All of us had a wonderful time.

I gave Melissa an angel necklace for Molly once she's older. Everyone had brought gifts. Later in the day I noticed Kendall and Melissa talking. It looked serious. Then she blushed and he kissed her.