A Chance for a Better Life
Chapter Nine
The weather changed faster than expected and despite the fact that Frank and Mary wanted Jamie to get out more they were more worried about him getting sick. Frank decides that he can still help Jamie. He was able to schedule some time in the St. Brendan's gymnasium so they could practice. Joe and Danny joined when they could.
"School sucked today." Jamie said as he took at three-point shot.
That statement surprised Frank. Danny hated school and said things like that all the time, but Jamie always thought going to school was special. "What happened?"
"Everyone's talking about the school dance, and I know I can't go." Jamie took another shot but missed this time. "I'm so tired of being sick."
"You've come a long way. You start the last phase of your treatment next week." Frank paused. Maybe he or Mary could chaperone the dance so they could watch Jamie and if they saw something wrong, they could take him home. "When's the dance?"
"In a couple weeks."
Frank took a couple shots. He didn't want to say anything until he talked to Mary and Jamie's doctors.
Jamie grabbed a rebound and made the shot. "Can I go to the station with you again this weekend?"
"I think that we can make it work. Why do you like coming to the station with me so much?" Frank wanted to know so he could make his experience better each time, but he knew Mary disliked that Jamie wanted so often. She'd already decided that he wasn't going to go into the family business. Frank had to keep reminding her that what Jamie decided to do with his life wasn't her choice or his, but Jamie's.
"I like talking to all the different kinds of officers. I like how everyone has a purpose and that everyone helps each other."
Frank listened to what Jamie was saying and he knew he needed to tell Mary and talk to his dad and see if Jamie could spend some time at 1PP with him. Mary said she was going to take him to the courthouse to watch a trial. Jamie focused so much on what his future looked like they wanted him to know his options.
Jamie's next appointment went great, and he was onto the next phase of his treatment. Things had been better since his transplant. As long as he didn't have any setbacks, he should be able to start high school without worrying about being sick.
A year later it was time for Linda and Danny's wedding. They waited until they were both finished with school and had sometime adjust to life as adults. Linda was now working as a Registered Nurse in the children's oncology ward at Mount Sinai hospital. She's happy that soon Jamie will only be coming in a couple times a year for his checkups.
The morning of the wedding Danny was nervous. There wasn't any denying that before Linda he didn't stay in a relationship too long. He liked clubbing didn't like the idea of being tied down, but Linda changed everything. He was afraid that he wasn't going to screw it up. Joe's his best man and Jamie and Jimmy, Linda's brother were standing up for him although he was beginning to regret letting Jimmy be a part of the wedding party. Jamie's participation was important to Danny after almost losing him and the fact that he'd been so sick. Danny was happy to have a BBQ in the back yard for a bachelor party and play basketball. Jimmy wasn't happy about any of that and kept trying to get himself and Joe drunk while trying to get Jamie to drink.
"Are you okay, Danny?" Jamie could feel the anxiety coming off of his oldest brother. Joe was in the back corner trying to get Jimmy sobered up for the ceremony.
"I'm nervous. I don't want to screw up."
Jamie tried not to laugh. "You aren't gonna screw up. Linda loves you."
"Easy for you to say, you're not the one getting married."
This time Jamie couldn't help it. "I hope not, I'm just starting high school."
"Good point. You shouldn't get married until you're thirty."
At that moment Joe joined what he considered to be the fun side of the room. "Well, are you ready?"
"Yes, is Jimmy, okay?" Danny could hear Linda yelling at him for letting Jimmy get so drunk before their wedding.
The ceremony was beautiful, and Linda was gorgeous. Jamie was so proud being able to stand up for Danny. Despite the fact that Jamie had been feeling better for a while he could still get tired easily if there was enough going on, and with all of the excitement he found a chair in the back corner and fell asleep because he knew no one in the family would want to leave the wedding before the night ended.
Joe waited until after the wedding to move out again. He was afraid that Jamie may overexert himself and get sick or just need someone to talk to with all of the chaos. When he did decide to get his own place again, he decided to stay in Brooklyn, so he was at least closer to home. He found a nice apartment in Brooklyn Heights and knew that he was close enough and Jamie was old enough that he could come over on his own.
Erin enjoyed being at school, but after two years found that she missed spending more time with her family. She liked that Joe had his own apartment again and liked that all the siblings would meet there and get pizza and just hang out without the stress of their parents asking about school or anything else. She enjoyed the time that they would all spend together.
Life was hectic for Danny and Linda. Danny was walking a beat while Linda was working long hours at the hospital. Linda's schedule only allowed for her to attend two family dinners a month. She'd had a few very hard months where they'd lost three kids in two months. She couldn't deny that she watched Jamie closer when they were together. She was acutely aware of the symptoms now, and she knew that his chances of survival if he were to get sick again were much lower. She never wanted to see him that sick again. Jamie was a big part of what kept her going. All of her patients knew about her smart, strong brother-in-law who won the same battle that they were fighting. She loved telling stories about what he was doing now that he was healthy.
Joe was a rookie and loved being out on the streets. Jamie was proof that you could change someone's life just by being there for them and showing that you cared. He knew his family legacy was to become a Detective and move up through the ranks, but he really liked patrol. Jamie was always reminding him that he needed to live in the present and enjoy where he was.
Frank and Mary couldn't be happier that Jamie got to start high school without cancer treatment. He could play sports and just be a regular kid again. One thing Mary was adamant about was that Jamie would not follow in the family business. She'd loved going to his debates. He was brilliant when it came to convincing someone to see his point of view. He was so convincing with his point of view that made his opponent think that they had the idea themselves. She'd had several of his teachers talk to her about his dedication and willingness to help others.
Frank and Jamie's hard work paid off. Jamie made the varsity basketball team his freshmen year. Jamie was so happy when he came home and got to tell the family. He was actually doing something that his brothers had done. Jamie would spend an hour or two a week at the cemetery telling his mom everything going on in his life. Spending so much time in the hospital solidified more than anything that he really was a Reagan. His fears had dissipated. He was focusing on being a normal kid in high school.
Jamie had achieved a lot already in his life. He was determined to get into a good college and have a career that would make everyone proud. In addition to his volunteering, and sports Jamie was able to get his first job his junior year. He'd gotten a job as a janitor at the 12th precinct with the help from Joe. He loved it. He got to see his older brother, and he got to see the good the bad and the ugly that his dad and brothers saw everyday.
Jamie's senior year was so busy there were times that they only time he really saw his family was during Sunday dinners. Mary worried but was proud. She'd get to see him while they were volunteering together at the soup kitchen. Jamie was Shelly's assistant in managing the soup kitchen. He understood how the soup kitchen worked better than some who had been volunteering for years.
"Hey Jamie. Thanks for helping me make dinner. Are you excited for graduation?" Henry missed spending time with his youngest grandson. Henry loved all of his grandkids, but he and Jamie had a special relationship that his brothers and sister could never understand.
"Yes. Then I can concentrate on the soup kitchen and working. I need to make as much money as I can." Jamie was worried about paying for Harvard. He'd been accepted, and had already received ten scholarships, but he was worried about the overall cost of school, cost of living, food, and money for public transportation.
"You need to have fun this summer too." Henry loved Jamie so much, but he needed to have a life too. Everything would be okay and work itself out.
"That's what Joe's been bugging me about too. He's not happy how much I've been working." Jamie laughed.
Henry watched Jamie closely. He could tell that he was tired. "You have been working a lot. You have to keep up with your schoolwork."
"I have been. I'm still first in my class. I only have two weeks left until graduation. I get my homework done each night before going to work." Jamie reassured him.
"Ya know Joe's right. You have to have a life too. He wants you to create healthy habits that you can use in college."
"Grandpa, I know, and I am, but I'm gonna have to work in college. I can do it all."
"Everyone worries about you. No one wants you to get sick again." Henry was thankful every day that Jamie survived. The last thing he wanted was for Jamie's cancer to come back.
"I know, but I'm not sick anymore. I've been cancer free for years. I'm fine, and I'm going to stay that way. I go for my checkups each year, and I don't want to focus on it anymore. Mom and Dad both worry each year when I go in for my checkup. I just want everyone to stop worrying and focus on the fact that I got into Harvard, and I move to Boston in a few months."
"I think that causes your mom and dad more worry. You won't be here if something goes wrong. I know we can get there pretty quick, but it'll still take us time."
"It's the same for me. If something happens to dad, Joe, or Danny. I can't get here quick. I've dreamed of getting into Harvard since I was really little, and I can't let fear stop me." Jamie wasn't going to let any of his family's fear stop him from following his dreams.
"We know. It's gonna be hard to let you go. Be prepared for your mom to cry a lot while she's moving you into your dorm."
Jamie laughed. "I know. Every day she tells me how proud she is of me and then asks me not to leave."
"Just wait until you have kids." Henry laughed.
Jamie heard that a lot. He never really said anything after the fact because he'd learned something in history that he felt directly applied to him. He'd learned that Hitler's decedents made the decision not to have any children because they didn't want the evil to live on. He didn't want to take a chance that his kids could be psychotic and evil like Mason. It didn't make a difference to Jamie that he's been told how sweet he was his entire life; he would always fear that someday he'd snap and be just like Mason.
Two weeks later it was time for Jamie's High School Graduation, and the Reagan's were the loudest family in the stands. Jamie graduated number one in his class and is the valedictorian. He had gotten a dozen recommendation letters from his teachers and academic counselor while he had several glowing reference letters from those, he works with at the soup kitchen and the 12th precinct.
"Fellow classmates today is a day that we have been waiting for, for most of our lives. I wasn't sure that I'd ever get to see this day. We've all faced challenges to get to this point, and we've had our celebrations along the way. It doesn't matter if you've had more challenges than celebrations or more celebrations than challenges, we are all onto our next adventure. Some of us are leaving the state of New York for the first time, while others are staying closer to home and going to many of the great schools available in the city. Wherever we end up, I know we'll take the lessons that we've learned during our time here and let them guide us as we enter the real world as adults. We can't judge anyone based on their status or where they live. Helping people in our communities strengthens us and our communities. Do not forget about the forgotten people as you begin the next chapter of your lives. Don't forget any of your classmates. Good luck and have a great summer."
Jamie finishes his speech and takes a deep breath. As of this moment he's done with high school, and he can't believe it. He can hear Joe, Danny, and Erin all yelling and cheering for him. He can see his mom crying and his dad holding her and watching with a big smile on his face.
Two hours later everyone in his class has received their diplomas it was time to leave. Jamie was tired. He'd had a full day. He spent his morning talking to the first-grade class about their second-grade project working in the soup kitchen. He explained to them how important it was and why they were doing the work and what important things that they needed to focus on. He let them know that they should tell their families what they would be doing next year and if they came into the soup kitchen over the summer, he would be there three days a week to ask questions.
Jamie's first priority over the summer was to work, so he could save up money for a car and everything else he'd need. He was working nights at the 12th as a janitor, and part time days as a file clerk at the courthouse. In his spare time, he was working at the soup kitchen. It was exhausting, but he knew it was just practice for college.
Mary had a big dinner planned after Jamie's graduation ceremony. She was so happy that the entire family could be together for this very special day.
"Congratulations kid. You made it!" Danny slapped Jamie on the back.
"Thanks Danny. How's life as a detective?"
"Good, although I wish I could unsee some of the things I see each day. It's amazing how bad some people are."
"Jamie! Are you ready for a relaxing summer before you start at Harvard." Erin had just started her summer internship before her last year of law school. She knew he was planning on working but hadn't been around enough to know his true plans because her life was pretty hectic.
"I'm working, I've got two jobs this summer, Erin. Like you will be."
"Oh. I didn't know that you were gonna work that much." Erin was surprised, and worried. She loved her last summer before college.
"I have a shift tonight."
"Kid, haven't you been up since early?" Danny like everyone else worried about Jamie and even though they all worked a lot they didn't understand why Jamie felt like he had to work harder than they did. They never would understand.
"Yeah, but I'll be fine. I know you've been on three days at a time. Joe works those hours, and we know dad did too."
"But kid, you're gonna be a lawyer like Erin. You may have some long days, but you won't be working two or three days straight."
"I have to get into and a survive law school first." Jamie laughed. He knew Harvard was going to be another level.
"You'll be fine. If I can get into law school, you can. You've outdone me in every grade. I bet you're gonna get into Harvard Law." Erin said with a slight hint of jealously.
"That's what I hope, but there isn't a guarantee." Jamie had always been a realist.
"Honey you are capable of doing anything you put your mind too." Mary said as she came up behind Jamie and wrapped him in a big hug.
"Thanks mom."
"Dinners ready. Let's go eat so Jamie can catch a quick nap before his shift tonight." Joe said begrudgingly. He wanted his brother home for his graduation party, not working.
"Okay." Jamie paused. "I'll be fine, I don't need a nap."
Joe made Jamie's favorite mac and cheese while his mom made fried chicken and broccoli. Erin brought a salad and Linda and Danny brought strawberry cheesecake.
Dinner is loud and energetic. Jamie's given his graduation presents which include a black mustang from his parents. Jamie was shocked. He never dreamed that he'd receive a gift like a car.
"Oh my gosh. Mom, Dad this is amazing. Thank you so much!"
"We couldn't let you take the train to and from school. You need a car, for school and we know that you've been saving up for a car for a while. Because of that we know that you have money for to maintain it, but it's okay to ask for help too." Mary hated the idea of any of her kids struggling, but understood that struggling was part of being a young adult.
"This is amazing." Jamie's smile was so big. Today was one of the best days of his life.
"You deserve it." Frank gave Jamie a hug. He was so proud of his youngest.
Jamie was able to read a little before he fell asleep for a couple hours before his shift. What surprised him most about the car was that it was new. He knew Danny, Joe and Erin were all given cars too, but they were either used or hand me downs. His dad explained that he was given that car because he was valedictorian, and he needed a reliable car to get him home as often as he could, and he was going to school further away than anyone else had.
Jamie's last summer was busy. He'd gotten an award at the soup kitchen for the impact he'd made. His last shift at the soup kitchen was full of congratulations and tears.
"Jamie, are you ready for tomorrow?" Shelly asked. She and Mary had been talking about the next day a lot. Mary wasn't ready for her little boy to move away.
"Yeah. I'm all packed including my car. It's gonna be weird not coming here so often anymore. I'm gonna miss everyone." Jamie stared off into the kids' corner where his life changed for the better.
"It's gonna be weird without you. You're one of our longest volunteers. You make a big impact Jamie. Don't forget that." Shelly had to hold back tears.
"Thanks Shelly, and I'll be here when I'm home."
"Jamie!" Stella, a longtime patron walked down the line.
"Hi Ms. Stella, how are you today?"
"I'm doing good. I've been accepted into state housing. Thank you for your help. I don't think I'd be able to do that without you. You will be missed, but I'm so happy and proud of you."
"Congratulations! I'm so happy. Now you'll have a new start too."
"Yes. Jamie don't worry about any of us. You have to know that you've made a difference in our lives, and you are amazing."
"Thank you." Jamie blushed. Nothing changed. He still hated anyone focusing on him too much.
Jamie was having a hard time leaving. The soup kitchen saved him in more ways than he could imagine.
Jamie and Joe drove to Cambridge in his car while his parents followed in theirs the next morning. They stopped at Jamie's favorite diner for breakfast. Mary and Frank weren't the only ones who were having a hard time with Jamie leaving. As proud as he was of Jamie, he was going to miss his best friend.
Jamie didn't have a lot of stuff to move into the dorm. A couple suitcases of clothes, a brand-new laptop, he bought since he no longer needed to save for a car, a mini fridge, and other necessities. The dorm already had a bed and a desk for him. He was so happy, but sad at the same time. He hadn't been alone since he was seven years old.
Jamie planned on coming home each holiday and once every few months on the weekend as long as work allowed. He planned his classes, so he had three days off in a row. He knew that he wouldn't be able to maintain that throughout all four years, but he was going to try.
His parents and Joe got a hotel room close by so they could spend the rest of the evening together and then went with Jamie to buy his books. Mary was struggling to not cry all day. Jamie was the only kid to leave the state of New York for school. This was the third time that she was moving a kid into college, and her last. At least when she did it with Erin, she still had Jamie at home and Erin was still in the city and could be home every weekend.
Jamie's roommate Spencer Croft moved in the following day. Other than graduating at the top of their classes they didn't have anything else in common. Spencer was from a wealthy family, and he grew up Scarsdale New York. One of the richest places in the country. He went to a prep school, he had maids, nannies, personal coaches, and a personal chef. Spencer's family had movers move him in and his mom and older sister were there instructing the movers where to put everything. Jamie has gladly used the furniture available to him. Spencer's family had a bed, desk and small apartment fridge moved in. In addition to his clothes, computer, and TV. Jamie offered to help, but instead was held hostage by Spencer's older sister who told Jamie all about their life in Scarsdale. She assumed that her brother would be sharing a dorm room with someone with a similar background.
They were lucky they had gotten one of the nicer rooms. They each have their own bedroom and share a common room. Jamie didn't have any idea what they were going to talk about. Over the summer Jamie had made a couple trips so he could find a job, and he had. His job didn't start until the following week.
"Jamie, right?" Spencer was trying to figure his new roommate out. He seemed nice enough, and he was happy that he wasn't sharing with any of his former classmates.
"Yeah. Your family's nice."
"Did you move in yesterday?" Spencer noticed how Jamie already had everything put away.
"Yes. My mom, dad, and older brother left this morning. Are your mom and sister going to stay?"
"No, they're heading home. I'm the youngest and my mom's just happy that we are all out of the house." Spencer laughed.
"Oh, I'm the youngest too, but my mom wishes I was still at home or closer to home."
"Youngest of how many? I have an older sister and brother. My sister is four years older, and brother is six years."
"Four, my sister is six years, my brother Joe is eight years, and my brother Danny is ten years older."
"Oh wow, were you and oops. I know I was." Spencer laughed.
"No, I was adopted. I was seven when the Reagan's found me." This conversation was moving into a place that made Jamie nervous.
"Oh." Spencer was surprised. He had a few other friends who were adopted but they had been adopted as babies and never knew any other kind of life.
"Yeah, I got lucky. What's your major?"
"Pre-law. My dad's a lawyer and my mom's a VP for a large corporation. What do your parents do?"
"My dad's a Chief with the NYPD, both of my brothers are detectives, and my sister is finishing her last year of law school at Fordham, and my mom volunteers at the local soup kitchen."
"Oh, that's cool. The only time I've been around cops is when they've come to our school for presentations. I bet your family has a lot of cool stories to tell. What's your major?"
"Pre-law and Social Psychology. I hope to work in family law or with social services. What about you?"
"Corporate law. My family has their plans for me. I have to get a job after I graduate from Harvard Law, and five years after that I can join my dad's firm."
"You have to get into Harvard Law first." Jamie laughed at Spencer's arrogance.
"Oh, I know. My family seems to think that it will just happen. My brother and sister both graduated from other law schools."
"My goal is to get into Harvard Law. I just don't know if I can afford it." Jamie sighed.
"We have four years to worry about that."
"I'm trying to get a group together to go for a hike at the end of the month. Want to join us?"
"I can't. I have to go home."
"Why, we just got here?"
"I have a doctor's appointment."
"Can you move it?" Spencer really liked Jamie and he wanted him to join. He was so happy with his roommate.
"No, I can't miss this appointment." Jamie sighed. Of course, he would have to miss the first big outing.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, but I can't miss the appointment. It's my yearly cancer check. I had Leukemia four years ago. I'm good now. I just need to make sure that I'm still cancer free." Jamie took a deep breath.
"Oh yeah. I'm gonna see what works for everyone maybe you can join us later on the weekend."
"I have a family dinner on Sunday that I'll drive back after. I'll join next time. Don't worry."
"Maybe we'll wait and go Labor Day weekend. Can you join then?"
"I'll have to check my work schedule, but I should be able to join for part of the weekend."
"Great. We'll do it that weekend." Spencer smiled. Now he had to get out and meet some others to join.
"I have an early class tomorrow. It was really great to meet you, but I'm gonna read and then go to bed."
"What about dinner?"
"I have a salad in my fridge. I'll be good." Jamie had found an area where he could get grab and go foods that would fit into his fridge, and the upside was that they were very affordable options.
"Okay. Maybe we'll grab dinner or lunch tomorrow."
"Sounds great."
Jamie was happy. He liked his roommate, but he was tired and was ready for classes to begin.
Despite their differences Jamie and Spencer became best friends and at some points were inseparable. Where Jamie could be shy and introverted, Spencer was loud and outgoing. They brought out the best in each other and challenged each other too.
Things were easier for Spencer. He didn't have to work or really worry about anything. His parents promised to pay for everything as long as he was in school and getting good grades. Jamie had some help from his parents, but school was expensive. They could only help with part of it, and he'd found a second job to help pay for more of his expenses up front.
Spence had a secret. Each year his parents created a scholarship for a student in need or someone who had endured a lot and was working hard to make a better life for themselves. Spencer didn't have to look far. He knew after all he'd learned about Jamie that he was who he wanted his parents to help. He knew Jamie would get into Harvard Law too and knew that this money would be a giant stress reliever. He hoped that the scholarship allowed him to quit one or both of his jobs so they could spend more time hanging out doing fun stuff other than just studying. His main goal was to get Jamie a girlfriend.
A month into their first semester Jamie received the letter about his academic scholarship, and that as long as kept a 3.0 GPA out of 4 that all of his classes, room, and board would be paid for. Jamie was shocked. He hadn't remembered applying for a any additional scholarships. He had applied for and gotten a scholarship because he was a cancer survivor, and because he was adopted. He'd gotten a few because of his grades too, but he had not qualified for anything that gave him a free ride. He spoke to his councilor, and she explained that each year there were a few families who attended Harvard asked the faculty to recommend students who they felt were going to do great things in the community and awarded them accordingly. She then explained how his past made him stand out among many of the other finalists. That weekend Jamie didn't call, he went home to tell his parents the good news.
In the end Jamie decided to keep one job for some extra spending money although now that his parents didn't have to pay any tuition, they offered so he wouldn't have to work at all, but he had been working for the last two years and didn't want to stop because he started college. He liked working.
The next three years seem to fly by. Jamie can't believe how fast things are going until his world comes to a screeching halt. His mom was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer. Although it wasn't the first time the family had a hard diagnosis her chances of survival were much smaller than Jamie's and the entire family knew. Jamie vowed to spend every weekend at home that he could. He couldn't imagine life without his mom. The thought of losing his adoptive mom broke his heart and brought back memories of Patricia.
Jamie hated that he was so far away while his mom was sick. He didn't care that he'd graduate a year later, what he cared about was spending time with his mom. He knew school would be there in a year. He had a bad feeling that his mom wouldn't be. When he told her his idea to put off graduation for a year, Mary wasn't having any of it. She was afraid that if he quit he'd never go back.
Mary was able to make it to Jamie's undergrad Graduation where he wasn't planning on walking because he'd found out two months earlier that he'd been accepted to Harvard Law and he would celebrate his graduation when he was truly done with school, but he did walk for his mom. He knew she wouldn't live long enough to see his law school graduation.
Jamie graduated first in his class. Mary and the entire family are very proud of him. Spencer and Jamie had been sharing an apartment the last three years and would the next three as they entered Harvard Law together. Spencer let Jamie know that he was welcome at his parents' house over the summer if he needed some time away. He wanted him to have a place to go if the worst did happen.
Mary died two weeks after Jamie graduated. Jamie hardly left her side during that time. Frank was right there, and Danny, Joe, and Erin were there as much as work would allow.
Joe and Jamie had both moved back home to be with their mom and dad. Now that their mom was gone, they were focused on their dad. All three of the kids agreed that Jamie wouldn't work over the summer so he could be there either for their mother or to support their dad after she was gone. Henry moved in after Mary's death. He knew his grandsons would eventually move out and he didn't want his son alone. He understood the pain his son was going through.
On top of everything else the NYPD was dealing with a major scandal. Frank as Chief of Department was trying to work through the issues that Conners had caused all while trying to figure out how to live without his wife.
Frank and the Mayor did not always see eye to eye. He was surprised when he asked him to be the new PC. It was unexpected, and he knew with everything that had happened with his predecessor that there was a lot of cleanup to do. Work would help keep his mind off of other things too.
"Pop, am I the right person for the job?"
"Francis, you're the right person for the job, but the choice is yours."
"Dad, the rank-and-file need someone like you." Joe said as he and Jamie walked into the room.
"You can be the PC that the city needs, Dad." Jamie watched everyone closely.
"It's going to take a lot of my time." Frank looked between his boys. He was worried about them. More so Jamie because he knew Mary's cancer had brought up a lot of bad memories for him.
"Dad, is this something you want?" Jamie knew his mom supported his dad becoming PC. They talked about the importance of following their heart.
"Yes, but the timing is bad."
"Mom, would want you to take the job, as long as it's what you really want." Jamie understood his dad's reluctance, even though it wouldn't be easy. They knew Frank had to start moving forward.
"We know it won't be easy, Francis."
"I'm gonna head up to bed. Thank you all for being my sounding board."
"Any time dad. We'll always be here when you need us."
Frank went up to bed. It had been a long day. He knew his dad was here to stay, but he was going to miss his having his boys at home. He couldn't ask them to stay forever. They had to move forward with their lives too.
He had two months before Jamie moved back to Boston. He would miss Jamie, but the fact that he'd gotten into Harvard Law was something that no one could deny was amazing.
The next morning Frank woke up and with the help and guidance of his family decided to accept the job of PC. He was going to announce it to the family at dinner on Sunday. After he told the family his decision and dinner was over, he went to the cemetery to talk to Mary and Patty. He'd started visiting Jamie's mom when Jamie been diagnosed with Leukemia, and he'd never stopped. Now when he visited it broke his heart to think that only way any of his children could visit their mother was at the cemetery.