And love
Chap 37 CAR SHOPPING & SURGERY
FLASHBACK CONTINUED
That afternoon the family found themselves at the Brooklyn CarMax. The 1st saleslady to attach herself to them was Amanda (her ID tag). "Call me Mandy; and what can I do for this absolutely stunning looking family, this fine day?" Her grin was a mile wide and an inch deep. She looked like a twenty-something, and talked like a teenager. Jamie quickly took charge of the situation.
"Thanks, but we're just looking. When we find a vehicle of interest, we will look for you. (NOT) May I have one of your cards, please?"
"Surely, here you go!" Her smile thins even further as she hands Jamie a card. "Lovely set of girls you have here; it must have involved quite some family planning! The ages I mean." She grins at the girls; they shrink back.
"Yes, quite," Eddie glowers as she herds the girls to follow their dad as he walks off toward some minivans and crossovers.
"Sheesh, what a bitch," Eddie whispers. The girls hear and all roll their eyes. Jamie frowns.
He hopes to find something with very low mileage, relatively new and in good shape. He finds a vehicle that he likes – a Honda Odyssey Touring. 2024, 15,000 miles, 1 owner, $43,998. It has 3 seats in the 2nd row, and a rear seat entertainment system. Perfect! They all agree.
He looks around and sees that Mandy is busy with another customer. (TOO BAD) He sees another salesman – a 50-something gentleman with streaks of gray in his hair. He looks to be experienced, Jamie likes that. He motions to catch the man's attention; he walks over.
"Hello, I'm George. May I help you? Say, wasn't Amanda with you earlier?"
"Ah . . . yes. But I see that she's busy, too bad," Jamie winks at George.
George smiles and nods his head. "Well, what can I do for you folks? Have you found a vehicle that you like?"
"We have. The Honda over here-
They walk over to the Honda that Jamie had picked out.
"Excellent choice," George comments. "Would you like to take the family for a drive?"
"Yes, may we?" Jamie wonders.
"Certainly. If I may take your DL, I need to check your driver's record. And if I may ask, is there a movie the young ladies would like to watch as you drive?"
"FROZEN!" The girls shout in unison.
"Frozen it is! I will be right back."
George returns shortly with the keys and a DVD. As he is giving them instructions, Mandy walks by with another customer. They see a scowl and Eddie thinks she heard a growl. (TOO BAD!)
They drive around for 15 minutes. Jamie and Eddie love the car; the girls love the entertainment system! George really likes this stunning young family. Mandy is pissed! (TOO BAD!)
Jamie, Eddie and George do just a little negotiating; they sign the papers for the Honda less the trade in value for the Mustang. The happy family drive home in their new (to them) family car. The girls are ecstatic! They are already talking about which movies to stock in the car. Eddie rolls her eyes. Jamie grins.
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END FLASHBACK
ST. VICTOR'S HOSPITAL
Danny and Linda are having an appointment with Dr. Sylvia Jackson; orthopedist at the hospital. She and Dr. Abrams at Bellevue have consulted regarding Danny's case. They have reviewed the x-rays together; additionally, Dr. Abrams has been granted temporary surgical privileges at St. Victor's so he can assist at the 2nd surgery. This has eased Linda's nerves a lot. The surgery is in 5 days. The family was given an update 4 days ago, at Sunday dinner. Everything is ready.
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J/E APARTMENT
Girls' room – Sunday evening
The girls heard about Danny's surgery earlier today at family dinner. They heard the tension in the voices; they saw the anxious looks; they saw Linda repeatedly gently pat her husband's arm; they felt the tension.
"Mal, what can we do for uncle Danny and aunt Linda?" Mary Rose asks her older sister.
"I guess all we can do is pray." Mal responds.
PRAYER CIRCLE
"Let's do a prayer circle at bedtime," Cassie suggests. "I heard Sister Mary mention that in Sunday School this last Sunday."
"That's a good idea," Mary Rose exclaims.
"Yes, let's ask mom and dad." They scamper out to the LR.
"Mom, dad, may we do a prayer circle before we go to bed? For uncle Danny and aunt Linda? Please?" Mal pleads their cause.
"We heard all the nervousness at dinner today," Cassie adds.
Mary Rose is nodding and bouncing up and down on heels and toes.
"Do you want us to join you?" Eddie asks.
"No, we'd like to do this ourselves, please," Mal suggests.
"That's a wonderful idea, girls." Their dad encourages. "What about doing your getting ready for bed routines, then your prayer circle, then call us for your tuck in?"
Eddie nods in support.
"Ok," the girls scamper off.
BEDTIME
MAL: Jesus, please be close to my uncle Danny and aunt Linda. Help the surgery to work, amen.
Mary Rose: Dear Jesus, please be with the doctors. Help them to make my uncle Danny all better. And help my aunt Linda to not worry so much, amen.
Cassie: Dear Jesus, I don't know you very well. If you are listening to me, please help my new aunt Linda and uncle Danny, amen.
The 3 embrace. "Cass, Jesus always listens," Mal assures her new big sister. Mary Rose gives Cassie a big hug of support.
Cassandra is taking another step towards knowledge of what being a member of a truly loving, supportive family means. The girls call for mom and dad, and are soon tucked in and soundly asleep.
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ST. VICTOR'S SURGERY WAITING ROOM
Linda is a nervous wreck. She is waiting for news of Danny's 2nd surgery. Waiting with her are Henry, Eddie and the 3 girls. Everyone else is tied up at work or school. Eddie had gotten Cassie & Mal excused for the day; Linda had tried for Jack & Sean, but was not successful. She and her boys were not happy about that.
Cassie, Mal & Mary Rose come over and kneel before Linda. "Aunt Linda, may we pray for you and uncle Danny?" Mal pleads.
Linda's tears increase, she nods YES. The girls each offer a short prayer, then a group hug. Linda meets Eddie's eyes; she smiles in appreciation.
"FAMILY OF DANIEL REAGAN!" A trim lady doctor in green scrubs calls out; she is accompanied by a stout male doctor. Linda and all her family rise as one.
"Mrs. Reagan and family, I am Dr. Jackson – your husband's surgeon. With me is Dr. Abrams of Bellevue. Danny's surgery has gone very well. The elbow joint is as good as it will be from a surgical perspective. Now it is up to him and his physical therapists. He has a long road ahead; the end result is up to him."
She turns to Dr. Abrams for more: "It is not possible to predict how close to 100% function he will recover. He is in good physical shape and the bones are healthy. Those are all good signs. Now it is up to him, as Sylvia said. Strong family support is crucial, and I saw that after his 1st surgery; keep it up! Are there any question for either of us?"
"Will he need to go to a rehab center again," Linda asks, hesitatingly.
"We will probably recommend a short stay. Like 1 week," Dr. Jackson responds.
"Recommend?" Pops huffs.
"Yes, recommend," Dr. Abrams concurs. "If he works hard while in the hospital and makes good progress, that may not be needed."
"Will you be seeing him here at S. Victor's," Linda asks, looking at Dr. Abrams.
"I don't anticipate so, no." Dr. Abrams voices.
Dr. Jackson adds, "Dr. Abrams has assured me that if I ask, or if the family desires it, he will be available."
"I think that Danny would benefit from 1 visit," Linda requests.
Dr. Abrams looks to Dr. Jackson, she nods; "I can do that, coordinating with her, of course." She nods.
Linda is reassured. The surgeons return to the surgical suite, leaving a nurse to talk with the family about visiting hours and privileges. Danny will start his post-op stay in the ICU.
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TBC