Ray was standing beside Ray, Jr.'s bed when I called. Little Ray, or I should say, younger Ray, was talking with someone so Ray, Sr. walked out into the hallway to talk to me.
"Tim? Tim! Good to hear your voice. It's nice to talk to an adult once in a while. Don't let on to Ray, Jr. Ha! What up?"
"Well, I just called to tell you that I'm in town, or close by, with the boys and we wanted to know when it will be a good time to visit tomorrow. Does that sound okay?"
"You're here? Wonderful. Hey, where are you staying? I might be able to get a deal at the home that the cancer center is providing to the parents like me."
"Oh, um, well honestly, we're staying in the home of a friend of Jeffy. They don't live too far from the hospital on a hill just out of town."
"Oh? Is it nice, because the house here is just terrific and the meals, they serve are family style, so you get to know several of the parents after a while? Do you think you'll be comfortable over there? Who is it again? Some kid?"
"Yes, well, it's really his parents' house. It's very nice. Um, his name is Kennedy and his parents' names are Doctors Roosevelt. Um, they're both doctors, in fact."
"Oh, nice. Say, it's funny that the name of the cancer wing is called Roosevelt something. You don't suppose they're ... Naw. But what a coincidence, huh?"
"Um, no, that's them alright. Yes, they are the very same. We had no idea when we met Kennedy. He was always a nomad and hardly seemed like the kind of kid to have an upbringing like that. But they sure are nice. And the house is more the size of a hotel than a house."
"Wow! That's great. Well, you and the boys will be a sight for sore eyes for Raymond tomorrow. Heck a sore everything, really. He's really weak already, Tim. They're being as aggressive as they can to insure a complete recovery. They're not messing around. But he has a young roommate now and that's helped. Certainly, has helped the young one. He's been through hell for over two years. You'll meet him too, of course."
"Okay. So, if we got there like nine or ten that would be okay?"
"That would be perfect, Tim. I know it will do wonders for Raymond. And he can use all the encouragement he can get."
Just then I heard Elliot call me, politely, of course, from the doorway to say that dinner was ready to be served.
"Ray, I'm getting called away for dinner, so we'll talk more tomorrow. But tell me how're you doing?"
"Oh, I'm fine. No complaints. Of course, I'd rather we were both at home with Imogine but ya gotta do what ya gotta do sometimes. Right?"
"Right, Ray. You're a good dad and you've raised a good son there. We'll talk more."
"Of course. Tomorrow then. Thanks, Tim, really. Thanks a ton."
"Bye now," I said and hung up.
No one was in the kitchen when I returned but I could hear them laughing in the next room over, the dining room, of course.
"We saved some for ya, Dad," piped AJ.
Mrs. Kennedy had Lewis in her lap. He reached out to me when he saw me. When I took him, she stood up and started to serve AJ and me. She passed dishes to my other two boys and the dishes made their way around the table.
Somehow Mrs. Kennedy had gotten hold of two jars of Lewis' food and heated them. I found out later that Elliot found them for her.
The meal was wonderful, and the conversation was even better. We did spend a lot of time talking about our family and got around to how we, or I should say, Jeffy first met Kennedy.
"Kennedy, you didn't," said his dad in a stern voice, when he heard that his son had whisked Jeffy away to have him help paint the wall of the camp's restroom and shower building with graffiti.
"What? He was safe. Okay, I should have thought about keeping him behind the building for that long but, really, he was safer than safe."
Jeffy was nodding his head while he looked at me with barely a smile on his face.
"But Mr. Mc ...I mean, Tim wasn't aware of the boy's safety at the time. No. Quite the opposite I'm sure," he ended, looking at me.
"Well, we did have everyone at camp looking for him and with rhododendron bushes blocking the back of the building they were painting, no one saw either of them until Kennedy left and Jeffy came sauntering back into camp."
"I apologize, sir. It was foolish of me to take his safety for granted like that," said Kennedy to me.
"Apology accepted, Kennedy. I have come to learn that you seem like a smart and careful person when it comes to others. All is behind us now."
"Whew," sighed Jeffy, making everyone laugh. "And all I had ta do was help the owner guy cut down the rhod …, a, bushes so they didn't hide as much. It was easy."
The conversation turned to other things, some from Kennedy's family, almost heroic in nature, considering the work they both put into their field and the hospital.
"Wow! How cool is it to have a hospital named after you?" said AJ not really expecting an answer, I think.
"Cool, AJ. Really cool," answered Kennedy smiling. "But when you've done as much as Mom and Dad have and brought in so much business because of their successes, I guess you kind of deserve it."
"Kennedy!" came the duet from both of his parents.
"I didn't mean anything. I'm just really proud that you both do so much around here. It seems a small way to acknowledge that. Don't you guys think?" he said, turning to my three.
"Ya know, I've never known anyone that has a building named after them, and a hospital to boot!" mentioned Jeffy.
"Dr's Roosevelt, I'm proud to know you and know of your great achievements. I can only imagine how much prouder Kennedy is of his parents," Elliot said.
His thoughtful statement seemed to ease the air between them and their son.
Soon we filtered into the living room, continuing to enjoy each other's company.
I'm sure the excitement of the day and the new surroundings added to the ease at which Lewis took his leave for the evening. Actually, he conked out after being passed between Kennedy's two parents, then passed to me. Jeffy, Kennedy and AJ went up to change Lewis and lay him down. Of course, Tiger went too and stayed to protect Lewis outside of his door. Kennedy turned on his walkie-talkies and set one by me.
While they were up there, Elliot and I filled in the Roosevelts on a bit of the more exciting events in our lives up to that point. We tried to lightly touch on several of the more dramatic events of the last couple of months, but curiosity prevailed and questions that ended up revealing more and more were asked.
"You've all had quite the roller coaster ride, Tim," concluded Kennedy's dad.
"You must all be very strong and have such a wonderful family bond to have sustained so well during your ordeals, Elliot. You must be very proud of yourself and your family," offered Kennedy's mom.
"Oh, it's so true. It was like we had no say in it, but it brought us all together so tightly that it made even the worst of what happened almost like it was just another day or week. We bonded so deeply, I don't think anything could break us apart now," Elliot said.
"We're all very glad you came through it unscathed, so to speak. Bruises and cuts heal, but it's what is in your heart that stays true to who you really are and are becoming, which we can see is a very confident and smart young man," said Kennedy's mom.
Amidst a cute blush, Elliot produced a very nice smile at her compliment.
"Like Elliot said, we had little choice in what transpired, but we were fortunate to have, not only a wonderful family unit, but such strong support from all of our friends that allowed us to spring back much easier from any and all of our experiences," I added.
Just then, Jeffy and Kennedy came sauntering in talking quietly. I looked but there was no AJ. I figured he'd stopped off at the bathroom on his way down. But after looking around about fifteen minutes later there was still no AJ.
When there was a calm in the conversation I asked, "Um, boys, what did you do with AJ? He couldn't possibly have stayed up there to go to bed." Not AJ. Too much to miss.
"Let's see," started Jeffy, actually looking around the room.
"He was right behind us. I guess we'd better check to see if he got lost. Come on, Jeffy," said Kennedy.
As they got up, so did Elliot to help them look, presumably.
When they returned, Jeffy told us what they found or, more to the point, where they found him.
"He was standing in the TV room, with the controller thing in his hand, staring at the TV and didn't even hear us come in, like he was hypnotized or something."
AJ looked a bit sheepish, then said, "It's really neat, Dad. Why don't we have one at home?"
"Mostly for that very reason, AJ. I'm always afraid you'll lose yourselves in that box and I'll never see you guys again until you leave for college."
"But, Pop," said Elliot, "You do realize that it will likely become imperative for us to have access to one when we have an assignment that requires a documentary of something on network television?"
"Yes. And let's just hope the department store or the appliance store is showing the channel you need that day."
"Po-o-o-p!" came two voices in unison. Followed by one . . .
"Da-a-a-d!"
"Yes, well, I guess I hadn't thought that one through enough. You're probably right, Elliot."
"Yes!" shouted Jeffy, pumping his fist.
"Daniel Jeffrey," I said. "I guess I'll have to keep a lock on the door to the room it's in, then."
One of the conversations I was avoiding was that of the kidnapped babies that were sold. But as many conversations seem to go, we followed one segment of our lives to another and it eventually led to telling the story of AJ being Jebediah's great grandson. That led to how he was taken and the loss of Jebediah's family, then someone brought up Tyler and the coincidence of Linda Sue being his real mom.
"But, boys, let's not go into detail about how we found Tyler. Let's just say that we rescued him from some mean people that kept him all those years." I think I was actually crossing my fingers, hoping that no one brought up the torture and the eventual standoff that led to the sheriff being killed.
"Well, I must repeat, your family has seen a lot of terrifying events and seem to have come out of it pretty unscathed, at least by who I see in front of me," Dr. Roosevelt said.
We talked a bit about Ray and that we were there to visit with him and, of course, what Ray was going through. Both Roosevelts acknowledged that he would go through much more but even they were confident that his treatment was on the right path, that his doctor, Dr. Malhotra, was one of their best, even in the country, and that we'd start seeing the results of their hard work.
"But how do ya know all that? You've never even met him, have ya?" asked an astonished Jeffy.
We were all a bit taken back by their statement.
"When a patient comes to us, we form a team to oversee the best treatment and make all the necessary means to deal with it as efficiently as possible. We've had a pretty good record but, even so, even losing one person to cancer does not go over well with our staff. They care for each of their patients in the best way possible."
"So, you know our Ray without even meeting him?" asked Elliot.
"I guess you'd say that," said Kennedy's mom. "And, if it's okay with you, we'd like to meet him tomorrow, if we may."
"Wo-ow," said AJ.
All three thought that would be really ...neat.
Soon, the boys began to yawn and had no qualms about heading to bed. I was about to do the same when Kennedy's dad touched my arm.
"Tim, first of all, I don't think we really had a chance to introduce ourselves, at least on a more personal level."
We'd sat back down in the living room after we all 'helped' to get the boys all settled in their beds. Even Kennedy excused himself. The Roosevelts poured themselves a glass of wine. I was offered but declined.
"I'm Adrian and this is my wife, Emily, by the way. We've found that we have a hard time knowing who someone is talking to when they say, 'Dr. Kennedy'."
"I was having a bit of time with that too," I said, chuckling.
"But the reason I held you up is this, we know there's more to the case of the boy and the 'mean men' you mentioned earlier. I thought it would be easier to tell us when the boys went to bed."
"How did you ...?"
"I could see the hurt in your eyes and that of the boys. AJ also has a habit of swinging his head back and forth when he expects more. It must have been a very evil, frightening time for you to bypass it as you did. Won't you please share it with us. I hope I'm not prying too .... Well, I guess I'm beyond that point. I'm sorry if I offended you."
I'm still not sure how they could tell that there was a lot more to the story of Tyler. I spent the next twenty minutes relating most of the details. I also told them of the sheriff being shot but didn't say I was the one that did the shooting. But I must have been an open book to them. They also figured out my role since I happened to let it slip that I was there and there really wasn't any reason for me to be. They also knew of my role while in Iraq and made the connection that I knew how to use a rifle.
"You've done a wonderful thing for all three of your boys, Tim," Emily told me. "It doesn't surprise me in the least that they look at you with pride and love. You've earned it in so many ways, some of which were really horrific."
"I love them more than anyone can know, Emily. They are my life, plain and simple. I don't know where I'd be without them."
We stayed up just a few minutes longer as I told of what happened to my wife and daughter. Emily had to grab a tissue. They were so kind and understanding of what I'd been through. I know I made two really good and dear friends in a very short time. And I never had the feeling that they befriended me and the boys out of pity, but genuine caring.
After a refreshing and comfortable night's sleep, Lewis and I awoke, ready for the day. Well, Lewis had demands right away but I was more than willing to comply with them despite the aromatic condition of his needs. Tiger was no help. When he heard us rustling around in the bedroom, he began to whine at our door until I let him in. I'm not sure what the draw is to something like a dirty diaper to our canine friend, but his nose was as close as possible to getting anointed without actually touching anything. Of course, this was a new and ever so curious event for our new boy. He wiggled in every direction to see what his huge, hairy friend was doing at the other end from his head. I literally had to push Tiger away and tell him, "No!" in no uncertain terms, ...like just saying, "No." But it seemed to work.
That taken care of, we dressed casually for breakfast, Tiger's nose helping and Lewis giggling in delight. I expected to change before we took off for the hospital but that was almost two hours away.
Emily Kennedy was already up, dressed and starting some bacon in the kitchen when we arrived.
"Oh, Tim, how did you sleep? Did the little one rest through the night?" she asked, reaching to hold him.
"Well, I didn't hear any wild partying across the room, so I assume he slept deeply."
"Cute, Pop," said Elliot from the doorway behind me.
"And, you, Elliot," Emily asked, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I did, thank you, as soon as Jeffy and Kennedy settled down. I think they were talking about art and spray cans."
"That boy! He is very independent, that one."
"Um, mine or yours, Emily?"
"Ha ha! Well, I meant mine, but I suspect yours may be getting some lessons not taught in any school system. I hope that doesn't cause you too much worry, Tim."
"I suppose it might have several weeks ago but I've come to believe that Kennedy is actually a pretty amazing young man. He actually seems to be an intelligent person with a very smart head on his shoulders."
"Yes, I'm just not too certain at times what he is doing with his smarts, but he does have a plan in mind, and I couldn't be happier for or prouder of him."
"Elliot, would you be a good bo ...um, young man and see if you can't awaken your brothers and my son? Breakfast will be ready in about twenty minutes. Tim, if you'd like coffee or tea, both are in carafes in the living room where you'll find Adrian reading his morning paper, I'm sure."
We both thanked her and separated, me to a cup of tea and Elliot to roust the boys.
"Elliot," I called to his back as he made his escape. When he turned, I continued, "Could you bring back a selection of Lewis foods with you please, and maybe a few biscuits?"
"Sure thing, Pop."
Lewis and I wandered into the living room, followed by an ever-present Tiger, and came up behind Adrian's recliner to pass into the center of the room.
Without looking up, he asked, "How did you both sleep, Tim? I hope restfully."
"Thank you, I did. I think this little one was pretty worn out from all the new stimulations, including this humongous fur ball."
He laughed at my description of Tiger then lowered his paper before he remarked, "It's really been a pleasure getting to know you, Tim, and your family, of course. While we can be a little upset at Kennedy for his lack of responsibility toward your son, I'm glad it's brought us together."
"I am too, Adrian. It was quite a coincidence how we met him on the highway hitching a ride here. If it hadn't been for Jeffy recognizing him and making me turn around, we never would have enjoyed your gracious hospitality."
"That boy! Just about the time I think he's done just about every hair-brained adventure, he comes up with another to floor us once again," he said chuckling.
I moved to the side bar to get a mug of tea and offered to refresh Adrian's coffee. About then, Elliot came in and sat with us. Lewis reached for his uncle and giggled when Elliot took him from me.
"Instant family, Tim? How is it going for you?"
I looked over at Elliot, who was smiling as he tried to look in my direction, but someone else wanted his complete attention. Lewis would grab his uncle's nose and turn it to look at him, then give him one of his slobbery kisses on his nose. All Elliot could do was laugh, which caused both Adrian and me to chuckle as well.
"I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams, sir. I could never have imagined even one of my boys coming into my life. But to have three find me and be a part of my family, then be blessed with a grandson, has made me the happiest man alive. I couldn't live without them."
"Well, fatherhood is a blessing, Tim. I only have one, thank God, but we love him to death. Sometimes I think it may be our deaths, but I also think it's worth the excitement, most of the time, that is.
"Hey, old man, are you belittling your favorite child again?"
"Guilty. But, in my defense," retorted Adrian, looking over his shoulder to see his son standing in the doorway with Jeffy and AJ standing behind him, "First, you're my only child and, second, the gray hairs I have are mostly your contribution to what little sanity I may have lurking around in me somewhere."
"Well, in that case, I guess you can talk about me all you want. After all, think how boring life would be without me."
When Adrian heard that, he slumped back in his recline, closed his eyes and had a silly-looking half-grin on his face.
"Hey!" said his son.
"I was just beginning to enjoy to possibilities," answered his dad.
"Oo-oo-oo," said Jeffy. "I think he gotcha, Kennedy. Yup."
"Well, it's a first," Kennedy answered, laughing.
"All of you children, breakfast is ready," came a shout from the kitchen.
"What about us," asked Adrian, almost pouting.
"Like I said, all of you children."
To which everyone, 16 and under, except the littlest, chorused their own, "Oo-oo-oo."
After a hardy breakfast which four boys polished off quickly, making the adults grab what they could without losing any limbs or digits, we all went to our rooms to dress for the hospital.
"Dad, we need to stop somewhere and get Ray stuff, something."
"AJ, his dad said he had that covered, that is, in the way of books and puzzles and stuff. Maybe we should wait and see if he needs anything."
"Yeah, maybe we can get everyone a brown milkshake when we get there," AJ suggested.
"A brown milk ...oh, you mean chocolate I take it, AJ?" asked Adrian.
"Yeah, see our friend Tyler never had one in his whole life until he tried to escape the bad men. Then a white milkshake was his most favorite thing, up until then anyway."
"Ah."
"But chocolate is still our favorite," he continued, pointing back and forth between him and me. "Huh, Dad."
"Yup. Our very favorite," I answered trying to match his patented smile.
"Another story, it seems?"
"Yes, Adrian. One of the better ones."
The Roosevelts drove Kennedy and Jeffy in their car while I drove the rest in ours. It took about twenty minutes to get there and, as in most hospital parking lots, parking was at a premium. As I drove around for the third time looking for a spot, I noticed that the Roosevelts were standing by the front entrance. I stopped and let the kids out and asked them to wait for me so we could all go up together. I was lucky enough to practically follow someone as they walked to their car, left and I grabbed their place out on the north forty, it seemed.
When I finally made it to the entrance, Jeffy told me how cool it was to be a doctor and have an assigned parking space.
We all went in and started our way to the children's cancer wing and our friend's room.
Thanks again to RCN for his editing wizardry. It makes for a smoother read.
I would like to hear/read your criticisms, good and bad. I'd love to talk about where this gets to you. Matthew Templar