Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:53:58 EDT
From: Bwstories8@aol.com
Subject: Castaway Hotel: Grand Reopening - Book 7, chapters 31 - 32

The Castaway Hotel: Grand Reopening --Book 7 - by BW         
Copyright 2009 by billwstories
Chapter 31 -- Albert.      

**Author's Note:** Please read the disclaimer in Chapter 00 before you read
this.

Ted and his Aunt Jane left on Saturday, after lunch.  Although Ted was sad
he had to return home, I could tell he was also hopeful that Jane could
possibly help him build a relationship with his father.  He made sure he
came over to hug me before he left and it was a long and tender embrace,
with his ear resting over my heart.  When he broke his hold, he then gave
me a kiss on the lips.  It was just an affectionate little peck, not the
passionate, open-mouth variety, and I knew he meant this to indicate how
much he cared for me.

I noticed Jane watching his every move, but she was grinning as broadly as
he was when it was all over.  As Ted started to walk away, I tousled his
hair and then smacked him playfully on the butt, when he got ready to get
into her car.  That caused him to turn his head and make a face at me,
before he wiggled his fanny in my direction.  He then looked over his
shoulder and winked, smiled and said, "I love you, Pop," before he crawled
into the passenger's seat.  As they drove away, he waved and blew kisses at
us until they were out of sight.  I knew Sammy, Graham and I would miss him
as much as he missed us.

Now that our company had departed, the rest of us had our own things to
take care of.  The high school boys would be heading back to class on
Monday, but the college boys had another week or two at home before they
had to return, so they wouldn't be affected.  They could take it easy while
the rest of us got back into our normal routines.

I had those not in college check to make sure their school clothes were
clean, they had their books and other things in order, including any
assignments that might be due.  I also asked them to think if there was
anything special they might need, before they returned.  While the boys
were busy doing all of this, I got my own things in order, since I knew I
needed to be ready to return to work as well.

After I finished my preparations, I hopped on the computer to check my
correspondence and discovered an email from Nick.  I opened it immediately.


Hi Pop,

Mom and Dad just left and we had a great time.  They met my host family and
I showed them around where I've been living and then we went to Sao Paulo.
We didn't stay there long, because they took me on a trip to Rio de Janeiro
and Brasilia.  We had a great time there too.  We went to see Maracana
Stadium, which is huge.  They use it mostly for soccer games, but they also
hold concerts there.  They say it holds 90,000 people.

We also went to see the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, which sits atop the
Corcovado Mountains and overlooks Rio.  It's a huge statue of Christ with
his arms held out to his side, in the form of a giant cross.  We went up to
the top of the mountain to see it too and the view was awesome.  You could
see all the beaches and everything.

We also went to see the Governor's Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral and
the Imperial Palace.  They were all nice, but the best part was going to
the beaches.  It's summer down here, so it was just great.  We spent a lot
of time there and I met a really cute boy one day, but I'll tell you about
that when I get back.

Oh, and thanks for all the stuff you sent.  It was really great.  Thank you
for doing that for me.

I'll be coming home in April, but I've promised Mom and Dad I'd come spend
the month of June with them.  I hope you don't mind.  I've had a blast
here, but I can't wait to come back there, cuz I miss all of you.

Love you all and will see you in a few months, Nick


I was pleased to hear from Nick, although I actually thought I'd be hearing
from his parents first.  They must still be on their way home and unable to
contact me.  I printed a copy of Nick's email, so the boys could read it
too.  Then, I put it on the fridge, where they would be most likely to see
it, during one of their multiple raids.

That night, Jake and I got to spend some quiet time alone, but he asked me
how things had gone with Ted and what I thought might happen next.  I told
him I didn't know, but I was hopeful Ted could work things out at home,
with his Aunt Jane's help.  If he didn't, we'd go over his other options at
that time.

Jake said he understood, but expected Ted would be calling to join us soon.
Jake said this because he wasn't convinced Ted wanted to work things out
with his parents.  He admitted he'd been studying how Ted idolized me and
noticed how Ted watched and mirrored my every move.  Jake also said he felt
Ted would want to come back, so he could be closer to me.  Although I
didn't totally agree with his conclusions, I did respect his viewpoint and
told him I'd keep that in mind.

The next morning we went off to church, as usual, and then we went out for
Sunday brunch.  We'd been home for an hour or so when the phone rang, and
then I heard the familiar, "Dad, it's for you," coming from one of the
boys, so I went to answer it.

"Hello," I began.

"Uncle Pop, it's Richard!" the voice said, like I wouldn't have realized it
was Richard from just hearing the Uncle Pop.  However, I could also tell
something was wrong, because he sounded panicked, although I wasn't sure
why.

"Richard, what's the matter?" I asked, concerned.

"It's Dad.  He's had a heart attack or something," he told me.  "I've
called 911 and we're waiting for the ambulance now.  Mom's aide has been
helping him, but I'm going with him to the hospital.  The aide said she'd
watch mom while we were gone.  Would you meet us at the hospital?  Please?
I don't think I can do this alone."  He was almost sobbing now.

"Yes, Richard, I'll meet you there.  Just keep calm and breathe deeply," I
urged him.  "You don't need to hyperventilate and make matters worse.  Hang
in there and I'll see you in a few minutes."

As soon as I hung up, Jake and the others began asking questions.  I told
them what I could, as I grabbed my coat and car keys, and then I headed for
the door.  My mind was whirling with a myriad of thoughts, as I considered
what was happening to Albert.  Along with Arlene's situation, this was the
worst-case scenario for Richard.

I didn't want to be pessimistic about what was happening, but felt I had to
work various options out in my mind, so I'd be prepared for whatever might
come.  Richard would need my guidance and advice, because this would be a
very emotional time for him and he wouldn't be thinking clearly.  I pulled
into the parking lot and then raced to the emergency room.

As soon as I entered, I saw Richard pacing back and forth in the waiting
area.  About the same time, he happened to look up and saw me coming toward
him.  I could see the tears streaming down his cheeks and his chest was
heaving, as he tried to keep from breaking down.

"He's dead," he gasped out, and then he let loose his emotions and began to
cry.  "He had another heart attack in the ambulance and they couldn't save
him."

Richard was sobbing frantically now and I was having difficulty keeping my
own emotions under control.  I just held him tight, fearing I'd have
trouble choking out a response.

"I want to see him," Richard suddenly announced, catching me totally off
guard.

"Are you sure?" I asked, thinking this might not be the time for him to try
to deal with seeing his father's body.  I thought it might be best for him
to wait and do this at the funeral home, when it might be easier to cope
with.

"Yes, Uncle Pop.  I have to say good-bye," he announced, adamantly.  I knew
what he meant, since I've gone through this myself and watched my boys deal
with similar situations, so I gave in to his request.

"Okay, let me go check with the nurses," I replied, "but you wait here
until I come back for you.  All right?"  He nodded and I went off to set
this up for him.  We had to wait a few minutes, so the staff could make
Albert presentable, and then they let us in.

"Do you want to do this by yourself?" I asked.

"I'm not sure I can.  Will you go with me?  Please?" came his answer.  He
knew I'd do whatever he wanted.

We went into the room where they had tried to resuscitate Albert.  The
nurses had cleaned up his body and pulled a sheet, up to his chest.
Richard tentatively walked up beside the gurney and reached out to touch
his father's hand.  He sat there that way for a moment, before he began to
speak.

"I already miss you, Dad," he sobbed out, "and I hope you know I love you
and always will.  Even though we've only been together a few short years,
you and Mom are the most important people in my life and you've done more
for me than you can ever imagine.  I love you both dearly and thank you for
everything you did for me.  I will definitely be lost without you here."

Suddenly, he stopped talking and just stood motionless, but I could see his
body begin to tense up.  I wasn't sure what was happening, or if I should
try to console him, but finally the floodgates opened and his dam burst.

"Dad, why did you have to be so stubborn?  Why did you have to tell the
overnight aide we didn't need her any more?  Why didn't you let Uncle Pop
and the boys help?  Didn't you love me enough to let them do that for us?
I need you and now you aren't here for me.  Why didn't you love me enough
to swallow your pride and accept their help?"

I could no longer remain in the background after hearing this, so I moved
forward and wrapped my arms around him from behind.  It was my way of
reminding him I was still here for him.

"Richard, he did love you and that's why he did what he did," I began "He
felt it was important that you and he take care of your mother, not a bunch
of outsiders.  He was showing you he'd do anything for the ones he loved
and make any sacrifice necessary to care for them.  Don't blame him or
think he didn't love you, because he did, from the very depths of his
soul."  I looked at Richard, to see if he comprehended what I told him.
When I saw he did, I continued.

"I know this, because he's told me so on very many occasions," I added.
"Instead of hating him now or dwelling on what he did, let your love for
him show through.  If he can still see you, he probably feels badly enough
about leaving you alone, but there's nothing he can do about that now."  I
held Richard tightly and eventually felt the tightness ebb from his body.
As this happened, he began to sob hysterically.

"I do still love him, Uncle Pop, except I don't know what I'm going to do
now," he stated, while turning his head around, so he could look at my
face.  His eyes were pleading with me to give him some sort of answer about
what was going to happen next.

"Don't worry," I told him.  "Remember what I said at Thanksgiving.  We take
care of family and you're family, so we'll take care of you too."

"I know, but I can't run the farm and take care of mom on my own," he
confessed.  "I'm not even sure if you guys can help me do that, even though
I know you'll try."

"Richard, let's not worry about that now," I urged.  "We'll work things
out, but tell me how this happened."  Richard stood wrapped in thought for
a few more seconds, before he spoke again.

"I don't think Dad had been sleeping much," he told me, trying to
rationalize what had occurred, "but he was still doing all the work around
the farm.  If he hadn't told the overnight aide we didn't need her, this
probably wouldn't have happened," he stated again.  It appeared he still
felt the need to blame someone or something for what happened.

"I should have been more insistent about letting us help cover that shift,"
I admitted, as a way of taking away some of his guilt. "It's just that I
knew your father very well and didn't want to offend him by pressuring him
in to accepting our offer.  Damn it all.  The aide schedule goes back to
full coverage tomorrow, so why did this have to happen today?"

Now, I was also blaming myself for not MAKING Albert accept our help, for
if I had, it's possible he wouldn't have had this heart attack.  Finally,
however, I came back to my senses and realized I needed to be there for
Richard and not dealing with other issues.  With this in mind, I began to
offer him some comfort.

"Richard, I think you know your parents made me your legal guardian," I
advised him, "should something happen to them.  They did this so you'd
always have a home."

"I know, but what about mom?" he asked, while looking at me.  I could tell
he was deeply concerned about her future, not just his own.

"We'll take care of her too," I added.  "The aides will help and we'll make
things work."

"Are you sure?" he asked, still unconvinced.  "She'll be terribly confused
and upset by this, so she'll probably be hard to deal with."  I could read
the worry written all over his face.

"We'll get through it.  I promise," I told him, hoping that would be enough
to reassure him.

"Uncle Pop, I've lost them both now," Richard sobbed, before burying his
face into my chest.  He was crying forcefully, so I let him continue to
release the anguish he was feeling for a few more minutes.  Eventually, he
stopped and looked up at me again.

"Mom doesn't even know who I am most of the time any more and she gets
sooooo confused," he confessed.  "I really have lost them both now, you
know."

"That may be true, but you still have me and the boys," I suggested, to let
him know he'd never be alone.  "You'll come live with us and we'll take
care of your mother too."

"But what about the farm?" Richard asked, very concerned.

"We'll talk about that later, but we'll work something out about the farm
as well," I offered.  "Will that be all right with you?"

Richard merely nodded, but didn't speak this time.  Since I felt he'd had a
chance to say what he'd intended, I decided it was time for him to say his
final good-bye.  Then, I'd take him with me for a while, to give him a
chance to grieve and work through his problems in relative seclusion.  The
aides would be with Arlene for the rest of the day and that would give us a
chance to figure something out, before the final aide left for the day.

Richard was still hesitant about leaving his father's body, but I finally
pried him away and drove us home.  I knew the boys would do whatever was
needed to help him work through this, once we got there, so that didn't
concern me.

The boys were very helpful and did everything they could to make Richard
feel better.  The minute I felt Richard was okay without me, I broke away
and ran to grab the phone.  Then, I started calling our extended family, to
let them know what had happened.  Even though they all expressed grief over
Albert's loss, the Spences went a step further.

"Josh, you can't take care of Richard AND Arlene," Margaret informed me.
"Let us take Arlene in with us.  She feels an attachment to me and with the
aides helping out, I'm sure we can handle it."

"Margaret, I appreciate the offer, but this may be more than you can or
should be taking on," I countered.

"Nonsense," she responded, more emphatically than I expected.  "You said it
perfectly at Thanksgiving -- we do what we have to do to help the family,
and John and I want to do this.  It will be fine."

"Margaret, I really do appreciate your offer," I told her, "but such a
change will be hard on Arlene."

"Any change will be hard on Arlene, whether she comes to live with you,
with us or goes to a home," Margaret explained, "so that shouldn't be part
of the equation."  She had a point and I had to admit she was right.

"That's very true, but I'll have to discuss this with Richard first, before
I can give you an answer," I explained.  "I'm not sure he'll want to be
separated from his mother right now."

"I understand," she replied, "but please make sure he understands we really
WANT to do this for them."

"I will, Margaret, and I'll let you know what he decides."  I thought that
was more than generous for her and John to offer, but I'm not sure how
Richard would react to such an idea.  I would discuss it with him, but I
didn't think this was the appropriate time to do it.  The first thing we
had to attend to was making arrangements for Albert's funeral.

I went and found Richard, to tell him there were some things we needed to
talk about.  He followed me into the family room, and as I sat down, he
immediately seated himself across my lap and leaned his head upon my
shoulder.  Rather than bring up the issue of the funeral right away, I just
held him and let him get comfortable.

"What is it we need to talk about?" he asked, as he lifted his head and
broke the silence.

"I think we need to talk about the funeral arrangements," I announced,
which caused his face to drop a little.  "I know this isn't easy, but it
needs to get done, so I must know if your dad ever said anything to you
about such a situation."

"I know we have to do this, so I'll be okay," Richard admitted.  "Yeah, Dad
and I talked about this a little, but it was about Mom at the time.  They
have plots at the cemetery and they both have life insurance, to cover the
costs of the funeral."  That was actually more information than I'd
expected him to know.

"Well, that's a start," I agreed.  "Do you know which cemetery?"

"Yeah, the one near where we live," Richard confirmed.  "You know, down by
the old church."  I nodded my head in response.

"Where do you want the funeral and services to be held?" I followed.  I
could see him thinking hard about this.

"How about like you did for Cody," he suggested.  "That was nice."

"Fine.  Would you like me to make the arrangements for you?" I followed, to
take another burden from him.

"Yes, but can I go with you when you do it?" he asked.  "I want to help
make some of the decisions."  He looked so sad and lost as he said it.

"Of course you can," I quickly agreed.  "Let me make a couple of phone
calls and then we'll be on our way."  He nodded and I went to call the
funeral home and the church, to set appointments for us to meet with them.
The funeral director told us to come down directly, which I figured he
would, and I set up a meeting with the minister immediately afterward.  I
ran to get something else first, then got Richard and we drove off.



The Castaway Hotel: Grand Reopening --Book 7 - by BW         
Copyright 2009 by billwstories
Chapter 32 -- More Adjustments. 

At the funeral home, Richard picked out the casket his father would be laid
to rest in.  It was a silver, metallic casket, which looked very elegant.

"Dad said his next car would be this color," Richard told me, to justify
his selection.

With this decided, Richard selected the vault the casket would be placed
in, when it was lowered into the ground.  Once this was done, we went to
the director's office, so Richard could give him the information he needed
for the obituary.

Richard knew most of the information, but occasionally I would have to jump
in to fill in the gaps.  I was able to do this, because Albert had given me
some information when Richard first came to live with him.  In fact, it was
those notes that I ran in to retrieve before we left the house.  I pulled
the paper from my pocket and located the required details as they were
needed. When this process had been completed, we set up times for the
calling hours and funeral service, before I took Richard over to the
church.  We would complete the final arrangements there.

After I introduced Richard, the minister asked him some questions about
Albert.  He was looking for anecdotal information he could use in the
eulogy, to make it more personal.  Since our pastor didn't know Albert very
well, because the Beckers only occasionally attended services with us, this
material was essential for him to be able to depict a true picture of
Albert.

Richard answered all of our clergyman's questions as best he could, but
intermittently I would add details Richard wasn't aware of.  These were
things I had learned about Albert during our many conversations and I felt
these tidbits would give the minister a truer picture of our departed loved
one.  Once this interview was concluded, Richard and I went to pick Arlene
up, so the aide could leave for the day.  On the drive there, I decided it
would be a good time to discuss the Spences' proposal with him.

"Richard, Mrs. Spence has offered to have your mother come live with them,"
I began.  "She did this because she likes your mother and Arlene has showed
a particular attachment to Margaret over the years.  I will have the aide
coverage moved there, if you decide you approve of this, or we could take
your mother in to live with us.  I will leave that particular decision up
to you."

Richard sat looking in my direction, but his eyes were focused on nothing
in particular.  He was merely lost in thought and weighing the options over
in his mind.  It was several minutes before he spoke again.

"The Spences are home all day, right?" he asked.

"Yes, they are retired and don't go out very often," I replied.  "They do
go shopping for groceries and other things, but I'm sure they would either
take your mother with them or leave her with the aide, depending on how she
is that day.  They also join us from time to time, for our various
get-togethers, so they will bring your mother with them when they do."

"That means they'll be able to keep a really close eye on Mom, right?" he
pressed, while trying to clarify the situation in his mind.  He didn't want
to make a hasty or inappropriate decision.

"Yes, with the two of them at home and the aides assisting," I concurred,
"they should be able to keep a very good watch over your mother."  I could
tell he was thinking about this some more.

"And I can go visit her whenever I want?" he followed.  I knew my answer
would have a great impact on how he decided.

"I'm positive the Spences would have no problem with you going there to
visit whenever you wished," I assured him.

"And they live close enough so I can walk to their place from your house?"
he persisted, since he didn't remember the Spences were our next-door
neighbors.

"They live in the next house down the hill," I clarified.  "They bought
that particular house so they would be close to us and you can easily walk
there whenever you want."

"Okay, I think that would be best for all of us then," he agreed.  "Having
Mom in the house can really upset things and with everyone going in and out
so much, you might lose track of her.  I don't mean that in a bad way, it's
just that Mom can be hard to watch, even without so many people coming and
going.  She could easily slip out behind one of them and they might not
even notice she had done so.  She could go around the corner and be out of
sight quickly, so they wouldn't see her, even if they did turn around.

"There are other reasons too," Richard added.  "A lot of times Dad had to
give her a bath or clean her up after she had an accident.  I don't think
any of you should have to do that and I think Mom would feel better if a
woman was helping her.  Even though I want to stay in the same place with
her, I think it would be better if she was with Mrs. Spence.  I'll visit
her every day, so it won't be like I don't ever see her and it won't be
that bad."  I reached over and placed my hand on his leg, so I could pat it
a couple of times, just to let him know I was there for him.

"Richard, I agree with your reasoning and think it's a very wise move," I
concurred.  "Mrs. Spence has always had a special connection with your
mother and I know she'll take very good care of her.  Not only that, but
Margaret has the time to do a more thorough job than we do.  Since you'll
be going to visit your mother on a regular basis and with the aides to
help, I think she should do just fine."

I could see Richard still had some doubts about doing it this way, because
he still wore a very sad expression on his face.  For that reason, I
thought I'd offer him a little more encouragement.

"Richard, even though it's a difficult decision for you to make -- hell,
it's a tough decision for anyone to make, but it's the best option you
have.  This will keep your mother from being placed in a nursing home and
will put her with loving friends.  You will be with her as much as you can
and she'll still be there for our family functions.  That's the best a
loving son can do at this point, so you can't feel bad about it."

"I know, but it's still a hard thing for me to do," he confessed.  "I felt
like I lost her a long time ago, but now that Dad is gone too, I feel like
an orphan again."  He paused and began to weep.  I reached out and pulled
him against me.

"You'll never be an orphan," I promised, while trying to will some strength
into him.  "You'll have two more dads, even though Jake or I would never
attempt to replace your father.  We realize we'd never be able to truly
fill Albert's shoes, but we will do our best for you.  You'll also end up
with a slew of brothers, whether you want them or not.  You're stuck with
each of them and all of their faults, so I hope you're ready to become part
of our nuthouse."  This comment caused him to break into a grin and he even
giggled a little, through his tears.  I was glad to see him perk up even
that much.

"It's not that I'm unhappy about coming to live with you," he explained,
"because that's what I wanted to do, before I met my mom and dad.  It's
just that I hate the thought that I've lost them so quickly.  I was hoping
I'd be in college, or even older, before anything like this happened."

"I understand and I'm sorry fate has worked against you, but we all have to
play the cards life deals us," I explained.  "You're a survivor, and we
both know that, so I have no doubt you'll do well and blossom with us.  You
also won't have to worry about your future, because between Albert's estate
and what we can do for you, you'll be able to go to college or whatever
else you might be inclined to do."  Richard looked shocked after hearing me
say this.

"Uncle Pop, you don't have to do all that for me!" he exclaimed.  "You have
all the other boys to take care of too and I don't want to take anything
away from them."  He was being sincere, yet emphatic.  I could tell he was
truly upset by the thought I'd be robbing the other boys for him.

"That won't happen, Richard," I replied.  "The boys are set up already.
Each has his own account for college or to start life on his own with, so
no one will lose a thing.  However, we're going to make sure you're taken
care of too.  Besides, the farm is the key here and will take care of most
of your needs.  I'm just grateful your father decided to buy it back a
couple of years ago or this might not have worked out so well for you."

"Uncle Pop, thank you and I love you so much," he told me.  He then locked
us in a somewhat lengthy embrace, even though I was driving at the time.

"When we get to the farm," Richard added, "I'm going to give you even more
hugs." After he said this, he also flashed me one of his special grins.

"I'll take that as payment in full for your debt," I responded.

"No way!" he exclaimed.  "Maybe a bunch of hugs every day, but not just
today."  I just looked at him and smiled.

"Sounds like a great deal for me," I agreed.  "I'll take it."  It was nice
to see he was temporarily out of the doldrums.

Shortly after that, we pulled into the driveway at the farm.  After I
stopped the car in front of the house, we got out and headed toward the
door, but not before Richard kept his promise.  He raced over and hugged me
again, long and hard, before tilting his head upward and kissing me on the
cheek.  When he pulled away, he thanked me again.

I have always felt a special connection to Richard and love it when he's
around.  I suspected someday he might have to come live with us, but I
didn't want it to happen so soon or under such dire circumstances.
However, I was pleased to see he was excited about the idea of being with
us too.

As we entered the house, the aide greeted us.  She said Arlene was having a
fairly decent day, so we decided to go speak with her.  We walked upstairs,
knocked and entered her room when she told us we could.

"Hello, Arlene," I greeted her, as we walked in.  "How are you feeling
today?"

"Oh, hello, Josh," she responded, sounding like her old self and apparently
in a fairly decent mood.

"I didn't hear you come in.  Do you know where Albert is?" she asked,
looking concerned.  "That person downstairs won't tell me anything.  Oh,
Richard," she said, once she noticed her son behind me, "come here and give
your mother a hug and kiss.  You haven't done that yet today."

Richard did as he was told, but the tears were already streaming down his
cheeks.  "Richard, what is wrong with you dear?  Why are you crying?"
Richard looked over at me, seeking help.

"Arlene," I began, taking him off the hook, "we have some bad news for you.
Maybe you should sit down first."

"Josh, I don't need to sit," she stated, defiantly.  "I'm not feeble or an
invalid, so tell me what's wrong with Richard?"

"It's not Richard.  It's Albert," I advised her.  "He had a heart attack
earlier.  I'm sorry, but he's gone."

"Gone where?" she asked.  It was evident she didn't fully comprehend the
implication of what I'd told her.

"Arlene, Albert's dead.  He passed away earlier in the day from a heart
attack."  As it began to sink in, she started to weep too.

"Why didn't anyone say anything or take me to be with him?" she wondered.
I had to come up with something quickly, rather than depress her about her
own situation.

"Albert and Richard had run to town to pick up a few things and it happened
while they were gone," I explained, hoping that would satisfy her
curiosity.  "Arlene, it happened so quickly that they had to rush Albert to
the hospital, but he was gone before we could have you brought there.  We
also felt it would be best if we came to tell you in person, rather than on
the phone.  I'm so sorry."

Richard was hugging his mother tightly and she was sobbing on his shoulder.
After a minute or so, she looked up at me.

"When can I see him, Josh?" she asked.  Looking at the sadness in her eyes,
I completely understood how she felt and knew what she was going through.

"He's at the funeral home," I replied, "and you can see him tomorrow,
during the calling hours."  She looked a little put off that she'd have to
wait until then, but quickly recovered.

"Did he suffer?" she wanted to know.

"No, Arlene.  I understand he went quickly," I assured her.  "He didn't
have time to suffer."

"That's good," she replied, succinctly.

"Arlene, we're going to take you with us now," I told her.  "You're going
to stay with Margaret and John Spence for a while, so you'll be closer for
the calling hours and funeral.  Richard will stay at my place, with my boys
and me.  Is that all right with you?"  She thought about this for a second
and then responded.

"Oh, yes.  That will work fine.  I'd love to see Margaret again," she
agreed.  "Come on, Richard, we both have to pack a suitcase for this
visit."

They went off together, to get their things, and I suggested to the aide
that she should go see if she could help.  While they were busy doing that,
I waited downstairs.  Since I was alone, I checked out the house and made a
couple of quick phone calls.  I contacted a few of the neighbors to explain
what had happened and asked if they could look after the animals for a few
days, until we could work something out.  Once they agreed and that task
had been taken care of, I studied the pictures scattered about on the
shelves or hung on the walls.  It was obvious to see they had been a loving
and close-knit family.

When Richard and Arlene finished and came back downstairs, we put the
luggage in the trunk and started to get into the car.  However, before he
did, Richard took one more look around.  I think he was making mental notes
about the place, so he wouldn't forget what it was like.  When he finished
this task, he joined us and we drove away.

Arlene chatted continually during the trip and talked mostly about Albert.
She reminisced about things they had done together and what it was like
before Richard came along.  I think even Richard was amazed by some of the
things she told us, along with being astounded by how well she was doing.
Surprisingly, this continued throughout the ride.

We stopped at the Spences first, to drop Arlene off.  She seemed extremely
happy to see John and Margaret again, so after chatting with them for a few
minutes, Richard and I excused ourselves and left.  Although we didn't have
very far to go, Richard had some things he wanted to tell me.

"Thanks for bailing me out with Mom," he began.  "I didn't know how I was
going to tell her about Dad."

"I figured that might be the case," I confessed, "so I was kind of prepared
for her."  Richard was still looking down in the mouth, so I tried to see
what was up.

"Is there something else bothering you?" I asked.

"It's just hard seeing her like she is today.  It's the way she used to be,
before she got sick," he admitted.  "The problem is, I know a few minutes
from now she probably won't remember what happened and may not even
recognize any of us, including me."

"I understand and can empathize with you," I explained.  "This has to be
very tough on you."  He merely nodded in response.

"Uncle Pop, can you do me one more favor?" he asked, while looking a little
sheepish.

"Sure, my boy.  Anything," I replied.  "What do you want me to do for you?"

"Would you start calling me Little Ricky again?"  He was studying me now,
because I failed to respond right away.  I guess he felt this meant he
needed to clarify his request some more.

"But I just want you to call me Little Ricky," he added.  "I think it will
be less confusing if I stick with Richard for everyone else.  Besides, I
think it would be kind of strange for the others to be calling me Little
Ricky, because I'm bigger than some of them.  I do like hearing you call me
that though."

How could I not agree?  He was so honest and adorable in the way he
broached his request that I could never say no.  I agreed it was what I'd
do and Little Ricky looked extremely pleased I had consented.
 
"I'll feel better doing it this way," he confessed.  "Besides, I think if
you called me Richard it would remind me too much about my parents and I'm
not sure I could handle that right now."

"Sure, champ, if that's what you want," I confirmed.  "I'll tell the boys
too, so they'll know it's what you want as well."

"Thanks, Uncle Pop," he gushed, "or should I just start calling you Pop
now?"

"That's up to you, Little Ricky," I informed him.  "Whichever you feel most
comfortable with."

"Okay.  Let me think about that for a while," he replied.  I nodded my
agreement and we got out of the car and went to get his things out of the
trunk.

"Come on.  Let's go see the crew and we'll find you a place to sleep
tonight," I added, as I pulled his suitcase out.

"Do you think I can stay with Ricky tonight?" Little Ricky asked,
hopefully.

"We'll ask him, but I'm pretty sure that won't be a problem," I replied.
"I know you two bonded when you first met and I'm sure he'd love having you
with him."

"Thanks, Pop.  I love you."  Hearing what he said, I concluded he'd made up
his mind about what he was going to call me.

"I love you too, sport," I shot back and put my arm around his shoulders,
as we made our way to the front door.


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