the strength that held them all together and she kept no payback ledger in her mind.
Juliet walked in. She was home from her overnight with Brian. She handled the questions and teasing from her brothers with good spirit. She was graceful. Juliet was a young woman now and she deserved their respect. It was not said but the implication was clear. If, Mr. College Boy, bruised little Juliet’s heart he would be hearing from them.
“Hey Dad. Gangs all here. Mom is off saving the world. What’s up? I’m going to Marks today if that’s cool. One night with the boys before I head back. Cool Dad right?”
“I’m glad you’re all here”
Kyle, Keith, Bree and Juliet sat quietly. Sam Caldwell appeared changed. The rock they always knew was absent. They were observant people and this was not good.
“Your Mother is sick. She has Cancer and it’s bad. She is out shopping for groceries so she can load up the freezer with pre-made fucking lasagnas and casseroles for Juliet, Bree and I. They have some god damn specials at the market. She needs to pick up some pretty hats at the thrift store. She starts chemo on Monday morning. I owe her everything. I can’t help. I don’t even know how to make coffee for myself.
They were leveled.
“O.K. Dad I’m not going back to D.C.”
“I’m not leaving either." UMass, hockey, school – memories.
“Daddy” Bree was confused. She was way too young to bare this kind of news. Was there ever a good age?
Juliet sat silent. Mr. Caldwell, the grand patriarch was so fragile he appeared ready to shatter. But really no, he was already in a million pieces. His beautiful wife was his glue and she was in short supply.
“Boys, no. You are enrolled in University and that is where you will remain. We are a strong family living in a strong community. Your Mother has her faith and we will continue working, studying and playing hockey. Do it for Mom. Bree and Juliet will be here to help around the house. We have an excellent medical team in place and we’re exploring all our options. Medical insurance is there and I have a sizable nest egg I can tap into. Don’t look surprised I wasn’t exactly sleeping at the wheel. I invested properly in the 90’s and I ate up stock options as they were available. Juliet, you should know that Mrs. Gorski knows what’s going on and she has become a trusted friend to your Mom. She will help out when Mom can’t make it to school stuff. Hold on to that Brian his family is good.”
Seats were adjusted and long strong hugs were exchanged. Mrs. Caldwell had Ovarian Cancer. She had bad cramping by the time she went to the doctor. She had a hysterectomy that she explained as female surgery to the girls. With some clever maneuvering they were able to keep the girls safe from the truth. They were not lies intended to hurt the girls, rather convenient untruths to buy Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell time. They needed time to figure this thing out. Mrs. Gorski was there by circumstance. She was there when her new friend broke down. The dam broke. They bonded and a loyal partnership was formed.
Unfortunately the cancer had spread to other organs and they were hoping to slow its rampage throughout her body. Chemicals, sure that would be a toxic mess but it provided hope. It’s all they really had.
“When is Mom gonna be home? Do we act differently? Does she know you’re telling us? What can we do here? This is MOM. She looks so good. She lost weight because she’s sick. I feel like such an ass. I’m so damn self-centered. I thought I was good at reading signs. Is that why she was wistful at dinner. Was it some sort of farewell feast? I went on about hockey and school shit while she was saying goodbye. She’s mom.”
Kyle’s phone as buzzing in the back pocket of his jeans. Mark was calling and he answered out of habit. It was not a good
Juliet walked in. She was home from her overnight with Brian. She handled the questions and teasing from her brothers with good spirit. She was graceful. Juliet was a young woman now and she deserved their respect. It was not said but the implication was clear. If, Mr. College Boy, bruised little Juliet’s heart he would be hearing from them.
“Hey Dad. Gangs all here. Mom is off saving the world. What’s up? I’m going to Marks today if that’s cool. One night with the boys before I head back. Cool Dad right?”
“I’m glad you’re all here”
Kyle, Keith, Bree and Juliet sat quietly. Sam Caldwell appeared changed. The rock they always knew was absent. They were observant people and this was not good.
“Your Mother is sick. She has Cancer and it’s bad. She is out shopping for groceries so she can load up the freezer with pre-made fucking lasagnas and casseroles for Juliet, Bree and I. They have some god damn specials at the market. She needs to pick up some pretty hats at the thrift store. She starts chemo on Monday morning. I owe her everything. I can’t help. I don’t even know how to make coffee for myself.
They were leveled.
“O.K. Dad I’m not going back to D.C.”
“I’m not leaving either." UMass, hockey, school – memories.
“Daddy” Bree was confused. She was way too young to bare this kind of news. Was there ever a good age?
Juliet sat silent. Mr. Caldwell, the grand patriarch was so fragile he appeared ready to shatter. But really no, he was already in a million pieces. His beautiful wife was his glue and she was in short supply.
“Boys, no. You are enrolled in University and that is where you will remain. We are a strong family living in a strong community. Your Mother has her faith and we will continue working, studying and playing hockey. Do it for Mom. Bree and Juliet will be here to help around the house. We have an excellent medical team in place and we’re exploring all our options. Medical insurance is there and I have a sizable nest egg I can tap into. Don’t look surprised I wasn’t exactly sleeping at the wheel. I invested properly in the 90’s and I ate up stock options as they were available. Juliet, you should know that Mrs. Gorski knows what’s going on and she has become a trusted friend to your Mom. She will help out when Mom can’t make it to school stuff. Hold on to that Brian his family is good.”
Seats were adjusted and long strong hugs were exchanged. Mrs. Caldwell had Ovarian Cancer. She had bad cramping by the time she went to the doctor. She had a hysterectomy that she explained as female surgery to the girls. With some clever maneuvering they were able to keep the girls safe from the truth. They were not lies intended to hurt the girls, rather convenient untruths to buy Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell time. They needed time to figure this thing out. Mrs. Gorski was there by circumstance. She was there when her new friend broke down. The dam broke. They bonded and a loyal partnership was formed.
Unfortunately the cancer had spread to other organs and they were hoping to slow its rampage throughout her body. Chemicals, sure that would be a toxic mess but it provided hope. It’s all they really had.
“When is Mom gonna be home? Do we act differently? Does she know you’re telling us? What can we do here? This is MOM. She looks so good. She lost weight because she’s sick. I feel like such an ass. I’m so damn self-centered. I thought I was good at reading signs. Is that why she was wistful at dinner. Was it some sort of farewell feast? I went on about hockey and school shit while she was saying goodbye. She’s mom.”
Kyle’s phone as buzzing in the back pocket of his jeans. Mark was calling and he answered out of habit. It was not a good
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