A Wonderful Life (standard:drama, 6585 words)
Author: Hopes	Added: Feb 10 2003	Views/Reads: 3353/2340	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
A godfather brings more than just concern to a family torn by a tragic accident. An unusual family is formed. This is Part 2 of "Life Changes", also posted here. Part of this parallels the first story, but is told from Alex's viewpoint.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

After graduation, Alex spent the next year getting established as a high
school  history teacher.  Ann was planning her wedding.  They were 
married in a beautiful, yet simple, ceremony during summer vacation.  
Their home was about halfway between their two families.  His folks 
lived in the city to the west and hers in a smaller town an hour and a 
half away to the east.  Both were teaching that fall. 

They had never been out of touch with David.  In fact, he was one of
Alex's groomsmen.  David traveled quite a bit and whenever he came in 
their direction would stop.  Later, when Andrew David was born, they 
asked David to be Andy's godfather.  With misty eyes, he accepted.  
Although not married and having no children of his own, he loved kids 
and was wonderful with them.  His pride in being Andy's godfather was 
obvious. 

Within a few years, Alex became the assistant director of a well known
museum.  Being a history buff, they had taken part of each summer to go 
on archaeological digs all over the world.  This job was a dream comes 
true.  He could still go on digs, plus his job took him to various 
locations looking for additions to the museum.  He also organized 
public information pertaining to the museum and directed the dialogue 
used by the museum guides on the tours. 

Ann had started working as a liaison between the schools and social
services.  It broke her heart while teaching when she saw children who 
greatly needed help or intervention had no one to turn to for help.  
During this time, she came in contact with Maggie, a sweet, shy girl of 
10 who had been abandoned by her parents at age 5 and was now in her 
fourth foster home.  It was love at first sight for both of them, and 
soon Alex and Andy were drawn into their love.  The week she turned 11, 
Alex and Ann legally adopted Maggie.  Andy jumped up and down and gave 
Maggie hundreds of kisses to show how happy he was that he now had her 
as a big sister.  Her love for him was the same.  She cried tears of 
happiness to realize that she was ‘home' forever. 

David wasn't there for the official adoption, but came by a few weeks
later.  He brought her a beautiful charm bracelet.  There was one 
charm, a birthday cake with the number 11 on it.  It was a beautiful 
reminder of her own personal miracle of being adopted the week she 
turned 11.  She gave “Uncle David” a long, loving hug.  He was 
embarrassed to find his eyes again misty. 

Life settled into a typical, but wonderful, routine.  Alex was one of
Andy's scout leaders and Ann was involved in Girl Scouts with Maggie.  
There were sports and school activities to help with and watch.  The 
ups and downs of parenting were met and dealt with in firmness and 
love.  It would have been difficult to find a happier family. 

A couple years after adopting Maggie, Ann decided to go part-time at
work so that she would be available more at home.  It was a move that 
they all enjoyed.  Maggie grew into a beautiful young woman and Andy 
was a boisterous and fun loving young man.  Alex's work was a joy.  He 
got to use both of his college degrees in his work.  History was all 
around him daily.  His education degree and fun loving spirit found 
exciting ways to make the museum interesting to the most reluctant 
visitor.  He truly had a wonderful life. 

Summer had come again.  No trip was planned this year.  There were a
number of things they wanted to accomplish around their new home.  The 
kids were busy with their activities also.  The middle of July found 
the projects finished, the kids away at camp, and a whole week alone 
for Alex and Ann. 

After all these years, they were still love birds.  It was not unusual
for the kids to come into the kitchen or anywhere else and find their 
mom and dad in each other's arms kissing.  They would groan and turn 
around and request that they be notified when the ‘mushy stuff' was 
over so they could come back!  This week it was like a second honeymoon 
for the two of them. 

Wednesday they went back to the cabin where they had spent their
honeymoon and had a great time recalling memories and speaking of 
dreams for the future.  Friday afternoon they started home.  Alex told 
Ann to dress up.  As a surprise, he took her to eat at her favorite 
exclusive restaurant near home for a fabulous meal.  Tears of joy came 
to her eyes when the violinist came to their table and Alex sang a love 
song to her in front of everyone. 

It was misting by the time they left the restaurant, but they were only
20 minutes from home.  The kids would be home Sunday and life would 
return to normal, a hectic whirl of activities.  Both were quiet during 
the drive, deep in their own happy thoughts as they held hands.  
Suddenly, the car shifted, there was a loud noise and then. . .quiet. 

*   *   *   *   *   * 

While in college David joined the Marine Corps Reserves.  Because he was
pursuing a chemistry degree, they steered him into EOD (Explosive 
Ordinance Disposal), working with explosives.  It wasn't something he 
had thought about, but he found that he loved it.  He took everything 
they had to offer.  After graduation, he worked for the fire department 
until his time in the reserves was up.  At that time he started his own 
demolition business. 

Knowing how to use explosives to bring down structures also gave him the
knowledge to defuse them.  He became something of an expert, not only 
in his city, but in the state.  He got a lot of experience when he 
began to be on call for his area emergency squads.  His success rate 
was phenomenally high and his reputation grew. 

There was one draw back to such a career.  There were not many women who
could deal with the danger involved, especially when called to disable 
a bomb.  He was a bachelor with no prospect of matrimony.  His work 
sounded exciting at first, but when he went to work or was called out 
for an emergency, exciting became frightening.  Though he would like to 
have a family, he understood that it may not come to be. 

Roy, a very close friend for years, had found a woman who could deal
with the work.  She figured he could die in an explosion or be killed 
crossing the street just as easily.  Often Roy would bring David home 
with him for supper.  He had a great time with his teenage son, Jim.  
He couldn't count the games of HORSE or one-on-one in basketball they 
had played on the driveway court.  A couple years ago, Roy and Ellen 
had asked him to be godfather to Jim.  They had not had one at his 
birth, but since neither had family, they wanted to be sure Jim would 
be taken care of, just in case.  Knowing the possibility and serious 
responsibility of such a request, David thought long and hard before 
agreeing to their request. 

One day in June he and Roy had leveled a particular tricky building
situation and were walking away when Roy grabbed his chest and fell.  
He lived just long enough to tell his wife and son he loved them, and 
then died of a massive heart attack.  There was no history of heart 
trouble in his family and the shock was immeasurable.  David spent as 
much time as possible with Jim and Ellen.  Jim seemed to cling to him. 

It took a couple of weeks to handle all of the arrangements and details
following Roy's death.  Everyone thought Ellen was dealing with the 
situation as well as could be expected, when a friend came by and found 
her almost hysterical.  Ellen had been on medication for a chemical 
imbalance, but now she had succumbed to a nervous breakdown.  It didn't 
look good for her at all. 

Poor Jim!  Two weeks ago he had lost his father and now his mother was
‘unavailable'.  It seemed that David would be called upon to fulfill 
his duty as godfather.  Jim was already staying with him.  He didn't 
make promises lightly and immediately said, “of course,” when the 
family's lawyer called him to tell him that he was named as legal 
guardian for Jim in the event of Roy and Ellen being gone or unable to 
care for him.  It would be an adjustment for both in many ways, but 
they would make it, he was sure. 

*   *   *   *   *   * 

When Alex opened his eyes, his sister was holding his hand with tears on
her face.  “What happened?” he asked. 

“There was a mud slide and you ran into it,” she answered slowly.  “You
collided with a truck.” 

“Ann?” he asked, but Jan wouldn't look up.  “She's gone, isn't she?  I
can't feel her presence.” 

Jan looked up finally and nodded.  “I'm so sorry, Alex!” 

“Oh, my Ann!” he moaned softly, and closed his eyes. 

A minute later he spoke, “I'm pretty bad off, aren't I?”  Without
waiting for an answer he said, “I need David.  Call David for me, 
quickly!” 

She squeezed his hand and left.  Her parents came in as she left.  “He's
awake.” 

Her fingers shook as she dialed David's number.  A deep sleepy voice
answered.  “David, it's Jan.  Alex and Ann were in a terrible car 
wreck.  Ann's gone and we aren't sure about Alex yet.  He's asking for 
you.  Can you come?” 

“Yes, Jan.  I'm on my way.  What hospital?  Tell him to hold on, I'm on
my way.” 

Fortunately, he had just returned a few hours ago from out of town and
Jim was at his parents' home for the weekend.  He wasn't supposed to 
get home until late Saturday, so no one even knew he was home.  He 
quickly packed a small bag and left.  He would call his folks tomorrow 
with the news.  They knew Alex well and would be sad to hear this news. 


Jan hung up the phone and then picked it up again.  Maggie and Andy were
at the church teen camp.  She called the pastor to see if he could get 
them back home.  He quickly agreed to get them to the hospital as soon 
as possible.  As she turned from the phone, she saw Ann's parents and 
embraced them.  They went in to see Alex together. 

When they were all in Alex spoke softly.  “I love each one of you.  Ann
did too.  I'm not sure of my condition, but I know it isn't good.  In 
case I don't make it, I want to remind you of our wishes for the kids.  
Maggie will be at college in a few weeks.  She will come home to Mom 
and Dad's; they have more room for her.  Andy will go to David's; he is 
his godfather.  I know you all love him, but you are no match for a 
boisterous boy.  You know, too, that David will love and care for him 
as you would.”  He closed his eyes, exhausted. 

Ann and Alex had presented their wishes a couple years ago when these
arrangements were made.  Of course, they never dreamed that it would be 
necessary.  They all nodded in agreement and quietly slipped out as two 
nurses came in to check him.  He needed surgery, but had to wait until 
he stabilized more. 

A couple hours later Maggie and Andy arrived.  They were told about the
accident and that their mom was gone.  When they had composed 
themselves, they went in to see their dad.  His smile, though weak, 
went straight to their broken hearts.  He held his hands out and they 
came to him.  He told them how much he loved them. 

After a few minutes he reminded them of the arrangements for them if he
didn't make it.  It wasn't news to them either, but they couldn't 
fathom that they would lose their dad also.  They stayed until the 
nurses came in. 

The waiting area was filled with the family and friends.  It was truly a
tribute to their parents to see the number of non-family here in the 
middle of the night.  Many others, of course, didn't know yet and would 
come later. 

Friends took the kids down to the cafeteria.  Jan was standing near the
elevator when David arrived.  He pulled her into his arms and held her 
until the fresh batch of tears subsided.  They sat down and she told 
him what had happened.  He went on to the family area and spoke to 
Ann's parents.  Jan took him in to see Alex.  She came out again with 
her parents after David greeted them.  He then turned to his friend. 

“Alex, I'm here,” David spoke as he took Alex's hand in both of his. 

“It's about time,” Alex said with a weak smile. 

They looked at each other for several moments.  Each was reading the
unspoken messages in the others' eyes. 

“David, I never thought that you would have to fulfill your duties of
godfather in this way, but you might.  They've scheduled me for surgery 
tomorrow morning.  My blood pressure is too high right now.  I think it 
will be ok now that you are here and I can be sure that Andy will be 
taken care of should I not make it.  Are you still willing to take care 
of my son as if he were your own, to love him and give him the care and 
guidance he needs to be a strong, honorable man?” 

“I made that decision long ago when you first asked me to be his
godfather, Alex.  I hope it doesn't come to be necessary, but should it 
be, I will.  “ 

“I know you did, David.  I just needed to confirm it before I went into
this surgery.  They won't know the extent of my injuries until then.  
You are the brother I never had and I want you to know that I love 
you.” 

They talked a few minutes more until Alex dropped off to sleep.  When
David came back out to the waiting area, Maggie and Andy came to him 
and he held them close.  In a little while he took them home to get 
some rest.  They would come back early in the morning before their dad 
went into surgery. 

The doctor came out of surgery with encouraging news.  The damage was
bad, but not quite as bad as expected.  If he made it through the next 
48 hours, his chances of survival would be very good.  It would 
probably be months before they knew the extent of the paralysis in his 
legs.  It would be hours before he woke up and the doctor encouraged 
them to get some rest.  He recommended the hotel across the street just 
in case of any change and he needed them to come quickly.  Friends 
agreed to stay and give the news to others who came by. 

It was a long 48 hours, but the doctor came to them with a smile and
said that the crisis seemed to be over.  He would live.  Alex was 
strong and his spirit was fighting valiantly.  He would stay in ICU 
another 24 hours and then be taken to a room.  He would be in the 
hospital several weeks and then need to be in a rehabilitation hospital 
for a long time, maybe a year or more.  It would not be an easy road, 
but he was alive. 

After Alex woke up and learned his prognosis, he called for David. 
“David, I'm still here, but I can't take care of Andy for a while.  
Will you take him?  I know that you just took Jim into your home a few 
weeks ago.  Who would have thought that a bachelor of two months ago 
would end up with two teen boys to care for?  Life changes quickly for 
us, doesn't it?  I don't have any idea how long this will be for, but I 
want Andy to be with you.” 

“Yes, Alex, I'll take care of Andy.  Jim has settled in quickly.  My
younger brother, Pete, has helped him to adjust.  Together they will 
help Andy.  We will be fine.  I may not have any hair left the next 
time you see me, but we'll make it.”  He added the last comment with a 
grin. 

“David, one boy is work, but two will be more different than you can
imagine.  Putting two together will be more than interesting.  I can 
hardly wait to hear your horror stories!  Call me any time.”  Alex 
chuckled.   “Seriously, I will heal quicker knowing that my kids are 
well taken care of.  My folks will bring him down in a couple weeks.  
They want to see where their grandson will be living.  You'll never 
know the depth of what you are doing for me.  Thank you.” 

They shook hands and then hugged as David rose to leave.  “I'll be back
often to see you.”  “And,” David thought, “When you are ready for that 
rehabilitation facility, I plan to have it close to me so that you can 
still have a part in your son's life.” 

David stayed for Ann's funeral and went home the following day.  He had
called his parents and Jim daily to let them know what was going on and 
his plans.  Jim was especially glad to know he was coming home.  As 
much as he liked his adopted grandparents, his own loss was still too 
raw to want Jim away from him for very long.  This had been an unusual 
situation and he had understood the need for David to be there for 
Andy.  Jim didn't know Andy, but he did know his pain. 

Alex slowly healed from his surgery.  His parents had taken Andy to
David's and were pleased with his home and the fact that David's family 
was ready to embrace Andy just as they had Jim and counted them as 
their own.  Although they had liked David before, they now understood 
their son's total faith in him. 

Alex was determined to keep a positive attitude during the next
difficult months.  He was glad that there would be no financial 
problems for any of them due to some wise investments and insurance. 

Some days were definitely harder than others.  He had times when he
missed Ann so much that he thought he couldn't go on.  She had been his 
life from the day they met.  They complimented each other so well.  He 
just couldn't imagine going on without her.  Sometimes he would give 
way to the torrent of grief welled up inside of him.  When he calmed 
down a bit he would again be thankful that his kids still had one 
parent, although he wasn't sure that he had been the better choice.  
But, since he had had no choice in the matter, he again set his mind to 
the course before him and determined to do his best to recover quickly. 


By the time he was able to start therapy, David had found a small, but
excellent, rehab center within half an hour of his home.  Alex actually 
cried when David called him with the news.  He missed his kids 
terribly.  Maggie wrote and called at least once a week.  Girls just 
found it easier to write.  There had been no letters from Andy, but he 
did call every Sunday afternoon. 

When the ambulance arrived with Alex, he could hardly believe his eyes. 
Andy and Jim had filled his room with balloons and streamers and 
posters.  They laughed at his astounded face.  There were so many 
balloons that the attendants had trouble getting him into his bed.  
They took the chaos in stride and wished more of their patients had 
such support.   Encouragement and support were much more important to 
recovery than most people realized.  This guy would make it! 

Again, Alex faced a set of new trials.  While he had been physically
active before the accident, it had been a while since he had even 
walked.  His muscles rebelled against the activity required in therapy. 
 Just as he thought he couldn't take it any more, he would think of his 
two children's faces when they came in to him after learning that their 
mother was dead and he was in serious condition.  He pushed aside his 
own feelings and worked harder for them.  Getting to see Andy and 
David, and often Jim and Pete, several times a week was wonderful. 

At home, David had talked to Andy about his desire to bring his dad
there when he was ready to leave rehab.  He still would not be able to 
go back to work yet and needed a place to live while he completed his 
recovery.  Andy was thrilled with the idea.  He had already started to 
dread the time when he might have to leave.  Having his dad join him 
would complete his happiness.  So, they began to prepare one of the 
downstairs rooms for Alex.  The boys worked hard.  Andy helped a lot, 
knowing his dad's choice of colors, taste and favorite things. 

When the news was presented to Alex, he was told, not asked, about the
arrangements.  They had taken pictures of the house and his room for 
him to see.  Anything he might need was already there.  They even got a 
wheel chair for times when he was tired but still needed to get around. 


“It seems that I have no choice in the matter, I guess I'll have to
come,” he said pettily.  One glance at his son's worried face and he 
broke out in a grin that covered his face.  “Thank you, boys; and you, 
David.  I appreciate and accept your offer.” 

With all of his needs now and future taken care of, Alex threw all of
his energies anew into his therapy.  It would still be a while, but he 
was encouraged. 

Others in the facility noticed Alex's determined and happy countenance
and asked him about it.  This was not easy work, and was quite painful 
at times.  Some would eventually recover completely, while others would 
just get back functional.  David would never be the same, but at least 
he would walk, probably with help from a cane.  They all came to know 
Alex's story and hear of the big heart of David in taking in not only 
one godson, but another, and then the father of one.  That wasn't 
unusual, it was unheard of!  Alex introduced his ‘family' to others 
there and a casual friendship developed with several. 

Finally, after 12 months in rehab, Alex moved to David's.  Again David
allowed the boys freedom in decorating.  There were balloons and 
streamers from the gate to the house, and all over the house.  The 
bedroom looked like a balloon factory!  All of David's family, two 
brothers and a sister and his parents, were there as well as, Ann's 
parents, Alex's parents and Jan.  Only David had come to pick him up 
that morning so the crowd of people was quite a surprise.  There was 
plenty of food and drink and laughter that day.  The trip and 
excitement were tiring, so David helped him down for a nap after lunch. 
 It was a short but refreshing nap and he was with the family for a 
couple hours more before they all headed back home.  Jan was staying 
overnight and helped clean up after everyone left.  Alex went to his 
room early, reflecting on his continued blessings. 

Jan had come down every other weekend to see Alex and it had become a
habit to stay overnight.  While always friends, she and David developed 
a comfortable camaraderie.  David had kept her in the loop about the 
plans for Alex and her thoughts and advice had been helpful. 

The next morning Alex asked that they take him to church with them.  He
knew that David went regularly and felt an obligation to show God his 
thankfulness.  David had bought a van that could easily accommodate all 
of them as well having an easy access for Alex.  The church family was 
familiar with the entire situation and was almost as excited as the 
small group that came in together.  They were late leaving church that 
morning because it seemed that everyone wanted to speak to Alex and 
Jan.  The pastor and several members had visited Alex a few times while 
he was in rehab.  It always amazed him that they would take in a 
stranger like this.  Jan had visited a few times before and was greeted 
like an old friend. 

They had lunch from the leftovers from the day before and sent Alex for
a nap.  David always liked Sunday afternoons to be quiet, relaxing 
times for everyone, so the boys found things to do in their rooms.  He 
and Jan sat in the den with glasses of tea, reflecting on the past 
couple of years.  Soon it was time for her to start home.  She slipped 
into Alex's room and found him awake.  She said good-bye and gave him a 
kiss.  As she started to leave, he took her hand. 

“Sis, I love you and I appreciate all you have done for us.  Don't you
think it's time for you to find someone special and have your own home? 
 You will be a wonderful wife and mother.   I know that you could never 
find a better man than the one in the next room.  No, don't say 
anything.  Just think about it.  Drive safely.”  He closed his eyes and 
dropped her hand as if he were asleep.  She knew he wasn't, but was so 
startled that she simply stared at him for a minute and slowly turned 
and walked out.  Inwardly, Alex was feeling a smug sense of 
satisfaction; one down, one to go. 

She recovered enough to say a pleasant good-bye to David, Andy and Jim. 
She sure had a lot to think about on the way home.  David had been in 
their picture for so long that she took him for granted, like family.  
But, he was not family.  It was as if noting the fact opened her eyes 
to see David in a different light.  She couldn't help be wonder if 
David had said something to Alex or if this was Alex's idea.  Knowing 
her brother, she was sure it was his doing. 

Their lives settled into a new routine.  Alex could function for himself
in most areas, though sometimes it was slow going.  Safety handles had 
been put in various places in the bathroom to aid in his independence.  
David or the boys still helped him in and out of the tub, but other 
than that, he began to realize that he would really get back to some 
semblance of normal.  This thought, along with being reunited with his 
son, was a boon to his determination to continue his weekly therapy. 

Each night Andy spent the hour before bed time with his dad in his room.
 It was a special time for both.  As much as he loved David and Jim, 
Andy missed his entire family, especially his mom.  Sometimes they 
would talk about Ann and then shed tears for their loss of her.  They 
would read Maggie's letters from college together and laugh about her 
antics in the dorm.  It drew them closer than ever. 

During Andy and Alex's time, David would sit by Jim on the couch and
they would discuss the day's happenings.  He would draw things out of 
Jim and help him when the need arose.  He knew that although Jim loved 
Alex and was happy for Andy, it struck a sad cord in his heart to see 
them together.  He missed his dad so much.  His mom was still alive, 
but hardly knew anyone.  He actually felt that he had lost both 
parents.  David was all he had.  He had had moments of jealously when 
Andy first came, but David had wisely seen his feelings and helped him 
deal with them.  The two of them were a family now and they were a part 
of David's larger family.  Jim was treated as a full fledged grandson 
by David's parents and a cousin to Pete.  They were actually uncle and 
nephew, but that sounded odd to them since they were so close in age. 

When Andy first came, David had established a ‘business meeting time'
with the boys.  After supper he would go to his study to catch up on 
any paperwork he had.  When the kitchen was clean, either boy would 
announce that he needed a ‘business meeting' and would knock on the 
study door.  During this time he would bring up any problem or need 
that he had.  David could also tell one or both that he was requesting 
a ‘business meeting' with them.  On these occasions he would deal with 
problems or discipline issues that needed to be addressed.  I wasn't 
often, but there were times when tempers flared and disobedience 
occurred.  Both boys were well loved enough that their wrongs never 
went unnoticed or unpunished.  They knew that consequences always 
followed their actions. Alex had asked David to continue with this 
system, but joined him in the study.  Together they dealt with the 
boys.  David had dealt well with them, but Alex's insight and fatherly 
wisdom brought a new depth to them all. 

About a month after Alex came home, David talked to him about making
this his and Andy's permanent home.  Alex was overcome with emotion.  
He was eternally grateful for all that David had done for him and Andy, 
but fully expected to eventually move on.  But, when David presented 
his desire, it felt so right and he knew that he had dreaded the 
eventual moving on.  He talked with Andy, and even with Jim, before 
agreeing to stay.  It had been two years since that summer when tragedy 
brought them all together.  To think they would be this happy again had 
been too far out of their minds. 

To celebrate the decision, they decided to have an outdoor party with
everyone invited.  Arrangements were made to accommodate everyone from 
out of town overnight.  David loved cookouts and had everything made 
easy.  There was a whole pig roasting over hot coals for a couple days 
before.  He had corn boiling in their husks in a huge vat outside.  His 
mom and sister made slaw, potato salad and baked beans.  His brothers 
had picked up all the paper goods, drinks, ice and bread the day 
before.  The drinks had been in tubs of ice since then.  Tables and 
chairs were set up in the yard.  He had ordered an enormous cake baked 
and decorated with a cut away outline of the house and each person's 
room labeled.  Written on the cake was “Welcome to DJAA's Home!”  He 
wanted to emphasize to Andy and Alex that they were not just living 
there, it was their permanent home.  It only took a moment for everyone 
to understand that DJAA was David, Jim Alex and Andy.  David had shown 
Alex the cake before everyone arrived.  Tears poured down his face and 
he couldn't speak what was in his heart.  Finally, he enveloped David 
in a bear hug.  David couldn't deal long with the ‘hero worship' Alex 
was giving and eventually broke the hug with a grin and announced that 
they had a party to finish getting ready for.  Alex laughed and agreed. 


David's entire family included his mom, dad and brother, Pete; his
sister and her husband, his oldest brother and his wife and two kids, 
and his next older brother.  His next older brother was not married and 
said he wasn't in any hurry to get there. 

Three men who had been close to Jim's dad and the family, drove down
together.  Jim was thrilled with the attention they gave him.  It was 
good to get to talk with others who knew and thought highly of his dad. 
 They even kept him up to date on his mom and visited her once in a 
while.  David noticed Jim's excitement and was glad he had thought to 
invite them. 

Alex and Ann's parents were there.  Jan and Maggie had driven down
separately.  Maggie was doing well in college, but missed her mom 
terribly.  Jan tried to keep close tabs on her and her mom talked to 
her at least once a week at school. 

The entire church had been invited and about 25 were able to come.  The
pastor and his wife were the first to arrive after the families.  He 
had been a friend and counselor to David during these past two years.  
David wasn't sure that things would have turned out so well without the 
pastor and his mom and dad's wisdom. 

Most of those attending had at least met, but this gave everyone a
chance to get to know each other better.  It was a time of memories, 
deepening relationships, and making new friends in the light of the 
celebration of this home. 

David and Jan walked over and joined Alex as he looked over the crowd. 
They all agreed that the day had been a success.  Jan joined Maggie who 
was with several young collegians from the church. 

“You know, David,” Alex said as he watched Jan walk away and then winked
at David, “This home is almost perfect.  All it needs is a woman for 
you.”  With that said, he walked away.  He left David with his mouth 
hanging open.  Was Alex hinting that he and Jan get together?  He 
started to think that that was ridiculous, then stopped.  He couldn't 
think of another woman who even came near to the respect he had for 
her.  Hmmm.  Someone called him away just then and he moved on, but 
Alex had planted another seed of thought. 

Alex surveyed the yard.  Everyone important in his life was here, at his
home.  Home: that sounded good.  Yes, he still missed Ann and always 
would, but he had had a number of years with her and many precious 
memories they would always carry with them.  He, Maggie and Andy had to 
move on in their lives as she would have wanted.  Here they were, 
surrounded by so many who loved them.  As he thought of many in the 
rehab who had few, if any, people to help them, he was again grateful.  
 He truly had a wonderful life! 

THE  END 1-30-03 


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