What Do I Do Now, Mom?
by: E Walk
(© 2009-2010 by the Author)
 

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 33 

Making Arrangements

When Randy and I were lying in bed, I started to play with the brown quarter like markings on his chest and squeezing the cute little brown protrusions until they were standing straight up, begging to be caressed by my lips.  When Randy and I were coming down from our highs, I asked, "Randy, are you okay with how our lives are going?"

"Hank, things are beginning to fall into place.  With a lot of luck, the plumbing in this house should be finished within two weeks.  I've been thinking that as long as we have the extra guys helping, we could renovate Witt's house.  We could also spruce up the farm buildings and Witt would be able to ask more for the property.  It's something to think about, but we should see what we want to do when the formal appraisal comes in."

"But what about your plumbing business?

"There's an ulterior motive in my madness.  Ritch and I could be working on the plumbing, while the rest of you could be taking care of fixing up the rest of the house."

"When we finish, we could have an open house where we could advertise that the plumbing remodeling was done by Randall Lee Taylor, Master Plumber."

I started to laugh, "Great, I suppose you want to advertise that the rest of the work was done by the Henry Harrison Adler, professional decorators."

"Why not, all you do is sit around and do nothing all the time.  What are you going to do about the trailer?  It  would be a shame to have it sit there and be idle."

"Randy, I've already had several inquiries about renting the trailer, but we need to make sure that any renters wouldn't bother any of our sons and that any of our sons wouldn't bother them.  It would be ideal if you could find someone who would want to be an apprentice plumber to assist you in the plumbing business, since Ritch will be returning to school when it starts  We can't expect the guys to give up their extracurricular activities.  We need to think about buying Witt his own vehicle."

"I guess there are a lot of things that we need to sit down and discuss.  What time are you going to go to school, tomorrow.  With everything you have to do, I guess we won't be seeing you much, this summer."

"I'm hoping to get away with working from nine until noon tomorrow, but I'm not promising anything."

When I awoke the next morning, I felt something pushing against me.  There was no doubt that Randy was having a good dream, so I decided to help him make it become a reality. 

When Randy finally woke up, he was laughing, "You certainly know how to expedite the conclusion of a wet dream."

"Some of us have to work for a living and can't lay around in bed all day, like some master plumbers, I know, do.  It seems so quiet, you don't suppose all the guys are still asleep, do you?"

"Hank, you have your briefs on.  Go check and make sure the guys are okay.  "I'll get dressed and be there shortly.  You can take a shower while I go get them jumpstarted if they’re still in bed, which I doubt."

I looked in the bedrooms and only Wally, Willy and Wylie were still in bed.  Wylie opened his eyes when I walked in the room.  He looked up at me, "Daddy, are we always going to be living with you, now that our other daddy has gone to heaven?  Witt said that was what Daddy wanted."

I hugged Wyle, "Son, it looks as if you are stuck with me and Dad Randy for as long as you want us."

Wylie was squeezing me so tight that I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to breath, "Daddy, we talked last night.  We really like it here and we all want to stay here."

I finally disentangled myself, took my shower and dressed in jeans, a pullover short sleeved shirt and my cowboy boots and went to see what was happening.  No one was in the kitchen, so I had a cup of coffee and a bagel before I departed for the school.

As I was getting in my car, Witt and Wade arrived in the truck.  Witt got my attention, "Dad Hank, when you get home this afternoon, can you help me make arrangements for our father?"

"Witt, why don't you meet me at the school at noon, and we'll take care of the arrangements this afternoon, so they're done?"

"But, Dad, I can't leave all the young guys with Wade and Walt, by themselves."

"Witt, Randy will be here, and if something happens, and Ritch's car will be here.  Aaron and Eric will probably be here as well.  I think they enjoy working with you guys.  They certainly have a different attitude than when I first met them."

"Dad, Aaron told me yesterday that he thought you and Dad Randy were the greatest.  You don't pretend to be someone or something that you aren't.  I'll see you about noon."

As I was driving to school, I thought, 'It's a good thing that I didn't enroll in any summer courses like I had planned to do.'

When I arrived at the school at 9:30, the parking lot was quiet.  I went to find Ted, Aaron and Eric.  They were in the kindergarten/first grade wing.  When Ted saw me he looked up, "Boss, we'll be finished in this wing by the time Aaron and Eric leave tomorrow.  I'll shampoo the hallways after the guys leave and the carpets will have the long weekend to dry."

Eric looked up at me, "Mr. Adler, I hope you don't mind us spending so much time at the farm.  It's so neat to be around people who are genuine people and who aren't afraid let people know who and what you are."

"Guys, you're more than welcome to spend as much time at the farm as you want.  Both Randy and Witt very much appreciated your assistance."

I went to the office and was making sure what I needed to do.  I wasn't planning to come back until  the sixth of July, when we were going to see about possible people to fill the open vacancies on the staff.  I was startled by the sound of the phone.  I answered, "This is Mr. Adler."

"Hank, the tornadoes are headed our way.  We have been requested by the State Legislators to address the Legislature in a special session on July 9^th about the state of education in this state."

"Superintendent Brown, I don't have the time, desire or expertise to be embroiled in the politics of this state.  It is apparent that the legislature is out to massacre me.  Fine, I'll quit and become a full time farmer and an apprentice plumber."

"Hank, you've already made a difference.  I don't think anyone is out to massacre you.  The legislature has been bungling along with little guidance as to how to settle the financial dilemma this state has found itself in.  Please go with us and be prepared to speak.  When you speak, people listen."

"Superintendent Brown, I'll think about this and let you know.  Right now, I have some more urgent personal problems that I need to take care of.  I'm technically not being paid for working the month of July, since I'm on an extended ten month contract which is turning into more like an eleven month contract.  I'm in this job to try to provide the children with the best education possible, not solve the financial woes of this state."

"Hank, I appreciate your feelings.  But to make these politicians, who don't understand the education system, aware of the problems facing education; it is our responsibility to make the lawmakers understand that the people aren't going to stand for many more cuts in education.  You have already proven that when you speak people listen.  I'll talk to you later."

It was about eleven o'clock when Aaron entered the office, "Boss, we found this culprit trying to sneak into the building.  Do you recognize him?   He says that you're his Dad. How come he doesn't look like you?  Did you adopt him?"

I started to laugh, "Aaron, I ain't had time to adopt him and his brothers, yet.  I was expecting the culprit, but I wasn't expecting him to show up looking like a city slicker."

I looked at Witt, "I thought that you were going to be arriving about noon.  You're a little early."

"The Dictator, Grandmother, kicked me out and said we were to take care of as much business as we could today, because she was tired of babysitting us.  She's going to stay and make sure that everyone is okay while I'm gone."

Witt and I went into the office and I sat down, "Witt, let's make a list of everything that you and I need to do."

We made a list and I moaned, "Witt, there is no way we can get this all done in one afternoon."

"Dad, think positive.  We'll do one thing at a time and we can do it.  It may be a long afternoon, but we can do it.  I wouldn’t have never said that if I didn't know you and your family.  Let's get started."

"Let's go grab some lunch and then get started."

We had lunch, and the first stop was the crematorium and we made arrangements to pick up the ashes at four o'clock.  The second stop was the newspaper to write an obituary to announcing  Mr. Latham's death and that a private service would be for the family only.  We added that any memorials were to be sent to the Latham's children's education fund, in care of Witt Latham at R.D. #1, Belleview, NE, 68046.

We figured that there wouldn't be any memorials, but it was worth a chance.

While we were at the newspaper, I placed two advertisements in the classifieds.  The first one read.

For Rent: A two bedroom trailer with all amenities in a rural area.  Call and see, and we'll discuss the rent payments if you're interested in living a good ole boy lifestyle.  Call 292-3812 if interested.

The second read.

Help Wanted:  An industrious person who is interested in training to become a plumber, under the supervision of a licensed plumber. Call 292-3810 

I looked at the next thing on our list, and we stopped at the local butcher I had been doing business with for a number of years.  He was easier to deal with than many of the packing plants, and he supplied his meats to local businesses who didn't sell prepackaged meat from the big companies.

We made arrangements for him to butcher my two steers, and twenty-five pigs, as well as fifty chickens.  He was going to take all of the livestock on the Latham farm as well.  The negotiations got a little dicey when working with the Latham animals, but we worked it out.  I even made arrangements for him to deliver a butchered pig when he picked up the animals, so we could do a pig roast for the Fourth of July family celebration."

After we finished with our errands, it was approaching four o'clock.  I looked at Witt, "Son, can you think of anything else that we have to do today?"

"What are we going to do with my property?

"Witt, Randy and I were talking about that this morning, and we have some ideas that we want to talk over with you.  Randy is the person who thought of them.  Let's get home and make sure Mother hasn't traumatized everyone.  She probably has everyone goose stepping around the farm."

When we arrived at the farm, we went into the house, and Mother started to complain, "No one listens to me.  The boys are all scattered all over the place now that day care boys are gone.  I won't be able to be the royal babysitter until next week."

"Mother, we thank you for filling in for Witt.  Tell the family members that the Fourth of July celebration will be held here and we'll be having a pig roast.  Tell the family that that they are to bring salads and desserts, and we'll provide the meat and the pickled eggs.  Tell them to bring lots, since we'll be inviting some other guests and there will be fireworks at dusk."

"Henry, I already told the families that we would be celebrating the Fourth at the lake."

"Well call them and tell them there's been a big change in plans.  The lake is so overcrowded anymore that it's no fun."

As mother was climbing into her car, "Henry, don't forget that I'm the matriarch of this family, and I am the decision maker from now on and not you two upstarts."

After Mother had departed, Witt leaned against me, "Dad, I really think that grandmother is pleased that you are being assertive.  I know that she and granddad have formed an attachment to me and the three younger brothers, but I'm concerned about how they feel about Wade and Walt."

"Witt, I think that perhaps it is Wade and Walt that my parents will focus on.  They are at an age when they are going to need some adult support.  My parents are very loving people, so don't be surprised if my Father winds up paying special attention to Wade and Walt.  We have a lot of years to help Wally, Willy and Wylie."

I looked at Witt, "Let's go get changed, so we can help with the chores."

When I walked into Randy's and my bathroom, Randy, Ritch and Aaron were working on something.  "Hi guys, can I help you."

Randy answered, "Nope we almost got this monster whipped.  You need to go check on the other guys.  Walt and Wade took the tractor to the Latham farm and Eric is supervising and helping the young guys with the farm chores, here.  You need to go check with them. They thought you were going to be home earlier and they think something bad happened to you, again."

I changed clothes in front of the guys while they were working and didn't think anything about it, and met with Witt as we were entering the stable.  Billy had everything under control and was showing Eric how everything was done. Billy waved at us, "Eric and I have everything under control, here."

Witt and I went to find Bobby and the three youngest Latham boys. They were at the pig barn and were standing on the railing.  Wylie saw us first.  "Hi, we were watching some more little pigs being born.  The Mommy Pig has already had eight new babies.  Bobby thinks there may be another baby or two.

Bobby turned to us, "Hi Dad and Witt, could you take care of the chickens for us, tonight.  We still need to take care of the steers and the horses."

As Witt and I were walking to the chicken house, "Oh great, Bobby is sounding more like my Mother every day.  In fact everyone is treating me like a kid.  Maybe I should leave and the place will exist without me."

Witt giggled, "You leave now, and the place would fall apart.  Dad, you're the only thing that's holding this place together.  Let's go take care of the chickens as were told to do."

To be continued...

Editor's Notes:  Witt is right. Hank is really the person who keeps things in perspective.  He knows what needs to be done, and for the most part he makes sure that they are. Of course, Mother is not going to keep out of the way.  Mothers have this faulty gene that makes them think that their kids never grow up.  My mom was ninety years old when she died, and to the end, she considered me to be her baby. 

I am ready for another chapter.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 09/03/10