Friends and Family Series
Sandy & Dan
By:
Ron Robbins
(© 2011 by the author)
Editor:
Frank Perry
The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's
consent. Comments are appreciated at...
Chapter 18
Three Months Later
Dan and Sandy were relaxing in their sitting room. Sandy said, "Well, baby, we've just launched our new software on the processing program, and we've already received orders from the customers whom we used for test marketing the system. They are very pleased with the performance and Murdoch and Ryan are geared up to begin selling the new processing equipment. It makes life so much easier now they are back in Georgia. We must make plans to visit them soon because, they keep asking when we can make it. Also, Captain Nelson would like us to make a final inspection of the Danny Boy II before he sails her to her new home port in Savannah. If we don't like something in our final walk through, he needs to know in order to make any final changes before he leaves Canada."
Dan said, "I'm more flexible now that the new equipment has been installed into Pete's new building. Now that it's up and running, we can take our time re-installing the old equipment back to the original site. Pete still plans to continue to use the old plant, but I won't need to be there for that installation until we start-up the plant."
Sandy said, "I'll see what my attorneys have to say about the cases against Brian Neely and WorldCom Ltd."
Dan said, "I wish that I had been present at the board meeting when you fired Brian Neely and told him he was being sued for stealing corporate secrets."
Sandy chuckled, "You would have enjoyed watching his face when I opened the meeting and accused him in front of the whole Board of Directors. He was absolutely shocked. He had no idea we suspected him of his deceitfulness. All the blood drained out of his face and he could hardly speak when Hal Golden accused him of undermining our deal with WorldCom, and of stealing our software program and giving it to them. I finally told him that he was to be escorted out of the building and was never to set foot on Dunnlap property again, and that he would also be hearing from our attorneys. I then called the security guard to come into the board room and escort him off the premises. He was absolutely devastated. Our public relations director issued a press release naming Brian and WorldCom as co-conspirators, with my attorney's approval."
Dan said, "Thank God, he is out of the picture. Some good did come out of that though. We were able to make some great new partners. Murdoch and Ryan are super people and I think we've become good friends.
"On another note, I think you should know that Chip came to me this afternoon with a sad look on his face. He told me he was worried about his dad. He said his dad was acting funny, that he was taking more naps and that is not like his normal behavior. He said he asked his father if he was alright and his father told him that he was fine, but lately he was tired and needed short naps."
Sandy shook his head and said, "I think it is time for Craig to tell the boys the truth. If Chip told you about his dad, that means he is worried. I'm sure he said something to Lloyd. You know how close those boys are. Did you mention this to Jeremy?"
"Yes, Jeremy said he noticed that Craig was not acting normal. He told me that Craig can no longer concentrate on the computer games like he used to. He also said that when they were in the family room watching a DVD, Craig would just sit and stare at them and not watch the screen. Jeremy said it seemed that his mind was elsewhere. At first he felt uncomfortable, but after a while he realized that Craig was somewhere else and that he got used to it."
Sandy said, "I'll check with Ludlow and the staff to see it they've noticed anything unusual in his behavior. I really think we should consider hiring a male nurse for Craig, Nelson Ryder comes to mind. I think he would be the ideal nurse, if he is available."
"Yes," Dan said, "Nelson is great, and he gets along with the household staff. It would be perfect if he is free to take on this case."
"Good, I'll call Nelson later," Sandy said. "Do you feel like going down to Craig's suite and having a chat with him?"
"I don't relish it, yet I know it has to be done. I remember what Craig told us in London, about when the time came, that he needed to tell the boys the truth. I guess it's time to bite the bullet."
"Yes, sweetheart, I don't like this any more than you do. It's unpleasant for me as well; remember, I knew Craig and his wife before all this happened. We have the boys to consider as well. I feel that it's better to let them know how sick their father is and what they can expect as his condition worsens." Sandy picked up his phone and dialed Craig's suite. "Hey, Craig, could you spare Dan and me some time to chat with you? Great, we'll be right down."
Dan and Sandy walked into Craig's sitting room. "This must be important to have both top guns here at once."
Sandy said, "We both feel this is important, Craig. Dan wanted to share with you a conversation he had with Chip this afternoon. Dan, why don't you tell Craig what Chip had to say."
Dan related his conversation with Chip and also his conversation with Jeremy.
Sandy said, "I think the time has come to talk to your boys. Have you noticed any change in your mental abilities, Craig?"
"Craig said, "I have noticed little things, yet I didn't think they were worrisome. It bothers me that Chip is starting to worry about me. But, Jeremy's observation is the most troubling. I was not aware that I was spaced out. You know I've been dreading the time when I had to tell my sons what is going to happen to me. I was hoping that I had more time with them. I know it will be heartbreaking for them as well. But, as you said, the time has come."
Sandy said, "Would you feel more comfortable with Dan and me here when you break the news to them? We'll do whatever you wish."
"I would like you and Dan to be here. I think that Jeremy should be here also. After all, they will be his brothers and they are all very close."
"If you have decided to do this," Sandy said, "I think it should not be on a school night. We should wait until Friday night after dinner. I'm sure the boys are going to be very upset, and it will take a couple of days for them to adjust. I'm trying to reach Nelson Ryder; he is the male nurse who took care of Dan and me when we were recuperating from our surgeries. He is a personable guy and you will like having him around. He is almost like one of the family."
Craig said, "I certainly made the right choice when I asked you and Dan to adopt my sons. Not only are you making my remaining days easier, but you are compassionate for the wellbeing of my sons. I thank you profusely."
Dan said, "I think we're the lucky ones for the gift you've given us. In the short time they have been living with us, we have learned to love and treasure them as our own."
Dan and Sandy hugged Craig and left.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Dan and the boys returned from the plantation a little later than usual the following day, as they had their first soccer practice for the season. Dan walked into Sandy's study and kissed him on the forehead and said, "Hi, honey, I didn't expect to see you home so early; what's the occasion?"
Sandy smiled and said, "Well, lover, I've had a very productive day and I wanted to be here when you got home. I have some good news and bad news. I'll give you the bad news first. You'll need to cancel your schedule for tomorrow because we need to fly to Jackson, MS."
Dan said, "The good news?"
"You, Patti and Tara will be flying with me to Jackson to pick up our babies."
Dan hugged Sandy. "This is wonderful news, Sandy. I've been getting anxious about this for several days now. I was afraid there was a problem with the adoption at the last minute."
Sandy said, "I was so excited when I heard from the Family Medical Center that I couldn't concentrate on anything the rest of the day. Actually, the problem was not with the adoption at all. The good doctors were concerned that one of the twins had a slight cold and couldn't fly. The condition cleared up after a few days, so he gave his approval for the babies to travel. He did warn me that the babies should be given a bottle during take-off and landing so the air pressure does not hurt their eardrums. They don't know enough to swallow during pressurization and de-pressurization, so the bottles will encourage that. I thought it would be wise to take their nurse and nanny along."
"I'm so excited now," Dan said. Boy, I'm glad that the nursery is finished. I wasn't sure if Alex Savage would complete the work on time."
Sandy said, "One thing I can say about Stonewall and Savage Engineering is that they are the most reliable company around. If Alex said he will have the work done on time you can count on that. They may well get top dollar for their work, but I've never known them not to deliver on time."
"I agree, sweetheart, they really do excellent work. Pete feels the same way. He told me he wouldn't use anyone else. What time do you plan on taking off tomorrow morning?"
"We should leave here about 7AM. It's a little over an hour flight, but with the paper work and picking up the babies could take a couple of hours. I would like to be back by lunch time. I've told Tara and Patti to be ready to leave by 6:45AM. The pilot and crew have been informed of our plans. Chet Williams, our Security Chief, wanted to fly with us, but I told him I would feel more comfortable if he remained on top of things here. I explained to him about Craig's deteriorating condition and I felt that Ludlow could rely on him if Craig got out of hand. You never know what is going on in Craig's mind. I've heard of cases where meek people could turn wild and have the strength of two people. Chet agreed, and is sending Brian and John along with us. Chet will make all the arrangements for the ground transportation at Jackson."
"Sandy, have you checked with the pilot and Tara to find out if we need special carrying seats for the babies?"
Sandy said, "I never even thought of that. Would you follow up on that and make sure Tara has the right carrying seats for the three babies."
"I'll take care of that, Sandy."
"I was able to reach Nelson Ryder this morning," Sandy said. "He's on a case that will end in two weeks. He said he will be able to take on Craig's case for as long as we need him."
"That is great news. I think we will need Nelson by then. Craig has been lucky up to this point, but I have a feeling that his condition could go downhill fast from here."
"I agree, sweetheart. I've told Ludlow we'll be leaving early tomorrow morning and we'll let Craig and the boys know our plans at dinner tonight. Will you advise Joe because he'll need to make sure the boys catch their flight over to Pete's tomorrow? I've already spoken to Penny and Pete before you came in. Can you think of anything I've forgotten?"
Dan said, "I can't think of anything else we've forgotten. Have you told your mom? I'm sure she'd like to know the good news. You know how grandmothers are. That reminds me, I need to call my mom to let her know she has another grandson."
Sandy said, "It completely slipped my mind. I know Pete will call her, but I think I should be the one to call to let her know."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Sandy's Business Jet taxied to the General Aviation terminal at Jackson Int'l Airport. A large van pulled up to the aircraft ramp. The engineer and Brian deplaned and Brian walked over to the waiting van. Brian introduced himself to the security team that Chet Williams hired for Sandy's group. Brian returned to the plane and then Sandy, Dan and his nursery staff deplaned. John and the flight crew remained aboard the aircraft.
Twenty minutes later the van arrived at the Family Medical Center. Sandy, Dan and Brian entered the facility and were ushered into the Director's office. Sandy and Dan presented their documents and the director handed each of them several documents for signature. The Director, Mrs. Ward, led them down to a waiting room. A few minutes later she reappeared with two nurse's aides with the babies. Mrs. Ward asked if they would need any assistance loading the babies into the van.
Sandy said, "Thank you, but we have our own nursing staff who will handle that. Brian, will you ask Tara and Patti to come in and bring along the infants' car seats?"
"Yes, sir, I'll be right back." Shortly, Brian led the two nurses into the waiting room.
Sandy said, "Tara will you and Patti take the babies and place them in their carriers?"
"Yes, Mr. Dunnlap." When the babies were all tucked in, Sandy said, "Thank you, Mrs. Ward, for all your help. If you are interested, we will be happy to keep you up to date on our babies' progress."
Mrs. Ward responded, "I would like that, Mr. Dunnlap, I've grown fond of those little angels. They are beautiful little babies."
One of the aides handed Brian three plastic bags. Mrs. Ward said, "Each of the bags contains the baby bottles filled with formula that will last them for today. Also you will find extra diapers and baby powder. The doctor has written the script for the additional formula that you can find at your local drug store."
Sandy said, "Thank you, Mrs. Ward. Well, folks, if you're ready, we have a plane to catch."
Brian lead the way back out to the van. Brian, Tina and Dan sat next to his son sat on the last seat. Sandy, his twins and Patti sat in the second seat, and the two security men sat in the front. As soon as everyone was seated, the driver headed back to the airport.
Brian and John carried the babies travel bags and the others took the babies and entered the aircraft. Dan sat next to his son on one of the small lounges, while Sandy took the large lounge across for Dan and sat between his twins.
The pilot spoke over the intercom and said, "Mr. Dunlap, we are cleared for takeoff."
Sandy said, "We are ready, Captain, take us home."
Tina walked up and took a seat next to Dan's son, while Patti took a seat on the other side of the twins. Each nurse had a bottle of water for each of the babies. Tina said, "As we begin to climb to our cruising altitude we will need to let the babies drink this water. They need to swallow to equalize the pressure in the ears. If we don't we will have three crying babies on our hands. Mr. Dunnlap, if you will hold your son's bottle and I will take care of your daughters'."
Tina said, "Mr. Dunnlap, have you decided on names for your babies?"
Sandy said, "My daughter's name is Norma and my son is Sandy, Jr."
Patti said, "Mr. Kelly, have you decided what to call your son?"
Dan smiled and said, "His name is Danny."
Tina said, "They are three adorable babies. When we reach our cruising altitude, we'll need to check their diapers and feed them. They didn't get their full amount of formula this morning. Mrs. Ward didn't know how their stomachs would react to the plane ride. From what I can see, they are enjoying the ride."
Fifteen minutes later the pilot said, "I have removed the fasten seat belt sign, you are free to move about the aircraft. We have good weather all the way to Dunnlap with no turbulence present."
Tina got up and unbuckled the baby carrier and took Norma back to the changing area. Patti did the same with Danny. Tina returned and said, "Would you like to hold your daughter for a while Mr. Dunnlap?"
Sandy smiled, "I would like that." Tina handed Norma to Sandy and said, "Just make sure you support her head all the time." Tina unbuckled Sandy Jr. and carried him back to the changing room. When Tina returned with Sandy Jr., she saw Dan was holding little Danny in his arms.
Sandy said, "Patti went up to the galley to warm the three bottles. When she returns, I would like to hold Sandy Jr. and feed him his bottle."
Tina took Norma from Sandy and placed her in her carrier and handed Sandy Jr. to his dad. Patti returned with the three bottles she handed one to Sandy and another to Tina, and the last to Dan to feed little Danny. Tina said, "After they have drunk half the bottle, they will need to be burped. So keep an eye on the half way mark."
Sandy said, "Tina, this little guy has reached the halfway mark already. Now, would you show me how to burp him?
Tina said, "Patti, could you give me a hand and show Mr. Dunnlap how to burp Sandy, Jr.?"
Patti placed a small hand towel on her shoulder and took Danny from his dad. "You put on hand on his bottom and the other under his head and place him on your shoulder and rub his back until you hear him burp. The purpose is to let the gas out of his stomach and allow the milk to settle in." A few seconds later Sandy, Jr. let go with a loud burp. Patti laughed, "He was on empty." She handed Sandy, Jr. to his dad. "He is ready for the rest of the bottle."
She took her seat again and asked, "How is Danny doing, Mr. Kelly?"
Dan said, "I think he is ready to burp. I saw how you showed Sandy. Let me try to do the same as you did."
Patti placed the towel on Dan's shoulder and said, "Set his bottle down and place Danny on your shoulder."
Dan placed his hand on Danny's bottom and the other on the back of his head and with one continuous motion placed him gently on his shoulder. He kept his one hand on the back of his head and he rubbed his back. He was rewarded with two large belches. Dan laughed and said, "Are you sure they fed this guy his breakfast? That burp came from his toes."
Patti laughed and said, "I'm sure they gave him half a bottle for breakfast. After we get them home, we'll call their pediatrician and have him give them a thorough exam. He may want to change their formula. They all appear to be healthy and hungry, that is a good sign."
Sandy said, "I think you have already met the babies' pediatrician. He is a good doctor and I think it would be a good idea if you or Tina would contact him and make an appointment for him to examine them when we return home."
"Yes, sir, I'll see to it."
The captain announced that they would be touching down in Dunnlap Manor in one hour.
Sandy said, "Well, gang, it's time to burp the babies again, and let them sleep while we have our lunch."
Dan said, "Good thinking, because I was about to share my son's lunch. I'm starved."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The large van met Sandy's jet after it landed. They loaded the babies and staff in the van and headed up to the manor. Ludlow opened the door and welcomed Sandy and Dan.
The nurses, the babies, Dan and Sandy all took the elevator to the second floor and followed the second floor hallway to the new nursery. Margaret was waiting in the nursery for the staff and babies. She helped to change the babies and then they were placed in their own crib.
Margaret said, "They are beautiful babies, Mr. Dunnlap."
Tina said, "They are happy babies and were not too upset about their first plane ride."
Both Sandy and Dan were gloating like proud papas. Sandy said, "Let us know their feeding schedule because Dan and I want to feed them as our schedule permits. I'm sure the boys and Craig will want to see the new arrivals when they arrive home from school."
Tina said, "I don't think they will be going anywhere so soon."
Dan and Sandy left and walked down the hall to check on Jeremy.
Jeremy was sitting at his desk working on his homework. Sandy said, "What's up, Son?"
"Hi Dad, Daddy Dan. Did you bring home my baby brothers and sister?
Dan chuckled and said, "We got back a few minutes ago and we did manage to bring back the babies. What did the doctor have to say about your checkup?"
Jeremy smiled and said, "He said everything is back to normal and I can resume my regular activities. When can I see them, my brothers and sister?"
Sandy said, "You are welcome to see them any time you want. I'm sure Margaret, Tina and Patti will be in the nursery and will let you see the babies. If you play your cards right, they will even let you hold them and even feed them."
Jeremy smiled, "Oh, wow, Joe, let's go to the nursery and welcome my new sibs."
Joe smiled and said, "Okay, Jeremy, we both need to wash our hands before we head for the nursery."
Sandy said, "We will see you a little later Jeremy, we need to call your uncles, aunts and grandparents to tell them about our new additions. We also need to start planning for their christening. I think we should shoot for next weekend."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Sandy's first call was to the church to make arrangement for the christening for Saturday afternoon. Then he called his parents to let them know that their grandchildren had arrived and invited them to the christening on Saturday. He told them he was having a buffet lunch and a sit down dinner later that evening. His parents were excited and said they would be there on Saturday. After telling Pete the time of the christening, he asked if he and Penny would be the twin's godparents. Pete called Penny to the extension with the news. They both accepted the honor. Sandy finished the calls to his sisters and they were excited as well, and said their families would be attending. Dan was on his cell phone inviting his mother and Roger, and asked them to be Danny's godparents. They were happy to accept.
Sandy said, "I would like to invite Murdoch and Ryan to the christening if they are available."
Dan said, "I agree; why don't you call them?"
Sandy placed the call. "Hello, Ryan, Sandy Dunnlap here, I'm calling to invite you, Murdoch and your children to our babies' christening next Saturday if you are available."
Ryan said, "As far as I know, we don't have anything planned for next Saturday. We would be happy to attend. What time should we be there?"
Sandy said, "Well, we are serving brunch, and a barbecue following the afternoon service. The invitation is also extended to children. My staff is planning a party for all the children. With my brothers' and sisters' kids, we should have enough for a basketball game. My staff is all excited about this party and are looking forward to entertaining the children."
"It sound like the kids will really enjoy themselves." Ryan chuckled, "I hope you are planning fun and games for the adults as well?"
Sandy laughed, "Yeah, Dan is hiring Chip and Dale for the adults' entertainment."
Ryan laughed and said, "Now you're talking, but I don't think Murdoch is ready for that kind of excitement. You know how reserved these Scotsmen are. Why don't you keep it simple and invite the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to entertain us?"
"Hey, you've just given me an idea that everyone should enjoy. We'll surprise you next Saturday."
Ryan said, "Don't knock yourself out; we will enjoy ourselves as always visiting your family. We'll see you Saturday around noon."
Sandy walked into Dan's office. "Ryan and Murdoch and their kids will be here next Saturday. I've had a terrific idea. How about we try and book Chris Botti and his orchestra to play here next Saturday afternoon to entertain our guests? If we can't get him let's book some Country Western headliner to entertain our guests?"
Dan said, "It would be great if we could get Chris Botti, but I don't think he would be available on such short notice. Maybe we can book him for our wedding reception. I think he is a very talented musician."
Sandy said, "I'll call our VP of Marketing and tell him to see if Chris Botti is available in the future for private parties and also to find out what Country Western headliner he can book for next Saturday afternoon. As a matter of fact I think Country Western is the way to go since we are having a barbecue style dinner."
Sandy dialed Margaret and Ludlow and asked them to come into Dan's office for a short meeting.
After they arrived, Sandy said, "Thank you for coming on such short notice. We thought you both need to know our plans for next Saturday." Sandy went on to describe his plans for the christening next Saturday. "Margaret, there will be quite a few children ranging in ages from four to fifteen and I would like you to organize the activities for the children. If you need to hire clowns or pony rides go ahead. Let Ed Deamer, our stable manager take care of the ponies for you. Ludlow, you take care of the catering, and work with Martha and Jacques on menu. I am trying to book a Country Western headliner to give a concert in the auditorium. We won't know about that until our Marketing Director takes care of the booking. I'm inviting a number of the MacDonald-Stevens executives and their children, as well as some of my own people, so security will be very tight. That is something that Chet Williams is going to have to coordinate. Ludlow, you may need to rent some additional vans and drivers to transport the guests from the airfield to the manor house."
Sandy smiled and said, "Think of this as a dress rehearsal for the maiden voyage of our ship the Danny Boy II, and for our wedding reception."
Both Margaret and Ludlow chuckled. Margaret said, "I'll get together with our staff to get their input, and then work with Ludlow on the logistics. He's an old hand at these gala events."
Sandy smiled and said, "You can say that again. Helen Schneider will give you the guest list in a few days. Helen can verify the number of children and adults who will be in attendance. I have a feeling that a good number of the McDonald-Stevens people will attend since this will be the first time they will have a chance to talk to Murdoch and Ryan since the murder of the folks on his aircraft. They have only returned from Scotland a few weeks ago."
Sandy said, "Dan and I will be leaving the day after the christening to fly up to Canada for a few days to check on the refit of our new ship. I also need to let you know that this Friday we will be telling the boys about Craig's terminal illness. I don't know how they are going to react, but I have a feeling they are going to be distressed by the news. Chip and Lloyd are very close to their father and are going to need a lot of sympathy from the staff. Margaret I would like you to contact Doctor Ross and have him recommend a child psychologist for the boys. I don't want them having nightmares."
Margaret said, "I'm glad I won't be involved in that meeting. I have the feeling that the boys' initial reaction is going to be traumatic and they are not going to take this easily. They are so young to lose both parents. They are very lucky to have you and Dan. I think after the initial shock, they will gradually come around and accept the fact that their father is dying. They have a lot of caring people here who they can rely on. They are part of this family now, and with the close relationship with Pete's children, I think they will be fine. I also feel that Jeremy will be a big help in the healing process. He has experienced the death of his parents first hand. In his case it wasn't such a pleasant outcome with that witch of an aunt. That young boy had to go it alone without any sympathy from anyone. You sometimes wonder how these kids survive and continue to develop in a good way, yet in Jeremy's case it has a happy ending, thanks to you and Dan."
"We are not too happy about Friday," Sandy said, "we knew from the beginning how this was going to end, yet we were hoping that Craig would outlast the few months the doctors gave him. Unfortunately, the doctors were on target and Craig's condition doesn't look good. That is why we've decided that the time has come to tell the boys. We want them to know why their father is acting differently. I think they will begin to understand as his condition worsens why he is acting the way he is. His oncologist told us that they can't predict how fast or how the cancer will affect his brain. He could become violent, loose his eyesight, loose his motor skills, or just become comatose. They just don't know, each patient is different. Nelson Ryder, his nurse will be here next week to take care of him. Nelson is very good and has taken care of both Dan and me when we were recovering from our surgeries."
Sandy asked, "Dan, do you have anything to add?"
"No, I think you have covered everything."
"Well," Sandy said, "that's it folks. Thank you for your time and let me know what you have come up with for the christening."
Margaret and Ludlow left.
"Dan, I think I'll call my sister, Gloria, to see if she has any suggestions on how to handle this meeting with Craig and the boys."
"I think that's a good idea," Dan said. "With all her experience, she should have some suggestions as to what would be the best way to break the news."
Chip and Lloyd walked into Dan's office. Dan said, "Hi, guys, did you just get back from school?"
"Yes, Uncle Dan," Chip answered, "Jeremy told us that you brought our baby cousins home today. Joe said we needed to ask you for permission to see the babies. Will you let us see our cousins after we change and have our snack?"
Dan smiled, "What do you think, Sandy? Can the boys see the babies?"
Sandy said, "Do you have any homework to do?"
"Yes, sir," Chip said, "but it's not much tonight."
"What about you, Lloyd?"
"I only have to learn to count to twenty backward and forward. Joe said he would help me with that before he leaves today."
Dan said, "Well, if Joe is busy, you come to me and I'll help you with your homework."
Sandy said, "After you boys change, and have your snack, you come back here and we'll take you up to see the babies."
Both boys smiled and Lloyd said, "Thank you; we won't be long." Chip and Lloyd were excited when they left.
Dan said, "They are perfect little gentlemen."
"They sure are," Sandy said, smiling. "Look, lover, I need to make a few calls. Do you mind calling Alex and Sandy to invite them to the christening?"
"I'll take care of that right away."
Sandy placed a call to Gloria's office. "Hi, Sis, I wanted your advice about breaking some news to my three boys." Sandy went on to explain Craig's deteriorating condition and the need to tell the boys that Craig is very sick and is dying.
Gloria said, "I agree that the boys should know that Craig is sick, and that is the reason he is acting the way he is. I think it would less traumatic for the boys if you tell them that Craig has a brain tumor and that the doctors are treating him for this problem. I think you should tell them that there will be periods where he will require more rest during the day and that some days he will be worse than others. Let them know that they will need to be patient, and should be prepared to expect complications, and to try to accept their father's illness. I don't think you should tell them that he is dying at this time.
"As Craig's condition worsens, they will notice the changes and will accept the inevitable. If they ask you if their father is going to die, be evasive, you can tell them you don't know. Frankly you don't, just because Craig has shown the early sign of the disease does not mean he will remain in that state for some time, that is, until the cancer becomes more invasive. The boys should continue to carry on a normal relationship with their dad. It's wise that you are hiring Nelson to be with Craig. Nelson will know when it is not a good time for the children to see their dad. If Craig becomes too agitated, Nelson will need to sedate him. Each patient is different and we don't know how a patient will react to the cancer. Craig could become withdrawn and not know his sons at all. Or he could lapse into a coma. His doctor will know how to handle that. My professional opinion is if Craig reaches that point, he should be transferred to a Skilled Nursing Facility."
"Thank you, Gloria, I feel that you have a sound approach to this problem and one that I think will work for the boys. Dan and I will talk to Craig tonight and suggest your solution."
Gloria said, "I think that is the best way to treat the subject, and I think it will be easier on both Craig and his sons. Let me know how everything turns out, I’ll see you next weekend."
"Thanks, Gloria, I'll let you know how it goes."
Sandy called Mac to invite him, Drew, and the gourmet group to the christening. Mac said, "We will be happy to join you next Saturday for your christening, if you would like, I will pass the word around to the other guys and let you know. We are having our monthly board of directors meeting on Monday."
Sandy said, "That is great, Mac, I really appreciate that. Remember this is informal if the guys can't make it for brunch, then you should be able to make it for the barbeque in the afternoon after the ceremony. Make sure you bring the children because we are planning a party for them as well."
"I'll have my son, Lance, make a list of the group who can make it and how many children will be attending. We can also see how many aircraft we will need to fly down."
"I appreciate that, Mac. It will be great to see everyone again. I'll talk to you next week."
Sandy walked into Dan's office and told him about his phone call to Gloria and the reply from Mac.
Dan said, "I think we should stop in and have another talk with Craig after the boys see the babies."
Sandy agreed and made the call to Craig.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Dan and Sandy walked into Craig's study. Craig was watching the news, he said, "To what do I owe the honor of this visit."
Sandy smiled, "I wanted to share a phone conversation I had with my sister, Gloria." Sandy explained how Gloria thought the discussion should go and the reason for handling it her way.
Craig listened and said, "I agree with Gloria's suggestion. I think that is the best way to handle it with my sons. I would feel more comfortable, and I'm sure the boys will understand why I am acting the way I am. If we told them I was dying, they would want to be with me as much as possible. As much as I love my sons, I don't think I could take that. They would get too emotional. You know how sensitive they are."
"I agree, Craig," Dan said. "With their school, and all the activities they are involved in, I feel their minds will focus on those activities."
Sandy said, "Then we agree that this is the way to handle it tomorrow night. We'll keep low key, yet let them know you are experiencing a health problem."
"Yes," Craig said, "I think that's the way to go."
Dan said, "I don't know about you guys, but I'm starved, I think I'll have something to munch on before dinner."
Sandy said, "What about you, Craig, would you care to join us?"
"Not for me, I'll hold out until dinner."
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To be continued...
Posted: 06/29/12