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Post by cutter on Mar 13, 2017 21:55:12 GMT -6
Chapter 1
Mmmph, I smell coffee. Not even daylight yet. I hurt in places I didn’t even know I had! I better get up. Brian is already going to tease me about “sleeping half the day away” even though it is still technically last night until the sun rises. 4:30 A.M., definitely still last night! Ok Morgan, enough complaining. On your feet! We have a lot of work to do today!
(10 minutes later)
“Morning Sexy! You know, you look pretty good for an old woman!”
“Brian Marshall, I am 25 years old, not an “old woman” by any means. I just feel like I’m 80. Now, shut up and give me some coffee before I beat you with my cane.”
“Here you are dear, black with honey.”
“Mmmm. Coffee, the elixir of life. A gift from God and the beginning of all good things. Ok, now you may speak to me (grins). What do we have to do today?”
“Well, first breakfast, then we plant the raised beds that put you in this shape. The good news is that planting them won’t be nearly the work building them was. After that, I thought we might go into town, pick up some lunch to eat in the park, and go by the grocery for the things I need to make you a special supper.”
“Sounds great! What’s the occasion?”
“You don’t know what day it is, do you? One year ago today, you married me and left your former life for “all of this”. I have felt guilty for destroying your life ever since. You gave up everything for me.”
“You know better. Except for my sister, the life I lost is nothing compared to what I have gained. Now, let’s eat, get dressed, and get to work. Oh yeah...Happy Anniversary.”
(Around 11:00)
“Nice work, Morgan. We’re done. It looks good.”
“Thanks. Stop that.”
“Stop what?”
“Stop! I’m all sweaty and covered in dirt.”
“So?”
“So, I’m not at all attractive right now.”
“Oh yes you are. You really don’t get it, do you? You are smart, talented, kind hearted, not a bit afraid of work, and you really are beautiful. You are always attractive to me. You do realize that most girls wouldn’t even talk to me. You gave up everything; your life, family, college, everything to be with me, a working class redneck. You love me and believe in me beyond all sense or reason. If there is another man in this world as blessed as I am, I’ve never met him. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to be close to the man you think I am.”
“You, my love, do not give yourself enough credit. Remember when we met? I fell off that rock at the lake and sprained an ankle. The guy I was dating was too busy laughing at me to even ask if I was ok, but you? Oh no, you come running over, pick me up, carry me to a chair, and start treating my ankle. You pulled off my shoe, checked it out, iced it, then took me to the hospital. Afterwards, you took me home and helped me inside. When my father was rude to you, you stayed respectful and the only thing you asked of me was my name. No guy had ever treated me that way before. That’s why you got my phone number too. As for the rest, I did not give up college. I’m taking night courses, remember? I did not give up my life and family, they disowned me and threw me out. I’m glad the other girls wouldn’t talk to you. One of them might have snagged you first. Yes, you are working class which means we will always have a place to live and food on the table. Redneck fer sure, what’s wrong with that?”
“Fine, you win. Let’s get cleaned up and go to town. We have been working ourselves to death getting the garden in and the summer kitchen built. We need a break and God knows we’ve earned one.”
(Lunch in the park)
“How’s your lunch?”
“Good, but not as good as what we eat at home. About that, I got a good look at myself in the mirror when I got out of the shower this morning. I never had this kind of muscle tone or figure from the gym. That got me to thinking. I haven’t really been sick since before we got married. I don’t think I have ever seen you sick. I was really sore this morning but mostly I feel better than I ever have in my life. We have been working hard to turn our little patch of dirt into a real homestead. Except for our meat and some citrus fruits we can’t grow until we get the greenhouse built, we raise almost all of our own food. I thought you were a little odd with all this preparedness stuff, but I’m seeing a real benefit from it. I just hope we never need it for the other reasons we are doing it.”
“I hope not either. I checked the homestead account and we have enough to build the chicken coop and yard. Think we ought to get the stuff so we can start on that the next chance we get, or am I being too odd for you?”
“Goofball. That’s what I love about you...all of your “endearing qualities”. Yeah, let’s get the fencing for the yard. When we get the fence up, then we can get the stuff for the coop. That way we have a little more cushion in case something goes wrong.”
(supper around the fire in the back yard)
“Brian, this is incredible! Where did you learn to cook like this?”
“Boy Scouts. MRE’s suck. Real woodsmen eat real food, and plenty of it.”
(Morgan’s phone rings)
“Hello?...Oh My God! Erin?...Forget it, you’re here now. What’s wrong?...Always!...Of course. Sis, you’re scaring me. What’s going on? Are you in trouble?...We’ll come get you...Ok, ok. March 3rd, Greyhound terminal in Louisville, 6 P.M. We’ll be there….I love you too. Be careful….Bye.”
“Morgan, what the hell is going on!?! Was that your sister?”
(Morgan, hysterical and crying)
“I don’t know, Brian. She wouldn’t tell me. Her 18th birthday is next Tuesday. She said she had to get out and asked if she could come stay with us. She will be coming into Louisville on a Greyhound bus next Friday. Please Brian, my sister needs me. Please, can she stay with us, please? My parents disowned me, she didn’t have anything to do with it. Please, I’ll do anything, just say she can stay here.”
“Whoa, calm down. You know, you and I ARE married. That makes her my sister too. You should know you don’t have to ask, much less beg. Of course she can stay here for as long as she wants. She’s family and family is everything. We’re in this together, no matter what.”
(Later. Morgan, alone in the bathroom, changing for bed)
“Lord, thank you for bringing Erin back to me. I thought I had lost her forever. I don’t know what is wrong, but You do. Please watch over her and bring her here safely.
Thank you for Brian. None of the guys I ever knew were like him. When I was hurt, he helped me and expected nothing in return. When I was still a spoiled brat, wound up in that life of money and clothes, and popularity; he did everything to show me he cared about me and not my money. When I fell in love with him, he cherished me, adored me, made me feel like a queen. When my own parents turned their backs on me for “wanting to shack up with a worthless redneck”, he stood by me, supported me, comforted me, and made me his wife. Now, he is once again showing me and my sister what being a family really means. I don’t know what moved You to send him to me, but I am forever grateful.”
“Lord, please forgive me my sins. Please make me the woman you want me to be and the wife Brian deserves. Please lead me in what I should say and do to help Erin. I may not always notice everything You do for me, but know that I am always grateful. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
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Post by cutter on Mar 13, 2017 22:05:59 GMT -6
Chapter 2
(Friday morning, March 3rd)
(Quietly)
“Morgan, wake up lover. Easy Love, everything’s ok. You’re safe. Coffee, black with honey.”
“Thanks Brian. I’m exhausted. I barely slept at all last night. I’m scared to death something will go wrong. I’m afraid something is going to happen and Erin won’t make it here.”
“I wasn’t trying to keep anything from you so don’t be mad. Erin called this morning about 20 minutes after you finally fell asleep. I talked to her. She is safe. She said she had been on the road for about an hour. I told her I would wake you to talk to her but she said not to. It’s like she knew you hadn’t slept. She told me to tell you that everything is ok, that she loves you, and that she will see us tonight. Relax. This is in God’s hands and we have both been talking His ear off to take care of it for us. God’s gotten us this far, He won’t let us down now. I mean He could have made me better looking and given you better taste in men, but I won’t complain if you won’t.”
“Brian, I love your sense of humor, but I’ll laugh later. I’m not up to it right now. Give me a few minutes and I’ll get started on some breakfast for us.”
“It’s done and ready. You have more than enough to cope with today. I know you are nervous, worried, and scared. You talked in your sleep last night for the first time since our wedding night. It’s all going to be ok.”
(over breakfast)
“I have to go finish up the Hamilton project today. Doug will have a check for us if I finish. I’ll deposit that on the way home. You know Erin’s taste. I want you to go to town and buy new sheets and curtains for her bedroom and anything else you think you need to make it her own. I want her to immediately feel at home when she gets here. I don’t know what fool thing your parents did to her, but we are her family now and I want her to know she is wanted and belongs here. Whatever you spend is ok with me. Wait, knowing how you think, double whatever you have in mind to spend and go from there. I never had a sister before. I want to make a good first impression. I’ll be home by 3 so we can head to Louisville.”
(bus station)
“ERIN! Oh God, Erin! You’re here! You’re safe! Oh God, I thought I’d never see you again! Are you ok? Are you hurt? What happened? Oh God!”
“Geez, Sis! You’d think you hadn’t seen me in a year! I’m fine. I’m here. Now, let go of me so I can breathe. You’re suffocating me. Hi Brian. Thanks for taking me in. I wasn’t sure you would.” “I wouldn’t have asked but I can’t make it on my own right now and I didn’t have anyone else to turn to. I’ll get out as soon as I can.”
“Just stop. What is it with you two? We are not taking you in. You are coming home. Home just happens to be with us. Why wouldn’t we? You couldn’t do anything to stop your parents from disowning Morgan or hating me. None of that was your fault. I don’t know what’s going on with you yet, but it doesn’t matter. We’ll get through it together, the three of us. There is no “getting out”. Our home is your home for as long as you want to be there. I know it will take you a little while to get in the swing of things, just like it did Morgan, because our life here is so different than what you are used to, but everything will be just fine. Now let’s go home. Wait, are you hungry?”
“I could definitely eat, but it’ll wait. This is everything I own now. I couldn’t bring more without drawing attention. I need some clothes and stuff. I only have $100 though.”
“You have to be tired and emotionally drained. I know Morgan is. She has been a nervous wreck since you called last week. I’m sorry, but we get food then go home tonight. You two can go to town and get whatever you need tomorrow. Keep the hundred bucks, this one’s on us. You need to experience what family is supposed to be like.”
(home)
“Wake up girls, we’re home. Morgan, take Erin in and get her settled. I’ll bring her things in.”
“Morgan, what did you do? This room is perfect. I love it! You shouldn’t have done all of this. It’s bad enough you had to take me in. I can’t pay you for all of this. I’m sorry, this...this was a bad idea. I shou...shouldn’t have called you. I...I sh...should have just…”
“Hey, Cuddles, yes you should have. It’s ok. You don’t owe us anything. This is nothing. I would have done anything to have my little sister back and now you are here with me. You and Brian are worth more to me than my own life and now I have you both with me.”
“She’s right, Erin. After you called, Morgan was begging me to say you could come here. I don’t have any idea why she thought she even had to ask, but she did. I have a happy wife and now a sister too. Believe me, after growing up with 3 brothers, having a sister is going to be great. We both want you with us; we want you safe; and we want you happy. Get used to it.”
“Nobody has called me Cuddles in a long time. Now I know I’m home. I love you, Sis. And you too, Brian. I don’t know if it matters to you, but Mom and Dad were dead wrong about you. Then again, Mom and Dad are dead wrong about every damn thing. I’m sorry they treated you the way they did. Sis, I’m sorry I didn’t get in touch sooner but it took a long time to find you. You were right to leave. I just didn’t understand it then. I do now. Do you guys mind if I take a shower and then get some sleep?”
“Not at all. Your bathroom is right there. The other door goes to our office but locks from the bathroom side so you have privacy. It’s all yours. I’ll leave a nightlight on if you need anything tonight. Our bedroom is there and you know where the kitchen is. Come get us if you need us. Sleep well. I’m glad you are here.”
“So, you think she’s going to be ok?”
“Yeah, she’s going to have culture shock from Hell for a while, but she’ll be ok. I just hope Mom and Dad don’t manage to track her down, at least until she establishes herself here. Once she makes some friends and carves out a place for herself here, I don’t think anything they can do will pull her away. Until then, she’s vulnerable. How are you feeling by the way?”
“Then we better get her dug in here as quick and as deep as we can. She’s so worried about making her own way, is there anything we can put her on in the company?”
“Well, we could put Larry out in the field as your helper and have her run the parts and equipment. We need to get him out in the field anyway before he gets tired of just being a truck driver but we are going to have to give him a raise to bring him up to what the other helpers make. He’s done really well and deserves the chance, and the raise. She’ll be slow until she gets used to the work and learns the area but she can work a GPS so she shouldn’t get too lost. Again, how are you feeling?”
“Ok, offer her the job tomorrow. We are paying Larry $10 an hour but she is family and feels back to the wall so offer her $12. If she says yes, take her to the hospital for a drug test and call Tom on Monday to get her on the company auto policy. If he gives you any trouble about her age, explain things to him. If he still has a problem, have him call me. He won’t like my explanation. We’ll only have a problem if she blows a hot drug test. Talk to her before you take her for a drug screen. If she can’t pass it, there are things we can do to work around it but she will have to get and stay clean. We can’t put her on the health insurance before her 90 days are up but talk to Tom about a short term personal policy to bridge the gap that we will pay privately, in full, up front. If she says yes, we’ll put her with Larry for a week to train then move him out to the field. I’ll go explain it to him in person tomorrow. He’s a good guy with a heart of gold. He’ll understand and do everything he can to make it easier on her.”
“I’ll take care of it. Now, get out of helping people mode, forget about the company, and tend to your wife. For the last time. How...are...you...feeling?”
“A little tired but pretty good. Why do you ask?”
“I swear, sometimes you are so slow on the uptake. Thanks to me, our “nightlife” has been nonexistent for the last week and I have not properly thanked you for taking care of me and Erin in all of this. I intend to start correcting those oversights in the next 2 minutes.”
“But lover, we might wake the kid.”
“She’s heard it before. She has kept me awake that way a time or two. She’ll live.”
“It’s going to be a long night, isn’t it?”
“Count on it.”
(Saturday morning)
Mmmmph. Daylight. Brian’s still asleep. Good, he pushes himself too hard. Let’s see if I can manage to get out of bed without waking him………...Wow, he’s either really worn out or really at peace. He didn’t even stir. Did I kill him last night (grins)? Nope, still breathing. I never get to spoil him. Let’s see what my man thinks about breakfast in bed. I think I’ll go check on Erin first though.
Dead to the world. She looks so sweet and innocent. Sweet dreams my little Cuddle Bug. I don’t know what you’ve been through but you’re safe, so help me you’re safe. We’ll be here for you when you wake.
(quietly, with a gentle kiss)
“Wake up my love. I have breakfast here for you.”
“Hmmm, nice way to wake up, but why did you let me sleep so late?”
“You looked so peaceful. You didn’t even stir when I got up. You need your rest. It happens when you get old and feeble.”
“Feeble, huh? I didn’t hear you complaining about me being feeble last night.”
“That’s because you weren’t. Seriously, you push yourself too hard. You almost never get to bed before midnight and are up at 4 every morning. You work yourself like a dog all day. When you aren’t on a jobsite, you are busting your butt here trying to make this place everything we want it to be. Please allow me to be a good wife and cut you a break whether you want it or not. Now, breakfast.”
“This is great. Is Erin up?”
“As of 10 minutes ago, she was out cold and drooling on her pillow. She only does that when she is completely exhausted. We let her sleep until she wakes up on her own.”
“Sounds right to me. After this feast, I should be able to get the fence for the chickens up in record time. I’ll get on that as soon as I eat and dress.”
“Weren’t you listening a minute ago? You need a break.”
“Yes, I was listening. I also know we now have an extra mouth to feed AND we are going to help her put her life back together because she is one of our own and we take care of our own. That is going to take time and money, probably more time than money, but still.”
“Okay. You know that’s why I married you, right?”
“Because I work?”
“No. Because nothing is too much when it comes to the people you care about. I knew when you proposed that you were, as you like to say, “all in” and nothing would ever change that. I wanted to be a part of something that special. I wanted to learn, from you, how to love the people I care about as much as you do. You’ve given me a lot of gifts since that day at the lake, but the two that matter most to me are introducing me to God and teaching me how to love so much that everything is barely enough and nothing is too much for the people I care about. Now, eat and then go do what you do. Erin and I will be out to help when we get her squared away.”
“Hi Sis. Sorry I slept so late.”
“It’s ok. We decided to let you sleep till you woke up on your own. We figured you’ve been pretty stressed out and not sleeping well. How are you feeling this morning?”
“Free? Safe? Stupid? I don’t know. There are so many emotions running around inside my head right now, I haven’t been able to sort them all out yet. Mostly, I feel like somebody truly cares about me for the first time since you left.”
“Erin, I’ve always cared about you. I think about you constantly. I wanted to get in touch with you, but didn’t know how to do that without making life harder on you. I knew if Mom and especially Dad found out you were talking to me they would come down hard on you. I didn’t want that for you.”
“Screw them! If they cared about either of us, they wouldn’t have done what they did.”
“I agree, but that was harsh. What did they do to you? What happened that made you want to leave everything you knew behind and come here without having any idea what you were getting into?”
“Okay, I’ll tell you, but you have to promise you will never tell anybody. You can’t even tell Brian.”
“I can’t promise that. Brian and I keep no secrets from each other. Besides, he loves you as much as I do. When he told you last night that he now has a sister, he meant that. He doesn’t see you as an in-law. He doesn’t have friends like most people do. With him, you’re either family or you’re not. Not all of his “family” are related to him. For that matter, not all of his kin are family. When he says family is everything, which he says often, he means that too. He’s never forgiven Mom and Dad for disowning me. He overlooked how they treated him, but he has held a grudge against them for disowning me ever since. That combined with whatever is going on with you has pushed him closer to actual hatred than I have ever seen. He is so angry with our parents right now that it’s almost scary. What I can promise is that anything you tell me will never go beyond the three of us. Neither of us believes that family matters are anybody’s business outside of family. If anybody else ever knows what you tell us, you will have to tell them yourself.”
“Ok. If I can’t trust you, then I can’t trust anybody. Do you remember Toby Mathers?”
“Creepy little twerp, thought his family’s money meant he could do anything he wanted. Yeah, I remember him. I wish I had never heard of him.”
“Well, he not only thought he could do anything he wanted but that he could do anyone he wanted. He tried to rape me. He didn’t succeed, but he tried. I kicked him in the balls and ran. He threatened to file charges and Dad paid him off. Then Dad had the nerve to tell me that I should have done it with him. Dad said the little bastard came from a good family and I would have done well to be with him! I couldn’t believe it! Mom said I probably made him think I wanted it with how I was dressed. They actually acted like it was MY fault that the bastard tried to rape me! They told me to never tell anybody about it because it might hurt our reputation! All they cared about was how it would look to their friends and that it might hurt their bottom line. I almost ran away that day, but I didn’t have anywhere to go. I hadn’t found you yet and I knew that until I turned 18 they would just have the cops drag me back and they would pay them off to keep it quiet.”
“Mom and Dad sold me out like some cheap whore just to protect their reputation! I don’t care if I never hear from them again. I hope they die. I’m not a piece of meat. I may not be a virgin, but I’m not a slut!. I swear, I didn’t do anything to make him think I wanted that! I was wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. I wasn’t showing anything off! You don’t think it was my fault, do you? I sw...swear! I didn’t do anything! I di...didn’t want...want that! I’m not li...like that! You have to believe me! I haven’t been with anybody since Mike!”
“Cuddles, I believe you. You’ve been with a couple of guys, but you were never easy. I remember both of those guys. You genuinely loved them. You wanted to marry Mike. I know you didn’t do what Mom accused you of. I know Dad is a self centered jackass that only cares about his image. I never told you, but Mom and Dad tried to get me to marry a guy because his family was richer than they were and he wasn’t Brian. I thought Dad was going to slap me when I told him no. Neither one of us has to worry about that crap ever again. It’s over. This may not be Stamford, but the people are real and care about who we are, not how rich we are. You’re right. We’re free. That life is over for us. We never have to live like that again. We’ve got each other now, and Brian, and his family, and you will make friends here that really care about you. You can make a good life for yourself here. I promise you, Brian and I will do everything in our power to help you. We love you, Sis.”
“I know. I’ve always known. I even know Brian loved me before you two got married. He always treated me like you do. I guess he thought of me as a sister even then. I wish I had realized that back then. I promise, I won’t let you down. I’m going to make it here. I’m starting a new life. Sis, I’m scared though. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to do anything. How am I going to take care of myself? How am I going to get a job? I didn’t even graduate. Who’s going to hire a stupid kid that didn’t even graduate high school? I don’t know what to do.”
“Well, about that. Your newfound brother told me to offer you a job. It’s work, but I know you can do it. The pay isn’t huge, but it is enough to live on here. Besides, as long as you live with us, you will have no bills. There is health insurance, vacation, and a retirement plan. There is only one catch. I need to ask you a question and I have to have an honest answer, no matter what the answer is. Also, no matter what the answer is, the job offer stands, though you may have to do something depending on the answer. Can you pass a drug test today?”
“Morgan, I can pass a drug test today or any other day. I don’t do drugs and never have. I’ve never even tried them and don’t want to. Let’s go take that drug test.”
“Slow down. You don’t even know what the job is. Don’t you want to know what it is you’d be doing? Don’t you have any questions at all?”
“Yeah, I have one question. When do I start? Sis, it doesn’t matter. I need a job. You would never willingly put me in a position that was dangerous, I couldn’t handle, or I couldn’t do. Whatever it is, I’ll do it and be glad to have the job. Just for fun though, what would I be doing?”
“Driving a pickup truck delivering parts and tools to jobsites. We have good guys working for us. They will help you load or unload if you need it. They will treat you with courtesy and respect, unless you give them reason not to, but they will probably tease and flirt with you constantly. That said, they are construction workers. They can be grumpy, blunt, and foul mouthed. I guarantee that you will turn heads when you show up on a jobsite and at least one of the guys will end up staring. It may not be the best manners, but they are just appreciating the view. A few of the guys still stare at me occasionally when I show up and they have worked with me for over a year. They are a little rough around the edges, but every last one of them has a heart of gold.”
“I can live with that. You’re right. I’m not easy, but it’s nice to be noticed. So, show me around already so I know what kind of clothes and stuff I need to make myself useful around here and then let’s get that drug test over with so we can get back here and help Brian with whatever he’s doing.”
“Uh Sis, you forgot two things. You need to eat and you need to put on some clothes. Several of the men who we will cross paths with today, including Brian, would probably really enjoy seeing you in a t-shirt and underwear, but we wouldn’t get much done.”
“Oops! Guess I got a little too excited about starting over. Yeah, clothes would be good. I’ll see what I can scrounge up out of my bag. Is it ok if I eat first? I’m starving.”
“Yeah, eat. I need another cup of coffee anyway. I didn’t sleep much last night.”
“Yeah, I heard. It didn’t sound like Brian did either, but he’s out digging holes in the backyard while you’re whining about needing more coffee and not getting enough sleep. I thought you were supposed to be a mature, responsible adult.(grins)”
“I am. A part of that is tending to the emotional well being and happiness of my husband and the health and stability of our marriage. Besides, a girl’s gotta have a little fun once in awhile.(grins back)”
“Why is Brian digging all those holes anyway?”
“I’ll explain on the way to town. For now, eat and get dressed. We have a ton of stuff to get done today.”
(about 11:00)
“Well look at you! You look like a country girl. Did you like town?”
“Well, Duh! I thought if I was going to be one, I at least should look the part. I’ll say one thing, when you said you were from a small town, you weren’t kidding. Yeah, I like it. It’s quiet and comfortable. Now, Morgan said you were putting up a fence for chickens. You couldn’t just get a dog like a normal person?”
“We have two. Paladin, Sheba, come! Learn! (points at Erin)”
“OH! They’re adorable!”
(Both dogs sniff Erin then flop down. Paladin actually rolls over for a belly rub)
“I have never seen them do that with anybody before. Brian, are you seeing this?”
“Erin, I’m fairly sure they have accepted you as family. No, Morgan, I have never seen them do that before.”
“What kind of dogs are they? I haven’t ever seen a dog that looks like them.”
“They are Irish Wolfhounds. The breed was originally used to guard and herd livestock in Ireland. They were bred to be able to fight and kill wolves in order to protect their herds. They are very even tempered, but they are exceptionally loyal and can be vicious protecting their pack, including us, and the animals they are set to guard. An angry Wolfhound will ruin your whole day...if they don’t end it completely. I should also tell you that we graze our sheep, goats, cows, and horses together. We have 4 mules we keep with them. They’re gentle but do not, under any circumstances, get close to the mules before they get used to you. They bite and they kick. If one bites you, they will draw blood. If one kicks you, about the best you can hope for is bad bruises and maybe a broken rib or two. At worst, they can kill you. They’ll get used to you in a few weeks as you help us tend them.”
“Note to self. Stay away from the mules, feed the dogs a steak so they won’t eat me, and get some earplugs so I can get some sleep.(grins)”
“Good choice with the mules. I’m pretty sure the dogs are good with you.. Sorry about that. I’ll try to behave better in the future.”
“I was teasing about the earplugs. Besides, that wasn’t your fault. I know Morgan started it. She’s always been a trouble maker. So, what do you need me to do? I have never built a fence before, so I don’t have any idea how to help you.”
“Tell you what, I’ll bring the posts and concrete over with the tractor. Why don’t you get the bucket with the drill in it out of that shed and drag a water hose up here from the house. What’re you going to do, Morgan?”
“If you don’t need me here, I thought I might put some lunch together for us. It will take me about a half hour so you two can do the whole brother / sister bonding thing.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll take care of her. I love you.”
“I love you too, but what brought that on?”
“It sounds better than “Woman, go rustle me up some grub!”?”
“Good choice...goofball.”
“So, seriously, why are you raising chickens? The town is small but they have a really good grocery store. Wouldn’t it be easier and cheaper to just buy chicken and eggs?”
“Easier yes, but this will make us money in the long run and is better. The town grocery mostly caters to the townies. They are good people, but for whatever reason don’t get into the farming thing. They’re like you are right now. It’s easier for them to buy from the store and it’s worth the money for them to not have to mess with raising their own food. That said, a lot of the townies shop at the farmer’s market. Everything at the farmer’s market is direct from the farms. Most of it is what you would call organically grown. When we get things around here the way we want them, we will be selling at the farmer’s market. Did you know that people will buy farm fresh eggs for twice what the store sells eggs? We can’t sell butchered chickens without a bunch of government permits and bureaucrats nosing all in our business, but we can sell eggs and live chickens. There are a few decent poultry farms here that will happily buy our chicks to populate their flocks.”
“The big advantage is that they will supply us with all of the chicken and eggs we can eat when the flock gets big enough. We can grow enough feed to feed a large flock for very little money. They eat bugs and worms as well, so that is a little less we have to grow for feed. The chicken you buy in the store is produced on poultry farms that sometimes confine the birds in small cages. They are never let out and are fed antibiotics to keep them from getting sick. Sometimes the antibiotics don’t do the job. So you have a bird that is butchered sick and full of drugs. In addition, keeping chickens in cages where they can’t even stand up is cruel. Our birds will end up on the supper table, either as we need them or when they stop laying eggs, but they will be humanely kept and tended to until then. They will be given feed that doesn’t have a bunch of chemicals. When it is time to butcher them, ours at least will be killed quickly and cleanly. They will not suffer.”
“The end result is that we will have a clean food supply and a money maker from these chickens.”
“Wow! I didn’t know a bunch of that stuff. Now it sounds like a good idea to me, but I still say a dog is more fun.”
“So do I. I want to ask you a personal question that you should feel free to not answer if you don’t want to. Why does Morgan sometimes call you Cuddles?”
“Oh that. She never told you? When I was born, I cried a lot apparently. I don’t remember, but that’s what I was told. Mom would get fed up and just leave me in my room to cry. Morgan couldn’t stand it and would come in with me. Usually she would rock me and other times she would just take me to bed with her. She was better than Mom at figuring out whether I was hungry, needed changing, or just wanted somebody to hold me. Morgan was more of a mother to me than Mom was...still is. Anyway, she started calling me her Cuddle Bug because I would cuddle right up against her and quiet right down. It made Mom jealous as hell. As I got older, she shortened it to Cuddles, but the nickname stuck. Once I started school, she only called me that when it was just the two of us and usually only when something was wrong and I needed comforting. Mom hated it when Morgan called me that, but Morgan didn’t care. She knew it made me feel safe and loved. The last time anybody called me Cuddles before yesterday was when Morgan told me goodbye when you two left. God I’ve missed you two!”
“He knows.”
“What? What do you mean, “he knows”?”
“Exactly what I said. God knows you missed us and He knows we missed you. He knew we wanted to be together again, so He made it happen.”
“You’re saying God did that to me? I don’t think I like this god of yours much. If he can do that to me, he’s pretty damn hateful and I don’t want any part of him.”
“NO! God didn’t do whatever to you. Look, Erin, it’s really none of my business but I care about you so what did happen? I feel like I’m going around in circles here talking around whatever happened to you without knowing what I’m talking about.”
“Brian, I told Morgan this morning. Tell her I said to tell you tonight but please don’t make me relive it again.”
“Ok. If you’re ok with it, I’ll ask her tonight. Still, God didn’t do it. That was all on whoever. What God did was use it to bring you and us back together. Don’t you find it odd that you didn’t turn to any of your friends in Stamford? Doesn’t it seem odd to you that you found Morgan just when you needed her most? Does it seem strange to you at all that we were ready to drive from Franklin, KY to Stamford, CT, no questions asked, without any idea what was going on just to make sure you were safe? Something terrible happened to you. God didn’t do it but He put the people who could and wanted to help you the most in your reach just when you needed them. I don’t know what happened, but I’m willing to bet your sorry ass parents were involved. You are now out of their reach. If anyone else was involved, you are out of their reach too. You are here with us where you will have what you need and can make a new life. They can’t hurt you anymore and I suggest they don’t try. I suggest they leave you and Morgan the hell alone and go on living whatever life they have...while they still can.”
“While they still can? You really do hate them, don’t you? Do you actually want to kill them?”
“Yes, I do hate them. It’s not very Christian of me, but I do. I hope they stand before God as His own because I am unwilling to condemn anyone’s immortal soul. That is God’s judgement to make. I’ll tell you what though, they mess with you or Morgan ever again and it wouldn’t take much to convince me to arrange their meeting with God early. Family is everything and they treated you, their own children, worse than enemies. You can’t imagine how much I want children. Any parent that would treat their children like yours treated you two doesn’t deserve children and probably doesn’t deserve to live. Still, unless and until they actually are an immediate threat to either of you, it is not my place to pass sentence on them. I don’t want to kill anyone, ever; but they try to hurt my wife or sister again, they are mine! I’ll put them down like rabid dogs if I have to.”
(Wraps Brian in a bear hug and won’t let go)
“You really do love me! You really are my brother! I still don’t know about this God of yours, but I think I want to find out. We have work to do right now, but maybe later, would you tell me more? Is Morgan like you? Is she, what did you call it, Christian?”
“Yes, I do love you. Yes, I am your brother. I’m sorry. I thought you knew how much you mean to me. I should have done a better job of making you understand that a long time ago. There’s a lot I don’t understand about God and the Bible, but I’ll gladly tell you everything I do know and introduce you to our preacher. He can do a much better job explaining than I can. Yes, Morgan is a Christian. I had the privilege of leading her to Christ. Funny, we were just talking about that this morning. Relax, you are starting a new life and are on the right path. You’ll get there in your own time. It’ll all be ok. Does this mean I can call you Cuddles? But only in private.”
“Brian, you can call me anything you want, whenever you want. I have a brother and sister who love me. I have a real family now. I don’t care what either of you call me as long as I get to keep you both.”
“I’m going to call you a boa constrictor if you don’t let go. I can’t breathe.”
“Sorry. Ok, we have a lot to do... I think. Let’s get back to work.”
“Not quite yet. Some crazy woman is bringing food to us.”
“Where do you get off calling her crazy?”
“She married me didn’t she?”
“We have to work on your definition of crazy. You said you have 3 brothers. You don’t happen to have one that’s single do you?”
“Yeah, the youngest. He’s 11. Why, you interested? He might like an older woman.”
“He might, but I don’t think I like younger men.”
“Wow! You two have been busy, you have one whole post set! Y’all better eat before you faint dead away.”
“Hey! You’re the one who told us to bond. We were just following orders.”
“Fine, blame me. C’mon, let’s eat.”
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Post by cutter on Mar 13, 2017 22:47:03 GMT -6
Chapter 3
(after supper, watching tv)
...as protests over the President’s immigration order turn violent. According to authorities, windows were shattered, stores looted, and some fires were started. No arrests have been made. In other news…
“I’ve heard enough. Let’s watch something else.”
“Ok. Hey Brian, check out Erin.”
“How can she sleep in that position? That hurts me just to look at her. She wanted to talk to us about God tonight but I guess it will wait. She must be exhausted.”
“She is. First off, she still hasn’t got her head on straight. Last night was the first good night’s sleep she has had in months. I think she’s overwhelmed here. She’s not had anybody around her that really, truly cared about her since we moved back here. If I had it to do over, I’d do it again, but I wish we could have brought her with us then. Add to that, she worked harder today than she ever has in her life. She’s not used to the manual labor. Until today, exercise to her was cheerleading, the gym, and walking the mall. I’m pretty sure this is the first time she ever held a shovel, much less used one.”
“Well, she’s going to get to learn how to use a lot more tools before it’s over. I can’t stand it. I’m going to carry her to bed. Will you get her undressed after I get her in there? Then how about we go to bed too?”
“You old softie. Just put her in bed and take her shoes off. She’ll be fine. IF she wakes up, she can undress herself. There’s no point in waking her if she can sleep. I’ll see you in our room in a few minutes.”
(a few minutes later)
“She wrapped her arms around me and nuzzled her head into my shoulder when I picked her up but never opened her eyes. I don’t think she woke up. I hope I don’t have to do that too often though. I’m already sore and she’s heavy.”
“She used to do that when I picked her up out of her crib too. She’d wrap her arms around my neck and nuzzle her head into my shoulder. Next thing I knew, she was out like a light. Get undressed and come to bed. I’ll see what I can do for those aches and pains.”
“Hello, Love. Roll over and tell me where it hurts.”
“Pick a spot. My shoulders, entire back and legs are all hurting. My left side just below my sh…”
“Brian! Your whole left side is bruised! What did you do?”
“I lost my balance while I was loading the fence posts and landed on a stack of them when I fell off the trailer. It’s just a little bruised and sore, nothing a little time won’t fix.”
“No Brian, this isn’t just a little bruised. You are black and blue from your shoulder blade to your waist and from your spine to about halfway around your side. Are you having trouble breathing?”
“No, but it hurts when I breathe deep. I didn’t think it was that bad.”
“Brian, we need to get you to a hospital. You need x-rays. You may have broken ribs. We need to go now. Here, let me help you put on your pants and shoes, then I’ll wake Erin and we’ll go.”
“Don’t wake her up. I’ll go to the hospital, but you are blowing this all out of proportion with waking up Erin. What’s she gonna’ do, sit in the ER like a zombie?”
“Brian, I know my sister. She will be hurt if we don’t take her with us. She will want to be there. Besides, if she wakes up and we’re not here, she will flip out with all she’s dealing with already. Don’t argue with me. We are doing it my way tonight.”
“Ok, Ok. Maybe you’re right. It does hurt to breathe.”
(ER)
“Mr. Marshall, I have your x-rays. It’s a good thing you came in. You have 3 broken ribs. One of them is pushing on your left lung. Your lung itself appears to have a bit of slight swelling which indicates bruising to the tissue. Neither situation is life threatening right now, but we are going to have to do surgery to fix that one rib. The surgeon is on his way in now. The procedure is relatively minor. You will have about a 3” incision below your left shoulder blade. We’ll go in, set the rib and probably put a screw in it to secure the break. The operation will only take about 20 minutes unless the surgeon finds something else while he is in there, which is unlikely. We will be keeping you sedated for 24 hours to give the swelling time to go down. If all goes well, you should be home Monday afternoon.”
“Doc, I appreciate what you are doing for me, but I have a new project starting Monday morning that I have to be on. I don’t have time for this. Can’t you give me a prescription for the pain and let me heal on my own?”
“Brian! You. Will. Make. Time. For. This. You are not leaving this hospital. You will have your surgery. You will obey your doctor. You will rest. I will call Jake. He can take care of the jobsite. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes ma’am. I just hate not taking care of my responsibilities. I’m useless.”
“No, you are not. You want to take care of your responsibilities? Get healed so you can take care of your wife, sister, and the men who depend on you for leadership at work. You can’t do any of that in the condition you are in now. You go trying to be a hero and your lung gets punctured, you are going to be in 10 times as bad a shape as you are now. Please Love, for once in your life, worry about taking care of yourself first. You do so much for us and so many others, it really is ok for you to put yourself first when you need to.”
“Alright. Oh, thanks Erin for not giving me any grief.”
“Oh, if Sis had stopped for breath, I was going to let you have it too. She did a much better job than I would have though. I just got a brother. I don’t want to lose him now. I want to know one thing though. How in the hell did you carry me to bed as bad as you are hurt?”
“You needed me. We take care of our own in this family. I think I need to be quiet now. It hurts to talk.”
“Mr. Marshall? I know it hurts to talk but I have to ask you a few questions. Do you know why you are here?”
“Broken ribs, bruised lung, surgery.”
“Do you know what year it is?”
“2017”
“Who is the President?”
“An obnoxious guy with orange hair and some good ideas if he can get them done.”
“Good enough. I’m going to give you a sedative so we can prep you for surgery with the least amount of pain. You will be very sleepy in a minute or so.”
“Ok. Whatever y…”
“Is he ok?!?”
“Yeah. This stuff works really fast. I’m surprised he managed to get anything past ok out. No offense, but you two look like death warmed over. Why don’t you go by the nurse’s station and get a couple of blankets and pillows. Go out that door into the hall. Turn left and go in the second door on your left. That is surgery waiting. There is no one else in surgery tonight. There is a dimmer switch on the wall, a bathroom, and some very comfortable couches. There are vending machines in the room across the hall. Try to get some rest. We will wake you as soon as he is in recovery, I promise.”
“Thanks. Come on, Sis. There isn’t anything we can do for him right now.”
(Waiting room)
“Morgan, is Brian really going to be ok?”
“I think so. He’s too stubborn to let this beat him.”
“He shouldn’t have carried me to bed. It had to have hurt him. I hurt him. Why did he do it?”
“Like he said, you needed him. That’s the way he is. He puts the people he loves before himself always. He does it because nothing is too much for the people he cares about. I have seen him go way out of his way to help total strangers and not even expect a thank you. That’s how we met. He can be a hard man. He’s tough as nails and his temper is scary on those rare occasions he lets it show, but he is without a doubt the kindest, most loving, caring person I have ever met. A big part of what makes his temper so frightening is that he works so hard to keep it under control and it’s so completely opposite of the man he works so hard to be. He’s a better man and a stronger Christian than he gives himself credit for. It doesn’t come naturally for him. That devotion to God and loved ones that he so prizes is built on the same strong opinions and emotions that feed his temper. He is truly a passionate man. He chooses to channel his passion into being loyal and compassionate. I have seen him truly angry twice. The first time was when Mom and Dad threw me out. The other time he nearly killed a man. He was in the right, he was protecting a child, but it changed him. He’s always worked to keep his temper under control, but he really beat it down after that. It took him months to get back to himself. He was scared to death that he would lose control and the next time he wouldn’t be able to stop himself. You didn’t hurt him. He was doing what he wanted to do. He was giving you the love and care you needed. He would give his life for you, for either of us, if he thought he had to. That’s the man you have claimed as a brother and has claimed you as a sister. That’s the man I married. Now do you understand?”
“No, but I will. I don’t think Brian will stop until I do. I have a lot to learn from both of you. I have a lot to learn about both of you. I’m starting to really not like who I was back in Stamford. I think I want to be more like you two. For now, you try to get some sleep. I have a lot to think about. And Sis, thank you.”
“For what?”
“For a new life, a new home, a new family, for Cuddles...just thank you....for everything. I love you.”
“I love you too. Wake me if you need me.”
(............)
God? I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know anything about you or even if you are listening, but I need to ask you something. Brian clearly thinks a lot of you and I love Brian, so I need you to help him. He says you don’t do bad things to people and he has never lied to me, but I don’t understand why he had to get hurt. He’s hurt and in surgery. I need you to make him better. I don’t know what I need to do to get you to take care of him and the only people I know to ask can’t help me right now. One is asleep and needs to be. The other one is Brian and he is in surgery. He was supposed to tell me about you tonight, but I fell asleep and he got hurt so it didn’t happen. If you want me to know, you are going to have to make him better so he can tell me. That’s all I’ve got. Oh, wait. Brian said you used that thing with Toby to help me and bring the three of us back together. If that’s true, thank you.
(..............................................)
“Mrs. Marshall, Miss Marshall? Ladies, wake up.”
“Hi, how’d it go? Is Brian going to be ok?”
“Mrs. Marshall, Brian is out of surgery. Everything went well, better than even we expected. One of the ribs wasn’t as bad as the x-rays indicated. It was only cracked. The other two, we repaired. We thought for sure we would have to use a screw on the worst one, but it firmed right up with the adhesive we use. It only took about 10 minutes for everything. Frankly, we don’t really have an explanation on why the surgery went as well as it did. It wasn’t major surgery in the first place, but it should have been more difficult than it was. I have done this dozens of times and have never had one go this well. The only thing that could have made it any better is if we hadn’t had to do surgery at all. There is some bruising on the lung. It is going to hurt for him to breathe for a while, probably a couple of weeks. The lung will heal in a couple of days, but the ribs are going to take a few weeks. He will probably have some discomfort for at least a month. Dr. Beale was right. I want to keep him here until Monday afternoon and he needs to be sedated for the next 24 hours. That will give his body time to heal without having to fight pain and fatigue. Rest is what he needs right now. Unless something totally unforeseen happens, I see no reason that he can’t go home on Monday. That said, he needs to take it easy for the next 3 weeks. No lifting over 10 pounds and no heavy exertion. He needs to eat. He needs to sleep. He needs to relax. Read a book, watch tv, whatever, but he needs to not exert himself. Pain is a good guide. If it hurts, he needs to stop doing it until he heals. Right now, you two need to go home and get some rest. There is nothing you can do for him right now. He won’t know you are here even if you are in the room with him. You can come see him tomorrow if you like, but he won’t know it. We are going to keep him asleep.”
“Ok Doc, but can I see him before I leave? It’s just something I need to do.”
“Sure, come on.”
(In recovery. Morgan kisses Brian)
“Rest my love.”
(Erin kisses Brian’s forehead)
“Thanks, Bro. I love you.”
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Post by papaof2 on Mar 14, 2017 13:40:28 GMT -6
Like the story. Like the characters.
Maybe I'm too much of a traditionalist, but I expect what people say to be in double quotes - "Hi, Joe" - so I'm not into the second sentence before it's obvious whether someone is thinking or speaking.
Keep doing what you're doing if it keeps you writing ;-) I'll just be spending a little more time reading each chapter.
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Post by ydderf on Mar 14, 2017 13:50:05 GMT -6
I surely enjoyed your story to this point hopefully you have 70 or 80 more chapters coming soon :=}. Thank you for sharing your work with me/us.
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Post by cutter on Mar 14, 2017 15:02:52 GMT -6
ydderf, I don't know about soon, but with the way the story is shaping up, I could see it running that long. You're welcome, but I do enjoy writing so I get as much or more out of it as you do. The attaboy's are a bonus.
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Post by cutter on Mar 14, 2017 20:43:12 GMT -6
Like the story. Like the characters. Maybe I'm too much of a traditionalist, but I expect what people say to be in double quotes - "Hi, Joe" - so I'm not into the second sentence before it's obvious whether someone is thinking or speaking. Keep doing what you're doing if it keeps you writing ;-) I'll just be spending a little more time reading each chapter. Good point. I'll take care of it. Glad you are enjoying the story. I still have no idea where it is leading. I DID know where it was leading, but Morgan and Erin keep jacking around with the story line. Brian is mostly behaving himself, but I didn't think he was enough of an attention hound to go and get himself hurt. Guess I was wrong. There, I fixed it. Copy and paste is a wonderful thing. You're right, it reads better.
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Post by 9idrr on Mar 14, 2017 20:54:17 GMT -6
I surely enjoyed your story to this point hopefully you have 70 or 80 more chapters coming soon :=}. Thank you for sharing your work with me/us. Yeah, 70 or 80 more chapters would do, but I ain't gonna play ya cheap. I'd bet this one is good for at least another 100.
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Post by pbbrown0 on Mar 15, 2017 15:15:59 GMT -6
Great start, Cutter. It is amazing how presumptuous we authors can be about thinking we are writing the story, rather than acting as scribe and editor for the characters who are guiding their own story. .
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Post by papaof2 on Mar 15, 2017 16:21:29 GMT -6
Nothing like hearing the truth ;-)
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Post by cutter on Mar 15, 2017 17:45:17 GMT -6
Chapter 4
(On the way home)
“Morgan, pull over.”
“What’s wrong?”
“You. You’re crying your eyes out and shaking like a leaf. Pull over before you get us both killed. I’ll drive us home.”
(Pulls to the side of the road) “Thanks Sis. It just hit me all at once. I could have lost him tonight. He’s all I’ve had for so long. I don’t know what I would do without him. He works and he works and he pushes himself so hard and he does everything just trying to make a better life for me, and now you, and I never show him how much it means to me, how much he means to me. I don’t help him enough. I don’t do enough. I don’t...I don’t...I…”
(Holding Morgan as she completely loses control)
“Morgan, he knows. You got all big and bad with him in the ER, but it wouldn’t have worked for anybody but you. You said it yourself. You’ve never met a man like him. Well, neither have I. He knows exactly who and what he is. He knows what he believes and lives it. He is who he is and he does what he does because it is the right thing to do, and he doesn’t give a damn what anybody thinks about it. Yeah, he’ll help just about anybody, but he won’t stand with anybody he doesn’t think is worth it. I’ve never known a man like Brian before, but if a man like him thinks you are worth it, who are you to question him? I may still be a kid, but I’ve seen you two together. It’s magical. What you two have together almost can’t exist. That can’t happen if either person isn’t giving everything they’ve got or the other one doesn’t know they are. Brian loves you. I don’t know what happened to him and I don’t know him nearly as well as you do, but I know he doesn’t love anybody lightly. If he loves somebody, he has plenty of reason. He loves both of us. We’re his family. Don’t try to figure it out, just go with it. Swap places with me and I’ll get us home.”
(Late Sunday morning) “Hi Sis. I don’t know how to cook but I’ll fix you some cereal if you want it. I would have made coffee but I don’t know how to do that either. Talk me through it and I’ll start some.”
“That’s ok. I’ll show you how. Oh, and cereal is fine. I don’t feel like cooking anyway. (Morgan’s phone rings) “Hello?...No. Brian’s in the hospital. We were there most of the night and I just didn’t have the energy to come to church this morning….He fell yesterday and broke 3 ribs and bruised a lung. They took him into emergency surgery to repair the ribs before one of them punctured a lung….Just put Brian on the prayer list...No, my sister has moved in with us so I have somebody here for me, and she has been a lot of support. Brian is supposed to be released Monday afternoon, so it will all work out….I’m sorry. I should have come this morning. I just was worn out….What could you have done? Erin was with me. I didn’t have go through it by myself. Besides, you had services this morning. They needed you more. It wouldn’t do to have the pastor fall asleep in the middle of the sermon. Sam might take over and teach the Bible according to Dr. Seuss. I can hear it now, “God does not like a sinful man, He does not like it Sam I am.” (Laughing through the phone)...Thanks. I try...Thanks Pastor...Bye.”
“Who was that?”
“Our Pastor at church. He was worried because we weren’t there this morning.”
“Was he giving you grief for not being there? I heard you apologizing.”
“No, I was apologizing because he was worried. I didn’t call him. We are usually there every Sunday.”
“ I have to ask. Who is Sam and why are you making fun of him. That isn’t like you.”
“Sam is Pastor Greene’s 4 year old son. He loves Dr. Seuss. Green Eggs and Ham is his favorite book because his name is in it. He’s actually a pretty bright kid. I just couldn’t resist. I needed the comedy relief and I love to make Pastor laugh. Once he starts, he has a hard time stopping. It’s funny.”
“Oh, now I get it. Thanks for what you said about me. I’m trying to be more like you. I worked a few things out last night before I dozed off in the waiting room. I think this God you and Brian are so fond of was trying to tell me something last night. I prayed? Is that what you call talking to God? Anyway, I don’t think I did it right. I didn’t know what the hell I was supposed to say but I asked God to take care of Brian. I said he was supposed to talk to me about God last night but it didn’t happen. If God wanted me to know about Him, He would have to make Brian better so he could tell me. Then the doctor comes in and tells us Brian’s surgery went super well and he should be ok.”
“Half of faith is doing. I am not sure that there is a “right” way to talk to God. I do hope you didn’t tell Him you “didn’t know what the hell you were doing”. I don’t know if cussing while talking to God is a sin, but it probably is bad manners. Asking for Him to take care of Brian is important, but the fact that you were talking to God in the first place is even more important. God knows we aren’t perfect. He knows we are on a life long learning curve with Him and that sometimes we are going to mess up. That’s why He made the concept of forgiveness. He wants us to love Him, trust Him, give ourselves over to Him and what He wants for our lives. He works for us, serves us, helps us. He doesn’t always give us what we ask for or want, but He gives us what we need. He gives us reasons to trust Him and want to serve Him. You probably don’t realize it yet, but you just took a huge step in making a new, better life for yourself. As far as what I said about you, I was telling Pastor the truth. You took care of me last night. You protected me from myself when I was falling apart but just didn’t want to admit it.”
“Family is everything, Sis.”
“I’ve heard that before.”
“Where do you think I got it from? Now let’s eat, get ready, and go see that guy.”
(Hospital) “Hi. I’m Morgan Marshall. Could you tell me where my husband, Brian is?”
“He’s in room 232.”
“Thank you.”
“Oh, hi Doc! Is everything ok?”
“Everything’s fine. I’m on duty today and wanted to look in on Mr. Marshall. We ran some tests this morning and everything looks good. Are you going to be staying a while?”
We weren’t really planning on it. You said last night you were going to keep him sedated so he could heal. More than anything, we just wanted to see him for ourselves and see what we could find out about how he’s doing. It sounds like he’s out of the woods now. Is that true?”
“Ma’am, he was out of the woods last night when he came out from under the anesthesia. He’s going to be fine. Would you like me to back the sedation off so you can visit a few minutes?”
“No, let him sleep. We’ll have time enough to talk when he’s back home. Erin, did you want to stay a while?”
“I’m good either way. I know he’s going to be ok now. That’s what I needed to know so there’s no point in disturbing him. He’ll be home tomorrow, right?”
“Yes, Miss Marshall. I’m going to write his release orders before I go off shift tonight so he can leave as soon as we see him eat and he goes to the bathroom on his own.”
“Goes to the bathroom on his own? Why do you need to see that?”
“We have to catheterize a patient when we keep them sedated like this and the anesthesia sometimes causes constipation. If he can go both ways and doesn’t have significant blood in his urine, we know he is ok on those two points. A catheter can sometimes cause enough irritation to produce some minor bleeding. That ‘s not a big deal unless it doesn’t quit in a day or so. What we are worried about is major bleeding like would come from a tear in the bladder from the catheter. That almost never happens, but we have to check just to be on the safe side. I really don’t see him having any problems at all, Miss Marshall.”
“My name is Erin Baxter, actually. Thanks for explaining; I was worried for a minute.”
“You aren’t his sister?”
“I’m his sister-in-law. I’m her sister, but our parents don’t want anything to do with us so they are all the family I have. Brian refuses to call me his sister-in-law. He just calls me his sister so to me he’s my brother.”
“Brian Marshall...I know I have heard that name somewhere before… Wait! Wasn’t he the guy that saved that little girl in the park about a year ago from that pedophile?!?
Yes, Doctor. That was my husband. You have no idea how hard it was on him. It took him about 4 months and a lot of prayer to get his head on straight. He told me that even he didn’t know he was capable of that level of violence. He did the right thing, but it was hard on him coming to terms with how badly he hurt that man. He still sometimes has nightmares and still doesn’t know the girl’s name.”
“Her name is Tabitha Micheals and my uncle’s son is her father. Your husband is a hero. Ma’am, you don’t know me but I need you to do me, Tabitha, and your husband a favor. Do whatever you have to do, whatever you think is right, but make him understand that. Tell me what I can do to help and I’ll do it. She has wanted to thank him personally ever since it happened. He saved her life, in more ways than you can possibly imagine. I wish this town had 10 of that man, but I don’t think it does. My wife and I can’t have children. Tabitha is like a daughter to us. It would have destroyed me to lose her. Your husband prevented that from happening. That bastard will spend the next 10 years, at least, in prison and the rest of his life in a wheelchair, which is 100 times better than he deserves. I will be in your husband’s debt for the rest of my life because I can never repay what he did for my Tabitha. If ever there is anything, anything at all, I can do for your family, I’ll do it and do it gladly.”
“Doc, you already did. If she really wants to meet him, I’ll make sure it happens. It might take a while, but I’ll make sure it happens.”
“Here’s my card. I wrote my home and cell numbers on the back. Whenever he is ready, let me know. Also if you all need anything, anything at all that is within my power to do, don’t hesitate to call. I have to get back to work now, but I’m glad I got to talk with you.”
“Thank you, Dr. Micheals.”
“Erin, if you’re ready, let’s go. We have some things to do before Brian comes home.”
“I’m ready.”
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Post by 9idrr on Mar 15, 2017 19:55:18 GMT -6
Good easy reading. Thanks for the effort you're puttin' into this story.
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Post by cutter on Mar 15, 2017 20:13:48 GMT -6
I've got to get something happening though. I'm building the back story and putting some real strength into the family, but things aren't happening fast enough.
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Post by 9idrr on Mar 15, 2017 20:29:23 GMT -6
I've got to get something happening though. I'm building the back story and putting some real strength into the family, but things aren't happening fast enough. I like the background, gettin' to know the folks and the area and I have great faith in you steppin' up the action in the near future. That said, we can't have it over too quickly. Bein' as I'm such a patient guy, I'll only bug you a little bit. Okay, that's long enough, cutter. Where's more?
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Post by ydderf on Mar 16, 2017 13:23:51 GMT -6
Don't hurry the background we all like character development.
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Post by cutter on Mar 18, 2017 15:01:38 GMT -6
Chapter 5 (In the truck leaving the hospital)
“Morgan, was that…”
“Yeah, that was what I was telling you about last night. Brian needs to know about this and he needs to meet that girl. Maybe it would finally stop his nightmares.”
“Well, something is different with him from what you told me last night.”
“What do you mean, different?”
“Well, when you were making lunch yesterday, we were talking. I saw that temper you were talking about. He wasn’t just angry, he was dangerously angry. I just didn’t know it was as unusual to see his temper as it apparently is. We were talking about Mom and Dad. From what he said, I thought he actually wanted to kill them. He told me he didn’t want to kill anybody ever, and I wanted to believe him, but I’m not sure he believed it. So, either he has loosened up on his temper or Mom and Dad made an enemy of the WRONG man. You told me he was as close to hatred as you have ever seen him? There is no close to it. He...hates...them. Funny though, as angry as he was, he made a point to say he was unwilling to condemn their immortal soul, whatever that means.”
“It means he hates them, but he doesn’t want anybody to suffer for all eternity in Hell. That is more punishment than he wants anybody to endure. That is classic Brian. I knew he was angry with them but I didn’t know he was that angry.”
“So how do we help him let it go? It has to be tearing him up inside because you’re right, the guy I was talking to yesterday isn’t anything like the Brian I have always known. I’d never seen that side of him before...and I hope I never see it again. Sis, he scared the hell out of me. The only reason I didn’t run away is because I knew he was mad for me and not at me. I don’t know what I would have to do to get on that side of him, but I know I don’t ever want to.”
“Erin, you can’t, not won’t, can’t. You still don’t understand it yet, but you and I are in a very special place with him. You could turn your back on him like Mom and Dad did to us and he still wouldn’t be angry with you. He would be hurt, devastated, but not angry. He would be trying to figure out what he did wrong. I don’t know how to get him to let go of Mom and Dad. I also don’t know how I’m going to pull it off, but he needs to talk to Tabitha. I think she is what he needs to stop the nightmares.
That’s easy. Invite Dr. Micheals and his wife to dinner and tell them to bring Tabitha. How would Brian take it if we didn’t tell him about Tabitha beforehand?”
“I don’t know, but I’m willing to risk it. I think you have a good idea. Your punishment is that you get to help me cook that dinner. I think I better talk to Dr. Micheals first so to see if Tabitha can handle it because for the first time since we married, I don’t know how Brian will react.”
“That would probably be best. I can’t help with that dinner though. I don’t know how to cook, remember?”
“You’ll learn, starting today. I’m going to need your help with a lot of things until Brian heals. First off, I know you were looking forward to starting work Monday, but I’m going to need you here. With Brian out of commission, Jake will be running the field work and I will have my hands full running the company and helping Jake do Brian’s job. Jake will come through, but he’s not ready for this yet. He’s going to need the help.”
“Then I’m here. I assume the job will still be there when Brian gets well?”
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t have it any other way and neither would Brian. Erin, I’m sorry to do this to you. I wouldn’t do it but I need your help at home bad until Brian heals.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. You have taken care of me since we were kids. Brian told me God put you in my reach just when I needed you most and he was right. Truth is, you two saved me from a life I didn’t know I didn’t want until it was almost too late. What kind of a sister would I be if I wasn’t here for my family when they needed me? The job will wait as long as you two are willing to feed me and let me live with you without me being able to pay rent. I want to do this for you and Brian. I want to help. It’s not enough, but at least I’ll get to pay back a little of what you did for me.”
“There is no payback. There is nothing owed on either side. This is what family does. I’m proud of you for understanding that. I just hate it that I’m making you wait to start your new life. I know how important it is to you to be able to make your own money and start providing for your own needs. We would take care of you for the rest of our lives, but I know you don’t want that.”
“As Brian said yesterday, “I’ll get there in my own time.” This is important, it is important to me, and I can do it. I want to. Uh Sis, where are we going? You missed your turn.”
“We’re going to Larry’s house. I need to tell him that his going into the field is going to be delayed until Brian can go back to work. He’s been wanting to go into the field and learn the trade for a long time. He deserves to be told in person it is going to have to wait a little longer and why. You are going to be his replacement when he does.”
(The Waters’ farm)
“Hey Morgan! What brings you out here? Who’s this?”
Hi Sue. This is my sister, Erin. She’s moving here and is staying with us for a while. Is Larry here?”
“He’s out in the barn with Bert. They’re supposed to be working on the tractor, but my bet is they’re talking fishing over a cigar and a beer.”
“I can believe the cigars, but we both know the boys prefer bourbon. Course, I guess it is a little early for hard liquor. Sue, I need to talk to Larry. He’s not going to be able to go out in the field quite yet.”
“Why not? He’s so excited about it. Brian was out here yesterday morning telling him he was going to be training somebody new to take his delivery work over so he could work with Brian.”
“Yeah, that was the plan until Brian fell in the barn yesterday afternoon and broke 3 ribs. He’s in the hospital right now. He had surgery to repair the ribs before they punctured his lung. Doctor is saying it’s going to be at least a month before he can go back to work. When he does, we go back to the plan of putting Larry in the field as Brian’s apprentice, but until then, I need Erin at home to help me with Brian.”
“I can respect that and I think Larry will too. He’ll be disappointed, but he’ll understand. I’ll go get him. Make yourselves at home. You know where everything is.”
“Thanks Sue.”
(..................)
“Hey Morgan. Mom said you got troubles and can’t put me in the field quite yet. What’s up?”
“Brian got hurt yesterday and is going to be down about a month or so. This is my sister, Erin. She is going to replace you in the truck when you go to the field, but I need her at home to help until Brian is able to come back to work. When he’s back, you’ll train Erin for a week then you will go out with him just like he said. I’m sorry Larry. I’m back to the wall here and don’t have any other options or I wouldn’t do it this way.”
“No worries. Somebody’s got to babysit Brian. If he’s not in the field, we can’t do it. I just feel sorry for Erin. She’s gonna’ have her hands full with him.”
“I can handle Brian. If he gets too bad I’ll just poke him in the ribs. He’ll cry like a little girl for an hour, but he won’t do it again.”
“Morgan, I like her. She’s gonna’ fit right in. And Lord knows she’s easier to look at than the rest of the misfits you have working for you.”
“Thanks for understanding Larry. Now I get to go tell Jake he’s going be in the center seat until Brian can come back.”
“Better he than me. Let me know if you need anything. I know y’all have a lot going on on your place. I’ll be glad to help if I can. Miss Erin, it was really nice meeting you. I better get back to helping Pop with the tractor.”
“Tractor my butt. You just want to get back before your beer gets warm.”
“How did you….Mom! Never mind.”
“See you Monday, Larry.”
(back in the truck)
“Miss Erin? What was that all about?”
“It’s a country thing. Besides, I think Larry likes you.”
(Jake’s house)
“Hey Jake.”
“Hey. How’s Brian?”
“He’s in the hospital. He’ll be released tomorrow, but he’s going to be off for a while. How’d you hear?”
“One of the night nurses told Susan he was there but didn’t know the details. How can I help?”
“You may wish you hadn’t asked. The Novatec job starts tomorrow and I need you running it.”
“Big job. I’m gonna’ need some help. I never took care of all the paperwork and stuff Brian does. I’ll give it a shot but be prepared for a lot of phone calls and questions.”
“I can handle the phone calls and questions. I know you can do the job. Start time is at 7:00 right now unless you decide to change it. Look at it like this. Novatec is a $240,000 job. Just treat it like 24 $10,000 jobs. It’s no different than the 3-4 jobs at a time you have been doing since you came here except these are all under the same roof for the same client. Break the job down into smaller pieces and do them just like you do now. Max and his helper will be out there and Larry will be bringing the gang box, materials, and a lift. You’ll be fine. Oh, here’s the prints. I thought you might want to look them over.”
“Thanks. I’ll do my best.”
“That’s all we can ask for. We’ve got to get going. Talk to you tomorrow.”
(In the truck)
“Ok, store then home. Now I get to start educating you.”
“Is there going to be a test?”
“Yeah, we are eating your cooking tonight.”
“But I”
“You will starting tonight. You still like steaks don’t you?”
“OH YEAH!”
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Post by kaijafon on Mar 18, 2017 15:28:15 GMT -6
Thank you for the moar!! I like steak too!
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Post by cutter on Mar 18, 2017 21:35:24 GMT -6
I didn't write it in, but her first lesson in cooking was over a wood fire in the back yard. It not only had steak but baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and a dutch oven cobbler...at least that is what it was supposed to be. It was actually more like a peach flavored cannon ball.
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Post by kaijafon on Mar 18, 2017 22:07:02 GMT -6
I can't cook so I can appreciate cannon balls...esp peach flavored ones
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Post by cutter on Mar 18, 2017 22:18:26 GMT -6
I can't cook so I can appreciate cannon balls...esp peach flavored ones I learned the hard way that the best motivation for learning to cook is to eat your own cooking. I promise, you will get better at it or you'll starve. You get hungry enough and even your own cooking tastes good.
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Post by cutter on Mar 19, 2017 1:00:53 GMT -6
Chapter 6 (Tuesday, March 9th)
“Sis, it’s 5:30 in the morning! What are you doing up and making all that noise?”
“I overslept. I’ve got to be in the office before 7. I’m making Brian’s breakfast so all you have to do is put it in the microwave when he wakes up. Make sure he eats it and takes his meds. Crap! I’ve still got to get dressed and fix food for us! I am SO running late!”
“I got this. Go get ready. I’ll yell if I need help. Go!”
OK Erin, you can do this. Turn the burner down so you don’t burn it. That’s better. Did Morgan start coffee? No. Ok, 4 scoops, fill the pot with water, lid on, burner on high, put it on the stove. Got it. There’s enough bacon for us to have some too but not enough eggs out. In the fridge, there’s the eggs. I’m really hungry and I’m sure Morgan is. Get 6 more. Sis, you get your choice of scrambled or scrambled. Oh yeah, milk. Crack ‘em, mix ‘em up, add milk, a little more. There, ready to cook. Bacon is done...I think. At least it isn’t burnt and doesn’t look raw. Take it out, pour off some grease into the little can, eggs in. I saw some shredded cheese in the fridge, think I’ll try to make an omelet. Crap! Hope it tastes better than it looks. “Morgan, breakfast is ready.”
“Oh wow! You made ours too?!? And cheesy eggs! I thought you didn’t know how to cook. And coffee! You’re the bestest sister in the whole wide world!”
“It was supposed to be an omelet. I hope it tastes better than it looks.”
“This is great! I was just going to eat cereal. This is much better.”
“Glad you like it. Hmm, it does taste good. Listen, not today, but I want you to teach me how to make biscuits and gravy. Brian mentioned last night that he likes that.”
“Will do. Thanks for breakfast. I got to get into the office. Come get me if you need me.”
(about 9:00 AM)
“DAMMIT!!!”
“Brian, what’s wrong?!?”
“I have to pee but I can’t stand up. It hurts too bad.”
“Ok, this is going to hurt, but put your right arm around my neck and I’ll help you up.”
“AAAGGGG!!! Dammit that hurts!”
“I told you. But at least you’re on your feet. Come on, one step at a time and hold on to me. (....) Now, can you handle the next part yourself or do you need my help?”
“I think I can manage. Thanks.”
“Ok, I’m going to go get your breakfast together. If you need help getting to the kitchen, call me.”
“Feeling better?”
“No, but at least my eyeballs aren’t floating anymore. If you don’t mind, I’m going to sit at the bar. I think it might be easier to get up from there than the table. Geez! Eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, OJ and coffee! Do you think you’re feeding an army?”
“Morgan told me about the dinner you cooked for your anniversary while she was teaching me to cook Sunday night. She told me about your crack about real woodsmen eating real food and plenty of it. You two have done everything in the world to take care of me since I got here. Now it’s my turn. The doctor said you need to eat to keep up your strength. Morgan told me this morning to make sure you ate your breakfast and took your meds. Your meds say to take with food. If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it right. Now eat and eat good or I will force feed you.”
“Yes Ma’am! You’re as bad as Morgan, you know that, right?”
“I learned from the best, now eat! Just don’t eat all the apples. They’re really good and I’m still hungry.”
“Eat all you want. I really won’t be able to eat all of this and we will grow more apples.”
“Grow more? These aren’t from the store?”
“No, they are from the trees out beside the house. These grapes are from behind the shed where you got the bucket and drill Saturday. The milk and cheese in these eggs came from Bessie, our cow. The eggs came from Bert and Sue Waters’ farm. Morgan made the bread from wheat that also came from the Waters’ farm. After breakfast, I’m going to have to get started. The fruit trees and grapevines need pruning, I’ve got to plant the garden, and I’ve got to get the fields planted.”
“You will do no such thing! The doctor said you need to take it easy and rest. You just sit your butt right there and eat your breakfast. I’ll be right back. I mean it. Sit there and eat.”
(knocks on the office door)
“Hey Morgan, got a minute?”
“Yeah, what’s up?”
Do you know anybody that can loan us a wheelchair? Brian’s going to be a problem.”
“We have one but he needs to walk a little. Surely he isn’t complaining about walking from one room to another.”
“No, the little twerp is in there talking about pruning trees and planting gardens! I can’t let him do that but I don’t know how to do it myself. I thought I’d take him outside so he can tell me how to do it. That way it gets done and keeps him occupied but resting, more or less.”
“That’s a good idea, Sis. Forget about the wheelchair though. It would be near impossible to push over the ground and would beat him to death. Here’s a set of keys to the place. I should have given these to you already. Brian knows which key fits what. There’s a gator in the barn. It’s that little 4 wheeler looking utility truck. You’ll need it to carry tools and stuff around anyway. By the way, I’m proud of you. You’re adapting to here a lot faster than I thought you would.”
“I told you, I don’t like the person I was in Stamford. I don’t want to be that girl anymore. The more I see of this country life, the more I want it. Besides, look at you! All this work has made you a hottie and you don’t have to pay for a gym. I’m hoping it does the same for me.”
“Oh, it will but you’ll pay for it. Remember how you felt after putting up the chicken fence? Get used to it. For the next few months you are going to be so sore every night that you will be pretty sure you aren’t going to die but a lot less sure that is a good thing.”
“I’ll take it. I better get back to Brian before he goes and tries to build a new barn or something.”
“Now you’re starting to learn Brian. Be safe. I’ll see you at lunch.”
(...)
“I guess you were hungry. Did you have enough? I can fix some more.”
“NO! I feel like I’m going to pop as it is. I know you were talking to Morgan. What are you two up to?”
“First things first. Can you get dressed to go outside by yourself or do you need help?”
“I won’t be fast, but I think I can do it. Why?”
Well, first we are going to both get dressed. Then, if you’re up to it, we are going to walk out to the barn and get the gator. You are going to TELL me what I’ll need and where to find it. I’m going to put the stuff on the gator then we are going over to the fruit trees. There, you are going to TELL me how to prune them. You are NOT going to work. You are going to SIT and SUPERVISE, got it?”
“You’re being pretty bossy for a kid.”
Well, bossy this, I’m trying to make you feel useful so you don’t feel so guilty about not being able to work while keeping you from hurting yourself. I’m trying to learn how to actually be helpful around here to earn my keep. You screw with me on this and I am going to poke you in those ribs, throw you in your bed, and duct tape you in it out of spite.”
“Ok, ok! Please don’t make me laugh. Dammit that hurts!”
“They must hurt bad. I’ve heard you cuss more in the last 24 hours than in all the rest of the time I’ve known you. Did you take your pain meds?”
“Pray you never break ribs. No, I didn’t take them but I think I better before you shove them down my throat.”
“Now you’re getting the picture. Take your meds and then go get dressed. If you need help, yell for me.”
(...)
“Hey Morgan, do you have a thermos around here somewhere?”
“There’s 4 of them under the sink, why?”
“I’m putting a little food together so we have something to munch on while we’re outside. I thought it might help him to sit still and supervise if he has something to do with his hands and it’ll be good for him to eat. It’s a little chilly out so I thought some hot coffee might be good. Since you have more than one, I’ll fill one up for you if you want it so you don’t have to keep heating it up.”
“Thanks, that would be nice. You know, you don’t have to work so hard at this. I need your help, but I don’t expect you to be a slave.”
“Yes, I do. You are trusting me with your husband. He’s feeling really down about not being able to do all the things he thinks he should be doing. I want to do this and do it right. Besides, I’m getting some things out of this too. I’m learning how to “be a country girl” and I’m doing something to earn my keep around here. You know, if somebody had told me 6 months ago that I’d be doing the things I’m doing now, I’d have laughed in their face and called them a liar. I still don’t know what I’m doing most of the time, but I’m kinda’ enjoying learning. I’ll bring your thermos to you before we go outside.”
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Post by kaijafon on Mar 19, 2017 12:13:49 GMT -6
I can't cook so I can appreciate cannon balls...esp peach flavored ones I learned the hard way that the best motivation for learning to cook is to eat your own cooking. I promise, you will get better at it or you'll starve. You get hungry enough and even your own cooking tastes good. hahaha! been cooking for decades and it hasn't helped yet!
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Post by papaof2 on Mar 19, 2017 13:53:24 GMT -6
I like who the characters are and who they are becoming.
I can appreciate the broken ribs, having had those and a collapsed lung when a pickup broadsided my '68 VW Beetle a number of years ago. And yes, the ribs do stay sore for months :-(
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Post by cutter on Mar 19, 2017 16:25:51 GMT -6
I know, I have broken the same three ribs on the bottom left 5 times, never severe enough to require surgery. The only pain I have ever endured that is worse is a dislocated shoulder. If labor hurts anywhere near as bad as either of those things, I don't know how women do it without killing everyone in reach.
I think Erin has come a long way from the spoiled rich kid I envisioned her being at the beginning of the story. She's not done with the trip yet, but I like who she is becoming too. Somewhere in the next few chapters, I think Morgan is going to become a different person for a while. I hope she finds her way back to who she is. I don't know how that will play out yet. Brian is going to have trouble like he can't imagine too. I do have some idea how that will play out because I have lived part of it myself. I think he will recover faster than I did because he has more support than I did. I am also seeing some trouble coming to the area from more than one direction. Having said all of that, I'm still not sure where these kids are going to take me next.
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Post by ydderf on Mar 20, 2017 0:16:25 GMT -6
I dislocated a shoulder in China last Oct. I agree with cutter about the pain it cost me a total of 52.00 dollars at the hospital for x-rays before and after re-location. Gotta love socialized medicine. It took two security guards holding me on the gurney two doctors pulling on my wrist and one doctor trying to massage the ball into its socket. They laughed at us,wife was with me,when she asked for pain killers.
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