Mending Wounded Hearts

We went down as a group for breakfast Thursday and took advantage of a traditional breakfast buffet. I gave the boys their Fun Cards from the hotel so they could play video games or any of the other attractions. The cards would cover drinks and snacks and would be charged to the room. Kelly kept Carter with him and watched him closely. Carter loved the motorcycle game where he sat on a kid-sized bike and raced a road course. Kelly tried the dirt bike game and had plenty of fun. Brandon found one of the teens from the day before and they played a VR game and then some sort of first person shooter.

I was satisfied that they were doing well so Ally, Evelyn, Ed and myself toured the in house museum. We had to get it done early because it closed at noon. There were a lot of relics that were discovered in the walls when the building was restored. All manner of tools, newspapers and magazines of the early 1900's and an old Iver Johnson revolver. I would like to have known the story behind that.

There were also examples of furniture, cutlery and china used in the original Pantlind Hotel.

"Would you like to see some of the city?" Ed asked.

"I certainly would," Ally replied.

"I'd like that too," I added.

"Do you think the boys would like to come along?" Evelyn asked.

"Brandon might but I doubt the other two would enjoy it if we can't actually go and see the attraction. They all love museums but nothing will be open today I suspect," I reasoned.

I sent a text to all three to let them know we'd be gone for an hour or so. I gave them details and they all opted out.

The valet brought the Navigator around and we loaded up and were off.

Ed guided me and we headed for Heritage Hill and looked at old houses. The Meyer May house was one I had heard of and it was beautiful. It's one of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School houses and it was beautifully restored.

I was surprised to find the gates open at the Meijer Gardens and the guard station was manned.

I was told that the gardens weren't open but the Horse was accessible and much of the topiary gardens were visible. The guard said they get many people on Thanksgiving Day that are just out exploring. I thanked him and followed the signs. We were able to get a distant view of the Horse and the grounds and topiary were fantastic.

We moved on to the railroad Swing Bridge. It was impressive for what it was, an iron girder bridge that was built to swing out of the path of barges and boats. Now it sits unused and there is no commercial traffic on the Grand this close to Lake Michigan. 

We saw a number of other buildings of note, museums, cathedrals and the like, but it was time to head back and prepare for our dinner.

"This is something else Rob!” Ally remarked as we entered our private dining room. It wasn't much bigger than the grand room at home but it was full of oak paneling, coffered ceilings and ornate plaster work. The regency table could seat twelve. We placed Evelyn at the head with Ed on her right and Kelly on her left. I sat opposite Ally with Brandon on my right and she had Carter on her left. Ed really enjoyed Carter's antics and did his best to entertain him.

Our server or attendant brought in the main dish. A succulent platter of turkey that had been carved by someone who knew how. All the traditional side dishes were already on the table and the server removed the covers from those and dinner began in earnest while the server filled drink orders. The meal was excellent, made even better by animated conversation between the boys and the adults. Ally grinned at Carter's infatuation with Ed.

After a short pause, the pies were served. Chocolate cream, lemon and of course pumpkin pies were delivered to the table and we served ourselves. I think everyone but Evelyn doubled down. The chocolate pie didn't survive but we had the remains of the pumpkin and lemon pies boxed up so Ed and Evelyn could enjoy them at home. She still planned to fix a turkey, if only a small one. She lamented the fact that we would not be there to try it. As it was, the turkey platter had been reduced substantially.

As we left, I slipped a one hundred dollar bill under my plate for the server.

Ed strolled behind Evelyn's chair and I had my arm around Ally; I whispered, "How was that?"

"Wonderful, but I need a nap," She smiled.

Back at the suite, Ed turned on a football game and the boys and I joined him, although he was soon watching the game alone, we had all conked out. 

At eight in the evening the boys were all awake and hungry again, I confess that I was feeling the same.

We basically had room service bring us ten orders of fries and some chocolate ice cream. Even Ally and Evelyn joined us.

With full bellies, I sent the boys off to shower and prepare for bed. They were dragging a bit and didn't protest. Ed and Evelyn went next and Ally and I sat with the boys and queried them about their time at the hotel. Brandon told us about his time with the other teenagers.

"They asked if I used pot and I told them what happened to Darby, then we talked about river swimming, parties and dancing. I told them I danced like someone with a compromised nervous system," Brandon recounted.

"Sounds like a fun group, I'm glad you got the chance Hon," Ally responded.

"Thanks Mom, I really did enjoy myself. I like the kids at school but most of the ones my age are city dwellers, even Espen doesn't really know anything about farming," Brandon smiled.

It was the first time he'd addressed Ally as mom in such an unconscious manner. It showed that he had really accepted her. Ally smiled sweetly but didn't call attention to it.

Later, I found all three boys sound asleep, I took a quick photo and got them going. I asked them to get ready to face the day so we could go down and have breakfast. We hit the buffet and when the boys were done eating, we released them to go to the game room.

We adults took a bit longer and savored the buffet but eventually we returned to the room so Evelyn and Ed could pack.

Once they were ready, we summoned the boys, so Kelly could show Evelyn and Ed the box of ashes we had brought along.

"Dad said you have a good place to spread these," Kelly said sweetly.

"Yes, there's a creek close to our old place that your mother used to play in when she was younger than you. I think she'd like to be there again," Evelyn smiled.

Kelly and Brandon sat in the third row seats and Carter sat between Ed and Evelyn. He peppered Ed with questions about farming and livestock. Ed took it in stride and answered Carter's questions with patience and kindness.

It was a warmer day and the snow was retreating, there was even room to park near the creek landing and we all walked out on the bridge. Evelyn said a silent prayer and cast the contents of the small wooden box into the water. The creek was still flowing and it had a few miles before it reached the Grand River. Abby's ashes would eventually reach Lake Michigan and then eventually the Atlantic by way of the St. Lawrence.

We spent a few hours at the house and Vance and Jeri joined us, but Evelyn had endured more excitement than was good for her and she was wearing down.

We said our goodbyes and I let Ally take Carter and Brandon out to the car and I stayed with Kelly as he kissed and hugged his grandmother and grandfather goodbye, possibly for the last time. It was tough to watch but Kelly kept a brave smile on his face which he managed to retain until we reached the Navigator. I stood there holding him while he shuddered with sadness and tears. He managed to compose himself and I handed him the packet of tissues I had brought along for this reason, snatching one for myself. A hug and a kiss later he was ready to take his seat and we were on our way back to Grand Rapids.

Once back in our suite we lounged for a while and ordered lunch. Afterward Carter asked if Kelly wanted to go down and play some games. Kelly agreed and Brandon went along.

"Rob, do you think Evelyn will make it to Spring?" Ally asked.

“Ed indicated that it would be unlikely, she has congestive heart failure and none of the treatments they've tried have had any effect. I spoke to Kelly about it and he understands. He's pretty sure he'll never see her again, but they can talk and Skype like they've been doing. It will reach a point that she won't have the strength to speak more than a few words, or she could have a heart attack and that would be the end. I'm sorry I can't be more encouraging," I explained.

"Well, with my background I kind of figured but I didn't have specifics, at least Evelyn knows her grandson is safe and just maybe you can get Andy located before it's too late," Ally nodded.

"I hope so, but he may not want to be found or reunited with Evelyn. He'd be in his sixties at this point but it's worth a try. I'll get it going Monday," I promised.

Ally and I spent the afternoon enjoying Mimosa and cheese with good crackers. For me the best thing about traveling is room service.

We met our plane Saturday and the flight home was unremarkable except for a bit of turbulence west of Sioux City. I watched Kelly carefully but he seemed fine. We transferred from the Hawker to my Commander and headed for Santa Paula. I try not to be on the roads during holidays. 

With the Commander stowed in the hangar, we made our way home and found Wade waiting for us, fully clothed. The temperature had taken a dive while we were gone and Wade isn't stupid. He had been seeing to the dogs and Aahz. I picked him up and hugged him and then passed him around. It was good to be home.

Monday I gave Paul all the particulars regarding Evelyn's son Andy and turned him loose on the world. Paul loves a challenge. If Andy could be found, Paul would locate him.

Meanwhile I concentrated on other issues, Christmas was coming up and I had my annual party to plan. I kept it mostly family and close friends although Ally had people to add and there were people from the Department who would attend. We added Jack, Mary and Ronny as well as Espen and his mother. Ed would be coming with Ty and Lorraine.

I invited Wyatt but he was planning to fly back to his boyfriend's family for Christmas. I told him I hoped he would attend our wedding reception in town when the second Saturday in March came around.

The food at my Christmas party was semi- catered, I did the baking and I hired everything else to be done. I loved baking cookies, pies and cinnamon rolls. I can say with some pride that they were always well received. Dinner would be served in a heated tent adjacent to the pool area, it was not just pitched on the ground but instead an artificial foundation was built from timber and then a smooth level floor installed. A small forced air system kept the pavilion warm but not stuffy. Our winters can be quite cold although I can remember many Christmas days at seventy degrees. 

With all that adequately planned, I could spend my time on more urgent business. Shopping.

I gathered all three boys and explained their shopping budget. I warned them that I was notoriously difficult to shop for. Most of my friends played it safe and gave me automobilia or the equivalent aircraft related items. One of my sons had tracked down an I.D. plate from every type of U.S. WW II bomber engine used during the war, and put them in a display frame which hung in my office. My youngest boy had spent many hours building me a balsa model of a Newport fighter from WW I. Later when he was older he confessed how difficult it had been for him at ten years old, especially since he refused any help from his brothers. It's still in pristine condition and sits next to a model of a P-61 on a shelf in my office.

Instead, I encouraged them to be creative and spend their shopping budget on gifts for their brothers, mother and friends. My gift I told them, was having them in my life.

I gave them a budget with some in cash and some as a credit card they could use for online purchases. I urged them to keep track of their spending mostly to help them learn to stay within a budget. None of them had time to get jobs on the side and they all worked hard around the house and grounds when needed. They also volunteered their labor to Dennis and Cammy as well as other neighbors who needed help. They always refused any pay but accepted any tea, lemonade or hot chocolate freely given. 

The boys and I trimmed all the dormant trees and gathered leaves; we chipped the green cuttings and mulched the leaves together with the chips, replenishing the depleted mulch pile.

I went to work on a wedding surprise for Ally; she obviously appreciated a nice hotel so I decided to take her to a couple of the best and get a look at Europe in the winter. I checked about the trip to Europe with Ally but told her I would make all the arrangements.

I went with Claridges in Mayfair London and Hotel Bristol on rue de Faubourg Saint Honoure in Paris. I reserved the honeymoon suite in Paris. I was unable obtain a penthouse in London but the suite we would stay in was very much to my liking. I Chose Virgin Air and had my agent arrange the car from the airport to Claridge's. With our travel plans complete, I made a couple of phone calls to friends with influence in both London and Paris. I requested special access for a couple of sites in each city; The Imperial War museum and the Tate Gallery in London and the Louvre and Rodin Museum in Paris. 

I was told in both cases that it would be a pleasure to accommodate my wishes. I passed on the dates and we chatted a bit and went on with our days. It was early for me but late in the day for them. Both of these men had traded favors with me over the years and were quite happy to help with my plans and since it was off season it would be less troublesome.

I've stayed at Claridge's several times and the Hotel Bristol twice, they're both quite pricey but the sense of luxury is overwhelming. The staff are genuinely nice people and neither are unwelcoming of foreign visitors. I meant this to be an unforgettable experience for Ally and I really didn't care how much it cost.

I had received information from the patent attorney and spoke with him at length. He was pursuing patents in Europe, South America, Japan and Britain, this with a view to the coming Brexit vote. I figured the Brexit issue would linger on for some time but agreed we didn't want to be caught off guard if it came to pass. We would file in Paris and Rome given the nature of the wine industry in France and Italy. I also instructed the attorney to file in Australia and New Zealand. Countries like China didn't care about patents all that much but a patent would allow us to block imports of clone designs of our machines. It's something I learned from watching John Deere deal with the problem.

"Hi Petes, how are you doing? I called to tell you we have completed the search aspect of the patent process and we're now filing for patents in several countries including this one," I explained.

"That's so cool, does that mean we can go into production?" Peter asked.

"That's where I'm going with this, the finalized design is ready and I've contracted to build a manufacturing facility on the property adjoining our fab shop. We can use off the shelf components for most of it but the chassis and boom are in-house although we may have the metal cut predelivery. Our end of manufacturing will be mostly assembly and paint, then testing. So we'll be gearing up for the first run in a couple of months. How do you feel about that?" I inquired.

"I can't believe it, thank you so much for making this happen Uncle Rob, I can't wait to tell Mom, Dad, Tessa and Grampa. I haven't mentioned it to Randy, do you think it would be okay or should I wait until the patents are done?"

"Oh, I think it's safe to tell him now, we have enough of a lead now that it would take a lot of money and effort to beat us to production at this point," I assured.

"I love you Uncle Rob and give my love to everyone there please," Peter requested.

"I'll do that, and you do the same for me, I love you too Petes," I finished. I heard Peter sniff and then the call disconnected.

"Well Petes sends his love," I told Ally

"What was his reaction when you told him?” Ally asked.

"He was extremely happy and quite emotional. He and Tessa should be able to attend any college they choose at this point. If we can get some licensee agreements going in Europe and a few other places, it might go completely nuts. Somebody big might want to buy the whole shebang, that would be profitable for all concerned," I informed her.

"That would actually be ideal wouldn't it, at least financially. I'm sure Peter would like to see production take place but later when the design is proven marketable; Massey Ferguson or an outfit like that would probably be interested," Ally speculated.

"I was thinking that might be the case. It could be a good way to guarantee the venture pays out without all the risks. Any purchase deal would be structured so the new owner absorbs all liability," I went on.

"You know when you first started ranting about the ethical use of money, I wasn't entirely sure what it would look like in practice. Now I have a good idea. This could give Peter and Tessa a great education and maybe a nice fund to fall back on if they need it," Ally stated.

"It should do that and more, and of course I'll make money out of this, but I don't really need a bunch more, so I think I'll start a couple of endowments with any proceeds I bank from this,” I replied.

"Yeah I figured, for you it's the act of creating something isn't it? That's where your passion lies, at least one of them.

"Okay, you got me. It beats playing golf in Brunei though," I laughed.

"You don't play golf," Ally grinned.