Jimmy & Richie - 32. Chapter 32

Ten years have passed; there have been many changes, good times, and sad times.

Rich has tenure at Ohio State and has earned a well deserved reputation. He has consulted on several projects, receiving recognition as a premier architect. I’m still in love with him and he with me. We did make a trip to Europe, thanks to Gram and Gramp. A graduation gift, but as great as it was, nothing beats home.

Rich will tell you his most significant achievement is the home he designed for Mike. It was the home he first designed for us.

Rich’s dad and Miss Marie are married. Rich is very happy for his father. He designed a cottage for them, which was built on the other side of the pool. I don’t think Gram would let her get too far away from her. They are happy, and so are we as we continue to enjoy Miss Marie’s cooking.

Nick is married, Alice became his bride when he returned after receiving his law degree and passing the boards. Rich designed a home for them. Nick’s dad gave them the land as a wedding present. After being married a year, they had a son, which they named Richard. Rich is now referred to as Uncle Rich.

Watching the love being shown upon Little Rich, we decided to adopt a child. We are now the proud parents of a three-year-old boy named Angelo. He occupies Nick’s old room. His mother died in childbirth, and his father couldn’t care for the child. The authorities said the father has left the country and abandoned the child. That, I’ll never understand.

The child is cute and has begun to copy Rich. I watch as Rich sits in our office at his drawing table. Angelo sits in a chair beside him. We bought him a small table, and that is his drawing table.

Frick and Frack have passed on. They lie quietly at the pond. Gramps missed them, so three years ago, we acquire Frick and Frack juniors. There must be something in a Great Dane’s genetic code. These dogs act exactly the same way as the original dogs. Angelo calls them ponies. He has tried to ride them but gets his face licked instead.

My dad died of a heart attack. Brand and I were sad; although he was cold to us, he was still our father. Mom was lost, so we sold their home, and she came to live with Gram and Gramps. We chuckle when she tells stories about living at the house and reclaiming her old bedroom.

Gramps has semi-retired. I am now the president of the company, and he remains the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The car comes for me now, but many days Gramps rides with me. We still maintain an office for him. We share my secretary.

Life is good, Rich and I are happy with our extended family. Our future is bright and full of love.